<PAGE> 1
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JULY 20, 1998.
REGISTRATION NO. 333-57955
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
---------------------
AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO
FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
---------------------
USEC INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
DELAWARE
(State or Other Jurisdiction 2819 52-2107911
of Incorporation or (Primary Standard Industrial (IRS Employer
Organization) Classification Code Number) Identification Number)
</TABLE>
2 DEMOCRACY CENTER
6903 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE
BETHESDA, MD 20817
(301) 564-3200
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including
Area Code, of Registrant's Principal Executive Offices)
HENRY Z SHELTON, JR.
VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
USEC INC.
2 DEMOCRACY CENTER
6903 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE
BETHESDA, MD 20817
(301) 564-3200
(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number,
Including Area Code, of Agent For Service)
Copies to:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
NEAL S. MCCOY, ESQ.
MARCIA R. NIRENSTEIN, ESQ. JEFFREY SMALL, ESQ.
SKADDEN, ARPS, SLATE, MEAGHER & FLOM LLP DAVIS POLK & WARDWELL
1440 NEW YORK AVENUE, N.W. 450 LEXINGTON AVENUE
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005 NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10017
</TABLE>
---------------------
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF THE PROPOSED SALE OF THE SECURITIES TO
THE PUBLIC: As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes
effective.
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, check the following box. [ ]
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and
list the Securities Act registration number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
---------------
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [ ]
---------------
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [ ]
---------------
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [ ]
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID
SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.
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<PAGE> 2
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This Registration Statement contains two forms of prospectus: one to be
used in connection with an offering in the United States (the "U.S. Prospectus")
and one to be used in connection with a concurrent international offering
outside the United States (the "International Prospectus"). The U.S. Prospectus
and the International Prospectus will be identical in all respects except for
the front cover pages. The form of the U.S. Prospectus is included herein and
the form of the front cover page of the International Prospectus follows the
front cover page of the U.S. Prospectus.
<PAGE> 3
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
PROSPECTUS (Subject to Completion)
Issued July 20, 1998
100,000,000 Shares
USEC Inc.
COMMON STOCK
---------------------
Of the 100,000,000 shares of common stock (the "Shares") offered hereby,
90,000,000 Shares are being offered initially in the United States by the U.S.
Underwriters and 10,000,000 Shares are being offered initially outside the
United States and to foreign persons by the International Underwriters. See
"Underwriters." All of the 100,000,000 Shares of USEC Inc. (the "Company" or
"USEC") offered hereby are being offered and sold by the United States
Government (the "U.S. Government"), which is selling its entire interest in the
Company. See "Selling Stockholder." The Company will not receive any of the
proceeds from the sale of the Shares by the U.S. Government; however, the
Company will receive the proceeds, if any, received as a result of the exercise
of an over-allotment option granted by the Company to the U.S. Underwriters. Any
proceeds received by the Company as a result of the exercise of the over-
allotment option will be used to reduce indebtedness of the Company and for
general corporate purposes. Prior to this offering, there has been no public
market for the common stock of the Company (the "Common Stock"). It is currently
estimated that the initial public offering price per Share will be between
$13 1/2 and $16 1/2. See "Underwriters" for a discussion of the factors to be
considered in determining the initial public offering price.
---------------------
The Shares have been approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange under
the symbol "USU," subject to official notice of issuance.
---------------------
The Company's Certificate of Incorporation sets forth significant restrictions
on foreign ownership of shares.
See "Description of Capital Stock -- Foreign Ownership Restrictions."
---------------------
SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 12 FOR INFORMATION THAT SHOULD BE
CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS.
---------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
---------------------
PRICE $ A SHARE
---------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNDERWRITING
PRICE TO DISCOUNTS AND PROCEEDS TO
PUBLIC COMMISSIONS(1) U.S. GOVERNMENT(2)
-------- -------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share.................................... $ $ $
Total(3)..................................... $ $ $
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) The Company, after the Privatization (as defined below), has agreed to
indemnify the Underwriters against certain liabilities, including
liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The U.S.
Government will not provide any indemnification to the Underwriters and the
U.S. Government will have no liability under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended. See "USEC Formation and Privatization -- Certain Restrictions in
Connection with the Privatization."
(2) Before deducting expenses estimated at $5.3 million to be paid out of the
Company's account at the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the "U.S.
Treasury").
(3) The Company has granted the U.S. Underwriters an option, exercisable within
30 days of the date hereof, to purchase up to an aggregate of 10,000,000
additional shares of Common Stock at the price to public, less underwriting
discounts and commissions, for the purpose of covering over-allotments, if
any. If the over-allotment option is exercised in full, the total price to
public, and underwriting discounts and commissions will be $ and
$ , respectively. The proceeds to U.S. Government will not change by
any such exercise, but if the over-allotment option is exercised in full,
the Company will receive proceeds in the amount of $ . See
"Underwriters."
---------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
Co-Global
Global Coordinator Coordinator
</TABLE>
J.P. MORGAN & CO.
Financial Advisor
---------------------
The Shares are offered, subject to prior sale, when, as and if accepted by
the Underwriters named herein, and subject to the approval of certain legal
matters by Davis Polk & Wardwell, counsel for the Underwriters. It is expected
that delivery of the Shares will be made on or about , 1998 at the
office of Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, New York, N.Y., against payment
therefor in immediately available funds.
---------------------
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
M. R. BEAL & COMPANY
JANNEY MONTGOMERY SCOTT INC.
LEHMAN BROTHERS
PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES INCORPORATED
SALOMON SMITH BARNEY
, 1998
<PAGE> 4
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
<TABLE>
<S><C>
PROSPECTUS (Subject to Completion) [ALTERNATE PAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS]
</TABLE>
Issued July 20, 1998
100,000,000 Shares
USEC Inc.
COMMON STOCK
---------------------
Of the 100,000,000 shares of common stock (the "Shares") offered hereby,
10,000,000 Shares are being offered initially outside the United States and to
foreign persons by the International Underwriters and 90,000,000 Shares are
being offered initially in the United States by the U.S. Underwriters. See
"Underwriters." All of the 100,000,000 Shares of USEC Inc. (the "Company" or
"USEC") offered hereby are being offered and sold by the United States
Government (the "U.S. Government"), which is selling its entire interest in the
Company. See "Selling Stockholder." The Company will not receive any of the
proceeds from the sale of the Shares by the U.S. Government; however, the
Company will receive the proceeds, if any, received as a result of the exercise
of an over-allotment option granted by the Company to the U.S. Underwriters. Any
proceeds received by the Company as a result of the exercise of the over-
allotment option will be used to reduce indebtedness of the Company and for
general corporate purposes. Prior to this offering, there has been no public
market for the common stock of the Company (the "Common Stock"). It is currently
estimated that the initial public offering price per Share will be between
$13 1/2 and $16 1/2. See "Underwriters" for a discussion of the factors to be
considered in determining the initial public offering price.
---------------------
The Shares have been approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange under
the symbol "USU," subject to official notice of issuance.
---------------------
The Company's Certificate of Incorporation sets forth significant restrictions
on foreign ownership of shares.
See "Description of Capital Stock -- Foreign Ownership Restrictions."
---------------------
SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 12 FOR INFORMATION THAT SHOULD BE
CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS.
---------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
---------------------
PRICE $ A SHARE
---------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNDERWRITING
PRICE TO DISCOUNTS AND PROCEEDS TO
PUBLIC COMMISSIONS(1) U.S. GOVERNMENT(2)
-------- -------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share........................................ $ $ $
Total(3)......................................... $ $ $
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) The Company, after the Privatization (as defined below), has agreed to
indemnify the Underwriters against certain liabilities, including
liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The U.S.
Government will not provide any indemnification to the Underwriters and the
U.S. Government will have no liability under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended. See "USEC Formation and Privatization -- Certain Restrictions in
Connection with the Privatization."
(2) Before deducting expenses estimated at $5.3 million to be paid out of the
Company's account at the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the "U.S.
Treasury").
(3) The Company has granted the U.S. Underwriters an option, exercisable within
30 days of the date hereof, to purchase up to an aggregate of 10,000,000
additional shares of Common Stock at the price to public, less underwriting
discounts and commissions, for the purpose of covering over-allotments, if
any. If the over-allotment option is exercised in full, the total price to
public, and underwriting discounts and commissions will be $ and
$ , respectively. The proceeds to U.S. Government will not change by
any such exercise, but if the over-allotment option is exercised in full,
the Company will receive proceeds in the amount of $ . See
"Underwriters."
---------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
Co-Global
Global Coordinator Coordinator
</TABLE>
J.P. MORGAN & CO.
Financial Advisor
---------------------
The Shares are offered, subject to prior sale, when, as and if accepted by
the Underwriters named herein, and subject to the approval of certain legal
matters by Davis Polk & Wardwell, counsel for the Underwriters. It is expected
that delivery of the Shares will be made on or about , 1998 at the
office of Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, New York, N.Y., against payment
therefor in immediately available funds.
---------------------
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER MERRILL LYNCH INTERNATIONAL
M. R. BEAL & COMPANY
JANNEY MONTGOMERY SCOTT INC.
LEHMAN BROTHERS
PRUDENTIAL-BACHE SECURITIES
SALOMON SMITH BARNEY INTERNATIONAL
, 1998
<PAGE> 5
Inside Cover Page includes: graphic of circle divided into four quadrants -
first quadrant depicts an aerial view of the Gaseous Diffusion Plant in
Paducah, Kentucky; second quadrant depicts an aerial view of the Gaseous
Diffusion Plant in Portsmouth, Ohio; third quadrant depicts two individuals at
a computer; fourth quadrant depicts a doorway with USEC logo. A small
globe is centered in the middle of the four quadrants.
Text: USEC At-A-Glance
Business
The United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC), a global energy
company, is the world leader in production and sales of uranium
fuel enrichment services for commercial nuclear power plants.
Customers
Electric utilities in 14 countries, including the United States.
Headquarters
Bethesda, Maryland
Operations
Manages gaseous diffusion enrichment plants in Kentucky and Ohio,
and is developing an advanced laser enrichment technology at
facilities in California.
Serves as Executive Agent for U.S. government in implementing the
"Megatons-to-Megawatts" agreement between the United States and
Russia that provides for the conversion of highly enriched
uranium from dismantled Soviet-era nuclear warheads into low
enriched uranium for fuel to be used by USEC customers to
generate electricity.
Personnel
USEC operations involve more than 5,000 people.
<PAGE> 6
Graphic left side: USEC logo.
Graphic upper left: depicts a city skyline.
Graphic upper right: circle divided into four quadrants. First
quadrant depicts an aerial view of the Gaseous Diffusion Plant in
Paducah, Kentucky: second quadrant depicts an aerial view of the
Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Portsmouth, Ohio; third quadrant
depicts two individuals at a computer; fourth quadrant depicts a
doorway with USEC logo. A small globe is centered in the middle
of the four quadrants.
Graphic lower left: depicts a control panel in a control room.
Graphic lower center: depicts an AVLIS laser.
Graphic lower right: depicts a truck with a man loading cylinders.
Text: Photos
Graphic: arrow pointing to the left.
Text: Far Left: All production activities at the gaseous
diffusion plants are controlled and monitored from central
control rooms.
Center: Full scale AVLIS laser components used in USEC's
advanced uranium enrichment process.
Right: Cylinders of enriched uranium are loaded into
protective overpacks for shipment.
<PAGE> 7
NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED IN CONNECTION WITH ANY OFFERING MADE HEREBY (THE
"OFFERING") TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION OTHER THAN AS
CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR
REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY,
THE U.S. GOVERNMENT OR ANY UNDERWRITER. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN
OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY OF THE SECURITIES OFFERED
HEREBY TO ANY PERSON IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH AN
OFFER OR SOLICITATION TO SUCH PERSON. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS
NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE IMPLY THAT THE
INFORMATION HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY DATE SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF.
---------------------
CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THE OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS
THAT STABILIZE, MAINTAIN OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE SHARES.
SPECIFICALLY, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVERALLOT IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING,
AND MAY BID FOR, AND PURCHASE, SHARES IN THE OPEN MARKET. FOR A DESCRIPTION OF
THESE ACTIVITIES, SEE "UNDERWRITERS."
---------------------
UNTIL , 1998 (25 DAYS AFTER THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE OFFERING),
ALL DEALERS EFFECTING TRANSACTIONS IN THE SHARES, WHETHER OR NOT PARTICIPATING
IN THIS DISTRIBUTION, MAY BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS. THIS IS IN
ADDITION TO THE OBLIGATION OF DEALERS TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS WHEN ACTING AS
UNDERWRITERS AND WITH RESPECT TO THEIR UNSOLD ALLOTMENTS OR SUBSCRIPTIONS.
---------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Prospectus Summary..................... 5
Risk Factors........................... 12
USEC Formation and Privatization....... 19
Use of Proceeds........................ 23
Dividends and Dividend Policy.......... 23
Dilution............................... 23
Capitalization......................... 24
Selected Financial Data................ 25
Pro Forma Financial Information........ 26
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of
Operations........................... 32
Industry Overview...................... 46
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Business............................... 52
Management............................. 76
Selling Stockholder.................... 82
Description of Capital Stock........... 82
Shares Eligible for Future Sale........ 85
Certain United States Federal Tax
Consequences to Non-U.S.
Stockholders......................... 85
Underwriters........................... 88
Legal Matters.......................... 91
Experts................................ 91
Additional Information................. 92
Index to Financial Statements.......... F-1
Glossary............................... G-1
</TABLE>
---------------------
The Company has applied to register the following trademarks: "USEC" and "A
Global Energy Company." This Prospectus also includes product names and other
trade names and trademarks of the Company and of other organizations.
THIS PROSPECTUS CONTAINS CERTAIN FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. DISCUSSIONS
CONTAINING SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS MAY BE FOUND IN THE MATERIAL SET
FORTH UNDER "RISK FACTORS," "MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" AND "BUSINESS," AS WELL AS WITHIN THIS
PROSPECTUS GENERALLY. IN ADDITION, WHEN USED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, THE WORDS
"BELIEVES," "INTENDS," "ANTICIPATES," "EXPECTS" AND WORDS OF SIMILAR IMPORT MAY
CONSTITUTE "FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS." BECAUSE SUCH STATEMENTS INVOLVE RISKS
AND UNCERTAINTIES, ACTUAL RESULTS MAY DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE EXPRESSED OR
IMPLIED BY SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. FACTORS THAT COULD CAUSE SUCH
DIFFERENCES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THOSE DISCUSSED UNDER "RISK
FACTORS."
3
<PAGE> 8
---------------------
FOR INVESTORS OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES: NO ACTION HAS BEEN OR WILL BE
TAKEN IN ANY JURISDICTION BY THE COMPANY, THE U.S. GOVERNMENT OR ANY UNDERWRITER
THAT WOULD PERMIT A PUBLIC OFFERING OF THE SHARES OR POSSESSION OR DISTRIBUTION
OF THIS PROSPECTUS IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE ACTION FOR THAT PURPOSE IS
REQUIRED, OTHER THAN IN THE UNITED STATES. PERSONS INTO WHOSE POSSESSION THIS
PROSPECTUS COMES ARE REQUIRED BY THE COMPANY, THE U.S. GOVERNMENT AND THE
UNDERWRITERS TO INFORM THEMSELVES ABOUT, AND TO OBSERVE ANY RESTRICTIONS AS TO,
THE OFFERING OF THE SHARES AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
---------------------
UPON CONSUMMATION OF THE OFFERING (THE "PRIVATIZATION"), (I) THE U.S.
GOVERNMENT SHALL NO LONGER HOLD ANY EQUITY INTEREST IN THE COMPANY, (II) THE
COMPANY SHALL NOT BE AN AGENCY, INSTRUMENTALITY OR ESTABLISHMENT OF THE U.S.
GOVERNMENT, A GOVERNMENT CORPORATION, OR A GOVERNMENT-CONTROLLED CORPORATION AND
(III) ANY FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY SHALL NOT BE OBLIGATIONS OF, OR
GUARANTEED AS TO PRINCIPAL OR INTEREST BY, THE U.S. GOVERNMENT. FOLLOWING
CONSUMMATION OF THE OFFERING, THE COMPANY WILL CONTINUE TO ACT AS THE EXECUTIVE
AGENT FOR THE U.S. GOVERNMENT IN CONNECTION WITH THE PURCHASE OF CERTAIN
MATERIAL FROM THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF A MEMORANDUM OF
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE U.S. DEPARTMENTS OF STATE AND ENERGY. SEE
"BUSINESS -- RUSSIAN HEU CONTRACT."
4
<PAGE> 9
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read
in conjunction with, the more detailed information and financial statements,
including the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. Unless
otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, references in this
Prospectus to the "Company" and "USEC" mean, (i) at all times prior to the
consummation of the Offering, United States Enrichment Corporation, the
federally-chartered entity, and (ii) at all times thereafter, USEC Inc., a
Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries. References in this
Prospectus to "Shares" are to the shares of common stock, par value $.10 per
share (the "Common Stock"), of USEC Inc. being offered hereby. Unless the
context otherwise requires, all Share data in the Prospectus assume no exercise
of the U.S. Underwriters' over-allotment option. As used in this Prospectus, the
terms "fiscal" or "fiscal year" refer to the Company's fiscal year which is the
twelve-month period ending on June 30 of the designated year. Terms not defined
in this Prospectus Summary are defined elsewhere in this Prospectus or in the
Glossary.
THE COMPANY
OVERVIEW
USEC, a global energy company, is the world leader in the production and
sale of uranium fuel enrichment services for commercial nuclear power plants.
USEC currently has approximately a 75% share of the North American uranium
enrichment market and a 40% share of the world market. Uranium enrichment is a
critical step in transforming natural uranium into fuel for nuclear reactors to
produce electricity. USEC enriches uranium utilizing the gaseous diffusion
process at two plants located in Paducah, Kentucky and near Portsmouth, Ohio.
USEC's fiscal 1997 revenue and pre-tax income were $1.6 billion and $250.1
million, respectively. The Company's net income on a pro forma basis (primarily
to reflect a provision for federal, state and local income taxes and interest
expense) for fiscal 1997 was $133.2 million.
The Company supplies enriched uranium to approximately 60 customers for use
in 176 nuclear reactors located in 14 countries throughout the world. Generally,
the Company's contracts with its customers are "requirements" contracts pursuant
to which the customer is obligated to purchase a specified percentage of its
enriched uranium requirements from the Company. Consequently, the Company's
annual sales are dependent upon the customers' requirements for enrichment
services, which are driven by nuclear reactor refueling schedules, reactor
maintenance schedules, customers' considerations of costs, and regulatory
actions. Based on customers' estimates of their requirements, as of March 31,
1998, the Company had long-term requirements contracts with utilities to provide
uranium enrichment services aggregating $3.2 billion through fiscal 2000 and
$7.4 billion through fiscal 2009.
The Company began operations on July 1, 1993 (the "Transition Date") when
the U.S. Government's uranium enrichment activities were transferred from the
United States Department of Energy ("DOE") to the Company. Since the Transition
Date, USEC has adopted a series of private-sector management practices which
have enabled it to be more responsive to its customers and to market forces.
Applying private sector principles has significantly improved the Company's
competitive positioning by: (i) adding $4.3 billion in new contract commitments
through fiscal 2009 during the period from the Transition Date through March 31,
1998 (consisting of $4.1 billion from extensions of contracts or new contracts
with existing customers and $200.0 million from contracts with new customers);
(ii) significantly reducing order fulfillment times; (iii) maintaining a strong
safety record at the gaseous diffusion plants (the "GDPs") while increasing
Company-wide focus on regulatory compliance; and (iv) obtaining certification
for the GDPs from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (the "NRC"). In
addition, USEC has acquired a significant inventory of uranium from the U.S.
Government.
RISK FACTORS
An investment in the Common Stock involves certain risks associated with
the Company's business, including the following: (i) risks associated with
enrichment operations; (ii) reliance on the nuclear utility industry and
customer concentration; (iii) competition and the trend toward lower pricing;
(iv) risks
5
<PAGE> 10
associated with the contract between USEC and Techsnabexport Co. Ltd., a Russian
government entity ("Tenex"), dated January 14, 1994 (the "Russian HEU
Contract"); (v) dependence on sustained supply of electricity; (vi) risks
related to Atomic Vapor Laser Isotope Separation ("AVLIS"); (vii) risks
associated with international trade regulations; (viii) fluctuations in the
Company's quarterly financial results due to cyclical demand; (ix) risks
associated with NRC regulation; and (x) certain environmental risks.
For a fuller discussion of these and other risk factors affecting the
Company and its businesses, see "Risk Factors."
STRATEGY
The Company's goal is to continue to be the world's leading supplier of
uranium fuel enrichment services and to diversify over time into related
strategic businesses that will contribute to the Company's growth and
profitability. To achieve its goal, the Company intends to focus on the
following:
Aggressively Pursue Sales Opportunities. The Company has implemented a
strategy designed to increase sales to existing customers and to add new
customers. Flexible contract terms have replaced standardized DOE contracts, and
the Company has increased its attention to customer service, product quality and
reliability.
Improve Operating Efficiencies. The Company plans to continue to improve
operating efficiencies and productivity by implementing and monitoring a
rigorous cost management program.
Commercialize AVLIS Technology. USEC plans to complete the development and
commence commercialization of the next generation of uranium enrichment
technology, AVLIS, which uses lasers to enrich uranium, and which should permit
USEC to remain one of the lowest cost suppliers of uranium enrichment services
and enhance its competitive position. Commercial deployment of AVLIS is
anticipated in 2005.
Diversify Over the Longer Term. Over the longer term, the Company intends
to diversify its business by pursuing selected growth opportunities that build
upon the Company's core competencies, technology and customer relationships.
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES
Although the Company operates in a highly competitive environment, USEC
believes that the following factors should enable it to compete effectively and
continue as the world leader in the uranium enrichment market:
- Strong Financial Position. USEC's strong financial position results from
a significant backlog of contracted services attributable to established
customers and a pro forma balance sheet at March 31, 1998 with $550.0
million in debt (representing 32% of total capitalization, adjusted to
include short-term debt). The Company has long-term requirements
contracts with utilities to provide uranium enrichment services
aggregating $3.2 billion through fiscal 2000 and $7.4 billion through
fiscal 2009.
- Favorable Arrangements with the U.S. Government. The Company is the
beneficiary of several favorable long-term arrangements with the U.S.
Government, implemented in connection with USEC's Privatization. These
arrangements, which will continue following the Privatization, include:
- An advantageous lease providing for nominal rent payments for its
production facilities with an open term renewal option;
- Low-cost power purchase arrangements pursuant to which USEC purchases
electricity (which represents up to 59% of the Company's production
costs) at an average cost of less than 2 cents/ kWh; and
- The assumption by the U.S. Government of substantially all liabilities
arising from the operation of the GDPs prior to the Privatization,
including substantially all environmental liabilities.
6
<PAGE> 11
- AVLIS. USEC has the exclusive commercial rights to the AVLIS technology
developed by the U.S. Government and believes that it has a considerable
lead-time advantage over others attempting to develop similar laser-based
uranium enrichment technology.
- Ability to Complete Sales from Natural Uranium Inventory. USEC is
positioned to supplement its uranium enrichment revenues through new
sales of natural uranium. USEC's existing inventory contains a
substantial amount of natural uranium, which has been supplemented by the
transfer of additional uranium from the U.S. Government.
- Executive Agent Under a U.S./Russia Agreement. USEC is the Executive
Agent for the United States under a government-to-government agreement
between the United States and the Russian Federation. In this capacity,
USEC purchases from Russia the separative work unit ("SWU") component of
low-enriched uranium ("LEU") derived from highly enriched uranium ("HEU")
recovered from dismantled nuclear weapons of the former Soviet Union.
Although acting as U.S. Executive Agent may pose certain risks, the
arrangement provides an important strategic opportunity for USEC to
introduce additional uranium enrichment services from Russia to the
global market on an orderly basis and in a competitive manner that
ensures the reliability and continuity of supply to enrichment customers.
THE URANIUM ENRICHMENT MARKET
Demand for uranium enrichment services is a function of the number of
nuclear reactors using enriched uranium fuel and their fuel requirements.
Nuclear power accounts for 19% of the domestic and 17% of the world-wide
production of electricity. As of March 31, 1998, there were 108 utilities
operating 378 nuclear power reactors that use enriched uranium for fuel,
including 105 reactors in the United States.
The world demand for enrichment services is anticipated to be relatively
stable or increase slightly over the next 10 to 15 years. USEC believes that the
nuclear power market in the U.S. and Western Europe may decline slightly over
the next 10 to 15 years, counter-balanced by an increase in the Asian market
during the same period. The Company anticipates that decreases in demand from
reactors that cease operations during this period will be offset by increases in
demand from new reactors expected to come on-line, as well as by increased
utilization at existing reactors. Globally, uranium enrichment is provided by
four major suppliers, including USEC.
HISTORY OF USEC
USEC was established by the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (the "Energy Policy
Act") as a wholly-owned government corporation to take over DOE's uranium
enrichment operation. This transfer to a government-owned corporation was
intended to enable USEC to operate like a private sector business in preparation
for its eventual privatization.
In April 1996, the USEC Privatization Act (the "Privatization Act") was
enacted, which provided the mechanics for the Privatization, clarified the
relationship between USEC and the U.S. Government following the Privatization
and addressed certain other matters. By facilitating the transfer of the uranium
enrichment business to the private sector, the U.S. Government sought to
position the Company as a viable competitor in the global market for uranium
enrichment services. On July 25, 1997, in accordance with the Energy Policy Act,
President Clinton approved the implementation of the Privatization.
After the Privatization, the U.S. Government will not own any Shares of the
Company, and the Company will not be an agency or instrumentality of the U.S.
Government.
* * *
The Company's principal office is located at 2 Democracy Center, 6903
Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20817, and its telephone number is (301) 564-3200.
7
<PAGE> 12
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
The Company expects its revenue for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1998 to
be approximately $1.4 billion and net income for fiscal 1998 to be in the range
of $145.0 to $150.0 million. Gross profit for fiscal 1998 will be lower, as
expected, with gross margins stable in the range of 24% to 26%. Lower revenue
during fiscal 1998 had been anticipated and is attributable to the timing of
customer orders and resulting lower SWU volumes. Net income reflects a special
charge of approximately $47.0 million reflecting certain severance and
transition assistance benefits to be paid to GDP workers in connection with
workforce reductions and costs related to the Privatization.
The Company's revenue and operating results can fluctuate significantly
from quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year. Customer requirements and, in turn,
SWU sale volumes are determined by refueling schedules for nuclear reactors,
which generally range from 12 to 24 months, and are affected by, among other
things, the seasonal nature of electricity demand, the timing of reactor
maintenance and reactors beginning or terminating operations. The Company's cost
of sales has been, and will continue to be, adversely affected by amounts paid
to purchase SWU under the Russian HEU Contract at prices which are substantially
higher than its marginal production cost at the GDPs. In addition, as the volume
of Russian SWU purchases has increased, the Company has operated the GDPs at
lower production levels resulting in higher unit production costs. Pursuant to
the Russian HEU Contract, Russian SWU purchases will peak in calendar year 1999
at 5.5 million SWU per year and are expected to remain at that level thereafter.
See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations."
8
<PAGE> 13
THE OFFERING
Common Stock offered by the U.S.
Government
U.S. Offering......................... 90,000,000 Shares
International Offering................ 10,000,000 Shares
--------------------------
Total......................... 100,000,000 Shares(1)
--------------------------
--------------------------
Common Stock to be outstanding after the
Offering................................ 100,000,000 Shares(1)
Use of Proceeds......................... The Company will not receive any
proceeds from the sale of the
Shares, assuming the U.S.
Underwriters' over-allotment option
is not exercised. If the U.S.
Underwriters' over-allotment option
is exercised, the Company will be
required pursuant to the provisions
of the Credit Facility (as defined
below) to use $75.0 million of the
proceeds to reduce indebtedness;
any remaining balance of proceeds
from the exercise of the
over-allotment option will be used
for general corporate purposes.
Dividends............................... The Company intends to pay cash
dividends on the outstanding Shares
at an initial annual rate of $1.10
per Share. The initial quarterly
dividend is anticipated to be $.275
per Share, to be paid in the
quarter ending December 31, 1998,
subject to the Company's earnings,
financial condition and cash
requirements at the time such
payment is considered. See "Risk
Factors," "Dividends and Dividend
Policy," "USEC Formation and
Privatization" and "Description of
Capital Stock."
New York Stock Exchange symbol.......... "USU"
- ---------------
(1) Assumes the U.S. Underwriters' over-allotment option is not exercised. See
"Underwriters."
9
<PAGE> 14
SUMMARY FINANCIAL AND OPERATING INFORMATION
Set forth below are summary financial and operating data of the Company for
the fiscal years ended June 30, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997 and the nine months
ended March 31, 1997 and 1998. This information should be read in conjunction
with the audited financial statements and notes thereto and "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations"
appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. See also "Selected Financial Data" and
"Pro Forma Financial Information."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, NINE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,
--------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
ACTUAL PRO FORMA ACTUAL PRO FORMA
------------------------------------------ ----------- -------------------- ---------
1994 1995 1996 1997 1997(1) 1997 1998 1998(1)
-------- -------- -------- -------- ----------- -------- -------- ---------
(UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED)
(MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA
Revenue................... $1,403.3 $1,610.7 $1,412.8 $1,577.8 $1,577.8 $1,124.4 $1,056.7 $1,056.7
Cost of sales............. 983.3 1,088.1 973.0 1,162.3 1,162.3 833.4 792.2 792.2
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Gross profit.............. 420.0 522.6 439.8 415.5 415.5 291.0 264.5 264.5
Other operating expenses:
Project development
costs................. 44.9 49.0 103.6 141.5 141.5 107.5 103.0 103.0
Selling, general and
administrative........ 21.4 27.6 36.0 31.8 31.8 25.7 24.8 24.8
Other (income) expense,
net................... 3.3 (1.5) (3.9) (7.9) 27.4 (4.3) (5.3) 21.8
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Income before income
taxes................... 350.4 447.5 304.1 250.1 214.8 162.1 142.0 114.9
Provision for income
taxes................... -- -- -- -- 81.6 -- -- 43.7
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net income................ $ 350.4 $ 447.5 $ 304.1 $ 250.1 $ 133.2 $ 162.1 $ 142.0 $ 71.2
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Net income per share --
basic................... $ 1.33 $ .71
Average Shares
outstanding............. 100.0 100.0
OPERATING DATA
SWU sold(2)............... 11.8 13.8 11.8 13.5 13.5 9.7 8.8 8.8
SWU produced.............. 10.4 13.6 10.6 10.3 10.3 7.7 6.6 6.6
SWU purchased(3).......... .7 1.2 2.0 3.1 3.1 2.4 3.8 3.8
Power used (MWh).......... 25.3 32.6 25.7 27.4 27.4 20.5 16.0 16.0
Power costs as a percent
of production costs..... 55% 58% 55% 59% 59% 59% 53% 53%
Net cash provided by
operating
activities.............. $ 626.8 $ 540.2 $ 119.7 $ 356.1 $ 239.2 $ 314.5 $ 199.1 $ 128.3
Net cash used in investing
activities -- capital
expenditures............ $ 48.6 $ 27.5 $ 15.6 $ 25.8 $ 25.8 $ 15.9 $ 20.5 $ 20.5
Cash outlays for major
overhaul projects(4).... $ 4.4 $ 12.2 $ 15.8 $ 14.3 $ 14.3 $ 11.5 $ 8.3 $ 8.3
Net cash (provided) used
in financing
activities.............. $ (22.6) $ 20.7 $ 206.1(5) $ 194.3(5) $1,353.9(6) $ 194.3(5) $ 180.0 $1,339.6(6)
Dividends and transfers to
U.S. Government......... $ 30.0 $ 55.0 $ 206.1(5) $ 194.3(5) $1,903.9(6) $ 194.3(5) $ 120.0 $1,829.6(6)
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Gives effect to (i) the Offering, (ii) the merger of USEC into a
state-chartered corporation and the resulting loss of USEC's exemption from
federal, state and local income taxes, and (iii) increases in other expense,
net, resulting from interest expense on $550.0 million of borrowings
expected to be incurred simultaneously with the consummation of the
Offering, as if such transactions had occurred at the beginning of the
period. See "Pro Forma Financial Information -- Pro Forma Statements of
Income."
(2) The standard unit measure for uranium enrichment services in the industry is
the separative work unit or SWU. See "Industry Overview -- The Enrichment
Process -- SWU."
(3) Principally SWU purchased under the Russian HEU Contract.
(4) Represents cash payments against accrued liabilities for major overhaul
projects. The Company includes costs for major overhaul projects in
production costs.
(5) Includes uranium purchased at a cost of $86.1 million in fiscal 1996 and
$74.3 million in fiscal 1997 under the Russian HEU Contract and transferred
to DOE as a return of capital. All dividends to the U.S. Government have
been paid in cash.
(6) On the Privatization Date, the Company will declare and pay to the U.S.
Treasury a dividend in the aggregate amount of (i) the remaining balance of
cash held in the Company's account at the U.S. Treasury as of the
Privatization Date and (ii) $500.0 million of the $550.0 million in
borrowings made at consummation of the Offering (collectively, the "Exit
Dividend"). The Company will retain $50.0 million in cash from the $550.0
million in borrowings. As of March 31, 1998, the amount of the pro forma
Exit Dividend would have been $1,709.6 million.
10
<PAGE> 15
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF MARCH 31,
-----------------------
AS OF JUNE 30, ACTUAL PRO FORMA
----------------------------------------- -------- ---------
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1998
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA
Cash held at U.S. Treasury.................... $ 735.0 $1,227.0 $1,125.0 $1,261.0 $1,259.6 $ 50.0(1)
Inventories:
Current assets:
SWU....................................... $ 500.6 $ 517.7 $ 586.8 $ 573.8 $ 656.2 $ 801.1
Uranium(2)................................ 158.6 165.5 150.3 131.5 164.8 164.8
Materials and supplies.................... 17.0 19.8 15.7 12.4 25.8 25.8
Long-term assets -- uranium................. 103.6 115.5 199.7 103.6 103.6 453.2
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Inventories, net........................ $ 779.8 $ 818.5 $ 952.5 $ 821.3 $ 950.4 $1,444.9
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Total assets.................................. $2,798.9 $3,216.8 $3,356.0 $3,456.6 $3,138.0 $2,425.4
Long-term obligations(3)...................... 191.4 383.2 427.4 451.8 511.8 277.2
Stockholder's equity.......................... 1,545.0 1,937.5 2,121.6 2,091.3 2,099.2 1,166.8(4)
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Gives effect to (i) the $50.0 million the Company will pay to DOE prior to
the Privatization for assuming responsibility for disposal of a certain
amount of depleted UF(6) generated by the Company after the Privatization
Date, (ii) the $550.0 million in borrowings made at consummation of the
Offering, (iii) payment of the Exit Dividend to the U.S. Treasury, and (iv)
the Company's retention of $50.0 million in cash from the $550.0 million in
borrowings.
(2) Excludes uranium provided by and owed to customers.
(3) Long-term obligations include accrued liabilities for depleted UF(6)
disposition costs in the amounts of $93.0 million, $212.4 million, $303.0
million, $336.4 million and $384.6 million at June 30, 1994, 1995, 1996 and
1997, and March 31, 1998, respectively.
The pro forma amount of $277.2 million at March 31, 1998, includes $150.0
million representing the long-term portion of borrowings of $550.0 million
at consummation of the Offering, and has been reduced by $384.6 million to
give effect to the transfer of responsibility to DOE for the disposition of
depleted UF(6) generated by the Company since July 1, 1993, up to the
Privatization Date.
The Company will be required pursuant to the provisions of the Credit
Facility to use $75.0 million of the net proceeds, if any, from the exercise
of the over-allotment option to reduce indebtedness.
(4) After giving effect to the Exit Dividend, the transfers of uranium from DOE,
the transfer of responsibility to DOE for the disposition of depleted UF(6)
generated by the Company since July 1, 1993 up to the Privatization Date,
and other adjustments. See "Pro Forma Financial Information -- Pro Forma
Balance Sheet."
11
<PAGE> 16
RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information contained in this Prospectus, the
following factors should be carefully considered in evaluating an investment in
the Shares.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ENRICHMENT OPERATIONS
Use of Chemicals in Enrichment. The Company's operations at the GDPs
involve processes that utilize a large number of different chemicals in
significant quantities, many of which are toxic. The primary chemical used by
the Company is uranium hexafluoride (UF(6)), which is solid under normal
conditions, but becomes a gas when heated as part of the Company's enrichment
processes. If UF(6), the chemical gas form of uranium processed by the Company,
is released into the atmosphere, it reacts with water vapor in the air to create
hydrofluoric acid, a highly toxic compound, and uranium, a heavy metal. The
primary risk posed by such releases is to humans or animals in close proximity
to the releases. In particular, the hydrofluoric acid is highly corrosive and
can cause injury if inhaled or if it comes into contact with skin for a
prolonged period, and the uranium if ingested can cause kidney damage. The
Company follows strict procedures and precautions in the handling, storage and
transportation of the materials used in its operations, and there have been no
significant releases into the environment in the Company's history.
Nevertheless, if an accident were to occur, its severity could be significantly
affected by the volume of the release and the speed of corrective action taken
by GDP personnel, as well as other factors beyond the Company's control, such as
weather and wind conditions.
Dependence on Large Production Facilities. The Company's operations are
subject to those risks inherent in operating large scale production facilities.
Significant or extended unscheduled downtime at either GDP due to: (i) equipment
breakdowns; (ii) power interruptions; (iii) regulatory enforcement actions; (iv)
hazards inherent in operating a large scale industrial facility such as labor
disruptions; or (v) interruptions caused by potential natural or other
disasters, including earthquake activity in the vicinity of the Paducah GDP,
could materially adversely affect the Company's operations and financial
condition. In particular, as process equipment goes offline, it becomes less
cost efficient to produce each SWU. See "Business -- GDPs/Operations" and
"Business -- Employees." Further, in the event of an extended reduction in, or
suspension of, operations at the Portsmouth GDP, the Company would be unable to
fulfill customer orders solely from the Paducah GDP. In the event of a
suspension of operations at the Paducah GDP, the Company could fulfill some, but
not all, of the customer orders solely from the Portsmouth GDP. The Company's
current and planned insurance policies provide coverage against some, but not
all, of its operating risks.
Contractual Commitment to Operate the GDPs. The Company has entered into
an agreement with the U.S. Treasury (the "Treasury Agreement") pursuant to which
the Company has committed to operate both of the GDPs until January 1, 2005,
subject only to limited exceptions, including events beyond the Company's
control such as fires, floods and other acts of God, maintenance of certain
financial ratios, a significant reduction in the worldwide demand for SWU, a
significant reduction in the average price for SWU, or a significant decrease in
operating margins, among others. See "USEC Formation and
Privatization -- Certain Continuing Arrangements Involving the U.S. Government
After Privatization." The Company has committed to purchase 5.5 million SWU
under the Russian HEU Contract in each of the years 1999, 2000 and 2001, expects
to purchase 5.5 million SWU in each of the years following 2001, and could begin
enrichment operations at an AVLIS facility in 2004. There can be no assurance
that the commitment to continue operations at both GDPs will not adversely
affect the Company's financial performance if the supply of SWU from sources
other than the GDPs increases, or if demand for SWU, SWU prices, or operating
margins decrease by less than the amount set forth under the exceptions to the
commitment which would otherwise permit the Company to reduce operations at the
GDPs.
RELIANCE ON NUCLEAR UTILITY INDUSTRY; CUSTOMER CONCENTRATION
The Company's future prospects in the uranium enrichment business are tied
directly to the nuclear utility industry world-wide. Events affecting reactors
under contract with the Company or events affecting the industry as a whole,
such as business decisions concerning reactors or reactor operations, regulatory
actions or changes in regulations by nuclear regulatory bodies, accidents or
civic opposition to nuclear operations, could have a material adverse effect on
the Company to the extent such events result in the reduction or elimination
12
<PAGE> 17
of requirements, the suspension or reduction of nuclear reactor operations or
cancellation of new nuclear reactor construction.
Domestically, the NRC has temporarily suspended operations at certain
reactors due to safety concerns at those reactors over the past year. In
addition, business decisions by particular utilities that take into account
economic factors, such as the price and availability of alternate fossil fuels,
the need for a reactor's generating capacity and the cost of scheduled and
unscheduled maintenance and repairs, have resulted in suspended operations or
early shutdowns of some reactors and could result in additional suspensions or
early shutdowns.
In fiscal 1997, the Company's 10 largest customers represented 50% of
revenue and its three largest customers represented 21% of revenue. Nearly all
contracts with the Company's utility customers are "requirements" contracts, and
a termination or reduction of the nuclear fuel needs of any of the Company's
major customers could have an adverse effect on the Company's financial
performance. Further, the inability of a major customer to make timely payments
could also have an adverse effect on the Company's financial performance. See
"Business -- Customer Contracts and Pricing."
COMPETITION; CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES; TREND TOWARD LOWER PRICING
Competition. The uranium enrichment industry is highly competitive. The
Company competes with three other major producers: Tenex, a Russian government
entity; Eurodif/Cogema ("Eurodif"), a consortium controlled by the French
government; and Urenco, a consortium of the British and Dutch governments and
private German corporations. See "Industry Overview -- Market for Enrichment
Services" and "Business -- Competition." The Company's competitors may have
greater financial resources (including access to below-market financing terms)
and receive other types of support from their respective governmental owners
which enable such producers to be less cost sensitive. In addition, decisions by
foreign producers may be influenced by political and economic policy
considerations rather than prevailing market conditions. Further, purchasers in
certain areas (particularly Europe and the countries comprising the former
Soviet Union) may favor their local producers, due to government influence or
national loyalties.
Currency Exchange Rates. The Company's marketing efforts can also be
affected by changes in currency exchange rates. Because the Company's costs and
contracts are denominated in U.S. dollars, a strong dollar, as has been the case
in 1997 and 1998, raises the price of the Company's enrichment services in
foreign currencies and weakens the Company's competitive position. Thus, a
strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the currencies in which its
competitors' costs are denominated could result in the Company lowering its
prices to remain competitive, thereby negatively impacting profitability.
Trend Toward Lower Pricing. The Company's profitability over time can be
significantly affected by changes in the market price of SWU, which is
influenced by numerous factors beyond the Company's control, including such
factors as industry overcapacity, excess inventory at customer facilities,
global demand, new technologies and production costs of other enrichment
suppliers. While there are only a handful of enrichment suppliers, there is an
excess of production capacity, and certain suppliers have announced plans to
expand their capacities. See "Industry Overview -- Market for Enrichment
Services." Overcapacity, coupled with sales of buyer-held inventory, and exports
of enriched uranium from the countries comprising the former Soviet Union over
the last several years have resulted in significant downward pressure on prices.
Accordingly, new contracts have significantly lower prices per SWU and have
substantially shorter terms than previous DOE contracts, and the Company
anticipates that a trend toward somewhat lower prices will continue as the
Company competes for new business. There can be no assurance that the Company's
financial performance will not be adversely affected by that trend. See
"Business -- Sales and Marketing" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH PURCHASES UNDER THE RUSSIAN HEU CONTRACT
In January 1994, USEC entered into a 20-year contract with Tenex (the
"Russian HEU Contract"). See "Business -- Russian HEU Contract." Pursuant to the
Russian HEU Contract, the Company has ordered 4.4 million SWU, representing 33%
of the Company's fiscal 1997 sales, for delivery in calendar 1998, and has
committed to order 5.5 million SWU, representing 41% of the Company's fiscal
1997 sales, for delivery in
13
<PAGE> 18
each of calendar years 1999 through 2001. The Company expects to purchase 5.5
million SWU in each of the years following 2001 during the remaining term of the
Russian HEU Contract. As the volume of Russian SWU purchases has increased, the
Company has operated the GDPs at lower production levels resulting in higher
unit production costs.
The Company's objective is to manage its production and inventory levels
taking into account anticipated purchases under the Russian HEU Contract in a
manner that most efficiently meets customer demand for enrichment services. A
limited number of deliveries by Tenex have been delayed, but they have not
disrupted the Company's ability to fill customer orders because of USEC's
existing inventory. However, an unanticipated significant delay in deliveries of
Russian SWU, or deliveries of SWU not meeting commercial specifications, could
require unplanned adjustments to production levels at the GDPs, and adversely
impact profitability.
The mechanism for establishing prices for SWU purchases under the Russian
HEU Contract through 2001 has been set, and the prices are expected to be
substantially higher than the Company's marginal cost of producing SWU at the
GDPs. Consequently, although the Company presently can resell the Russian SWU
for more than it is paying for the SWU, such sales are less profitable than
sales of SWU produced at the GDPs. The effect of this pricing structure will
become more pronounced if market prices for SWU decline further, and there can
be no assurance that the price the Company pays for the Russian SWU will not
exceed the price at which it can resell the material.
Under the terms of a memorandum of agreement (the "Executive Agent MOA")
between the Company and the U.S. Department of State and DOE, the Company can be
terminated, or resign, as the U.S. Executive Agent, or additional executive
agents may be named. In either event, any new executive agent could represent a
significant new competitor that could adversely affect the Company's market
share and profitability.
ELECTRICITY
The GDPs require substantial amounts of electricity (approximately 27.4
million MWhs in fiscal 1997) to enrich uranium, representing up to 59% of the
Company's production costs. See "Business -- Power." In light of the GDPs' power
requirements, an unanticipated interruption to their power supply, including
natural or other disasters affecting the generating or transmission facilities
which significantly reduces the supply of electricity to the GDPs or an
emergency curtailment of electricity, could have a material adverse effect on
the Company to the extent it has to curtail operations for any length of time.
In addition, to the extent that USEC does not have advance notice of a
curtailment of power, the equipment could require significant additional
maintenance and result in less efficient operations while being restored.
The Company purchases firm and non-firm power to meet its production needs.
The Company's production costs would increase to the extent that the market
prices of non-firm power, which represented 37% of the Company's fiscal 1997
power needs, were to rise. In addition, the prices that USEC pays for firm power
could increase if there were additional regulatory costs or unanticipated
equipment failures at the power plants supplying the firm power to the GDPs. The
low-cost power purchase agreements pursuant to which the Company currently
purchases firm power expire in 2005. At that time, the contracts are subject to
renegotiation, and the price the Company pays for firm power could increase
significantly. See "Business -- Power."
Upon termination of the power contracts, the Company is responsible for its
pro rata share of costs of future decommissioning, shutdown and demolition
activities for three coal-fired generating plants. Estimated costs are accrued
over the contract period, and the accrued liability amounted to $15.2 million
and $12.1 million at June 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. There can be no
assurance that the Company's pro rata share of total costs for such
decommissioning and shutdown activities will not exceed the amounts accrued by
the Company.
14
<PAGE> 19
AVLIS
New Technology. There are a number of risks associated with the development
and commercialization of AVLIS, a new laser-based uranium enrichment technology
(see "Business -- Advanced Laser-Based Technology"), and any of these could have
a material adverse effect on the Company's financial or competitive position.
Additional equipment demonstration and testing activities are necessary before
the Company will be in a position to finalize its decision to construct a
full-scale commercial facility. The Company could encounter unanticipated delays
or expenditures at this stage. If the Company determines not to proceed with
AVLIS deployment, the Company would pursue other options for enrichment services
such as GDP upgrades or exploring other new technologies, which could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's financial or competitive position. In
addition, the Company could incur certain additional costs in connection with
terminating the AVLIS project, including payments to certain contractors. In the
event the Company determines to deploy AVLIS, no assurance can be given that an
AVLIS plant could be completed as scheduled or that a full-scale facility will
operate at its design capacity.
Based on preliminary design drawings and assumptions regarding the
suitability of available sites, AVLIS development and deployment was estimated
in September 1997 to cost approximately $2.2 billion from fiscal 1998 through
fiscal 2005. The Company periodically re-evaluates its AVLIS estimated costs and
currently believes this estimate could vary by up to 20%. If the Company
determines to deploy AVLIS, there can be no assurance that development costs or
construction costs associated with AVLIS would not be higher than anticipated.
NRC Licensing of AVLIS. The NRC will have regulatory authority over the
AVLIS plant and will have to issue a construction and operating license before
construction can begin. The NRC will need to develop guidelines for its review
of the facility. The development of the guidelines, or the nature and extent of
any third-party intervention in the licensing process, could delay or otherwise
affect licensing, which, in turn, could delay the commencement of construction.
In addition, the NRC would likely require that the Company obtain commercial
nuclear liability insurance as a condition to obtaining an NRC license since a
commercial AVLIS facility will not be indemnified under the Price-Anderson
Amendments Act of 1988 (the "Price-Anderson Act"). There can be no assurance as
to the availability, terms or coverage of insurance.
Financing. The Company will require significant financing to achieve
commercial deployment of AVLIS. There can be no assurance that financing will be
available when required, and the Company cannot predict the cost of or the terms
on which such financing would be available.
Intellectual Property. The Company relies on a combination of patent laws,
confidentiality procedures and contractual provisions to protect its proprietary
information and intellectual property rights related to the AVLIS technology.
The Company has received a letter from a third party setting forth such third
party's belief that AVLIS will use certain of such third party's technology. See
"Business -- Advanced Laser-Based Technology -- Intellectual Property." In
addition, the Company is aware of patents issued to third parties which cover
certain technology used in laser-based products; the Company or its licensors
may be required to obtain a license to one or more of such patents. There can be
no assurance that third party infringement claims will not be brought against
the Company in the future, that the Company would not have to pay damages or
would not be enjoined in the event any such claims were successful, or that the
Company would be able to obtain necessary licenses to certain technology. In the
event of such a successful claim of infringement, the Company believes that it
can re-engineer the affected apparatus, system or method or obtain any necessary
licenses from third parties. However, in the event the Company were unable to
successfully re-engineer or obtain from third parties any required licenses at a
reasonable cost or at all, a successful claim of infringement could have a
material adverse effect on the Company.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE REGULATIONS
The U.S. Department of Commerce and the governments of European countries
have imposed duties and other trade restrictions on the quantity of enriched
uranium sourced from the countries comprising the Commonwealth of Independent
States ("CIS"). While Japan has not imposed formal trade restrictions on
CIS-sourced enriched uranium, the general difficulty of Russian products
penetrating the Japanese market
15
<PAGE> 20
has effectively precluded sales into this market by Tenex. Changes in existing
trade laws, regulations or relationships could enable Tenex to compete in
markets formerly closed to it; increased access by Tenex to these markets could
adversely affect the Company's market share and profitability. See
"Business -- Foreign Trade Matters."
FLUCTUATIONS IN FINANCIAL RESULTS
The Company's financial results fluctuate due to cyclical demand.
Deliveries of enriched uranium are determined by customers' reactor refueling
schedules which are affected by, among other things, the seasonal nature of
electricity demand and the operating availability of the reactor. Utilities try
to schedule the shutdown of their reactors for refueling to coincide with
periods of low demand, typically during the spring and fall. For efficiency
reasons, utilities also attempt to run their reactors for periods of 12 months,
18 months, or in some cases, up to 24 months between refuelings. This
variability produces fluctuations in the Company's revenues and earnings
quarter-to-quarter, and in some cases, year-to-year related to the timing of
sales of SWU. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations -- Quarterly Financial Information."
NRC REGULATION
The GDPs are certified and regulated extensively by the NRC. The Company is
subject to an NRC-approved compliance plan (the "Compliance Plan") which
requires, among other things, seismic upgrading of two main process buildings at
the Paducah GDP. Although the DOE has compensated the Company for expenditures
necessary to comply with the Compliance Plan (subject to a maximum amount) by
transferring uranium, the Company will nevertheless need to make cash payments
for such expenditures. There can be no assurance that expenditures required by
the Company to fully comply with the Compliance Plan will not exceed the value
of uranium provided by the DOE.
The term of the initial NRC certification expires on December 31, 1998, and
the NRC will evaluate the GDPs in connection with the renewal of such
certification. In addition, the Privatization Act precludes the NRC from issuing
or renewing a license or certificate of compliance if the NRC determines that
(i) USEC is owned, controlled or dominated by an alien, a foreign corporation or
a foreign government or (ii) the issuance of such a certificate or license would
be inimical to the common defense or security of the United States or the
maintenance of a reliable and economical domestic source of enrichment services.
The NRC has established certain requirements as a result of this statutory
directive, including a requirement relating to the financial viability of the
Company providing enrichment services. If the NRC were to find that the Company
did not comply with the foregoing requirements, it may refuse to issue or renew
the Company's certificates, impose certain material conditions, or take other
action, which may adversely affect the Company's financial condition. See
"Business -- Regulatory Oversight."
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
The Company's operations are, and after the Privatization, will continue to
be, subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations relating
to the protection of health, safety and the environment, including those
regulating the emission and discharge into the environment of materials
(including radioactive materials). Pursuant to such laws and regulations, the
Company is required to hold multiple permits in connection with its operations.
The Company has filed for but not yet received permits required for the
operation of certain air sources at the GDPs. In addition, certain permits held
by the Company require periodic renewal or review of their conditions, and the
Company cannot predict whether it will be able to renew such permits or whether
material changes in permit conditions will be imposed. Failure to obtain permits
or meet any conditions contained therein, or the imposition of additional
conditions could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of
operations or financial condition.
The Company incurs substantial costs for matters relating to compliance
with environmental laws and regulations including the handling, treatment and
disposal of hazardous, low-level radioactive and mixed wastes generated as a
result of its operations. Operating costs relating to such environmental
compliance
16
<PAGE> 21
amounted to approximately $24.9 million and $30.4 million for fiscal years 1997
and 1996, respectively, and capital expenditures relating to environmental
matters amounted to approximately $1.8 million and $3.5 million for fiscal years
1997 and 1996, respectively. The Company currently estimates that operating
costs and capital expenditures for compliance with environmental requirements
(exclusive of costs for future disposition of depleted UF(6)) will remain at
about the same levels in fiscal years 1998 and 1999. Costs accrued for the
future treatment and disposal of depleted UF(6) were approximately $72.0 million
in fiscal year 1997, which accrual will be eliminated as of the Privatization.
The Company expects that costs relating to the future treatment and disposal of
depleted UF(6) produced from its operations will be lower in each of fiscal
years 1998 and 1999. Due to the possibility of unanticipated events or
regulatory developments, however, the amount and timing of future environmental
expenditures could vary substantially from those currently anticipated.
The GDPs were operated by DOE and its predecessor agencies for
approximately 40 years prior to the Transition Date. As a result of such
operation of the GDPs, there are contamination and other potential environmental
liabilities. The Company's continued operations may also result in contamination
and other potential environmental liabilities. The Paducah GDP has been
designated as a Superfund site, and both GDPs are undergoing investigations
under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ("RCRA"). Although the
Privatization Act provides that the U.S. Government remains generally
responsible for environmental liabilities arising from operation of the GDPs
before the Privatization, the Company is liable for environmental liabilities
arising from the Company's operations after the Privatization. See "Business --
Environmental."
NATURAL URANIUM SALES
The Company anticipates supplementing its revenues from uranium enrichment
services through sales of natural uranium in its inventory and natural uranium
transferred to it by the DOE. The quantity of material that USEC will be able to
sell in any given year and the revenue generated therefrom will be dependent on
market conditions (including any sales by the U.S. Government out of its
inventory) and prices at the time, as well as statutory and contractual
restrictions on the volume of such sales. While the Company does not anticipate
making significant natural uranium sales until after fiscal 2000, there can be
no assurance that the Company will be able to sell such natural uranium at
anticipated prices and quantities. The failure to complete sales of natural
uranium as anticipated could have an adverse effect on the Company's financial
condition. See "Business -- Natural Uranium and HEU from DOE."
FOREIGN OWNERSHIP RESTRICTIONS
The Company's Certificate of Incorporation (the "Charter") sets forth
certain restrictions on foreign ownership of securities of the Company,
including a provision prohibiting foreign persons (as defined in the Charter)
from collectively having beneficial ownership of more than 10% of such voting
securities. The Charter also contains certain enforcement mechanisms with
respect to the foreign ownership restrictions, including suspension of voting
rights, redemption of such Shares and/or the refusal to recognize the transfer
of Shares on the record books of the Company. See "Description of Capital
Stock -- Foreign Ownership Restrictions."
ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS
Under the Privatization Act, no person may acquire, directly or indirectly,
beneficial ownership of more than 10% of USEC's voting securities for a
three-year period after consummation of the Privatization. The By-Laws establish
certain advance notice requirements for the nomination of directors as well as
for other stockholder proposals. The Company is also subject to Section 203 of
the Delaware General Corporation Law ("DGCL"), which could have the effect of
delaying or preventing a change in control of the Company. To the extent that
these provisions discourage takeover attempts, they could deprive stockholders
of opportunities to realize takeover premiums for their Shares or could depress
the market price of the Shares. See "Description of Capital Stock."
17
<PAGE> 22
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE
The Company has been upgrading its date-sensitive software and systems in
order to ensure that all software and systems used in its operations will
continue to operate without disruption because of Year 2000 issues. However,
there can be no assurance that such program will identify and cure all software
problems, or that entities on whom the Company relies for certain services
integral to its business, such as the power supply, will successfully address
all of their software and systems problems in order to operate without
disruption in 2000. There can be no assurance that software or system failures
or miscalculations causing disruptions of operations or the inability to process
transactions will not occur because of the transition from 1999 to 2000.
ABSENCE OF PRIOR PUBLIC TRADING MARKET; POSSIBLE VOLATILITY OF STOCK PRICE
Prior to the Offering, there has been no public market for the Shares, and
there can be no assurance that an active trading market will develop or be
sustained after the Offering, or that purchasers of Shares will be able to
resell their Shares at prices equal to or greater than the offering price. The
offering price will be determined by negotiations among the Company, the U.S.
Treasury and the Underwriters and may not be indicative of the prices that may
prevail after the Offering. For a discussion of the factors considered in
determining the offering price, see "Underwriters." Furthermore, the market
price of the Shares may be highly volatile. Factors such as announcements of
fluctuations in the Company's or its competitors' operating results, events in
the nuclear energy industry, and general market conditions for stocks in
comparable industries, such as the utility industry, could have a significant
impact on the future price of the Shares.
18
<PAGE> 23
USEC FORMATION AND PRIVATIZATION
BACKGROUND
The U.S. Government's uranium enrichment enterprise was created in the
1950s to supply enriched uranium for nuclear weapons produced by the United
States and later for reactor fuel for the U.S. Navy's nuclear submarines and
ships. With the passage of the Private Ownership of Nuclear Materials Act and
the birth of the commercial nuclear industry in the early 1960s, all phases of
the nuclear fuel cycle in the United States except uranium enrichment became
privately-owned.
USEC was established in 1992 by the Energy Policy Act as a wholly-owned
government corporation to take over the U.S. Government's uranium enrichment
operation, as the first step toward Privatization. After a period of transition,
USEC began commercial operations on July 1, 1993. In April 1996, the
Privatization Act was enacted, which provided for the mechanics of the
Privatization, clarified the relationship between USEC and the U.S. Government
following the Privatization and addressed certain other matters. On July 25,
1997, in accordance with the Energy Policy Act, President Clinton approved
implementation of the Privatization.
In connection with the creation of the Company, the U.S. Treasury was
issued all of the shares of capital stock of the Company. Upon completion of the
Offering, the U.S. Government will no longer own any Shares of the Company, and
the Company will not be an agency or instrumentality of the U.S. Government.
After the Privatization, the Company will be subject to federal, state and local
taxes and, in certain circumstances, could be subject to foreign taxes.
DIVIDEND HISTORY
As a government corporation, the Company has been required to pay as annual
dividends to the U.S. Treasury all net revenues (as defined in the Energy Policy
Act) remaining at the end of a fiscal year which are not required for its
operating expenses or business expenses or investments related to carrying out
its purposes. See "Dividends and Dividend Policy." As of March 31, 1998, the
Company has paid $445.0 million in annual dividends and had an accumulated cash
balance held at the U.S. Treasury of $1,259.6 million. On the Privatization
Date, the Company will declare and pay the Exit Dividend to the U.S. Treasury.
TRANSFER OF DISPOSITION LIABILITY
In accordance with the Privatization Act, on the Privatization Date, USEC
will transfer to the U.S. Government responsibility for the disposition of
depleted UF(6) generated by the Company from the Transition Date to the
Privatization Date, for which the Company had accrued a liability of $384.6
million at March 31, 1998.
HOLDING COMPANY STRUCTURE
Immediately prior to the Offering, USEC, the federally-chartered entity,
will be merged into and become a Delaware-chartered corporation (the "Merger").
The Merger is being effected solely to convert USEC from a federally-chartered
entity to a state-chartered entity. The state-chartered entity will succeed to
all of USEC's business and operations. Immediately thereafter, the
Delaware-chartered USEC will merge with a wholly-owned subsidiary of USEC Inc.
such that USEC Inc. will become the parent holding company of USEC (the "Holding
Company Merger"). The Shares being offered to the public pursuant to this
Prospectus are the Shares of USEC Inc., the Delaware-chartered holding company.
The Company believes that a holding company structure provides greater
flexibility for future operations and would be more tax efficient.
CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE PRIVATIZATION
Certain Privatization-Related Claims. The Privatization Act expressly
withdraws any stated or implied consent for the U.S. Government, or any of its
agents or officers, to be sued with respect to any claim arising from any action
taken by any agent or officer of the United States in connection with the
Privatization. Such withdrawal of consent to be sued would apply to actions and
proceedings brought against the
19
<PAGE> 24
U.S. Government or any of its agents or officers (under federal or state
securities laws or otherwise) with respect to this Prospectus or the Offering.
Accordingly, purchasers of the Shares will have no recourse against the U.S.
Government for any losses or damages suffered in connection with the Offering.
The Privatization Act also provides that no officer, director, employee, or
agent of the Company will be liable in any civil proceeding relating to actions
taken in connection with the Privatization if such person was acting within the
scope of his or her employment, provided that this limitation does not apply to
claims under federal or state securities laws.
Ten-Percent Ownership Limit. In connection with the Privatization Act, the
Charter provides that no person may acquire, directly or indirectly, beneficial
ownership of more than 10% of USEC's voting securities for a three-year period
after consummation of the Privatization. See "Description of Capital Stock --
General."
Foreign Ownership Restrictions. In order to implement statutory
requirements and to address certain conditions for maintaining NRC certification
of the GDPs, the Company's Charter contains certain restrictions on the
ownership of Shares by foreign persons. The Company's Charter, among other
things, (i) prohibits foreign persons from collectively having beneficial
ownership of more than 10% of the voting securities of the Company, (ii)
prohibits persons having a significant commercial relationship with a foreign
enrichment provider, as well as foreign enrichment providers and their
affiliates, from beneficially owning any securities of the Company and (iii)
contains certain enforcement mechanisms with respect to the foreign ownership
restrictions, including information requirements, suspension of voting rights
and/or the refusal to recognize the transfer on the record books of the Company,
and redemption provisions. See "Description of Capital Stock -- Foreign
Ownership Restrictions."
CERTAIN CONTINUING ARRANGEMENTS INVOLVING THE U.S. GOVERNMENT AFTER
PRIVATIZATION
Set forth below is a brief summary of certain of the more significant
arrangements between the U.S. Government and the Company which will continue to
exist after the Privatization. These arrangements are described in more detail
under the "Business" section of this Prospectus.
The Government Oversight Committee. In connection with the Privatization,
the U.S. Government has established an enrichment oversight committee (the
"Oversight Committee") which monitors and coordinates U.S. Government efforts
with respect to the post-Privatization USEC in furtherance of (i) the full
implementation of the government-to-government agreement relating to the
disposition of Russian HEU, (ii) the application of statutory, regulatory and
contractual restrictions on foreign ownership, control or influence of USEC,
(iii) the development and implementation of U.S. Government policy regarding
uranium enrichment and related technologies, processes and data, and (iv) the
collection and dissemination of information within the U.S. Government relevant
to the foregoing objectives. The Company has entered into a memorandum of
agreement with DOE which establishes annual and quarterly reporting requirements
for the Company in support of the Oversight Committee's purposes.
Executive Agent Memorandum of Agreement. USEC has been designated as the
Executive Agent of the United States under a government-to-government agreement
between the United States and the Russian Federation to purchase approximately
92 million SWU derived from 500 metric tons of HEU recovered from nuclear
weapons of the former Soviet Union for use in commercial electricity production.
Under the Executive Agent MOA, the Company can be terminated, or resign, as the
U.S. Executive Agent upon 30-days notice; however, the Company would nonetheless
have the right and the obligation to purchase SWU that is to be delivered during
the calendar year of the date of termination and the following calendar year.
See "Risk Factors -- Risks Associated with Purchases Under the Russian HEU
Contract" and "Business -- Russian HEU Contract."
Liabilities Memorandum of Agreement. The Privatization Act allocates the
responsibility for certain liabilities between the Company and the U.S.
Government, generally providing that liabilities arising from operations of the
Company after the Privatization are liabilities of the Company, and liabilities
attributable to operations of the Company and the predecessor government
agencies prior to the Privatization remain liabilities of the U.S. Government.
The one exception to this general allocation relates to certain liabilities of
20
<PAGE> 25
the Company arising from operations between the Transition Date and the
Privatization Date that the Company will retain pursuant to a memorandum of
agreement (the "Liabilities MOA") between the Company and the Office of
Management and Budget ("OMB"). Under the Liabilities MOA, the Company has
assumed certain liabilities, which were estimated to total $67.6 million at
March 31, 1998, relating to pension and post-retirement health benefits,
obligations for shutdown and demolition costs under the power purchase
agreements and waste disposal costs, which are included as liabilities on the
Company's balance sheet at March 31, 1998.
Lease Agreement For Production Facilities. The Company leases the GDPs from
DOE under a lease agreement (the "Lease Agreement") for nominal rent, with
options for indefinite extensions. The Company also provides services to DOE for
environmental restoration, waste management and other activities at the GDPs for
which it is currently reimbursed at cost. See "Business -- Lease Agreement."
Treasury Agreement Regarding Ownership and Operation of the GDPs and
Certain Other Matters. The Company has entered into the Treasury Agreement,
pursuant to which the Company has made the following commitments, among others:
(a) to abide by the Privatization Act provisions, including the provision which
prohibits the sale of more than 10% of the outstanding voting stock to any one
person for a three-year period after the Privatization; (b) not to sell or
transfer all or substantially all of the uranium enrichment assets or operations
of the Company during the three-year period after the Privatization; (c) to the
extent commercially practicable, to (i) take steps reasonably calculated in good
faith to ensure that workforce reductions at the GDPs through fiscal year 2000
are conducted in a manner consistent with the Company's strategic plan, do not
exceed 500 employees, and are effected in substantially equal parts in each of
fiscal years 1999 and 2000, (ii) in each of fiscal years 1999 and 2000, seek to
achieve such workforce reductions through a program of voluntary separation
before instituting a program of involuntary separation, and (iii) with respect
to such workforce reductions, provide benefits and take other measures to
minimize workforce disruptions that are no less favorable to the workforce than
would have been the case prior to the Privatization and that are in accordance
with an agreement between the Company and DOE concerning worker assistance; and
(d) to continue operation of the GDPs until at least January 1, 2005, subject to
the following exceptions: (i) the occurrence of any event beyond the reasonable
control of USEC, such as fires, floods, or acts of God, that prevents the
continued operation of a plant by USEC; (ii) if the Operating Margin (as defined
below) of USEC is less than 10% in a twelve consecutive month period; (iii) if
the long-term corporate credit rating of USEC is, or is reasonably expected in
the next twelve months to be, downgraded below an investment grade rating; (iv)
if the Operating Interest Coverage Ratio (as defined below) of USEC is less than
2.5x in a twelve consecutive month period; (v) if there is a decrease in annual
worldwide demand for SWU to less than 28 million SWU; or (vi) if there is a
decrease in the average price for all SWU under the Company's long-term firm
contracts to less than $80 per SWU (in 1998 dollars). Operating Margin is
defined in the Treasury Agreement to mean (x) earnings plus interest, taxes and
any extraordinary, nonrecurring charges divided by (y) total revenue; Operating
Interest Coverage Ratio is defined to mean (x) earnings plus interest and taxes
divided by (y) gross interest expense. See "Risk Factors -- Risks Associated
with Enrichment Operations." None of the exceptions set forth in the foregoing
subsections (d)(i) through (d)(vi) is currently applicable, and, based on
information known to the Company, the Company currently does not believe that
any of these subsections would be applicable prior to January 1, 2005.
The Treasury Agreement also provides that USEC shall enter into an
agreement with its officers and directors whereby they will agree not to, and to
use their best efforts to cause their family members not to, acquire any Shares
or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock
for 180 days following consummation of the Offering.
Electricity Memorandum of Agreement. The Company has entered into a
memorandum of agreement (the "Electricity MOA") with DOE pursuant to which DOE
transferred the benefits of its power purchase agreements with Electric Energy,
Inc. ("EEI") and Ohio Valley Electric Corporation ("OVEC") to USEC, although DOE
remains the named purchaser under such power purchase agreements. See
"Business -- Power."
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<PAGE> 26
Certain Transfers from DOE. Under the Privatization Act, DOE is required to
transfer to the Company, at no cost, up to 50 metric tons of HEU (representing
3.4 million SWU and 5,000 metric tons of natural uranium) and up to 7,000 metric
tons of natural uranium. The Company received the 7,000 metric tons of natural
uranium in April 1998, and expects to receive the 50 metric tons of HEU over the
period September 1998 to September 2003. In May 1998, the Company also received
an additional 3,800 metric tons of natural uranium and 45 metric tons of LEU
(representing 280,000 SWU and 453 metric tons of natural uranium) to settle
DOE's liabilities for certain nuclear safety upgrade costs and to satisfy
certain remaining obligations of DOE to the Company. See "Business -- Natural
Uranium and HEU from DOE."
Agreement Regarding AVLIS Research. AVLIS research, development and
demonstration is conducted at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory ("LLNL") in
Livermore, California under DOE's management and operations contract with the
University of California. Inventions that result from the AVLIS research and
development effort funded by the Company will be owned by the Company. See
"Business -- Advanced Laser-Based Technology."
Depleted UF(6) Memorandum of Agreement. The Company has entered into a
Memorandum of Agreement (the "Depleted UF(6) MOA") with DOE pursuant to which
title to depleted UF(6) generated by USEC before the Privatization will be
transferred to DOE on the Privatization Date in accordance with the
Privatization Act.
DOE Agreement Regarding Depleted UF(6) Disposal. The Company has entered
into an agreement with DOE pursuant to which USEC will pay DOE $50.0 million
from its account at the U.S. Treasury prior to the Privatization in
consideration for a commitment by DOE to assume responsibility for a certain
amount of depleted UF(6) generated by the Company after the Privatization Date
over the period from the Privatization Date up to 2005.
DOE Agreement Regarding Certain Worker Benefits. Pursuant to an agreement
between the Company and DOE, up to an additional $20.0 million of the Company's
pre-Privatization funds will be used to provide certain GDP worker transition
assistance benefits related to any GDP workforce reductions occurring after the
Privatization. These assistance benefits would be in addition to workers'
pre-existing severance benefits. The use of this $20.0 million from the
Company's pre-Privatization funds would not impact the Company's retention of
$50.0 million in cash from the borrowings under the Credit Facility.
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<PAGE> 27
USE OF PROCEEDS
The Company will not receive any proceeds from the sale by the U.S.
Government of the Shares in the Offering except for the proceeds, if any,
resulting from the U.S. Underwriters' exercise of their over-allotment option.
The estimated net proceeds to the U.S. Government from the Offering will be
$1.45 billion (based upon an assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per
Share, the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus
and after deducting estimated underwriting commissions and expenses). The
expenses of the Offering, estimated at $5.3 million, will be paid out of USEC's
account at the U.S. Treasury. If the U.S. Underwriters exercise their
over-allotment option in full, the net proceeds to the Company will be $145.5
million. The Company will be required pursuant to the provisions of the Credit
Facility to use $75.0 million of the net proceeds from the exercise of the
over-allotment option to reduce indebtedness; any remaining balance of proceeds
from the exercise of the over-allotment option will be used for general
corporate purposes.
DIVIDENDS AND DIVIDEND POLICY
During fiscal years 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 and the nine months ended March
31, 1998, pursuant to the provisions of the Energy Policy Act, the Company paid
dividends to the U.S. Treasury of $30.0 million, $55.0 million, $120.0 million,
$120.0 million, and $120.0 million, respectively. In fiscal 1997, USEC
transferred to DOE uranium purchased at a cost of $160.4 million under the
Russian HEU Contract. In addition, at the closing of the Offering, the Company
will pay the U.S. Treasury the Exit Dividend. Upon the consummation of the
Offering, neither the Energy Policy Act nor the Privatization Act will govern
the Company's payment of dividends, as the Company will become a
Delaware-chartered corporation. The Company intends to pay annual cash dividends
on outstanding Shares at an initial rate of $1.10 per Share. The initial
quarterly dividend is anticipated to be $.275 per Share, payable in the quarter
ended December 31, 1998, subject to the Company's earnings, financial condition
and cash requirements at the time such payment is considered. Any declaration of
dividends will be subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors of the
Company and to certain limitations under the DGCL. The timing, amount and form
of dividends, if any, will depend, among other things, on the Company's results
of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, any restrictions imposed
by financing arrangements and any other factors deemed relevant by the Board of
Directors at that time.
DILUTION
The sale of the 100,000,000 Shares pursuant to the Offering will not result
in any change to the Company's net tangible pro forma book value per Share. The
following table compares the offering price per Share (based upon an assumed
initial public offering price of $15.00 per Share, the midpoint of the range set
forth on the cover page of this Prospectus) with net tangible pro forma book
value per Share:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Offering price per Share.................................... $15.00(1)
------
Net tangible pro forma book value per Share as of March 31,
1998(2)................................................... $11.67(3)
------
Excess of offering price over net tangible pro forma book
value per Share........................................... $ 3.33
======
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and expenses of the
Offering.
(2) After giving effect to the Exit Dividend, the transfers of uranium from DOE,
the transfer of responsibility to DOE for the disposition of depleted UF(6)
generated by the Company since July 1, 1993 up to the Privatization Date,
and other adjustments. See "Pro Forma Financial Information -- Pro Forma
Balance Sheet."
(3) Represents the amount of total tangible assets less total liabilities,
divided by the 100,000,000 Shares issued and outstanding immediately
following the Privatization. The number of Shares issued and outstanding
assumes the U.S. Underwriters' over-allotment option is not exercised.
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<PAGE> 28
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth the actual and as adjusted cash and
capitalization of the Company as of March 31, 1998, after giving effect to a
combination of short- and long-term borrowings of $550.0 million at consummation
of the Offering (the "Borrowing"), the Exit Dividend, the transfers of uranium
from DOE, the transfer of responsibility to DOE for the disposition of depleted
UF(6) generated by the Company since July 1, 1993 up to the Privatization Date,
and other adjustments. See "Pro Forma Financial Information -- Pro Forma Balance
Sheet."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF
MARCH 31, 1998
---------------------------------
ACTUAL AS ADJUSTED
----------- --------------
(MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C>
Cash...................................................... $1,259.6 $ 50.0
======== ========
Short-term debt........................................... $ -- $ 400.0(1)
======== ========
Long-term debt............................................ -- $ 150.0(1)
Stockholder's equity:
Preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share, 25,000,000
shares authorized; no shares issued.................. -- --
Common stock, par value $.10 per share, 250,000,000
shares authorized; 100,000,000 Shares issued and
outstanding(2)....................................... 10.0 10.0
Excess of capital over par value........................ 1,040.1 1,156.8
Retained earnings....................................... 1,049.1 --
-------- --------
Total stockholder's equity...................... 2,099.2 1,166.8
-------- --------
Total capitalization............................ $2,099.2 $1,316.8
======== ========
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Following the Privatization, the Company may refinance all or a portion of
the borrowings with funds raised in the public or private securities
markets. The Company will be required pursuant to the provisions of the
Credit Facility to use $75.0 million of the net proceeds, if any, from the
exercise of the over-allotment option to reduce indebtedness.
(2) The number of Shares issued and outstanding assumes the U.S. Underwriters'
over-allotment option is not exercised.
24
<PAGE> 29
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with
the Financial Statements, and notes thereto, and Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included elsewhere in
this Prospectus. Selected financial data as of and for the fiscal years ended
June 30, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997 have been derived from the audited Financial
Statements of the Company included elsewhere in this Prospectus and have been
audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, whose report
thereon is also included elsewhere in this Prospectus. The Statement of Income
Data for the nine months ending March 31, 1998, and balance sheet data as of
March 31, 1998, have been derived from the Company's unaudited financial
statements that have been prepared on the same basis as the audited Financial
Statements and, in the opinion of management, contain all adjustments,
consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair
presentation of the results of operations for such periods. The results are not
necessarily indicative of the results of operations expected for the full year.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(MILLIONS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, ENDED MARCH 31,
-------------------------------------------- ---------------------
1994 1995 1996 1997 1997 1998
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA
Revenue:
Domestic..................................... $ 831.8 $1,001.9 $ 901.6 $ 950.8 $ 680.9 $ 646.0
Foreign...................................... 571.5 608.8 511.2 627.0 443.5 410.7
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
1,403.3 1,610.7 1,412.8 1,577.8 1,124.4 1,056.7
Cost of sales.................................. 983.3 1,088.1 973.0 1,162.3 833.4 792.2
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Gross profit................................... 420.0 522.6 439.8 415.5 291.0 264.5
Other operating expenses:
Project development costs.................... 44.9 49.0 103.6 141.5 107.5 103.0
Selling, general and administrative.......... 21.4 27.6 36.0 31.8 25.7 24.8
Other (income) expense, net.................. 3.3 (1.5) (3.9) (7.9) (4.3) (5.3)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net income..................................... $ 350.4 $ 447.5 $ 304.1 $ 250.1 $ 162.1 $ 142.0
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
OPERATING DATA
SWU Sold....................................... 11.8 13.8 11.8 13.5 9.7 8.8
SWU Produced................................... 10.4 13.6 10.6 10.3 7.7 6.6
SWU Purchased(1)............................... .7 1.2 2.0 3.1 2.4 3.8
Power used (MWh)............................... 25.3 32.6 25.7 27.4 20.5 16.0
Power costs as a percent of production costs... 55% 58% 55% 59% 59% 53%
Net cash provided by operating activities...... $ 626.8 $ 540.2 $ 119.7 $ 356.1 $ 314.5 $ 199.1
Net cash used in investing activities--capital
expenditures................................. $ 48.6 $ 27.5 $ 15.6 $ 25.8 $ 15.9 $ 20.5
Cash outlays for major overhaul projects(2).... $ 4.4 $ 12.2 $ 15.8 $ 14.3 $ 11.5 $ 8.3
Net cash (provided) used in financing
activities................................... $ (22.6) $ 20.7 $ 206.1(3) $ 194.3(3) $ 194.3(3) $ 180.0
Dividends and transfers to U.S. Government..... $ 30.0 $ 55.0 $ 206.1(3) $ 194.3(3) $ 194.3(3) $ 120.0
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Principally SWU purchased under the Russian HEU Contract.
(2) Represents cash payments against accrued liabilities for major overhaul
projects. The Company includes costs for major overhaul projects in
production costs.
(3) Includes uranium purchased at a cost of $86.1 million in fiscal 1996 and
$74.3 million in fiscal 1997 under the Russian HEU Contract and transferred
to DOE as a return of capital. All dividends to the U.S. Government have
been paid in cash.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF
AS OF JUNE 30, MARCH 31,
----------------------------------------- ------------
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
-------- -------- -------- -------- ------------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA
Cash held at U.S. Treasury.................................. $ 735.0 $1,227.0 $1,125.0 $1,261.0 $1,259.6
Inventories:
Current assets:
SWU..................................................... $ 500.6 $ 517.7 $ 586.8 $ 573.8 $ 656.2
Uranium(1).............................................. 158.6 165.5 150.3 131.5 164.8
Materials and supplies.................................. 17.0 19.8 15.7 12.4 25.8
Long-term assets -- uranium............................... 103.6 115.5 199.7 103.6 103.6
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Inventories, net.................................... $ 779.8 $ 818.5 $ 952.5 $ 821.3 $ 950.4
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Total assets................................................ $2,798.9 $3,216.8 $3,356.0 $3,456.6 $3,138.0
Long-term obligations(2).................................... 191.4 383.2 427.4 451.8 511.8
Stockholder's equity........................................ 1,545.0 1,937.5 2,121.6 2,091.3 2,099.2
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Excludes uranium provided by and owed to customers.
(2) Long-term obligations include accrued liabilities for depleted UF(6)
disposition costs in the amounts of $93.0 million, $212.4 million, $303.0
million, $336.4 million and $384.6 million at June 30, 1994, 1995, 1996 and
1997, and March 31, 1998, respectively.
25
<PAGE> 30
PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The Pro Forma Statements of Income have been prepared as if the Offering,
the Borrowing, and the Exit Dividend occurred at the beginning of the periods
indicated. The Pro Forma Balance Sheet has been prepared as if the Offering, the
Borrowing, the Exit Dividend, the transfers of uranium from DOE and the transfer
of responsibility to DOE for the disposition of depleted UF(6) generated by the
Company since July 1, 1993 up to the Privatization Date occurred on March 31,
1998. Pro Forma Financial Information is unaudited and is not necessarily
indicative of the results that would have actually occurred if the transactions
had been consummated at the dates indicated or results which may be attained in
the future.
The pro forma adjustments and notes thereto are based upon available
information and certain assumptions that management believes are reasonable. Pro
Forma Financial Information should be read in conjunction with the audited
Financial Statements and notes thereto and "Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" appearing elsewhere in this
Prospectus.
The pro forma share and per share information is based on 100,000,000
Shares issued and outstanding.
26
<PAGE> 31
PRO FORMA STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 NINE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998
-------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
PRO FORMA PRO FORMA
ACTUAL ADJUSTMENTS PRO FORMA ACTUAL ADJUSTMENTS PRO FORMA
-------- ----------- ----------- -------- ----------- -----------
(UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue........................... $1,577.8 $ -- $1,577.8 $1,056.7 $ -- $1,056.7
Cost of sales..................... 1,162.3 -- 1,162.3 792.2 -- 792.2
-------- ------- -------- -------- ------ --------
Gross profit...................... 415.5 -- 415.5 264.5 -- 264.5
Other operating expenses:
Project development costs....... 141.5 -- 141.5 103.0 -- 103.0
Selling, general and
administrative................ 31.8 -- 31.8 24.8 -- 24.8
Other (income) expense, net..... (7.9) 35.3(1) 27.4 (5.3) 27.1(1) 21.8
-------- ------- -------- -------- ------ --------
Income before income taxes........ 250.1 (35.3) 214.8 142.0 (27.1) 114.9
Provision for income taxes........ -- 81.6(2) 81.6 -- 43.7(2) 43.7
-------- ------- -------- -------- ------ --------
Net income........................ $ 250.1 $(116.9) $ 133.2 $ 142.0 $(70.8) $ 71.2
======== ======= ======== ======== ====== ========
Net income per share -- basic..... $ 1.33 $ .71
Average Shares outstanding........ 100.0 100.0
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) The pro forma adjustment increasing other expense, net, reflects interest
expense at weighted average interest rates of 6.4% for fiscal 1997 and 6.6%
for the nine months ended March 31, 1998, on $550.0 million of debt to be
incurred simultaneously with the consummation of the Offering. USEC's cash
is held at the U.S. Treasury and does not earn interest, and there is no pro
forma adjustment for interest income that may be earned on cash and cash
equivalents.
(2) USEC is exempt from federal, state and local income taxes. Upon consummation
of the Offering, the Company will no longer be exempt. The pro forma
provision for income taxes reflects an assumed effective income tax rate of
38%. See Note 5 of the Notes to the Pro Forma Balance Sheet appearing
elsewhere in this Prospectus.
27
<PAGE> 32
PRO FORMA BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)
(MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF MARCH 31, 1998
---------------------------------------
PRO FORMA
ACTUAL ADJUSTMENTS PRO FORMA(1)
-------- ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash held at U.S. Treasury................................ $1,259.6 $ 550.0 (2) $ 50.0
(50.0)(3)
(1,709.6)(4)
Accounts receivable -- customers.......................... 222.5 -- 222.5
Receivables from DOE...................................... 134.5 (119.1)(5(i)) 15.4
Inventories:
Separative Work Units................................... 656.2 144.9 (5) 801.1
Uranium................................................. 164.8 -- 164.8
Uranium provided by customers........................... 321.4 -- 321.4
Materials and supplies.................................. 25.8 -- 25.8
-------- -------- --------
Total Inventories..................................... 1,168.2 144.9 1,313.1
Payments for future deliveries under Russian HEU
Contract................................................ 98.0 -- 98.0
Other..................................................... 30.9 -- 30.9
-------- -------- --------
Total Current Assets............................... 2,913.7 (1,183.8) 1,729.9
Property, Plant and Equipment, net.......................... 120.7 -- 120.7
Other Assets
Deferred income taxes..................................... -- 71.6 (6) 71.6
Prepaid asset............................................. -- 50.0 (3) 50.0
Uranium inventories....................................... 103.6 349.6 (5) 453.2
-------- -------- --------
Total Other Assets................................. 103.6 471.2 574.8
-------- -------- --------
Total Assets................................................ $3,138.0 $ (712.6) $2,425.4
======== ======== ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Short-term debt........................................... $ -- $ 400.0 (2) $ 400.0
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.................. 128.8 -- 128.8
Payables to DOE........................................... 15.1 -- 15.1
Uranium owed to customers................................. 321.4 -- 321.4
Payable to Russian Federation for purchases............... 61.7 -- 61.7
Nuclear safety upgrade costs.............................. -- 54.4 (5(i)) 54.4
-------- -------- --------
Total Current Liabilities.......................... 527.0 454.4 981.4
Long-term debt.............................................. -- 150.0 (2) 150.0
Other Liabilities
Advances from customers................................... 34.0 -- 34.0
Depleted UF(6) disposition costs.......................... 384.6 (384.6)(7) --
Other liabilities......................................... 93.2 -- 93.2
-------- -------- --------
Total Other Liabilities............................ 511.8 (384.6) 127.2
Stockholder's Equity
Preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share, 25,000,000
shares authorized, none issued.......................... -- -- --
Common stock, par value $.10 per share, 250,000,000 shares
authorized, 100,000,000 Shares issued and outstanding... 10.0 -- 10.0
Excess of capital over par value.......................... 1,040.1 (588.9)(4) 1,156.8
321.0 (5)
384.6 (7)
Retained earnings......................................... 1,049.1 (1,120.7)(4) --
71.6 (6)
-------- -------- --------
Total Stockholder's Equity......................... 2,099.2 (932.4) 1,166.8
-------- -------- --------
Total Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity.................. $3,138.0 $ (712.6) $2,425.4
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
28
<PAGE> 33
NOTES TO PRO FORMA BALANCE SHEET
(1) The pro forma balance sheet has been prepared using historical costs for
assets and liabilities.
(2) The pro forma adjustment increasing cash by $550.0 million, short-term debt
by $400.0 million, and long-term debt by $150.0 million reflects borrowings
at consummation of the Offering. Immediately before the Privatization, the
Company expects to enter into a loan agreement consistent with the terms of
a commitment letter (the "Commitment Letter") which sets forth terms of a
new credit facility (the "Credit Facility"). Based on the Commitment Letter,
it is anticipated that the Credit Facility will be comprised of three
tranches. Tranche A will consist of a 364-day revolving credit facility for
$400.0 million. Tranche B will be a 364-day revolving credit facility for
$150.0 million which is convertible, at the Company's option, into a
one-year term loan. Simultaneous with the Privatization, the Company plans
to borrow $550.0 million under Tranche A and Tranche B, transfer $500.0
million of such proceeds to the U.S. Treasury and retain $50.0 million in
cash from the $550.0 million of borrowings. The third tranche, Tranche C,
will be a five-year revolving credit facility for $150.0 million for working
capital and general corporate purposes. Indebtedness outstanding under the
Credit Facility will bear interest at a rate equal to, at the Company's
option (i) the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus an "Applicable
Eurodollar Margin," or (ii) the Base Rate (as defined in the Commitment
Letter). The Applicable Eurodollar Margin will be based on the Company's
credit rating as reflected on a pricing grid attached to the Commitment
Letter. The Company will also incur certain fees in connection with
borrowings, as set forth in the Commitment Letter. The Company expects to
enter into the Credit Facility on terms commensurate with it having an
investment grade credit rating.
The Credit Facility will require the Company to comply with certain
financial covenants, including a minimum net worth and a debt to total
capitalization ratio, as well as other customary conditions and covenants,
including restrictions on borrowings by subsidiaries. The failure to
satisfy any of the covenants would constitute an event of default under the
Credit Facility. The Credit Facility will also include other customary
events of default, including without limitation, nonpayment,
misrepresentation in a material respect, cross-default to other
indebtedness, bankruptcy, Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974,
as amended ("ERISA"), judgments and change of control.
On a pro forma basis, as adjusted for the $550.0 million of
indebtedness under the Credit Facility and other Privatization
transactions, the Company's total debt-to-capitalization ratio was 32%, as
adjusted to include short-term debt, at March 31, 1998. Following the
Privatization, the Company may refinance all or a portion of the borrowings
under the Credit Facility with funds raised in the public or private
securities markets. If the over-allotment option granted to the U.S.
Underwriters is exercised, the Company will be required pursuant to the
provisions of the Credit Facility to use $75.0 million of the net proceeds
from the exercise of the over-allotment option to reduce outstanding
indebtedness; any remaining balance of proceeds from the exercise of the
over-allotment option will be used for general corporate purposes.
The Credit Facility will be subject to certain terms and conditions,
including without limitation, negotiation, execution and delivery of
definitive financing agreements, in each case containing terms and
conditions, representations and warranties, covenants, indemnifications,
events of default and conditions to lending. There can be no assurance as
to whether the Credit Facility will be entered into or as to whether the
Credit Facility will contain the terms and conditions described above, and
such may contain terms and conditions more favorable or less favorable to
the Company than set forth above.
(3) The pro forma adjustment increasing prepaid assets assumes that a cash
payment of $50.0 million to DOE, pursuant to an agreement with DOE, had
occurred as of March 31, 1998. Under the agreement, DOE committed to assume
responsibility for disposal of a certain amount of depleted UF(6) generated
by the Company from its operations at the GDPs over the period from the
Privatization Date to 2005. The prepaid asset will be amortized as a charge
against production cost over the six-year period.
(4) The pro forma adjustment reducing cash and stockholder's equity by $1,709.6
million reflects the payment of the Exit Dividend of the Company's cash
balance, which includes the $550.0 million in borrowings under the Credit
Facility, to the U.S. Treasury at consummation of the Offering, except for
$50.0 million to be retained by the Company for working capital purposes.
The amount of the Exit
29
<PAGE> 34
Dividend in excess of the Company's retained earnings has been recorded
as a reduction of excess of capital over par value.
Pursuant to an agreement between the Company and DOE, up to an
additional $20.0 million of the Company's pre-Privatization funds will
be used to provide certain GDP worker transition assistance benefits
related to any GDP workforce reductions occurring after the Privatization.
These assistance benefits would be in addition to workers' pre-existing
severance benefits. The use of this $20.0 million from the Company's
pre-Privatization funds would not impact the Company's retention of $50.0
million in cash from the borrowings under the Credit Facility.
(5) The pro forma adjustments increasing inventories assume that transfers of
SWU and uranium from DOE to USEC pursuant to provisions of the Energy Policy
Act, the Privatization Act and Memoranda of Agreement with DOE had occurred,
resulting in an increase of $321.0 million to stockholder's equity for the
contribution to USEC's capital:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEPARATIVE WORK UNITS URANIUM TOTAL
--------------------- ------- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Transfer of 45 metric tons of LEU(i)..... $ 14.0 $ 11.3 $ 25.3
Transfer of 3,800 metric tons of
uranium(i)............................. -- 95.0 95.0
Transfer of .8 metric tons of HEU(i)..... 17.1 5.3 22.4
Transfer of 7,000 metric tons of
uranium(ii)............................ -- 175.0 175.0
Transfer of 50 metric tons of HEU(iii)... 113.8 63.0 176.8
------ ------ ------
$144.9 $349.6 $494.5
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
(i) Represents transfers of 45 metric tons of LEU, 3,800 metric tons
of uranium, and .8 metric tons of HEU in May and June 1998, based
on DOE's historical costs, to complete DOE's reimbursement
to USEC for nuclear safety upgrade costs, the settlement of the
remaining transition obligation of $19.6 million, and settlement
of other receivables. Nuclear safety upgrade cost reimbursements
are set at $220.0 million under the settlement of the
reimbursement obligation. The transfers as of March 31, 1998 are
assumed to reduce receivables from DOE by $119.1 million and
result in an accrued liability of $54.4 million representing the
estimated completion costs for nuclear safety upgrades to be
funded by the Company.
(ii) Represents 7,000 metric tons of natural uranium at $175.0 million,
based on DOE's historical costs, transferred from DOE to USEC in
April 1998 under the Privatization Act.
(iii) In April 1998, pursuant to the Privatization Act, DOE and the
Company signed a Memorandum of Agreement under which DOE is
scheduled to transfer 50 metric tons of HEU metal and oxide to the
Company in installments over the period September 1998 to
September 2003. The pro forma adjustments increase SWU inventories
by $113.8 million (3.4 million SWU) and increase uranium
inventories by $63.0 million (5,000 metric tons of uranium) based
on the Company's estimate of net realizable value which is lower
than DOE's historical cost. Because USEC will receive the 50
metric tons of HEU in metal and oxide form, a significant factor
affecting net realizable value is the Company's estimate of future
processing and blending costs required to be incurred to downblend
and convert the HEU metal and oxide into a form suitable for sale
to the Company's utility customers.
(6) The Company will transition to taxable status upon the Privatization. The
Energy Policy Act does not specify how the Company would determine the tax
bases of its assets and liabilities. However, the Company believes future
tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts for
financial reporting purposes and the Company's estimate of the tax bases of
its assets and liabilities would result in deferred income tax benefits of
$71.6 million, primarily due to the accrual of certain liabilities that
will be deducted for income tax purposes in future years and temporary
differences from the capitalization of inventory costs.
30
<PAGE> 35
The Company expects that a deferred income tax benefit will be recorded in
connection with its transition to taxable status as a nonrecurring reduction
to the provision for income taxes following the Offering. The deferred tax
benefit arising from the Company's transition to taxable status is not
reflected in pro forma net income for the year ended June 30, 1997, or the
nine months ended March 31, 1998.
(7) Under the Privatization Act and the Depleted UF(6) MOA, responsibility for
the disposition of depleted UF(6) generated by the Company from the
Transition Date to the Privatization Date is transferred to DOE. The pro
forma adjustment of $384.6 million reducing the accrued liability for
depleted UF(6) disposition costs assumes the transfer as of March 31, 1998,
with a corresponding increase to stockholder's equity.
31
<PAGE> 36
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with, and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to, the financial statements and notes
thereto appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus.
OVERVIEW
USEC, a global energy company, is the world leader in the production and
sale of uranium fuel enrichment services for commercial nuclear power plants,
with approximately 75% of the North America market and 40% of the world market.
Uranium enrichment is a critical step in transforming natural uranium into fuel
for nuclear reactors to produce electricity. Based on customers' estimates of
their requirements, at March 31, 1998, the Company had long-term requirements
contracts with utilities to provide uranium enrichment services aggregating $3.2
billion through fiscal 2000 and $7.4 billion through fiscal 2009.
The Company is the Executive Agent of the U.S. Government under a
government-to-government agreement to purchase SWU recovered from dismantled
nuclear weapons from the former Soviet Union for use in commercial electricity
production. As the leading U.S. provider of enrichment services, the Company
believes that it is best positioned to act as U.S. Executive Agent under the
Russian HEU Contract because it can introduce SWU from Russian HEU in a manner
that is not disruptive to an orderly market and ensures the reliability and
continuity of supply to enrichment customers. The Company's cost of sales has
been, and will continue to be, adversely affected by amounts paid to purchase
SWU under the Russian HEU Contract at prices which are substantially higher than
its marginal production cost at the GDPs. In addition, as the volume of Russian
SWU purchases has increased, the Company has operated the GDPs at lower
production levels resulting in higher unit production costs. Pursuant to the
Russian HEU Contract, Russian SWU purchases will peak in calendar year 1999 at
5.5 million SWU per year and are expected to remain at that level thereafter.
The Company's agreements with electric utilities are generally long-term
requirements contracts under which customers are obligated to purchase a
specified percentage of their requirements for uranium enrichment services.
Customers, however, are not obligated to make purchases or payments if they do
not have any requirements. The stated term of contracts transferred by DOE to
the Company on the Transition Date is 30 years, although future purchase
obligations thereunder may be terminated by, among other things, giving 10
years' notice, although the Company has allowed shorter notice periods. The
terms of newer contracts entered into by the Company since the Transition Date
range from 3 to 11 years and do not typically provide for advance termination
rights. The Company believes that the trend for contracts with shorter terms
will continue, with the newer contracts generally containing terms in the range
of 3 to 7 years.
The Company's revenue and operating results can fluctuate significantly
from quarter-to-quarter, and in some cases, year-to-year. Customer requirements
are determined by refueling schedules for nuclear reactors, which generally
range from 12 to 18 months (or in some cases up to 24 months), and are in turn
affected by, among other things, the seasonal nature of electricity demand,
reactor maintenance, and reactors beginning or terminating operations. Utilities
typically schedule the shutdown of their reactors for refueling to coincide with
the low electricity demand periods of spring and fall. Thus, some reactors are
scheduled for fall refueling, spring refueling or for 18-month cycles
alternating between both seasons. In addition, USEC provides customers a window
ranging from 10 to 30 days to take delivery of ordered product. The timing of
larger orders for initial core requirements for new nuclear reactors also can
affect operating results. Refueling orders are large, typically averaging $14.0
million per customer order for the Company's uranium enrichment services. The
Company plans its cash outlays for power and other production costs, a
significant portion of which is fixed in the short term, on the basis of meeting
customer orders and achieving revenue targets for the year. As a result, a
relatively small change in the timing of customer orders may cause earnings and
cash flow results to be substantially above or below expectations.
Notwithstanding this variability, the Company has significant backlog based on
customers' estimates of their requirements for uranium enrichment services.
USEC was established by the Energy Policy Act as a wholly-owned government
corporation to take over the U.S. Government's uranium enrichment operation as
the first step toward Privatization and began
32
<PAGE> 37
operations in 1993. Since the Transition Date, USEC has adopted a series of
private sector management practices. The financial statements of the Company,
which are discussed below, are not necessarily indicative of the results of
operations and financial position in the future or what the results of
operations and financial position would have been had the Company been a private
sector stand-alone entity during the periods presented.
Revenue. Substantially all of the Company's revenue is derived from the
sale of uranium enrichment services, denominated in SWU. Although customers may
buy enriched uranium product without having to supply uranium, virtually all of
the Company's contracts are for enriching uranium provided by customers. Because
orders for enrichment to refuel customer reactors occur once in 12, 18 or 24
months, the percentage of revenue attributable to any customer or group of
customers from a particular geographic region can vary significantly
quarter-by-quarter or year-by-year. However, customer requirements and orders
over the longer term are more predictable. The Company estimates that about
two-thirds of the nuclear reactors under contract operate on refueling cycles of
18 months or less, and the remaining one-third operate on refueling cycles
greater than 18 months.
Revenue could be negatively impacted by NRC actions suspending operations
at domestic reactors under contract with the Company. In addition, business
decisions by utilities that take into account economic factors, such as the
price and availability of alternate fossil fuels, the need for generating
capacity and the cost of maintenance could result in suspended operations or
early shutdowns of some reactors under contract with the Company.
The Company's financial performance over time can also be significantly
affected by changes in the market price for SWU. SWU prices have been declining
reflecting the trend toward lower prices and shorter contracts in the highly
competitive uranium enrichment market. The Company believes that its willingness
to provide flexible contract terms has been instrumental in its ability to
successfully compete for and capture open demand. The Company also believes that
the advent of shorter contract terms is an industry-wide phenomenon; utilities
have been experiencing rapid changes in their industry and have been less
willing to enter into extended obligations. This trend toward shorter contract
terms requires that the Company, as well as its competitors, pursue new sales
with greater frequency. The general effect of this is to increase the level of
competition among uranium enrichment suppliers for new SWU commitments. See
"Risk Factors -- Competition; Currency Exchange Rates; Trend Toward Lower
Pricing."
The Company's enrichment contracts are denominated in U.S. dollars, and
while the Company's revenue is not directly affected by changes in the foreign
exchange rate of the U.S. dollar, the Company may have a competitive price
disadvantage or advantage depending upon the strength or weakness of the U.S.
dollar. This is because the Company's primary competitors' costs are in the
major European currencies. From January 1, 1996 to March 31, 1998, the U.S.
dollar appreciated 26% versus the French franc and 14% versus the basket of
currencies used by Urenco. This has allowed the European competitors to price
international sales lower than the Company while retaining the same value of
local funds. For contracts for new commitments, USEC has had to adjust its
prices by a comparable factor to be competitive.
Cost of Sales. Cost of sales is based on the quantity of SWU sold during
the period and is dependent upon production costs at the GDPs and SWU purchase
costs (the latter mainly under the Russian HEU Contract). Production costs at
the GDPs for fiscal 1997 include purchased electric power (59% of production
costs, of which 37% represents non-firm power and 63% represents firm power),
labor and benefits (25% of production costs), depleted UF(6) disposition costs
(8% of production costs), materials, major overhauls, maintenance and repairs,
and other costs (8% of production costs). Since the Company uses the monthly
moving average inventory cost method, an increase or decrease in production or
purchase costs would have an effect on cost of sales over several periods. The
Company's purchases of SWU under the Russian HEU Contract are recorded at
acquisition cost plus related shipping costs.
Under its electric power supply arrangements, the Company purchases a
significant portion of its electric power at or below market rates based on
long-term contracts with dedicated power generating facilities. In fiscal 1997,
the Company's average price of electricity was $19.22 per MWh. Power costs vary
seasonally with rates being higher during winter and summer and as a function of
the extremity of the weather and also vary
33
<PAGE> 38
temporally as a function of demand during peak and off-peak times. The Company
continuously seeks to minimize its power costs through efficient use of low-cost
power and opportunistic purchases of non-firm power and by maintaining
sufficient production capacity so that production output is increased when
low-cost power is available either in off-peak periods or through the
availability of non-firm power. The Company schedules its power consumption and
SWU production in advance, in order to maximize efficient power usage and to
ensure SWU inventories are available to meet customer demand.
The Company utilizes approximately 4,300 workers at the GDPs who are
employed by Lockheed Martin Utility Services, Inc. ("LMUS"), a subsidiary of
Lockheed Martin Corporation ("Lockheed Martin"). Under an operations and
maintenance contract with the Company (the "LMUS Contract"), LMUS provides
labor, services, and materials and supplies to operate and maintain the GDPs,
for which the Company funds LMUS for its actual costs and pays contracted fees.
The LMUS Contract expires on October 1, 2000. If LMUS meets certain specified
operating and safety criteria and demonstrates cost savings that exceed certain
targets, LMUS can earn an annual incentive fee. On average, LMUS has earned 25%
to 50% of the total potential incentive fees available under the contract,
reflecting positive achievements in safety and customer deliveries offset by
less-than-targeted achievement in production capability.
The Company accrues estimated costs for the future disposition of depleted
UF(6) generated as a result of its operations. Costs are dependent upon the
volume of depleted UF(6) generated and estimated conversion and disposal costs.
The Company stores depleted UF(6) at the GDPs and continues to evaluate various
proposals for its disposition. Pursuant to the Privatization Act and the
Depleted UF(6) MOA, all liabilities arising out of the disposal of depleted
UF(6) generated by USEC through the Privatization Date are the responsibility of
DOE.
The Company leases the GDPs and process-related machinery and equipment at
attractive, below-market terms from DOE. Upon termination of the Lease
Agreement, USEC is responsible for certain lease turnover activities at the
GDPs. Lease turnover costs are accrued over the estimated term of the Lease
Agreement which is estimated to extend until 2005. Pursuant to the Energy Policy
Act and the Privatization Act, with certain exceptions the U.S. Government is
responsible for all environmental liabilities, including the decontamination and
decommissioning of the GDPs at the end of their operating lives, associated with
the operation of the GDPs prior to the Privatization Date.
The Company expects to incur additional production costs of $14.8 million
per year subsequent to the Privatization for taxes other than income taxes and
commercial property insurance premiums.
As Executive Agent under the Russian HEU Contract, the Company has
committed to purchase SWU in the amount of $376.2 million in calendar 1998. In
each of calendar years 1999 to 2001, the Company has committed to purchase SWU
in the amount of $475.8 million, subject to certain purchase price adjustments
for U.S. inflation. Under an amendment to the Russian HEU Contract in November
1996, SWU quantities and a mechanism for establishing prices for SWU purchases
under the Russian HEU Contract through 2001 have been set. As of March 31, 1998,
the Company has committed to purchase SWU derived from HEU through 2001 as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DERIVED FROM
CALENDAR YEAR SWU METRIC TONS OF HEU AMOUNT
- ------------- --- ------------------ ----------
(MILLIONS) (MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Nine Months Ended December 31,
1998.............................. 4.4 24 $376.2
1999................................. 5.5 30 475.8
2000................................. 5.5 30 475.8
2001................................. 5.5 30 475.8
</TABLE>
The Russian HEU Contract has a 20-year term; the Company expects its
purchases after 2001 to remain at the 5.5 million SWU per year level.
The Company pays for the SWU delivered under the Russian HEU Contract
within 60 days after delivery. In order to facilitate and support the Russian
Federation's implementation of the contract, however, the Company made advance
payments to Tenex of $60 million in calendar 1994 and $100 million in each of
calendar years 1995 and 1996. The Company credits advance payments, up to $50
million per year, against
34
<PAGE> 39
half of the SWU value in each delivery and makes cash payments for the remaining
portion. As of March 31, 1998, $162.0 million of the $260.0 million in advance
payments had been credited against SWU purchased. From inception of the Russian
HEU Contract to March 31, 1998, the Company purchased 6.5 million SWU derived
from 35 metric tons of HEU at an aggregate cost of $556.5 million, including
related shipping charges. At March 31, 1998, the Company had $98.0 million in
credits remaining to be applied against future purchases of SWU as follows:
$48.0 million to be applied in calendar 1998, and $50.0 million in calendar
1999.
Project Development Costs. The Company is managing the development and
engineering necessary to commercialize AVLIS, including activities relating to:
(i) NRC licensing, (ii) uranium feed and product technology, (iii) AVLIS
demonstration facilities, and (iv) development and design of plant production
facilities. The Company anticipates AVLIS project development spending to
continue in fiscal 1998 at about the same level as fiscal 1997. AVLIS project
development costs are charged against income as incurred. USEC intends to
capitalize AVLIS development costs associated with facilities and equipment
designed for commercial production activities.
In addition, the Company has been evaluating a potential new advanced
enrichment technology called "SILEX" and plans to continue evaluating the SILEX
technology during fiscal 1999.
The Energy Policy Act limits predeployment expenditures by the Company for
AVLIS or alternative uranium enrichment technologies to $364.0 million prior to
the Privatization. The Energy & Water Development Appropriations Act, enacted in
October 1997, authorized DOE to spend an additional $60.0 million to conduct
AVLIS development activities. The Company expects its funding available under
the Energy Policy Act and DOE's funding available under the 1997 legislation
will allow for continuation of AVLIS development activities until approximately
July 31, 1998. Following the Privatization, there would no longer exist any
statutory restriction on the Company's ability to fund AVLIS. For financial
accounting and reporting purposes, costs incurred by DOE with respect to AVLIS
development activities, although not considered predeployment expenditures under
the Energy Policy Act, are included and reported as project development costs
and charged against income in the Company's financial statements with a
corresponding contribution to capital.
Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general and administrative
expenses include salaries and related overhead for corporate personnel, legal
and consulting fees and other administrative costs. Expenses reflect the
corporate management staff necessary for the Company's operations and legal and
other consulting fees associated with the Privatization. Subsequent to the
Offering, the Company expects to incur additional costs for certain contracts
for administrative services at commercial rather than governmental rates. In
addition, the Company will incur the costs of being a publicly-traded
corporation.
Other Income and Expense. The Company earns fees pursuant to its delivery
optimization program under which enriched uranium is shipped in advance of
customer orders to fabricators in fulfillment of scheduled customer requirements
for enrichment services. Interest expense is accrued on advance payments
received from customers until the time future deliveries of enrichment services
to such customers are completed. Since the Company is a U.S. Government
corporation, its cash balance is held by the U.S. Treasury and does not earn
interest.
Income Taxes. The Company is exempt from federal, state and local income
taxes. Subsequent to the Privatization, the Company will be subject to income
taxes and expects its combined federal and state effective income tax rate will
be approximately 38%.
35
<PAGE> 40
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth certain items included in the Company's
Statements of Income as a percentage of total revenue for the periods indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEARS ENDED NINE MONTHS
JUNE 30, ENDED MARCH 31,
------------------ ----------------
1995 1996 1997 1997 1998
---- ---- ---- ----- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue
Domestic................................................. 62% 64% 60% 61% 61%
Asia..................................................... 30 31 31 27 32
Europe and other......................................... 8 5 9 12 7
--- --- --- --- ---
Total revenue.............................................. 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Cost of sales.............................................. 68 69 74 74 75
--- --- --- --- ---
Gross profit............................................... 32 31 26 26 25
Other operating expenses
Project development costs................................ 3 7 9 10 10
Selling, general, and administrative..................... 1 2 2 2 2
Other (income) expense, net.............................. -- -- (1) -- --
--- --- --- --- ---
Net income(1).............................................. 28% 22% 16% 14% 13%
=== === === === ===
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) USEC is exempt from federal, state and local income taxes. Upon consummation
of the Offering, the Company will no longer be exempt from such taxes.
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following tables set forth unaudited quarterly financial data for each
of the past 11 quarters ending with March 31, 1998. Operating results for any
quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for any future period:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31, MARCH 31, JUNE 30, SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31, MARCH 31, JUNE 30,
1995 1995 1996 1996 1996 1996 1997 1997
------------- ------------ --------- -------- ------------- ------------ --------- --------
(MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(UNAUDITED)
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue.............. $227.2 $453.4 $311.2 $421.0 $422.9 $485.1 $216.4 $453.4
Cost of sales........ 139.9 315.4 224.4 293.3 307.9 364.2 161.3 328.9
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Gross profit......... 87.3 138.0 86.8 127.7 115.0 120.9 55.1 124.5
Project development
costs............... 13.6 22.1 30.2 37.7 35.7 39.2 32.6 34.0
Selling, general and
administrative...... 10.2 8.3 8.7 8.8 8.6 8.6 8.5 6.1
Other (income)
expense, net........ (.5) (1.4) (.8) (1.2) (2.3) (.9) (1.1) (3.6)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Net income........... $ 64.0 $109.0 $ 48.7 $ 82.4 $ 73.0 $ 74.0 $ 15.1 $ 88.0
====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
<CAPTION>
-----------------------------------------
SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31, MARCH 31,
1997 1997 1998
------------- ------------ ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue.............. $440.4 $322.3 $294.0
Cost of sales........ 342.1 235.7 214.4
------ ------ ------
Gross profit......... 98.3 86.6 79.6
Project development
costs............... 32.2 35.4 35.4
Selling, general and
administrative...... 8.1 8.9 7.8
Other (income)
expense, net........ (2.0) .6 (3.9)
------ ------ ------
Net income........... $ 60.0 $ 41.7 $ 40.3
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
The Company expects its revenue for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1998 to
be approximately $1.4 billion and net income for fiscal 1998 to be in the range
of $145.0 to $150.0 million. Gross profit for fiscal 1998 will be lower, as
expected, with gross margins stable in the range of 24% to 26%. Lower revenue
during fiscal 1998 had been anticipated and is attributable to the timing of
customer orders and resulting lower SWU volumes. Net income reflects a special
charge of approximately $47.0 million reflecting certain severance and
transition assistance benefits to be paid to GDP workers in connection with
workforce reductions and costs related to the Privatization.
