UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
Form 10-K
[X] Annual report pursuant to section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999
OR
[ ] Transition report pursuant to section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
Commission File Number: 333-76683
Formica Corporation
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
DELAWARE 34-1046753
(State or Other Jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
Incorporation or Organization)
15 Independence Boulevard
Warren, New Jersey 07059
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Telephone Number: (908) 647-8700
(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12 (b) or 12 (g) of the Act
Name of Each Exchange
Title of Each Class Which Registered
------------------- ----------------
None Not Applicable
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. [X] Yes [ ] No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to
this Form 10-K. [X]
Number of shares of each class of Common Stock outstanding as of March 23,
2000: 100 shares
Documents Incorporated by Reference:
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None
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Part I
Item 1. Business
Description of Business
Formica Corporation (the "Company") is one of the leading brand names in
the decorative surfacing products market. "Decorative surfaces" are products
that are used to finish a surface, which may be a wall, a cabinet, a countertop
or a floor, and include everything from inexpensive vinyl flooring to marble
countertops. The Company produces:
o high-pressure decorative laminates, ("HPL") the primary product:
o the Company designs, manufactures and distributes Formica(R)
brand high pressure decorative laminates which are made of
decorative surface papers (solid colors, patterns and
woodgrains) treated with resins and laminated along with resin
treated kraft papers using a high pressure press
o because high-pressure laminate is durable, attractively
designed, easy to maintain and very versatile, it is used in a
wide range of commercial and residential surfaces, including
kitchen cabinets, countertops and work surfaces
o we believe that we are one of the largest producers of
high-pressure decorative laminates in the world, which we market
under the Formica(R) brand name
o we estimate that the total size of the world-wide market was
approximately $3.0 billion in 1999, evenly distributed between
North America, Europe and the rest of the world
o solid surfacing materials
o unlike high-pressure laminate, solid surfacing is quite thick,
which makes it more durable and permits easier repair in the
event of a scratch, since the surface can be sanded down to look
like new
o we market our solid surfacing product under the names
"Surell(R)" and "Fountainhead(R)"
o laminate flooring
o laminate flooring is applied over any dry, clean and level floor
surface
o the flooring is water-resistant and is ideally suited for
kitchens and bathrooms
o we introduced our flooring line under the Formica(R)name in 1996
We believe the Formica(R) brand name, which is recognized by many
customers without prompting, contributes significantly to the sale of our
products. For the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998, our net sales were
$585.2 million and $549.7 million, respectively, and Adjusted EBITDA, as
defined under Selected Financial Data, was $63.0 million and $50.2 million,
respectively.
We market our products:
o through over 7,500 domestic and international independent
distributors and dealers as well as our own sales force
o to major distributors, manufacturers of finished products, and
to architects and designers who specify products for commercial
and residential interiors
Our History
Our Company was founded in 1913 and created the world's first decorative
laminate in 1927. After several sales and an initial public offering, we were
sold to FM Acquisition Corporation in a buyout led by Vincent Langone, David
Schneider and Dillon Read & Co. in 1989. In January 1995, we were acquired by
BTR Nylex Ltd., an Australian company and a subsidiary of BTR plc.
In May 1998, our parent company, FM Holdings Inc. ("Holdings"), was bought
by Laminates Acquisition Co. ("Laminates"), which was organized by DLJ Merchant
Banking Partners II, L.P., affiliated funds and entities, three institutional
investors, including CVC European Equity Partners, L.P.
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and CVC European Equity Partners (Jersey) L.P. and MMI Products L.L.C., and
Messrs. Langone and Schneider.
As a result, we are wholly-owned by Holdings, which in turn is
wholly-owned by Laminates, which is owned by the DLJ Merchant Banking funds,
the institutional investors and the management shareholders. See Note 2 of the
accompanying consolidated financial statements for information regarding our
acquisition by Laminates.
Competitive Strengths
We possess a number of competitive strengths, including:
o Global Market Position
We have extensive global manufacturing capabilities and are one of the
largest producers of high-pressure laminate on a worldwide basis. We are the
largest or the second largest seller of high-pressure laminate in major
national markets including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom,
France, Spain, Taiwan and China, where our principal manufacturing facilities
are located. The location of our manufacturing facilities and design centers
and our worldwide distribution network enable us to respond effectively to our
customers' delivery and design needs.
o Worldwide Brand Awareness
We have an extremely high level of unprompted brand awareness and are one
of the most specified brands of high-pressure laminate. The Formica(R) brand
name, which represents superior design, quality and value, significantly
contributes to our ability to attract the business of designers, architects,
distributors and direct accounts.
o Established, Effective Distribution Channels
We believe that we have one of the most extensive global distribution
capabilities in the industry. We have approximately:
o 1,500 distributor sales representatives in 300 locations
o sub-distributors and dealers in another 7,500 locations
worldwide
The efforts of our domestic and international architectural specification
representatives, when combined with the sales force of our distributor network,
provide us with sales and marketing coverage in over 100 countries throughout
the world.
o Acclaimed Design Leadership
We have a history of technological leadership and innovation in product
design. We maintain extensive design facilities and have consistently won
design and new product development awards, including the 1996 Kitchen & Bath
Product Innovator Award, the 1997 Visual Marketing & Store Design Reader's
Choice Poll and the 1997 Green Product Award. In addition, our flooring product
was awarded the 1997, 1998 and 1999 Dealer's Choice Award-Best Laminate
Flooring Product and the 1997 Kitchen & Bath Business Product of the Year
Award. We design many of our own proprietary decorative papers and own
exclusive rights to these designs. The strength of our reputation for
innovative design is an important factor in our success in the commercial
segment of the market.
o Diverse and Stable Customer Base
We benefit from a diversified sales base:
o Geographically, we sell our products in over 100 countries
and maintain a strong market position in the major markets
of North America and Europe and are positioned for
continued growth in Asia. In 1999, approximately 64% of our
net sales were made in North America, with the balance
principally in Europe and Asia
o We estimate that our net sales in 1999 were 33% for new
construction and 67% for remodeling
o We also estimate that our 1999 sales were equally balanced
between sales to commercial and residential locations
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We believe that this diversification helps to mitigate the effect of
regional economic cycles and the changes in market conditions within the
commercial and residential new construction and remodeling markets.
The Company has approximately 3,800 employees worldwide. Production and
manufacturing operations are located in the United States, Canada, China, the
United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain and Taiwan.
The Company operates in a single business segment. See the accompanying
consolidated financial statements for financial information regarding the
Company.
Industry Overview
The decorative surfaces market encompasses high-pressure decorative
laminates, wood, veneers, marble, granite, solid surfacing, tile, plastics,
foils, papers, vinyls, acrylics, paint, wallpaper, wall and floor coverings,
low-pressure laminates and other surfacing materials. While substitution exists
across product categories, high-pressure laminate remains one of the primary
products used in various horizontal and vertical surfacing applications,
including kitchen and bathroom countertops, where durability is a critical
consideration. High-pressure laminate products are used in a wide range of
applications with other decorative surfacing products competing at the high and
lower end of the markets. At the high end are decorative surfaces such as our
Surell(R) and Fountainhead(R) solid surfacing products, E.I. DuPont de Nemour's
("DuPont") Corian(R) solid surfacing, granite, marble, tile and natural wood.
The low end of the market includes low-pressure laminates, foil, papers, and
plastics, all of which are a low cost surfacing alternative for applications
requiring lower durability.
We estimate that the worldwide market for high-pressure laminate was
approximately $3.0 billion in 1999, evenly distributed between (1) North
America, (2) Europe and (3) the rest of the world. The end-users of
high-pressure laminate products generally fall into two market segments,
residential and commercial, each of which has in recent years accounted for
approximately 50% of the market. Both the residential and commercial new
construction market and the remodeling/renovation market drive demand for
high-pressure laminate products. The residential market is comprised of
independent contractors and manufacturers of countertops, kitchen and bathroom
cabinets and furniture. The commercial market includes fabricators, contractors
and manufacturers whose primary business is the production of interiors
(including store fixtures, furniture and wall paneling) used in airports,
institutions, hospitals, schools, retail stores, hotels and office buildings.
Principal Products and Services
Decorative laminates are used in a wide range of surfacing applications
where durability, design, construction versatility and ease of maintenance are
factors. Our principal products are high-pressure decorative laminates, which
accounted for approximately 83% and 86% of 1999 and 1998 net sales,
respectively, solid surfacing material, marketed under the Formica(R) brand
Surell(R) and Fountainhead(R) trade names, and laminate flooring products,
introduced in late 1996 under the Formica(R) brand name. We also manufacture
and sell resins and license our Formica(R) brand name and proprietary
technology and know-how to third parties.
HPL. The Company's principal product, high-pressure laminate, is marketed
under the Formica(R) brand name and the [Anvil F] mark. Invented in 1913 in
Cincinnati by Herbert Faber and Daniel O' Conor, Formica was originally
intended to serve as an electrical insulator. It was created as a replacement
for mica which was then used for that purpose; hence the name, "for mica." In
1927, the Company began lithographing images onto sheets of their product and
its decorative potential was discovered. In the 1930s, a melamine layer was
added which gave Formica(R) brand laminates their legendary durability and ease
of maintenance. World-renowned designers and architects began to recognize the
potential uses of decorative laminate and specified it for Modernist and Art
Deco interiors. Formica also has a long-established presence in Europe, having
entered the market in 1947. Formica(R) brand products have been manufactured
for many years in the United Kingdom (1947), Spain (1947) and France (1964). As
a result of its long-standing presence in these markets, the Formica(R) brand
name has exceptional customer recognition. Formica installed its first HPL
press in Taiwan in 1982. With Taiwan as the manufacturing base, geographical
expansion into other markets throughout the years has made Formica one of the
largest producers of HPL in Asia. Formica began operating in China with a sales
office in 1990 and through a joint venture in 1992, and has owned its own
manufacturing and distribution sites there since 1996.
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HPL is principally used in a wide range of commercial and residential
surfacing applications where durability, design, construction versatility and
ease of maintenance are important factors. Traditional residential applications
include:
o kitchen cabinetry
o countertops and bathroom vanities
o horizontal and vertical surfaces in kitchens, bathrooms, living
rooms, family rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms
The commercial applications include:
o work surfaces
o cabinetry
o furniture
o fixtures
o panels
o partitions
o counter tops and
o interior walls each of which have end-use applications in offices,
computer centers, airports, hospitals, schools, restaurants, hotels,
retail stores, ships, buses and railroad cars
Our high-pressure laminate products compete with decorative laminates
manufactured by other producers, as well as with other surfacing materials such
as wood, veneers, marble, tile, plastics and foils. Competition is based
principally on breadth of product line, design and appearance, product quality,
functionality, marketing, technology, price and service. Over the past twenty
years, less expensive, less durable low-pressure laminates have replaced
high-pressure laminate for various applications. Nevertheless, the more durable
high-pressure laminate still dominates the market for certain surfaces such as
countertops and tables.