36
<PAGE> 41
The Company's revenue and operating results can fluctuate significantly
from quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year. Customer requirements and, in turn,
SWU sale volumes are determined by refueling schedules for nuclear reactors,
which generally range from 12 to 24 months, and are affected by, among other
things, the seasonal nature of electricity demand, the timing of reactor
maintenance and reactors beginning or terminating operations. The Company's cost
of sales has been, and will continue to be, adversely affected by amounts paid
to purchase SWU under the Russian HEU Contract at prices which are substantially
higher than its marginal production cost at the GDPs. In addition, as the volume
of Russian SWU purchases has increased, the Company has operated the GDPs at
lower production levels resulting in higher unit production costs. Pursuant to
the Russian HEU Contract, Russian SWU purchases will peak in calendar year 1999
at 5.5 million SWU per year and are expected to remain at that level thereafter.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1997 AND 1998
Revenue. The Company's revenue amounted to $1,056.7 million for the nine
months ended March 31, 1998, a decline of $67.7 million (or 6%) from revenue of
$1,124.4 million for the corresponding period in fiscal 1997. The decline in
revenue was attributable primarily to changes in the timing of customer nuclear
reactor refuelings causing a 9% decline in sales of SWU compared with the
corresponding period in fiscal 1997. The average SWU price billed to customers
during the nine months ended March 31, 1998 was $116, an increase of
approximately 1% compared with the corresponding period of fiscal 1997,
notwithstanding the overall trend toward lower prices for contracts negotiated
since the Transition Date ("New Contracts") in the highly competitive uranium
enrichment market.
Revenue from domestic customers declined $34.9 million or 5%, revenue from
customers in Asia increased $36.2 million or 12%, and revenue from customers in
Europe and other areas declined $69.0 million or 49%. Changes in the geographic
mix of revenue in the first nine months of fiscal 1998 resulted primarily from
changes in the timing of customer orders. Sales of uranium to electric utility
customers increased to $35.2 million compared with $22.3 million in the
corresponding period in fiscal 1997.
Cost of Sales. Cost of sales amounted to $792.2 million for the nine months
ended March 31, 1998, a decline of $41.2 million (or 5%) from $833.4 million for
the corresponding period in fiscal 1997. The decline in cost of sales was
attributable to the 9% decline in sales of SWU from the timing of customer
orders, partially offset by the effects of lower production volume and higher
unit costs at the GDPs and an increase in purchased SWU under the Russian HEU
Contract. As a percentage of revenue, cost of sales amounted to 75% for the nine
months ended March 31, 1998, compared with 74% for the corresponding period in
fiscal 1997.
In the nine months ended March 31, 1998 and 1997, SWU unit production costs
were adversely affected by lower production facility capability, and the Company
incurred additional costs because uneconomic overfeeding of uranium was
necessary at the Portsmouth GDP to compensate for the production lost due to the
unavailability of cells in order to insure that customer requirements would be
met. See "Industry Overview -- The Enrichment Process -- Overfeeding/
Underfeeding."
Electric power costs amounted to $316.7 million (representing 53% of
production costs) for the nine months ended March 31, 1998, compared with $400.3
million (representing 59% of production costs) in the corresponding period in
fiscal 1997, a decline of $83.6 million (or 21%). The decline reflected lower
power consumption resulting from lower SWU production and improved power
utilization efficiency.
Costs for labor and benefits amounted to $177.9 million for the nine months
ended March 31, 1998, an increase of $5.4 million (or 3%) from $172.5 million
for the corresponding period in fiscal 1997. The increase reflected general
inflation.
Costs for the future disposition of depleted UF(6) amounted to $45.2
million for the nine months ended March 31, 1998, a decline of $14.8 million (or
25%) from $60.0 million for the corresponding period in fiscal 1997. The decline
resulted from lower SWU production overall and, at the Paducah GDP, more
efficient operations and economic underfeeding of uranium which in turn resulted
in a significant reduction in the generation of depleted UF(6). At March 31,
1998, the Company had accrued a total liability of $384.6 million for the future
disposal of depleted UF(6).
37
<PAGE> 42
SWU purchased under the Russian HEU Contract and other purchase contracts
represented 37% of the combined produced and purchased supply mix, compared with
24% for the corresponding period in fiscal 1997. Unit costs of SWU purchased
under the Russian HEU Contract are substantially higher than the Company's
marginal cost of production. See "Business -- Russian HEU Contract."
Gross Profit. Gross profit amounted to $264.5 million for the nine months
ended March 31, 1998, a decline of $26.5 million (or 9%) from $291.0 million for
the corresponding period in fiscal 1997. As a percentage of revenue, gross
profit amounted to 25% for the nine months ended March 31, 1998, compared with
26% for the corresponding period in fiscal 1997. The decline in gross profit
resulted from lower sales of SWU from the timing of customer orders, lower
production volume and higher unit costs at the GDPs, and an increase in
purchased SWU under the Russian HEU Contract.
Project Development Costs. Project development costs, primarily for the
AVLIS project, amounted to $103.0 million for the nine months ended March 31,
1998, a decline of $4.5 million (or 4%) from $107.5 million for the
corresponding period in fiscal 1997. As a percentage of revenue, project
development costs amounted to 10% for the nine months ended March 31, 1998, the
same as for the corresponding period in fiscal 1997. Engineering and development
costs for the future commercialization of the AVLIS uranium enrichment process
in the fiscal 1998 period primarily reflected continuing demonstration of
plant-scale components with emphasis shifting toward integrated operation of the
laser and separator systems to verify enrichment production economics. Project
development costs also included costs incurred in the evaluation of the SILEX
advanced enrichment technology.
The Company expects its project development costs for fiscal 1998 to
continue at about the same rate of spending as during the nine months ended
March 31, 1998.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and
administrative expenses amounted to $24.8 million for the nine months ended
March 31, 1998, a decline of $.9 million (or 4%) from $25.7 million for the
corresponding period in fiscal 1997. As a percentage of revenue, selling,
general and administrative expenses amounted to 2.3% for the nine months ended
March 31, 1998, the same as for the corresponding period in fiscal year 1997.
Other Income. Other income, net of expenses, amounted to $5.3 million for
the nine months ended March 31, 1998, an increase of $1.0 million (or 23%) from
$4.3 million for the corresponding period in fiscal 1997. The increase reflected
additional fees earned on delivery optimization distribution programs.
Net Income. Net income amounted to $142.0 million for the nine months ended
March 31, 1998, a decline of $20.1 million (or 12%) from $162.1 million for the
corresponding period in fiscal 1997. As a percentage of revenue, net income
amounted to 13% for the nine months ended March 31, 1998, compared with 14% for
the corresponding period in fiscal 1997. The decline resulted primarily from
lower sales of SWU from the timing of customer orders and lower gross profit
margins.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- FISCAL YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997
Revenue. Revenue amounted to $1,577.8 million in fiscal 1997, an increase
of $165.0 million (or 12%) from revenue of $1,412.8 million in fiscal 1996. The
increase in revenue for fiscal 1997 resulted principally from: (i) the timing of
customer nuclear reactor refuelings; (ii) sales to new customers; and (iii)
increased sales to existing customers. Sales of SWU increased 14% in fiscal 1997
following a decline of 14% in fiscal 1996. During fiscal 1997, the Company
provided enrichment services for 110 reactors as compared with 101 in fiscal
1996. Revenue for fiscal 1997 included first time sales of SWU by the Company
for five reactors under Utility Services Contracts entered into in earlier years
and first time sales for four reactors under New Contracts signed by the
Company. The average SWU price billed to customers in fiscal 1997 was $115, a
decline of approximately 1% compared to fiscal 1996, reflecting the trend toward
lower prices for New Contracts in the highly competitive uranium enrichment
market.
Revenue in fiscal 1997 increased from fiscal 1996 in all geographic areas
in which the Company markets enrichment services. Domestic revenue increased
$49.2 million or 5%, Asian revenue increased $46.2 million or 10%, and European
and other revenue increased $69.6 million, almost double the fiscal 1996 level.
In addition to changes in the timing of customer orders, revenue benefitted from
initial sales by the Company for six reactors in the United States, one in Asia,
and two in Europe. Revenue in fiscal 1997 was somewhat
38
<PAGE> 43
affected by the slowdown of refueling orders for certain reactors in the United
States that, for a substantial portion of the fiscal year, had suspended
operations pursuant to NRC safety directives or extended outages.
Cost of Sales. Cost of sales amounted to $1,162.3 million in fiscal 1997,
an increase of $189.3 million (or 19%) from $973.0 million in fiscal 1996. As a
percentage of revenue, cost of sales amounted to 74% and 69% for fiscal years
1997 and 1996, respectively. The increase in cost of sales in fiscal 1997 was
attributable mainly to the 14% increase in sales of SWU, higher unit production
costs at the GDPs and increased purchases under the Russian HEU Contract. SWU
production costs were higher due to unplanned equipment downtime and increased
preventive maintenance activities.
SWU production and related unit production costs in fiscal 1996 were
adversely affected by lower gaseous diffusion production capability and
increased maintenance activities reflecting efforts to restore GDP production to
desired levels. Additional costs were incurred in fiscal 1997 as the Company
utilized some of its own uranium feed in the enrichment process at the
Portsmouth GDP to partially mitigate the lower production capability. In fiscal
1996, production capability at the Paducah GDP was adversely affected by a
reduction in electric power from the power supplier in response to an extended
period of extremely hot weather.
Electric power costs amounted to $530.4 million (representing 59% of
production costs) in fiscal year 1997, compared with $486.9 million
(representing 55% of production costs) in fiscal year 1996, an increase of $43.5
million (or 9%). The increase in fiscal 1997 reflects increased power
consumption and, at the Portsmouth GDP, a significant decline in power
utilization efficiency along with higher demand charges for firm power. Power
utilization efficiency or SWU production compared with the amount of electric
power consumed was adversely affected by production equipment difficulties.
Costs for labor and benefits amounted to $230.1 million in fiscal 1997, an
increase of $20.2 million (or 10%) from $209.9 million in fiscal 1996. The
increase in costs for labor and benefits in 1997 reflects general inflation and
higher employment levels.
Costs for the future disposition of depleted UF(6) amounted to $72.0
million in fiscal 1997, a decline of $18.6 million (or 21%) from $90.6 million
in fiscal 1996. Costs were lower in fiscal 1997 as the estimated future disposal
rate per kilogram of depleted UF(6) was reduced as a result of revised estimates
based on new proposals from potential disposal companies.
Increased SWU purchases under the Russian HEU Contract and other purchase
contracts also contributed to the higher costs of sales in fiscal 1997.
Purchased SWU represented 23% of the combined produced and purchased supply mix
in fiscal 1997, compared with 16% in fiscal 1996. Unit costs of SWU purchased
under the Russian HEU Contract are substantially higher than the Company's
marginal cost of production. The Company purchased SWU derived from HEU, as
follows: 1.8 million SWU at a cost of $157.3 million and 1.7 million SWU at a
cost of $144.1 million for the fiscal years 1997 and 1996, respectively. In
September 1996, in accordance with the Privatization Act, the Company and Tenex
amended the Russian HEU Contract to eliminate the Company's obligation to
purchase the natural uranium component after calendar year 1996.
Gross Profit. Gross profit amounted to $415.5 million in fiscal 1997, a
decline of $24.3 million (or 6%) from $439.8 million in fiscal 1996. As a
percentage of revenue, gross profit amounted to 26% and 31% for fiscal years
1997 and 1996, respectively. Although revenue increased in fiscal 1997, gross
profit was adversely affected by higher unit production costs at the GDPs caused
mainly by unplanned equipment downtime and increased preventive maintenance
activities and increased purchases of SWU under the Russian HEU Contract. Gross
profit in fiscal years 1997 and 1996 was also adversely affected by declines in
average prices billed to customers.
Project Development Costs. Project development costs, primarily for the
AVLIS project, amounted to $141.5 million in fiscal 1997, an increase of $37.9
million (or 37%) from $103.6 million in fiscal 1996. As a percentage of revenue,
project development costs amounted to 9% and 7% for fiscal years 1997 and 1996,
respectively. The increase reflects planned engineering and development spending
for the future commerciali-
39
<PAGE> 44
zation of the AVLIS uranium enrichment process and, in fiscal 1997, initial
costs incurred in the evaluation of SILEX. Increased AVLIS spending was
attributable to the demonstration of laser and separator systems and preliminary
plant design.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and
administrative expenses amounted to $31.8 million in fiscal 1997, a decline of
$4.2 million (or 12%) from $36.0 million in fiscal 1996. As a percentage of
revenue, selling, general and administrative expenses amounted to 2.0% and 2.5%
in fiscal years 1997 and 1996, respectively. The decline in fiscal 1997 resulted
from a reduction in expenses associated with Privatization activities and lower
consulting and other fees.
Other Income. Other income, net of expenses, amounted to $7.9 million in
fiscal 1997, an increase of $4.0 million (or 103%) from $3.9 million in fiscal
1996. The increase in fiscal 1997 was attributable to interest earned on
payments under the Russian HEU Contract to be applied against future SWU
deliveries and fees earned on delivery optimization and other customer-oriented
distribution programs.
Net Income. Net income amounted to $250.1 million in fiscal 1997, a decline
of $54.0 million (or 18%) from $304.1 million in fiscal 1996. As a percentage of
revenue, net income amounted to 16% and 22% for fiscal years 1997 and 1996,
respectively. The decline in fiscal year 1997 resulted primarily from an
increase of $37.9 million in AVLIS development spending and a lower gross profit
margin on sales of SWU.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- FISCAL YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND 1996
Revenue. Revenue amounted to $1,412.8 million in fiscal 1996, a decline of
$197.9 million (or 12%) from record revenue of $1,610.7 million in fiscal 1995.
The decline in revenue in fiscal 1996 resulted principally from the timing of
customer nuclear reactor refuelings. Sales of SWU declined 14% in fiscal 1996,
and 101 reactors had refueling orders compared with 114 in fiscal 1995. The
average SWU price billed to customers during fiscal 1996 was $116, a decline of
approximately 3% compared with fiscal 1995, reflecting the adverse pricing trend
in New Contracts in the highly competitive uranium enrichment market.
In fiscal 1996, revenue from domestic customers declined 10%, revenue from
customers in Asia declined 9% and revenue from customers in Europe and other
areas declined 43%, reflecting changes in the timing of customer orders.
Cost of Sales. Cost of sales amounted to $973.0 million in fiscal 1996, a
decline of $115.1 million (or 11%) from $1,088.1 million in fiscal 1995. As a
percentage of revenue, cost of sales amounted to 69% and 68% for fiscal years
1996 and 1995, respectively. The reduction in cost of sales in fiscal 1996 was
attributable to the 14% decline in sales of SWU, partly offset by higher unit
production costs.
SWU production and related unit production costs in fiscal 1996 were
adversely affected by lower gaseous diffusion production capability and
increased maintenance activities reflecting efforts to restore GDP production to
desired levels. Additional costs were incurred in fiscal 1996 as the Company
utilized some of its own uranium feed in the enrichment process at the
Portsmouth GDP to partially mitigate the lower production capability. In fiscal
1996, production capability at the Paducah GDP was limited by a reduction in
electric power from the power supplier in response to an extended period of
extremely hot weather, and the Company subsequently encountered delays
recovering production capability.
Electric power costs amounted to $486.9 million (representing 55% of
production costs) in fiscal year 1996, compared with $587.6 million
(representing 58% of production costs) in fiscal year 1995, a decline of $100.7
million (or 17%). Electric power costs declined in fiscal 1996 as power
consumption decreased with lower production, partly offset by higher demand
charges for firm power at the Portsmouth GDP. High power utilization efficiency
was maintained at both GDPs in fiscal years 1996 and 1995.
Costs for labor and benefits amounted to $209.9 million in fiscal 1996, an
increase of $5.0 million (or 2%) from $204.9 million in fiscal 1995. The
increase reflects general inflation.
Costs for the future disposition of depleted UF(6) amounted to $90.6
million in fiscal 1996, a decrease of $28.8 million (or 24%) from $119.4 million
in fiscal 1995. As a percentage of revenue, costs for the future disposition of
depleted UF(6) amounted to 6% and 7% for fiscal years 1996 and 1995,
respectively. The decline
40
<PAGE> 45
in fiscal 1996 reflected lower production. Costs are dependent upon the volume
of depleted UF(6) generated based on production levels.
SWU purchased under the Russian HEU Contract represented 16% of the
combined produced and purchased supply mix, compared with 8% in fiscal 1995.
Unit costs of SWU purchased under the Russian HEU Contract are substantially
higher than the Company's marginal cost of production. The Company purchased SWU
derived from HEU as follows: 1.7 million SWU at a cost of $144.1 million and 0.3
million SWU at a cost of $22.7 million for the years ended June 30, 1996 and
1995, respectively.
Gross Profit. Gross profit amounted to $439.8 million in fiscal 1996, a
decline of $82.8 million (or 16%) from $522.6 million in fiscal 1995. As a
percentage of revenue, gross profit amounted to 31% and 32% for fiscal years
1996 and 1995, respectively. The decline in gross profit in fiscal 1996 was
principally attributable to lower revenue, increased unit production costs at
the GDPs and lower production levels. Gross profit in fiscal years 1996 and 1995
was also affected by declines in average prices billed to customers.
Project Development Costs. Project development costs, primarily for the
AVLIS project, amounted to $103.6 million in fiscal 1996, an increase of $54.6
million (or 111%) from $49.0 million in fiscal 1995. As a percentage of revenue,
project development costs amounted to 7% and 3% for fiscal years 1996 and 1995,
respectively. The increase in fiscal 1996 reflects planned engineering and
development spending for the future commercialization of the AVLIS uranium
enrichment process.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and
administrative expenses amounted to $36.0 million in fiscal 1996, an increase of
$8.4 million (or 30%) from $27.6 million in fiscal 1995. As a percentage of
revenue, selling, general and administrative expenses amounted to 2.5% and 1.7%
in fiscal years 1996 and 1995, respectively. The increase in fiscal 1996
reflects increased expenses associated with Privatization activities and the
planned increase in corporate staff necessary for operations.
Other Income. Other income, net of expenses, amounted to $3.9 million in
fiscal 1996, an increase of $2.4 million (or 160%) from $1.5 million in fiscal
1995. The increase in fiscal 1996 was attributable to fees earned on delivery
optimization and other customer-oriented distribution programs established in
fiscal 1995.
Net Income. Net income amounted to $304.1 million in fiscal 1996, a decline
of $143.4 million (or 32%) from $447.5 million in fiscal 1995. As a percentage
of revenue, net income amounted to 22% and 28% for fiscal years 1996 and 1995,
respectively. The decline in fiscal 1996 resulted primarily from an increase of
$54.6 million in AVLIS development spending, lower revenue, and a lower gross
profit margin on sales of SWU.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity and Cash Flow. The Company's principal source of liquidity has
been cash flow provided by operating activities. Net cash flows provided by
operating activities amounted to $199.1 million for the nine months ended March
31, 1998, compared with $314.5 million for the corresponding period in fiscal
1997. Cash flow from operating activities for the nine months ended March 31,
1998, was reduced by an increase of $129.1 million in inventories and the
decline of $20.1 million in net income. Cash flow was increased by $45.9 million
as DOE funded a portion of AVLIS project development costs which were charged
against the Company's net income for financial accounting and reporting purposes
and by an increase of $51.5 million in payables to the Russian Federation for
purchases of SWU.
Cash flow from operating activities for the nine months ended March 31,
1997, had been increased by a reduction of $223.9 million in customer trade
receivables from changes in the timing of customer collections and a cash
payment of $29.4 million received from DOE for reimbursable regulatory
compliance activities. Cash flow was reduced by a payment of $100.0 million in
December 1996 under the Russian HEU Contract for future deliveries of SWU in
calendar years 1998 and 1999, and an increase of $53.0 million in inventories.
Net cash flows provided by operating activities amounted to $356.1 million
in fiscal 1997, a significant increase over $119.7 million in fiscal 1996. The
increase resulted primarily from a reduction of $97.6 million in customer trade
receivables in fiscal 1997 from changes in the timing of customer collections
and the collection
41
<PAGE> 46
of $29.4 million from DOE for reimbursable regulatory compliance activities,
partially offset by the decline of $54.0 million in net income.
Net cash flows provided by operating activities amounted to $119.7 million
in fiscal 1996 compared with $540.2 million in fiscal 1995. The reduction
resulted principally from the decline of $143.4 million in net income in fiscal
1996, the payment of $100.0 million in fiscal 1996 under the Russian HEU
Contract as credits for future purchases of SWU, an increase of $84.3 million in
customer trade receivables in fiscal 1996 relating to the timing of customer
orders, and higher cash outlays for reimbursable costs relating to regulatory
compliance activities.
As a supplementary activity in support of the Russian HEU Contract, the
Company paid $100.0 million to Tenex in each of fiscal years 1997 and 1996 and
$15.0 million in fiscal year 1995 as credits for future deliveries of SWU under
the Russian HEU Contract.
Capital expenditures relating primarily to GDP improvements amounted to
$20.5 million and cash outlays for major overhaul projects amounted to $8.3
million for the nine months ended March 31, 1998, compared with $15.9 million
and $11.5 million, respectively, for the corresponding period in fiscal 1997.
Capital expenditures in the fiscal 1998 period consist principally of
replacement equipment and upgrades to the steam plant and cooling towers. The
Company expects its GDP-related capital expenditures will amount to $34.0
million in fiscal 1998.
Capital expenditures relating primarily to GDP improvements amounted to
$25.8 million, $15.6 million and $27.5 million and cash outlays for major
overhaul projects amounted to $14.3 million, $15.8 million and $12.2 million in
fiscal years 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Capital expenditures during the
three-year period consisted principally of upgrades to the steam plant and
cooling towers, improvements to the enriched product withdrawal facilities,
process inventory control systems, cylinder storage facilities and purchases of
capital equipment.
In October 1997, pursuant to the Energy & Water Development Appropriations
Act, the Company transferred $60.0 million to DOE to conduct certain development
and demonstration of AVLIS technology. For financial accounting and reporting
purposes, the payment of $60.0 million is reported as a return of capital to the
U.S. Government. In the Company's financial statements, costs of $45.9 million
for the nine months ended March 31, 1998 incurred by DOE with respect to AVLIS
development activities are reported as project development costs with a
corresponding contribution to capital.
Dividends paid to the U.S. Treasury amounted to $120.0 million in the nine
months ended March 31, 1998, and in each of the fiscal years 1997 and 1996 and
amounted to $55.0 million in fiscal 1995. Pursuant to the Privatization Act, in
December 1996, the Company transferred to DOE the natural uranium component of
LEU from HEU purchased under the Russian HEU Contract at a cost of $86.1 million
in fiscal 1996 and $74.3 million in fiscal 1997. As a result of the transfer,
the total purchase cost of $160.4 million, including related shipping charges,
was recorded as a return of capital.
The Company's working capital, adjusted to exclude cash held at the U.S.
Treasury and to include inventories and advances under the Russian HEU Contract
reported as non-current assets, amounted to $1,170.6 million and $1,230.7
million at June 30, 1997 and March 31, 1998, with the inventory components of
working capital representing 70% and 77%, respectively.
The table below sets forth the Company's working capital as adjusted, as of
June 30, 1997 and March 31, 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF AS OF
JUNE 30, MARCH 31,
1997 1998
-------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Inventories, net............................................ $ 821.3 $ 950.4
Advances under the Russian HEU Contract..................... 129.6 98.0
Accounts receivable and payable and other, net.............. 219.7 182.3
-------- --------
Working capital, as adjusted................................ $1,170.6 $1,230.7
======== ========
</TABLE>
42
<PAGE> 47
AVLIS Project Expenditures. AVLIS deployment is estimated to cost
approximately $2.2 billion from fiscal 1998 through fiscal 2005, of which $550
million is expected to be spent during the "performance demonstration, design
and licensing phase" and $1.65 billion during the "procurement, construction and
startup phase." The Company periodically re-evaluates its AVLIS estimated costs
and currently believes this estimate could vary by up to 20%. The Company spent
$101.7 million for AVLIS activities in the nine months ended March 31, 1998 and
expects to spend $34.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 1998 and
$160.0 million in fiscal 1999.
Actual AVLIS expenditures may vary from this estimate because of changes in
such factors as: business conditions, regulatory requirements and the timing of
NRC licensing, costs of construction labor and materials, the market for uranium
enrichment services, and the Company's cost of capital.
Capital Structure and Financial Resources. The Company expects that its
cash on hand, internally generated funds from operating activities, and
available financing sources including borrowings under the revolving credit
arrangements (described below), will be sufficient to meet its obligations as
they become due and to fund operating requirements of the GDPs, purchases of SWU
under the Russian HEU Contract, capital expenditures and discretionary
investments, and AVLIS expenditures in the near term.
The Company has not undertaken any borrowings to fund its activities,
except for borrowings of $550.0 million upon consummation of the Offering. As a
result, the Company had no indebtedness at any time during fiscal years 1995,
1996 and 1997, nor were any arrangements established with lenders to provide for
the future financing of the Company. Immediately before the Privatization, the
Company expects to enter into a loan agreement consistent with the terms of a
commitment letter (the "Commitment Letter") which sets forth terms of a new
credit facility (the "Credit Facility"). Based on the Commitment Letter, it is
anticipated that the Credit Facility will be comprised of three tranches.
Tranche A will consist of a 364-day revolving credit facility for $400.0
million. Tranche B will be a 364-day revolving credit facility for $150.0
million which is convertible, at the Company's option, into a one-year term
loan. Simultaneous with the Privatization, the Company plans to borrow $550.0
million under Tranche A and Tranche B. The third tranche, Tranche C, will be a
five-year revolving credit facility for $150.0 million for working capital and
general corporate purposes. Indebtedness outstanding under the Credit Facility
will bear interest at a rate equal to, at the Company's option (i) the London
Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus an "Applicable Eurodollar Margin," or (ii)
the Base Rate (as defined in the Commitment Letter). The Applicable Eurodollar
Margin will be based on the Company's credit rating as reflected on a pricing
grid attached to the Commitment Letter. The Company will also incur certain fees
in connection with borrowings, as set forth in the Commitment Letter. The
Company expects to enter into the Credit Facility on terms commensurate with it
having an investment grade credit rating.
The Credit Facility will require the Company to comply with certain
financial covenants, including a minimum net worth and a debt to total
capitalization ratio, as well as other customary conditions and covenants,
including restrictions on borrowings by subsidiaries. The failure to satisfy any
of the covenants would constitute an event of default under the Credit Facility.
The Credit Facility will also include other customary events of default,
including without limitation, nonpayment, misrepresentation in a material
respect, cross-default to other indebtedness, bankruptcy, ERISA, judgments and
change of control.
On a pro forma basis, as adjusted for the $550.0 million of indebtedness
under the Credit Facility and other Privatization transactions, the Company's
total debt-to-capitalization ratio was 32%, as adjusted to include short-term
debt, at March 31, 1998. Following the Privatization, the Company may refinance
all or a portion of the borrowings under the Credit Facility with funds raised
in the public or private securities markets. If the over-allotment option
granted to the U.S. Underwriters is exercised, the Company will be required
pursuant to the provisions of the Credit Facility to use $75.0 million of the
net proceeds from the exercise of the over-allotment option to reduce
outstanding indebtedness; any remaining balance of proceeds from the exercise of
the over-allotment option will be used for general corporate purposes.
The Credit Facility will be subject to certain terms and conditions,
including without limitation, negotiation, execution and delivery of definitive
financing agreements, in each case containing terms and conditions,
representations and warranties, covenants, indemnifications, events of default
and conditions to
43
<PAGE> 48
lending. There can be no assurance as to whether the Credit Facility will be
entered into or as to whether the Credit Facility will contain the terms and
conditions described above, and such may contain terms and conditions more
favorable or less favorable to the Company than set forth above.
The Company's cash balance in its account at the U.S. Treasury will be
utilized to pay certain expenses relating to the Privatization. On the
Privatization Date, the Company will declare and pay to the U.S. Treasury the
Exit Dividend in the aggregate amount of (i) the remaining balance of cash held
in USEC's account at the U.S. Treasury as of the Privatization Date and (ii)
$500.0 million of the $550.0 million in borrowings under the Credit Facility.
The Company will retain $50.0 million in cash from the $550.0 million in
borrowings under the Credit Facility.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
In addition to costs for the future disposition of depleted UF(6), the
Company incurs operating costs and capital expenditures for matters relating to
compliance with environmental laws and regulations, including the handling,
treatment and disposal of hazardous, low-level radioactive and mixed wastes
generated as a result of its operations. Operating costs relating to such
environmental compliance amounted to approximately $24.9 million, $30.4 million
and $30.0 million for fiscal years 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively, and
capital expenditures relating to environmental matters amounted to approximately
$1.8 million, $3.5 million and $6.6 million for fiscal years 1997, 1996 and
1995, respectively. In fiscal years 1998 and 1999, the Company expects its
operating costs and capital expenditures for compliance with environmental laws
and regulations, including the handling, treatment and disposal of hazardous,
low-level radioactive and mixed wastes (exclusive of costs for future
disposition of depleted UF(6)) to remain at about the same levels as in fiscal
years 1997 and 1996. Costs accrued for the future treatment and disposal of
depleted UF(6) were $72.0 million in fiscal year 1997, which accrual will be
eliminated as of the Privatization. The Company expects that costs relating to
the future treatment and disposal of depleted UF(6) produced from its operations
will be lower in each of fiscal years 1998 and 1999.
The Company has entered into an agreement with DOE pursuant to which the
Company will pay DOE $50.0 million from its account at the U.S. Treasury prior
to the Privatization in consideration for a commitment by DOE to assume
responsibility for a certain amount of depleted UF(6) generated by the Company
after the Privatization Date over the period from the Privatization Date up to
2005.
Environmental liabilities associated with the operation of the GDPs prior
to the Privatization Date are the responsibility of DOE or the U.S. Government,
except for liabilities relating to certain identified wastes stored at the GDPs
as of the Privatization Date that were generated after the Transition Date,
including liabilities relating to the disposal of such waste after the
Privatization Date. Environmental liabilities associated with the
decontamination and decommissioning of the GDPs are generally the responsibility
of DOE, except for additional costs, if any, as a result of USEC's operations.
IMPACT OF YEAR 2000 ISSUE
As a result of certain computer programs and systems using two rather than
four digits to define the applicable year, certain of the Company's activities
with date-sensitive software and systems may not recognize the year 2000. This
could potentially result in system failures or miscalculations causing
disruptions of operations or an inability to process transactions.
The Company has been upgrading software programs and systems affected by
the year 2000 issues and believes that with modifications to existing software
and systems and migration to new software and systems, the year 2000 issues can
be substantially mitigated. The Company is in the process of implementing the
necessary modifications which are expected to be completed by April 1999. The
Company expects its incremental costs for software modifications and systems
upgrades to resolve the year 2000 issues will range from $10.0 million to $13.0
million. Pursuant to the Company's financial accounting and reporting policies,
purchased hardware and software costs are capitalized, and implementation costs,
including consultants' fees, are charged against income as incurred.
44
<PAGE> 49
CHANGING PRICES AND INFLATION
The GDPs require substantial amounts of electricity (approximately 27.4
million MWhs in fiscal 1997) to enrich uranium, representing up to 59% of the
Company's production costs. The Company purchases firm and non-firm power to
meet its production needs. The Company's production costs would increase to the
extent that the market prices of non-firm power, which represented 37% of the
Company's fiscal 1997 power needs, were to rise. In addition, the prices that
USEC pays for firm power could increase if there were additional regulatory
costs or unanticipated equipment failures at the power plants supplying the firm
power to the GDPs.
The New Contracts generally provide for prices that are subject to
adjustment for inflation. In recent years, inflation has not had a significant
impact on the Company's operations. Unless inflation increases substantially, it
is not expected to have a material effect.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive
Income," SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related
Information," in February 1998, SFAS No. 132 "Employers' Disclosures about
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits," and, in June 1998, SFAS No. 133
"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." The Company
adopted SFAS Nos. 130, 131, 132 and 133 with respect to its financial statements
for fiscal 1997, and adoption of the standards did not have a material effect on
its financial statements.
45
<PAGE> 50
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
THE ENRICHMENT PROCESS
Overview. As found in nature, uranium consists of three isotopes, the two
principal ones being uranium-235 (U(235)) and uranium-238 (U(238)). U(238) is
the more abundant but is not fissionable. U(235) is the fissionable isotope, but
its concentration in natural uranium is only about .711% by weight. Light water
nuclear reactors, which are operated by most nuclear utilities in the world
today, require low enriched uranium fuel, or LEU, with a U(235) concentration in
the range of 3% to 5% by weight. Uranium enrichment is the process by which the
concentration of U(235) is increased to that level.
Two existing commercial technologies are currently used to enrich uranium
for nuclear power plants -- the gaseous diffusion process and the gas centrifuge
process. The gaseous diffusion process involves the passage of UF(6) in a
gaseous form through a series of filters (or porous barrier) such that the UF(6)
is continuously enriched in U(235) as it moves through the process. Because
U(235) is lighter, it passes through the barrier more readily than does U(238),
resulting in a gaseous uranium that is enriched in U(235), the fissionable
isotope. The gaseous diffusion process is power-intensive, requiring significant
amounts of electricity to push the UF(6) through the filters. See
"Business -- Power." The other enrichment process, gas centrifuge, is
significantly less power intensive than the gaseous diffusion process and
employs rapidly spinning cylinders containing UF(6) to separate the fissionable
U(235) isotope from the non-fissionable U(238).
The fundamental building block of the gaseous diffusion process is known as
a stage, consisting of a compressor, a converter, a control valve and associated
piping. The compressors, which are driven by large electric motors, are used to
circulate the process gas and maintain flow. The converters contain porous tubes
known as barrier through which the process gas is diffused. Stages are grouped
together in series to form an operating unit called a cell. A cell is the
smallest group of stages that can be removed from service for maintenance.
Gaseous diffusion plants are designed so that cells can be taken off line with
little or no interruption in the process. In each converter, the portion of the
process gas that passes through the barrier is slightly enriched in U(235) and
is fed to the next higher stage. The gas, which has not passed through the
barrier, is depleted in U(235) to the same degree. It is recycled back to the
next lower stage. Because the velocity difference between the two isotopes of
uranium is very small, hundreds of successive stages are required for
enrichment. A gaseous diffusion plant configured to produce material with a
U(235) concentration of 4% from material at .711% by weight U(235) would contain
at least 1,200 stages in series. See "Business -- GDPs/Operations."
SWU. The standard of measure of effort or service in the uranium enrichment
industry is separative work units or SWU. A SWU is the amount of work or effort
that is required to transform a given amount of natural uranium feed stock
(UF(6)) into two streams of uranium, one enriched in the U(235) isotope and the
other depleted in the U(235) isotope. Prices for enrichment services are based
upon SWU, and the enrichment capacity of suppliers and the enrichment
requirements of nuclear utilities are also denominated in SWU.
Overfeeding/Underfeeding. SWU (and the related electricity required for
enrichment) and natural uranium are, to a certain extent, interchangeable in the
process to create enriched uranium. The Company can feed (i) more natural
uranium into the enrichment process, a mode of operation called "overfeeding,"
or (ii) less uranium into the enrichment process, a mode of operation called
"underfeeding." Overfeeding is economical if the sum of the value of the
additional natural uranium and the cost of disposing of the additional depleted
UF(6) generated is lower than the cost of the electricity used to produce the
additional enriched uranium. Underfeeding is economical if the cost of the
additional electricity required is lower than the savings from the use of less
natural uranium and its related disposal costs. Underfeeding serves to stockpile
the inventory of natural uranium which, if not needed for production, can be
sold.
THE NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE
Electric utilities with light water nuclear reactors require fissionable
uranium because it is the act of fission which releases the necessary heat
required to produce steam for the turbines which generate electricity. The
provision of uranium enrichment services (i.e., the process by which the
concentration of the fissionable
46
<PAGE> 51
isotope U(235) in natural uranium is increased to levels suitable for commercial
use) is one vital step in the nuclear fuel cycle as depicted in the diagram
below. Utilities typically obtain natural uranium as uranium ore concentrate
from a mining and milling company or other natural uranium supplier. Utilities
arrange to have the uranium ore concentrate converted to uranium hexafluoride
(UF(6)) at one of several converters located around the world. The UF(6) is
delivered to an enrichment services provider, such as the Company, for
enrichment in U(235). The enriched uranium is transported to a nuclear fuel
fabricator to have the enriched UF(6) converted into uranium dioxide pellets for
fabrication into fuel elements suitable for use in nuclear reactors.
Commercial Nuclear Fuel Cycle.
TEXT: Enrichment is one of a series of steps required to prepare naturally
occurring uranium for use as nuclear fuel.
GRAPHIC: Picture of a mine/mill with text "Uranium Mines & Mills", arrow
pointing to picture of buildings with text "U(3)O(8) Conversion to
UF6", arrow pointing to circle with text in top half of circle "USEC - Only
domestic source" with arrow pointing to picture of storage tanks with text
"Depleted Uranium Stockpile (Tails)" and text in bottom half of circle "U-235
Enrichment" with arrow pointing to a building with text "Coversion to UO(2) &
Fabrication of Fuel Assemblies", arrow pointing to reactor with text "Light
Water Reactor", and arrow pointing to facility with text "Waste
Storage/Disposal Facility".
MARKET FOR ENRICHMENT SERVICES
Supply Overview. There are currently four major uranium enrichment
suppliers worldwide: USEC, Tenex, Eurodif and Urenco. Tenex is an entity of the
Russian government. Eurodif is a multinational consortium controlled by the
French government. Other participants in the consortium include the Spanish,
Belgian, Italian and Iranian governments. Urenco is a consortium owned one-third
by the British government, one-third by the Dutch government and one-third by
two German utilities. Japan Nuclear Fuels Limited ("JNFL") and a Chinese
state-owned enrichment supplier are smaller providers that primarily serve their
respective domestic markets. See "Risk Factors -- Competition; Currency Exchange
Rates; Trend Toward Lower Pricing."
In addition, a relatively small spot market exists for uranium enrichment
services. The spot market developed in the mid-1980s as a result of utilities
reselling enrichment services that they were required to purchase under
take-or-pay contracts for reactors that were subsequently canceled or delayed
and by SWU sales from the former Soviet Union. By the early 1990s, however, the
spot market had declined in importance due to the elimination of utilities'
excess inventories and the impact of trade restrictions and market practices in
certain countries which have restricted sales from states of the former Soviet
Union into these markets. In 1997, the spot market supplied less than 2% of the
total world market for enrichment services.
Suppliers and Market Share. The following table sets forth certain
information about the major SWU suppliers, including the Company's estimate of
the SWU production capacity for each supplier. "Nameplate Capacity" refers to
the designed capacity of the facilities operated by the suppliers. Supply for
Tenex also
47
<PAGE> 52
reflects trade restrictions and market practices limiting its ability to sell in
the U.S., Western Europe and certain Asian countries.
FISCAL YEAR 1997 ESTIMATED ENRICHMENT CAPABILITIES
(IN MILLIONS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAMEPLATE
CAPACITY(1) SUPPLY
SUPPLIER (SWU) (SWU) TECHNOLOGY
- -------- ----------- ------ -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
USEC
Produced.................................. 18.7 10.3 Gaseous Diffusion
Purchased................................. -- 3.1 Purchased
USEC Total........................ 18.7 13.4
Eurodif..................................... 11.0 7.5(2) Gaseous Diffusion
Tenex....................................... 20.0 7.5 Gas Centrifuge
Urenco...................................... 3.8 3.8 Gas Centrifuge
Other(3).................................... 1.5 1.5 Various
Total............................. 55.0 33.7
</TABLE>
- ---------------
Source: Company estimates derived from industry, trade and consulting
publications
(1) Nameplate capacity refers to the designed capacity of the facilities
operated by the respective supplier.
(2) Eurodif's production reflects its current economics: the relative SWU price
versus the prevailing cost of power.
(3) This includes the spot market, JNFL and a Chinese state-owned facility.
The Company's estimate of the fiscal 1997 market share of the four major
suppliers and the spot market in the five geographical market sectors is set
forth in the following table.
FISCAL YEAR 1997 ESTIMATED WORLDWIDE MARKET SHARE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NORTH FY97 WORLD
AMERICA(1) ASIA W. EUROPE E. EUROPE OTHER(2) MARKET SHARE
---------- ---- --------- --------- -------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
USEC............................. 75%(3) 68% 10% 0% 0% 40%(3)
Eurodif.......................... 12 14 49 2 28 23
Tenex............................ 5(4) 5 16 96 28 22(4)
Urenco........................... 7 6 24 2 0 11
Spot/Other(5).................... 2 8 2 0 45 4
Total(6)............... 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
</TABLE>
- ---------------
Source: Company estimates derived from industry, trade and consulting
publications
(1) Includes: U.S. and Mexico.
(2) Includes: Argentina, Brazil, China, India, Iran, Pakistan, South Africa,
North Korea and Turkey.
(3) Includes approximately 4.5% North American and 1.5% world market share for
Russian matched sales. See "Business -- Foreign Trade Matters."
(4) Excludes Russian matched sales in the U.S. See "Business -- Foreign Trade
Matters."
(5) Includes the spot market, JNFL and a Chinese state-owned facility.
(6) Percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.
Eurodif operates a single gaseous diffusion plant and is part of a closely
interlocked French nuclear infrastructure; it purchases nearly all of its power
from Electricite de France ("EdF") and sells about 60% of its annual SWU output
to EdF.
The Tenex facilities consist of a number of early-generation gas centrifuge
plants. Although Tenex's centrifuge plants are older and therefore less
efficient than those of Urenco, USEC believes that Tenex has the lowest overall
production costs of the major suppliers. Tenex benefits from (i) low power
requirements (a characteristic of centrifuge technology), (ii) moderate manpower
costs (a result of its low wage rate, notwithstanding its high labor and
overhead levels) and (iii) minimal capital charges. Despite Tenex's favorable
cost structure, it operates at less than maximum capacity because trade and
political restrictions
48
<PAGE> 53
limit its ability to access the United States, Western European and certain
Asian markets. In addition, the Company believes that Tenex's production
capacity is further constrained by its current equipment conditions.
Urenco has a favorable competitive cost position, influenced significantly
by its use of the gas centrifuge. Although Urenco's production capacity is
currently 3.8 million SWU, it continues to add capacity and make systematic
improvements to its centrifuge designs, thereby increasing efficiency and
output. These changes serve to incrementally improve Urenco's cost position and
increase capacity, which is expected to increase to approximately 5 million SWU
by 2000. Urenco is also currently in the testing phase of its latest centrifuge
technology, which could be deployed in the 2000 to 2001 time frame.
Additional Supply Sources. In addition to the primary uranium enrichment
suppliers, other sources of enriched uranium exist. The principal source is LEU
derived from HEU obtained from dismantled United States and Russian nuclear
weapons and military stockpiles. As the Executive Agent to the U.S. Government
under the government-to-government agreement between the United States and the
Russian Federation, USEC purchases the uranium enrichment component of HEU
recovered from dismantled Russian nuclear weapons. USEC has also received
transfers of HEU from the U.S. Government. Russia has significant supplies of
HEU from dismantled weapons and military stockpiles, and its future disposition
plans are unknown. According to an HEU disposition plan issued by the DOE in
1996, the U.S. Government has approximately 35 to 40 metric tons of excess HEU
which the U.S. Government could blend down into LEU and introduce into the
market in the 2001 to 2011 time frame. With respect to any U.S. Government sales
of this material, such future sales would be subject to the provisions of the
Privatization Act applicable to such sales.
Enrichment capacity can also be added through increases in existing
capacities of suppliers or by the construction of new facilities or development
of new processes. As discussed above, Urenco has plans to expand its output and
is also currently testing a more advanced centrifuge. Both JNFL and the Chinese
Government have been pursuing capacity expansion programs through incremental
construction and the acquisition of centrifuge technology which in total is not
expected to exceed a capacity of 2.1 million SWU per year.
Demand Overview. According to the Nuclear Energy Institute, an industry
organization, nuclear power represents approximately 19% of the domestic and 17%
of the worldwide utility electricity production. The demand for uranium
enrichment services is a function of the total number of light water nuclear
reactors using enriched uranium fuel and their total fuel requirements. As of
March 31, 1998, there were 108 utilities operating 378 nuclear reactors that use
enriched uranium for fuel in 28 countries. This includes 44 utilities operating
105 nuclear reactors in the United States.
Substantial increases or decreases in total SWU demand occur only as new
reactors are brought on line or when others cease operations. Based on the
relatively low operating costs of nuclear reactors, most utilities run their
nuclear reactors at maximum output to meet their base-load requirements. Because
of this base-load nature of nuclear operations, declines in electricity
consumption have a relatively modest impact on the fuel needs of operating
reactors. As a result, over the long term, utility demand for SWU is generally
stable.
Deliveries of enriched uranium to customers are determined by reactor
refueling schedules which are affected by, among other things, the seasonal
nature of electricity demand and the operating availability of the reactor.
Utilities try to schedule the shutdown of their reactors for refueling to
coincide with periods of low demand, typically spring and fall. For efficiency
reasons, utilities also attempt to run their reactors for periods of 12 months,
18 months, or in some cases, up to 24 months between refuelings. Thus some
reactors are scheduled for fall refuelings, some for spring refuelings, and some
are scheduled for 18-month cycles which alternate between the two seasons.
LEU may only be exported to utilities in those countries that have a
nuclear agreement for cooperation in effect with the United States. Since not
all countries are parties to such agreements with the United States, certain
markets are not currently available to the Company. See "Business -- Foreign
Trade Matters."
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<PAGE> 54
Current and Future Demand. The Company estimates that the worldwide demand
for enrichment services in fiscal 1997 was 33.7 million SWU. The following table
shows the breakdown of demand by region.
FISCAL YEAR 1997 ESTIMATED DEMAND BY REGION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
REGION SWU DEMAND
- ------ -------------
(IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C>
North America............................................... 11.2
Western Europe.............................................. 11.1
Asia (Japan, South Korea and Taiwan)........................ 5.9
Eastern Europe and former Soviet countries.................. 5.0
Other(1).................................................... 0.5
----
Total............................................. 33.7
====
</TABLE>
- ---------------
Source: Based on Company estimates.
(1) "Other" includes: Argentina, Brazil, China, India, Iran, Pakistan, South
Africa, North Korea and Turkey.
Worldwide growth in nuclear reactors largely depends on the anticipated
long-term growth in electric power consumption and the availability and costs of
alternative fuel sources, mainly fossil fuels. For the next five years, the
Company anticipates that global enrichment demand will average approximately 36
million SWU per year. While the worldwide demand for SWU is expected to increase
slightly, demand in the Asian market (Japan, South Korea and Taiwan) is expected
to increase significantly from approximately 5.9 million SWU in fiscal 1997 to
approximately 9 million SWU by fiscal 2009, most of which increase is expected
to occur after 2002. This is based on the anticipated addition of 18 new
reactors in Japan and South Korea which are anticipated to result in an increase
in nuclear generating capacity of 37% by 2010 in those countries. The Company
believes that the nuclear power market in the U.S. and Western Europe has peaked
and will likely decline slightly over the next 10 to 15 years as poorer
performing and older reactors reach the end of their economic lives.
The average age of the 105 operating U.S. nuclear reactors, as well as of
the reactors comprising USEC's United States customer base, is 18 years. Nuclear
reactors are licensed by the NRC for 40 years. Three United States utilities
have recently announced initiatives to secure a license extension on certain
nuclear units, and others are expected to take similar initiatives. Utilities
base decisions regarding continued operation of reactors primarily on issues of
licensing and economics.
Open Demand. The potential open demand in any year consists only of that
part of requirements not already contracted for by utilities. All major
suppliers have substantial forward commitments. Accordingly, the Company
estimates that, at March 31, 1998, worldwide open demand through fiscal 1999 is
minimal. The Company believes that open demand will increase to approximately
6.5 million SWU in fiscal 2001 as commitments under existing contracts begin to
expire and new reactors begin operation.
As a practical matter, open demand is generally not equally available to
all suppliers. In certain markets, government involvement in, and ownership of,
utility and enrichment facilities requires purchases from native suppliers. This
occurs in France, as well as in Japan, where utilities are contractually
committed to purchase 100% of JNFL's output. This amounted to approximately 11%
of the Japanese utilities' requirements in fiscal 1997.
Pricing. Uranium enrichment services are priced based upon SWU. Customers
specify the assay of the enriched uranium product they desire (i.e., percent of
U(235) in the product), as well as the transaction "tails assay" (i.e., the
percentage of U(235) in the depleted UF(6)). This yields a specific number of
SWU for which the customer is charged. SWU generally can be viewed as fungible
in that SWU produced by all enrichers are delivered pursuant to established
industry specifications. Accordingly, enrichment service providers attempt to
distinguish themselves by price, reliability of supply and customer service
rather than by product variation.
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<PAGE> 55
Customers generally purchase SWU under long-term requirements contracts,
although the length of such contracts has been declining in recent years. The
price per SWU that a producer charges is a reflection of a combination of
factors including, among other things, the producer's cost of operations and
market supply and demand. The contract defines the SWU price and a range of
tails assays set as provided in the contract. The aggregate amount that a
customer pays is a function of the per SWU price and the number of SWU required.
The number of SWU required is a function of the operation of the reactor and the
tails assay selected by the customer.
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<PAGE> 56
BUSINESS
OVERVIEW
USEC, a global energy company, is the world leader in the production and
sale of uranium fuel enrichment services for commercial nuclear power plants.
USEC currently has approximately a 75% share of the North American uranium
enrichment market and a 40% share of the world market. Uranium enrichment is a
critical step in transforming natural uranium into fuel for nuclear reactors to
produce electricity. USEC enriches uranium utilizing the gaseous diffusion
process at two plants located in Paducah, Kentucky and near Portsmouth, Ohio.
USEC's fiscal 1997 revenue and pre-tax income were $1.6 billion and $250.1
million, respectively. The Company's net income on a pro forma basis (primarily
to reflect provision for federal, state and local income taxes and interest
expense) for fiscal 1997 was $133.2 million.
The Company supplies enriched uranium to approximately 60 customers for use
in 176 nuclear reactors located in 14 countries throughout the world. Generally,
the Company's contracts with its customers are "requirements" contracts pursuant
to which the customer is obligated to purchase a specified percentage of its
enriched uranium requirements from the Company. Consequently, the Company's
annual sales are dependent upon the customers' requirements for the Company's
services, which are driven by nuclear reactor refueling schedules, reactor
maintenance schedules, customers' considerations of costs, and regulatory
actions. Based on customers' estimates of their requirements, as of March 31,
1998, the Company had long-term requirements contracts with utilities to provide
uranium enrichment services aggregating approximately $3.2 billion through
fiscal year 2000 and $7.4 billion through fiscal year 2009. As of March 31,
1997, the Company had long-term requirements contracts to provide uranium
enrichment services aggregating approximately $3.6 billion through fiscal year
1999 and $8.6 billion through fiscal year 2008.
The Company began operations on the Transition Date when the U.S.
Government's uranium enrichment activities were transferred from DOE to the
Company. Since the Transition Date, USEC has adopted a series of private-sector
management practices which have enabled it to be more responsive to its
customers and to market forces. Applying private sector principles has
significantly improved the Company's competitive positioning by: (i) adding $4.3
billion in new contract commitments through fiscal 2009 during the period from
the Transition Date through March 31, 1998 (consisting of $4.1 billion from
extensions of contracts or new contracts with existing customers and $200.0
million from contracts with new customers); (ii) significantly reducing order
fulfillment times; (iii) maintaining a strong safety record at the GDPs while
increasing Company-wide focus on regulatory compliance; and (iv) obtaining
certification for the GDPs from the NRC. In addition, USEC has acquired a
significant inventory of uranium from the U.S. Government.
STRATEGY
The Company's goal is to continue to be the world's leading supplier of
uranium fuel enrichment services and to diversify over time into related
strategic businesses that will contribute to the Company's growth and
profitability. To achieve its goal, the Company intends to focus on the
following:
Aggressively Pursue Sales Opportunities. The Company has implemented a
strategy designed to increase sales to existing customers, many of whom
currently buy less than 100% of their requirements from the Company (typically
70%) and to add new customers. Flexible contract terms have replaced
standardized DOE contracts, and the Company has increased its attention to
customer service, product quality and reliability. Management has implemented a
variety of private-sector marketing principles which emphasize responsiveness to
the needs of individual customers. In addition, USEC is committed to
capitalizing on its reputation as a reliable and timely supplier and to
delivering superior customer service. The Company has actively worked to reduce
delivery times and has implemented an electronic order service system to
facilitate management of customer orders and tracking of inventory.
Improve Operating Efficiencies. The Company plans to continue to improve
operating efficiencies by implementing a rigorous cost management program. A
cornerstone of this program is USEC's commitment to continually investigate
opportunities to purchase low-cost power and to seek the most efficient use of
non-firm power to minimize the cost of power per SWU produced. The Company has
also adopted cost containment
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<PAGE> 57
goals intended to be achieved through improved power utilization, increased SWU
production per labor hour, and other material and service cost reductions. USEC
is committed to containing operating costs while ensuring continued compliance
with health, safety and environmental standards.
Commercialize AVLIS Technology. USEC plans to complete the development and
commence commercialization of the next generation of uranium enrichment
technology, AVLIS, which uses lasers to enrich uranium, and which should permit
USEC to remain one of the lowest cost suppliers of uranium enrichment services
and enhance its competitive position. The Company believes that it will be able
to deploy a full-scale AVLIS facility in 2005. In addition, it is possible that
the AVLIS technology may have applications in the medical, precision tool and
semiconductor industries which the Company may elect to explore either on its
own or through licensing arrangements. As AVLIS is being brought on line for
production, the GDP facilities and AVLIS are expected to operate simultaneously.
By 2006, AVLIS is expected to be able to displace some or all of the production
of the GDPs; however, the Company will evaluate issues such as market demand and
other supply sources at that time prior to making any decisions with respect to
the GDPs.
Diversify Over the Longer Term. The Company intends to diversify its
business over time into related strategic businesses that will contribute to the
Company's growth and profitability. This strategy could, among other things,
result in the Company becoming involved in other phases of the nuclear fuel
cycle that draw on its knowledge of the nuclear industry thereby allowing the
Company to become a leader in the global nuclear energy market. Although the
Company as a government corporation has not identified any acquisitions or
strategic alliances, it intends to pursue appropriate opportunities which, among
other criteria, are expected to: (i) offer a favorable balance with respect to
market potential and manageable market entry risk; (ii) broaden USEC's operating
base beyond its core business in ways that allow for the leveraging of its core
competencies; (iii) diversify risk by being counter-cyclical to existing
business; (iv) earn returns in excess of certain financial benchmarks including
USEC's cost of capital; and (v) be accretive to earnings within a reasonable
period of time.
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES
Although the Company operates in a highly competitive environment, USEC
believes that the following factors should enable it to compete effectively and
continue as the world leader in the uranium enrichment market:
- Strong Financial Position. USEC's strong financial position results from
a significant backlog of contracted services attributable to established
customers and a pro forma balance sheet at March 31, 1998 with $550.0
million in debt (representing 32% of total capitalization, adjusted to
include short-term debt). The Company has long-term requirements contracts
with utilities to provide uranium enrichment services aggregating
approximately $3.2 billion through fiscal 2000 and $7.4 billion through
fiscal 2009.
- Favorable Arrangements with the U.S. Government. The Company is the
beneficiary of several favorable long-term arrangements with the U.S.
Government, implemented in connection with the Privatization. These
arrangements, which will continue following the Privatization, include:
- An advantageous lease providing for nominal rent payments for its
production facilities with an open term renewal option;
- Low-cost power purchase arrangements pursuant to which USEC purchases
electricity (which represents up to 59% of the Company's production
costs) at an average cost of less than 2 cents/kWh; and
- The assumption by the U.S. Government of substantially all liabilities
arising from the operation of the GDPs prior to the Privatization,
including substantially all environmental liabilities.
- AVLIS. USEC has the exclusive commercial rights to the AVLIS technology
developed by the U.S. Government and believes that it has a considerable
lead-time advantage over others attempting to develop similar laser-based
uranium enrichment technology. The Company believes this new technology
has the potential to offer significant cost advantages over both gaseous
diffusion and centrifuge technology. The Company estimates that AVLIS will
use only 5% to 10% of the power currently
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<PAGE> 58
required of gaseous diffusion, will require significantly less capital
investment than new centrifuge plants of similar capacity and will operate
at levels requiring about 20% to 30% less natural uranium to produce
comparable amounts of enriched uranium.
- Ability to Complete Sales from Natural Uranium Inventory. USEC is
positioned to supplement its uranium enrichment revenues through new sales
of natural uranium. USEC's existing inventory contains a substantial
amount of natural uranium, which has been supplemented by the transfer of
additional uranium from the U.S. Government. See "Business -- Natural
Uranium and HEU from DOE."