Our HPL offerings include both general-purpose products and premium
products, which generally have higher profit margins.
General Purpose High-pressure Laminate. Our standard U.S. decorative line
consists of 96 solid colors, 126 abstract patterns, 32 woodgrain patterns and
114 other patterns. Surface textures can range from very high gloss smooth
surfaces to deeply textured surfaces and surfaces with other special design and
performance features. These products are generally sold in sheet form in
standard sizes that correspond to press sizes and vary from market to market.
There is substantial overlap of these colors and patterns among our three
principal regions, and we have an active new product harmonization program to
conform regional product lines and reduce costs. There will continue to be
regional differences in colors and patterns to meet local style differences.
Premium High-pressure Laminate Products. Formica's premium decorative
laminate products have characteristics which make them particularly suitable
for various specialized applications and generate higher profit margins than
the standard line products. Premium decorative laminate products include our
Decometal(R), which incorporates real metal foil on a laminate core giving the
solid appearance of a metal plate or sheet, our Ligna(R) line, a multi-laminate
veneer made with phenolic-backed real wood and which replicates the grains of
exotic woods, our Design Concepts(R) and Formations(R) collections and
ColorCore(R) surfacing material, a solid "color-through" laminate, each of
which are marketed for special end-use applications, such as office furniture,
store fixtures, restaurant interiors, airports and custom-built kitchens.
Premium HPL products also include laminates for uses requiring fire-retardant
materials such as shipbuilding and office interiors, textured laminates which
are designed to look and feel like leather or slate and laminate static-free
flooring used in computer centers.
Solid Surfacing Products. Our solid surfacing products accounted for
approximately 7% and 6% of our total sales in 1999 and 1998, respectively.
These products, distributed under the Surell(R) and Fountainhead(R) (acquired
in March 1999, see "Acquisitions") names, are similar to DuPont's Corian(R)
product, are available in a selection of colors and granite-like patterns that
run throughout the entire thickness
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of the product. The products can be fabricated for use in a variety of
residential and commercial applications, such as kitchen and bathroom
countertops including sinks, work surfaces, tabletops, commercial counters,
vertical applications such as wall panels, partitions and tub surrounds, or
produced in sheet form for work surfaces, countertops and other surface
applications. One of the advantages of these products is that if scratched or
gouged, the damage can be easily repaired by simply sanding down the surface to
provide a new smooth surface. Solid surfacing products are more expensive than
laminates but less expensive than other high-end materials such as marble,
granite and high-end ceramic tile.
Laminate Flooring. In late 1996, we introduced the Formica(R) brand
laminate flooring product line in North America to compete in the rapidly
growing market for laminate flooring. The product is produced in a variety of
patterns and colors and is sold in both the new construction and renovation
markets. Our laminate flooring products accounted for approximately 9.8% and
7.8% of our total sales in 1999 and 1998, respectively.
Formica(R) flooring offers a virtually impermeable surface finish, which
is resistant to wear, moisture and impact. It is constructed from layers of
direct pressure laminate sandwiching a mid-density moisture-resistant
fibreboard. Due to its durable surface and rich beauty, it is ideally suited
for flooring in locations such as kitchens, bathrooms and family rooms.
Formica(R) flooring is currently offered in a variety of patterns and
colors, including wood grains, marble, granite, wood and wood tints. The wood
patterns are produced in planks, which fit together in a tongue and groove
assembly system. Formica(R) flooring is applied as a "floating" floor and can
be fitted over any sub-floor with a dry, clean and level surface. The flooring
can often be laid directly on to an existing floor covering such as linoleum or
vinyl, which provides substantial cost savings to the consumer. Formica(R)
flooring is manufactured in a dedicated facility in Algona, Washington, by STEL
Industries, Inc., which was acquired by Formica in December 1999 (See
"Acquisitions"). Prior to the acquisition, STEL was an independent
manufacturer, under a long-term exclusive "take-or-pay" supply contract with
Formica.
Design Development. Design is an important factor in the customer selection of
decorative HPL. New laminate designs are introduced periodically by us and our
competitors. We consider ourselves an industry leader worldwide in decorative
laminate design. Our design team works to anticipate market trends by observing
leading indicators of design trends. We have consistently won numerous design
and product awards worldwide. These awards include: the 1996 Kitchen & Bath
Business' Product Innovator Award, the 1996 Gold Ink Award, the 1996 Graphic
Arts Recognition Committee Award of Excellence, the 1997 Visual Merchandising &
Store Design Reader's Choice Poll and the 1997 Green Product Award. Other
awards include the Professional Builder's ADQ Award, the Kitchen & Bath Design
News' ADQ Award, the 1997 Kitchen and Bath Business' Flooring Product of the
Year Award, the 1997 Printing Industries of America Award and the 1999 Design
Journal's Platinum ADEX Award, among others.
Our efforts to refine the designs of our products have resulted in such
products as the Design Concepts(R) and Formations(R) collections, Deco
Metal(R), Ligna(R), ColorCore(R), a solid "color-through" laminate, and the
Stripes(R) and Geometrica(R) collections featuring silk-screen printed
pinstripes and bands in a variety of colors. During the last several years, we
introduced solid opaque laminates, granite-like solid surfacing materials and a
number of other premium products.
We have a history of innovation and leadership in product design. We
believe that our reputation for innovative design is an important factor in our
success in the commercial segment of the market. Beginning in 1995, however, we
changed the emphasis of our design program by focusing on consumers, including
the Design Center Program, rather than on those architects, contractors and
designers who actually choose the product. Since our acquisition by Laminates,
we have re-oriented our design program to once again focus on those product
specifiers. Management believes that communication with the architectural and
design community is essential to our sales efforts, particularly with respect
to new product introductions.
Manufacturing Process
The HPL manufacturing process involves several major steps: resin
manufacturing, paper treating, collation, pressing, trimming, sanding,
packaging and shipping.
The resins are manufactured to exact formulations and procedures. Samples
are taken during resin manufacturing to identify any necessary production
modifications and ensure that the resin is being made to the correct
specifications.
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The paper rolls of untreated kraft paper or decorative surface paper are
run through treaters where the paper is then saturated by dipping it into the
liquid resin and floated on air currents through an oven to dry it. As the
product emerges from the machines, it is automatically cut and stacked or
rewound on a core and moved into work-in-process inventory.
Orders are entered into computers and then given to workers who pull the
appropriate goods from the work-in-process inventory and transfer them to the
collation line. The barrier, core and overlay sheets are then stacked in the
order in which they will be sent to the multi-opening presses. These stacks of
unfinished laminate are placed between stainless steel plates and moved into
the press itself. The stainless steel plates can create surface textures
ranging from very high gloss to deeply textured surfaces with special designs.
Press size varies from 10 to 24 openings. Depending on the thickness of
the product, one to 16 sheets of unfinished laminate can be placed in a press
opening. Once the plates and the unfinished laminate are placed in the press,
the press applies approximately 1,400 pounds per square inch of pressure and
300o F of heat. This process takes approximately 40 to 80 minutes. The
laminates and plates are then removed from the press and the laminates are
removed from between the plates. After the sheets are separated, they are sent
through the trimming and sanding lines where the edges are removed and the
backs are sanded. The laminate is visually inspected at this point and moved
into finished goods inventory. The product is specifically packaged and then
shipped to a warehouse until it is delivered to the customer.
Recent Developments
Management Additions. In connection with the acquisition of the Company by
Laminates, Vincent Langone, our Chief Executive Officer from 1988 to 1994, and
David Schneider, our Chief Financial Officer from 1989 to 1994, returned to
assume senior management roles at Formica. During their tenure at Formica, they
consistently ran the business at significantly lower selling, general and
administrative expense spending levels than those incurred from 1995 to 1997.
They have implemented a plan to improve the Company's results, which had
deteriorated from 1995 to 1997. See "Business Strategy."
A key aspect of prior management's efforts to increase our gross margins
was our decision to focus our marketing efforts on higher margin business,
primarily distributors, and to de-emphasize or eliminate sales to lower margin
accounts, primarily direct customers, including office furniture makers.
Management believes that a number of the de-emphasized and eliminated accounts
were profitable and allowed us to spread our fixed costs over more sales.
Capital Investments. We have implemented a focused capital investment
program that management believes will increase capacity, yield substantial
manufacturing savings and improve competitiveness. (See "Capital Investments.")
Fountainhead. In March 1999, the Company acquired the Fountainhead(R)
brand (the solid surfacing product of International Paper's Decorative Products
Division) and its manufacturing facility located in Odenton, Maryland. (See
Note 2 - "Acquisitions" of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.)
Rhinocore. In September 1999, the Company acquired Rhinocore(TM) as an
entry into direct imaging computer graphics for HPL. These digital graphic
images enable the manufacture of laminates with superior graphics for
applications such as signage and photographic images of murals and panels.
Rhinocore(TM) sells at a much higher price than standard laminates.
STEL. In December 1999, the Company purchased STEL Industries Inc., the
supplier of the Company's flooring product. (See Note 2 - "Acquisitions" of the
accompanying consolidated financial statements.)
Perstorp. In March 2000, an investment company, Decorative Surfaces
Holding AB ("DSH" or "Newco"), set up by DLJ Merchant Banking Partners, agreed
to acquire PSM, one of our competitors in Europe. DSH will be a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Holdings upon closure of the acquisition. DLJ and CVC have
informed us that they expect to contribute Newco to the Company upon
satisfaction of certain conditions. However, we cannot assure you that (i) the
purchase of PSM by Newco will be consummated, (ii) the conditions precedent to
the contribution of Newco to us will be satisfied or (iii) DLJ and CVC will not
alter their decision to contribute Newco to the Company. See "Business
Strategy--Target Strategic Acquisitions--Perstorp Surface Materials."
Other. We expect to realize manufacturing cost savings and/or capacity
benefits from the following projects: (i) the introduction of a new, less
expensive process to produce HPL with a "sparkle" finish; (ii) a new boiler
house at the North Shields, United Kingdom facility, which was finished in the
first half of 1998
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and is yielding savings from labor and fuel efficiencies; (iii) a modified HPL
manufacturing process in North America which provides comparable finished goods
quality from the usage of a reduced cost resin; and (iv) the 1996 purchase of
our minority partner's interest in the Shanghai, China manufacturing plant and
business.