- Executive Agent Under an U.S./Russia Agreement. USEC is the Executive
Agent for the United States under a government-to-government agreement
between the United States and the Russian Federation. In this capacity,
USEC purchases from Russia the SWU component of LEU derived from HEU
recovered from dismantled nuclear weapons of the former Soviet Union.
Although acting as U.S. Executive Agent may pose certain risks, the
arrangement provides an important strategic opportunity for USEC to
introduce additional uranium enrichment services from Russia to the global
market on an orderly basis and in a competitive manner that ensures the
reliability and continuity of supply to enrichment customers. See
"Business -- Russian HEU Contract."
SALES AND MARKETING
One of the Company's top priorities has been to obtain additional
commitments from existing customers and to add new customers. In pursuing this
priority, the Company has initiated a flexible approach to both pricing and
service, including shortening customer order lead times and introducing systems
to manage natural uranium provided by customers, while implementing a variety of
initiatives designed to improve customer service.
The Company has contracts with 64 nuclear utility customers operating 273
nuclear reactors located in 14 countries. USEC provides enrichment services to
176 of these reactors. Domestic customer purchases accounted for 60% of the
Company's fiscal 1997 revenue and foreign customers represented 40%. The
proportion of annual revenue generated from domestic and foreign customers is
expected to remain relatively constant through the end of the decade.
Following the Transition Date, the Company established a Sales and
Marketing unit as a part of its strategy to grow its core business. This unit
now includes 18 professionals working in three groups. The first group includes
persons responsible for direct sales and is organized into two teams covering
the North American and international markets, respectively. The sales executives
negotiate contracts and work to establish ongoing positive relationships with
their assigned customers. The second group focuses on customer service and
revenue accounting. The third group develops and sustains USEC's competitive
differentiation in the marketplace with the goal of ensuring that the Company
maintains its market position in pricing, customer value-added service and
market share.
As a part of its marketing strategy, the Company endeavors to differentiate
its services from those of its competitors. In this regard, the Company believes
that in making their purchasing decisions, utilities consider the price of
enrichment services to be the most significant factor; however, issues of
reliability, product quality and customer service are also important. The
Company believes that it offers competitive prices and that it delivers superior
customer service. In addition, the Company has a strong reputation as a reliable
long-term supplier of enrichment services. See "Business -- Competition."
Consequently, the Company's marketing strategy includes efforts to educate
utilities to associate the combination of these positive features - competitive
pricing, customer service, reliability - with the "USEC" name. USEC believes
that this name "branding" strategy will help differentiate its services from
those of its competitors and enhance its position as the industry leader.
No one customer accounted for more than 10% of fiscal 1997 revenue. The
Company's 10 largest customers collectively accounted for 50% of its fiscal 1997
revenue and included Arizona Public Service Company, Carolina Power and Light
Company, Commonwealth Edison Company, Empresa Nacional Del Uranio, S.A. (Spain),
Houston Lighting & Power Company, The Kansai Electric Power Company,
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Incorporated (Japan), Korea Electric Power Corporation, PECO Energy Company,
Tennessee Valley Authority and Tokyo Electric Power Company, Inc.
CUSTOMER CONTRACTS AND PRICING
Overview. In excess of 95% of enrichment services are provided by primary
suppliers selling directly to utilities under multi-year contracts. While some
of these contracts are for fixed quantities, the vast majority are
"requirements" contracts. Under a requirements contract, enrichment services are
provided as and when needed. The amount of enrichment services actually
purchased, therefore, depends on a number of factors including the capacity and
performance of the reactor. Under this type of contract, the supplier receives
the benefit of increases and assumes the risk of reductions in demand.
Transactions are small in number but large in size, with a typical contract
exceeding $50 million in value. Purchasing strategies tend to differ by utility
size, region of the world and the relative value placed upon reliability, price
and flexibility. There is an emerging trend among utilities to divide their
purchases among several shorter-term contracts and stagger their renegotiations,
thereby giving themselves maximum flexibility to respond to the market.
The Company currently provides enrichment services to customers under two
types of requirements contracts: (i) the "Utility Services Contracts," which are
the uniform contracts that were transferred to the Company by DOE on the
Transition Date, and (ii) New Contracts, which are (A) contracts negotiated or
renegotiated by the Company with existing and new customers since the Transition
Date which have been tailored to meet the particular needs of individual
customers and (B) certain Utility Services Contracts which have been
substantially amended since the Transition Date. A majority of USEC's customers
have transitioned from their older Utility Service Contract or equivalent
contract to New Contracts.
CUSTOMERS AND REVENUE BY CONTRACT TYPE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UTILITY
SERVICES NEW
CONTRACTS CONTRACTS
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Number of utility customers................................. 50 10
FY 1995 Revenue............................................. 80% 20%
-- --
Number of utility customers................................. 39 25
FY 1996 Revenue............................................. 58% 42%
-- --
Number of utility customers................................. 34 30
FY 1997 Revenue............................................. 46% 54%
-- --
Number of utility customers................................. 29 35
Nine months ended March 31, 1998 Revenue.................... 47% 53%
-- --
</TABLE>
Utility Services Contracts. As originally executed by DOE and the customers
in 1984, the Utility Services Contracts have a term of 30 years. Pursuant to the
terms of these contracts, a customer may terminate its future purchase
obligation without penalty if it provides 10 years' prior notice of such
termination and may terminate on shorter notice by incurring a substantial
termination fee.
Twenty-one customers with Utility Services Contracts are not obligated to
purchase from USEC in at least one of the fiscal years 1999 through 2002
pursuant to their exercise of termination rights prior to the Transition Date.
To avoid anticipated terminations and facilitate new contract discussions,
the Company has waived the 10-year notice provision for each year from fiscal
2003 through 2008, inclusive. Accordingly, the Utility Service Contract
customers who have not already exercised the termination right or who have not
already made firm commitments for these years can now terminate commitments to
the Company in any of fiscal 2003 through 2008 by giving notice no later than
October 1, 1998.
As of March 31, 1998, 17 customers with Utility Services Contracts are not
obligated to purchase from USEC in at least one of the years 2003 through 2008
pursuant to their exercise of termination rights. Furthermore, the Company
expects that, unless the advance notice requirement is again waived in fiscal
1999,
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<PAGE> 60
most or all of the remaining customers with Utility Services Contracts who have
not yet exercised these rights will exercise such rights with respect to the
fiscal 2003 to 2008 period prior to October 1, 1998.
The Company believes that regardless of whether they have exercised their
termination rights, many of these customers have not yet made any decisions
regarding purchases for fiscal 2003 through 2008, in part because of the
long-term nature of these requirements. The Company intends to vigorously pursue
contracts with such customers.
Under certain situations, the Utility Services Contracts provide customers
with the flexibility to vary the percentage of their annual purchase
commitments. Specifically, if the customer has agreed to purchase 70% or more of
its annual requirements from the Company, then it may vary its commitment
between 70% and 100% with five-years' notice to the Company. The Company has
waived the five-year notice requirement for customers that committed to purchase
70% or more of their requirements from the Company in fiscal 1999 as long as
they respond by April 1, 1998 and in fiscal 2000, 2001 and 2002, as long as they
respond by October 1, 1998.
New Contracts. The Company's New Contracts are also primarily requirements
contracts. The New Contracts have been individually negotiated with each
utility. This has allowed the Company to tailor the economic, legal and
operational terms in response to specific customer needs. The terms of the New
Contracts have been in the range of 3 to 11 years and such contracts typically
do not contain advance termination provisions. Terms contained in the New
Contracts include establishment of accounts for customer-owned natural and
enriched uranium, allocation of financial responsibility for taxes and future
regulatory charges, limitation of liability for damages, and protection against
liability to third parties arising from nuclear incidents. Additionally,
consistent with the Company's goal of providing maximum flexibility to
customers, many New Contracts contain options, tailored to each customer's
particular needs, that permit customers to increase and decrease the percentage
of requirements purchased from USEC in specific years.
The Company believes that its willingness to provide flexible contract
terms has been instrumental in its ability to successfully compete for and
capture open demand. The Company also believes that the advent of shorter
contract terms is an industry-wide phenomenon: utilities have been experiencing
rapid changes in their industry and have been less willing to enter into
extended obligations. This trend toward shorter contract terms requires that the
Company, as well as its competitors, pursue new sales with greater frequency.
The general effect of this is to increase the level of competition among uranium
enrichment suppliers for new SWU commitments. See "Risk Factors -- Competition;
Currency Exchange Rates; Trend Toward Lower Pricing."
Calculation of "Backlog". Under both types of contracts, customers are
required to provide non-binding estimates of their SWU requirements to the
Company to facilitate the Company's ability to forecast production requirements
and revenue. The dollar amount of the SWU that the Company's customers are
anticipated to purchase pursuant to the foregoing calculation is referred to in
this Prospectus as the Company's "backlog" or as the aggregate dollar amount of
enrichment services that the Company expects to sell pursuant to its multi-year
requirements contracts with utilities. Because the Company expects that most of
the customers with Utility Services Contracts will exercise their right to
terminate commitments in years 2003 through 2008, the Company has not relied on
their estimates of expected purchases in such years in calculating the backlog.
Pricing. Uranium enrichment services are priced based upon SWU.
Historically, the U.S. Government established a uniform price under long-term
SWU contracts that was required by law to be based upon a recovery of the U.S.
Government's costs in producing SWU and was subject to annual adjustment.
The base price of the Utility Services Contracts transferred to the Company
on the Transition Date was $125 per SWU (the "Base Price"). The Company has not
increased the price under contracts transferred from DOE, and as of March 31,
1998 the price remained $125 per SWU. The Company's Base Price is generally
applicable to 70% of requirements purchased by customers under Utility Services
Contracts. This Base Price may be adjusted upward or downward by the Company
with 180 days' notice so long as it does not exceed a ceiling charge established
under a formula in the Utilities Services Contracts. In each of fiscal years
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<PAGE> 61
1997 and 1998, the average price billed to the Company's customers under the
Utility Services Contracts and New Contracts was approximately $115 per SWU.
Currently, although SWU is essentially a commodity product, there are no
standard indices in the long-term SWU market and contracts are entered into on a
confidential basis. New SWU prices under long-term contracts are influenced by
supply and demand dynamics in the market. Prices for uranium enrichment services
under the New Contracts are negotiated. They are influenced by the volume and
timing of the customer's open SWU commitments, perceptions of future market
prices and the variety of options and operational flexibility required. New
Contracts provide for prices that are significantly lower than the current Base
Price under the Utility Services Contracts, reflecting current market
conditions. See "Risk Factors -- Competition; Currency Exchange Rates; Trend
Toward Lower Pricing," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations." New Contracts generally provide that
prices are subject to adjustment for inflation and, subject to certain
limitations, for cost increases incurred by the Company resulting from changes
in regulatory requirements.
The spot market is driven by excess customer inventories, often brokered
through an independent trader and sold to utilities with open demand not under
contract. The average spot market price was approximately $79 per SWU in
calendar 1986. By the spring of 1990, the full sales effect of utilities' excess
inventory and SWU from the former Soviet Union entering into the spot market
pushed the spot market price to a low of $49 per SWU. The average spot market
price was approximately $91 per SWU in 1997. In 1997, the spot market supplied
less than 2% of the total world market for enrichment services.
RUSSIAN HEU CONTRACT
Overview. The Company has been designated by the U.S. Government to act as
its Executive Agent in connection with a government-to-government agreement
between the United States and the Russian Federation relating to the acquisition
of LEU derived from HEU recovered from dismantled nuclear weapons from the
former Soviet Union. In January 1994, the Company signed the Russian HEU
Contract with Tenex, Executive Agent for Minatom, which, in turn, is the
Executive Agent for the Russian Federation. Under the contract, USEC expects to
purchase up to approximately 92 million SWU contained in LEU over a 20 year
period according to a specified schedule. The LEU will be derived from up to 500
metric tons of HEU being blended down in Russia to a level suitable for
commercial power reactor fuel.
In April 1997, the Company entered into the Executive Agent MOA with the
United States Department of State and DOE whereby the Company has agreed to
continue to serve as the U.S. Executive Agent following the Privatization. Under
the terms of the government-to-government agreement and the Executive Agent MOA,
the Company can be terminated, or resign, as U.S. Executive Agent upon the
provision of 30 days' notice. In the event of termination or resignation, the
Company would have the right and the obligation to purchase SWU that is to be
delivered during the calendar year of the date of termination and the following
calendar year. The Executive Agent MOA also provides that the U.S. Government
can appoint alternate or additional Executive Agents to carry out the
government-to-government agreement.
SWU Component of Russian LEU from HEU. USEC ordered 3.3 million SWU in
calendar 1997, of which 3.2 million SWU had been delivered as of March 31, 1998,
and 4.4 million SWU were ordered for calendar 1998. USEC has committed to order
up to 5.5 million SWU in each of the calendar years 1999, 2000 and 2001. The
quantities and the mechanism for establishing prices for SWU purchases under the
Russian HEU Contract through 2001 have been set, although prices for SWU
delivered in 1999, 2000 and 2001 are subject to price adjustments based on U.S.
inflation. The contract provides that the parties will meet in 2000 and may at
that time agree on quantities and prices for the five years beginning in 2002.
The Company expects to purchase 5.5 million SWU in each of the years following
2001 during the remaining term of the Russian HEU Contract.
The price the Company is currently paying for the Russian SWU is
substantially higher than the Company's marginal cost of producing SWU at the
GDPs. See "Risk Factors -- Risks Associated with Purchases Under the Russian HEU
Contract." Consequently, although the Company presently can resell the Russian
SWU for more than the Company is paying, such sales are less profitable than
sales of SWU
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produced at the GDPs. Nevertheless, as the only U.S. provider of enrichment
services today and as a result of its strong technical capability, backlog and
financial position, the Company believes that it is uniquely positioned to act
as U.S. Executive Agent under the Russian HEU Contract. The Company believes it
can best integrate this additional supply of enrichment services into the market
in a manner that minimizes market disruption and ensures the reliability and
continuity of economic supply to electric utilities.
USEC pays for the SWU delivered under the Russian HEU Contract within 60
days after delivery. In order to facilitate and support the Russian Federation's
implementation of the contract, however, the Company made advance payments to
Tenex of $60 million in calendar 1994 and $100 million in each of calendar years
1995 and 1996. USEC credits advance payments, up to $50 million per year,
against half of the SWU value in each delivery received and makes cash payments
for the remaining portion. As of March 31, 1998, $162.0 million of the $260.0
million in advance payments had been credited against the 6.5 million SWU
purchased. From inception of the Russian HEU Contract to March 31, 1998, the
Company purchased 6.5 million SWU derived from 35 metric tons of HEU at an
aggregate cost of $556.5 million, including related shipping charges.
Natural Uranium Component of Russian HEU. Although the Russian HEU Contract
as originally executed in 1994 obligated USEC to purchase the natural uranium
component of LEU deliveries, USEC and Tenex amended the contract in 1996 in
accordance with the Privatization Act to provide that with respect to all LEU
deliveries under the contract after January 1, 1997 USEC would transfer the
natural uranium component of such deliveries to Tenex. Consequently, since
January 1997, USEC has purchased (and has committed to purchase in the future)
only the SWU component of LEU delivered by Tenex under the contract. With
respect to deliveries in calendar years 1995 and 1996, as directed by the
Privatization Act, USEC purchased both the SWU and natural uranium components
and transferred the natural uranium component to DOE in December 1996.
NATURAL URANIUM AND HEU FROM DOE
Under the Privatization Act, DOE is required to transfer to the Company, at
no cost, up to 50 metric tons of HEU and up to 7,000 metric tons of natural
uranium from DOE's stockpile subject to certain restrictions. See "Pro Forma
Financial Information -- Pro Forma Balance Sheet." The 50 metric tons of HEU
represents 3.4 million SWU and 5,000 metric tons of natural uranium. The Company
is responsible for costs related to the blending of the HEU into LEU, as well as
certain transportation, safeguards and security costs. The Company received the
7,000 metric tons of natural uranium in April 1998 and anticipates receiving the
50 metric tons of HEU over the period September 1998 to September 2003. The
Privatization Act places certain limits on the ability of the Company to deliver
this material for commercial use in the United States. In particular, the
Company may not deliver for use in the United States (i) more than 10% of the
uranium in any calendar year, or (ii) more than 800,000 SWU contained in LEU in
any calendar year.
In May 1998, the Company also received an additional 3,800 metric tons of
natural uranium and 45 metric tons of LEU to settle DOE's liabilities for
nuclear safety upgrade costs and to satisfy certain other remaining obligations
of DOE to the Company. The 45 metric tons of LEU represent 280,000 SWU and 453
metric tons of natural uranium. The Company may not deliver such uranium for
commercial use in the United States over less than a four-year period.
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The following chart sets forth USEC's SWU and natural uranium inventory,
together with transfers that USEC has already or expects to receive from the
U.S. Government.
USEC SWU AND URANIUM INVENTORY AND EXPECTED TRANSFERS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEPARATIVE
WORK URANIUM
UNITS AS UF(6)
----------- -------------
(THOUSANDS) (METRIC TONS)
<S> <C> <C>
Inventories at March 31, 1998............................... 7,944 12,145
Transfer of 45 metric tons of LEU........................... 280 453
Transfer of 3,800 metric tons of uranium.................... -- 3,800
Transfer of .8 metric tons of HEU........................... 342 211
Transfer of 7,000 metric tons of uranium.................... -- 7,000
Transfer of 50 metric tons of HEU........................... 3,400 5,000
------ ------
11,966 28,609
====== ======
</TABLE>
The average annual price in the spot market for a kilogram of uranium as
UF(6), based on month-end data, was $37.10 in 1997, $46.71 in 1996, $35.59 in
1995, $29.66 in 1994, and $30.59 in 1993.
Depending on customer requirements and other factors, the Company expects
to retain the equivalent of approximately 5,000 metric tons of natural uranium
to meet ongoing operational requirements, and would anticipate, over time,
selling the remaining inventory. USEC plans to sell this natural uranium
gradually, as uranium or together with SWU in the form of enriched uranium
product, through 2005. The Company intends to manage its sales of natural
uranium so as to not significantly affect the U.S. natural uranium market. See
"Risk Factors -- Natural Uranium Sales."
GDPS/OPERATIONS
The Company's GDPs at Paducah and Portsmouth are among the largest
industrial facilities in the world. The process buildings at the two GDPs have a
total floor area of approximately 330 acres and a ground coverage of about 167
acres. The GDPs are designed so that cells or groups of equipment can be taken
off line with little or no interruption in the process. In fiscal years 1995,
1996 and 1997, the GDPs produced 13.6 million SWU, 10.6 million SWU, and 10.3
million SWU, respectively, based on operating tails assays. The Company's
operations at the GDPs involve certain risks which are described in "Risk
Factors -- Risks Associated with Enrichment Operations."
Paducah. The Paducah GDP is located in McCracken County in western
Kentucky. The total site covers 750 acres and consists of four process
buildings. The plant has been in continuous operation since September 1952.
Between 1971 and 1982, the plant underwent extensive improvements.
Paducah has been certified by the NRC to produce low enriched uranium up to
2.75% U(235) and has a design capacity of 11.3 million SWU per year. Uranium
enriched at the Paducah GDP is shipped to the Portsmouth GDP for further
enrichment. The Company may seek approval to operate Paducah to produce enriched
uranium up to 5% U(235), which would provide the Company with additional
operating flexibility to meet customer requirements. In order to ship enriched
uranium to fuel fabricators from this facility, certain modifications to the
shipping and handling facilities at the Paducah GDP would be required.
The Paducah GDP is located near the New Madrid fault line. The Company has
obtained a commitment for property and business interruption insurance,
including earthquake coverage, which will become effective upon completion of
the Privatization. The coverage limit under this all-risk policy will be less
than the total insurable value of the plants and is subject to a $5 million
deductible.
Portsmouth. The Portsmouth GDP is located in Pike County in south central
Ohio. The plant site covers 640 acres and consists of three process buildings.
It was completed in 1956 and has been in continuous
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operation since that time. As at the Paducah GDP, the Portsmouth GDP was
substantially renovated between 1971 and 1983.
Portsmouth was originally designed and constructed to produce HEU for the
United States Nuclear Weapons and Naval Reactors program. Because of a change in
military requirements, the HEU production equipment was taken out of service.
The plant has been certified by the NRC to produce product enriched to a maximum
of 10% U(235). The design capacity of the production equipment is 7.4 million
SWU per year.
Capital Improvements. The GDPs are approximately 45 years old. In 1983, DOE
completed the Cascade Improvement Program ("CIP") and the Cascade Uprating
Program ("CUP"), substantially upgrading the GDPs. CIP incorporated the most
recent advances in gaseous diffusion technology, primarily by installing an
improved barrier in most sections of the plants. At a cost of approximately $700
million, this program increased the capacity of the GDPs from 12.5 million to
approximately 16.5 million SWU per year and reduced per unit power consumption
without additional operating costs. The CUP increased the power handling
capacity of the two-plant complex from 4,500 megawatts to 5,300 megawatts (5,190
megawatts excluding the high assay portion of the Portsmouth GDP) by installing
motors with larger power ratings and improving the design capacity of the
electrical systems and cooling towers. At a cost of approximately $260 million,
this program increased the design capacity of the plants to a total of
approximately 18.7 million SWU per year. Together, CIP and CUP increased the
separative capacity of the two GDPs by approximately 50% (Paducah from 7.3 to
11.3 million SWU per year and Portsmouth from 5.2 to 7.4 million SWU per year),
thereby enabling the GDPs to more efficiently utilize power resources.
The Company is continuously performing maintenance work on and upgrading
the facilities. The Company spent $25.8 million for capital expenditures,
primarily relating to GDP improvements, in fiscal 1997. The Company expects its
GDP-related capital expenditures to be approximately $15 to $35 million each
year through fiscal 2000. Planned capital and major maintenance expenditures are
expected to be sufficient to maintain the operability of the plants at least
through 2005.
Equipment and Parts. The process equipment at the GDPs has historically had
low failure rates. Failed components (such as compressors, coolers, motors and
valves) are removed from the process and repaired or rebuilt on site at each of
the GDPs. Common industrial components, such as the breakers, condensers and
transformers in the electrical system, are procured as needed. In light of the
fact that the GDPs were initially constructed in the 1950s, some components and
systems may no longer be produced, and spares for such parts may not be readily
available. In these situations, replacement components or systems are
identified, tested, and procured from existing commercial sources, or the
plants' technical and fabrication capabilities are utilized to design and build
replacements. Another source of replacement equipment has been DOE's Oak Ridge,
Tennessee enrichment facility which has been shut down. Large quantities of
components have been relocated from Oak Ridge to the GDPs.
The GDPs currently use freon as the primary process coolant. The production
of freon in the United States was terminated as of December 31, 1995. In order
to ensure that the Company continues to have enough freon to meet its needs, the
Company is actively working to reduce leakage of freon at the GDPs, with a goal
to reduce losses by about 40% over the next five years. Freon leaks from pipe
joints, sight glasses and tubes. Leakage from the GDPs is at about a 6% rate,
resulting in leakage of approximately 700,000 pounds of freon per year. The
Company has a strategic reserve of 2.8 million pounds of freon. The Company
believes that its efforts to reduce freon losses and its strategic inventory of
freon should be adequate to allow the GDPs to continue to utilize freon through
at least the year 2001. A program is underway to identify and validate an
alternative coolant to be used once the freon inventory is depleted.
Cell Availability. In order to utilize power most efficiently, the Company
seeks to maintain 90% or more of its large production cells on line. Since the
Transition Date, the Paducah GDP has generally operated with 85% to 97% of the
large production cells in operation. Reductions in cell availability are
typically short term and result from equipment failures and planned maintenance.
For the nine months ended March 31, 1998, performance was 93% of total capacity.
Since the Transition Date, the Portsmouth GDP has generally operated in the
range of 65% to 92% of the large production cells in operation. For the nine
months ended March 31, 1998, the plant was operating at 71% of planned capacity
due to equipment failures and increased
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maintenance requirements. The ability to return cells to service quickly at
Portsmouth has been less successful than at Paducah. Cell availability rates
have been better at the Paducah GDP than the Portsmouth GDP in part due to the
greater availability of larger cells at the Paducah GDP. Because both GDPs
produce approximately the same amount of enriched uranium, the Portsmouth GDP,
with fewer large cells, is required to work harder. This mode of operation
necessarily results in more maintenance requirements for the cells at the
Portsmouth GDP. Management has initiated a program designed to improve both the
availability and reliability of the cells at Portsmouth.
Cost Management/Efficiency Improvement. Following the Transition Date, USEC
formalized a program to focus on the cost of production at the GDPs with a view
towards containing such costs to the extent practicable. The result of this
effort was the adoption of certain cost containment goals. Such goals are now
set forth in USEC's strategic plan through fiscal 2005. These cost containment
goals set certain targets to be achieved through a combination of cost
containment measures, productivity improvements in power utilization and
increased SWU production per labor hour.
Cost reduction efforts are focused in several areas of the production
operation. Since power costs constitute 53% to 59% of total production costs,
efforts are continuously ongoing to identify potential cost reductions in this
area. Power cost savings are achieved by maximizing the efficient utilization of
power at the GDPs and prudent non-firm power purchases. Other areas targeted for
cost reduction include major maintenance, capital projects, depleted UF(6)
disposal and contaminated waste disposal.
Purchasing and Materials Management. The purchasing and materials units are
responsible for the acquisition of all supplies, materials and services for USEC
headquarters and the GDPs. These units are generally organized with a central
procurement function and local purchasing and materials management functions at
the sites. In addition, the GDPs use an automated purchasing and materials
management system which is integrated with receiving, inventory control,
accounts payable and the general ledger system. This automated system helped to
facilitate a number of improvements at the GDPs, including the use of systems
contracts; blanket purchase agreements; electronic data interchange with
customers, vendors and others with whom the Company or LMUS does business; and
activity based costing inventory analysis. In addition, more cost effective
methods of inventory control are being implemented. As a result of these
organizational and technological advancements, the Company has achieved cost
reductions in materials and services as well as inventory reductions.
Preventive Maintenance Program. To help ensure reliable and safe
operations, the GDPs utilize an extensive preventive maintenance program. Among
the program's objectives are to ensure that safety systems are maintained in a
condition adequate for the protection of the public and plant workers, as well
as to extend the life of plant equipment and prevent premature failures.
Comprehensive preventive maintenance systems are in place to ensure continued
compliance with health, safety and environmental standards.
LMUS Contract. Before USEC was formed, the GDPs were administered through a
management and operations contract between DOE and Martin Marietta Energy
Systems, Inc. (a predecessor of Lockheed Martin Energy Systems, Inc. ("LMES")),
with DOE providing the funding and oversight of the contractor's operations.
Effective October 1, 1995, this contract arrangement was changed to an
operations and maintenance ("O&M") contract with LMUS, a subsidiary of Lockheed
Martin, pursuant to which USEC manages the GDPs and LMUS operates and maintains
the GDPs (the "LMUS Contract"). Under the LMUS Contract, LMUS provides the
labor, services, materials and supplies required to operate and maintain the
GDPs, other than the required natural uranium and power. The Company funds LMUS
for its costs, subject to strict budget controls and various caps on liability.
The LMUS Contract contains a specific statement of work typical of commercial
O&M contracts as well as additional financial controls and incentives. Under the
LMUS Contract, the contractor is paid a base fee and has the ability to earn
incentive fees by demonstrated improvements in production capability, regulatory
performance, cost reduction, safety and customer responsiveness. There is also a
provision for an independent additional one-time bonus at the end of the initial
three-year contract.
The LMUS Contract expires on October 1, 2000. The LMUS Contract may be
terminated by the Company without penalty upon six months' notice.
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Under the LMUS Contract, USEC is responsible for and accrues for its pro
rata share of pension and other post-retirement health and life insurance costs
relating to LMUS employee benefit plans. Post-retirement benefits are provided
to LMUS employees under LMES-sponsored employee benefit plans with LMUS
participating as an affiliated employer.
LEASE AGREEMENT
The Lease Agreement, which commenced on July 1, 1993, had an initial term
of 6 years. The Company has the right to extend the Lease Agreement
indefinitely, with respect to either or both GDPs, for successive renewal
periods. In June 1997, the Company renewed the Lease Agreement for both GDPs for
an additional five year term expiring on June 30, 2004. The Company may
terminate the Lease Agreement, with respect to one or both GDPs, by providing
two years' prior notice to DOE. The Company leases most, but not all, of the
buildings and facilities at the GDP sites. The Company may increase or decrease
the property under the Lease Agreement to meet its changing requirements. Within
the contiguous tracts, certain buildings, facilities and areas related to
environmental restoration and waste management have been retained by DOE and are
not leased to the Company.
Lease Agreement payments include a base rent representing DOE's costs in
administering the Lease Agreement, including costs relating to the electric
power contracts, and costs relating to DOE's regulatory oversight of the GDPs.
The Company expects that the cost of the Lease Agreement will be $3.2 million in
fiscal 1998.
The Lease Agreement permits DOE to store personal property, including
certain hazardous materials, at the GDPs. The Lease Agreement also permits DOE
to bring additional hazardous materials to the GDPs with the Company's express
and specific written consent and as long as it does not significantly interfere
with Company operations, and makes DOE solely responsible for the care and
maintenance of DOE's personal property, any costs of its removal or disposal and
for the decontamination and decommissioning of such personal property except to
the extent such liability arises out of the Company's negligence or willful
misconduct.
At termination of the Lease Agreement, the Company may leave the property
in "as is" condition, but must remove all waste generated by the Company which
is subject to offsite removal and must place the GDPs in a safe shutdown
condition. Upon termination of the Lease Agreement, DOE is responsible for the
costs of all decontamination and decommissioning of the GDPs. If removal of any
USEC capital improvements increases DOE's decontamination and decommissioning
costs, the Company is required to pay such increases. Title to capital
improvements not removed by the Company will automatically be transferred to DOE
at the end of the Lease Agreement term. The Company anticipates accruing $5.6
million per year for lease turnover costs in each of fiscal 1998 and 1999.
DOE is required under the Lease Agreement to indemnify the Company for
certain costs and expenses, including: (i) certain environmental liabilities
attributable to operations prior to the Transition Date; (ii) certain employee
pension, welfare and other benefits or liabilities incurred or accrued prior to
the Transition Date; and (iii) costs or expenses relating to actions taken or
not taken prior to the Transition Date pursuant to contracts transferred to the
Company on the Transition Date. In addition, under the Lease Agreement DOE is
required to indemnify the Company for costs and expenses related to claims
asserted against or incurred by the Company arising out of DOE's operation,
occupation or use of the GDPs after the Transition Date. DOE activities at the
GDPs since the Transition Date have been focused primarily on environmental
restoration and waste management and management of depleted UF(6). DOE is
required to indemnify the Company against claims for public liability (i)
arising out of or in connection with activities under the Lease Agreement,
including transportation and (ii) arising out of or resulting from a nuclear
incident or precautionary evacuation. DOE's obligations are capped at the $8.96
billion statutory limit set forth in the Price-Anderson Act for each nuclear
incident or precautionary evacuation occurring inside the United States.
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POWER
Overview. The GDPs require substantial amounts of electric power. Costs for
electricity are the Company's largest operating cost, representing 53% to 59% of
the Company's production costs. A substantial portion of the electricity for the
GDPs is supplied under contracts at average prices below 2c/kWh. Historically,
USEC has purchased approximately two-thirds of its requirements under firm
contracts, and the remaining one-third as non-firm energy.
At recent electricity rates, average production cost per SWU is lowest when
the GDPs are operated at a production level of approximately 13 million SWU per
year. At this production level, the plants require approximately 33 million
megawatt hours of electric energy per year or an average power level of 3,700
megawatts. On average, during the first nine months of fiscal 1998 and during
fiscal years 1997, 1996 and 1995, the GDPs were run at capacities that required
1,084, 1,400, 1,455 and 1,845 megawatts respectively, at Portsmouth and
approximately 1,345, 1,725, 1,480 and 1,875 megawatts respectively, at Paducah.
Operation of both GDPs at full capacity requires approximately 5,200 megawatts,
which is equivalent to the approximate annual electricity consumption of the
States of Connecticut or Arkansas. However, USEC anticipates that its energy
consumption will decrease as its supply mix changes.
In the 1950s, a number of utilities formed two corporations to supply power
to the GDPs -- EEI to serve Paducah and OVEC to serve Portsmouth. Pursuant to
power purchase agreements between DOE and OVEC and EEI, each of which extends
through calendar 2005, most of the electricity produced at the two power plants
owned by OVEC and one such plant owned by EEI serves the GDPs. DOE transferred
the benefits of these power purchase arrangements to USEC by the Electricity
MOA. The Company also has an agreement with the Tennessee Valley Authority
("TVA") for the purchase of non-firm power for Paducah.
The Company has initiated a number of programs to reduce its power costs,
including programs designed to (i) increase the efficiency of power utilization
(i.e., the number of SWU produced per MWh of electric energy), (ii) manage the
use of existing power resources to minimize cost per MWh, and (iii) pursue
additional sources of economical power. At Paducah, the Company places
considerable reliance on non-firm power, which historically has been more
economical than firm power. Since non-firm power prices and reliability of
supply vary with the time of year, time of day and weather conditions, the
ability to adjust Paducah's electrical load in response to availability and
price changes is an essential element in managing power costs. Therefore,
Paducah operates equipment which facilitates the rapid changes of load on its
enrichment equipment permitting corresponding rapid changes in electric load.
This allows Paducah to swing as much as 400 MW of electrical load in one to two
hours, providing prompt response to changes in the price of non-firm power.
Decisions to purchase non-firm power are based upon production needs,
anticipated power costs and production cost targets (dollar per SWU criteria).
Power Purchase Agreements. Pursuant to the EEI power purchase agreement,
EEI is obligated to provide two types of firm power: "permanent Joppa power" and
"firm additional power." Permanent Joppa power refers to the power that USEC
receives from EEI's Joppa, Illinois plant. EEI is obligated to provide, and USEC
through DOE, is obligated to purchase, a specified percentage (currently 60%) of
that plant's annual capacity. USEC is obligated (i) to pay the demand charge,
reflecting the pro rata share of operating costs, depreciation, interest
charges, taxes and return on owner's capital, for the specified percentage
regardless of whether USEC takes any energy and (ii) to pay an energy charge,
which covers the pro rata share of the cost of fuel, for the energy USEC does
take. If additional transmission facilities are required to deliver energy from
non-EEI sources, USEC must pay 75% of these costs. In addition, USEC is
obligated to pay any unamortized costs of additional or modified transmission
facilities if it terminates the agreement. Either party may, on an annual basis,
reduce its respective obligation by up to 10% of Joppa plant capacity with
notice on or before the prior September 1. In addition, each party may reduce
its obligation by a greater amount or terminate its obligation in its entirety
with five years' notice.
Firm additional power refers to power that is supplied by the utility
owners of EEI when permanent Joppa power is insufficient to meet the minimum
power requirements of the Paducah GDP. The rate for firm additional power is
EEI's cost plus a fee of up to $1.00 per MWh. EEI has discretion over when the
permanent Joppa power will be made available to USEC during the year. As a
result, EEI typically supplies
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USEC with the more costly firm additional power during the peak demand periods
of winter and summer, while supplying USEC with the permanent Joppa power during
the low demand periods of spring and fall. Either party may cancel its
commitment with respect to firm additional power by providing three years'
written notice.
Under the OVEC power purchase agreement, OVEC must make available to USEC
(through DOE) the net available capacity of its generating plants, less
transmission losses and reserve capacity. The cost of permanent power consists
of an energy charge, which covers the cost of fuel, and a demand charge, which
reflects capital and operating costs, debt service, taxes and a return on
owner's capital. In addition, USEC is required to pay the costs of additional
and replacement facilities. In the event USEC purchases less than OVEC's net
available capacity, then USEC must pay the demand charge but not the energy
charge. USEC may reduce its purchase obligation by up to 300 MW per six-month
period by giving 60-months' notice and may also terminate the agreement upon
three years' notice. If USEC needs power from sources other than OVEC's two
power plants, OVEC is obligated to use its best efforts to obtain such power.
This power may come from OVEC sponsoring companies or other sources and will be
charged at OVEC's cost plus a fee of $1.00 per MWh. OVEC does not have the right
to terminate the agreement or reduce its obligation.
At current production levels at the Portsmouth GDP, the Company does not
need all of the power that it is obligated to purchase from OVEC, and,
consequently, negotiates to reduce its purchases of the power from OVEC as
agreed upon by the parties from time to time. The negotiation involves the
reduction of the demand component of the OVEC power charge to USEC. USEC is not
obligated to pay the energy component of power that is not utilized. The prices
for such sales have generally been below the price at which USEC is obligated to
purchase the power from OVEC.
Arrangements with DOE. While DOE remains the "named" purchaser under the
power purchase agreements with EEI and OVEC, under the Electricity MOA, DOE must
make available to USEC the power that it receives under the agreements. DOE must
take all actions requested by USEC that are consistent with the terms of the
power purchase agreements, including giving its consent to any modification,
assignment or termination of the power purchase agreements requested by USEC,
except for those which would either extend the term of an agreement or be
inconsistent with DOE orders concerning procedures for contracting for utility
services. DOE may not agree to any amendment, assignment or termination or
otherwise exercise any rights or consent to any action of EEI or OVEC without
the consent of USEC except in specified circumstances, such as an emergency.
Under the terms of the Lease Agreement, USEC must provide power purchased
from EEI or OVEC to DOE for DOE's continuing environmental restoration and waste
management operations at the Paducah and Portsmouth sites, and DOE must
reimburse USEC for that power.
USEC is responsible for all costs associated with the power purchase
agreements after the Transition Date, including its pro rata share of
post-retirement obligations, and USEC and DOE are required to share the costs
for the decommissioning, shut-down, demolition and closing of OVEC's power
plants and the costs for the demolition and shutdown of EEI's power plant. With
respect to OVEC these costs are allocated on the basis of the relative amount of
energy consumed by OVEC, DOE and USEC subsequent to October 14, 1992, and with
respect to EEI these costs are allocated on the basis of the relative amount of
energy consumed by EEI, DOE and USEC over the life of the power purchase
agreement.
ADVANCED LASER-BASED TECHNOLOGY
AVLIS. USEC plans to complete the development of and commence
commercialization of AVLIS, the next generation of uranium enrichment
technology, with the goal of remaining one of the lowest cost suppliers of
uranium enrichment service and enhancing its competitive position. Commercial
deployment of AVLIS is anticipated in 2005.
The AVLIS technology involves processing a uranium metal alloy feedstock,
through the use of lasers and an enriched uranium collection system. The lasers
selectively ionize the U(235) atoms, which become attracted to charged collector
plates. The end product of this process is an enriched uranium metal alloy
rather
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than a UF(6) gas (which is the end product of the gaseous diffusion process).
Under AVLIS, a large percentage of the U(235) atoms can be selectively ionized
and separated from the U(238) atoms in one pass -- as compared to the gaseous
diffusion or centrifuge processes where isotope selectivity is several orders of
magnitude less and requires many more repetitions to achieve the desired
enrichment. Based on engineering studies and demonstrated systems performance
capability, the Company believes that an AVLIS facility would use 5% to 10% of
the power currently used by the GDPs to produce each SWU, require significantly
less capital investment than new centrifuge plants, and use about 20% to 30%
less natural uranium to produce comparable amounts of enriched uranium. In
addition, the ability to use modular architecture in designing a laser-based
system allows for flexible deployment, enabling capacity to be added as market
demand so warrants.
AVLIS Deployment. Since 1973 the U.S. Government has spent more than $1.7
billion on research and development, technology development and demonstration
activities related to AVLIS, including $325.0 million by USEC for pre-deployment
activities from the time that the USEC Board determined in July 1994 to proceed
with AVLIS through March 31, 1998. AVLIS deployment is expected to be
accomplished in two phases and was estimated in September 1997 to cost
approximately $2.2 billion from fiscal 1998 through fiscal 2005. The Company
periodically re-evaluates its AVLIS estimated costs and currently believes this
estimate could vary by up to 20%. The first phase, "performance demonstration,
design and licensing," began in fiscal 1996 and extends through fiscal 2001. The
estimated cost of the first phase is approximately $550.0 million for fiscal
1998 through fiscal 2001. During this phase, the Company expects to (i)
demonstrate the plant-like performance of the feed production, enrichment and
product conversion processes by the end of 1999, (ii) complete the final design
and detailed cost estimate for an AVLIS facility, and (iii) obtain NRC licensing
and other regulatory approvals for the construction and operation of the AVLIS
facility. The Company expects that the site selection process for the AVLIS
facility will occur after the Privatization. Once the first phase is
successfully completed, the Company will initiate the second phase.
The second phase, "procurement, construction and startup," is expected to
begin in fiscal 2001 and end in fiscal 2005 with the deployment of AVLIS. The
estimated cost to complete this phase is approximately $1.65 billion. During
this phase, the Company expects to (i) procure the equipment for and begin
construction of the AVLIS facility, (ii) develop plant operation procedures and
train plant engineers and supervisors, (iii) startup the AVLIS facility and
train operations and maintenance staff, and (iv) conduct final testing and
perform system activation and integration. The Company currently anticipates
operation of the AVLIS plant at an 8.7 million SWU capacity.
USEC has made certain significant strides toward its goal of deploying
AVLIS, including the following: USEC has entered into an agreement with DOE
pursuant to which USEC received royalty-free rights to the AVLIS technology for
uranium enrichment and the ability to utilize DOE's AVLIS facilities at LLNL.
Second, a USEC-managed group was established to help implement the AVLIS
project. Third, a plant-like demonstration project was initiated which included
an independent assessment of the state of development of the AVLIS enrichment
process which resulted in clear identification of components and systems
requiring priority attention. USEC has activated and expanded the LLNL
demonstration facility to simulate a one-line enrichment plant and achieved
positive performance demonstration levels in laser and separator systems.
Demonstration of plant-like enrichment capability is scheduled to occur in
calendar 1998. Fourth, the Company has entered into joint development agreements
with Cameco Corporation ("Cameco") for AVLIS feed conversion services and
General Electric Company ("GE") for AVLIS product conversion services. See "Risk
Factors -- AVLIS."
The Company is using LLNL to provide scientific and engineering expertise
in the performance verification and design areas. The Company has retained
Bechtel Group, Inc. to perform architect engineering, engineering systems, and
control systems services. Allied Signal Corporation is providing operations and
maintenance technicians for operation of the demonstration facility at LLNL. BWX
Technologies (formerly Babcock and Wilcox Naval Nuclear Fuels Division) is
providing separator engineering and licensing services. All of the foregoing
activities are being and will continue to be managed by the Company.
Ownership of Property Relating to AVLIS. In April 1995, the Company entered
into an agreement with DOE (the "AVLIS Transfer Agreement") providing for, among
other things, the transfer to USEC by DOE
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of its intellectual and physical property pertaining to the AVLIS technology.
DOE has agreed that, upon the completion of the Offering, those patents will be
assigned to USEC subject only to certain rights of the U.S. Government to use
the patents (as well as certain other AVLIS-related intellectual property) for
governmental purposes. Under the agreement, the Company is not obligated to pay
DOE any royalties for its own use of AVLIS, or to pay any portion of royalties
received from licensing AVLIS to third parties for enrichment of uranium or
other materials for use in facilities for generating electricity.
Under the AVLIS Transfer Agreement, DOE conducts AVLIS research,
development and demonstration at LLNL as requested by the Company. The Company
reimburses DOE for its costs in conducting AVLIS work, and the Company is liable
for any incremental increase in DOE's costs of decontamination and
decommissioning the AVLIS facilities at LLNL as a result of the work performed
for the Company. The AVLIS research and development work is performed primarily
by the University of California under DOE's management and operations contract
for LLNL. Inventions that result from this research and development effort will
be owned by the Company.
Nuclear Fuel Cycle Issues. Because AVLIS requires a metallic form of
uranium for processing rather than UF(6), new industrial capabilities will be
required to prepare the feed for enrichment and to convert the enriched product
to a form suitable for fabrication as fuel. The Company has entered into joint
development agreements with Cameco for AVLIS feed conversion services and GE for
AVLIS product conversion services. Under such agreements, if USEC elects not to
proceed from the demonstration phase to the deployment phase, but Cameco or GE,
as the case may be, elects to proceed, or if the agreement is terminated under
certain circumstances, USEC must reimburse Cameco or GE, as the case may be, for
costs and expenses incurred by them in accordance with the project budget and
plans, and Cameco or GE, as the case may be, must transfer certain rights in
technology and intellectual property developed in the course of the project to
USEC. In the event USEC determines not to deploy AVLIS, these agreements
together provide for a maximum cost reimbursement to GE and Cameco of $9.0
million prior to such decision, subject to certain provisions for any cost
overruns. As of March 31, 1998, the Company's liability, in the event of
termination, to both GE and Cameco was $1.8 million. The Company's potential
liability under these agreements increases over time as GE and Cameco costs
increase.
If USEC proceeds with AVLIS deployment but elects to do so without entering
into an agreement with Cameco for feed conversion services or with GE for
product conversion services, USEC is obligated to pay Cameco or GE, as the case
may be, certain annual royalty payments. Any payments to Cameco would be based
on the amount of uranium used by USEC in the AVLIS feedstock. In such event,
these payments are estimated to total approximately $5 million per year for ten
years but would not exceed $50 million in the aggregate. Payments to GE would
include a fixed payment of $5 million plus an annual royalty of $1 million until
certain GE patents related to the product conversion expire.
Pursuant to the AVLIS Transfer Agreement and the management and operating
contract between DOE and the University of California (which operates LLNL for
DOE), DOE is required to indemnify the University of California and the Company
under the Price-Anderson Act against public nuclear liability which arises out
of or in connection with research, development and demonstration activities at
LLNL. The Energy Policy Act provides, however, that new uranium enrichment
facilities will not be eligible for indemnification by DOE or the NRC under the
Price-Anderson Act. The Company believes that it should be able to obtain
commercially available nuclear liability insurance for all facilities needed to
enrich and process uranium by AVLIS. See "Risk Factors -- AVLIS."
Additional Potential Applications of AVLIS Technology. In addition to
uranium enrichment, the Company is exploring strategic opportunities for other
commercial uses of the AVLIS technology, such as the separation of other
isotopes for nuclear power, medical and industrial applications and for
machinery, drilling and coating applications. In connection with pursuing all or
any of these technologies, the Company may determine to explore the feasibility
of pursuing new business opportunities and may license the technology to others.
Under the terms of the AVLIS Transfer Agreement, the Company must pay to DOE a
portion of the royalties received by the Company for licensing to third parties
applications of AVLIS (other than enrichment of uranium and other materials used
in the generation of electricity).
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Intellectual Property. The Company holds a large number of patents covering
the AVLIS technology and relies on the patent laws, confidentiality procedures
and contractual provisions to protect its proprietary information and
intellectual property rights related to AVLIS. In the 1970s, a company which was
at that time working on laser isotope separation filed a number of patent
applications certain of which were issued and are currently in effect, and three
of which will still be in effect in 2005. That company has advised USEC of its
belief that AVLIS will use the company's technology. In addition, the Company is
aware of patents issued to third parties which cover certain technology used in
laser-based products. The Company believes that the systems planned to be
employed by the Company in an AVLIS plant will not infringe on any issued
patents held by third parties, or that the Company will be able to obtain
necessary licenses or take other actions to otherwise avoid infringement. There
are also 12 classified patent applications held by the above-mentioned company
resulting from its work on laser isotope separation. If national security
considerations ever allow these applications to be declassified and issued,
these additional patents would be enforceable for 17 years from the date of
issuance. The Company believes that declassification of these patent
applications is unlikely. In addition, if these applications were declassified
and patents issued and the holder thereof were able to make a successful claim
of infringement, the Company believes that it would be able to obtain licenses
to such patents or re-engineer the affected apparatus, system or method. See
"Risk Factors -- AVLIS."
SILEX. USEC continues to keep abreast of alternative uranium enrichment
technologies. In late 1996, USEC entered into an exclusive agreement to explore
another advanced laser-based enrichment technology, called SILEX. The SILEX
process has been under development in Australia since 1992 by Silex Systems
Limited, an Australian company, at the facilities of the Australian Nuclear
Science and Technology Organization. In fiscal 1997, USEC acquired the rights to
the commercial utilization of the SILEX process. USEC is currently evaluating
whether the SILEX technology has the potential to be deployable as an economic
source of enrichment production in the early 21st century. Through March 31,
1998, the Company has spent $9.1 million on SILEX development activities.
COMPETITION
The highly competitive global uranium enrichment industry has four major
producers -- USEC; Tenex, a Russian government entity; Eurodif, a consortium
controlled by the French government; and Urenco, a consortium of British and
Dutch governments and private German corporations. There are also smaller
suppliers in China and Japan that primarily serve only a portion of their
respective domestic markets. While there are only a handful of primary
suppliers, there is an excess of production capacity as well as an additional
supply of enriched uranium from the dismantlement of nuclear weapons in the
former Soviet Union and the United States which is available for commercial use.
See "Industry Overview -- Market for Enrichment Services." Most of this excess
capacity is held by Tenex, which is subject to certain trade restrictions. See
"Business -- Foreign Trade Matters." USEC also holds significant excess
capacity. All of the Company's competitors are owned or controlled by foreign
governments which may make business decisions based on factors other than
economic considerations. See "Risk Factors -- Competition; Currency Exchange
Rates; Trend Toward Lower Pricing."
Tenex, Urenco and JNFL use centrifuge technology which requires a higher
initial capital investment but has lower ongoing operating costs than current
gaseous diffusion technology. Urenco and JNFL have both announced expansion
plans, which together could increase capacity by 2.0 million SWU after the year
2000. Eurodif and JNFL have previously announced that they are exploring new
enrichment technologies.
The Company believes that it is well positioned to compete successfully in
the industry. Global enrichment suppliers compete primarily in terms of price,
and to a lesser degree on reliability of supply and customer service. The
Company believes that its prices are competitive. See "Risk
Factors -- Competition; Currency Exchange Rates; Trend Toward Lower Pricing" and
"Business -- Strategy." Further, the Company is committed to delivering superior
customer service. The Company believes that customers are attracted to its
reputation as a reliable long-term supplier of enriched uranium, and the Company
intends to continue strengthening this reputation.
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REGULATORY OVERSIGHT
NRC. Pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act ("AEA"), the GDPs are regulated by
the NRC. The NRC issued Certificates of Compliance to USEC for the operation of
the GDPs in November 1996. After an interim period to allow an orderly
transition from DOE oversight to NRC oversight, the Certificates of Compliance
became effective and the NRC began regulatory oversight of USEC operations at
the plants on March 3, 1997. The NRC found the Paducah and Portsmouth GDPs to be
generally in compliance with NRC regulations but exceptions were noted in
certain Compliance Plans, which set forth binding commitments for actions and
schedules to achieve full compliance. The Lease Agreement obligates DOE to
reimburse USEC for the costs associated with bringing the GDPs into compliance
with the requirements of initial Certification. To settle this reimbursement,
DOE has transferred to the Company uranium and LEU in the aggregate amount of
$220 million, and thus the Company is now fully responsible for these costs. The
transfers of 45 metric tons of LEU, 3,800 metric tons of uranium and .8 metric
tons of HEU complete DOE's reimbursement to USEC for nuclear safety upgrade
costs, the settlement of a remaining transition obligation and the settlement of
other receivables. The transfers as of March 31, 1998 result in an accrued
liability of $54.4 million representing the estimated completion costs for
nuclear safety upgrades to be funded by the Company.
The Compliance Plan requires Paducah to complete seismic upgrading of two
main process buildings to reduce the risk of release of radioactive and
hazardous material (UF(6)) in the event of an earthquake. On March 20, 1998, the
NRC issued direction for USEC to complete this upgrade project by June 30, 1999,
which is anticipated to cost $23.0 million. USEC is also required to complete
seismic upgrades on certain equipment at the Paducah GDP by September 30, 1998.
The Compliance Plan also requires Paducah to update a DOE analysis to determine
what the appropriate earthquake level should be for the evaluation of plant
equipment and structures. Depending on the results of this updated seismic
hazard and the application of the NRC's backfit requirements, additional seismic
upgrades to the process buildings and other site structures and components may
need to be implemented.
In accordance with the Compliance Plans, USEC submitted for NRC review
DOE-prepared Safety Analysis Report ("SAR") updates. In addition, USEC is
required to prepare and submit to the NRC an update of the facility and process
descriptions contained in the current application. Depending on the results of
the NRC review of the SAR updates and the facility and process description
updates, USEC will be required to implement a number of changes to the plants
and operations.
The NRC has the authority to issue Notices of Violation ("NOVs") for
violations of the AEA, NRC regulations, or conditions of a certificate,
Compliance Plan, or Order and to impose civil penalties for certain violations
of NRC regulations. The Company has received NOVs for violation of these
regulations and certificate conditions, none of which exceeded $100,000. From
time to time, the Company has received and may receive proposed notices of
violations from the NRC. The Company does not expect that any proposed notices
that it has received as of the date hereof will have a material adverse effect
on the Company's financial position. In each case, USEC took prompt corrective
action to bring the facilities back into compliance with NRC regulations and
identified long-term improvements as well.
In accordance with NRC regulations, USEC pays an hourly fee ($125/hr in
fiscal year 1998) to the NRC for NRC man-hours associated with
Certificate-related reviews and inspections. Additionally, regulations require
the payment of an annual NRC-assessed fee. For fiscal year 1998, the NRC
assessed such fee at $2.6 million for the Portsmouth GDP and $2.6 million for
the Paducah GDP.
Maintaining the certificates is conditioned upon adherence to Compliance
Plans. The term of the initial NRC certification expires December 31, 1998.
Subsequent certifications will be for periods of up to five years. In addition,
the NRC must approve any transfer of the certificates. The Privatization Act
prohibits the issuance of a license or certificate of compliance to the Company
or its successor if the NRC determines that: (i) the Company is owned,
controlled or dominated by an alien, a foreign corporation or a foreign
government; (ii) the issuance of such a license or certificate of compliance
would be inimical to the common defense and security of the United States; or
(iii) the issuance of such a license or certificate of compliance would be
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inimical to the maintenance of a reliable and economical domestic source of
enrichment services. See "Risk Factors -- NRC Regulation."
DOE retains certain regulatory responsibility for those portions of the
GDPs which are leased to USEC that contain HEU material. DOE will regulate the
HEU material activities that occur in the leased areas until all of the HEU
material has been blended down, all cylinders that contain HEU material are
cleaned, and the associated areas are brought under NRC regulation. These
activities are scheduled to be completed by January 1999.
OSHA. The Company's operations are also subject to laws and regulations
governing worker health and safety. Through March 31, 1998, the Company had
spent $27.0 million to address potential Occupational Safety and Health Act
("OSHA") non-compliances identified by DOE at the Transition Date. Interim
actions have been taken to reduce any immediate health and safety risks
associated with these potential non-compliances. The Company estimates that cash
outlays aggregating $6.5 million from March 31, 1998 through 2000 will be
required to address the remaining potential non-compliances. DOE has paid the
Company the $35.0 million required by the Lease Agreement for modifications of
the GDPs necessitated by OSHA standards in effect on the Transition Date.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Overview. The GDPs were operated by DOE and its predecessor agencies for
approximately 40 years prior to the Transition Date. As a result of such
operation of the GDPs, there are contamination and other potential environmental
liabilities. The Paducah GDP has been designated as a Superfund site, and both
GDPs are undergoing investigations under RCRA. However, the Privatization Act
provides that the U.S. Government or DOE remains responsible for all liabilities
arising from operation of the GDPs before the Privatization Date except for
liabilities relating to certain identified wastes stored at the GDPs as of the
Privatization Date that were generated after the Transition Date, including
liabilities relating to the disposal of such waste after the Privatization Date.
In addition, the Privatization Act and the Lease Agreement provide that DOE
remains responsible for decontamination and decommissioning of the GDPs. Under
the AVLIS Transfer Agreement, DOE is generally responsible for the
decontamination and decommissioning (except for additional costs, if any, as a
result of USEC's operations) and any liability attributable to or arising out of
DOE's ownership or operation of the LLNL, including, without limitation, those
relating to pollution or contamination or any environmental claim (except for
those resulting from the negligence or misconduct of USEC). USEC, however,
retains liability for, and agrees to reimburse DOE for any liability
attributable to actions taken by USEC or its agents, employees or contractors
with respect to operation, occupation or use of, or activities at, LLNL or the
AVLIS facility after April 27, 1995.