Business Strategy
We have implemented a strategy that we believe will return us to pre-1995
levels of profitability and cash flows. Management expects our operating
performance to benefit from the following factors:
o the return of Vincent Langone and David Schneider, who previously
managed us through two successful leveraged buyouts, as senior
management
o a reduction in selling, general and administrative expenses, and in
capital spending, which increased significantly from 1995 to 1997
o an expected increase in unit volume shipments as customer service is
improved through better management of the inventory and distribution
systems and
o the realization of substantial savings due to the manufacturing
efficiencies resulting from the significant capital investments made
since 1994
Specifically, our business strategy includes the following elements:
Reduce Operating Expenses
Management has implemented a program of reducing operating costs through
enhanced operating efficiencies, thereby improving profitability. Management
believes that from 1995 to 1997 profitability was depressed by unnecessarily
high operating expenses, including spending on consumer targeted advertising
and promotion programs that were either ineffective or related to the launch of
our flooring product. Management identified approximately $30.0 million in
estimated net annualized operating cost savings that they believed could be
realized without affecting our overall sales or brand franchise. The savings
relate primarily to specific areas of advertising and promotion spending and
other selling and administrative expenses, and also target other operating
expenses, including outside consultant expenses and transportation and
warehousing costs. Implementation of the cost savings strategy began in early
1998 and management believes that approximately $35.0 million in cost savings
is reflected in our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 1999
when compared to 1997. (See "Cost Savings")
Improve Manufacturing Efficiency
We believe that the $134.8 million investment in new property, plant and
equipment from 1996 to 1998, along with the approximately $61.4 million of
capital expenditures spent since the acquisition of the Company from BTR
provide a foundation for us to realize substantial manufacturing savings to be
phased in over the next three years. Key investments include:
o an expansion of the Taiwan manufacturing and distribution facilities
o a continuous press line in the facility in Spain and
o a high efficiency treater and ready-to-use print technology in the
United States facilities
We expect that these investments will help us to more efficiently meet
customer service requirements in these markets. (See "Capital Investments")
Re-establish Strategic Leadership
Management believes that increased integration of and communication
between our operating units will significantly improve our profitability. From
1995-1997, our North American, European and Asian divisions were operated as
separate and autonomous divisions. Management believes that significant cost
benefits will be realized from its recent implementation of a centrally
coordinated global purchasing program. In addition, management has begun to
re-emphasize our design leadership by evaluating our product line on a global
basis, addressing product line weaknesses and coordinating new product
launches. Management believes that worldwide specifications, product line
rationalization and global product launches are all opportunities for improved
profits.
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Increase North American High-pressure Laminate Sales by Improving Customer
Service
Management believes that product quality and service including lead time,
availability, fill rates, delivery reliability and consistent quality are key
criteria that customers consider in selecting a high-pressure laminate vendor.
Management has begun to re-emphasize our quality and service focus in North
America by realigning our inventory stocking strategy to be responsive to
regional demand patterns.
Target Strategic Acquisitions
Management is pursuing opportunities to make acquisitions that complement
or expand our decorative surfaces businesses or enable us to enter new, but
related, markets. We intend to focus on surfacing companies whose products can
be manufactured using our extensive global manufacturing capabilities or brands
whose products may be sold through our distribution channels or that would
benefit from the Formica(R) brand name. The expansion opportunities include
domestic and international manufacturers of laminates, solid surfacing,
flooring, wood, tile, plastics and related surfacing products, as well as other
building products that would benefit from the Formica name and distribution
channel. Management is actively evaluating potential acquisition targets and
will make acquisitions that fit our acquisition strategy.
The following are the principal acquisitions we have made since our
acquisition by Laminates:
Fountainhead. In March 1999, the Company acquired the Fountainhead(R) brand,
(the solid surfacing product of International Paper's Decorative Products
Division) and its manufacturing facility located in Odenton, Maryland. This
acquisition significantly increased our solid surfacing production capability
and our sales of solid surfacing products. Fountainhead(R) is marketed in
France as Antium(R). This acquisition did not have a material effect on our
results of operations or financial condition. (See Note 2 - "Acquisitions" of
the accompanying consolidated financial statements.) The transaction has
permitted us to rationalize our product lines and allow for future growth, as
we are consolidating our Surell(R) and Fountainhead(R) brands production into
one facility.
Rhinocore. In September 1999, the Company acquired Rhinocore(TM) as an entry
into direct imaging computer graphics for HPL. Digital graphic images enable
the manufacture of laminates with superior graphics for applications such as
signage and photographic images of murals and panels. Rhinocore(TM) sells at a
much higher price than standard laminates.
STEL. In December 1999, the Company acquired STEL Industries, Inc., of Algona,
Washington. STEL was the independent supplier of Formica(R)brand flooring,
under a long-term exclusive "take-or-pay" supply contract with the Company.
This acquisition was funded through the utilization of available credit
facilities. As a result of this acquisition, the Company incurred a
non-recurring charge of $26.2 million due to the termination of the supply
contract. (See Note 2 - "Acquisitions" of the accompanying consolidated
financial statements.)
Perstorp Surface Materials. In March 2000, Newco announced that it had agreed
to acquire Perstorp Surface Materials AB, one of our competitors in Europe.
Newco will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings. The purchase is expected
to be funded with a combination of equity provided by DLJ and CVC, a $5.0
million loan provided by Formica and $110.0 million in borrowings under a new
credit facility. The purchase is expected to close late in the first quarter of
2000. Perstorp AB has not provided Newco with audited financial statements.
Perstorp AB did inform Newco that, based on its accounting records, PSM had
total assets of approximately SEK 1,542 million ($184.2 million based on the
exchange rate at December 31, 1999) at December 31, 1999 and net revenue and
EBITDA of SEK 2,003 million and SEK 172 million ($242.2 million and $20.8
million based on the average exchange rate), respectively, for the year ended
December 31, 1999, in each case determined in accordance with Swedish GAAP. PSM
is expected to provide audited financial statements, with a reconciliation to
U.S. GAAP within 60 days of closing.
DLJ and CVC have informed us of their intention to contribute the stock of
Newco to us (in exchange for additional capital stock of Laminates and
Holdings) once (i) the audited financial statements are provided to Newco and
the SEC approves of the proposed presentation of those financial statements and
(ii) the lenders under our existing credit facility grant their consent to the
transaction. We expect that, once the contribution occurs, the $110.0 million
in assumed debt will be incorporated into our existing credit facility. We
expect to enter into a management and services agreement with Newco prior to
the contribution.
9
<PAGE>
We cannot assure that the acquisition of PSM by Newco will in fact occur
or that Newco will in fact be contributed to our Company. Therefore, we cannot
assure that the conditions precedent to the contribution of Newco to us will be
satisfied in a timely manner or at all.
Raw Materials
High-pressure decorative laminates are produced from a few basic raw
materials which include kraft paper, fine decorative papers and melamine and
phenolic resins. The papers are impregnated with resins and placed between
stainless steel plates in a multi-opening press and cured under pressure and
elevated temperature. The number of paper laminations per sheet of laminate
varies with the specific type of product being produced, but all have melamine
resin on the surface to create a hard, durable surface. Surface textures can
range from very high gloss smooth surfaces to deeply textured surfaces and
surfaces with other special design and performance features. In addition to
patents, we have proprietary technology and know-how in the design and
manufacture of our products.
Kraft papers are available globally from several major sources and many
smaller producers. Fine papers are supplied by many producers in North America,
Europe and Asia. Melamine, phenol and formaldehyde, the primary raw materials
for resins, are global commodity chemicals available from many suppliers. We
currently purchase these raw materials from various suppliers at market prices.
We believe that we are one of the largest purchasers of these raw
materials on a worldwide basis in the high-pressure laminate industry. We may,
from time to time, enter into one-year or longer term contracts with suppliers
when advantageous to us. We also acquire chemicals under exclusive arrangements
from producers in connection with licensing technology from those producers.
Cost Savings
We have implemented a cost savings program intended to reduce operating
expenses. We devised this program after a detailed review of our financial and
operational results from 1995 to 1997, based on our management's expertise in
successfully operating the business at significantly lower selling, general and
administrative spending levels than were incurred between 1995 and 1997, yet
with stronger EBITDA results.
The majority of the savings relate to reductions in advertising and sales
promotion spending as well as other selling and administrative spending.
Implementation of the cost savings began in early 1998, and as expected,
substantially all of the savings were realized during 1999. We estimate that
there will be additional savings in the year 2000 due to other programs
initiated in our North American operations.
The following is management's estimate of the amount of annual cost
savings reflected in our results of operations for the years ended December 31,
1999 and 1998 based on results compared to management's original estimate of
total savings on each category in 1997. Not included in the table below are the
savings and efficiencies from the substantial capital improvements made since
1994. See "Capital Investments."
<TABLE>
Estimated
Estimated Estimated Annual Cost
Year ended Year ended Savings
December 31, December Compared
Unaudited 1998 31, 1999 to 1997
--------- ------------ ---------- -----------
(in millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Excess Advertising & Sales Promotion/Other
Selling, General & Administrative Expenses $10.5 $17.6 $18.0
Flooring 5.5 6.8 6.0
Operating Expenses 2.0 2.7 4.0
Staff Reductions 3.0 3.5 5.0
Consultants/Legal/Other 4.0 4.2 4.0
----- ----- -----
Total Estimated Cost Savings 25.0 34.8 37.0
Additional Standalone Costs (3.0) (7.4) (7.0)
----- ----- -----
Total Estimated Net Cost Savings $22.0 $27.4 $30.0
===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
10
<PAGE>
While we believe that the advertising and promotional spending that
constituted a large part of the increased selling, general and administrative
expenses was unnecessary and often ineffective, as described in more detail
below, we cannot assure you that a reduction in advertising and promotional
spending will not reduce net sales.
- - Excess Advertising & Sales Promotion/Other Selling & Administrative Expenses
We planned to reduce non-flooring advertising and sales promotion spending
and other selling and administrative expenses by approximately $18.0 million in
North America. A portion of the reduction reflects management's belief that
much of our advertising and promotion spending during the 1995 to 1997 period
was ineffective, which included the launch of the Formica Design Center program
in 1997. Other selling expenses include literature and wallboard placements,
sampling and regional sales expenses. Future spending on literature and
wallboards will maintain exposure after previously higher spending levels in
conjunction with the Design Center Program and significant product
introductions. Similarly, the cost of product samples has been reduced due to a
more targeted product launch strategy, the use of scrap versus virgin material
and a printed sample alternative which cuts unit sample costs by 50% compared
to laminate sample chains. Regional sales expenses have also been reduced to
levels more in line with ongoing market needs. For the years ended December 31,
1999 and 1998, we have realized $17.6 million and $10.5 million, respectively,
in savings from reduced advertising and sales promotion spending and other
selling expenses.
- - Flooring
We completed the launch of the Formica(R) brand laminate flooring product
in 1997, which included over $4.0 million in non-recurring television
advertising. Promotional spending for the launch included the one-time cost of
placing over 6,500 displays at retailers, including the majority of the higher
volume laminate flooring dealers. Although management expects that we will
benefit from the significant investment in the displays, future promotional
spending will focus on incremental display placement and add-on displays for
future flooring product introductions. For the years ended December 31, 1999
and 1998, we estimate that we realized approximately $6.8 million and $5.5
million, respectively, in savings due to the completion of the flooring product
launch.