The Lease Agreement generally requires DOE to indemnify the Company for all
costs and expenses arising out of DOE's operation of the GDPs for matters
relating to (i) pollution or contamination from DOE's operations prior to the
Transition Date; (ii) environmental claims for which DOE has assumed liability;
(iii) liability as a result of the Company's status as a permittee, holder,
signatory, operator, assignee or successor, to the extent such liability arises
from DOE's operation prior to the Transition Date; and (iv) liability arising
from polychlorinated biphenyls ("PCBs"), asbestos and certain other
contaminants, except to the extent any such material has been introduced by the
Company. In addition, the Lease Agreement requires DOE to indemnify and
reimburse the Company for all costs and expenses arising from DOE's activities
(which have been focused primarily on environmental restoration, waste
management and management of depleted UF(6)) at the GDPs after the Transition
Date and requires the Company to indemnify and reimburse DOE for all costs and
expenses arising from the Company's operations at the GDPs after the Transition
Date. See "Business -- Lease Agreement." The Privatization Act generally
provides that liabilities attributable to the operations of the Company prior to
the Privatization remain liabilities of the U.S. Government. To the extent an
issue arises as to whether liability resulted from pre- or post-Privatization
Date operations or releases of substances, USEC would seek to apply customary
methods of establishing and allocating liability. USEC would negotiate in good
faith with the U.S. Government and would evaluate a variety of factors in
recommending each party's pro rata share of responsibility, such as the nature
of the contaminant, the history of use, and the length of respective operations.
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The Company's operations are, and after the Privatization Date will
continue to be, subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and
regulations relating to the protection of health, safety and the environment,
including those regulating the emission and discharge into the environment of
materials (including radioactive materials). The Company is required to hold
multiple permits under these laws and regulations. Environmental compliance is a
high priority with the Company. The Company has established an internal
environmental regulatory policy and oversight group that reports directly to
senior management and has created incentives in the operating contract with LMUS
predicated on compliance with environmental requirements.
In addition to costs for the future disposition of depleted UF(6), the
Company incurs operating costs and capital expenditures for matters relating to
compliance with environmental laws and regulations, including handling,
treatment and disposal of hazardous, low-level radioactive and mixed wastes
generated as a result of its operations. Operating costs relating to
environmental matters amounted to approximately $24.9 million, $30.4 million and
$30.0 million for fiscal years 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively, and capital
expenditures relating to environmental matters amounted to approximately $1.8
million, $3.5 million and $6.6 million for fiscal years 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively. In fiscal years 1998 and 1999, the Company expects its operating
costs and capital expenditures for compliance with environmental laws and
regulations, including the handling, treatment and disposal of hazardous,
low-level radioactive and mixed wastes to remain at about the same levels as in
fiscal years 1997 and 1996 (exclusive of costs for future disposition of
depleted UF(6)).
The ultimate costs under environmental, health and safety laws and the time
period during which such costs are likely to be incurred are difficult to
predict and can be significantly affected by changes in existing law. However,
the Company currently believes that environmental capital expenditures and costs
will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of
operation or liquidity.
Low-Level Radioactive Waste. The Company's operations generate low-level
radioactive waste which is currently either stored on-site or shipped off-site
for disposal at a commercial facility. Additionally, the Privatization Act
requires DOE to accept for disposal, upon the Company's request, all low-level
radioactive waste generated by the Company as a result of its operations at the
GDPs. The Company is required to reimburse DOE for this service in an amount
equal to DOE's cost, but in no event greater than the amount which would be
charged for such service by commercial, state, regional or interstate compact
entities.
Mixed Waste. The Company also generates mixed waste, which is waste having
both a hazardous and radioactive component. The Company has contracted for and
is shipping most of its mixed wastes offsite for treatment and disposal. Because
of limited treatment and disposal capacity, however, some mixed wastes generated
by the Company since the Transition Date are being temporarily stored at DOE's
permitted storage facilities at the GDPs. Although RCRA and its Kentucky and
Ohio counterparts generally require the Company to dispose of such wastes within
certain time periods, the Company has entered into consent orders with the
States of Kentucky and Ohio which permit the continued storage of mixed wastes
generated by the Company at DOE-permitted storage facilities at the GDPs and
provide for a schedule for sending such wastes to offsite treatment and disposal
facilities, generally by the year 2000. The Company believes that it will treat
or dispose of all of its historically generated mixed wastes within the time
periods set forth in the consent orders (generally by the year 2000). However,
there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to meet these deadlines
due to a number of factors, including the amount of time required for the
Company to determine the character of the wastes, the limited availability of
treatment capacity, and whether the Company's waste streams can meet the
treatability criteria established by treatment facilities. If the Company cannot
meet the schedules, it may be required to request extensions and continued
approval of the storage of mixed waste at the GDPs. There can be no assurance
that such extension or approval will be given, in which case, the Company may be
subject to enforcement action, including fines and penalties.
Uranium Hexafluoride Tails. The Company's operations generate depleted
UF(6) as a result of its operations at the GDPs, which is currently being stored
at the GDPs. Since the Transition Date, the Company has generated significant
quantities of depleted UF(6). The Privatization Act and the depleted UF(6) MOA
provide that all liabilities arising out of the disposal of depleted UF(6)
generated before the Privatization Date will become direct liabilities of DOE.
Depleted UF(6) generated after the Privatization Date will be the responsibility
of the Company.
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The Company will continue to generate depleted UF(6) as a result of its
operations at the GDPs after the Privatization Date. The Privatization Act
requires DOE, upon the Company's request, to accept for disposal such depleted
UF(6), if it is determined to be a low-level radioactive waste, and also
requires the Company to reimburse DOE for this service in an amount equal to its
cost. Costs accrued for the future treatment and disposal of depleted UF(6) were
$72.0 million in fiscal year 1997, which accrual will be eliminated as of the
Privatization. The Company expects that costs relating to the future treatment
and disposal of depleted UF(6) produced from its operations will be lower in
each of fiscal years 1998 and 1999. If, as discussed below, depleted UF(6) were
also regulated as a hazardous waste, the Company estimates that it would incur
additional costs to construct and permit storage facilities, as well as
additional operating costs. In addition, because there are presently no
commercially available treatment facilities in the United States to convert
depleted UF(6) into a form suitable for disposal, there can be no assurance that
the Company's accruals for the disposal of depleted UF(6) will be adequate or
that the increased cost of treatment, storage or disposal will not adversely
affect the Company's results of operations or financial position in the event
that UF(6) were regulated as a hazardous waste.
The Company has entered into an agreement with DOE pursuant to which USEC
will pay DOE $50.0 million from its account at the U.S. Treasury prior to the
Privatization in consideration for a commitment by DOE to assume responsibility
for a certain amount of depleted UF(6) generated by the Company after the
Privatization Date over the period from the Privatization Date up to 2005.
The State of Ohio issued a Notice of Violation in September 1993 to DOE
which alleged DOE violated the State's hazardous waste regulations in its
failure to determine whether depleted UF(6) stored at Portsmouth constituted a
hazardous waste. DOE has recently signed a consent order with the State of Ohio
which permits it to continue to manage depleted UF(6) for ten years while
evaluating alternative management options. The Commonwealth of Kentucky has made
a similar oral inquiry to the Company. The Company believes, and DOE and NRC
have also both taken the position, that depleted UF(6) is a source material and
therefore not a hazardous waste subject to RCRA. Although neither Kentucky nor
Ohio has taken any further action relating to this matter, there can be no
assurance that the EPA or Kentucky or Ohio will agree with the position taken by
DOE and NRC, and if not, the storage of UF(6) at the GDPs could constitute a
violation of RCRA.
Contamination of the GDPs. Under the federal Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and Liability Act, as amended ("CERCLA"), and similar
state laws, the owner or operator of real property may be jointly and severally
liable for the costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic
substances on or under such property, regardless of whether the owner or
operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of such materials. The
Paducah GDP, including the leased premises, has been designated on the National
Priorities List, more commonly known as a Superfund site under CERCLA. However,
the Privatization Act makes DOE or the U.S. Government responsible for any
liability in connection with contamination occurring prior to the Privatization.
In addition, the Lease Agreement requires DOE to indemnify the Company for all
such cleanup costs attributable to operations prior to the Transition Date.
The GDPs are currently undergoing investigations under RCRA. In connection
with such investigations, DOE has identified a number of areas of potential
contamination that may require remediation. Some of these areas are located
within the leased premises and some of these areas have been and will continue
to be used by the Company after the Privatization Date. The Company has not
determined whether or to what extent such continued use may contribute to the
contamination of these units. Pursuant to the Privatization Act, the Company
would be liable for contamination, if any, attributable to the Company's
operations after the Privatization Date, and such costs would not be subject to
reimbursement by DOE.
PCBs. The federal Toxic Substances Control Act ("TSCA") regulates, among
other things, the manufacture, use, storage and disposal of PCBs. Both GDPs
contain significant amounts of equipment which have leaked PCB-contaminated oils
or which have become contaminated by such oils or store PCB wastes in violation
of TSCA. Pursuant to the Lease Agreement, however, DOE has agreed to reimburse
and indemnify the Company for any damages incurred by the Company resulting from
PCBs or PCB releases from existing equipment, except to the extent any PCBs have
been introduced to the GDPs by the Company.
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DOE has operated the GDPs pursuant to a Federal Facility Compliance
Agreement ("FFCA") with EPA in which EPA has agreed not to sue DOE and any of
its contractors for alleged violations of TSCA resulting from the
PCB-contaminated equipment so long as DOE adheres to certain procedures.
Pursuant to the FFCA, DOE has undertaken substantial capital improvements to
protect the environment from PCB contamination and to reduce the exposure of
workers to PCBs. However, no assurance can be given that private parties which
are not bound by the FFCA may not seek to enjoin the use of PCBs at the GDPs in
violation of TSCA. The Company believes that such a lawsuit is unlikely and that
it would have defenses in the event of such a lawsuit, including a lawsuit
seeking suspension of plant operations.
Wastewater. The Company and DOE share wastewater discharge facilities at
both GDPs that intermingle their respective wastewaters in such a way that it
may not always be possible to determine the origin of discharges that do not
comply with the plants' discharge permits. As a result, the Company may be fined
for violation of its permit as a result of DOE's operations. Although it may not
always be possible to establish that noncomplying discharges originated from DOE
operations, pursuant to the Lease Agreement DOE has agreed to indemnify and
reimburse the Company for any liability incurred by the Company as a result of
DOE's contribution to an alleged violation of permit limits.
Air Emissions. The Company has filed an application for a permit under
Title V of the Clean Air Act relating to its air emissions. This application
includes, among other things sources covered by appeals of conditions in 52 air
permits recently proposed by the State of Ohio. The Company's application is
currently pending and it is not known when the permit will be issued. The
permit, when issued, may contain new or additional conditions or emissions
standards that may adversely affect the Company's operations.
Transportation. Transportation of natural uranium and enriched uranium
product to and from the GDPs is the responsibility of the Company's customers in
all but a few cases. The Company transports uranium between the two GDPs by rail
and by truck and is responsible for transportation of the Russian LEU from St.
Petersburg, Russia. The uranium material is packaged in cylinders which are
placed in protective overpacks and shipped on container ships and carried by
trucks using special trailers.
FOREIGN TRADE MATTERS
Imports from Russia. In 1991, U.S. producers of uranium and uranium workers
filed a petition with the U.S. Department of Commerce ("Commerce") alleging that
uranium from countries of the then-Soviet Union was being dumped (i.e., sold at
unfair prices) in the United States. In the antidumping investigation that
followed, Commerce rendered a preliminary determination that uranium imported
from Russia and several other former Soviet republics was being dumped in the
United States at average dumping margins of 115%. Thus, those imports were
exposed to the risk of high U.S. antidumping duties if the investigation
proceeded to a conclusion and if the U.S. International Trade Commission also
determined that those imports were causing or threatening material injury to the
U.S. industry. The investigations of Russia, Kazakstan, Kyrgyztan, Tajikistan
and Uzbekistan were suspended as a result of "suspension agreements" between
Commerce and the respective governments.
In addition, the Russian suspension agreement provides that, while all of
the HEU, or LEU derived from the HEU, purchased from Russia pursuant to the
Russian HEU Contract could enter the United States, the associated natural
uranium could not be resold in the United States. The Privatization Act
supersedes this provision by allowing sales and deliveries of the associated
natural uranium in the United States subject to annual quantitative limitations.
In 1994, the Russian suspension agreement was modified (the "Modified
Suspension Agreement") to allow, subject to quotas, imports of Russian uranium
and SWU if they were "matched" in equal parts with newly-produced United States
uranium and/or SWU in a sale to an end-user in the United States. While quotas
for matched natural uranium exist until 2004, the SWU matching quota expires on
October 3, 1998. Unless that deadline is extended or the Modified Suspension
Agreement is otherwise amended, no imports of SWU from the Russian Federation
(other than those associated with the Russian HEU Contract) will be allowed
after that date until at least 2004.
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The Modified Suspension Agreement is scheduled to be reviewed by Commerce
in August 1999, under legislation that requires periodic reviews of antidumping
orders and suspension agreements, to determine whether conditions that gave rise
to them still exist. It is unclear at present how, if at all, such a "sunset
review" might affect the Modified Suspension Agreement. If the Modified
Suspension Agreement were terminated and not replaced by another agreement that
met the conditions of the U.S. anti-dumping law, then it is likely that the
previously-suspended antidumping investigation would resume. If so, and if
Commerce and the International Trade Commission issued affirmative final
determinations, imports of uranium from Russia would be subject to antidumping
duties, which could be very high, and could increase the price USEC pays for SWU
under the Russian HEU Contract. In addition, expiration of the Modified
Suspension Agreement in 2004 or an earlier modification or termination could
affect the level of imports to the United States of SWU from the Russian
Federation. The effect of such changes on the operations of the Company, if any,
is uncertain.
Imports from Other CIS Countries. Imports of uranium from Kazakstan,
Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are currently subject to antidumping suspension
agreements as well. Under the terms of these agreements, imports of uranium from
these countries are subject to certain quantitative restrictions. Under the
Kazakstan and Uzbekistan suspension agreements, natural uranium that is enriched
in a third country prior to importation to the U.S. is considered to originate
from those countries, and is, therefore, subject to the quotas established in
the suspension agreements. The suspension agreements provide that the
quantitative restrictions contained therein are to remain in force until 2004.
The modification or termination of the suspension agreements prior to that date,
if any, could affect the level of imports to the U.S. of uranium from those
countries, and the level of imports to the U.S. of LEU enriched from such
uranium in third countries. The effect of such changes on the operations of the
Company, if any, is uncertain.
The suspension agreements covering imports of uranium from Kazakstan,
Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan also could be revised or terminated by future
legislation or at the discretion of Commerce under certain circumstances. If an
agreement were terminated with respect to any one or more of these countries,
then the previously-suspended antidumping investigation would very probably
resume with respect to that country or countries. If Commerce and the
International Trade Commission issued affirmative final determinations, then
antidumping duties would be imposed on imports of uranium from that country or
those countries. A revision of the existing suspension agreement or imposition
of an antidumping order on imports of uranium from Kazakstan, Kyrgyzstan and
Uzbekistan could severely limit or preclude entirely sales in the United States
of uranium from those countries.
Imports of uranium from Ukraine, other than HEU, are currently subject to
an antidumping order under which the U.S. Customs Service imposes a cash deposit
requirement on such imports. The antidumping order is likely to remain in force
at least until 1999. The order will be the subject of a "sunset review" to
determine whether conditions that gave rise to the order still exist, in 1999 or
2000. The cash deposit requirement is currently 129.29% ad valorem, but could
increase or decrease in subsequent years. Changes in the level of the cash
deposit requirement, if any, could affect the level of imports of uranium from
Ukraine. The effect of such changes on the operations of the Company, if any, is
uncertain.
Agreements for Cooperation. USEC exports to utilities located in countries
comprising the European Union ("EU") take place within the framework of an
agreement (the "EURATOM Agreement") for cooperation between the United States
and the European Atomic Energy Community ("EURATOM"), which permits USEC to
export LEU to the EU for as long as the EURATOM Agreement is in effect.
The Company exports to utilities in other countries under similar
agreements for cooperation. If such agreements for cooperation lapse, terminate
or are amended such that the Company could not make sales or deliver products to
such jurisdictions, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
LITIGATION
The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims, either
asserted or unasserted, which arise in the ordinary course of business. While
the outcome of these claims cannot be predicted with certainty, management does
not believe that the outcome of any of these legal matters will have a material
adverse effect on the Company's results of operations or financial position.
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PROPERTIES
In addition to the two GDPs, see "Business -- GDPs/Operations" and
"Business -- Lease Agreement," the Company leases its corporate headquarters
office space in Bethesda, Maryland under a lease expiring on November 30, 2008.
The Company also leases an office in the District of Columbia.
EMPLOYEES
As of March 31, 1998, the Company employed 169 people including 147 at
Company headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland, 9 at LLNL and 13 at the GDPs. The
Company believes that its relationship with its employees is good.
As of March 31, 1998, LMUS employed 4,300 people at the GDPs: 2,250 at the
Portsmouth GDP, 1,800 at the Paducah GDP and 250 at LMUS Administrative
Headquarters. In addition, the Company directs the activities of several
contractors which employ 700 people at LLNL. See "Business -- GDPs/Operations."
The average years of service for the employees at the GDPs is 13 years. Two
labor unions, the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers International Union ("OCAW")
and the International Union of United Plant Guard Workers of America ("UPGWA"),
represent 1,180 LMUS employees at Portsmouth (1,020 OCAW and 160 UPGWA) and 870
LMUS employees at Paducah (830 OCAW and 40 UPGWA). The Company plans reductions
in the GDP workforce of approximately 500 persons, as well as an additional 100
persons through normal employee attrition, through fiscal year 2000. Any such
workforce reductions would be subject to applicable provisions of the Treasury
Agreement. See "USEC Formation and Privatization -- Certain Continuing
Arrangements Involving the U.S. Government After Privatization -- Treasury
Agreement Regarding Ownership and Operation of the GDPs and Certain Other
Matters."
The Privatization Act provides that if the Company terminates or changes
the operating contractor at the GDPs, all pension plan assets and liabilities
relating to accrued benefits of the operating contractor's pension plan must be
transferred to a pension plan sponsored by the new contractor or the Company or
to a joint labor-management plan. The Privatization Act provides further that
any employer at a GDP (including the Company or any replacement contractors it
retains) must abide by the terms of any unexpired collective bargaining
agreement covering employees at the GDPs and in effect on the Privatization
Date, until the expiration or termination of such agreement. If the Company
replaces its operating contractor, the new employer will be required to offer
employment to non-management employees of the predecessor contractor to the
extent that their jobs still exist or they are qualified for new jobs. In
addition, the Privatization Act requires that certain eligible employees of the
operating contractor at the GDPs continue to receive post-retirement health
benefits at substantially the same level of coverage as the level of benefits to
which eligible retirees were generally entitled as of the Privatization, and
requires the Company to fund such costs for the portion of time an employee
continues to work after the Transition Date.
The Privatization Act requires that Company employees who were covered
under certain U.S. Government retirement plans or health benefit plans as of the
Privatization (currently approximately 20 employees) elect (i) with respect to
pension benefits, to retain their coverage under the applicable government plan
or participate in a USEC plan (in which case the employee may receive or
transfer to the Company plan the retirement benefit payable to a terminated
employee under the government plan) and (ii) with respect to health benefits, to
retain their coverage under the applicable government plan or participate in a
USEC plan. The Company is required to fund the retirement and health benefits
(including government/administrative costs) for the employees who elect to
remain in government plans for the period they are Company employees.
Paducah Facility. All hourly rated LMUS employees, excluding guards and
salaried employees, are represented by the OCAW, Local 3-550. The current
collective bargaining agreement expires on July 31, 2001. All hourly paid LMUS
security employees, excluding clerical employees, lieutenants, professional
employees, and supervisors, are represented by the UPGWA, Local 111. The current
collective bargaining agreement expires on March 1, 2002.
Portsmouth Facility. All hourly rated LMUS security employees (excluding
shift commanders, the plant protection force section manager, captains, salaried
employees, office clerical employees, professional employees, supervisors and
all other persons employed by LMUS at the facility) are represented by the
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UPGWA, Amalgamated Local 66. The current collective bargaining agreement expires
August 4, 2002. The collective bargaining agreement with OCAW, Local 3-689,
which represents all hourly employees, excluding security and salaried
personnel, expires on May 2, 2000. As of February 28, 1998, the Portsmouth GDP
has over 3,300 written grievances pending pursuant to the collective bargaining
agreements between LMUS and the OCAW and the UPGWA.
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MANAGEMENT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors of USEC Inc. (the "Pre-Privatization Board")
consists of four members, all of whom are also members of the Board of Directors
of United States Enrichment Corporation. Effective as of the Privatization, the
members of the Pre-Privatization Board will resign and a new seven-member Board
will be appointed (the "Post-Privatization Board"). Information with respect to
the Pre-Privatization Board and the Post-Privatization Board is set forth below:
The Pre-Privatization Board
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE AT MARCH 31, 1998
---- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C>
William J. Rainer, Chairman.......... 51 Private Investor
Christopher M. Coburn................ 41 Vice President and General Manager
of Battelle Memorial Institute
Margaret Hornbeck Greene............. 46 Vice President and General Counsel
of BellSouth Telecommunications, Inc.
Kneeland C. Youngblood, M.D.......... 42 Physician/Investor
</TABLE>
William J. Rainer is a private investor. He was Co-Founder and former
Managing Director of Greenwich Capital Markets, Inc., which specializes in
government securities trading. Previously, he held several domestic and
international senior management and marketing positions with Kidder, Peabody &
Co., Inc.
Christopher M. Coburn is a vice president and general manager of Battelle
Memorial Institute. He leads Battelle's NASA Market Sector, as well as a unit
that facilitates the commercialization of technology from public to private
organizations.
Margaret Hornbeck Greene is Vice President and General Counsel of BellSouth
Telecommunications, Inc. in Atlanta. She served for one year as Secretary of the
Cabinet for Kentucky Governor Paul Patton. She was previously President of South
Central Bell Company's Kentucky Division. She served as associate solicitor in
the Department of Energy's Office of Special Counsel.
Kneeland C. Youngblood, M.D. is General Partner of Pharos Capital Partners,
a private equity fund focused in healthcare and service companies. He serves on
the Board of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas; The American Advantage
Funds (a mutual fund company managed by AMR Investments, an investment affiliate
of American Airlines); Starwood Financial Trust, a publicly traded real estate
investment trust; and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
In addition to the above-named directors, the Board of United States
Enrichment Corporation, the federally-chartered corporation, includes a fifth
member, Charles William Burton. Mr. Burton is an attorney and Of Counsel to the
international law firm of Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue in Dallas and Austin,
Texas. He represents companies in the energy and natural resources industry and
is a member of the National Petroleum Council. He is a former policy and staff
director for the Chief of Staff to President Clinton.
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The Post-Privatization Board
The Post-Privatization Board will initially consist of seven members, which
will include six "independent directors" (within the meaning of the regulations
of the New York Stock Exchange). As of the Privatization Date, the directors of
the Company will be as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE AT MARCH 31, 1998 PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
---- --------------------- --------------------
<S> <C> <C>
James R. Mellor, Chairman............ 67 Retired Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer, General Dynamics
Corporation
Joyce F. Brown, Ph.D. ............... 51 President of the Fashion Institute
of Technology of the State
University of New York
Frank V. Cahouet..................... 65 Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Mellon Bank
Corporation
John R. Hall......................... 65 Retired Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of Ashland, Inc.
Dan T. Moore, III.................... 58 President of Dan T. Moore Company,
Inc.
William H. Timbers, Jr. ............. 48 President and Chief Executive
Officer of USEC
William H. White..................... 43 President and Chief Executive
Officer of WEDGE Group Incorporated
</TABLE>
James R. Mellor served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of General
Dynamics Corporation from 1994 to 1997, and served as President and Chief
Executive Officer from 1993 to 1994. He was previously General Dynamics'
President and Chief Operating Officer. He also serves on the Board of Directors
of Bergen Brunswig Corporation, Computer Sciences Corporation, General Dynamics
Corporation, Pinkertons Inc. and United States Surgical Corporation.
Joyce F. Brown is the President of the Fashion Institute of Technology of
the State University of New York. From 1994 to 1997 Ms. Brown was a professor of
graduate studies at the City University of New York, where she previously held
several Vice Chancellor positions. From 1993 to 1994 she served as the Deputy
Mayor for Public and Community Affairs in the Office of the Mayor of the City of
New York. Ms. Brown also serves on the Board of Directors of Transderm
Laboratories Corporation and Unity Mutual Life Insurance Company.
Frank V. Cahouet has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mellon
Bank Corporation since 1987 and President since 1990. Mr. Cahouet is also a
director of Avery Dennison Corporation, Saint-Gobain Corporation, and Allegheny
Teledyne Incorporated.
John R. Hall served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ashland, Inc.
from 1981 to 1997, and served as Chief Executive Officer from 1981 to 1996. He
has been Chairman of the Board of Directors of Arch Coal, Inc. since 1997. Mr.
Hall is also a director of Banc One Corporation, The Canada Life Assurance
Company, CSX Corporation, Humana Inc., LaRoche Industries, Inc., Reynolds Metals
Company and UCAR International Inc.
Dan T. Moore, III has been the founder, owner and President since 1969 of
Dan T. Moore Company, Inc., a developer of a number of advanced materials
companies and technologies. Mr. Moore has also been Chairman of the Board of
Directors of the Advanced Ceramics Corporation since 1993. He also serves on the
Board of Directors of the Hawk Corporation, Invacare Corporation, and the
Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
William H. Timbers, Jr. has been President and Chief Executive Officer of
the Company since 1994. He was appointed USEC Transition Manager in March 1993
by President Clinton. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Timbers was President of
The Timbers Corporation, an investment banking firm based in Stamford,
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Connecticut, from 1991 to 1993. Before that, he was a Managing Director of the
investment banking firm of Smith Barney, Harris Upham & Co., Inc. in New York
and San Francisco.
William H. White has been President and Chief Executive Officer of WEDGE
Group Incorporated since 1997. Mr. White founded and has been the Chairman of
the Board of Directors of Frontera Resources Corporation and its predecessor, a
privately held international energy company, since 1995, and served as President
and Chief Executive Officer from 1995 to 1996. From 1993 to 1995, he served as
Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer of the United States Department of
Energy. Mr. White also serves on the Board of Directors of Edge Petroleum
Corporation.
COMMITTEES
The Board of Directors of USEC will initially have an Audit Committee and a
Regulatory Affairs Committee. The Audit Committee will be responsible for
reviewing the Company's accounting processes, financial controls and reporting
systems, as well as the selection of the Company's independent auditors and the
scope of the audits to be conducted. The Regulatory Affairs Committee will be
responsible for regulatory matters and compliance. The Audit Committee will
consist entirely of independent directors. The Post-Privatization Board will
determine whether the Board should have any additional committees.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Following the Privatization, each non-employee director will receive an
annual retainer of $20,000 for Board of Directors service.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The Company's executive officers, and their ages as of March 31, 1998, are
as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION
- ---- --- --------
<S> <C> <C>
William H. Timbers, Jr............... 48 President and Chief Executive Officer
George P. Rifakes.................... 64 Executive Vice President, Operations
Henry Z Shelton, Jr.................. 54 Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Robert J. Moore...................... 40 Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
J. William Bennett................... 51 Vice President, Advanced Technology
Richard O. Kingdon................... 43 Vice President, Marketing and Sales
James H. Miller...................... 49 Vice President, Production
Philip G. Sewell..................... 51 Vice President, Corporate Development and
International Trade
Darryl A. Simon...................... 41 Vice President, Human Resources and
Administration
Charles B. Yulish.................... 61 Vice President, Corporate Communications
</TABLE>
Officers serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.
William H. Timbers, Jr. -- See above.
George P. Rifakes has been Executive Vice President, Operations of the
Company since 1993. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Rifakes was Vice President
of Commonwealth Edison Company in Chicago, Illinois, where he was employed since
1957 with responsibilities in corporate planning, purchasing, fuel, economic
analysis, and least-cost planning and marketing. He also served as President of
the Cotter Corporation, a wholly-owned uranium subsidiary of Commonwealth
Edison, from 1976 to 1992.
Henry Z Shelton, Jr. has been Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial
Officer of the Company since 1993. From 1989 to 1993, Mr. Shelton served as a
Board member and Vice President, Finance for Sun International Exploration and
Production Company, a subsidiary of the Sun Company, Inc., headquartered in
London, England. Previously, Mr. Shelton worked for the Sun Company organization
for 23 years.
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Robert J. Moore has been General Counsel and Secretary of the Company since
1993 and Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since 1994. Prior to
joining USEC, Mr. Moore was appointed to numerous senior legal and policy
positions, serving as Director of the California Governor's Office in
Washington, D.C. and as General Counsel to two Presidential and Congressional
Commissions.
J. William Bennett has been Vice President, Advanced Technology since 1994.
From 1993 to 1994 he served as Vice President, Production of the Company.
Immediately before joining the Company, he served as Director of DOE's Office of
Uranium Enrichment Operations. Prior to that, he was Director of DOE's Office of
Geologic Repositories and Director of DOE's Office of Light Water Reactor
Technology. Mr. Bennett has served in the United States Government for 30 years
in various positions of increasing responsibility.
Richard O. Kingdon has been Vice President, Marketing and Sales of the
Company since 1993. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Kingdon was Director,
Strategic Planning, at Otis Elevator Company, a division of the United
Technologies Corporation. From 1990 to 1993, he was Director, Sales and
Marketing, for the Otis United Kingdom operation. Prior to 1990, Mr. Kingdon was
a Manager in the consulting firm of Bain & Company.
James H. Miller has been Vice President, Production of the Company since
1995. Before joining the Company, Mr. Miller was President of ABB Environmental
Systems, Inc. From 1993 to 1994 he served as President of U.C. Operating
Services, a joint venture between Louisville Gas & Electric and Baltimore Gas &
Electric Company. From 1986 to 1993 he worked for ABB Resource Recovery Systems,
serving as President from 1990 to 1993.
Philip G. Sewell has been Vice President, Corporate Development and
International Trade since April 1998, and Vice President, Corporate Development
of the Company since 1993. From 1988 to 1993, Mr. Sewell served as Deputy
Assistant Secretary of DOE responsible for the overall management of the uranium
enrichment program. Mr. Sewell has served in the United States Government for 28
years in various positions of increasing responsibility.
Darryl A. Simon joined USEC as Vice President, Human Resources and
Administration in August 1997. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Simon spent seven
years with ManorCare Health Services based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, most
recently serving as Vice President, Human Resources Planning and Leadership
Development. Prior to ManorCare, he held assignments of increasing
responsibility within various industries and organizations.
Charles B. Yulish has been Vice President, Corporate Communications of the
Company since 1995. Immediately before joining the Company, Mr. Yulish was
Executive Vice President and Managing Director of E. Bruce Harrison Co. Prior to
joining E. Bruce Harrison Co. in 1993, he served as partner of Holt, Ross and
Yulish. Both companies are energy and environmental public relations firms.
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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table sets forth information regarding the compensation of
the Chief Executive Officer and the four most highly paid executive officers of
the Company in fiscal 1997. Since its inception, the Company has not granted any
stock awards or stock appreciation rights or made any long-term incentive plan
awards or payouts.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL COMPENSATION
----------------------------- ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY($) BONUS($) COMPENSATION(1)
--------------------------- ---- --------- -------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
William H. Timbers, Jr......................... 1997 $325,000 $25,000 $7,936
Chief Executive Officer
George P. Rifakes.............................. 1997 $285,000 $25,000 $9,008
Executive Vice President
Henry Z Shelton, Jr............................ 1997 $245,000 $25,000 $7,323
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Robert J. Moore................................ 1997 $211,000 $25,000 $9,198
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
James H. Miller................................ 1997 $200,000 $25,000 $5,637
Vice President, Production
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Consists of the Company's 401(k) matching contributions of $6,200, $6,200,
$6,200, $9,198 and $5,115 for Messrs. Timbers, Rifakes, Shelton, Moore and
Miller, respectively, and life insurance premiums of $1,736, $2,808, $1,123
and $522 paid by the Company for Messrs. Timbers, Rifakes, Shelton and
Miller, respectively.
STOCK OPTION PLANS
No stock option plans exist, or have existed in the Company's history.
PENSION PLAN TABLE
The Company maintains a tax-qualified defined benefit pension plan (the
"Company's Retirement Plan") for employees not currently enrolled in either the
Civil Service Retirement System or the Federal Employees' Retirement System
("FERS"). The following table provides examples of benefits for the Company's
Retirement Plan at the normal retirement age of 65 payable as a life annuity.
These benefits are not subject to deductions for Social Security.
YEARS OF PARTICIPATION AT AGE 65
ESTIMATED ANNUAL RETIREMENT BENEFITS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FINAL AVERAGE
COMPENSATION 15 20 25 30 35
- ------------- -- -- -- -- --
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 50,000.... $ 9,375 $11,250 $13,125 $15,000 $16,875
$100,000.... 18,750 22,500 26,250 30,000 33,750
$150,000.... 28,125 33,750 39,375 45,000 50,625
$200,000.... 30,000 36,000 42,000 48,000 54,000
$250,000.... 30,000 36,000 42,000 48,000 54,000
$300,000.... 30,000 36,000 42,000 48,000 54,000
$350,000.... 30,000 36,000 42,000 48,000 54,000
</TABLE>
Earnings are averaged over the five consecutive calendar years during which
a participant's earnings were highest. Earnings include salary, overtime,
bonuses and commission. Credited Service is based on the number
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<PAGE> 85
of plan years (January 1 through December 31) commencing January 1, 1994 during
which a participant completes at least 1,000 hours of service.
As of March 31, 1998, the years of credited service under the Retirement
Plan for Messrs. Timbers, Rifakes, Shelton and Miller were 4.3, 4.3, 4.3 and
2.3, respectively, and 4.8 under FERS for Mr. Moore.
SUPPLEMENTAL EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLAN
The Company maintains a supplemental retirement plan (the "SERP") in which
Mr. Timbers currently participates. Under the SERP, the participant is entitled
to receive a total retirement benefit of 60% of final average salary, commencing
at age 62. The value of the benefits from the SERP is offset by the benefits
from the Retirement Plan and social security benefits.
EMPLOYMENT AND SEVERANCE AGREEMENTS
The Company is not a party to any employment or severance agreements.
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SELLING STOCKHOLDER
The U.S. Government currently owns all of the issued and outstanding shares
of Common Stock of the Company. No shares of Common Stock of the Company are
held by any directors, officers or employees of the Company. All of the shares
of the Company owned by the U.S. Government are being sold in the Offering. See
"Description of Capital Stock -- General."
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
GENERAL
In connection with the Offering, USEC, the federally-chartered corporation,
will be merged with (and thereby become) a Delaware-chartered corporation
immediately prior to the closing of the Offering. Under the Privatization Act,
such Merger would be effected in accordance with, and have the effects of a
merger under, the laws of the jurisdiction of incorporation of the surviving
corporation (i.e. Delaware) and all rights and benefits provided under the
Privatization Act to USEC would thereupon apply to the surviving corporation.
Immediately thereafter, the Delaware-chartered USEC will merge with a
wholly-owned subsidiary of USEC Inc., such that USEC Inc. will become the parent
holding company of USEC. In the Merger, the outstanding shares of USEC currently
owned by the U.S. Government will automatically be converted into 100,000,000
Shares of USEC (Delaware), which Shares will then be converted into Shares of
USEC Inc. The Shares being offered in the Offering are the Shares of Common
Stock of USEC Inc., the holding company. The Charter of USEC Inc. provides for
authorized capital of 275,000,000 shares of capital stock, 250,000,000 of which
shares are Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share and 25,000,000 of which
shares are preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share. After completion of the
Offering, a total of 100,000,000 Shares are expected to be issued and
outstanding (110,000,000 Shares if the U.S. Underwriters' over-allotment option
is exercised in full), and no shares of preferred stock will be issued and
outstanding.
Under the Privatization Act, immediately following the consummation of this
Offering, no person, directly or indirectly, may acquire beneficial ownership of
securities representing more than ten percent (10%) of the total votes of all
outstanding voting securities of the Company for a period of three years. This
restriction does not apply to any employee stock ownership plan of the Company,
members of the underwriting syndicate purchasing Shares in stabilization
transactions, or in the case of Shares beneficially held for others, to
commercial banks, broker-dealers, or clearing agencies. In addition, the
Privatization Act prohibits directors, officers, and employees of the Company
from acquiring any securities, or any right to acquire any securities, of the
Company on terms more favorable than those offered to the general public (i) in
the Offering, (ii) pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding
entered into before the Privatization, or (iii) before the election of directors
of the Company.
COMMON STOCK
Subject to the rights of holders of any preferred stock then outstanding,
holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive such dividends out of assets
legally available therefor as may from time to time be declared by the Board of
Directors of the Company. Holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote per
share in the election of directors and on all matters on which the stockholders
are entitled to vote. Holders of Common Stock do not have cumulative voting
rights. In the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company,
holders of Common Stock would be entitled to share ratably in assets of the
Company available for distribution to holders of Common Stock. All outstanding
shares of Common Stock are fully paid and nonassessable. Holders of Common Stock
have no preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights. The rights,
preferences and privileges of holders of Common Stock are subject to and may be
adversely affected by, the rights of holders of any shares of any series of
preferred stock which the Company may designate and issue in the future.
Holders of shares of Common Stock are not liable to further calls or
assessments by the Company or for any liabilities of the Company.
BankBoston, N.A. will act as transfer agent and registrar for the Shares.
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PREFERRED STOCK
The Company's Charter authorizes its Board of Directors to provide for the
issuance, from time to time, of classes or series of preferred stock, to
establish the number of shares to be included in any such classes or series and
to fix the designations, voting powers, preferences and rights of the shares of
any such classes or series and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions
thereof. Because the Board of Directors has the power to establish the
preferences and rights of the shares of any such classes or series of preferred
stock, it may afford holders of any preferred stock preferences, powers and
rights (including voting rights), senior to the rights of holders of Common
Stock, which could adversely affect the rights of holders of Common Stock. There
are no shares of preferred stock of the Company currently outstanding, and none
will be issued at the time USEC is merged with the subsidiary of USEC Inc.
CERTAIN CHARTER AND BY-LAW PROVISIONS
The Company's Charter permits, but does not require, the Board of
Directors, in the exercise of its judgment in determining the best interests of
the Company and its stockholders, to consider interests in addition to the
long-term and short-term interests of the stockholders, such as the health and
safety of the public, the common defense and national security, the adequacy of
the enrichment capacity to meet the demands of the domestic electric utility
industry, the continuation of the operation of the GDPs, and the public interest
in maintaining reliable and economic uranium mining, enrichment and conversion
services.
The By-Laws establish an advance notice procedure for the nomination, other
than by or at the direction of the Board, of candidates for election as
directors as well as for other stockholder proposals to be considered at annual
meetings of stockholders. In general, notice must be received by the Company not
less than 90 calendar days nor more than 120 days in advance of the date of the
annual meeting and must contain certain specified information concerning the
persons to be nominated or the matters to be brought before the meeting and
concerning the stockholder submitting the proposal.
Section 203 of the DGCL generally restricts a corporation from entering
into certain business combinations with an interested stockholder (defined as
any person or entity that is the beneficial owner of at least 15% of a
corporation's voting stock or is an affiliate or associate of the corporation
and was the owner of 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the
corporation at any time in the past three years) or its affiliates (as defined),
unless (i) either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in
the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder is approved by the board of
directors of the corporation prior to the date such person became an interested
stockholder, (ii) the interested stockholder acquires 85% of the corporation's
voting stock in the same transaction in which it becomes an interested
stockholder, or (iii) the business combination is approved by the board of
directors and by a vote of two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock not owned
by the interested stockholder. Section 203 may render more difficult a change of
control of the Company.
FOREIGN OWNERSHIP RESTRICTIONS
The Charter contains certain restrictions with respect to foreign ownership
of the shares of Common Stock, including the Shares offered hereby. A summary of
such provisions, which is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full
text of such provisions in the Charter, is set forth below.
General Restrictions. Article 12 of the Charter prohibits the following:
(i) the beneficial ownership of more than ten percent of the outstanding shares
of Common Stock by or for the account of a Foreign Person (as defined below);
(ii) the beneficial ownership of any shares of Common Stock by or for the
account of a person having a significant commercial relationship with a foreign
uranium enrichment provider, or a foreign competitor; (iii) the acquisition of
control (direct or indirect) of the Company by a person or group in any
transaction or series of transactions in which the arrangements for financing
such person's or group's acquisition of the Company involve or will involve
receipt of money from one or more foreign persons in an amount in excess of ten
percent of the purchase price of the Company's securities purchased by such
person or group whether such funds are to be used for temporary or permanent
financing; or (iv) any ownership of, or exercise of, rights with respect to
shares of Common Stock or other exercise or attempt to exercise control of
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the Company that the Board of Directors determines is inconsistent with or in
violation of the regulations, rules or restrictions of a governmental entity or
agency which exercises regulatory power over the Company, its business,
operations or assets or could jeopardize the continued operations of the
Company's facilities. The restrictions described in the foregoing sentence are
referred to as the "Foreign Ownership Restrictions." "Foreign Person" is defined
as: (i) an individual who is not a citizen of the United States; (ii) a
partnership in which any general partner is a foreign person or the partner or
partners having a majority interest in partnership profits are foreign persons;
(iii) a foreign government or representative thereof; (iv) a corporation,
partnership, trust, company, association or other entity organized or
incorporated under the laws of a jurisdiction outside of the United States; or
(v) a corporation, partnership, trust, company, association or other entity that
is controlled directly or indirectly by any one or more of the foregoing.
Information Request. If the Company has reason to believe that the
ownership or proposed ownership of, or exercise of rights with respect to,
securities of the Company by any person, including record holders, beneficial
owners and any person presenting securities of the Company for transfer into its
name may be inconsistent with, or in violation of the Foreign Ownership
Restrictions, the Company may request of such person, and such person shall
furnish promptly to the Company such information as the Company shall reasonably
request to determine compliance with the Foreign Ownership Restrictions.
Further, the Company may request any person that has filed a Schedule 13D or a
Schedule 14D-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to the
Company's securities to provide to the Company such information as the Board of
Directors may require to confirm that such person's plans or proposals as
disclosed in such filing will not result in a violation of the Foreign Ownership
Restrictions.
Suspension of Voting Rights; Refusal to Transfer. If any person, including
a proposed transferee, from whom information is requested should fail to respond
to the Company or if the Company shall conclude that the ownership of, or the
exercise of any rights of ownership with respect to, securities of the Company
by any person could result in any inconsistency with, or violation of, the
Foreign Ownership Restrictions, the Company may (i) refuse to permit the
transfer of securities of the Company to such proposed transferee; and/or (ii)
suspend or limit voting rights associated with stock ownership by such person,
or proposed transferee, if the Board of Directors in good faith believes that
the exercise of such voting rights would result in any inconsistency with, or
violation of, the Foreign Ownership Restrictions.
Redemption/Exchange. In addition, any shares of Common Stock held or
beneficially owned by a Foreign Person shall be subject to redemption or
exchange by the Company by action of the Board of Directors, pursuant to Section
151 of the DGCL, or any other applicable provision of law, to the extent
necessary in the judgment of the Board of Directors to comply with the Foreign
Ownership Restrictions. The terms and conditions of such redemption shall be as
follows: (i) the redemption price of the shares of Common Stock to be redeemed
shall be equal to the fair market value of the shares of Common Stock to be
redeemed, as determined by the Board of Directors in good faith unless the Board
determines that the holder of such shares of Common Stock knew or should have
known its ownership or beneficial ownership would constitute a violation of the
Foreign Ownership Restrictions, in which case the redemption price shall be
equal to the lower of (x) the fair market value of the shares of Common Stock to
be redeemed and (y) such foreign person's purchase price for such shares of
Common Stock; (ii) the redemption price of such shares of Common Stock may be
paid in cash, securities or any combination thereof and the value of any
securities constituting all, or any part of, the redemption price shall be
determined by the Board; (iii) if less than all the shares of Common Stock held
or beneficially owned by foreign persons are to be redeemed, the shares of
Common Stock to be redeemed shall be selected in any manner determined by the
Board of Directors to be fair and equitable; (iv) at least 30 days' written
notice of the redemption date shall be given to the record holders of the shares
of Common Stock selected to be redeemed (unless waived in writing by any such
holder), provided that the redemption date may be the date on which written
notice shall be given to record holders if the cash or redemption securities
necessary to effect the redemption shall have been deposited in trust for the
benefit of such record holders and subject to immediate withdrawal by them upon
surrender of the stock certificates for their shares of Common Stock to be
redeemed, duly endorsed in blank or accompanied by duly executed proper
instruments of transfer; (v) from and after the redemption date, the shares of
Common Stock to be redeemed shall cease to be regarded as outstanding and any
and all rights attaching to
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such shares of Common Stock shall cease and terminate, and the holders thereof
thenceforth shall be entitled only to receive the cash or securities payable
upon redemption; and (vi) the redemption shall be subject to such other terms
and conditions as the Board of Directors shall determine.
Additional Provisions. The Company may note on the certificates of its
securities that the shares of Common Stock represented by such certificates are
subject to the Foreign Ownership Restrictions. Where the same shares of Common
Stock are held or beneficially owned by one or more persons, and any one of such
persons is a Foreign Person, then such shares of Common Stock shall be deemed to
be held or beneficially owned by a Foreign Person. The Company is authorized to
take any other action it may deem necessary or appropriate to ensure compliance
with the Foreign Ownership Restrictions including, without limitation,
suspending or limiting any and all rights of stock ownership which may violate
or be inconsistent with the Foreign Ownership Restrictions. Further, the Company
may exercise any and all appropriate remedies, at law or in equity in any court
of competent jurisdiction, against any holder of its securities or rights with
respect thereto or any proposed transferee, with a view towards obtaining
information or preventing or curing any situation which would cause any
inconsistency with, or violation of, the Foreign Ownership Restrictions. The
Board of Directors has the exclusive right to interpret all issues relating to
the Foreign Ownership Restrictions and the determinations of the Board are final
and binding. The Board may, at any time and from time to time, adopt such other
or additional reasonable procedures as the Board may deem desirable or necessary
to comply with the Foreign Ownership Restrictions. Any amendment to the Foreign
Ownership Restrictions requires the affirmative vote of the majority of the
members of the Board then in office as well as the affirmative vote of
two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock.
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
Upon completion of the Offering, 100,000,000 Shares of Common Stock are
expected to be outstanding (110,000,000 Shares if the U.S. Underwriters'
over-allotment option is exercised in full). All of these Shares sold in the
Offering will be freely tradeable without restriction under the Securities Act.
Prior to the Offering, there has been no market for the Common Stock. The
Company cannot predict the effect, if any, that future sales of shares of Common
Stock, or the availability of shares of Common Stock for future sale, will have
on the market price prevailing from time to time. Sales of substantial amounts
of Common Stock, or the perception that such sales could occur, could adversely
affect prevailing market prices of the Common Stock.
CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL TAX CONSEQUENCES
TO NON-U.S. STOCKHOLDERS
The following is a general discussion of certain United States federal
income and estate tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition
of shares of Common Stock by Non-U.S. Holders (as hereinafter defined) and does
not apply to U.S. holders. For purposes of this discussion, a "Non-U.S. Holder"
is any holder other than (i) a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a
corporation, partnership, or other entity created or organized in the United
States or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, or the
District of Columbia, (iii) an estate whose income is includible in gross income
for United States federal income tax purposes regardless of its source, or (iv)
a trust if (a) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary
supervision over the administration of the trust and (b) one or more United
States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the
trust.
This discussion does not address all aspects of United States federal
income and estate taxation that may be relevant to Non-U.S. Holders in light of
their particular circumstances and does not address any tax consequences arising
under the laws of any state, local, or foreign jurisdiction. Furthermore, the
following discussion is based on current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended (the "Code"),
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and administrative and judicial interpretations as of the date hereof, all of
which are subject to change (possibly with retroactive effect), and is for
general information only.
EACH PROSPECTIVE NON-U.S. HOLDER IS URGED TO CONSULT HIS OR HER OWN TAX
ADVISER WITH RESPECT TO THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME AND ESTATE TAX
CONSEQUENCES OF ACQUIRING, OWNING, AND DISPOSING OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK, AS
WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES ARISING UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCAL, OR
OTHER TAXING JURISDICTION.
DIVIDENDS
In general, dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder will be subject to United
States withholding tax at a 30% rate (or a lower rate prescribed by an
applicable tax treaty) unless the Non-U.S. Holder files certain forms with the
payor of the dividends and the dividends are either (i) effectively connected
with a trade or business carried on by the Non-U.S. Holder within the United
States, or (ii) if a tax treaty applies, attributable to a United States
permanent establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder. Dividends effectively
connected with such trade or business or attributable to such permanent
establishment generally will be subject to United States federal income tax in
the same manner as if the Non-U.S. Holder were a U.S. resident with respect to
such effectively connected income. A Non-U.S. Holder that is a corporation and
that receives effectively connected dividends may also be subject to an
additional "branch profits tax," which is imposed, under certain circumstances,
at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable
treaty) of the non-U.S. corporation's effectively connected earnings and
profits, subject to certain adjustments. To determine the applicability under an
income tax treaty of lower withholding tax rates on dividends paid to Non-U.S.
Holders, current U.S. Treasury regulations ("Current Regulations") presume that
dividends paid to an address in a foreign country are paid to a resident of that
country, absent knowledge to the contrary. However, recently issued U.S.
Treasury regulations, which the Internal Revenue Service recently announced
generally will become effective for payments made after December 31, 1999
("Final Regulations"), condition reduced income tax treaty withholding tax rates
on a Non-U.S. Holder (or, in the case of a Non-U.S. Holder that is a fiscally
transparent entity, the owner or owners of such entity) providing certain
documentation certifying that such Non-U.S. Holder (or such owner or owners) is
a foreign person. Non-U.S. Holders should consult any applicable income tax
treaties, which may provide for a lower rate of withholding or other rules
different from those described above.
GAIN ON SALE OR OTHER DISPOSITION OF COMMON STOCK
A Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to United States federal
income or withholding tax on any gain recognized on a sale or other disposition
of a share of Common Stock unless (i) the Company is or has been a "U.S. real
property holding corporation," as defined in section 897(c)(2) of the Code, for
United States federal income tax purposes (which the Company does not believe
that it is or is likely to become) at any time during the shorter of the
five-year period preceding the disposition or such Non-U.S. Holder's holding
period and the Non-U.S. Holder disposing of the share owned, directly or
constructively, more than five percent (5%) of the Common Stock; (ii) the gain
is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the
United States by the Non-U.S. Holder or, if a tax treaty applies, attributable
to a permanent establishment maintained within the United States by the Non-U.S.
Holder; (iii) in the case of a Non-U.S. Holder who is an individual, holds the
share as a capital asset and is present in the United States for 183 days or
more in the taxable year of the disposition, and certain other tests are met; or
(iv) the Non-U.S. Holder is subject to tax pursuant to United States federal
income tax provisions applicable to certain United States expatriates.
ESTATE TAX
An individual Non-U.S. Holder who is treated as the owner of, or has made
certain lifetime transfers of, an interest in the Common Stock will be required
to include the value thereof in his or her gross estate for United States
federal estate tax purposes, unless an applicable estate tax treaty provides
otherwise.
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INFORMATION REPORTING AND BACKUP WITHHOLDING REQUIREMENTS
The Company must report annually to the Internal Revenue Service and to
each Non-U.S. Holder the amount of dividends paid to, and the tax withheld with
respect to, each Non-U.S. Holder, regardless of whether withholding tax was
reduced by an applicable income tax treaty. Copies of these information returns
may also be made available under the provisions of a specific income tax treaty
or agreement to the tax authorities in the country in which the Non-U.S. Holder
resides.
Under the Current Regulations, United States backup withholding tax (which
generally is imposed at the rate of 31% on certain payments to persons who fail
to furnish certain information to the payor) generally will not apply to
dividends paid on Common Stock to a Non-U.S. Holder at an address outside the
United States. Dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder at an address within the
United States may be subject to backup withholding if the Non-U.S. Holder fails
to establish that he or she is entitled to an exemption or to provide a correct
taxpayer identification number and other information to the payor.
Under the Current Regulations, the payment of the proceeds of the
disposition of Common Stock by a Non-U.S. Holder to or through the United States
office of a broker will be subject to information reporting and backup
withholding at a rate of 31% unless the owner certifies its status as a Non-U.S.
Holder under penalties of perjury or otherwise establishes an exemption. The
payment of the proceeds of the disposition by a Non-U.S. Holder of Common Stock
to or through a Non-U.S. office of a broker will generally not be subject to
backup withholding and information reporting. However, in the case of proceeds
from the disposition of Common Stock paid to or through a Non-U.S. office of a
broker that is a United States person, a United States "controlled foreign
corporation" for United States federal income tax purposes, or any other person
50% or more of whose gross income from all sources for a certain three-year
period was effectively connected with a United States trade or business,
information reporting (but not backup withholding) should generally apply unless
the broker has documentary evidence in its files of the owner's status as a
Non-U.S. Holder, or the Non-U.S. Holder otherwise establishes an exemption.
Under the Final Regulations, which the Internal Revenue Service recently
announced generally will become effective for payments made after December 31,
1999, the payment of dividends or the payment of proceeds from the disposition
of Common Stock to a Non-U.S. Holder will be subject to information reporting
and backup withholding unless such recipient provides certain documentation as
to its status as a Non-U.S. Holder or otherwise establishes an exemption.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the
backup withholding rules from a payment to a Non-U.S. Holder will be refunded
(or credited against the Non-U.S. Holder's United States federal income tax
liability, if any), provided that the required information is furnished to the
Internal Revenue Service.
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UNDERWRITERS
Under the terms and subject to the conditions in an Underwriting Agreement
dated the date hereof (the "Underwriting Agreement"), the U.S. Underwriters
named below, for whom Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith Incorporated, M. R. Beal & Company, Janney Montgomery Scott Inc.,
Lehman Brothers Inc., Prudential Securities Incorporated and Smith Barney Inc.
are acting as U.S. Representatives, and the International Underwriters named
below, for whom Morgan Stanley & Co. International Limited, Merrill Lynch
International, M. R. Beal & Company, Janney Montgomery Scott Inc., Lehman
Brothers International (Europe), Prudential-Bache Securities (U.K.) Inc. and
Smith Barney Inc. are acting as International Representatives, have severally
agreed to purchase, and the U.S. Government has agreed to sell to them,
severally, the respective number of Shares set forth opposite the names of such
Underwriters below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
NAME SHARES
- ---- -----------
<S> <C>
U.S. Underwriters:
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated.........................
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated................................
M. R. Beal & Company......................................
Janney Montgomery Scott Inc...............................
Lehman Brothers Inc.......................................
Prudential Securities Incorporated........................
Smith Barney Inc..........................................
-----------
Subtotal..........................................
-----------
International Underwriters:
Morgan Stanley & Co. International Limited................
Merrill Lynch International...............................
M. R. Beal & Company......................................
Janney Montgomery Scott Inc...............................
Lehman Brothers International (Europe)....................
Prudential-Bache Securities (U.K.) Inc....................
Smith Barney Inc..........................................
-----------
Subtotal..........................................
-----------
Total............................................. 100,000,000
===========
</TABLE>
The U.S. Underwriters and the International Underwriters, and the U.S.
Representatives and the International Representatives, are collectively referred
to as the "Underwriters" and the "Representatives," respectively. For purposes
of the information set forth under this section, the term "Shares" refers to
shares of common stock of United States Enrichment Corporation, a Delaware
corporation, prior to the consummation of the Holding Company Merger, and shares
of common stock of USEC Inc. immediately following consummation of the Holding
Company Merger. The Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the
several Underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of the Shares offered hereby
are subject to the approval of certain legal matters by their counsel and to
certain other conditions. The Underwriters are obligated to take and pay for all
the Shares offered hereby (other than those covered by the U.S. Underwriters'
over-allotment option described below) if any such Shares are taken.
Pursuant to the Agreement Between U.S. and International Underwriters, each
U.S. Underwriter has represented and agreed that, with certain exceptions, (a)
it is not purchasing any Shares (as defined below)
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for the account of anyone other than a United States Person (as defined below)
and (b) it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, directly or
indirectly, any Shares or distribute any prospectus relating to the Shares
outside the United States or to anyone other than a United States Person.