- - Operating Expenses
We originally estimated to reduce operating expenses, including claims
expense and scrap, warehousing and transportation costs, by approximately $4.0
million. For the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998, we believe that we
have realized $2.7 million and $2.0 million, respectively, of these savings
from reduced operating expenses.
- - Staff Reductions
Management intended to realize net annualized cost savings of
approximately $5.0 million as a result of a variety of staff reductions. For
the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998, we estimate that we have realized
$3.5 million and $3.0 million, respectively, of these savings from already
implemented staff reductions throughout the organization.
- - Consultants/Legal/Other
Management has reduced the costs of outside consultants, legal advisors
and other services by approximately $4.2 million through December 31, 1999.
Management believes that there was no discernible benefit from much of the
consulting services provided to us from 1995 to 1997. In addition, we have
hired an in-house general counsel, the cost of which is reflected in our
additional standalone costs, and intend to reduce our dependence on outside
legal services.
- - Additional Standalone Costs
Additional standalone costs relate to the establishment of corporate
functions previously provided by BTR as well as additional insurance, pension
and related costs required following our separation from BTR. Our additional
standalone costs were estimated at $7.0 million per year, $7.4 million and $3.0
million, respectively, of which is reflected in the financial results for the
years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998.
11
<PAGE>
Capital Investments
In the last several years, we have implemented a major capital investment
program that management believes will increase capacity, yield substantial
manufacturing savings and improve competitiveness. That investment included
$134.8 million in capital expenditures from 1996 through 1998, the majority of
which was related to specific projects expected to provide manufacturing cost
savings or capacity enhancement. With capital expenditures of $25.9 million in
1999 and a planned $15.0 million in 2000, we will have largely completed our
major capital spending program.
- - Ready-to-Use Print
We invested in a new technology called ready-to-use print. The
ready-to-use print process, also referred to as dry print, eliminates the need
to treat the decorative paper with resin by the application of a melamine
treated transparent overlay. Cost savings result as the total resin content is
reduced and the basis weight of the overlay paper is reduced. This new system
also improves decorative paper yield as it provides the ability to produce more
optimal quantities. Labor savings should also result from eliminating the
treating step for the decorative paper and reducing the labor associated with
collating. The Company continues to convert additional products to this
process.
- - Taiwan Plant Expansion
We have expanded our Taiwan manufacturing plant with the addition of a new
large size press which became operational in 1998. This additional capacity has
eliminated the excess transportation expense associated with importing
substantial quantities of finished laminate from North America and Europe to
service the southeast Asia market and will also provide capacity for future
growth. In addition, we have built a new finished goods warehouse next to the
Taiwan manufacturing plant, thereby eliminating the need for the previous
warehouse, which was located 30 miles away from the factory. This has
eliminated the double handling of products, cut down lead time and saved
warehouse rental expenses.
- - Continuous Press
During 1999, the Company commissioned a continuous press line in our
facility in Spain. The continuous press will:
o simplify production flow
o improve labor productivity
o reduce press plate costs
o lower in-process scrap and
o permit the production of custom sheet lengths
- - Phenolic Treater
Prior to the acquisition of our Company by Laminates, we purchased a new
high efficiency phenolic treater for our Evendale plant, which became
operational in 1999. Expected savings are primarily due to:
o reduced treating labor
o reduced utilities costs
o improved control/reduced material loss and resin usage and
o implementation of "Algenated Release Coating" technology. The
introduction of the "Algenated Release Coating" system, which
eliminates the need for a wax paper separator sheet between sheets of
high-pressure laminate during pressing, will reduce materials costs,
labor costs and yield losses
Marketing, Distribution and Customers
We believe our global distribution and dealer network, together with our
extensive sales force and the Formica(R) brand name and [Anvil F] mark, are
major marketing strengths and key elements to our success. In addition, we
believe that none of our competitors have the brand recognition of the
Formica(R) brand name.
12
<PAGE>
Our products are sold through distributors of wholesale building
materials, distributors of products for the cabinet industry and directly to
original equipment manufacturers for both residential and commercial uses. In
1999, approximately 60% of our net sales were made through distributors and the
remaining 40% were made directly to original equipment manufacturers.
Our distribution network includes approximately 300 independent
distributor locations worldwide. Many distributors have sub-distributorship and
dealer networks. As a result, our brand products are represented in thousands
of locations worldwide. The effort of our domestic and international sales and
architectural specifications representatives, when combined with the sales
force of our distributor network, provide sales and marketing coverage in over
100 countries throughout the world. Our architectural sales force calls
directly on architects, designers and specifiers on a full-time basis. Our
sales representatives market our products directly to end-users and work with
distributors by monitoring distributors' inventories, calling on customers,
architects and designers with the distributor's sales representatives and
assisting distributors in the development of advertising and promotional
campaigns and materials and the introduction of products.
Generally, our distributorship sales are made by distributors that
exclusively carry our brand of high-pressure laminate. The typical distributor
also sells some or all of the following: other surfacing material, adhesives,
cabinetry, flooring material, particleboard, cabinet hardware and other related
architectural and building materials. We consider our distribution network to
be an important vehicle for the introduction of new products we may develop or
distribute in the future.
We estimate that of our net sales for the year ended December 31, 1999,
approximately one-half were derived from products used in commercial
applications and one-half from products used in residential applications. In
addition, we estimate that approximately two-thirds of our net sales in 1999
were derived from products used in remodeling or renovation projects, while
approximately one-third of our net sales in 1999 were derived from products
used in new construction.
Sales in the commercial market are heavily influenced by the
specifications of architects and designers. In addition to our regular
salesforce, a specification salesforce calls exclusively on architects and
designers.
Our order backlog is not significant due to our ability to respond
adequately to customer requests for product shipments. Generally, our products
are manufactured from raw materials in stock and are delivered to our customers
within one to thirty days from receipt of the order, depending on customer
delivery specifications.
We have no significant long-term contracts for the distribution of our
products. For the year ended December 31, 1999, no customer or affiliated group
of customers accounted for as much as 5% of our consolidated net sales.
Locations (also see Item 2: Properties)
We manufacture and distribute products on a global basis with thirteen
manufacturing facilities located in the United States, Canada, the United
Kingdom, France, Spain, Germany, Taiwan and China, and a 50% interest in a
joint venture manufacturing plant in Germany that produces specialized metallic
surfaced laminate products. These multiple manufacturing locations around the
world enable us to reduce delivery times, freight costs and duties that we
would otherwise encounter.
In general, each manufacturing facility produces a standard product line
for its geographic market and produces one or more specialty products which may
be sold in its market or exported to other markets. This allocation of
production responsibility is designed to insure prompt delivery to customers of
our standard product lines and economies of scale in the production of our
premium products. In addition, certain of our specialty products have been
developed in response to regional design preferences.
Our manufacturing facilities normally operate either on a five, six or
seven day a week schedule. Periodically, we operate on an overtime basis to
satisfy customer requirements during periods of peak demand. Generally, each
facility is shut down from one to four weeks annually for maintenance,
refurbishment and traditional vacation periods.
Our North American operations are headquartered in Evendale, Ohio (near
Cincinnati), which is also the site of an HPL manufacturing plant. We also
manufacture HPL in Rocklin, California (near Sacramento) and St. Jean, Quebec,
Canada (near Montreal). Solid surfacing is manufactured in Mt. Bethel,
Pennsylvania
13
<PAGE>
(near Allentown) and in Odenton, Maryland. HPL samples, which are produced in
large quantities for marketing purposes, are produced at a facility in
Indianapolis, Indiana. Laminate flooring is manufactured in Algona, Washington.
Certain products, such as Ligna(R), are manufactured by third parties and sold
under our brand name through our distribution system. We have distribution
centers in Evendale, Ohio; Rocklin, California; Dallas, Texas; Ft. Lauderdale,
Florida; Mt. Bethel, Pennsylvania; Atlanta, Georgia; St. Jean, Quebec, Canada;
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; San Juan, Puerto Rico and Mexico City,
Mexico. In March 2000, the Company announced the planned closing of its' Mt.
Bethel, Pennsylvania manufacturing facility, and the subsequent transfer of
manufacturing operations to the Odenton, Maryland facility.
Our European headquarters and United Kingdom operations are based in North
Shields, United Kingdom (near Newcastle), which is also the site of an HPL
manufacturing plant. The Spanish subsidiary is headquartered at its production
facilities in Bilbao, Spain. The French subsidiary is based in Lognes, France
(near Paris), and we have an HPL plant in Quillan, France. Distribution centers
are located in North Shields, United Kingdom; Bilbao, Spain; Paris, France;
Cologne, Germany; Milan, Italy; Rumlang, Switzerland and Eugendorf, Austria.
Our Homapal joint venture (which manufactures metallic laminates) is based in
Herzberg Am Harz, Germany. We also manufacture our own steel press plates in La
Plaine, France.
Our operations in Asia are headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan. Our largest
plant in Asia is located in Hsinfeng, which is near Taipei. We also have a
manufacturing plant in Shanghai, China and a separate marketing joint venture
in Shanghai. We have distribution centers in Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong,
and four distribution centers and six sales offices in China.
Competition
Our products compete around the world with high-pressure decorative
laminates, as well as with wood, veneers, marble, granite, solid surfacing,
tile, plastics, foils, papers, vinyls, acrylics, paint, wallpaper, wall and
floor coverings, low-pressure laminates and other surfacing materials. In
recent years, there has been substitution of other products for high-pressure
laminate, with increasing substitution of solid surfacing at the high end and
increasing substitution, particularly among North American manufacturers of
cabinets, inexpensive furniture and store fixtures, of low pressure laminates
at the low end. Competition is based principally on breadth of product line,
product quality, marketing, technology, price and service. We compete in a
number of geographic markets and our success in each of these markets is
influenced by those factors. Many of our competitors are owned by larger
enterprises and may have greater assets or resources than us. However, we
believe that we are one of the largest producers of high-pressure laminate on a
worldwide basis. We also believe that we are the largest or second largest
producer of high-pressure laminate in various national markets, including the
United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Spain and Taiwan. In many
other national markets, we enjoy a smaller but nonetheless significant market
position. In the North American high-pressure laminate market, our principal
competitor is WilsonArt, a subsidiary of Illinois Tool Works, Inc. In the solid
surfacing market, DuPont is the strongest competitor, and Perstorp Flooring is
dominant in the laminate flooring market. Perstorp AB, one of our competitors
in the European laminate market, announced on March 1, 2000, that it has signed
an agreement covering the sale of the Perstorp Surface Materials subgroup to
DSH. DSH is an investment company formed by DLJ Merchant Banking Partners
("DLJ") and CVC European Equity partners ("CVC"). DLJ and CVC are equity
investors in Formica Corporation. DSH will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Holdings upon the acquisition closing, which is expected to occur at the end of
the first quarter 2000. Concurrent with the projected closing of the sale of
PSM to DSH, DSH will enter into a management and service agreement with Formica
Corporation to oversee the operations and management of PSM. (See "Recent
Developments.")
Research and Development
Technical support to our business is organized on a worldwide basis. The
major part of our research program, which involves the development of new
applications for existing products, new products and process improvements, is
carried out by the research and development departments located in the United
States. Technical groups located at each plant also participate in the overall
program and work on smaller projects under the direction of our research
director. For the year ended December 31, 1999, the Company incurred
approximately $1.7 million of Research and Development expense.
International Operations
The Company's foreign operations are subject to the usual risks that may
affect such operations. These include, among other things, exchange controls,
currency restrictions and currency fluctuations,
14
<PAGE>
changes in local economic conditions, unsettled political conditions, local
laws concerning repatriation of profits and other factors normally associated
with multinational operations. Most of the identifiable assets associated with
the Company's foreign operations are located in countries where the Company
believes such risks to be minimal.
Our net sales from international operations to third parties accounted for
approximately 49%, 45% and 44% of total net sales of our products for the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively, and international
operations contributed $14.9 million, $12.6 million and $23.1 million of our
operating income for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1998 and 1999,
respectively. We have manufacturing subsidiaries located in the United Kingdom,
France, Spain, Canada, Taiwan and China and a 50% interest in a German joint
venture. Our principal international markets are located in Europe, Asia,
Canada and Mexico. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" and Note 13 of the accompanying
consolidated financial statements for information concerning our business by
geographic area.
Environmental Matters
See Note 15-Commitments and Contigencies to the accompanying consolidated
financial statements for a discussion of certain environmental matters. There
can be no assurances that we will not become involved in future proceedings,
litigation or investigations, that such Superfund or other environmental
liabilities will not be material or that indemnification pursuant to such
indemnification rights will otherwise be available.
Patents, Trademarks and Licenses
We own patents and possess proprietary information relating to our
products and processes. We believe that the loss of any of our patents would
not have a material adverse effect on our business.
Trademarks are important to our business and licensing activities. We have
a vigorous program of trademark enforcement to prevent the unauthorized use of
our trademarks, to strengthen the value of our trademarks and to improve our
image and customer goodwill. We believe that the Formica(R) trademark and the
[Anvil F] mark are our most significant trademarks. In addition to registration
in the United States, those trademarks are registered in over 100 countries. We
have granted a perpetual, royalty-free license to the Formica(R) tradename or
trademark to CSR Limited in Australia and New Zealand and to laminate producers
in India, South Africa and much of South America. The ColorCore(R), Surell(R)
and Fountainhead(R) trademarks are registered in the United States and several
other countries. The STEL(R) trademark is registered in the United States.
Additionally, we have numerous other registered trademarks, trade names and
logos, both in the United States and abroad. We believe that our material
trademarks are well protected in all of the major markets in which we do
business. However, effective trademark protection may not be available in every
country in which our products are available.
Historically, we have had a limited copyright portfolio of patterns and
designs, because the designs used in our laminates were typically owned by the
decorative paper manufacturer. In more recent years, we have increasingly
created our own proprietary designs, some of which are protected by copyright.
We believe that numerous opportunities exist to license our
internationally recognized Formica trademark and the [Anvil F] mark and our
proprietary technology and know-how. We have existing licensing arrangements
for our trademarks and, in some cases, our proprietary technology, with
manufacturers of adhesives.
Employees
As of December 31, 1999, we had approximately 3,800 employees. In the
United States, approximately 1,300 of our employees are covered by collective
bargaining agreements that expire in the years 2000 and 2002. Of the
approximately 2,000 employees in our international operations, a majority are
represented by a variety of local unions. We consider our employee relations to
be satisfactory.
Item 2. Properties (also see Item 1. Locations)
The location and general description of the principal properties owned or
leased by us (or by our German joint venture) are set forth in the table below:
15
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
Location Principal Function Square Feet
<S> <C> <C>
Warren, New Jersey World-wide Headquarters 15,000 Leased
Atlanta, Georgia Distribution Center 100,000 Leased
Dallas, Texas Distribution Center 82,000 Leased
Evendale, Ohio Manufacturing Plant and Subsidiary Headquarters 1,000,000 Owned
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Distribution Center 64,000 Leased
Indianapolis, Indiana Samples Facility 54,000 Leased
Mt. Bethel, Pennsylvania Manufacturing Plant and Distribution Center 150,000 Owned
Odenton, Maryland Manufacturing Plant 362,500 Owned
Rocklin, California Manufacturing Plant 350,000 Owned
Algona, Washington Manufacturing Plant 106,000 Leased
St. Jean, Quebec, Canada Manufacturing Plant 360,000 Owned
Shanghai, China Manufacturing Plant 340,000 Owned
North Shields, England Manufacturing Plant and Subsidiary Headquarters 560,000 Owned
LaPlaine, France Manufacturing Plant 25,000 Owned
Lognes, France Distribution Center and Subsidiary Headquarters 69,000 Leased
Quillan, France Manufacturing Plant 240,000 Owned
Herzberg Am Harz, Germany Manufacturing Plant and Joint Venture Headquarters 110,000 Leased
Bilbao, Spain Manufacturing Plant and Subsidiary Headquarters 360,000 Owned
Hsinfeng, Taiwan Manufacturing Plant 150,000 Owned
Taipei, Taiwan Subsidiary Headquarters 15,000 Leased
</TABLE>
We believe that our properties are suitable and adequate for our present
needs. We also believe that we have sufficient manufacturing and distribution
capacity for our present and foreseeable needs. Pursuant to the new credit
facility, the Rocklin, California, Evendale, Ohio and Odenton, Maryland
facilities are subject to liens as security for the obligations of the Company
and its subsidiaries thereunder. One of the Mt. Bethel, Pennsylvania properties
is subject to a lien related to an installment sale arrangement for the
facility with a local industrial development authority and the Hsingfeng,
Taiwan facility is subject to a lien pursuant to a credit agreement in Taiwan.
In March 2000, the Company announced the planned closing of its' Mount
Bethel, Pennsylvania manufacturing facility, and the subsequent transfer of the
manufacturing operations to the Odenton, Maryland facility.
The leases for our leased properties will expire from 2000 through 2009,
and the German joint venture has an annual lease that expires each December 31,
unless renewed. We are confident that we will be able to negotiate renewals of
our current leases with reasonable terms.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Litigation
See Note 15 - Commitments and Contigencies to the accompanying
consolidated financial statements for a discussion of certain litigation. Other
than as described in such note and as described under "Item 1 - Environmental
Matters," there are no legal proceedings to which we are a party, other than
ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business, which are not otherwise
material to our business or financial condition.
On April 5, 1999, the Company received a subpoena covering the period from
January 1, 1994 until April 1, 1999, from a federal grand jury in connection
with an investigation into possible antitrust violations in the United States
market for high-pressure laminate. The Company has produced documents and
provided other information in response to the subpoena, and a number of present
or former Formica employees have appeared for testimony before the grand jury
or have been interviewed by the Staff of the Antitrust Division of the U.S.
Department of Justice in connection with the investigation. The Company intends
to continue its cooperation with the investigation. The Company is unable to
determine at this time the effect, if any, that this matter may have on its
financial statements.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
During the fourth quarter of 1999, there were no matters submitted to a
vote of security holders.
16
<PAGE>
Part II.
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
None
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Historical Consolidated Financial Information:
The following table includes historical consolidated financial data for
Formica:
o after our acquisition by BTR as of and for the eleven-months
beginning January 27, 1995, when we were bought by BTR, and ending
December 31, 1995, the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997 and the
four-month period ended April 30, 1998
o after our acquisition by Laminates for the year ended December 31,
1999 and the eight-months ended December 31, 1998.
The historical financial data for BTR-owned Formica as of and for the
eleven-months ended December 31, 1995 and as of and for the years ended
December 31, 1996 and 1997 and the four-months ended April 30, 1998 have been
derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of BTR-owned
Formica. The historical financial data for the eight-months ended December 31,
1998 and the year ended December 31, 1999 have been derived from our audited
consolidated financial statements. The following selected consolidated
financial data should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and the
accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.
<TABLE>
Four Eleven
Eight Months Months
Year Ended Months Ended Ended Years Ended Ended
December December April December 31, December
31, 31, 30, ------------------------- 31,
1999 1998 1998 1997 1996 1995
---------- ------------- ---------- ------------ ----------- ------------
(dollars in millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Statement of Operational Data:
Net sales............................ $ 585.2 $ 371.4 $ 178.3 $ 533.4 $ 521.6 $ 468.2
Cost of products sold................ 418.8 266.2 131.1 350.1 348.3 324.0
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Gross profit......................... 166.4 105.2 47.2 183.3 173.3 144.2
Selling, general &
administrative expenses............ 148.0 100.5 60.9 202.2 186.7 145.2
Cost of Terminated Acquisition....... 0.8 3.0 -- -- -- --
Cost to Terminate Supply Contract.... 26.2 -- -- -- -- --
Goodwill impairment charge (1)....... -- -- -- 484.4 -- --
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
(Loss) income from operations........ (8.6) 1.7 (13.7) (503.3) (13.4) (1.0)
Interest expense (2)................. (37.4) (25.7) (1.7) (3.1) (10.6) (31.7)
Other income......................... 2.5 4.5 0.8 1.8 1.1 0.4
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Loss before taxes.................... (43.5) (19.5) (14.6) (504.6) (22.9) (32.3)
Income tax benefit (provision)....... 11.4 (2.8) -- (0.2) (5.0) 5.8
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net loss............................. $ (32.1) $ (22.3) $ (14.6) $ (504.8) $ (27.9) $ (26.5)
========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
17
<PAGE>
Four Eleven
Eight Months Months
Year Ended Months Ended Ended Years Ended Ended
December December April December 31, December
31, 31, 30, ------------------------- 31,
1999 1998 1998 1997 1996 1995
---------- ------------- ---------- ------------ ----------- ------------
(dollars in millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Other Data:
EBITDA:
Net loss............................. $ (32.1) $ (22.3) $ (14.6) $ (504.8) $ (27.9) $ (26.5)
Interest expense..................... 37.4 25.7 1.7 3.1 10.6 31.7
Income tax (benefit) provision....... (11.4) 2.8 -- 0.2 5.0 (5.8)
Depreciation and Amortization........ 42.9 29.3 11.1 55.7 52.1 37.3
Goodwill impairment charge........... -- -- -- 484.4 -- --
Cost to Terminate Supply Contract.... 26.2 -- -- -- -- --
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
EBITDA (3)..................... $ 63.0 $ 35.5 $ (1.8) $ 38.6 $ 39.8 $ 36.7
1998 Charges (4)..................... -- 10.8 5.7 -- -- --
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Adjusted EBITDA (3)............ $ 63.0 $ 46.3 $ 3.9 $ 38.6 $ 39.8 $ 36.7
Adjusted EBITDA Margin............. 10.8% 12.5% 2.2% 7.2% 7.6% 7.8%
Net cash provided by (used in):......