Pursuant to the Agreement Between U.S. and International Underwriters, each
International Underwriter has represented and agreed that, with certain
exceptions, (a) it is not purchasing any Shares for the account of any United
States Person and (b) it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell,
directly or indirectly, any Shares or distribute any prospectus relating to the
Shares within the United States or to any United States Person. With respect to
any Underwriter that is a U.S. Underwriter and an International Underwriter, the
foregoing representations and agreements (i) made by it in its capacity as a
U.S. Underwriter apply only to it in its capacity as a U.S. Underwriter, and
(ii) made by it in its capacity as an International Underwriter apply only to it
in its capacity as an International Underwriter. The foregoing limitations do
not apply to stabilization transactions or to certain other transactions
specified in the Agreement Between U.S. and International Underwriters. As used
herein, "United States Person" means any national or resident of the United
States, or any corporation, pension, profit-sharing or other trust or other
entity organized under the laws of the United States or of any political
subdivision thereof (other than a branch located outside the United States of
any United States Person), and includes any United States branch of a person who
is otherwise not a United States Person.
Pursuant to the Agreement Between U.S. and International Underwriters,
sales may be made between the U.S. Underwriters and International Underwriters
of any number of Shares as may be mutually agreed. The per share price of any
Shares so sold shall be the Price to Public set forth on the cover page hereof,
in United States dollars, less an amount not greater than the per share amount
of the concession to dealers set forth below.
Pursuant to the Agreement Between U.S. and International Underwriters, each
International Underwriter has represented that it has not offered or sold, and
has agreed not to offer or sell, any Shares, directly or indirectly, in any
province or territory of Canada or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of
any province or territory of Canada in contravention of the securities laws
thereof and has represented that any offer or sale of Shares in Canada will be
made only pursuant to an exemption from the requirement to file a prospectus in
the province or territory of Canada in which such offer or sale is made. Each
International Underwriter has further agreed to send to any dealer who purchases
from it any Shares a notice stating in substance that, by purchasing such
Shares, such dealer represents and agrees that it has not offered or sold, and
will not offer or sell, directly or indirectly, any of such Shares in any
province or territory of Canada or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of
any province or territory of Canada in contravention of the securities laws
thereof and that any offer or sale of Shares in Canada will be made only
pursuant to an exemption from the requirement to file a prospectus in the
province or territory of Canada in which such offer or sale is made, and that
such dealer will deliver to any other dealer to whom it sells any of such Shares
a notice containing the same statement as is contained in this sentence.
Pursuant to the Agreement Between U.S. and International Underwriters, each
International Underwriter has represented and agreed that (a) it has not offered
or sold and, prior to the date six months after the closing date for the sale of
the Shares to the International Underwriters will not offer or sell, any Shares
to persons in the United Kingdom except to persons whose ordinary activities
involve them in acquiring, holding, managing or disposing of investments (as
principal or agent) for the purposes of their businesses or otherwise in
circumstances which have not resulted and will not result in an offer to the
public in the United Kingdom within the meaning of the Public Offers of
Securities Regulations 1995; (b) it has complied and will comply with all
applicable provisions of the Financial Services Act 1986 with respect to
anything done by it in relation to the Shares in, from or otherwise involving
the United Kingdom; and (c) it has only issued or passed on and will only issue
or pass on in the United Kingdom any document received by it in connection with
the offering of the Shares to a person who is of a kind described in Article
11(3) of the Financial Services Act 1986 (Investment Advertisements)
(Exemptions) Order 1996, or is a person to whom the document may otherwise
lawfully be issued or passed on.
Pursuant to the Agreement Between U.S. and International Underwriters, each
International Underwriter has further represented and agreed that it has not
offered or sold, and agrees not to offer or sell, directly or indirectly, in
Japan or to or for the account of any resident thereof, any of the Shares
acquired in connection
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with the distribution contemplated hereby, except for offers or sales to
Japanese International Underwriters or dealers and except pursuant to any
exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities and Exchange Law
and otherwise in compliance with applicable provisions of Japanese law. Each
International Underwriter has further agreed to send to any dealer who purchases
from it any of the Shares a notice stating in substance that, by purchasing such
Shares, such dealer represents and agrees that it has not offered or sold, and
will not offer or sell, any of such Shares, directly or indirectly in Japan or
to or for the account of any resident thereof except for offers or sales to
Japanese International Underwriters or dealers and except pursuant to any
exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities and Exchange Law
and otherwise in compliance with applicable provisions of Japanese law, and that
such dealer will send to any other dealer whom it sells any of such Shares a
notice containing substantially the same statement as contained in this
sentence.
The Underwriters initially propose to offer part of the Shares directly to
the public at the Price to Public set forth on the cover page hereof and part to
certain dealers at a price which represents a concession not in excess of
$ a share under the public offering price. Any Underwriter may allow, and
such dealers may reallow, a concession not in excess of $ a share to other
Underwriters or to certain other dealers. After the initial Offering of the
Shares, the offering price and other selling terms may from time to time be
varied by the Representatives.
The Company has granted to the U.S. Underwriters an option, exercisable for
30 days from the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to an aggregate of
10,000,000 additional shares of Common Stock at the public offering price set
forth on the cover page hereof, less underwriting discounts and commissions. The
U.S. Underwriters may exercise such option solely for the purpose of covering
over-allotments, if any, made in connection with the Offering of the Shares
offered hereby. To the extent such option is exercised, each U.S. Underwriter
will become obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase approximately
the same percentage of such additional shares of Common Stock as the number of
Shares set forth next to such U.S. Underwriter's name in the preceding table
bears to the total number of shares of Common Stock offered by the U.S.
Underwriters hereby.
The Company has agreed that, without the prior written consent of Morgan
Stanley & Co. Incorporated on behalf of the Underwriters, it will not, during
the period ending 180 days after the date of this Prospectus, with certain
limited exceptions, (i) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option
or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any
option, right or warrant to purchase, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of,
directly or indirectly, any shares of Common Stock or any securities convertible
into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock or (ii) enter into any swap
or other agreement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the
economic consequences of ownership of the Common Stock, whether any such
transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above is to be settled by delivery
of Common Stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise. This prohibition
does not apply to shares of Common Stock issued or options to purchase Common
Stock granted pursuant to employee or director benefit plans of the Company if
such plans are adopted by the Company after the Privatization, provided that the
total number of shares of Common Stock issued or issuable pursuant to options
granted does not exceed 3% of the total number of shares of Common Stock
outstanding immediately following the Offering, that the shares or options are
issued at fair market value, and that the executive officers or directors
receiving any such shares or options shall have agreed in writing to such
lock-up provisions.
The Underwriters have informed the Company that they do not intend sales to
discretionary accounts to exceed five percent of the total number of Shares of
Common Stock offered by them.
The Shares have been approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange
under the symbol "USU," subject to official notice of issuance. In order to meet
the requirements for listing the Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange,
the Underwriters have undertaken to meet the New York Stock Exchange's minimum
distribution, issuance and aggregate market value requirements.
In order to facilitate the Offering of the Shares, the Underwriters may
engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of
the Shares. Specifically, the Underwriters may over-allot in connection with the
Offering, creating a short position in the Shares for their own account. In
addition, to
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stabilize the price of the Shares, the Underwriters may bid for, and purchase,
Shares in the open market. Finally, the underwriting syndicate may reclaim
selling concessions allowed to an Underwriter or a dealer for distributing the
Shares in the Offering, if the syndicate repurchases previously distributed
Shares in transactions to cover syndicate short positions, in stabilization
transactions or otherwise. Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain the
market price of the Shares above independent market levels. The Underwriters are
not required to engage in these activities, and may end any of these activities
at any time.
The Company and the Underwriters have agreed to indemnify each other and
certain other related parties against certain liabilities, including liabilities
under the Securities Act. The U.S. Government will not provide any
indemnification to the Underwriters and the U.S. Government will have no
liability under the Securities Act. See "USEC Formation and
Privatization -- Certain Restrictions in Connection with the Privatization."
PRICING OF OFFERING
Prior to this Offering, there has been no public market for the Common
Stock of USEC Inc. The offering price will be determined by negotiation among
the Company, USEC Inc., the U.S. Government and the U.S. Representatives. Among
the factors to be considered in determining the offering price will be the
Company's record of operations, the Company's current financial conditions and
future prospects, the experience of its management, the economics of the
industry in general, the impact on the value of the Shares of the restrictions
on operations and ownership in the Privatization Act, the general condition of
the equity securities market and the market prices of similar securities of
companies considered comparable to the Company. The estimated offering price
range set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus is subject to change as a
result of market conditions and other factors.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the Shares offered hereby will be passed upon for the
Company by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, Washington, D.C., special
counsel for the Company, and for the Underwriters by Davis Polk & Wardwell, New
York, New York.
EXPERTS
The financial statements of the Company as of June 30, 1996 and 1997 and
for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 1997, included in this
Prospectus, have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public
accountants, as indicated in their reports with respect thereto, and are
included herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in
auditing and accounting.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") a Registration Statement (of which this Prospectus is a part and
which term shall encompass any amendments thereto) on Form S-1 under the
Securities Act with respect to the Shares offered hereby. This Prospectus does
not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement and
the exhibits and schedules thereto, certain portions of which are omitted in
accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission. The Registration
Statement may be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities
maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20549; at its Midwest Regional Office, Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison
Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661 and at its New York Regional Office,
7 World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such
material can be obtained upon written request from the Public Reference Section
of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at
prescribed rates. The Commission also maintains a site on the World Wide Web at
http:\\www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements and
other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the
Commission. For further information pertaining to the Company and the Shares
offered hereby, reference is made to the Registration Statement, including the
exhibits thereto and the financial statements, notes and schedules filed as part
thereof.
Upon completion of the Offering, the Company will be subject to the
informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
and, in accordance therewith, will file reports, proxy and information
statements and other information with the Commission. Such reports, proxy and
information statements and other information can be inspected and copied at the
addresses set forth above.
Statements contained in this Prospectus as to the contents of any
agreement, contract or other document are not necessarily complete, and in each
instance reference is made to the copy of such agreement, contract or other
document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, each such statement
being qualified in all respects by such reference.
92
<PAGE> 97
UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT CORPORATION
---------------------
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Report of Independent Public Accountants.................... F-2
Balance Sheets at June 30, 1996 and 1997 and at March 31,
1998 (unaudited).......................................... F-3
Statements of Income for the Years Ended June 30, 1995, 1996
and 1997 and the Nine Months Ended March 31, 1997 and 1998
(unaudited)............................................... F-4
Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended June 30, 1995,
1996 and 1997 and the Nine Months Ended March 31, 1997 and
1998 (unaudited).......................................... F-5
Notes to Financial Statements..........................F-6 to F-18
</TABLE>
F-1
<PAGE> 98
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors of United States Enrichment Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of United States Enrichment
Corporation, a wholly owned U.S. Government corporation, as of June 30, 1996 and
1997, and the related statements of income and cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended June 30, 1997. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these 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 financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of United States Enrichment
Corporation as of June 30, 1996 and 1997, and the results of its operations and
its cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended June 30,
1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
Washington, D.C.,
May 18, 1998
(except with respect to Note 16
for which the date is June 29, 1998.)
F-2
<PAGE> 99
UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT CORPORATION
BALANCE SHEETS
(MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30, JUNE 30, MARCH 31,
1996 1997 1998
-------- -------- -----------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash held at U.S. Treasury................................ $1,125.0 $1,261.0 $1,259.6
Accounts receivable -- customers.......................... 346.9 249.3 222.5
Receivables from Department of Energy..................... 140.0 134.4 134.5
Inventories:
Separative Work Units.................................. 586.8 573.8 656.2
Uranium................................................ 150.3 131.5 164.8
Uranium provided by customers.......................... 582.6 726.2 321.4
Materials and supplies................................. 15.7 12.4 25.8
-------- -------- --------
Total Inventories................................. 1,335.4 1,443.9 1,168.2
Payments for future deliveries under Russian HEU
Contract............................................... 78.1 79.6 98.0
Other..................................................... 30.5 23.3 30.9
-------- -------- --------
Total Current Assets.............................. 3,055.9 3,191.5 2,913.7
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net.......................... 100.4 111.5 120.7
Other Assets
Uranium inventories....................................... 199.7 103.6 103.6
Payment for future deliveries under Russian HEU
Contract............................................... -- 50.0 --
-------- -------- --------
Total Assets................................................ $3,356.0 $3,456.6 $3,138.0
======== ======== ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.................. $ 188.1 $ 159.7 $ 128.8
Payables to Department of Energy.......................... 17.5 17.4 15.1
Uranium owed to customers................................. 582.6 726.2 321.4
Payable to Russian Federation for purchases............... 18.8 10.2 61.7
-------- -------- --------
Total Current Liabilities......................... 807.0 913.5 527.0
Other Liabilities
Advances from customers................................... 55.0 34.9 34.0
Depleted UF(6) disposition costs.......................... 303.0 336.4 384.6
Other liabilities......................................... 69.4 80.5 93.2
-------- -------- --------
Total Other Liabilities........................... 427.4 451.8 511.8
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 5, 8 and 9)
Stockholder's Equity
Preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share, 25,000,000
shares authorized, none issued......................... -- -- --
Common stock, par value $.10 per share, 250,000,000 shares
authorized, 100,000,000 shares issued and
outstanding............................................ 10.0 10.0 10.0
Excess of capital over par value.......................... 1,214.6 1,054.2 1,040.1
Retained earnings......................................... 897.0 1,027.1 1,049.1
-------- -------- --------
Total Stockholder's Equity........................ 2,121.6 2,091.3 2,099.2
-------- -------- --------
Total Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity.................. $3,356.0 $3,456.6 $3,138.0
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
See notes to financial statements.
F-3
<PAGE> 100
UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT CORPORATION
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, MARCH 31,
--------------------------------- ---------------------
1995 1996 1997 1997 1998
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue
Domestic........................... $ 1,001.9 $ 901.6 $ 950.8 $ 680.9 $ 646.0
Asia............................... 485.5 441.3 487.5 304.0 340.2
Europe and other................... 123.3 69.9 139.5 139.5 70.5
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total revenue........................ 1,610.7 1,412.8 1,577.8 1,124.4 1,056.7
Cost of sales........................ 1,088.1 973.0 1,162.3 833.4 792.2
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Gross profit......................... 522.6 439.8 415.5 291.0 264.5
Other operating expenses
Project development costs.......... 49.0 103.6 141.5 107.5 103.0
Selling, general and
administrative.................. 27.6 36.0 31.8 25.7 24.8
Other (income) expense, net........ (1.5) (3.9) (7.9) (4.3) (5.3)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income........................... $ 447.5 $ 304.1 $ 250.1 $ 162.1 $ 142.0
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Pro Forma Information (unaudited):
Income before income taxes, as
reported........................... $ 250.1 $ 142.0
Pro forma adjustment for interest
expense............................ 35.3 27.1
--------- ---------
Pro forma income before income
taxes.............................. 214.8 114.9
Pro forma provision for income
taxes.............................. 81.6 43.7
--------- ---------
Pro forma net income................. $ 133.2 $ 71.2
========= =========
Pro forma net income per
share -- basic..................... $ 1.33 $ .71
Average Shares outstanding........... 100.0 100.0
</TABLE>
See notes to financial statements.
F-4
<PAGE> 101
UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT CORPORATION
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(MILLIONS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, MARCH 31,
-------------------------------- --------------------
1995 1996 1997 1997 1998
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income............................. $ 447.5 $ 304.1 $ 250.1 $ 162.1 $ 142.0
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
net cash provided by operating
activities:
Depreciation and amortization........ 13.3 13.7 14.6 11.4 11.3
Portion of AVLIS project development
costs paid by Department of
Energy............................ -- -- -- -- 45.9
Depleted UF(6) disposition costs..... 119.4 90.6 72.0 60.0 45.2
Advances from customers -- increase
(decrease)........................ 16.6 (4.4) (20.1) (20.5) (.9)
Changes in operating assets and
liabilities:
Accounts receivable -- (increase)
decrease.......................... (47.1) (84.3) 97.6 223.9 26.8
Net receivables from Department of
Energy -- (increase) decrease..... (36.8) (68.9) 5.5 2.1 (2.4)
Inventories -- (increase) decrease... (26.8) (49.8) (3.5) (53.0) (129.1)
Payments for future deliveries under
Russian HEU Contract.............. (4.6) (28.5) (51.5) (58.2) 31.6
Accounts payable and accrued
liabilities -- increase
(decrease)........................ 28.7 (7.2) (17.3) (29.2) (18.2)
Payable to Russian
Federation -- increase
(decrease)........................ 46.3 (37.5) 1.4 4.9 51.5
Other................................ (16.3) (8.1) 7.3 11.0 (4.6)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net Cash Provided by Operating
Activities........................... 540.2 119.7 356.1 314.5 199.1
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Cash Flows (Used) in Investing
Activities
Capital expenditures................... (27.5) (15.6) (25.8) (15.9) (20.5)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Dividends paid......................... (55.0) (120.0) (120.0) (120.0) (120.0)
Payments under Russian HEU Contract for
purchase of natural uranium
transferred to Department of
Energy............................... -- (86.1) (74.3) (74.3) --
Funds transferred (to) from Department
of Energy............................ 34.3 -- -- -- (60.0)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing
Activities........................... (20.7) (206.1) (194.3) (194.3) (180.0)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net Increase (Decrease)................ 492.0 (102.0) 136.0 104.3 (1.4)
Cash Held at U.S. Treasury at Beginning
of Period............................ 735.0 1,227.0 1,125.0 1,125.0 1,261.0
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Cash Held at U.S. Treasury at End of
Period............................... $1,227.0 $1,125.0 $1,261.0 $1,229.3 $1,259.6
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Supplemental schedule of non-cash
financing activities
Portion of AVLIS project development
costs paid by Department of Energy
and recorded as a contribution to
capital.............................. -- -- -- -- $ 45.9
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
See notes to financial statements.
F-5
<PAGE> 102
UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS
United States Enrichment Corporation (the Company or USEC) is a global
energy company and the world's leading producer and marketer of uranium
enrichment services. As a wholly-owned U.S. Government corporation established
by the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (Energy Policy Act), all common stock issued
and outstanding is held by the U.S. Treasury. USEC began operations July 1,
1993, and was created as an initial step in transferring the U.S. Government's
uranium enrichment activities to the private sector. The Company provides
uranium enrichment services to electric utilities operating nuclear reactors in
14 countries, including the United States. The Company has been designated by
the U.S. Government as the Executive Agent under a government-to-government
agreement and as such entered into an agreement with the executive agent for the
Russian Federation (the Russian HEU Contract) under which the Company purchases
Separative Work Units (SWU) derived from highly enriched uranium (HEU) recovered
from dismantled nuclear weapons of the Russian Federation for use in commercial
electricity production.
The Company uses the gaseous diffusion process to enrich uranium,
separating and concentrating the lighter uranium isotope U(235) from its
slightly heavier counterpart U(238). The process relies on the slight difference
in mass between the isotopes for separation. At the leased gaseous diffusion
plants (GDPs) located near Portsmouth, Ohio, and in Paducah, Kentucky, the
concentration of the isotope U(235) is raised from less than 1% to up to 5%. A
substantial portion of the purchased power used by the GDPs is supplied under
power contracts between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Ohio Valley
Electric Corporation (OVEC) and Electric Energy, Inc. (EEI). Lockheed Martin
Utility Services, Inc. (LMUS), a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation,
operates the GDPs under the Company's direct supervision and management.
In November 1996, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) granted initial
certificates of compliance to the Company for operation of the GDPs. Regulatory
authority over the operations of the GDPs was transferred from DOE to NRC in
March 1997. The initial NRC certification expires December 31, 1998, and
subsequent certification will be for periods of up to five years.
Customers typically deliver uranium to the enrichment facilities to be
processed or enriched under enrichment contracts. Customers are billed for SWU
used at the enrichment facilities to separate specific quantities of uranium
containing .711% of U(235) into two components: enriched uranium having a higher
percentage of U(235) and depleted UF(6) having a lower percentage of U(235).
The Company has exclusive commercial rights to deploy the U.S. Government's
interest in the Atomic Vapor Laser Isotope Separation (AVLIS) technology, an
advanced laser based enrichment process that is expected to significantly reduce
production costs. USEC anticipates deploying an AVLIS plant by 2005.
2. USEC PRIVATIZATION
The Privatization Act directs the USEC Board of Directors, with the
approval of the Secretary of the Treasury, with respect to certain matters, and
in consultation with appropriate federal agencies with respect to certain other
matters, to determine that the selected privatization transaction satisfies a
number of criteria, and if so determined, to transfer the U.S. Government's
interest in the Company to the private sector.
On January 15, 1998, the USEC Board of Directors announced that, as
directed by President Clinton, they were initiating the process to sell the
Company through a dual-path process of simultaneously pursuing a merger and
acquisition transaction with a third party and an initial public offering of
common stock. The Privatization Act, among other things, also provides for: the
transfer to DOE of the responsibility for the disposal of depleted UF(6)
generated by USEC through the date of privatization; the allocation between the
Company and the U.S. Government of liabilities and contingencies incurred
through the date of privatization; the transfer to USEC from DOE of up to 50
metric tons of HEU and up to 7,000 metric tons of natural uranium from DOE's
excess inventories; certain employee benefit protections for workers at the
GDPs; certain
F-6
<PAGE> 103
UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
limitations on the ability of a person to acquire more than 10% of the Company's
voting securities for a three-year period after consummation of privatization;
and certain foreign ownership limitations. At March 31, 1998, the transfer of
responsibility for disposal of depleted UF(6) to DOE and the transfers of
uranium and HEU from DOE had not yet occurred and, accordingly, were not
reflected in the Company's financial statements.
Pursuant to the Privatization Act, in December 1996, the Company
transferred to DOE the natural uranium purchased under the Russian HEU Contract
in calendar years 1995 and 1996.
Following privatization, the U.S. Government will continue to exercise
oversight of USEC's activities affecting matters of national security and other
interests of the U.S. Government, including its role as Executive Agent in
connection with the Russian HEU Contract.
On the Privatization Date, the Company will declare and pay to the U.S.
Treasury a dividend in the aggregate amount of (i) the remaining balance of cash
held in the Company's account at the U.S. Treasury as of the Privatization Date
and (ii) $500.0 million of the $550.0 million in borrowings made at consummation
of the Offering. The Company will retain $50.0 million in cash from the $550.0
million in borrowings. The amount of the dividend in excess of the Company's
retained earnings will be recorded as a reduction of excess of capital over par
value.
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
CASH HELD AT U.S. TREASURY
Cash consists of non-interest bearing funds on deposit with the U.S.
Treasury.
INVENTORIES
Inventories of uranium and SWU are valued at the lower of cost or market.
SWU inventory costs are determined using the monthly moving average cost method
and are based on production costs at the GDPs and SWU purchase costs, mainly
under the Russian HEU Contract. Production costs at the GDPs include purchased
electric power, labor and benefits, depleted UF(6) disposition costs, materials,
major overhauls, maintenance and repairs, and other costs. Purchased SWU is
recorded at acquisition cost plus related shipping costs.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Construction work in progress is recorded at acquisition or construction
cost. Upon being placed into service, costs are transferred to leasehold
improvements or machinery and equipment at which time depreciation commences.
Leasehold improvements and machinery and equipment are recorded at acquisition
cost and depreciated on a straight line basis over the shorter of their useful
lives which range from three to ten years or the GDP lease period which is
estimated to extend through 2005. The Company leases the GDPs and
process-related machinery and equipment from DOE. At the end of the lease term,
ownership and responsibility for decontamination and decommissioning of the
Company's property, plant and equipment that the Company leaves at the GDPs
transfers to DOE.
F-7
<PAGE> 104
UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Property, plant and equipment at June 30 consists of the following (in
millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1997
------ ------
<S> <C> <C>
Construction work in progress............................... $ 12.0 $ 15.6
Leasehold improvements...................................... 14.7 17.2
Machinery and equipment..................................... 105.7 125.4
------ ------
132.4 158.2
Accumulated depreciation and amortization................... (32.0) (46.7)
------ ------
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net.......................... $100.4 $111.5
====== ======
</TABLE>
MAJOR OVERHAUL COSTS
Production costs are charged with a pro rata portion of the estimated
future costs of scheduled major overhaul projects that are designed to maintain
the productive capacity of the facilities. Costs include labor and benefits,
materials, contract services and other related costs. Routine maintenance and
repair expenses are charged to production costs as incurred.
REVENUE
Revenue is recognized at the time enriched uranium is shipped under the
terms of long-term requirements contracts with domestic and foreign electric
utility customers. Under the Company's delivery optimization and other customer
oriented programs, the Company advance ships enriched uranium to nuclear fuel
fabricators for scheduled or anticipated orders from utility customers. Revenue
from sales of SWU under such programs is recognized as title to enriched uranium
is transferred to customers. Under certain power-for-SWU barter contracts, the
Company exchanges its enrichment services for electric power supplied to the
GDPs. Revenue is recognized by the Company at the time enriched uranium is
shipped with selling prices for SWU based on the fair market value of electric
power received.
No customer accounted for more than 10% of revenue during the years ended
June 30, 1995, 1996 or 1997. Revenue attributed to domestic and international
customers follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30,
--------------------
1995 1996 1997
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Domestic.................................................... 62% 64% 60%
Asia........................................................ 30 31 31
Europe and other............................................ 8 5 9
--- --- ---
100% 100% 100%
=== === ===
</TABLE>
Under the terms of certain enrichment contracts, customers make partial or
full payment in advance of delivery. Advances from customers are reported as
liabilities, and, as customers take delivery, advances are recorded as revenue.
ENVIRONMENTAL COSTS
Environmental costs relating to operations are charged to production costs
as incurred. Estimated future environmental costs, including depleted UF(6)
disposition and waste disposal, resulting from operations where environmental
assessments indicate that storage, treatment or disposal is probable and costs
can be reasonably estimated, are accrued and charged to production costs.
F-8
<PAGE> 105
UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT COSTS
Project development costs relate principally to the AVLIS project. AVLIS
development costs are charged to expense as incurred and include activities
relating to the design and testing of process equipment and the design and
preparation of the AVLIS demonstration facility. USEC will capitalize AVLIS
development costs associated with facilities and equipment designed for
commercial production activities.
OTHER INCOME
Other income consists principally of interest income and is reported net of
interest expense of $2.4 million, $2.5 million and $1.6 million for the years
ended June 30, 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
INCOME TAXES
The Company is exempt from federal, state and local income taxes.
ESTIMATES
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,
disclosure of any contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements, and reported amounts of revenue and costs and expenses during the
periods presented such as, but not limited to, accrued costs for the disposition
of depleted UF(6) and the operating lease period of the GDPs for accounting
purposes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain amounts in the financial statements have been reclassified to
conform with the current presentation.
INTERIM FINANCIAL RESULTS (UNAUDITED)
The financial statements as of March 31, 1998 and 1997, and for the nine
months ending March 31, 1998 and 1997 and the notes thereto are unaudited.
However, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of
normal accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the financial statements
have been included.
PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
Unaudited pro forma information for the year ended June 30, 1997, and the
nine months ended March 31, 1998, reflects pro forma adjustments for interest
expense on $550.0 million of debt to be incurred simultaneously with
consummation of the Offering and a provision for income taxes, at an effective
tax rate of 38%, as if the Company had been subject to federal, state and local
income taxes.
The Company will transition to taxable status upon the Privatization. The
Energy Policy Act does not specify how the Company would determine the tax bases
of its assets and liabilities. However, the Company believes future tax
consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts for financial
reporting purposes and the Company's estimate of the tax bases of its assets and
liabilities would result in deferred income tax benefits, primarily due to the
accrual of certain liabilities that will be deducted for income tax purposes in
future years and temporary differences from the capitalization of inventory
costs.
The Company expects that a deferred income tax benefit will be recorded in
connection with its transition to taxable status as a nonrecurring reduction to
the provision for income taxes following the offering. The
F-9
<PAGE> 106
UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
deferred tax benefit arising from the Company's transition to taxable status is
not reflected in pro forma net income for the year ended June 30, 1997, or the
nine months ended March 31, 1998.
4. INVENTORIES
Inventories and related balance sheet accounts follow (in millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30,
------------------- MARCH 31,
1996 1997 1998
-------- -------- -----------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CURRENT ASSETS
Separative Work Units............................... $ 586.8 $ 573.8 $ 656.2
Uranium............................................. 150.3 131.5 164.8
Uranium provided by customers....................... 582.6 726.2 321.4
Materials and supplies.............................. 15.7 12.4 25.8
-------- -------- --------
1,335.4 1,443.9 1,168.2
LONG-TERM ASSETS
Uranium............................................. 199.7 103.6 103.6
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Uranium owed to customers........................... (582.6) (726.2) (321.4)
-------- -------- --------
INVENTORIES, REDUCED BY URANIUM OWED TO CUSTOMERS..... $ 952.5 $ 821.3 $ 950.4
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
Inventories included in current assets represent amounts required to meet
working capital needs, preproduce enriched uranium and balance the natural
uranium and electric power requirements of the GDPs, and include $149.2 million,
$157.9 million, and $205.0 million at June 30, 1996 and 1997 and March 31, 1998,
respectively, for enriched uranium held at fabricators and other locations and
scheduled to be used to fill customer orders.
Uranium inventories reported as long-term assets represent quantities not
expected to be used or consumed within one year of the balance sheet date and,
at June 30, 1996, included uranium purchased at a cost of $96.1 million under
the Russian HEU Contract which, pursuant to the USEC Privatization Act, was
transferred to DOE in December 1996.
Uranium provided by customers for enrichment purposes, for which title
passes to the Company, is recorded at estimated fair value with a corresponding
liability in the same amount representing uranium owed to customers. In addition
to uranium provided by customers for which title passes to the Company in the
amounts of $582.6 million, $726.2 million and $321.4 million included on the
balance sheet at June 30, 1996 and 1997 and March 31, 1998, respectively, the
Company also holds additional uranium provided by customers for enrichment
purposes for which title does not pass to the Company (title remains with
customers) in the amounts of $42.5 million, $110.5 million, and $711.3 million
based on estimated fair value at June 30, 1996 and 1997 and March 31, 1998,
respectively.
5. PURCHASE OF SEPARATIVE WORK UNITS UNDER RUSSIAN HEU CONTRACT
In January 1994, the Company signed the 20-year Russian HEU Contract with
Techsnabexport Co., Ltd. (TENEX), the Executive Agent for the Russian
Federation, under which the Company purchases SWU derived from up to 500 metric
tons of HEU recovered from dismantled Soviet nuclear weapons. HEU is blended
down in Russia and delivered to the Company, F.O.B. St. Petersburg, Russia, for
sale and use in commercial nuclear reactors.
F-10
<PAGE> 107
UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
From inception of the Russian HEU Contract to March 31, 1998, the Company
purchased 6.5 million SWU derived from 35 metric tons of HEU at an aggregate
cost of $556.5 million, including related shipping charges, as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SWU COST
--- ------
(MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C>
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30,
1995................................................ .3 $ 22.7
1996................................................ 1.7 144.1
1997................................................ 1.8 157.3
Nine Months Ended March 31, 1998.................... 2.7 232.4
--- ------
6.5 $556.5
=== ======
</TABLE>
The Company has committed to purchase SWU in the amount of $376.2 million
in calendar 1998. In each of calendar years 1999 to 2001, the Company has
committed to purchase SWU in the amount of $475.8 million, subject to certain
purchase price adjustments for U.S. inflation. As of March 31, 1998, the Company
has committed to purchase SWU derived from HEU through 2001 as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DERIVED FROM
CALENDAR YEAR SWU METRIC TONS OF HEU AMOUNT
------------- ---------- ------------------ ----------
(MILLIONS) (MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Nine Months Ended December 31, 1998..... 4.4 24 $ 376.2
1999.................................... 5.5 30 475.8
2000.................................... 5.5 30 475.8
2001.................................... 5.5 30 475.8
--------
$1,803.6
========
</TABLE>
Orders and assay specifications have been placed for calendar years 1997
and 1998. Over the life of the Russian HEU Contract, the Company expects to
purchase 92 million SWU derived from 500 metric tons of HEU. Assuming actual
prices in effect at June 30, 1997, were to prevail over the remaining life of
the contract, the cost of SWU purchased and expected to be purchased from TENEX
would amount to approximately $8 billion.
As of June 30, 1997, the Company had made payments aggregating $260.0
million to TENEX as credits for future SWU deliveries. As of June 30, 1997,
$130.4 million had been applied against purchases of SWU, and the remaining
balance of $129.6 million is scheduled to be applied as follows: $29.6 million
by December 31, 1997, and $50.0 million in each of calendar years 1998 and 1999.
Pursuant to the USEC Privatization Act, in December 1996, the Company
transferred to DOE the natural uranium component of LEU from HEU purchased under
the Russian HEU Contract in calendar years 1996 and 1995. As a result of the
transfer, the aggregate purchase cost of $160.4 million as of December 31, 1996,
including related shipping charges, was recorded as a return of capital.
Beginning in calendar year 1997, the Company is no longer obligated to purchase
the natural uranium component.
6. PROJECT DEVELOPMENT COSTS
AVLIS is a uranium enrichment process which uses lasers to separate uranium
isotopes. The AVLIS process was developed under a contract with DOE by the
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory ("LLNL") located in Livermore,
California. In July 1994, the Company's Board of Directors authorized management
to begin taking steps that can lead to commercialization of the AVLIS
technology.
In April 1995, the Company entered into an agreement with DOE (the "AVLIS
Transfer Agreement") providing for, among other things, the transfer to the
Company by DOE of its intellectual and physical
F-11
<PAGE> 108
UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
property pertaining to the AVLIS technology. Also under the AVLIS Transfer
Agreement, DOE conducts AVLIS research, development and demonstration at LLNL as
requested by the Company. The Company reimburses DOE for its costs in conducting
AVLIS work, and the Company is liable for any incremental increase in DOE's
costs of decontamination and decommissioning the AVLIS facilities at LLNL as a
result of the work performed for the Company. The AVLIS research and development
work is performed primarily by the University of California under DOE's
management and operations contract for LLNL. Patents, technology, and other
intellectual property that result from this research and development effort will
be owned by the Company.
The Company has entered into joint development agreements with Cameco
Corporation ("Cameco") for AVLIS feed conversion services and General Electric
Company ("GE") for AVLIS product conversion services, both of which are
necessary because AVLIS requires a metallic form of uranium for processing
rather than UF(6). Both joint development agreements obligate USEC to reimburse
costs and expenses incurred by its partners if USEC elects not to proceed to the
deployment phase under certain circumstances. The Company's maximum
predeployment liability under both of the agreements is $9.0 million, subject to
certain provisions for cost overruns. The contracts also provide that if USEC
proceeds with AVLIS deployment but elects to do so without entering into
agreements with Cameco and GE, USEC must pay certain royalty payments. In such
event, in the case of Cameco, these payments would not exceed $50.0 million in
the aggregate. In the case of GE, the payment would include a fixed payment of
$5.0 million plus an annual royalty of $1.0 million until certain GE patents
related to the product conversion expire.
Project development costs relating to AVLIS activities amounted to $48.6
million, $102.0 million and $133.7 million for the years ended June 30, 1995,
1996 and 1997, respectively, and were charged to expense as incurred.
In October 1997, pursuant to the Energy & Water Development Appropriations
Act of 1998, the Company paid $60.0 million to DOE who assumed the
responsibility to fund certain AVLIS project development activities. For
financial accounting and reporting purposes, the payment of $60.0 million is
reported as a return of capital to the U.S. Government.
The Energy Policy Act limits predeployment expenditures by the Company for
AVLIS or alternative uranium enrichment technologies to $364.0 million prior to
privatization. The Energy & Water Development Appropriations Act of 1998,
enacted in October 1997, authorized DOE to spend an additional $60.0 million to
conduct AVLIS development activities. The amount of $364.0 million applicable to
predeployment spending by the Company under the Energy Policy Act remains in
effect. The Company expects its funding available under the Energy Policy Act
and DOE's funding available under the 1997 legislation will allow for
continuation of AVLIS development activities until July 31, 1998. For financial
accounting and reporting purposes, costs incurred by DOE with respect to AVLIS
development activities, although not considered predeployment expenditures under
the Energy Policy Act, are included and reported as project development costs
and charged against income in the Company's financial statements with a
corresponding contribution to capital.
During the year ended June 30, 1997, the Company began to evaluate SILEX, a
potential new advanced enrichment technology to separate U(235) from U(238). The
Company plans to continue evaluating SILEX technology during fiscal 1999.
7. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
Environmental compliance costs include the handling, treatment and disposal
of hazardous substances and wastes. Pursuant to the Privatization Act, all
environmental liabilities associated with the operation of the GDPs prior to
July 1, 1993, are the responsibility of DOE, and with certain limited exceptions
DOE is responsible for decontamination and decommissioning of the GDPs at the
end of their operating lives. Except
F-12
<PAGE> 109
UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
for certain liabilities relating to disposal of certain wastes generated after
July 1, 1993, all environmental liabilities of the Company through the date of
privatization will remain obligations of the U.S. Government.
DEPLETED UF(6)
Depleted UF(6) is stored in cylinders at the GDPs as a solid. The Company
accrues estimated costs for the future disposition of depleted UF(6) quantities
generated since July 1, 1993, based upon estimates for transportation,
conversion and disposition. The accrued liability amounted to $303.0 million and
$336.4 million at June 30, 1996 and 1997, respectively. Pursuant to the USEC
Privatization Act, all liabilities arising out of the disposal of depleted UF(6)
generated by USEC through the date of privatization are the responsibility of
DOE.
OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
USEC's operations generate hazardous, low-level radioactive and mixed
wastes. The storage, treatment, and disposal of wastes are regulated by federal
and state laws. The Company utilizes offsite treatment and disposal facilities
and stores waste at the GDPs pursuant to permits, orders and agreements with DOE
and various state agencies.
The accrued liability for the treatment and disposal of stored wastes
generated by USEC's operations included in other liabilities amounted to $11.9
million and $7.7 million as of June 30, 1996 and 1997, respectively. All
liabilities related to the disposal of stored wastes generated prior to July 1,
1993, are the responsibility of DOE.
NUCLEAR INDEMNIFICATION
Pursuant to the Energy Policy Act and under the terms of the lease
agreement with DOE, the Company is indemnified by DOE under the Price-Anderson
Act for third-party liability claims arising from nuclear incidents with respect
to activities at the GDPs, including transportation of uranium to and from the
GDPs.
8. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In 1995, 15 of the Company's customers filed four substantially similar
lawsuits in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims challenging the Company's prices
under their Utility Services Contracts. Five of the 15 customers thereafter
negotiated new contracts with the Company and withdrew from the litigation. In
August 1996, the trial court granted the United States' motion for summary
judgment dismissing one of the suits; in July 1997, the Court of Appeals for the
Federal Circuit affirmed that decision. In December 1997, the trial court
granted the United States' motions to dismiss the remaining suits; the
plaintiffs did not seek to appeal those decisions.
9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
POWER COMMITMENTS
Under the terms of the GDP lease, the Company purchases electric power at
amounts equivalent to actual cost incurred under DOE's power contracts with OVEC
and EEI which extend through December 2005. The Company has the right to have
DOE terminate the power contracts with notice ranging from three
F-13
<PAGE> 110
UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
to five years and is obligated to make minimum annual payments for demand
charges, whether or not it takes delivery of power, estimated as follows (in
millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30,
- --------------------
<S> <C>
1999................................................ $122.7
2000................................................ 119.8
2001................................................ 121.3
2002................................................ 99.5
2003................................................ 42.2
------
$505.5
======
</TABLE>
Under the power contracts with DOE, in July 1993 the Company assumed
responsibility for DOE's guarantee of OVEC's senior secured notes with a
remaining balance of $63.1 million at March 31, 1998, for expenditures related
to compliance with the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, including facilities
for fuel switching and the installation of continuous emission monitors. The
minimum demand charges under the OVEC contract include annual debt service of
$10.5 million to fully amortize the notes by the scheduled maturity in December
2005.
Upon termination of the power contracts, the Company is responsible for its
pro rata share of costs of future decommissioning and shutdown activities at
dedicated coal-fired power generating facilities owned and operated by OVEC and
EEI. Estimated costs are accrued over the contract period, and the accrued
liability included in other liabilities amounted to $12.1 million and $15.2
million at June 30, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
LEASE COMMITMENTS
Total costs incurred under the GDP lease and leases for office space and
equipment aggregated $12.2 million, $18.7 million, and $23.2 million for the
years ended June 30, 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively, and include costs
relating to DOE's regulatory oversight of the GDPs. In March 1997, the NRC
assumed regulatory oversight.
The cost of the GDP lease with DOE is estimated at $3.2 million for the
year ending June 30, 1998. The Company has the right to extend the lease
indefinitely at its sole option, and the Company may terminate the lease in its
entirety or with respect to one of the GDPs at any time upon two years' notice.
Upon termination of the lease, the Company is responsible for certain lease
turnover activities at the GDPs, including documentation of the condition of the
GDPs and termination of facility operations. Lease turnover costs are accrued
and charged to production costs over the lease period, which is estimated to
extend through 2005, and the accrued liability included in other liabilities
amounted to $12.0 million and $17.6 million at June 30, 1996 and 1997,
respectively.
10. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK
Financial instruments are reported on the balance sheets and consist of
cash, accounts receivable and payable, certain accrued liabilities, and
obligations relating to SWU purchased. The carrying amounts of financial
instruments and obligations approximate fair value.
Trade receivables result from sales of SWU to electric utility customers
located primarily in the United States, Asia and Europe. Credit risk could
result from the possibility of a utility customer failing to perform according
to the terms of a long-term requirements contract. Extension of credit is based
on an evaluation of each customer's financial condition. The Company regularly
monitors credit risk exposure and takes steps to
F-14
<PAGE> 111
UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
mitigate the likelihood of such exposure resulting in a loss. Based on
experience and outlook, an allowance for bad debts has not been established for
customer trade receivables.
11. STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Changes in stockholder's equity follow (in millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXCESS OF TOTAL
COMMON CAPITAL OVER RETAINED STOCKHOLDER'S
STOCK PAR VALUE EARNINGS EQUITY
------ ------------ -------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at July 1, 1994............................ $10.0 $1,214.6 320.4 $1,545.0
Dividend paid to U.S. Treasury..................... -- -- (55.0) (55.0)
Net income......................................... -- -- 447.5 447.5
----- -------- -------- --------
Balance at June 30, 1995........................... 10.0 1,214.6 712.9 1,937.5
Dividend paid to U.S. Treasury..................... -- -- (120.0) (120.0)
Net income......................................... -- -- 304.1 304.1
----- -------- -------- --------
Balance at June 30, 1996........................... 10.0 1,214.6 897.0 2,121.6
Dividend paid to U.S. Treasury..................... -- -- (120.0) (120.0)
Transfer to DOE of uranium purchased under the
Russian HEU Contract............................. -- (160.4) -- (160.4)
Net income......................................... -- -- 250.1 250.1
----- -------- -------- --------
Balance at June 30, 1997........................... 10.0 1,054.2 1,027.1 2,091.3
Dividend paid to U.S. Treasury..................... -- -- (120.0) (120.0)
Funds transferred to DOE........................... -- (60.0) -- (60.0)
Portion of AVLIS costs paid by DOE................. -- 45.9 -- 45.9
Net income......................................... -- -- 142.0 142.0
----- -------- -------- --------
Balance at March 31, 1998 (Unaudited).............. $10.0 $1,040.1 $1,049.1 $2,099.2
===== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
The Energy Policy Act required that the Company issue capital stock to the
U.S. Government, held on its behalf by the Secretary of the Treasury. Since
assets and liabilities were transferred between agencies of the U.S. Government
(DOE and USEC) pursuant to a Determination Order, they were recorded at DOE's
historical cost. On July 1, 1993, 30,000,000 shares of common stock, par value
$100 per share, were issued to the U.S. Treasury. In connection with the
Privatization of the Company, the par value of the common stock was changed to
$.10 per share, and an aggregate of 100,000,000 shares will be issued and
outstanding.
Pursuant to the USEC Privatization Act, in December 1996, the Company
transferred to DOE the natural uranium component of LEU from HEU purchased under
the Russian HEU Contract in calendar years 1995 and 1996. As a result of the
transfer, the purchase cost of $160.4 million, including related shipping
charges, was recorded as a return of capital.
12. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Effective January 1994, a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan was
established by the Company to provide retirement benefits to its employees based
on salary and years of service. Certain employees who transferred from other
government agencies elected to continue participation in the federal retirement
programs. Pension costs, including costs for the Company's 401(k) plan, amounted
to $1.0 million for each of the years ended June 30, 1995, 1996 and 1997. At
June 30, 1997, based on an assumed discount rate of 7.75%, an assumed
compensation rate of 5.25% and an assumed rate of return on plan assets of 8%,
the actuarial value of projected benefit obligations was $.7 million, none of
which was vested, the fair value of plan assets was $.6 million, and the amount
of unfunded accrued pension costs included in current liabilities was $.1
million.
F-15
<PAGE> 112
UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
13. OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE CONTRACT
Under an operations and maintenance contract with the Company (the "LMUS
Contract"), LMUS provides labor, services, and materials and supplies to operate
and maintain the GDPs, for which the Company funds LMUS for its actual costs and
pays contracted fees. The LMUS Contract expires on October 1, 2000. If LMUS
meets certain specified operating and safety criteria and demonstrates cost
savings that exceed certain targets, LMUS can earn an annual incentive fee.
Under the operations and maintenance contract, USEC is responsible for and
accrues for its pro rata share of pension and other postretirement health and
life insurance costs relating to LMUS employee benefit plans. All costs related
to years of service prior to July 1, 1993, are the responsibility of DOE. The
Company's responsibility for funding its pro rata share of LMUS pension and
other postretirement benefit costs is determined based on actuarial estimates
and amounted to $22.1 million, $21.8 million and $20.8 million for the years
ended June 30, 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
14. TRANSACTIONS WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Services are provided to DOE by the Company for environmental restoration,
waste management and other activities based on actual costs incurred at the
GDPs. Reimbursements by DOE to the Company for actual costs incurred amounted to
$88.0 million, $68.5 million, and $53.4 million for the years ended June 30,
1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively. Amounts receivable from DOE for actual costs
incurred for services amounted to $16.7 million and $10.0 million at June 30,
1996 and 1997, respectively.
Under the GDP lease, DOE paid $29.4 million to the Company during the
fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, including the amount of $15.3 million
receivable at June 30, 1996, for reimbursement of costs associated with
modifications to bring the GDPs into compliance with standards of the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Receivables from DOE in the amount of $88.4 million and $104.8 million at
June 30, 1996 and 1997, respectively, relate to costs associated with
modifications to bring the GDPs into compliance with NRC certification standards
and nuclear safeguard requirements incurred by the Company and reimbursable by
DOE. The reimbursement is being satisfied by the transfer from DOE of 13 metric
tons of HEU for blending into the GDP production stream, which is scheduled to
be completed by July 1998 and transfers, completed in May 1998, of natural
uranium and LEU from DOE. Transfers of uranium and LEU from DOE are recorded at
DOE's historical cost. As of March 31, 1998, the Company estimates its remaining
cash outlays for completion of such upgrades amounts to $54.4 million, the
reimbursement for which was completed by the transfers of uranium and LEU in May
1998.
Receivables from DOE at June 30, 1996 and 1997, include the balance of
$19.6 million representing amounts receivable from DOE relating to the
Determination Order, dated July 1, 1993, payment of which was satisfied by the
transfers of uranium and LEU in May 1998.
F-16
<PAGE> 113
UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
15. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
The following table summarizes the Company's quarterly results of
operations (in millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEPT. 30 DEC. 31 MARCH 31 JUNE 30 TOTAL
-------- ------- -------- ------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year Ended June 30, 1997
Revenue(a)................................... $422.9 $485.1 $216.4 $453.4 $1,577.8
Cost of sales................................ 307.9 364.2 161.3 328.9 1,162.3
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Gross profit................................. 115.0 120.9 55.1 124.5 415.5
Project development costs(b)................. 35.7 39.2 32.6 34.0 141.5
Selling, general and administrative.......... 8.6 8.6 8.5 6.1 31.8
Other (income) expense, net.................. (2.3) (.9) (1.1) (3.6) (7.9)
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Net income(c)................................ $ 73.0 $ 74.0 $ 15.1 $ 88.0 $ 250.1
Year Ended June 30, 1996
Revenue(a)................................... $227.2 $453.4 $311.2 $421.0 $1,412.8
Costs of sales............................... 139.9 315.4 224.4 293.3 973.0
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Gross profit................................. 87.3 138.0 86.8 127.7 439.8
Project development costs(b)................. 13.6 22.1 30.2 37.7 103.6
Selling, general and administrative.......... 10.2 8.3 8.7 8.8 36.0
Other (income) expense, net.................. (.5) (1.4) (.8) (1.2) (3.9)
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Net income(c)................................ $ 64.0 $109.0 $ 48.7 $ 82.4 $ 304.1
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) The Company's revenue and financial performance are substantially
influenced by the timing of customer nuclear reactor refuelings that are
affected by, among other things, the seasonal nature of electricity demand
and production. The timing of customer reactor fuel reloads, which
generally occur every 12 to 24 months, tends to be fairly predictable over
the long run, but may vary quarter-to-quarter and can affect financial
comparisons. Utilities typically schedule the shutdown of their reactors
for refueling during low demand periods of spring and fall to reduce costs
associated with reactor downtime. The Company estimates that about
two-thirds of the nuclear reactors under contract operate on refueling
cycles of 18 months or less, and the remaining one-third operate on
refueling cycles greater than 18 months.
(b) Project development costs primarily represent planned development and
engineering spending for the future commercialization of AVLIS uranium
enrichment process.
(c) The Company is exempt from federal, state and local income taxes.
16. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING
On June 29, 1998, the Company's Board of Directors approved the filing of a
registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the sale
of the Company's common stock in connection with an initial public offering. All
the shares are being offered by the U.S. Government, the selling shareholder,
which is selling its entire interest in the Company. The Company will not
receive any proceeds from the sale of the Shares, assuming the U.S.
Underwriters' over-allotment option is not exercised. If the U.S. Underwriters'
over-allotment option is exercised, the Company will be required to use $75.0
million of the proceeds to reduce indebtedness; any remaining balance of
proceeds from the exercise of the over-allotment option will be used for general
corporate purposes.
In June 1998, the Company entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with DOE
under which the Company made certain commitments relating to planned workforce
reductions at the GDPs, and the Company committed to pay $20.0 million to DOE to
provide worker transition assistance benefits. As a result
F-17
<PAGE> 114
UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
of the workforce reductions, the Memorandum of Agreement with DOE and the
Privatization, the Company expects its income for the year ended June 30, 1998,
will reflect a special charge of approximately $47.0 million reflecting
severance and transition assistance benefits to be paid to GDP workers and costs
related to the Privatization.
In connection with the Privatization of the Company, the par value of the
common stock was changed to $.10 per share, and an aggregate of 100,000,000
shares will be issued and outstanding. The financial statements include the
effect of this change.
F-18
<PAGE> 115
GLOSSARY
Set forth below is a glossary of certain terms used in this Prospectus.
Assay. The weight percent of U(235).
AVLIS. Atomic Vapor Laser Isotope Separation. A next-generation enrichment
technology that uses finely tuned lasers to enrich metallic uranium vapor.
Base Price. The standard method of pricing under the Utility Service
Contracts, which is subject to a ceiling price cap.
CIP. Cascade Improvement Program. The program conducted from 1971 until
1983 which incorporated the most recent advances in gaseous diffusion technology
at the GDPs and increased the total SWU capacity.
CUP. Cascade Uprating Program. The program conducted from 1974 to 1983
which increased the power handling capacity of the GDPs and improved the
capacity of the cooling towers at the GDPs.
CERCLA. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.).
CIS. The Commonwealth of Independent States.
Commerce. The United States Department of Commerce.
Common Stock. The common stock, par value $.10 per share, of USEC Inc.
Compliance Plan. The plan by which USEC seeks NRC approval and
certification of the GDPs pursuant to the Privatization Act.
Depleted UF(6). Uranium hexafluoride that contains a lower concentration
than the natural concentration (0.711%) of the U(235) isotope. Depleted UF(6) is
also referred to as "tails."
DGCL. The Delaware General Corporation Law.
DOE. The United States Department of Energy.
EEI. Electric Energy, Inc. A company which supplies electrical power to the
Paducah GDP.
Energy Policy Act. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-486).
Enriched Uranium Product (EUP). Uranium with a concentration of U(235) in
excess of 0.711% (i.e., natural uranium plus SWU value).
Enrichment. The step in the nuclear fuel cycle that increases the
concentration of U(235) relative to U(238) in order to make uranium usable as a
fuel for nuclear power reactors.
EPA. The United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Eurodif. A multinational consortium controlled by the French government
that provides uranium enrichment services.
Executive Agent MOA. The Memorandum of Agreement Between the United States
Acting By and Through the United States Department of State, and the United
States Department of Energy and the United States Enrichment Corporation, for
USEC to Serve as the United States Government's Executive Agent Under the
Agreement Between the United States and the Russian Federation Concerning the
Disposition of Highly Enriched Uranium Extracted from Nuclear Weapons dated
April 18, 1997 and to become effective on the Privatization Date.
FFCA. A Federal Facility Compliance Agreement between DOE and EPA in which
EPA agreed not to sue DOE or any of its contractors for alleged PCB related TSCA
violations so long as DOE adhered to certain procedures.
G-1
<PAGE> 116
Gas Centrifuge. A uranium enrichment process which uses rapidly spinning
cylinders containing UF(6) to separate the fissionable U(235) isotope from the
non-fissionable U(238) isotope.
Gaseous Diffusion. An uranium enrichment process using uranium
hexaflouride, which is heated to a gas and passed repeatedly through porous
barrier to separate the U(235) and U(238) isotopes. The gas that diffuses
through the barrier becomes increasingly more concentrated (i.e., enriched) in
the fissionable U(235), while the remainder becomes less concentrated in U(235)
(i.e., depleted).
GDPs. Two gaseous diffusion plants, located in Kentucky and Ohio, at which
USEC enriches uranium.
GWe. A gigawatt.
HEU. Highly Enriched Uranium. Uranium enriched to an assay in excess of
20%. For military applications, this enrichment level may exceed 90%.
International Offering. The offering of Shares outside the United States
and to foreign persons.
Isotope. One or more nuclides of the same element having the same atomic
number but a different mass number (i.e., the same number of protons but a
different number of neutrons).
JNFL. Japan Nuclear Fuels Limited.
Lease Agreement. Lease Agreement dated as of July 1, 1993 between USEC and
DOE pursuant to which USEC leases the GDPs from DOE, including any exhibits
thereto.
LLNL. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The lab, operated by the
University of California, which researches, develops and demonstrates the AVLIS
technology for DOE and USEC.
LMUS. Lockheed Martin Utility Services, Inc., a subsidiary of Lockheed
Martin Corporation that operates the GDPs under contract for USEC.
LMUS Contract. The operations and maintenance contract with LMUS, effective
October 1, 1995, by which LMUS operates and maintains the GDPs under USEC's
management and supervision.
LEU. Low-Enriched Uranium. Uranium enriched to an assay of less than 20%.
LEU typically has a 3 to 5% assay when used as fuel for light-water nuclear
reactors.
Light-Water Nuclear Reactor. A type of nuclear reactor that uses ordinary
water as the primary coolant and moderator and enriched uranium as fuel.
M&A. The merger and acquisition market.
Merger. The merger of USEC, the federally-chartered entity, into and with a
Delaware state-chartered entity whereby the state-chartered entity will succeed
to all of USEC's business and operations.
Modified Suspension Agreement. The agreement between the U.S. Commerce
Department and the Russian Government which limits Russian exports of uranium
and suspended an investigation of Russian uranium-dumping practices.
MWh. A megawatt hour.
Natural Uranium. Uranium with the concentration level of the U(235) isotope
as found in nature (0.711%). As used in this registration statement, the term
refers to unenriched UF(6).
New Contracts. Uranium enrichment contracts negotiated by USEC with utility
customers after the Transition Date.
Nuclear Fuel Cycle. The multiple steps that convert uranium ore as it is
extracted from the earth to nuclear fuel for use in power plants. Uranium
enrichment is one step in the nuclear fuel cycle.