Operating Activities............. $ 0.2 $ 26.7 $ (11.7) 5.7 1.5 (9.9)
Investing Activities............. (89.3) (35.5) (8.3) (46.5) (44.5) (27.5)
Financing Activities............. 66.2 33.0 (0.1) 47.1 56.5 28.5
Depreciation and Amortization........ 42.9 29.3 11.1 55.7 52.1 37.3
Capital Expenditures................. 25.9 35.5 8.3 46.5 44.5 27.5
Balance Sheet Data:
Cash Equivalents.................... $ 7.8 $ 31.6 $ 6.9 $ 27.2 $ 26.3 $ 9.8
Working capital..................... 115.9 118.9 48.8 66.6 64.3 57.4
Total assets........................ 717.8 701.2 612.0 647.7 1,136.8 1,110.0
Total debt....................... 391.1 317.7 83.9 44.8 42.2 441.1
Total liabilities................... 640.5 581.4 280.8 304.3 266.1 650.6
Total stockholders' equity.......... $ 77.3 $ 119.8 $ 331.2 $ 343.4 $ 870.7 $ 459.4
</TABLE>
(1) During 1997, we recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $484.4 million
which was determined utilizing the fair value of our assets considering,
among other things, the purchase price for the sale of Formica. The
impairment charge did not result in the reduction of property, plant and
equipment.
(2) Interest expense is not net of interest income.
(3) "EBITDA" is defined as income before extraordinary item and change in
accounting principles plus interest expense (not net of interest income),
income tax expense, depreciation and amortization expenses, goodwill
impairment charge and the cost of terminated contract. EBITDA is a key
financial measure but should not be construed as an alternative to
operating income or cash flows from operating activities (as determined in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles). "Adjusted
EBITDA" for the eight-months ended December 31, 1998 and the four-months
ended April 30, 1998 represents EBITDA excluding $10.8 million and $5.7
million of the 1998 Charges, respectively. We believe that EBITDA and
Adjusted EBITDA are useful supplements to net loss and other consolidated
income statement data in understanding cash flows generated from
operations that are available for taxes, debt service and capital
expenditures. Adjusted EBITDA is presented to assist in comparing
normalized EBITDA between periods. However, our method of computation may
or may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other
companies.
(4) Includes $5.7 million and $10.8 million of non-cash charges reflecting
adjustment of (1) reserves for inventory obsolescence, doubtful accounts
and customer incentive rebate programs and (2) accruals for customs,
property tax expenses and other items and cost of terminated acquisition.
See Notes 12 and 14 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
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<PAGE>
Unaudited Quarterly Consolidated Financial Information:
The following is a summary of the unaudited quarterly results of
operations for the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998, which includes the
following historical consolidated financial data for Formica:
o after our acquisition by BTR for the four-month period ended April
30, 1998
o after our acquisition by Laminates for the year ended December 31,
1999, the two-month period ended June 30,1998 and the quarters ended
September 30 and December 31, 1998.
<TABLE>
Year ended December 31, 1999 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Full
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Year
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -----------
(dollars in millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales................................. $ 139.2 $ 155.4 $ 145.1 $ 145.5 $ 585.2
Cost of products sold...................... 98.7 111.2 103.7 105.2 418.8
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Gross profit............................... 40.5 44.2 41.4 40.3 166.4
Selling, general & administrative.......... 39.9 38.6 36.1 33.4 148.0
Cost of Terminated Acquisition (2)......... -- -- 0.4 0.4 0.8
Cost to Terminate Supply Contract (3)...... -- -- -- 26.2 26.2
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Income (loss) from operations.............. 0.6 5.6 4.9 (19.7) (8.6)
Interest expense (1)....................... (10.4) (8.6) (9.5) (8.9) (37.4)
Other income............................... 1.5 0.1 0.8 0.1 2.5
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Loss before taxes.......................... (8.3) (2.9) (3.8) (28.5) (43.5)
Income tax (provision) benefit (3)......... (1.2) (0.7) (0.1) 13.4 11.4
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net loss................................... $ (9.5) $ (3.6) $ (3.9) $ (15.1) $ (32.1)
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
Two
One month Months
1st ended ended 3rd 4th Full
Year ended December 31, 1998 Quarter April 30, June 30, Quarter Quarter Year
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- -----------
(dollars in millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales.................................. $ 131.8 $ 46.5 $ 98.3 $ 139.5 $ 133.6 $ 549.7
Cost of products sold...................... 94.0 37.1 67.6 97.9 100.7 397.3
-------- -------- -------- -------- ------- --------
Gross profit (4)........................... 37.8 9.4 30.7 41.6 32.9 152.4
Selling, general & administrative (4)...... 42.9 18.0 28.1 32.5 39.9 161.4
Cost of Terminated Acquisition (2)......... -- -- -- -- 3.0 3.0
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
(Loss) income from operations.............. (5.1) (8.6) 2.6 9.1 (10.0) (12.0)
Interest expense (1)....................... (1.3) (0.4) (5.5) (11.0) (9.2) (27.4)
Other income............................... 0.6 0.2 0.4 -- 4.1 5.3
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Loss before taxes.......................... (5.8) (8.8) (2.5) (1.9) (15.1) (34.1)
Income tax provision....................... -- -- -- (1.8) (1.0) (2.8)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net loss................................... $ (5.8) $ (8.8) $ (2.5) $ (3.7) $ (16.1) $ (36.9)
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
(1) Interest expense is not net of interest income.
(2) The Company recorded charges of $0.4 million, $0.4 million and $3.0
million, for the quarters ended December 31, 1999, September 30, 1999 and
December 31, 1998, respectively, in connection with proposed acquisitions
of decorative products businesses. The Company has abandoned these
proposed transactions. See Note 12 to the accompanying consolidated
financial statements.
(3) During the quarter ended December 31, 1999, the Company acquired its
exclusive supplier of laminate flooring. Prior to the acquisition, Formica
was obligated under a contract with the supplier to purchase minimum
quantities of laminate flooring at stipulated prices. The excess of the
purchase price over the net tangible and intangible assets of the supplier
totaling $26.2 million was charged to expense as the cost to terminate the
supply contract. The income tax benefit for the quarter ended December 31,
1999 primarily results from the deductible cost to terminate a supply
contract. See Note 2 to the accompanying consolidated financial
statements.
(4) During the two-months ended May 31, 1998 and the month ended April 30,
1998, the Company made certain changes in accounting estimates, resulting
in charges totaling $7.8 million and $5.7 million,
19
<PAGE>
respectively, due to new management plans with respect to asset carrying
and disposition policies and new information becoming available, including
information concerning customers, products, and competitive conditions in
certain markets. The changes in accounting estimates for the two-months
ended May 31, 1998 include the increasing of the provisions for doubtful
accounts and inventory obsolescence by $2.4 million and $5.4 million,
respectively. The changes in accounting estimates for the month ended
April 30, 1998 include increasing the provision for customer rebate
programs by $2.7 million, increasing the provision for doubtful accounts
by $1.4 million and accruals for customs, property tax exposures and other
items totaling $1.6 million. There were no significant changes in
accounting estimates in 1999. See Note 14 to the accompanying consolidated
financial statements.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations
Overview
We are engaged in the design, manufacture and distribution of decorative
laminates, solid surfacing, laminate flooring and other surfacing products.
Formica was founded in 1913 and created the world's first decorative laminate
in 1927. In May 1985, a group led by management and Shearson Lehman purchased
Formica from American Cyanamid Company. In 1989, Formica was sold to FM
Acquisition Corporation in a buyout led by Vincent Langone, David Schneider and
Dillon, Read & Company. In January 1995, Formica was bought by BTR Nylex Ltd.
In May 1998, Laminates, together with Messrs. Langone and Schneider, acquired
Formica. In connection with the acquisition, Messrs. Langone and Schneider
returned to Formica to assume senior management positions: Mr. Langone as
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Schneider as Vice
President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary.
From 1995 to 1997, our financial results declined. Management believes
that the decline is largely attributable to the following factors:
o a large increase in selling, general and administrative expenses from
21.0% of net sales in 1994 to 31.5% of net sales in 1997, in each
case excluding amortization, which was largely the result of
increased advertising and promotion
o a significant increase in capital expenditures, which averaged
approximately $39.5 million per year from 1995 to 1997 as compared to
$12.4 million per year from 1985 to 1994, the majority of the
productivity and efficiency benefits of which management believes
have yet to be realized
o the autonomous operation of Formica's North American, European and
Asian divisions, which prevented integration and hampered Formica's
ability to share improved manufacturing techniques, purchasing,
design and technology on a global basis
o significant management turnover, particularly in North America, which
led to a loss of strategic direction and to operational difficulties
o prior management's emphasis on gross margins and the resulting
elimination of some lower-margin accounts that had low gross-margins
but were profitable and allowed us to spread our fixed costs over
more sales and
o a change in the emphasis of Formica's design program, which began to
focus on consumers rather than on product specifiers, such as
architects and designers
We implemented a business strategy that we believe will address the
decline in the financial results of the business and significantly improve our
profitability. The principal elements of this strategy include:
o a reduction in operating expenses, which management estimates has
resulted in net annualized savings of $27.4 million, net of $7.4
million of incremental standalone costs
o the realization of significant manufacturing savings as a result of
completion of capital projects initiated under BTR management
o the increased integration of and communication between Formica's
operating units
o re-emphasis on quality and service in North America and
o the pursuit of acquisition opportunities that complement or expand
Formica's decorative surfaces business or that enable Formica to
enter new markets
20
<PAGE>
We consummated several acquisitions in 1999 and may make additional
acquisitions in 2000, including a pending acquisition of Perstorp Surface
Materials AB.
Fountainhead. Our results in 1999 reflect nine months of results giving
effect to our acquisition of the Fountainhead product line, which produces
solid surfacing material. Our acquisition of Fountainhead(R) has led to
increased sales of solid surfacing material. In addition, we have recently
announced a planned consolidation of our solid surfacing manufacturing lines
which we expect to result in improvements in gross margins for those products.
Rhinocore. Our results in 1999 reflect the results giving effect to our
acquisition of Rhinocore(TM) as an entry into direct imaging computer graphics
for HPL. Rhinocore(TM) sells at a much higher price than standard laminates.
STEL. Our laminate flooring line has been produced for us by STEL under a
take-or-pay contract. As a result of our acquisition of STEL, we expect to
improve the gross margins on our flooring products as a result of the
elimination of the cost of the take-or-pay contract. We do not expect any
material increase in revenues as most of the production at STEL's facility was
on behalf of Formica.
Perstorp. If PSM is contributed to us (see "Business Strategy--Target
Strategic Acquisitions--Perstorp Surface Materials"), we expect that our
revenues in Europe will increase. In addition, we also expect to derive certain
manufacturing efficiencies in Europe which we anticipate will improve our gross
margins. We cannot assure you that PSM will be acquired by our parent company
or contributed to us.
Results of Operations
Changes in Accounting Estimates. During the four- and eight-month periods
ended April 30 and December 31, 1998, Formica made various changes in
accounting estimates totaling $5.7 million and $7.8 million, respectively, due
to new management plans with respect to asset carrying and disposition policies
and new information becoming available regarding customers, products and
competitive conditions in certain markets. There were no significant changes in
accounting estimates in 1999. These changes in accounting estimates resulted in
charges that impacted Formica's results of operations as follows:
Customer Incentive Rebate Program. Due to competitive pressures in certain
markets, many Formica distributors must periodically reduce their resale prices
for Formica products in order to meet prices offered by distributors for
competing manufacturers. In order to provide incentives to distributors to
compete vigorously even when competitive prices would significantly reduce or
eliminate distributor margins, Formica offers percentage rebates to
distributors on specified products based on their actual resale prices to end
customers, within pre-established parameters. During the period that Formica
was owned by BTR, the reserve for customer incentive rebates was estimated
based upon distributor sales to the end customer. Based on analyses performed
at that time, the reserve balance was determined by providing for approximately
one month of the average monthly amount of rebates based on estimates of
distributor sales in inventory.
Based on an analysis of inventories of Formica products held by certain
independent distributors that was performed in connection with the acquisition,
we have estimated that distributors hold, on average, approximately two months
of sales in inventory. Accordingly, in the preparation of the April 30, 1998
financial statements, we have recorded a change in accounting estimates to
reserve an additional $2.7 million for customer incentive rebate programs.
Accounts Receivable Reserve. A long-standing distributor of Formica has
experienced liquidity problems since the early 1990's, is in a negative equity
position and has received "going concern opinions" from its auditors. We have
carried a large receivable balance from this distributor for several years and
have also converted approximately $4.0 million of the receivable balance into
an 8-year interest bearing promissory note. Over the last 5 years, the
distributor has been unable to pay down the trade receivable and note balances,
which in the aggregate, have fluctuated between $4.5 million to $5.5 million
during this period. The aggregate balance was $4.6 million at April 30, 1998.
Accordingly, we believe additional reserves of $1.4 million were necessary as
of the April 30, 1998 balance sheet date to provide for potential losses due to
uncollectibility of the outstanding receivable and note balances for this
distributor.
During the period that Formica was owned by BTR, Formica's parent provided
lender guarantees that enabled certain distributors to obtain more favorable
credit terms than were otherwise obtainable. We have discontinued this
guarantee program subsequent to April 30, 1998 and determined that it would
21
<PAGE>
be prudent to increase the reserve levels for four of our weaker distributors
in the event that the change in policy with respect to the guarantees results
in liquidity problems for the distributors. Accordingly, we have recorded a
change in accounting estimates to increase our provision for doubtful accounts
by $2.4 million as of December 31, 1998.
Inventory Obsolescence Reserve. The inventory reserve reflects our new
policies and plans with respect to the frequency of new product introductions
and our desire to sell or dispose of inactive products on a more timely basis.
While the previous management's intentions resulted in a policy of providing a
reserve for 100% of the cost of any products that had not moved for 24 months,
new management believes that providing reserves for 75% of the cost of products
after one year and 100% after two years is consistent with the way we plan to
run Formica's business. Accordingly, we have recorded a change in accounting
estimates to increase our inventory obsolescence reserve by $5.4 million as of
December 31, 1998.
Accruals for Some Exposures. Based upon changes in facts and circumstances
in 1998, accruals of $1.6 million were recorded as a change in accounting
estimates in the preparation of our April 30, 1998 financial statements. The
change in accounting estimates included accruals for property taxes ($500,000),
customs ($600,000), employee relocation costs ($345,000) and vacation reserves
($216,000).
1999 Compared to 1998
Net Sales. Net sales for 1999 were $585.2 million, compared to net sales
of $549.7 million for 1998, an increase of $35.5 million, or 6.5%. Net sales in
North America increased to $374.8 million in 1999 from $346.6 million in 1998,
an increase of $28.2 million, or 8.1%. This increase is primarily due to
additional volume contributed by the flooring product line and the addition of
the Fountainhead business. Net sales in Asia increased to $69.8 million in 1999
from $62.2 million in 1998, an increase of $7.6 million, or 12.2%, resulting
primarily from the result of a stronger Asian economy, as well as improved
volume. Net sales in Europe decreased $0.3 million to $140.6 million in 1999
from $140.9 million in 1998.
Gross Profit. Gross profit for 1999 was $166.4 million, compared to gross
profit of $152.4 million for 1998, an increase of $14.0 million, or 9.2%. Gross
profit as a percentage of net sales in 1999 increased to 28.4% from 27.7% in
1998. Adjusted for the 1998 charges described above, amounting to $5.7 million,
gross profit increased $8.3 million, or 5.2%. Gross profit, as a percentage of
net sales, excluding the 1998 nonrecurring charges, was 28.8% in 1998 compared
to 28.4% in 1999.
Gross Profit in North America increased to $102.6 million in 1999 from
$95.9 million in 1998, or 7.0%. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for
North America, excluding the 1998 Charges amounting to $3.5 million, decreased
to 27.4% in 1999 from 28.7% in 1998, principally as a result of increased raw
material prices and competitive pricing pressures. Gross profit in Europe and
Asia increased to $63.8 million in 1999 from $56.5 million in 1998, or 12.9%.
After adjusting for 1998 Charges amounting to $2.2 million, gross profit, as a
percentage of net sales, in Europe and Asia, increased to 30.3% in 1999 from
28.9% in 1998. This increase is primarily due to favorable material prices and
efficiency savings within Asia.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and
administrative expenses for 1999 were $148.0 million compared to $161.4 million
for 1998, a decrease of 8.3%. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a
percentage of net sales decreased to 25.3% in 1999 from 29.4 % in 1998. The
decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to
lower advertising and sales promotion expense and lower compensation expense
due to restructuring efforts, partially offset by an increase in goodwill
amortization of $2.6 million due to the acquisition from BTR. Selling, general
and administrative expenses, adjusted for the 1998 Charges amounting to $7.8
million, were $153.6 million in 1998 compared to $148.0 million in 1999, a
decrease of 3.6%.
Cost to terminate supply contract. In December 1999, the Company acquired
STEL, its exclusive supplier of laminate flooring. Prior to the acquisition,
Formica was obligated under a contract with STEL to purchase minimum quantities
of laminate flooring at stipulated prices. The excess of the purchase price
over the net tangible and intangible assets of STEL totaling $26.2 million was
charged to expense as a cost to terminate the supply contract.
Operating Loss. The operating loss for 1999 was $8.6 million compared to
an operating loss of $12.0 million for 1998. The 1999 period included a charge
of $26.2 million, the result of the cost of the terminated supply contract
resulting from the purchase of STEL. The 1998 period included charges of
22
<PAGE>
$13.5 million, due to the 1998 Charges. After taking into account the 1999 and
1998 charges, operating income increased to $17.6 million in 1999 compared to
$1.5 million in 1998, for the reasons stated above.
Adjusted EBITDA. Primarily for the reasons stated above, Adjusted EBITDA
increased to $63.0 million in 1999 compared to $50.2 million in 1998, an
improvement of 25.5%.
Interest Expense. Interest expense increased to $37.4 million in 1999 from
$27.4 million for 1998. The increase in interest expense was the result of the
funding of the acquisition in May 1998, as well as additional debt incurred in
1999.
Income Taxes. In 1999, the Company realized an income tax benefit of $11.4
million primarily resulting from the deductible cost to terminate a supply
contract due to the acquisition of STEL (described above), compared to an
expense of $2.8 million in 1998.
Net Loss. Net loss was $32.1 million in 1999 compared to $36.9 million in
1998.
1998 Compared to 1997
Net Sales. Net sales for 1998 were $549.7 million, compared to net sales
of $533.4 million for 1997, an increase of $16.3 million, or 3.1%. Net sales in
North America increased to $346.6 million in 1998 from $315.0 million in 1997,
an increase of $31.6 million, or 10.0%. This increase is primarily due to
additional volume contributed by the new flooring product line. Net sales in
Europe and Asia decreased to $203.1 million in 1998 from $218.4 million in
1997, a decrease of $15.3 million, or 7.0%. Lower sales in Europe and Asia were
primarily the result of a decline in value of foreign currencies and the weaker
Asian economy.
Gross Profit. Gross profit for 1998 was $152.4 million, compared to gross
profit of $183.3 million for 1997, a decrease of $30.9 million, or 16.9%.
Adjusted for the 1998 charges described above, amounting to $5.7 million, gross
profit was down $25.2 million, or 13.7%. Gross profit as a percentage of net
sales, excluding the 1998 nonrecurring charges, decreased in 1998 to 28.8% from
34.4% in 1997.
Gross Profit in North America decreased to $95.9 million in 1998 from
$99.9 million in 1997, or 4.0%. Gross profit in North America, adjusted for
1998 charges of $3.5 million, was consistent with 1997. Gross profit as a
percentage of net sales for North America, excluding the 1998 charges,
decreased to 29.4% in 1998 from 31.7% in 1997, principally as a result of
increased raw material prices. Gross profit in Europe and Asia dropped to $56.5
million in 1998 from $83.4 million in 1997, or 32.3%. Gross profit, in Europe
and Asia, adjusted for 1998 charges amounting to $2.2 million, declined 29.6%.
As a percentage of net sales, gross profit in Europe and Asia, excluding 1998
charges, decreased to 28.9% in 1998 from 38.2% in 1997. This decrease is
primarily the result of a larger mix of low margin products in Europe and
increased raw material prices magnified by a decline in purchasing power of
Formica's foreign operations due to currency impact on imported raw materials,
the prices of which are often based upon U.S. dollars.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and
administrative expenses for 1998 were $161.4 million compared to $202.2 million
for 1997, a decrease of 20.2%. Selling, general and administrative expenses as
a percentage of net sales decreased to 29.4% in 1998 from 37.9% in 1997. The
decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to
lower advertising and sales promotion expense and lower compensation expense
due to restructuring efforts. Selling, general and administrative expenses,
adjusted for the 1998 charges amounting to $7.8 million, were $153.6 million in
1998 compared to $202.2 million in 1997, a decrease of 24.0%.