NRC. The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The agency
responsible for the regulation of commercial nuclear facilities in the United
States.
G-2
<PAGE> 117
O&M. An Operations and Maintenance type contract whereby a contractor
operates and maintains the GDPs and USEC manages the GDPs.
OCAW. The Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers International Union.
Operating Income. Gross margin less selling, general and administrative but
before project development costs.
OSHA. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the U.S.
Department of Labor.
OVEC. Ohio Valley Electric Corporation. A company that supplies electric
power to the Portsmouth GDP.
PCBs. Polychlorinated biphenyls. A substance which is regulated under the
Toxic Substances Control Act.
Price-Anderson Act. Section 170d of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 that
governs claims for public liability with respect to nuclear incidents and under
which the U.S. Government provides liability coverage (up to $8.96 billion)
arising from certain nuclear incidents.
Privatization. The transfer of 100% of USEC's ownership to private
investors.
Privatization Act. The USEC Privatization Act (Chapter 1, Title 3 of Public
Law 104-134).
Privatization Date. The date on which 100% of USEC's ownership is
transferred to private investors.
RCRA. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.).
Russian HEU Contract. The "Initial Implementing Contract for the Agreement
Between the United States and the Russian Federation Concerning the Disposition
of Highly Enriched Uranium Extracted from Nuclear Weapons" dated January 14,
1994 among USEC, Executive Agent for the United States Government, Tenex, as
Executive Agent of the Russian Federation, and URANSERVIS.
Securities Act. The Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Shares. The 100,000,000 shares of Common Stock of USEC Inc. offered hereby.
SWU. Separative Work Unit. The standard measure of the effort required to
increase the concentration of the fissionable U(235) isotope relative to the
U(238) isotope.
Tails. Uranium hexafluoride that contains a lower concentration than the
natural concentration (0.711%) of the U(235) isotope.
Tenex. Techsnabexport Co. Ltd., Executive Agent for Russian Federation
under the Russian HEU Contract, is the Russian governmental agency which
provides uranium enrichment services.
Transition Date. July 1, 1993, the date USEC took over operation of the
U.S. Government's uranium enrichment operations.
TSCA. The Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C. 2600 et seq.).
TVA. The Tennessee Valley Authority, which supplies some non-firm electric
power to the Paducah GDP.
U(235). The fissionable isotope found in natural uranium.
U(238). The non-fissionable isotope found in natural uranium.
UPGWA. The International Union United Plant Guard Workers of America.
Uranium. A fairly abundant metallic element. Approximately 993 of every
1,000 uranium atoms are U(238). The remaining seven atoms are U(235) (0.711%),
which can be made to split, or fission, and generate heat energy.
UF(6). Uranium hexafluoride. The chemical form of uranium used for
enrichment in the GDPs.
G-3
<PAGE> 118
Urenco. A consortium of the British and Dutch governments and private
German corporations which provides uranium enrichment services.
U.S. Government. The United States Government.
USEC Legislation. Refers to both the Energy Policy Act and the
Privatization Act.
U.S. Offering. The offering of Shares in the United States.
U.S. Treasury. The United States Department of the Treasury.
Utility Services Contracts. The standard requirements-type contracts
developed in the early 1980s and used by DOE in the sale of uranium enrichment
services.
G-4
<PAGE> 119
Graphic: aerial view of the Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Portsmouth,
Ohio
Text: USEC Gaseous Diffusion Plant Portsmouth, Ohio
Graphic: aerial view of the Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Paducah,
Kentucky
Text: USEC Gaseous Diffusion Plant Paducah, Kentucky
<PAGE> 120
[USEC LOGO]
<PAGE> 121
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
The following table sets forth the estimated expenses of the issuance and
distribution of the Common Stock being registered, other than underwriting
discounts and commissions, to be paid out of the Company's account at the U.S.
Treasury:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
SEC registration fee........................................ $ 535,425
NASD filing fee............................................. 30,500
NYSE fee.................................................... 550,000
Printing and engraving fees................................. 900,000
Legal fees and expenses..................................... 2,100,000
Accounting fees and expenses................................ 400,000
Blue Sky fees and expenses.................................. 10,000
Transfer agent and registrar fees........................... 300,000
Miscellaneous............................................... 484,075
----------
Total............................................. $5,310,000*
==========
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Estimated
ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
The Company's By-Laws incorporate substantially the provisions of the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the "DGCL") in providing for
indemnification of directors and officers against expenses, judgments, fines,
settlements and other amounts actually and reasonably incurred in connection
with any proceeding arising by reason of the fact that such person is or was an
officer or director of the Company. In addition, the Company is authorized to
indemnify employees and agents of the Company and may enter into indemnification
agreements with its directors and officers providing mandatory indemnification
to them to the maximum extent permissible under Delaware law.
The Company's Certificate of Incorporation provides that the Company shall
indemnify (including indemnification for expenses incurred in defending or
otherwise participating in any proceeding) its directors and officers to the
fullest extent authorized or permitted by the DGCL, as it may be amended, and
that such right to indemnification shall continue as to a person who has ceased
to be a director or officer of the Company and shall inure to the benefit of his
or her heirs, executors and administrators except that such right shall not
apply to proceedings initiated by such indemnified person unless it is a
successful proceeding to enforce indemnification or such proceeding was
authorized or consented to by the Board of Directors. The Company's Certificate
of Incorporation also specifically provides for the elimination of the personal
liability of a director to the corporation and its stockholders for monetary
damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director. The provision is limited to
monetary damages, applies only to a director's actions while acting within his
or her capacity as a director, and does not entitle the Company to limit
director liability for any judgment resulting from (a) any breach of the
director's duty of loyalty to the Company or its stockholders; (b) acts or
omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing
violation of the law; (c) paying an illegal dividend or approving an illegal
stock repurchase; or (d) any transaction from which the director derived an
improper benefit.
Section 145 of the DGCL provides generally that a person sued (other than
in a derivative suit) as a director, officer, employee or agent of a corporation
may be indemnified by the corporation for reasonable expenses, including counsel
fees, if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably
believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and,
with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to
believe that the person's conduct was unlawful. In the case of a derivative
suit, a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation may be
indemnified by the corporation for reasonable expenses, including attorneys'
fees, if the person has acted in good faith and in a manner the person
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
corporation, except
II-1
<PAGE> 122
that no indemnification shall be made in the case of a derivative suit in
respect of any claim as to which such director, officer, employee or agent has
been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless the Delaware Court of
Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine
that such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for proper
expenses. Indemnification is mandatory under section 145 of the DGCL in the case
of a director or officer who is successful on the merits in defense of a suit
against him.
The Underwriting Agreement provides that the Underwriters are obligated,
under certain circumstances, to indemnify the Company, the directors, certain
officers and controlling persons of USEC and USEC Inc. against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Act"). Reference is made to the form of Underwriting Agreement filed as
Exhibit 1.1, hereto.
The Company has entered into indemnification agreements with the directors
and certain officers pursuant to which the Company has agreed to maintain
directors' and officers' insurance and to indemnify such officers to the fullest
extent permitted by applicable law except for certain claims described therein.
Reference is made to the form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement
filed as Exhibit 10.24 hereto.
The Company maintains directors and officers liability insurance for the
benefit of its directors and certain of its officers.
The Privatization Act expressly withdraws any stated or implied consent for
the United States, or any of its agents or officers, to be sued with respect to
any claim arising from any action taken in connection with the Privatization of
the Company (42 U.S.C. sec. 2297h-7(a)(4)). Section 2297h-7(d) further provides
that no officer, director, employee, or agent of the Company shall be liable in
any civil proceeding in connection with the Privatization of the Company if,
with respect to the subject matter of the action, suit or proceeding, such
person was acting within the scope of his or her employment, except that such
section shall not apply to claims arising out of any federal or state law
relating to transactions in securities.
ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES.
Not applicable.
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
(a) The following exhibits are filed as part of this registration
statement.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NO. DESCRIPTION
- ------- -----------
<C> <S>
1.1 Form of Underwriting Agreement.*
3.1 Form of Certificate of Incorporation of USEC Inc.*
3.2 Form of Bylaws of USEC Inc.*
4.1 Form of specimen common stock certificate.
5.1 Opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.
5.2 Opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
regarding certain U.S. federal income tax consequences.
10.1 Lease Agreement between the United States Department of
Energy and the United States Enrichment Corporation dated as
of July 1, 1993, including notice of exercise of option to
renew.*
10.2 Gaseous Diffusion Plant Operation and Maintenance Contract
between Lockheed Martin Utility Services, Inc. and USEC,
dated October 1, 1995, including notice of exercise of
option to renew.*
</TABLE>
II-2
<PAGE> 123
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NO. DESCRIPTION
- ------- -----------
<C> <S>
10.3 Lockheed Martin Guaranty for Lockheed Martin Utility
Services, Inc. with the United States Enrichment
Corporation, dated October 1, 1995.*
10.4 Memorandum of Agreement dated December 15, 1994 between the
United States Department of Energy and USEC regarding the
transfer of functions and activities, as amended.*
10.5 Memorandum of Agreement dated April 27, 1995 between the
United States Department of Energy and USEC regarding the
transfer and funding of AVLIS, as amended.*
10.6 Composite Copy of Power Agreement, dated October 15, 1952,
between Ohio Valley Electric Corporation and the United
States of America acting by and through the United States
Atomic Energy Commission and, subsequent to January 18,
1975, the Administrator of Energy Research and Development
and, subsequent to September 30, 1977, the Secretary of the
Department of Energy.*
10.7 Modification No. 16 to power agreement between Ohio Valley
Electric Corporation and United States of America acting by
and through the Secretary of the Department of Energy, dated
January 1, 1998.*
10.8 Modification No. 12, dated September 2, 1987 by and between
Electric Energy, Inc., and the United States of America
acting by and through the Secretary of the Department of
Energy amending and restating the power agreement dated May
4, 1951, together with all previous modifications.*
10.9 Modification Nos. 13, 14 and 15 to power agreement between
Electric Energy, Inc., and the United States of America
acting by and through the Secretary of the Department of
Energy, dated January 18, 1989, March 6, 1991 and October 1,
1992, respectively.*
10.10 Power Contract between Tennessee Valley Authority and USEC,
dated October 12, 1995.*
10.11 Memorandum of Agreement between the United States Department
of Energy and the United States Enrichment Corporation for
electric power, entered into as of July 1, 1993.*
10.12 Contract between Lockheed Martin Utility Services, Inc.,
Paducah gaseous diffusion plant and Oil, Chemical and Atomic
Workers International Union AFL-CIO and its local no. 3-550,
July 31, 1996 - July 31, 2001.*
10.13 Contract between Lockheed Martin Utility Services, Inc.,
Portsmouth gaseous diffusion plant, and Oil, Chemical and
Atomic Workers International Union and its local no. 3-689,
April 1, 1996 - May 2, 2000.*
10.14 Contract between Lockheed Martin Utility Services, Inc.,
Paducah gaseous diffusion plant and International Union,
United Plant Guard Workers of America and its amalgamated
plant guards local no. 111, January 31, 1997 - March 1,
2002.*
10.15 Contract between Lockheed Martin Utility Services, Inc.,
Portsmouth gaseous diffusion plant and International Union,
United Plant Guard Workers of America and its amalgamated
local no. 66, August 3, 1997 - August 4, 2002.*
10.16 Joint Development, Demonstration and Deployment Agreement
between Cameco Corporation and USEC, dated July 26, 1996.*
10.17 Contract between USEC, Executive Agent of the United States
of America, and Techsnabexport, Executive Agent of the
Ministry of Atomic Energy, Executive Agent of the Russian
Federation, dated January 14, 1994, as amended.*
10.18 Memorandum of Agreement, dated April 6, 1998, between the
Office of Management and Budget and USEC relating to
post-privatization liabilities.*
10.19 Memorandum of Agreement, dated May 18, 1998, between the
United States Department of Energy and USEC relating to
depleted uranium generated prior to the privatization date.*
10.20 Memorandum of Agreement, dated April 20, 1998, between the
United States Department of Energy and USEC for transfer of
natural uranium and highly enriched uranium and for blending
down of highly enriched uranium.*
</TABLE>
II-3
<PAGE> 124
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NO. DESCRIPTION
- ------- -----------
<C> <S>
10.21 Agreement between USEC and the U.S. Department of the
Treasury regarding post-closing conduct.
10.22 Agreement between USEC and DOE regarding provision by USEC
of information to the U.S. Government's Enrichment Oversight
Committee, dated June 19, 1998.*
10.23 Commitment letter among Bank of America National Trust and
Savings Association, BancAmerica Robertson Stephens, USEC
and USEC Inc.
10.24 Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement.*
10.25 Memorandum of Agreement entered into as of April 18, 1997
between the United States, acting by and through the United
States Department of State and the United States Department
of Energy, and USEC for USEC to serve as the United States
Government's Executive Agent under the Agreement between the
United States and the Russian Federation concerning the
disposal of highly enriched uranium extracted from nuclear
weapons.
10.26 Memorandum of Agreement, entered into as of June 30, 1998,
between the United States Department of Energy and USEC
regarding disposal of depleted UF(6.)
10.27 Memorandum of Agreement, entered into as of June 30, 1998,
between the United States Department of Energy and USEC
regarding certain worker benefits.
21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
23.1 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public
accountants.
23.2 Consent of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
(included in the opinion filed as Exhibit No. 5.1).
23.3 Consent of directors who will serve immediately following
consummation of the Offering.*
24.1 Powers of Attorney.*
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Previously filed
(b) Financial statement schedules have been omitted because they are not
applicable, are not required, or the information that would otherwise be
included is contained in the Financial Statements.
(c) Portions of these Exhibits have been omitted pursuant to a request for
confidential treatment. The omitted material has been filed separately with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Act may be
permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant
pursuant to provisions described in Item 14 above, or otherwise, the registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred
or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Act, the
information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this
registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in the form
of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4)
497(h) under the Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration
statement as of the time it was declared effective.
II-4
<PAGE> 125
(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Act, each
post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed
to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed
to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriters
at the closing specified in the underwriting agreements, certificates in such
denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriters to
permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
II-5
<PAGE> 126
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
registrant has duly caused this Amendment to the Registration Statement to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Bethesda,
Maryland on July 20, 1998.
USEC INC.
By: /s/ WILLIAM H. TIMBERS, JR.
----------------------------------
Name: William H. Timbers, Jr.
Title: President and Chief Executive
Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated below on July 20, 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE(S)
--------- --------
<C> <S>
/s/ WILLIAM H. TIMBERS, JR. President and Chief Executive
- ----------------------------------------------------- Officer (Principal Executive
William H. Timbers, Jr. Officer)
/s/ HENRY Z SHELTON, JR. Vice President and Chief Financial
- ----------------------------------------------------- Officer (Principal Financial and
Henry Z Shelton, Jr. Accounting Officer)
* Chairman of the Board and Director
- -----------------------------------------------------
William J. Rainer
* Director
- -----------------------------------------------------
Christopher M. Coburn
* Director
- -----------------------------------------------------
Margaret Hornbeck Greene
* Director
- -----------------------------------------------------
Kneeland C. Youngblood
*By: /s/ HENRY Z SHELTON, JR.
-------------------------------------------------
Henry Z Shelton, Jr.
Attorney-in-Fact
</TABLE>
II-6
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 4.1
TEMPORARY CERTIFICATE-EXCHANGEABLE FOR DEFINITIVE ENGRAVED
CERTIFICATE WHEN READY FOR DELIVERY
COMMON STOCK
NUMBER USEC Inc. SHARES
T
THIS CERTIFICATE IS TRANSFERABLE IN CUSIP 90333E 10 8
BOSTON, MA AND NEW YORK, NY
INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS SEE REVERSE FOR
OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
THIS CERTIFIES THAT
is the owner of
FULLY PAID AND NON-ASSESSABLE SHARES OF THE COMMON STOCK, PAR
VALUE $.10 PER SHARE, OF
USEC INC., transferable on the books of the Corporation by the holder hereof in
person, or by duly authorized attorney, upon the surrender of this Certificate
properly endorsed.
THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO
CERTAIN OWNERSHIP RESTRICTIONS AS SET FORTH IN THE CORPORATION'S
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION.
This Certificate is not valid unless countersigned and registered by
the Transfer Agent and Registrar.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Certificate to
be signed in facsimile by its duly authorized officers and a facsimile of its
seal to be hereunto affixed.
Dated:
COUNTERSIGNED AND REGISTERED:
BankBoston, N.A.
TRANSFER AGENT
AND REGISTRAR
PRESIDENT & CEO BY
SECRETARY [USEC Inc. Corporate Seal] AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE
<PAGE> 2
USEC Inc.
The Corporation will furnish without charge to each stockholder who
so requests the designations and any preferences, conversion and other rights,
voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications, and
terms and conditions of redemption of the stock of each class which the
Corporation is authorized to issue; the difference in the relative rights and
preferences between the shares of each series to the extent they have been set;
and the authority of the board of directors of the Corporation to set the
relative rights and preferences of subsequent series.
The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the
face of this Certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in
full according to applicable laws or regulations:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
TEN COM -as tenants in common UNIF TRF MIN ACT- Custodian
------- --------
TEN ENT -as tenants by the entireties (Cust) (Minor)
JT TEN -as joint tenants, with right of under Uniform Transfer to Minors
survivorship and not as tenants Act
in common -------------------------------
(State)
Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.
For value received,_________ hereby sell, assign and transfer unto
PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER
IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS INCLUDING POSTAL ZIP
CODE OF ASSIGNEE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares of the common stock represented by the within Certificate, and do hereby
irrevocably constitute and appoint
-------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Attorney to transfer the said stock on the books of the within-named Corporation
with full power of substitution in the premises.
Dated,
---------------------
------------------------------------
NOTICE: THE SIGNATURE TO THIS ASSIGNMENT
MUST CORRESPOND WITH THE NAME AS
WRITTEN UPON THE FACE OF THE
CERTIFICATE IN EVERY PARTICULAR,
WITHOUT ALTERATION OR ENLARGEMENT
OR ANY CHANGE WHATEVER.
SIGNATURE(S) GUARANTEED:
---------------------------------
THE SIGNATURE(S) SHOULD BE
GUARANTEED BY AN ELIGIBLE
GUARANTOR INSTITUTION (BANKS,
STOCKBROKERS, SAVINGS AND LOAN
ASSOCIATIONS AND CREDIT UNIONS
WITH MEMBERSHIP IN AN APPROVED
SIGNATURE MEDALLIAN PROGRAM),
PURSUANT TO S.E.C. RULE 17Ad-15.
</TABLE>
KEEP THIS CERTIFICATE IN A SAFE PLACE. IF IT IS LOST, STOLEN, MUTILATED OR
DESTROYED, THE CORPORATION WILL REQUIRE A BOND OF INDEMNITY AS A CONDITION TO
THE ISSUANCE OF A REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATE.
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 5.1
[SASM&F LETTERHEAD]
July 20, 1998
USEC Inc.
Two Democracy Center
6903 Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD 20817
Re: USEC Inc.
Registration Statement on Form S-1
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as special counsel to USEC Inc., a Delaware corporation
(the "Company"), in connection with the initial public offering by the United
States, acting through the Secretary of Treasury, of up to 110,000,000 shares
(including 10,000,000 shares subject to an over-allotment option, the "Shares")
of the Company's common stock, par value $.10 per share (the "Common Stock").
This opinion is being furnished in accordance with the requirements of
Item 601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Act").
In connection with this opinion, we have examined originals or copies,
certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of (i) the Registration
Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-57955) as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission") on June 29, 1998 under the Act, and
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 as filed with the
Commission on July 20, 1998 (such Registration Statement, as so amended, being
hereinafter referred to as the "Registration Statement"); (ii) the form of
Underwriting Agreement (the "Underwriting Agreement") proposed to be entered
into among the Company, as issuer, United States Enrichment Corporation, a
federally-chartered corporation ("USEC"), United States Enrichment Corporation,
a Delaware corporation ("Newco"), the United States of America, acting through
the Secretary of Treasury ("Treasury"), the selling stockholder, and Morgan
Stanley & Co. Incorpo-
<PAGE> 2
USEC Inc.
July 20, 1998
Page 2
rated, as representatives of the several underwriters named therein (the
"Underwriters"), filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement; (iii) a
specimen certificate representing the Common Stock; (iv) the Certificate of
Incorporation of the Company, as presently in effect; (v) the By-Laws of the
Company, as presently in effect; and (vi) certain resolutions of the Board of
Directors of the Company, USEC, and Newco and drafts of certain resolutions
(the "Draft Resolutions") of the Board of Directors of the Company, USEC, and
Newco in each case relating to the issuance and sale of the Shares and related
matters. We have also examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise
identified to our satisfaction, of such records of the Company, USEC, and Newco
and such agreements, certificates of public officials, certificates of officers
or other representatives of the Company and others, and such other documents,
certificates and records as we have deemed necessary or appropriate as a basis
for the opinions set forth herein.
In our examination, we have assumed the legal capacity of all natural
persons, the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents
submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all
documents submitted to us as certified, conformed or photostatic copies and the
authenticity of the originals of such latter documents. In making our
examination of documents executed or to be executed by parties other than the
Company, we have assumed that such parties had or will have the power,
corporate or other, to enter into and perform all obligations thereunder and
have also assumed the due authorization by all requisite action, corporate or
other, and execution and delivery by such parties of such documents and the
validity and binding effect thereof. As to any facts material to the opinions
expressed herein which we have not independently established or verified, we
have relied upon statements and representations of officers and other
representatives of the Company and others.
<PAGE> 3
USEC Inc.
July 20, 1998
Page 3
Members of our firm are admitted to the bar in the State of Delaware,
and we do not express any opinion as to the laws of any other jurisdiction.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that
when (i) the Registration Statement becomes effective; (ii) the Draft
Resolutions have been adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company, USEC,
and Newco; (iii) the merger of USEC with and into Newco has been consummated in
accordance with the Agreement and Plan of Merger by and between USEC and Newco
such that Newco succeeds to all of the business and operations of USEC; (iv)
the merger of a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company ("Plantco") with and
into Newco has been consummated in accordance with the Agreement and Plan of
Merger by and between the Company, Newco, and Plantco such that Newco becomes a
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company; (v) the price at which the Shares are to
be sold in accordance with the Underwriting Agreement and other matters
relating to the issuance and sale of the Shares have been approved by the Board
of Directors in accordance with the Draft Resolutions; (vi) the Underwriting
Agreement has been duly executed and delivered; and (vii) certificates
representing the Shares in the form of the specimen certificates examined by us
have been manually signed by an authorized officer of the transfer agent and
registrar for the Common Stock and registered by such transfer agent and
registrar, and delivered to and paid for by the Underwriters at a price per
Share not less than the per share par value of the Common Stock as contemplated
by the Underwriting Agreement, the issuance and sale of the Shares will have
been duly authorized, and the Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Commission as
an exhibit to the Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to
our firm under the caption "Legal Matters" in the Registration Statement. In
giving this consent, we do not thereby admit that we are included in the
category of persons
<PAGE> 4
USEC Inc.
July 20, 1998
Page 4
whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act or the rules and
regulations of the Commission.
Very truly yours,
/s/ SKADDEN, ARPS, SLATE,
MEAGHER & FLOM LLP
-----------------------------
Skadden, Arps, Slate,
Meagher & Flom LLP
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 5.2
[SASM&F LETTERHEAD]
July 20, 1998
USEC Inc.
Two Democracy Center
6903 Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD 20817
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as special counsel to USEC Inc., a Delaware corporation
(the "Company"), in connection with the initial public offering by the United
States, acting through the Secretary of Treasury, of up to 110,000,000 shares
(including 10,000,000 shares subject to an over-allotment option) (the
"Shares") of the Company's common stock, par value $.10 per share. We have
participated in the preparation of the registration statement on Form S-1 (File
No. 333-57955) as filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") on June 29, 1998 under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Act"), (the "Registration Statement"), for the
registration of the Shares under the Act.
In connection with this opinion, we have examined originals or copies,
certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of the Registration
Statement and such other documents, certificates, and records as we have deemed
necessary or appropriate as a basis for the opinion set forth herein.
In rendering our opinion, we have considered the current provisions of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, Treasury regulations promulgated
thereunder, judicial decisions, and Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS")
rulings, all of which are subject to change, which changes may be retroactively
applied. A change in the authorities upon which our opinion is based could
affect our conclusions. There can be no assurances, moreover, that any of the
opinions expressed herein will be accepted by the IRS or, if challenged, by a
court.
<PAGE> 2
USEC Inc.
July 20, 1998
Page 2
Although the discussion set forth in the prospectus included as part of
the Registration Statement under the caption "Certain United States Federal Tax
Consequences to Non-U.S. Stockholders" does not purport to discuss all possible
United States federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership,
and disposition of Shares by Non-U.S. Holders (as defined therein), in our
opinion, such discussion constitutes, in all material respects, a fair and
accurate summary under current law of the United States federal income tax
consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Shares by
Non-U.S. Holders (as defined therein).
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Commission as
an exhibit to the Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not
thereby admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is
required under Section 7 of the Act or the rules and regulations of the
Commission promulgated thereunder. This opinion is expressed as of the date
hereof unless otherwise expressly stated, and we disclaim any undertaking to
advise you of any subsequent changes of the facts stated or assumed herein or
any subsequent changes in applicable law.
Very truly yours,
/s/ SKADDEN, ARPS, SLATE,
MEAGHER & FLOM LLP
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 10.21
AGREEMENT REGARDING POST-CLOSING CONDUCT
THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of July 14, 1998, is by and between the
United States Department of the Treasury ("Treasury") on behalf of the United
States Government, the United States Enrichment Corporation ("USEC"), a
federally chartered corporation, the outstanding capital stock of which is held
by the Secretary of the Treasury, on behalf of the United States Government,
United States Enrichment Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("USEC Delaware"),
USEC Inc., a Delaware corporation ("USEC Inc."), and USEC Services Corporation,
a Delaware corporation ("USEC Services") (USEC Delaware, USEC Inc. and USEC
Services collectively, the "USEC Companies" and each a "USEC Company").
References herein to USEC shall be references solely to the corporation itself
and not to the United States Government or any other agencies or
instrumentalities thereof.
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended by
the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (Pub. L. No. 102-486, 106 Stat. 2776) (the
"Energy Policy Act"), and the USEC Privatization Act, as enacted in the Omnibus
Consolidated Rescissions and Appropriations Act of 1996 (Pub. L. No. 104-134,
110 Stat. 1321, 1321-335) (the "Privatization Act") (collectively, the
"Privatization Legislation"), the Board of Directors of USEC (the "Board") has
determined that the transfer of ownership of the assets and obligations of USEC
to a private corporation and the transfer of the interest of the United States
in USEC to the private sector by means of an initial public offering (the
"Offering") will satisfy the conditions precedent to privatization established
by the Privatization Legislation, and the Secretary of the Treasury has
approved such determination; and
WHEREAS, in connection with the Offering, it is contemplated that
(i) USEC will be merged into USEC Delaware, with USEC Delaware as the surviving
corporation, pursuant to a merger agreement (the "USEC Merger Agreement"); (ii)
each outstanding share of the common stock of USEC will be converted into
shares of the common stock of USEC Delaware; (iii) all of the outstanding
shares of capital stock of USEC Delaware will be sold to certain underwriters
(the "Underwriters") to be named in an underwriting agreement among Treasury,
USEC, USEC Inc., USEC Delaware and the Underwriters (the "Underwriting
Agreement"), at the time and on the date specified in the Underwriting
Agreement (the "Closing"); (iv) USEC Delaware will be merged with a wholly
owned subsidiary of USEC Inc. formed solely for the purpose of such merger,
with USEC Delaware as the surviving corporation, pursuant to a merger agreement
(the "USEC Delaware Merger Agreement"); (v) each outstanding share of the
common stock of USEC Delaware will be converted into shares of the common stock
of USEC Inc.; and (vi) the shares of common stock of USEC Inc. will be offered
to the public by the Underwriters; and
WHEREAS, the USEC Companies desire to enter into a contractually
binding commitment to operate until at least January 1, 2005 the two gaseous
diffusion plants leased to
1
<PAGE> 2
the USEC Companies by the Department of Energy (each a "Plant" and collectively
the "Plants") (subject to the terms and conditions specified in this Agreement)
and to undertake any workforce reductions at the Plants during the first two
years after the date of this Agreement in the manner described in this
Agreement; and
WHEREAS, Treasury, USEC and the USEC Companies desire to set forth
certain additional agreements among themselves relating to the Offering;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the
agreements contained herein, and as one of the inducements for the Secretary of
the Treasury to approve the decision of the Board to privatize USEC by means of
the Offering, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
1. Post-Closing Conduct.
(a) USEC and the USEC Companies acknowledge that
certain obligations are imposed upon USEC and the USEC Companies under the
Privatization Legislation. USEC and the USEC Companies shall abide by and
comply with the Privatization Legislation, including without limitation,
Section 3111(b) of the Privatization Act.
(b) From and after the Closing until the third
anniversary of the Closing, the USEC Companies shall not sell, assign, transfer
or otherwise dispose of, in a single transaction or a series of related
transactions, all or substantially all of the uranium enrichment assets and
properties or uranium enrichment operations of the USEC Companies, other than
to USEC Inc. or an entity that is directly or indirectly wholly owned by USEC
Inc.
(c) USEC and the USEC Companies acknowledge that the
provisions of the Privatization Act provide that the Board, with the approval
of the Secretary of the Treasury, shall transfer the interest of the United
States in USEC to the private sector in a manner that provides for the
continuation of the operation of the Plants. Accordingly, from and after the
Closing until at least January 1, 2005, the USEC Companies shall continue
Operation of both of the Plants; provided, however, that this paragraph shall
not restrict the termination by the USEC Companies of the Operation of a Plant
if a Significant Event has occurred with respect to such Plant. For the purpose
of this paragraph, (i) "Operation" shall mean the use of the Plants for the
provision of enrichment services, at a level reasonably determined appropriate
by the USEC Companies, and (ii) a "Significant Event" shall mean: (u) any event
beyond the reasonable control of the USEC Companies including, but not limited
to, fires, floods, acts of God, transportation delays, acts or failures to act
of government authorities or third parties, or inability to secure labor,
materials, equipment or utilities that prevents the continued Operation of a
Plant by the USEC Companies, (v) that the Operating Margin of USEC Inc. is less
than 10% in a twelve consecutive month period, (w) that the long-term corporate
credit rating of USEC Inc. is, or is reasonably expected in the next twelve
months to be, downgraded below an investment grade rating, (x) the Operating
Interest Coverage Ratio of USEC Inc. is less than 2.5x in a twelve consecutive
month period, (y) a decrease in annual worldwide demand for Separative Work
Units ("SWU") to less than 28 million
2
<PAGE> 3
SWU, or (z) a decrease in the average price for all SWU under USEC's long-term
firm contracts to less than $80 per SWU (in 1998 dollars). For purposes of this
paragraph, (i) "Operating Margin" shall mean (x) earnings plus interest, taxes
and any extraordinary, nonrecurring charges divided by (y) total revenue, (ii)
"Operating Interest Coverage Ratio" shall mean (x) earnings plus interest and
taxes divided by (y) gross interest expense. Nothing contained in this Agreement
shall be construed to modify any obligation that USEC or the USEC Companies may
have with respect to the Plants under the Lease Agreement between USEC and the
Department of Energy dated as of July 1, 1993, as amended, or under any state or
federal law, rule, regulation, order or permit applicable thereto.
(d) USEC's Strategic Plan dated September 1997 and
adopted by the Board in January 1998 (the "Strategic Plan") contemplates
certain reductions in the workforce at the Plants through USEC Inc.'s fiscal
year 2000. To the extent commercially practicable, the USEC Companies shall (i)
take steps reasonably calculated in good faith to ensure that workforce
reductions at the Plants through USEC Inc.'s fiscal year 2000 are conducted in
a manner consistent with the Strategic Plan, do not exceed 500 employees, and
are effected in substantially equal parts in each of USEC Inc.'s fiscal years
1999 and 2000, (ii) in each of USEC Inc.'s fiscal years 1999 and 2000, seek to
achieve such workforce reductions through a program of voluntary separation
before instituting a program of involuntary separation, (iii) with respect to
such workforce reductions, provide benefits and take other measures to minimize
workforce disruptions that are no less favorable to the workforce than would
have been the case prior to the privatization of USEC and that are in
accordance with the agreement between USEC and the Department of Energy
concerning worker assistance to be entered into prior to the Closing. The
foregoing provisions (w) shall not be construed to limit employee terminations
for cause or workforce reductions through normal employee attrition, (x) shall
be subject to any applicable collective bargaining agreements involving the
Plants' workforce, (y) shall not be construed to create any third-party
beneficiary rights, (z) shall terminate on the second anniversary of the date
of this Agreement.
(e) From the Closing until the third anniversary of the
Closing, the USEC Companies shall not grant any option, right or warrant to
purchase, acquire, or otherwise receive any direct or indirect interest in, or
economic benefit from, any shares of the stock of USEC Inc. or any securities
convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for the stock of USEC Inc.,
either through any bonus, profit sharing, compensation, severance, stock
option, stock appreciation right, stock purchase agreement, retirement,
deferred compensation, employment, or other employee benefit agreement, plan,
or other arrangement for the benefit or welfare of any director, officer or
employee of the USEC Companies or otherwise, unless such grant is made pursuant
to an agreement, plan or other arrangement that has been validly approved by
the shareholders of USEC Inc. at a meeting held at least 180 days after the
Closing.
(f) From the Closing until 180 days after the Closing,
the USEC Companies shall not (1) adopt any new, or amend any existing,
compensation, employment or consulting agreements or arrangements for the
benefit or welfare of any person who is listed as an Executive
3
<PAGE> 4
Officer in USEC Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-1, or (2) increase the
compensation or fringe benefits of any such person as in effect as of the
Closing.
(g) USEC and the USEC Companies shall enter into
agreements with each of their respective officers and directors, under which
each such officer and director shall agree not to, and to use his or her best
efforts to cause members of his or her respective immediate family not to,
purchase shares of the Common Stock of USEC Inc. or otherwise acquire or
receive any direct or indirect interest in, or economic benefit from, any
shares of the Common Stock of USEC Inc. or any securities convertible into or
exercisable or exchangeable for the Common Stock of USEC Inc. during a period
from the Closing until 180 days after the Closing. Copies of all such
agreements shall be provided to Treasury at least 5 business days prior to the
Closing.
(h) From the Closing until the second anniversary of
the Closing, the USEC Companies shall not hire, contract with, or provide
compensation, employment, or other arrangements for the benefit of (i) persons
who are or have been members of the Board of USEC on or prior to the date of
this Agreement, or (ii) entities in which such persons have a direct or
indirect material interest; provided, however, that this Section 1(h) shall not
be construed to limit or alter rights of indemnification or contribution
provided by any written agreements in effect on the date of this Agreement. For
purposes of this Section 1(h), the parties intend that the term "direct or
indirect material interest" shall be construed with reference to Item 404(a) of
SEC Regulation S-K (17 C.F.R. Section 229.404(a)) and the Instructions
thereunder.
(i) For a period of two years after the Closing, the
USEC Companies shall not engage, hire, contract with, or provide compensation,
employment or other arrangement for the benefit of the financial advisors or
law firms that advised the USEC Board of Directors as to the manner and method
of transfer of the United States Government's interest in USEC to the private
sector without the approval of the Board of Directors of USEC Inc.; provided,
however, that this provision shall take effect with respect to each such
advisor or law firm only after the expiration of the terms of their respective
contracts that are in effect on the date hereof; and provided further, that
nothing in this provision shall act to amend, waive or cancel existing
contractual limitations on the provision of services to the USEC Companies by
such advisors or law firms.
2. Cooperation. The USEC Companies shall provide the Treasury and
any other agencies or instrumentalities of the United States Government with
such assistance and information, books, records and other material documents of
USEC existing on the Closing ("Records"), without charge, as may be reasonably
requested by such parties in connection with (i) claims relating to the period
prior to the Closing for which the United States Government may have liability,
or (ii) the privatization of USEC. Such cooperation shall be provided to the
requesting party promptly upon its request and shall include making employees
available on a mutually convenient basis to provide additional information and
explanation of any material provided hereunder. The USEC Companies shall retain
all Records for a period of six (6) years following the Closing.
4
<PAGE> 5
3. Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction. This Agreement, and the
rights and obligations of the parties hereunder, shall be governed by, and
construed and interpreted in accordance with, federal law and not the law of
any state or locality. USEC, the USEC Companies and the Treasury hereby
irrevocably and unconditionally consent and submit to and waive any objection
to the personal and subject matter jurisdiction of, and venue in, the United
States District Court of the District of Columbia or the United States Court of
Federal Claims in any action or preceding arising out or relating to this
Agreement. USEC, the USEC Companies and Treasury agree that such jurisdiction
and venue shall be exclusive with respect to any such action or proceeding
brought by it hereunder. USEC, the USEC Companies and Treasury consent to the
service of copies of the summons and complaint and any other such process which
may be served in any such action or proceeding by certified mail, return
receipt requested, or by any other method permitted by law.
4. Amendment; Waiver. This Agreement may only be amended by an
instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto. Any failure by USEC or the
USEC Companies to comply with any obligation, covenant or agreement herein may
be waived by Treasury, and any failure by Treasury to comply with any
obligation, covenant or agreement herein may be waived by USEC or USEC Inc.;
provided, however, that any such waiver may be made only by a written
instrument signed by the party granting such waiver. Any waiver or failure to
insist upon strict compliance with such obligation, covenant, agreement or
condition by a party hereto shall not operate as a waiver of, or estoppel with
respect to, any subsequent or other failure by any other party hereto.
5. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire
agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the specific subject
matter hereof and supersedes all other prior agreements and understandings,
both written and oral, between the parties with respect to the specific subject
matter hereof.
6. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors and
assigns.
7. Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other
communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be
deemed to have been duly given upon receipt) by delivery in person, by
facsimile or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt
requested), to the other party as follows:
If to Treasury:
Department of the Treasury
1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20220
Attention: Assistant Secretary (Financial Markets)
5
<PAGE> 6
If to USEC or the USEC Companies:
United States Enrichment Corporation
2 Democracy Center
6903 Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD 20817
Attention: General Counsel
or to such other address as the person to whom notice is given may have
previously furnished to the other in writing in the manner set forth above.
8. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which
shall constitute one and the same agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Agreement
to be executed on its behalf by its duly authorized representative, all as of
the day and year first above written.
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, acting through
the Secretary of the Treasury, through his duly
authorized designate
By: /s/ Gary Gensler
--------------------------------------
Name: Gary Gensler
------------------------------------
Title: Assistant Secretary (Financial Markets)
-----------------------------------
UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT CORPORATION,
a federally chartered corporation
By: /s/ William H. Timbers, Jr.
--------------------------------------
Name: William H. Timbers, Jr.
------------------------------------
Title: President and CEO
-----------------------------------
6
<PAGE> 7
UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT CORPORATION,
a Delaware corporation
By: /s/ William H. Timbers, Jr.
--------------------------------------
Name: William H. Timbers, Jr.
------------------------------------
Title: President and CEO
-----------------------------------
USEC INC., a Delaware corporation
By: /s/ William H. Timbers, Jr.
--------------------------------------
Name: William H. Timbers, Jr.
------------------------------------
Title: President and CEO
-----------------------------------
USEC SERVICES CORPORATION, a Delaware
corporation
By: /s/ William H. Timbers, Jr.
--------------------------------------
Name: William H. Timbers, Jr.
------------------------------------
Title: President and CEO
-----------------------------------
7
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 10.23
[BankAmerica letterhead]
CONFIDENTIAL
July 10, 1998
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
United States Enrichment Corporation USEC, Inc.
6903 Rockledge Drive 6903 Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD 20817-1818 Bethesda, MD 20817-1818
</TABLE>
Attn: Sarah A. Van Lierde
Treasurer
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association ("Bank of America"), as
underwriter (the "Underwriter"), is pleased to advise you that it is willing,
subject to the terms and conditions contained in this letter and in the
attached Summary of Terms and Conditions (the "Term Sheet"), to commit to lend
to USEC Inc. (the "Borrower") up to $700,000,000 of senior credit facilities
which include $550,000,000 in acquisition facilities available in the form of
(i) a $400,000,000 364-day revolving credit facility and (ii) a $150,000,000
364-day revolving credit facility which is convertible at the option of the
Borrower to a one-year term loan facility (the "Acquisition Facilities") and
$150 million in a working capital facility which takes the form of a
$150,000,000 five year revolving credit facility (the "Working Capital
Facility," and together with the Acquisition Facilities, the "Facilities").
Upon your acceptance of this commitment, BancAmerica Robertson Stephens
("BARS") will endeavor as arranger (the "Arranger") to assemble a syndicate of
lenders (together with Bank of America, the "Lenders"). Bank of America will
serve as administrative agent for the Facilities (the "Administrative Agent").
<PAGE> 2
United States Enrichment Corporation
July 10, 1998
Page 2
BARS is a wholly-owned, direct subsidiary of BankAmerica Corporation, the
parent company of Bank of America, and is a registered broker-dealer. Please
refer to the attached "Disclosure Statement" for important additional
information on this relationship.
The fees payable to the Arranger and the Underwriter in connection with the
Facilities are set forth in a separate letter of even date herewith (the "Fee
Letter"). Additionally, the annual agency fee payable to the Administrative
Agent is set forth in the Fee Letter.
It is agreed that Bank of America will act as the sole and exclusive
Administrative Agent for the Facilities, and that BARS will act as the sole and
exclusive Arranger for the Facilities. You agree that no other underwriters,
agents, co-agents or arrangers will be appointed, no other titles will be
awarded and no compensation (other than that expressly contemplated by the Term
Sheet and the Fee Letter) will be paid in connection with the Facilities unless
you and we shall so agree.
You hereby authorize BARS to commence syndication efforts immediately and agree
actively to assist BARS in achieving a syndication that is satisfactory to
BARS, Bank of America and the Borrower. The Arranger will approach only
U.S.-owned lenders(1) for the syndication of the Acquisition Facilities and
financial institutions for the Working Capital Facility. To assist BARS in its
syndication efforts, (i) you agree to promptly prepare and provide to BARS and
Bank of America all information which we may reasonably request, including all
financial information and projections, (ii) you understand that in arranging
and syndicating the Facilities we may use and rely upon the information and
projections without independent verification thereof (iii) you agree to use
commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that the syndications efforts benefit
materially from your existing banking relationships, (iv) you agree to host
with BARS one or more meetings with prospective Lenders and you agree to make
certain members of senior management (including, at a minimum, the Chief
Executive Officer
- ------------------
1 As defined by the Bright Line Tests and presumptions as described in the
United States Enrichment Corporation Statutory Requirements, Attachment 1,
under the definition of the "Determination of 'Foreign' Status", section B
(Presumptions), tests (i) through (viii).
<PAGE> 3
United States Enrichment Corporation
July 10, 1998
Page 3
and Chief Financial Officer) available for these meetings, and (v) you agree to
assist in the preparation of a Confidential Information Memorandum and other
marketing materials to be used in connection with the syndication. The
Borrower represents that the information and disclosures made by the Borrower
in discharging its agreements hereunder will be true and correct in all
material respects. The Borrower represents that such information and
disclosures will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state any material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein, in
light of the circumstances in which they were made, not false or misleading.
BARS, as Arranger, will manage all aspects of the syndication and reserves the
right to allocate the commitments from and fees offered to the Lenders.
BARS shall be entitled, with your consent (not to be unreasonably withheld), to
change the pricing, terms and structure of the Facilities if BARS determines
that such changes are advisable to insure a successful syndication of the
Facilities; provided the total amount of the Facilities remain unchanged. Bank
of America's commitment hereunder is subject to the agreements in this
paragraph, provided, however, that BARS has utilized its best efforts to
syndicate the Facilities at pricing and terms specified herewith as evidenced
by screening of the potential lenders within one week pre or post a bank
meeting.
In addition to the conditions to funding or closing set forth in the Term
Sheet, Bank of America's commitment to provide financing hereunder and the
Arranger's agreement to syndicate loans is subject to, among other conditions,
(i) the negotiation and execution of a definitive credit agreement and other
related documentation (the "Credit Agreement") satisfactory to the Lenders,
(ii) there being no material adverse change in the reasonable opinion of BARS
and Bank of America in the financial condition, business, operations,
properties or prospects of the Borrower or the Borrower and its consolidated
subsidiaries from the date of the audited financial statements most recently
provided prior to the date hereof, (iii) the non-occurrence of any material
adverse change in loan syndication or capital market conditions after the date
of this letter, generally, which in the reasonable opinion of BARS, would
affect our syndication efforts in respect of any portion of the Facilities, and
(iv) until the earlier of September 30, 1998 or notification by BARS of the
completion of the syndication of the Facilities, there be no competing
offering, placement, or arrangement of any bank or related financing involving
potential participants in the Facilities by or on behalf of the Borrower (it
being expressly understood that the
<PAGE> 4
United States Enrichment Corporation
July 10, 1998
Page 4
Borrower's expected long term public debt issuance and commercial paper program
will not be regarded as a competing offering).
Whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated, the
Borrower and United States Enrichment Corporation, a federally chartered
corporation ("USEC"), hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless each of Bank
of America and BARS, and their respective directors, officers, employees and
affiliates (each, an "indemnified person") from and against any and all losses,
claims, damages, liabilities (or actions or other proceedings commenced or
threatened in respect thereof) and expenses that arise out of, result from or
in any way relate to this commitment letter, or the providing or syndication of
the Facilities, and to reimburse each indemnified person, upon its demand, for
any legal or other expenses (including the allocated cost of in-house counsel)
incurred in connection with investigating, defending or participating in any
such loss, claim, damage, liability or action or other proceeding (whether or
not such indemnified person is a party to any action or proceeding out of which
any such expenses arise), other than any of the foregoing claimed by any
indemnified person to the extent incurred by reason of the gross negligence or
willful misconduct of such person. Neither Bank of America nor BARS, nor any
of their affiliates, shall be responsible or liable to the Borrower, USEC or
any other person for any consequential damages which may be alleged. The
obligations contained in this paragraph will survive the closing of the
Facilities.
In addition, the Borrower and USEC hereby agree to reimburse or shall cause to
be reimbursed Bank of America and the Arranger at closing or within 30 days
upon receipt of an invoice for their reasonable out-of-pocket costs and
expenses incurred at any time, including, without limitation, (i) costs and
expenses in connection with the preparation and delivery of the Credit
Agreement and all related documents, negotiation, syndication and closing of
the Facilities, including without limitation, attorneys' fees and allocated
costs of internal counsel (without duplication) incurred in connection
therewith, in each case regardless of whether or not the Facilities close,
provided, however, that such costs and expenses shall not exceed $250,000; and
(ii) costs and expenses incurred in connection with enforcement of the
Facilities or, if the Facilities have not closed, enforcement of this
agreement, including, without limitation, attorneys' fees and allocated costs
of internal counsel (without duplication) incurred in connection therewith.
The Borrower shall also pay or cause to be paid all costs and expenses of the
Administrative Agent associated with amendments and
<PAGE> 5
United States Enrichment Corporation
July 10, 1998
Page 5
other changes to the Credit Agreement, and all costs and expenses of the
Lenders in the collection of the obligations of the Borrower (including
reasonable attorneys' fees and allocated costs of internal counsel).
For so long as USEC receives, is entitled to, or subject to, appropriations the
amount of USEC's indemnification obligations and reimbursement obligations as
set forth in the foregoing two paragraphs shall at all times be limited to
appropriations available to USEC at the time of such loss or claim and there is
no implication created hereby that Congress will appropriate any additional
funds sufficient to meet any deficiencies.
The terms contained in this letter and the Term Sheet are confidential and,
except for disclosure in the Borrower's S-I Registration Statement, to your
board of directors, officers and employees, to professional advisors retained
by you and other persons with a need to know related to the privatization
transaction, or as may be required by law, may not be disclosed in whole or in
part to any other person or entity without our prior written consent.
Upon your delivery to us of a signed copy of this letter (which may be executed
in one or more counterparts) and the Fee Letter, this letter agreement and the
Fee Letter shall become binding agreements under New York law as of the date so
accepted. Bank of America's commitment hereunder shall remain in effect until
5:00 p.m. New York time, on July 14, 1998 when, if not so accepted, Bank of
America's commitment hereunder will terminate. This commitment will expire on
September 30, 1998 if the Facilities have not closed on or before that date.
We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with you on this important
financing.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Very truly yours,
BANK OF AMERICAN NATIONAL BANCAMERICA ROBERTSON
TRUST AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION STEPHENS
By: /s/ Dianne P. Allen By: /s/
------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
Title: Vice President Title: Managing Director
--------------------------------------- --------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 6
United States Enrichment Corporation
July 10, 1998
Page 6
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO:
this 13th day of July, 1998
-- ----
UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT USEC INC., A DELAWARE
CORPORATION, A FEDERALLY CORPORATION
CHARTERED CORPORATION
By: /s/ Sarah A. Van Lierde By: /s/ Sarah A. Van Lierde
------------------------------------ -------------------------------
Title: Treasurer Title: Treasurer
---------------------------------------- -----------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 7
BANCAMERICA ROBERTSON STEPHENS
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
BancAmerica Robertson Stephens ("BARS") is a wholly-owned, direct subsidiary of
BankAmerica Corporation, the parent company of Bank of America National Trust
and Savings Association ("Bank of America"). BARS is a broker-dealer
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and is a member of the
New York Stock Exchange, National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and
the Securities Investor Protection Corporation.
BARS is not a bank. The securities and financial instruments sold, offered or
recommended by BARS are not bank deposits, are not guaranteed by, and are not
otherwise obligations of, any bank, thrift or other subsidiary of BankAmerica
Corporation, and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
or any other governmental agency.
From time to time, Bank of America's affiliates may lend to one or more issuers
whose securities are underwritten, dealt in, or placed by BARS. You are
referred to the relevant prospectus, offering statement or other disclosure
document for material information relating to any such lending relationship,
and whether the proceeds of an issue will be used to repay any such loans.
Furthermore, the obligations of BARS are not those of any affiliated bank or
thrift, and no such affiliated bank or thrift is responsible for securities
underwritten, dealt in, or placed by BARS.
In order for Bank of America and its affiliates to better serve you, they
intend to share credit and other information about you with each other and with
BARS. BARS also may share credit and other information regarding you with Bank
of America and its affiliates. You will be deemed to consent to such sharing
of information unless you object in writing, provided, however, that such
information shall be treated in accordance with the terms of the
Confidentiality Agreement and the Acknowledgment and Agreement of Lender.
BARS also may participate from time to time in a primary or secondary
distribution of securities offered or sold to you by it. Further, BARS may act
as an investment adviser to issuers whose securities may be offered or sold to
you by it.
<PAGE> 8
Confidential United States Enrichment Corporation
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS
USEC INC.
$700,000,000 REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITIES
BORROWER: USEC Inc., a Delaware Corporation
(the "Borrower").
ARRANGER: BancAmerica Robertson Stephens(1) (in such
capacity, the "Arranger").
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT: Bank of America National Trust and Savings
Association ("Bank of America" and in such
capacity, the "Administrative Agent").
FACILITIES: Senior Credit Facilities (the "Facilities")
up to $700,000,000 consisting of:
Acquisition Facilities
TRANCHE A: $400,000,000, 364-day
revolving credit facility.
TRANCHE B: $150,000,000, 364-day
revolving credit facility, converting to a
one-year term loan on all outstanding
balances at the option of the Borrower.
- ------------------
1 BancAmerica Robertson Stephens is a wholly-owned, non-bank subsidiary
of BankAmerica Corporation, the parent company of Bank of America national
Trust and Savings Association. BancAmerica Robertson Stephens is a
broker-dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange commission, and is a
member of the New York Stock Exchange national Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[BankAmerica Letterhead] Page 1 July 10, 1998
<PAGE> 9
Confidential United States Enrichment Corporation
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Working Capital Facility
TRANCHE C: $150,000,000 five-year
revolving credit facility, including a
$100,000,000 sublimit for Bid Option
Advances.
Committed Advances
The Facilities will be available for
short-term committed advances ("Committed
Advances").
Bid Option Advances
Borrower may from time to time request
Administrative Agent to solicit competitive
bids from Lenders through an auction for
short-term bid loan advances up to 180 days
at an interest rate quoted by bidding banks
("Bid Option Advances"). Borrower will not
be obligated to accept any bids submitted.
Outstanding Bid Option Advances will reduce
the Working Capital Facility availability.
Requests for such Bid Option Advances shall
be for minimum principal amounts of
$5,000,000 and in multiples of $1,000,000 in
excess thereof. Each bank may (but shall not
be required to) bid for Bid Option Advances
in excess of its respective commitments.
LENDERS: The Arranger will syndicate the Facilities
among a group of financial institutions
reasonably acceptable to the Arranger, the
Administrative Agent and the Borrower. All
institutions participating in the financing,
including Bank of America, are collectively
referred to as the "Lenders" or singularly as
a "Lender".
Acquisition Facilities:
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[BankAmerica Letterhead] Page 2 July 10, 1998
<PAGE> 10
Confidential United States Enrichment Corporation
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Arranger will syndicate the Facilities
among a group of U.S.- owned financial
institutions(2) which includes Bank of
America.
Working Capital Facility:
The Arranger will syndicate the Facility
among a group of financial institutions which
includes Bank of America.
PURPOSE: Acquisition Facilities:
The Acquisition Facilities will be used by
the Borrower (i) to fund the privatization of
United States Enrichment Corporation, a
federally chartered corporation ("USEC"), in
connection with the initial public offering
such that the loan proceeds will be paid to
the U.S. Treasury as consideration for the
privatization of USEC, (ii) to pay for fees
and expenses related to the transaction, and
(iii) to provide for working capital
availability.
Working Capital Facility:
The Working Capital Facility will be used by
the Borrower (i) to provide for working
capital availability and (ii) for general
corporate purposes.
MATURITY: TRANCHE A: Tranche A will terminate and
all outstanding amounts will become due
364-days from execution of the credit
agreement (the "Closing").
TRANCHE B: Tranche B will terminate and
all outstanding amounts will become due
364-days from Closing, unless, at the option
of the Borrower, all outstanding balances are
- ------------------------
2 As defined by the Bright Line Tests and Presumptions as described in
the United States Enrichment Corporation Statutory Requirements, Attachment 1,
under the definition of the "Determination of 'Foreign' Status", section B
(Presumptions), tests (i) through (viii).
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[BankAmerica Letterhead] Page 3 July 10, 1998
<PAGE> 11
Confidential United States Enrichment Corporation
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
converted to a one-year term loan. The term
loan will terminate and all outstanding
amounts will become due 12-months from the
time of conversion.
TRANCHE C: Tranche C will terminate and
all outstanding amounts will become due five
years from Closing.
GUARANTEES: Upstream guarantees of Borrower's
subsidiaries, as appropriate.
FACILITY FEE: A rate per annum determined in accordance
with the attached Pricing Grid and payable on
each Lender's commitment amount. The
Facility Fee is payable quarterly in arrears
commencing upon Closing.
UTILIZATION FEE: A rate per annum determined in accordance
with the attached Pricing Grid. The
Utilization Fee will apply to the total
amount of outstandings during any day or days
in which outstandings exceed 50% of the
aggregate Facilities. The Utilization Fee is
payable quarterly in arrears commencing upon
Closing.
REFINANCING FEE: If the $150 million 364-day revolving credit
facility is not paid down within 6 months of
Closing, then a one-time refinancing fee of
15 basis points will be paid on each Lender's
commitment to this facility. If the $400
million 364-day revolving credit facility is
not paid down and canceled within 6 months of
Closing, then a one-time refinancing fee of
15 basis points will be paid on each Lender's
commitment to this facility.
LETTER OF CREDIT: Bank of America as Fronting Bank (the
"Fronting Bank") will issue Letters of Credit
("Letters of Credit") at rates equal to the
applicable Margin on Eurodollar borrowings,
plus 10 basis points in fronting fees.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[BankAmerica Letterhead] Page 4 July 10, 1998
<PAGE> 12
Confidential United States Enrichment Corporation
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BORROWING OPTIONS: At the Borrower's option, Eurodollar Loans
and Base Rate Loans (together referred to as
"Loans").
INTEREST RATES AND PERIODS: With respect to Eurodollar Loans, LIBOR plus
an Applicable Eurodollar Margin. The
Applicable Eurodollar Margin for the
Facilities will be based upon the attached
Pricing Grids.
LIBOR: The London Interbank Offered Rate for
1-, 2-, 3, or 6-month deposits as offered by
Bank of America to prime international banks
in the London dollar market at approximately
11:00 am (New York Time) three Business Days
prior to the commencement of such interest
period, adjusted for reserve requirements.
Interest on LIBOR advances shall accrue on
the basis of a 360-day year and actual days
elapsed and shall be payable at the end of
each applicable interest period or at
three-month intervals, if earlier.
Base Rate: The higher of (i) the rate of
interest as publicly announced from time to
time by Bank of America as its "Reference
Rate" or (ii) Federal Funds Rate plus
one-half of one percent per annum. Any change
in the Reference Rate shall take effect at
the opening of business on the date specified
in the public announcement of such change, or
on a daily basis in the case of (ii) above.
Interest on Base Rate advances shall accrue
on the basis of a 365/366-day year and actual
days elapsed and shall be payable quarterly
in arrears.
DEFAULT RATE: Post-default interest shall accrue at the
Base Rate plus 2.00%.
AVAILABILITY: Committed Advances under the Facilities shall
be in minimum principal amounts of $5,000,000
and in multiples of $1,000,000 in excess
thereof, upon three business days
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[BankAmerica Letterhead] Page 5 July 10, 1998
<PAGE> 13
Confidential United States Enrichment Corporation
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
prior written notice for LIBOR advances and
one business day's notice for Base Rate
advances.
PREPAYMENTS: Base Rate Committed Advances may be prepaid
at any time on one business day's notice.
LIBOR Committed Advances may be prepaid on
not less than three business days' notice,
subject to funding loss indemnity.
MANDATORY PREPAYMENT: As long as Tranche A is outstanding, Borrower
will apply any net proceeds from equity
issuances after occurrence of the initial
public offering, asset sales or long term
debt issuance to pay down and permanently
reduce Tranche A, it being understood that to
the extent that the Borrower receives
proceeds from the exercise, if any, of the
underwriters' overallotment option granted to
the underwriters in the initial public
offering, the first $75,000,000 will be
applied to Tranche A with the balance
available to the Borrower to use at its
discretion.
VOLUNTARY REDUCTION
OR COMMITMENT: The Borrower may at any time upon five
business days' notice permanently reduce the
unused portion of the Facilities without
penalty, but subject to funding loss
indemnity if mandatory prepayment results
therefrom, by an amount equal to $5,000,000
and in multiples of $1,000,000 in excess
thereof.
CREDIT AGREEMENT: The closing of the Facilities is subject to
the negotiation and execution of a definitive
credit agreement and other related
documentation (the "Credit Agreement")
mutually acceptable to the Borrower, the
Arranger, the Administrative Agent and the
Lenders. The Credit Agreement includes
various conditions precedent, including
without limitations the conditions set forth
in this Summary of Terms and Conditions (the
"Term Sheet"). The Term Sheet does not
attempt to describe all of the terms and
conditions that would pertain to the
Facilities, nor does its
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[BankAmerica Letterhead] Page 6 July 10, 1998
<PAGE> 14
Confidential United States Enrichment Corporation
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
terms suggest the specific phrasing of
documentation clauses. Instead, the Term
Sheet is intended to outline certain points
of business understanding around which the
Facilities will be structured.
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES: For Borrower and subsidiaries, those
customarily found in credit agreements for
similar financings and such additional
representations and warranties as are
appropriate under the circumstances,
including but not limited to representations
related to corporate existence, financial
condition, litigation, no breach, corporate
authority, approvals, ERISA, taxes,
Investment Company Act, no material adverse
change, credit agreements and other material
agreements, investments, compliance with laws
and regulations, disclosure, assets,
solvency, labor matters, environmental
matters, proprietary rights, real property
and insurance.
OTHER COVENANTS: Those affirmative and negative covenants
customarily found in credit agreements for
similar transactions, and such additional
covenants as are appropriate under the
circumstances, including but not limited to:
1. Affirmative Covenants. Among other
provisions, the Borrower and its
subsidiaries shall:
- Submit financial statements and
compliance reports;
- Preserve corporate existence;
- Maintain properties (including
intellectual property) and
insurance;
- Comply with laws (including
environmental laws and ERISA),
except where not material or
otherwise disclosed;
- Permit inspection of
properties, books and records.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[BankAmerica Letterhead] Page 7 July 10, 1998
<PAGE> 15
Confidential United States Enrichment Corporation
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Negative Covenants. Among other
provisions, with certain provisions
and baskets to be negotiated, to
include:
- Limitations on investments;
- Limitation on restricted
payments;
- Limitation on other subsidiary
indebtedness;
- Limitation on liens;
- Limitation on sale or disposal
of assets (with a 10% per annum
carve out);
- Limitation on engaging in
uninvited acquisitions.
FINANCIAL COVENANTS: The Borrower shall observe, according to
generally accepted accounting principles, on
a consolidated basis, the following financial
covenants:
1. Minimum Tangible Net Worth. Not at
any time permit Tangible Net Worth,
measured at the end of each fiscal
quarter to be less than the agreed
percentage (the "Agreed Percentage")
of Net Worth as measured at the date
of privatization plus 35% of
positive annual net income plus 50%
of any new equity issuances. Net
Worth shall be measured based on the
June 30, 1998 audited financials
with adjustments made in accordance
with GAAP to reflect the
privatization, which shall be
confirmed in a certificate by the
Chief Financial Officer. The Agreed
Percentage shall be (a) if the
underwriter's overallotment option
is exercised in full, 80%, (b) if
such option is not exercised at all,
75%, and (c) if such option is
exercised in part (but not in full),
the sum of 75% plus, for every
$3,000,000 of exercise price, 1/10
of 1% (rounded up or down to the
nearest whole percent or, if there
is no nearest, up to the next whole
percent), up to a maximum of 80%.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[BankAmerica Letterhead] Page 8 July 10, 1998
<PAGE> 16
Confidential United States Enrichment Corporation
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Maximum Leverage Ratio. Not at any
time permit as of the end of any
fiscal quarter its ratio of Debt to
Total Capitalization to be greater
than 55%.
Tangible Net Worth shall be
established based on the balance
sheet immediately following
privatization. For purposes hereof,
"Debt" shall include both current
and long term funded debt
obligations, drawn letters of credit
or surety bonds, guarantees of
financial obligations, mandatory
redeemable preferred stock and
capitalized leases. "Total
Capitalization" shall include the
sum of (a) Debt, (b) preferred
equity and (c) common stockholders
equity.
INCREASED COSTS/
CHANGE OF CIRCUMSTANCE/
CAPITAL ADEQUACY/
INDEMNITIES: The Credit Agreement shall contain
customary provisions protecting and
indemnifying the Lenders in the event of
unavailability of funding, illegality,
increased costs, capital adequacy charges
and funding losses, and shall provide for
a withholding tax gross-up, and general
indemnification of the Administrative
Agent, the Arranger and affiliates, and
the Lenders by the Borrower.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT: Those customarily found in credit
agreements for similar financing and such
others as are appropriate under the
circumstances (with notice and grace
periods to be negotiated), including but
not limited to:
- Failure to pay any principal,
interest or fees when due under the
Credit Agreement (with five days'
grace period for interest on
Committed Advances and fees);
- Failure to perform or observe any
covenant;
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[BankAmerica Letterhead] Page 9 July 10, 1998
<PAGE> 17
Confidential United States Enrichment Corporation
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Any representation or warranty of
the Borrower shall be materially
incorrect when made or when deemed
made;
- Cross default to other material
indebtedness of the Borrower or its
subsidiaries triggered by an event
which would enable the holder of
such debt to accelerate such debt
(subject to a mutually agreed upon
amount to be carved out);
- If the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
or other governmental authority
takes any action that restricts the
Borrower's operations to the extent
that the Borrower is or will be
unable to make deliveries under
customer contracts, the payment for
which would exceed 10% of Borrower's
projected revenue for the next
twelve consecutive months;
- Change of ownership or control;
- Material Adverse Change, except when
the Facilities support the
Borrower's commercial paper;
- Other defaults relating to the
Borrower or its subsidiaries,
including but not limited to
insolvency, bankruptcy, ERISA and
judgment defaults.
CONDITIONS TO ADVANCES: Those customarily found in credit
agreements for similar financing and such
additional conditions as are appropriate
under the circumstances, including but
not limited to:
- Compliance with terms of
privatization;
- Closing of the Facilities concurrent
with initial public offering (the
"IPO") closing;
- Closing of the IPO with a minimum of
$1,000,000,000 of gross proceeds;
- All documents and agreements signed
and delivered;
- No Event of Default or incipient
default;
- All representations and warranties
are true as of the date of each
advance;
- Opinions of legal counsel delivered
at Closing; and
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[BankAmerica Letterhead] Page 10 July 10, 1998
<PAGE> 18
Confidential United States Enrichment Corporation
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Except when the Facilities support
the Borrower's commercial paper, no
material adverse change in
operations, business, properties,
condition (financial or otherwise)
of the Borrower or the Borrower and
any of its subsidiaries taken as a
whole ("Material Adverse Change").
ASSIGNMENTS/PARTICIPATIONS: Acquisition Facilities:
Each Lender may at any time sell
assignments in the Facilities (including
non-pro rata assignments) to eligible
U.S.-owned institutions in minimum
amounts of $10,000,000 subject to
consent of the Borrower (which will not
be unreasonably withheld or delayed) and
the Administrative Agent. Each Lender
may also sell participations in all or
any part of the Facilities to U.S.- owned
institutions(3); provided that
participations have voting rights only
with respect to "money terms", including
matters involving (i) decrease in fees,
interest rate spreads or principal, (ii)
increase in commitments only if the
participant's commitment is increased, or
(iii) extension of the date of final
maturity.
Working Capital Facility:
Each Lender may at any time sell
assignments in the Facilities (including
non-pro rata assignments) to eligible
institutions in minimum amounts of
$10,000,000 subject to consent of the
Borrower (which will not be unreasonably
withheld or delayed) and the
Administrative Agent. Each Lender may
also sell participations in all or any
part of the Facilities to
- --------------------
3 As defined by the Bright Line Tests and Presumptions as described in
the United States Enrichment Corporation Statutory Requirements, Attachment 1,
under the definition of the "Determination of 'Foreign' Status", section B
(Presumptions), tests (i) through (viii).
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[BankAmerica Letterhead] Page 11 July 10, 1998
<PAGE> 19
Confidential United States Enrichment Corporation
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institutions; provided that
participations have voting rights only
with respect to "money terms", including
matters involving (i) decrease in fees,
interest rate spreads or principal, (ii)
increase in commitments only if the
participant's commitment is increased, or
(iii) extension of the date of final
maturity.
EXPENSES: The Borrower and USEC will pay or cause
to be paid all costs and expenses
incurred at Closing or within 30 days
upon receipt of an invoice by the
Administrative Agent and the Arranger
(including, without duplication,
reasonable attorneys' fees and allocated
costs of internal counsel) in connection
with the preparation and delivery of the
Credit Agreement and all related
documents, and in the negotiation,
syndication, closing, and enforcement of
the Facilities, regardless of whether the
Facilities close, provided that for so
long as USEC receives, is entitled to, or
subject to, appropriations the amount of
USEC's indemnification obligations and
reimbursement obligations shall at all
times be limited to appropriations
available to USEC at the time of such
loss or claim and there is no implication
created hereby that Congress will
appropriate any additional funds
sufficient to meet any deficiencies. The
Borrower shall also pay or cause to be
paid all costs and expenses of the
Administrative Agent associated with
amendments and other changes to the
Credit Agreement, and all costs and
expenses of the Lenders in the collection
of the obligations of the Borrower
(including reasonable attorney' fees and
allocated costs of internal counsel).
As defined by the Bright Line Tests and
presumptions as described in the United
States Enrichment Corporation Statutory
Requirements, Attachment 1, under the
definition of the "Determination of
'Foreign' Status", section B
(Presumptions), tests (i) through (viii).
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[BankAmerica Letterhead] Page 12 July 10, 1998
<PAGE> 20
Confidential United States Enrichment Corporation
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLEAR MARKET PROVISION: From the date of acceptance of an offer,
until the signing date, the Borrower
agrees that no other similar credit
facilities or debts issued by the
Borrower will be syndicated or privately
placed which might, in the Arranger's
opinion, have a detrimental effect on the
successful completion of the transaction
described herein, and will advise the
Arranger immediately if any issue is
contemplated (it being expressly
understood that the Borrower's expected
long term public debt issuance and
commercial paper program will not be
regarded as a competing offering).
INDEMNIFICATIONS: Standard for a transaction of this type.
DOCUMENTATION: Closing is subject to (among other
conditions precedent) the receipt by the
Administrative Agent and the Lenders of
loan documentation in form and substance
satisfactory to them, in accordance with
the terms of the Commitment Letter.
GOVERNING LAW: State of New York.
This Summary of Terms and Conditions (the "Term Sheet") does not attempt to
describe all of the terms and conditions that would pertain to the Facilities,
nor do its terms suggest the specific phrasing of documentation clauses.
Instead, it is intended to outline certain points of business understanding
around which the Facilities will be structured. The closing of any financial
transaction relating to the Facilities would be subject to definitive loan
documentation mutually acceptable to the Borrower, the Arranger, the
Administrative Agent and the Lenders and would include various conditions
precedent, including without limitations the conditions set forth above.
PRICING GRIDS
PRICING GRIDS:
Facility fees and spreads on advances will be based on the long term senior
unsecured debt rating of the Borrower provided by Standard & Poor's ("S&P") and
Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's"). Until the Borrower receives such ratings
from S&P and Moody's, pricing shall be based on Level III as indicated by the
private letter rating from S&P. Once ratings are received by both S&P and
Moody's, the applicable rating for the Facilities shall
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[BankAmerica Letterhead] Page 13 July 10, 1998
<PAGE> 21
Confidential United States Enrichment Corporation
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
be the higher of the senior long term unsecured debt ratings for the Borrower
from S&P and Moody's if the ratings are split by one level. In the event the
ratings are split by more than one level, the applicable rating shall be one
level higher than the lower rating. Changes in the margin will become
effective immediately for outstanding advances. If the $150 million 364-day
revolving credit facility, which is part of the Acquisition Facilities, is
converted into a 1-year term loan, an additional 15 bps will be added to the
LIBOR Margin for the All-In Drawn Cost at each Pricing Level. A Utilization Fee
of 5.0 basis points will be added to the applicable LIBOR margin or Base Rate
on all outstandings if the Borrower utilizes over 50% of the Facilities.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[BankAmerica Letterhead] Page 14 July 10, 1998
<PAGE> 22
Confidential United States Enrichment Corporation
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acquisition Facilities (in basis points)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Level 1 Level II Level III Level IV Level V Level VI
------- -------- --------- -------- ------- --------
>A/A2 >A-/A3 >BBB+/Baa1 >BBB/Baa2 >BBB-/Baa3 <BB+/Ba1
- - - - -
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Facility Fee: 6.0 7.0 8.5 10.0 15.0 17.5
LIBOR Margin: 16.5 18.0 24.0 30.0 35.0 57.5
All-In Drawn Cost: 22.5 25.0 32.5 40.0 50.0 75.0
All-In Drawn with 27.5 30.0 37.5 45.0 55.0
Utilization
Fee:(1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Working Capital Facility (in basis points)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Level 1 Level II Level III Level IV Level V Level VI
------- -------- --------- -------- ------- --------
>A/A2 >A-/A3 >BBB+/Baa1 >BBB/Baa2 >BBB-/Baa3 <BB+/Ba1
- - - - -
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Facility Fee: 7.0 8.5 11.0 12.5 17.5 20.0
LIBOR Margin: 15.5 16.5 21.5 27.5 32.5 55.0
All-In Drawn Cost: 22.5 25.0 32.5 40.0 50.0 75.0
All-In Drawn with 27.5 30.0 37.5 45.0 55.0 80.0
Utilization
Fee:(1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
- ------------------
1 Payable on all outstandings if total outstandings exceed 50% of the
aggregate amount of the Facilities at any time.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[BankAmerica Letterhead] Page 15 July 10, 1998
<PAGE> 23
[BankAmerica letterhead]
CONFIDENTIAL
July 10, 1998
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
United States Enrichment Corporation USEC, Inc.
6903 Rockledge Drive 6903 Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD 20817-1818 Bethesda, MD 20817-1818
</TABLE>
Attn: Sarah A. Van Lierde
Treasurer
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association ("Bank of America") is
pleased to confirm its offer to act as underwriter (the "Underwriter") and as
administrative agent (the "Administrative Agent") for the Lenders in connection
with the $700,000,000 senior credit facilities in the form of acquisition
facilities which include (i) a $400,000,000 364-day revolving credit facility
and (ii) a $150,000,000 364-day revolving credit facility which is convertible
at the option of USEC Inc. (the "Borrower") to a one-year term loan facility
(the "Acquisition Facilities"), and working capital facilities which include a
$150,000,000 five-year revolving credit facility (the "Working Capital
Facility," and together with the Acquisition Facilities, the "Facilities") to
be made available to USEC Inc. Further, BancAmerica Robertson Stephens
("BARS") is pleased to confirm its offer to act as arranger (the "Arranger")
for the Facilities. The Facilities will be used by the Borrower (i) to fund
the privatization of United States Enrichment Corporation, a federally
chartered corporation ("USEC"), in connection with the initial public offering
such that the loan proceeds will be paid to the U.S. Treasury as consideration
for the privatization of USEC, (ii) to provide for working capital
availability, (iii) for general corporate purposes, and (iv) to pay for fees
and expenses related to the transaction.
This letter constitutes the "Fee Letter" referred to in the commitment letter
of even date herewith attached hereto, and sets forth the fees payable to Bank
of America as
<PAGE> 24
United States Enrichment Corporation
July 10, 1998
Page 2
Underwriter and Administrative Agent and BARS as Arranger in connection with
the Facilities. All terms defined in the commitment letter shall have the same
meanings when used herein.
If the Borrower and USEC make available six weeks for full syndication from
execution of the mandate to closing under the Facilities, the Borrower and USEC
shall pay to the Arranger solely for its own account an underwriting fee of 30
basis points on the Underwriter's total commitment level as outlined in the
commitment letter. If the Borrower and USEC do not make available six weeks
for full syndication, but assist BARS in engaging two additional agents for
commitments of $125,000,000 each prior to closing of the Facilities, then an
additional 5 basis points would be added to the underwriting fee for a total of
35 basis points. If the Borrower and USEC do not make available six weeks for
full syndication and Bank of America closes the Facilities on a sole basis
prior to syndication, then the underwriting fee shall be 40 basis points in
total. The underwriting fee will be determined and will be due and payable in
full at the closing of the Facilities ("Closing"). Any fees payable to the
Lenders are for the account of the Arranger, such fees to be determined solely
at the Arranger's own discretion. The Borrower further will pay or cause to be
paid to Bank of America as Administrative Agent an agency fee of $35,000, per
annum, such fee to be paid annually in advance commencing at Closing.
Please indicate your acceptance of this Fee Letter by signing and returning the
duplicate copy hereof, whereupon this Fee Letter will constitute a binding
agreement between the Borrower and USEC, on the one hand, and BARS and Bank of
America, on the other. This Fee Letter may be signed in one or more
counterparts, and shall not be deemed to be superseded by any other letter or
documentation, including ultimate loan documentation, unless such other letter
or documentation is executed by you and us, expressly makes reference to this
Fee Letter, and states that this Fee Letter is superseded thereby. The fees
described above or in the Term Sheet shall be non-refundable for any reason
whatsoever and shall be in addition to and not creditable against any other
fee, cost or expense payable under the credit documentation.
<PAGE> 25
United States Enrichment Corporation
July 10, 1998
Page 3
We look forward to working with the Borrower and USEC toward the successful
completion of this financing.
Very truly yours,
BANCAMERICA ROBERTSON STEPHENS
By: /s/
-----------------------------------
Title: Managing Director
--------------------------------
BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST
AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION
By: /s/ Dianne P. Allen
----------------------------------
Title: Vice President
--------------------------------
ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO:
this 13th day of July, 1998
-- -- ----
UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT CORPORATION,
A FEDERALLY CHARTERED CORPORATION
By: /s/ Sarah A. Van Lierde
----------------------------------
Title: Treasurer
--------------------------------
Date: July 13, 1998
---------------------------------
USEC INC., A DELAWARE CORPORATION
<PAGE> 26
United States Enrichment Corporation
July 10, 1998
Page 4
By: /s/ Sarah A. Van Lierde
----------------------------------
Title: Treasurer
--------------------------------
Date: July 13, 1998
---------------------------------
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 10.25
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION OMITTED AND
FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.
ASTERISKS DENOTE SUCH OMISSIONS.
MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE UNITED STATES ACTING BY AND THROUGH
THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE, AND
THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
AND
THE UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT CORPORATION,
FOR USEC TO SERVE AS THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT'S
EXECUTIVE AGENT UNDER THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE UNITED
STATES AND THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION CONCERNING THE
DISPOSITION OF HIGHLY ENRICHED URANIUM EXTRACTED FROM
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
This Memorandum of Agreement (Agreement) is entered into as of April 18, 1997,
by and among the UNITED STATES acting by and through the UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF STATE (DOS), and the UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (DOE) and
the UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT CORPORATION (USEC) to define USEC's role as the
Executive Agent for the United States under the Agreement Between the
Government of the United States and the Government of the Russian Federation
Concerning the Disposition of Highly Enriched Uranium Extracted from Nuclear
Weapons (Russian HEU Agreement).
WHEREAS, the Government of the United States and the Government of the
Russian Federation, on February 18, 1993, entered into an agreement (the
Russian HEU Agreement) to arrange for the Russian Federation's safe and prompt
disposition for peaceful purposes of highly enriched uranium extracted from
nuclear weapons resulting from the reduction of nuclear weapons in accordance
with existing agreements related to arms control and disarmament;
WHEREAS, in 1993 USEC was designated as the Executive Agent for the
United States for implementing the Russian HEU Agreement, replacing the
Department of Energy (DOE);
WHEREAS, USEC, as Executive Agent for the United States, entered into an
agreement with Techsnabexport Co. Ltd. Executive Agent of the Ministry of
Atomic Energy, Executive Agent for the Russian Federation to purchase
low-enriched uranium derived from 500 metric tons of highly enriched uranium
(Implementing Contract);
<PAGE> 2
WHEREAS, the United States and USEC agree that the following common
objectives shall guide USEC's performance as the U.S. Executive Agent:
(a) to work with the Russian Executive Agent to ensure that the Russian
HEU Agreement and the Implementing Contract are fully implemented;
(b) to arrange with the Russian Executive Agent for delivery of
low-enriched uranium derived from 18 metric tons of HEU in calendar year 1997;
24 metric tons of HEU in calendar year 1998; and at least 30 metric tons of HEU
per year thereafter, until low-enriched uranium derived from at least 500
metric tons of HEU is converted and delivered;
(c) to agree with the Russian Executive Agent on price and volumes for
each year; and
(d) to agree with the Russian Executive Agent, as necessary, on
technical specifications for material delivered under the Implementing
Contract; and
WHEREAS, the Russian HEU Agreement provides that either party may change
its executive agent by providing thirty (30) days prior written notice.
NOW THEREFORE, the United States and USEC hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1. DEFINITIONS
"Agreement" means this Memorandum of Agreement governing the terms under
which USEC serves as the U.S. Executive Agent, unless context otherwise
indicates.
"Implementing Contract" means the initial Implementing Contract for the
Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the
Government of the Russian Federation Concerning the Disposition of Highly
Enriched Uranium Extracted from Nuclear Weapons, Contract No. DE-AC01-
93NE50067, to purchase uranium derived from 500 metric tons of highly enriched
uranium, signed January 14, 1994 by USEC, as U.S. Executive Agent, and the
Russian Executive Agent; it includes any duly adopted amendment to that
contract and any subsequent contract(s) implementing the Russian HEU Agreement.
2
<PAGE> 3
"Privatization Date" means the date on which one hundred percent (100%)
of the ownership of the United States Enrichment Corporation is transferred to
private investors pursuant to the Energy Policy Act of 1992, Pub. L. 102-486
and the USEC Privatization Act, Pub. L. 104-134.
"Russian Executive Agent" means an entity designated by the Government of
the Russian Federation to serve as its executive agent for purposes of
implementing the Russian HEU Agreement and its agents or representatives.
"Russian HEU Agreement" means the Agreement Between the Government of the
United States of America and the Government of the Russian Federation
Concerning the Disposition of Highly Enriched Uranium Extracted from Nuclear
Weapons, signed February 18, 1993.
"SWU" means separative work unit.
"U.S. Executive Agent" or "Executive Agent for the United States" means
an entity designated by the Government of the United States to serve as its
executive agent for purposes of implementing the Russian HEU Agreement and its
agents or representatives.
"USEC" means the United States Enrichment Corporation, a wholly-owned
government corporation and its successors and assigns, including the
corporation created pursuant to Section 3105 of the USEC Privatization Act, or
an entity that succeeds to substantially all of USEC's assets or uranium
enrichment business, and affiliates thereof.
"USEC Privatization Act" means the USEC Privatization Act, Title III of
Pub. L. 104-134, enacted April 26, 1996.
ARTICLE 2. RELATIONSHIP OF THIS AGREEMENT TO THE RUSSIAN
HEU AGREEMENT AND THE IMPLEMENTING CONTRACT
Section 2.1 Interpretation. This Agreement defines USEC's role as U.S.
Executive Agent under the Russian HEU Agreement and is therefore intended to
guide USEC's implementation of the Implementing Contract. This Agreement shall
be interpreted consistent with the language and purposes of the Russian HEU
Agreement and the Implementing Contract and any amendments thereto.
3
<PAGE> 4
Section 2.2 Notice of Modifications to the Russian HEU Agreement. * * * In
the event that the Russian HEU Agreement is modified, DOS shall provide to USEC
the agreements, instruments, or documents related to said modification
necessary for USEC as U.S. Executive Agent to negotiate changes to the
Implementing Contract consistent with the changes made to the Russian HEU
Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as limiting the rights
of the United States to modify the Russian HEU Agreement or to exercise any
rights under the Russian HEU Agreement or any modification thereto. Nothing in
this Agreement shall be construed as limiting the rights of the United States
and the Russian Federation to agree to the appointment of multiple U.S.
Executive Agents or as limiting the right of the United States to appoint
multiple executive agents.
ARTICLE 3. DUTIES OF USEC AS EXECUTIVE AGENT
Section 3.1 Implementation of the Russian HEU Agreement and the Implementing
Contract.
(a) USEC shall use its best efforts to work with the Russian Executive
Agent to successfully implement the Russian HEU Agreement and the Implementing
Contract. * * *
(b) USEC agrees to continue to serve as U.S. Executive Agent under the
Russian HEU Agreement and the Implementing Contract until this Agreement is
terminated pursuant to Article 8. USEC shall fulfill all of the obligations
and exercise all rights of U.S. Executive Agent under the Implementing
Contract. It is not the responsibility of the United States to pay for
low-enriched uranium, or the SWU component or natural uranium component thereof
that has been ordered by USEC.
4
<PAGE> 5
Section 3.2 Consultation and Information to be Provided to the United States.
(a) USEC shall provide to DOS and DOE an annual report by March 1 of
each year, beginning after the Privatization Date, on its activities and
performance as U.S. Executive Agent in the preceding calendar year.
* * *
Section 3.3 * * * Reports Concerning Negotiations.
* * *
(b) USEC shall fully inform DOS following the conclusion of each of the
Annual Reviews with the Russian Executive Agent concerning the matters
discussed in those negotiations.
(c) USEC shall promptly inform DOS of the schedule for delivery and
price of the SWU and natural uranium components of the low-enriched uranium
agreed to be purchased from the Russian Executive Agent, * * *
Section 3.4 Cooperation on Implementation of Transparency Measures. USEC shall
cooperate with DOE and DOS on implementation of transparency measures at USEC's
facilities in the United States. Transparency measures are those established
pursuant to Article V.10 of the Russian HEU Agreement.
5
<PAGE> 6
ARTICLE 4. POWERS OF USEC AS EXECUTIVE AGENT
Section 4.1 Authority of USEC.
(a) Except as provided in Article 8, USEC is authorized to implement the
Russian HEU Agreement and the Implementing Contract as Executive Agent for the
United States.
(b) USEC shall obtain prior approval of the United States, through the
procedure described in Article 7, for any modifications to the Implementing
Contract, that (i) are inconsistent with the common objectives of the parties to
arrange with the Russian Executive Agent for delivery of low-enriched uranium
derived from at least 18 metric tons of HEU in calendar year 1997; 24 metric
tons of HEU in calendar year 1998; and at least 30 metric tons of HEU per year
thereafter, until low-enriched uranium derived from at least 500 metric tons of
HEU is converted and delivered; or (ii) could materially affect the rights,
interests or obligations of the United States or the Russian Federation.
Section 4.2 Limitation on Authority. Except as provided in Section 4.1, USEC
cannot obligate the United States without prior approval of the United States
through the procedure described in Article 7.
ARTICLE 5. RIGHTS OF USEC AS EXECUTIVE AGENT
Section 5.1 Proprietary and Commercial Information. DOE and DOS shall keep
proprietary and commercial information provided by USEC confidential,
consistent with and subject to applicable law, including the Freedom of
Information Act, 5 U.S.C. Section 552 (FOIA), and shall withhold such
information from release or disclosure to the extent permitted under applicable
law, including FOIA. DOE and DOS will not make a determination under FOIA to
release any information designated by USEC as proprietary, restricted
proprietary, confidential commercial, or entitled to a privilege, without
considering the views of USEC pursuant to Executive Order 12600. DOE and DOS
may share such information with other departments and agencies of the United
States when necessary or appropriate, subject to the foregoing confidentiality
restrictions.
6
<PAGE> 7
Section 5.2 Acquisition of Russian Low-Enriched Uranium.
(a) In its capacity as U.S. Executive Agent, USEC shall have the right
to acquire low-enriched uranium, or the SWU or natural uranium component of the
low-enriched uranium, delivered under the Implementing Contract and hold, use
and distribute such low-enriched uranium, SWU or natural uranium, consistent
with applicable laws and regulations.
(b) Except as provided in Article 8 and the USEC Privatization Act, an
agreement between USEC and the Russian Executive Agent on a price and schedule
for delivery imposes no liability on and conveys no interest to the United
States for such low-enriched uranium, or the SWU or natural uranium component
thereof, as applicable.
(c) Title to the low-enriched uranium, SWU or natural uranium, as
applicable, shall transfer to USEC upon delivery to USEC as provided under the
Implementing Contract.
ARTICLE 6. OWNERSHIP OF AND ACCESS TO DOCUMENTS; ADEQUATE AND PROPER
DOCUMENTATION
Section 6.1 Definitions. "Records" means books, papers, maps, photographs,
electronic or machine readable materials, or other documentary materials,
regardless of physical form or characteristics.
Section 6.2 USEC's Records. Subject to Section 6.3, all records acquired or
generated by USEC in connection with its performance as U.S. Executive Agent
shall be considered property of USEC.
Section 6.3 Inspection, Copying, and Audit of Records. All records acquired or
generated by USEC in connection with its performance as U.S. Executive Agent
shall be retained by USEC for a period of no less than seven (7) years after
they are created. All records acquired or generated by USEC in connection with
its performance as U.S. Executive Agent, in the possession of USEC, except
attorney-client or attorney work product privileged records, shall be subject
to inspection, copying, and audit by DOE or DOS at all reasonable times, and
USEC shall afford DOE or DOS reasonable facilities for such inspection,
copying, and audit; provided, however, that upon request by DOE or DOS, USEC
shall deliver such records to a location specified by DOE or DOS for
inspection, copying and audit.
7
<PAGE> 8
Section 6.4 Applicability. The provisions of Section 6.3 apply to all records
described therein without regard to the date or origination of such records.
ARTICLE 7. APPROVAL PROCEDURE
Section 7.l Procedure. Unless the Parties otherwise agree, the following
procedures shall apply for obtaining approval of items covered by Section
4.1(b):
(a) USEC shall submit the proposed action to DOS in writing. USEC
shall inform DOS of any time requirements for obtaining the necessary approval.
* * *
ARTICLE 8. CHANGE OR TERMINATION OF AGENCY
Section 8.1 Process.
(a) Change or Termination by the United States.
(1) Decisions by the United States to change the U.S.
Executive Agent (including the appointment of additional agents), or to
terminate this Agreement shall be made pursuant to this Section.
(2) DOS shall promptly notify USEC if a formal
recommendation to change the U.S. Executive Agent has been presented. In
that event, USEC shall be afforded reasonable opportunity to meet with and
present its position and any information it deems relevant to the United
States.
(3) In the event the United States decides to change the
U.S. Executive Agent, DOS shall provide no less than thirty (30) days
written notice to USEC.
(4) USEC shall have no right of review of a decision
pursuant to this Section to terminate this Agreement for USEC to serve as
the
8
<PAGE> 9
U.S. Executive Agent or to change the U.S. Executive Agent (including the
appointment of additional agents).
(b) Termination by USEC.
(l) USEC shall notify DOS and DOE in writing if it wishes
to terminate this Agreement to serve as the U.S. Executive Agent at least
thirty (30) days prior to USEC's proposed termination date.
(2) Termination by USEC shall be effective on the date
specified in the written notice by USEC to DOS and DOE unless otherwise
agreed by USEC and DOS and DOE.
Section 8.2 Transition Process. To assist in the transition process, the
following shall apply in the event there is a change in the U.S. Executive
Agent or this Agreement is terminated:
(a) Within forty-five (45) days after the change or termination, USEC
shall provide to the new executive agent(s) copies of all records acquired or
generated by USEC under this Agreement in the possession of USEC except those
records or portions of records that contain or reflect information that is (i)
privileged; or (ii) proprietary or commercial to USEC and could be withheld
from disclosure or release, consistent with and subject to applicable law,
including FOIA, 5 U.S.C. Section 552(b)(4). USEC, on a cost reimbursable
basis, shall use reasonable efforts to comply with any reasonable requests from
the new executive agent(s) for assistance in accomplishing the change in
executive agency.
(b) USEC shall obtain the concurrence of DOS and DOE for any agreements
between USEC and any new executive agent(s) concerning the transition process,
and during the transition period (including any agreements concerning uranium
received under the Russian HEU Agreement).
(c) After USEC has been informed by DOS that this Agreement will be
terminated, USEC shall immediately inform the Russian Executive Agent of the
effective date after which USEC will no longer be U.S. Executive Agent.
(d) Except as provided in Section 8.2(e), upon termination of USEC as the
U.S. Executive Agent, future rights and obligations under the Implementing
Contract shall be transferred to any new U.S. Executive Agent designated by the
United
9
<PAGE> 10
States, and USEC shall be released from any future liability accruing from that
date forward including liability to the Russian Executive Agent.
(e) USEC shall have the right and obligation to pay for and take delivery
of low-enriched uranium or the SWU component or natural uranium component
thereof, as applicable, that is to be delivered in the calendar year of the
date of termination and the following calendar year, if USEC and the Russian
Executive Agent have agreed upon a price and quantity or a price is applicable
pursuant to Sections B.06 and H.08 of the Implementing Contract.
* * *
* * *
ARTICLE 9. ALLOCATION OF LIABILITIES
Section 9.1 USEC's Liabilities. Subject to Article 8, USEC shall be liable for
fulfilling its obligations as U.S. Executive Agent as provided in the Russian
HEU Agreement and the Implementing Contract.
10
<PAGE> 11
Section 9.2 Liabilities of the United States.
(a) Except as provided in Sections 31l2(b)(3) and (4) of the USEC
Privatization Act concerning the natural uranium component, the United States
shall not be liable for USEC's obligations under the Implementing Contract and
this Agreement.
(b) If this Agreement is terminated, the United States shall reimburse
USEC for any outstanding balance of advance payments made by USEC to the
Russian Executive Agent, subject to Section 8.2(e), provided the advance
payments were approved by DOS and DOE before they were made.
Section 9.3 Force Majeure. Neither the United States nor USEC shall be liable
for any delay in, or prevention of, performance of its obligations under this
Agreement to the extent due to a "Force Majeure." A Force Majeure shall mean
any event arising from or related to causes beyond the control of a party that
causes a delay in or prevents the performance of such party's obligation under
this Agreement, including, acts of God, war, insurrection, civil disturbance,
acts or omissions of the other party or acts or omissions by any governmental
authority.
ARTICLE 10. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
Section l0.l Notices. Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, communications
concerning this Agreement shall be made to the following:
FOR THE UNITED STATES:
DOE:
* * *
U.S. Department of Energy
1000 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20585
DOS:
* * *
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20520
11
<PAGE> 12
FOR USEC:
United States Enrichment Corporation
* * *
2 Democracy Center
6903 Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD 20817
The effective date of any communication shall be the date of the receipt of
such communication by the addressee.
Section 10.2 Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed and construed in
accordance with the laws of the United States of America.
Section 10.3 Further Assistance. DOE and DOS, and USEC shall provide such
information, execute and deliver any agreements, instruments and documents and
take such other actions as may be reasonably necessary or required, which are
not inconsistent with the provisions in this Agreement and which do not involve
the assumption of obligations other than those provided for in this Agreement,
in order to give full effect to this Agreement and to carry out its intent.
DOE and DOS will also use best efforts to obtain from other agencies
cooperation necessary to facilitate implementation of this Agreement.
ARTICLE 11. MODIFICATIONS AND TERM
Section 11.1 Modifications. This represents the total understanding of the
Parties, and no change to this Agreement shall be valid or binding unless such
change is agreed to in writing by the Parties.
Section 11.2 Term. This Agreement shall become effective on the Privatization
Date and, unless otherwise agreed to by the Parties, shall remain in effect
until the earlier of the date this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Article
8 or the Implementing Contract is terminated pursuant to the terms thereof.
ARTICLE 12. MISCELLANEOUS
Section 12.1 Survival. The provisions set forth in Articles 8, 9, 10, and 12
shall survive termination of this Agreement.
12
<PAGE> 13
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the UNITED STATES and USEC have caused this
Agreement to be executed and delivered as of the date first written and hereby
affix the signatures of their duly authorized representatives:
THE UNITED STATES
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE
By:/s/ Lynn E. Davis 28 April 1997
----------------------------------------
Lynn E. Davis
Under Secretary of State
for Arms Control and International Security Affairs
AND
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
By:/s/ Charles B. Curtis
----------------------------------------
Charles B. Curtis
Deputy Secretary of Energy
AND
UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT CORPORATION
By:/s/ William H. Timbers, Jr.
----------------------------------------
William H. Timbers, Jr.
President and Chief Executive Officer
13
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 10.26
MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
AND THE UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT
CORPORATION RELATING TO
DEPLETED URANIUM
THIS MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT is entered into as of June 30,
1998, by and between the UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ("DOE") and the
UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT CORPORATION ("USEC" or the "Corporation").
WHEREAS, both DOE and USEC have or will have a substantial
inventory of depleted uranium;
WHEREAS, therefore both DOE and USEC have an interest in
managing the depleted uranium responsibly;
WHEREAS, DOE is currently preparing a programmatic
environmental impact statement evaluating alternatives for the management and
disposition of depleted uranium;
WHEREAS, sections 161v, and 1311 of the Atomic Energy Act
provide that the Department may provide services in support of USEC;
NOW, THEREFORE, under the authority of the USEC Privatization
Act, the Energy Policy Act, the Atomic Energy Act and other law, DOE and USEC
hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS
The following terms when capitalized and used in this Agreement shall have the
meanings indicated below:
"Atomic Energy Act" means the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, 42 U.S.C.
Sections 2011 et. seq.
"Energy Policy Act" means the Energy Policy Act of 1992, Title IX of Public Law
102-486.
<PAGE> 2
"Gaseous Diffusion Plants" or "GDPs" means the gaseous diffusion plants at
Paducah, Kentucky and Piketon, Ohio owned by DOE, portions of which are leased
to USEC.
"Lease Agreement" means the Lease Agreement Between the United States
Department of Energy and the United States Enrichment Corporation, dated July
1, 1993, as amended.
"Privatization Date" means the date on which 100 percent of the ownership of
the Corporation has been transferred to private investors pursuant to the USEC
Privatization Act.
"Secretary" means the Secretary of Energy.
"USEC Privatization Act" means Title III of Public Law 104-134.
ARTICLE 2 TRANSFER OF DEPLETED URANIUM
(a) Schedule for Transfer. USEC will transfer title to and
possession of 2026 48-G cylinders containing approximately 16,673,980 kgU of
depleted uranium to DOE as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Government Fiscal Year Amount Up to:
---------------------- -------------
<S> <C>
1999 1.6 million kgU
2000 2.4 million kgU
2001 2.4 million kgU
2002 2.4 million kgU
2003 3.8 million kgU
2004 All remaining depleted uranium not
previously transferred up to the
2026 cylinders
</TABLE>
Unless otherwise agreed, the transfers will occur on a semi-annual basis, with
the allocation divided into approximately equivalent amounts of depleted
uranium.
(b) Notification of Transfer, Right of Inspection, and Acceptance.
USEC shall notify DOE of its intent to transfer title and possession at least
forty-five (45) days in advance of that transfer, with a list of which
cylinders it intends to transfer. Prior to the transfer, DOE shall have the
right to inspect the cylinders. USEC shall configure the cylinders as required
by NRC. Within thirty (30) days of receiving
2
<PAGE> 3
USEC's notice of intent to transfer, DOE may reject any cylinder of depleted
uranium if the cylinder does not meet the regulatory standards listed in
Attachment A, and such cylinder shall be replaced by USEC with one that meets
such standards. Failure to reject a cylinder within such thirty-day period
shall be deemed to be acceptance of the cylinder by DOE, unless the parties
agree to extend this period to accommodate DOE inspection.
(c) Delivery. Upon transfer of title to DOE, USEC, at USEC's
option, shall: (1) permit DOE to continue to store the depleted uranium in the
portions of the GDP's leased to USEC where the cylinders are located as of the
date title is transferred (and continue to use the cylinder saddles); or (2)
delease the area (and transfer title to the cylinder saddles to DOE) where the
cylinders are stored.
(d) Records. Also upon transfer of title to DOE, USEC shall
provide copies of all USEC records associated with inspection, storage, and
management of the depleted uranium and the cylinders, including, but not
limited to, all manufacturers' records in its possession and the "Change
Cylinder Check Sheet (Form A-3931)" for each cylinder.
(e) Effective date of transfer of title and possession. The
effective date of transfer of title and possession for any cylinder will be the
later date of: (i) the date of transfer specified in USEC's notice provided in
accordance with Article 2(b); or (ii) in the event a cylinder is rejected, the
date of acceptance of the replacement cylinder by DOE in accordance with
Article 2(b).
ARTICLE 3 WORK-FOR-OTHERS
On or before the Privatization Date, USEC shall pay to DOE
$50,021,940 for storage, management and disposition of the transferred depleted
uranium, research and development into the beneficial use of depleted uranium,
and related activities and support services for depleted uranium-related
activities.
ARTICLE 4 HIRING PREFERENCE BY DOE
Pursuant to section 3110 of the USEC Privatization Act, and,
in a manner consistent with the Department's implementation of section 3161 of
the National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 1993, DOE shall, where
practicable, extend a preference in the hiring for work conducted under this
Agreement to any eligible adversely affected employee of an operating
contractor at either plant.
3
<PAGE> 4
ARTICLE 4 EXPIRATION OF AGREEMENT
In the event that the Privatization Date does not occur by
June 30, 1999, either party shall have the option to terminate this Agreement
upon providing thirty (30) days notice.
ARTICLE 5 MODIFICATIONS AND PRIVATIZATION
(a) Amendments. Except for changes made pursuant to
Article 5(b) hereof, no change to this Agreement shall be valid or binding
unless such change is agreed to in writing by the parties.
(b) Privatization. If USEC is privatized and its duties
and obligations are assumed by a private corporation pursuant to such
privatization, this Agreement shall survive and shall be transferred to such
private corporation without the need for DOE or USEC to take any further
action. In such event, the name of such private corporation shall be
substituted for that of USEC in this Agreement. In addition, DOE and USEC
shall take whatever further action is required to transfer to such private
corporation any memorandum of agreement or other documents related to this
Agreement and entered into by DOE and USEC on or after the date hereof which
cannot be transferred to such private corporation by the operation of their
terms.
ARTICLE 6 MISCELLANEOUS
(a) Force Majeure. A Party shall not be liable for any
delay in, or prevention of, performance of its obligations under this Agreement
to the extent due to a "Force Majeure." A Force Majeure shall mean any event
arising from causes beyond the control of a Party that causes a delay in or
prevents the performance of any obligation by that Party under this Agreement,
including, acts of God; fire; war; insurrection; civil disturbance; explosion;
acts or a failure to act by the other Party; unanticipated breakage or accident
to machinery, equipment or lines of pipe despite reasonably diligent
maintenance; other circumstances that represent an imminent danger to human
health, safety or the environment; adverse weather conditions that could not be
reasonably anticipated; unusual delay in transportation; and restraint by court
order or order of public authority. Force Majeure shall not include increased
costs or expenses.
4
<PAGE> 5
(b) Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire
understanding of DOE and USEC with respect to the subject matter of this
Agreement.
(c) Notices. Unless otherwise agreed by the parties,
communications concerning this Agreement shall be made to the following:
For DOE:
Joe Parks
Assistant Manager for Enrichment Facilities
U.S. Department of Energy
Oak Ridge Operations Office
20 Administration Road
Oak Ridge, TN 37831
Fax: 423-576-9686
For USEC:
George P. Rifakes
Executive Vice President, Operations
United States Enrichment Corporation
2 Democracy Center
6903 Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD 20817
Fax: (301) 564-3208
The effective date of any communication shall be the date of the receipt of
such communication by the addressee.
(d) Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed and
construed in accordance with the laws of the United States of America.
(e) Further Assistance. DOE and USEC shall provide such
information, execute and deliver any agreements, instruments and documents and
take such other actions as may be reasonably necessary or required, which are
not inconsistent with the provisions in this Agreement and which do not involve
the assumption of obligations other than those provided for in this Agreement,
in order to give full effect to this Agreement and to carry out its intent and
the intent of the Act.
5
<PAGE> 6
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, DOE and USEC have caused this Agreement to
be executed and delivered as of the date first above written and hereby affix
the signatures of their duly authorized representatives:
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
By: /s/ Federico Pena
---------------------------
Federico Pena
Secretary
Date: June 30, 1998
---------------------------
AND
UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT CORPORATION
By: /s/ John W. Bennett
---------------------------
John W. Bennett
Date: June 30, 1998
---------------------------
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EXHIBIT 10.27
MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
AND THE UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT
CORPORATION RELATING TO
ADMINISTRATION
OF WORKER TRANSITION SERVICES
THIS MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT is entered into as of June 30,
1998, by and between the UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ("D0E") and the
UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT CORPORATION ("USEC" or the "Corporation").
WHEREAS, USEC operates the gaseous diffusion plants ("GDP's")
using contractor employees. and currently the operating contractor is Lockheed
Martin Utility Services (LMUS);
WHEREAS, USEC anticipates that a reduction in employment of
these contractor employees is likely to be necessary in the next two years;
WHEREAS, USEC and DOE prefer to achieve the necessary
reductions in employment through attrition and voluntary separations to the
extent commercially practicable in accordance with applicable laws and
contractual commitments and wish to mitigate or prevent adverse impacts of
those reductions by providing enhanced benefits;
WHEREAS, the Department's Office of Worker and Community
Transition is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of
plans for restructuring the work forces at the Department's defense nuclear
facilities and for providing worker transition services for the adversely
affected workforces, and thus has relevant expertise in administering the
development and implementation of worker transition programs;
WHEREAS, section 161v. of the Atomic Energy Act provides that
the Department may provide services in support of USEC, provided that the
Department collects payments or other charges sufficient to ensure recovery of
its costs;
WHEREAS, section 1311 of the Atomic Energy Act authorizes the
Corporation to request to use on a reim-
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bursable basis the available services of agencies of the United States,
including the Department;
NOW, THEREFORE, under the authority of the USEC Privatization
Act, the Energy Policy Act, the Atomic Energy Act and other law, DOE and USEC
hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS
The following terms when capitalized and used in this
Agreement shall have the meanings indicated below.
"Affected Communities" means Piketon, Ohio, and Paducah,
Kentucky, and surrounding communities.
"Affected Employees" means those employees currently employed
by the O&M Contractor at the Gaseous Diffusion Plants at Piketon, Ohio, and
Paducah, Kentucky, whose employment by the O&M Contractor is terminated
pursuant to a voluntary or involuntary separation plan carried out in
accordance with Article 3(a).
"Atomic Energy Act" means the Atomic Energy Act of l954, as
amended, 42 U.S.C. Sections 2011 et. seq.
"Energy Policy Act" means the Energy Policy Act of 1992, Title
IX of Public Law 102-486.
"Fiscal Year" means USEC's fiscal year, which begins July l
and ends June 30.
"Fund" has the meaning ascribed to it in Article 2.
"Gaseous Diffusion Plants" or "GDP's" means the gaseous
diffusion plants at Paducah, Kentucky and Piketon, Ohio owned by DOE, portions
of which are leased to USEC under the Lease Agreement Between the United States
Department of Energy and the United States Enrichment Corporation, dated July
1, 1993, as amended.
"O&M Contractor" means the contractor employed by USEC to
operate the GDP's, currently Lockheed Martin Utility Services.
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"Privatization Date" means the date on which 100 percent of
the ownership of the Corporation has been transferred to private investors
pursuant to the USEC Privatization Act.
"Secretary" means the Secretary of Energy.
"USEC Privatization Act" means Title III of Public Law
104-134.
ARTICLE 2 FUNDING MECHANISM
Prior to the Privatization Date, USEC shall transfer $20
million to an account in the U.S. Treasury designated by the Department of the
Treasury ("the Fund") to be administered by DOE to accomplish the purposes set
forth in this Agreement, including Attachment A.
ARTICLE 3 WORKER TRANSITION SERVICES
(a) DOE shall, at USEC's request, assist USEC in
formulating and implementing a plan to achieve any necessary reductions in
employment at the GDP's during Fiscal Years 1999 and 2000 in accordance with
the following criteria:
(1) Reductions shall be achieved through attrition and
voluntary programs to the extent commercially
practicable;
(2) Reductions shall be structured to preserve the skill
mix that USEC concludes is necessary at the GDP's,
with reductions targeted by plant, department,
function and job classification to achieve the
employment levels specified by USEC; and
(3) In the event the required workforce reductions are
not achieved through voluntary programs, DOE shall,
at USEC's request, assist USEC in implementing an
involuntary reduction program;
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provided that, consistent with the requirements of sections 16lv. and 1311 of
the Atomic Energy Act, any expenses incurred by DOE in providing such advice
are to be paid only from amounts available in the Fund. (DOE estimates that
such expenses will not exceed $200,000.)
(b) Using amounts available in the Fund, DOE shall be
responsible for administering or overseeing the administration of a program for
providing enhanced benefits (Fund Enhanced Program) to Affected Employees.
Such benefits shall be in addition to any benefits the Affected Employees are
otherwise entitled to receive from the O&M Contractor pursuant to any
applicable labor contracts or employee benefit policies or procedures.
(c) The O&M Contractor, or such other entity as agreed upon by
DOE and USEC, with funds provided by DOE, shall provide enhanced benefits to
the Affected Employees in a manner agreed to by DOE and USEC; provided that,
the total costs of administering the Fund Enhanced Program, including DOE's
costs and the amount of any funds provided under this Agreement to the Affected
Employees, does not exceed the total amount in the Fund; and further provided
that the O&M Contractor is responsible for identifying the Affected Employees
and further provided that the amount of funds provided to an Affected Employee
shall be determined in accordance with this Agreement and Attachment A.
ARTICLE 4 COMMUNITY TRANSITION SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY DOE
(a) A portion of the Fund shall be available for allocation
by DOE in a manner agreed to by DOE and USEC to the Affected Communities for
economic development proposals that would create employment suitable for the
Affected Employees. The parties currently estimate that the portion to be
allocated for this purpose will be five million dollars ($5 million).
ARTICLE 5 HIRING PREFERENCE BY DOE
In addition to the benefits provided pursuant to Article 3,
DOE shall, where practicable, extend a preference in the hiring at DOE
facilities to any eligi-
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ble adversely affected employee of an operating contractor at either plant
pursuant to section 3110 of the USEC Privatization Act and section 3161 of the
National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 1993.
ARTICLE 6 EXPIRATION OF AGREEMENT
(a) Any funds not expended or obligated within two (2) years
of the Privatization Date under Article 3 shall be made available for purposes
specified in Article 4.
(b) In the event that the Privatization Date does not occur
by June 30, 1999, either party shall have the option to terminate this
Agreement by written notice to the other party upon 30 days' notice.
ARTICLE 7 MODIFICATIONS AND PRIVATIZATION
(a) Amendments. Except for changes made pursuant to Article
7(b) hereof, no change to this Agreement shall be valid or binding unless such
change is agreed to in writing by the parties.
(b) Privatization. If USEC is privatized and its duties and
obligations are assumed by a private corporation pursuant to such
privatization, this Agreement shall survive and shall be transferred to such
private corporation without the need for DOE or USEC to take any further
action. In such event, the name of such private corporation shall be
substituted for that of USEC in this Agreement.
ARTICLE 8 MISCELLANEOUS
(a) Force Majeure. A Party shall not be liable for any delay
in, or prevention of, performance of its obligations under this Agreement to
the extent due to a "Force Majeure." A Force Majeure shall mean any event
arising from causes beyond the control of a Party that causes a delay in or
prevents the performance of any obligation by that Party under this Agreement,
including, acts of God; fire; war; insurrection; civil disturbance; explosion;
acts or a failure to act by the other Party;
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unanticipated breakage or accident to machinery, equipment or lines of pipe
despite reasonably diligent maintenance; other circumstances that represent an
imminent danger to human health, safety or the environment; adverse weather
conditions that could not be reasonably anticipated; unusual delay in
transportation, restraint by court order or order of public authority; and
delays caused by compliance with applicable statutes or regulations governing
contracting, procurement or acquisition procedures, despite the exercise of
reasonable diligence. Force Majeure shall not include increased costs or
expenses.
(b) Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire
understanding of DOE and USEC with respect to the subject matter of this
Agreement.
(c) Notices. Unless otherwise agreed by the parties,
communications concerning this Agreement may be made by electronic or facsimile
transmission (hard copy to follow) and shall be made to the following:
For DOE:
Robert DeGrasse, Jr.
Director, Office of Worker and Community Transition
U.S. Department of Energy
1000 Independence Ave., S.W.
Washington, DC 20585
Fax: 202-586-8403
For USEC:
Henry Z Shelton, Jr.
United States Enrichment Corporation
2 Democracy Center
6903 Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD 20817
Fax: (301) 564-3205
The effective date of any communication shall be thirty (30) calendar days
after the date of the receipt of such electronic, facsimile or other
communication by the addressee.
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(d) Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed and
construed in accordance with the laws of the United States of America.
(e) Further Assistance. DOE and USEC shall provide such
information, execute and deliver any agreements, instruments and documents and
take such other actions as may be reasonably necessary or required, which are
not inconsistent with the provisions in this Agreement and which do not involve
the assumption of obligations other than those provided for in this Agreement,
in order to give full effect to this Agreement and to carry out its intent and
the intent of the Act.
(f) Effective Date. This Agreement shall become effective
upon the date of the last signature of the parties to the Agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, DOE and USEC have caused this Agreement to
be executed and delivered as of the date first above written and hereby affix
the signatures of their duly authorized representatives.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
By: /S/ FEDERICO PENA
--------------------------------
Federico Pena
Secretary
Date: June 30, 1998
-----------------------------
AND
UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT CORPORATION
By: /S/ J.W. BENNETT
--------------------------------
J. W. Bennett
VP, Advanced Tech.
Date: June 30, 1998
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EXHIBIT 21.1
SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
Name of Subsidiary State of Incorporation
- ------------------ ----------------------
United States Enrichment Corporation Delaware
USEC Services Corporation Delaware
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EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation in
this Amendment No. 1 to the registration statement of our reports dated May 18,
1998, except with respect to the matters discussed in Note 16, as to which the
date is June 29, 1998 related to the United States Enrichment Corporation's
balance sheets as of June 30, 1997 and 1996, and the related statements of
income and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30,
1997 and to all references to our Firm included in this Amendment No. 1 to the
registration statement.
/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
Washington, D.C.
July 20, 1998