Goodwill impairment charge. Formica's prior management recorded a goodwill
impairment charge of $484.4 million in the fourth quarter of 1997. Prior to
this quarter, prior management believed that the value of Formica was
consistent with the value of Formica at the time of its acquisition by BTR in
1995. Upon consideration of the proposed acquisition, prior management was made
aware of the current value and determined that the goodwill, which was created
in the 1995 acquisition, should be written off.
Operating Loss. The operating loss for 1998 was $12.0 million compared to
an operating loss of $503.3 million for 1997. The decrease was primarily due to
the goodwill impairment charge amounting to $484.4 million in 1997.
Adjusted EBITDA. Primarily for the reasons stated above, Adjusted EBITDA
increased to $50.2 million in 1998 compared to $38.6 million in 1997.
23
<PAGE>
Interest Expense. Interest expense increased to $27.4 million in 1998 from
$3.1 million for 1997. The increase in interest expense was the result of the
funding of the acquisition.
Income Taxes. Income tax expense increased to $2.8 million in 1998 from
$0.2 million in 1997.
Net Loss. Net loss was $36.9 million in 1998 compared with $504.8 million
in 1997. The decrease is principally due to the goodwill impairment charge of
$484.4 million in 1997 and reduced selling, general and administrative expenses
offset by a decline in profit margin.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Formica's principal sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations,
borrowings under the Credit Facility and local credit facilities obtained by
some of Formica's foreign subsidiaries. Formica's principal uses of cash will
be debt service requirements to service the acquisition-related debt described
below, capital expenditures and acquisitions.
As of December 31, 1999, Formica had approximately $391.1 million of
indebtedness outstanding compared to $317.7 million as of December 31, 1998.
Formica's significant debt service obligations could, under certain
circumstances, have material consequences to security holders.
Working capital was $115.9 million at December 31, 1999 compared to $118.9
million at December 31, 1998. Management believes that Formica will continue to
require working capital levels consistent with past experience and that current
levels of working capital, together with borrowing capacity available under the
Credit Facility and the continued effort by management to manage working
capital, will be sufficient to meet expected liquidity needs in the near term.
In connection with the Acquisition in 1998, Formica's parent raised
approximately $137.1 million through the issuance of common and preferred stock
to the DLJMB Funds, the institutional investors and Messrs. Langone and
Schneider. The Laminates 8% Preferred Stock has an 8% cumulative dividend that
is paid in cash when, as and if declared by the Laminates board. The Holdings
15% Senior Exchangeable Preferred Stock due 2008 has a 15% cumulative dividend
which is not payable in cash until May 2003 and is exchangeable at Holdings'
option for 15% subordinated debentures of Holdings. Dividends from Formica,
which are restricted by the provisions of the Credit Facility and the
Indenture, are the primary source of funding for payments with respect to
Holdings and Laminates securities. In addition, Formica sold $200.0 million of
Bridge Notes and, together with its subsidiaries, borrowed $80.0 million of
term loans under the Credit Facility. The Bridge Notes were refinanced in
February 1999 as noted below.
In February 1999, Formica issued $215.0 million of 10 7/8% Series A Senior
Subordinated Notes due March 1, 2009 (the "Series A Notes") and repaid the
senior subordinated unsecured increasing rate bridge notes (the "Bridge
Notes"). The Series A Notes were sold in transactions permitted by Rule 144A
and Regulation S under the 1933 Act and therefore were not registered with the
SEC.
In conjunction with the issuance of the Series A Notes, the Company was
subject to a Registration Rights Agreement that required the Company to file an
Exchange Offer Registration Statement (the "Statement") with the SEC. The
Statement allowed for the exchange of new 10 7/8% Series B Senior Subordinated
Notes due 2009 (the "Series B Notes"), which would be registered under the 1933
Act, for the existing Series A Notes. The exchange offer period expired on
October 1, 1999 with all outstanding Series A Notes being exchanged for Series
B Notes.
The Credit Facility includes a $120.0 million revolving credit facility
and an $85 million term loan. The revolving credit facility may be increased by
up to $25.0 million at the request of Formica, with the consent of the banks
providing the increased commitments, and will terminate on May 1, 2004. At
December 31, 1999, $60.7 million was outstanding against the revolving credit
facility. The term loan under the Credit Facility totaled $83.2 million at
December 31, 1999 and amortizes over the life of the Credit Facility.
Borrowings under the Credit Facility generally bear interest based on a
margin over the base rate or, at Formica's option, the reserve-adjusted LIBOR
rate. The applicable margin varies based upon Formica's ratio of consolidated
debt to EBITDA. Formica's obligations under the Credit Facility are guaranteed
by Laminates Acquisition Co., Holdings, Inc. and all existing or future
domestic subsidiaries of Formica (the "subsidiary guarantors") and are secured
by substantially all of the assets of Formica and the subsidiary guarantors,
including a pledge of capital stock of all existing and future subsidiaries of
Formica (provided that, with a single exception, no more than 65% of the voting
stock of any foreign
24
<PAGE>
subsidiary shall be pledged) and a pledge by FM Holdings, Inc. of the stock of
Formica and by Laminates Acquisition Co. of the stock of FM Holdings, Inc. The
Credit Facility contains customary covenants and events of default.
The Series B Notes mature in 2009. Interest on the Series B Notes is
payable semiannually in cash. The Series B Notes and related indenture place
certain restrictions on Formica and its subsidiaries including the ability to
pay dividends, issue preferred stock, repurchase capital stock, incur and pay
indebtedness, sell assets and make certain restricted investments.
Formica maintains various credit facilities in foreign countries
(primarily in Asia) that provide for borrowings in local currencies. Formica
may replace the availability of these facilities (in local currencies) under
the Credit Facility and will maintain some of these credit facilities to
provide financing for its subsidiaries in these countries. Formica expects that
these facilities, together with the Credit Facility and operating cash flow in
these countries, will be sufficient to fund expected liquidity needs in these
countries.
As of December 31, 1999 and December 31, 1998, Formica had outstanding
approximately $28.4 million and $29.0 million, respectively, in letters of
credit under the Credit Facility to provide credit enhancement for certain of
these credit facilities, primarily in Asia.
In the last several years, we have implemented a major capital investment
program that management believes will increase capacity, yield substantial
manufacturing savings and improve competitiveness. Formica spent approximately
$25.9 million on capital expenditures during 1999, and anticipates that it will
spend approximately $15.0 million in the year 2000. With that spending,
Formica's primary capital investment program will be substantially complete.
Formica expects to realize significant manufacturing cost savings, which will
be phased in over the next two years, as a result of those programs. The Credit
Facility contains restrictions on its ability to make capital expenditures.
Based on present estimates, Formica believes that the amount of capital
expenditures permitted under the Credit Facility will be adequate to complete
its investment program and maintain the properties and businesses of current
operations.
Formica is actively considering acquisitions that complement or expand its
decorative surfaces businesses or that will enable it to expand into new
markets. In connection with any future acquisitions, Formica may require
additional funding which may be provided in the form of additional debt, equity
financing or a combination thereof. There can be no assurance that any such
additional financing will be available on acceptable terms.
Formica anticipates that its operating cash flow, together with borrowings
under the Credit Facility, will be sufficient to meet its anticipated future
operating expenses, capital expenditures and debt service obligations as they
become due. However, Formica's ability to make scheduled payments of principal
of, to pay interest on or to refinance the indebtedness and to satisfy its
other debt obligations will depend upon its future operating performance, which
will be affected by general economic, financial, competitive, legislative,
regulatory, business and other factors beyond its control.
Formica will continue from time to time to explore additional auxiliary
financing methods and other means to lower its cost of capital, which could
include stock issuance or debt financing and the application of the proceeds
therefrom to the payment of bank debt or other indebtedness.
Prior to May 1, 1998, Formica formulated a plan to restructure certain
operations and provided a restructuring provision of $6.6 million. During 1999,
Formica spent $3.9 million of the restructuring provision. The amount of the
restructuring provision remaining at December 31, 1999 was approximately $2.7
million. See Note 2 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Cash provided by operations was $0.2 million for the twelve-months ended
December 31, 1999, compared to $15.0 million for the twelve-months ended
December 31, 1998. The decrease in cash provided by operations is the result of
increases in accounts receivable and deferred income taxes. The increase in
accounts receivable resulted from a gradual increase in accounts aging and an
increase in sales. Net cash used in investing activities was $89.3 million
(inclusive of $63.4 million utilized for acquisitions) for the twelve-months
ended December 31, 1999 and $43.8 million for the twelve-months ended December
31, 1998. Net cash provided by financing activities was $66.2 million for the
twelve-months ended December 31, 1999 and $32.9 million for the twelve-months
ended December 31, 1998.
25
<PAGE>
Effect of Inflation; Seasonality
Formica does not believe that inflation has had a material impact on its
financial position or results of operations. Formica's operations are modestly
influenced by seasonal fluctuations.
Year 2000 Compliance
Until recently, computer programs were written to store only two digits of
date-related information in order to more efficiently handle and store data.
Thus the programs were unable to properly distinguish between the year 1900 and
the year 2000. This is frequently referred to as the "Year 2000 Problem."
Formica is dependent in part on computer- and date- controlled systems for
some internal functions. Similarly, suppliers of components and services on
which Formica relies, and Formica's customers, may have year 2000 problems,
which would affect their operations and their transactions with Formica. Other
parties with whom Formica has commercial relationships, including raw materials
suppliers and service providers, such as banking and financial services, data
processing services, telecommunications services and utilities, are highly
reliant on computer-based technology and may have year 2000 problems.
In 1996, the Company in its North American region commenced a systems
implementation effort to address the Year 2000 Problem and other operational
issues on a worldwide basis. Formica's year 2000 compliance efforts are
directed primarily towards ensuring that it will be able to continue to perform
three critical functions:
o make and sell its products
o order and receive raw material and supplies and
o pay its employees and vendors
Formica's effort included three phases: (1) assessment of each system to
identify any year 2000 problems, (2) renovation, repair or upgrade of any
problematic systems and (3) testing of the improved systems to ensure proper
function. Project costs incurred to assess, remediate and test its systems, and
evaluate and address the risks of its key customers and vendors, totaled
approximately $19.0 million and $28.0 million, respectively, as of December 31,
1998 and December 31, 1999. The project was substantially completed by December
1999 and incurred approximately $28.0 million of costs in the aggregate broken
down as follows: software ($4.2 million), hardware ($9.2 million),
consulting/training ($7.4 million), and other ($7.2 million). The Company had
previously estimated that the cost of completing the year 2000 compliance
project would be $27.0 million.
All of its year 2000 compliance costs have been funded from our operating
cash flow and have been capitalized or expensed in the period they were
incurred.
Formica's significant information technology systems include general
accounting, fixed assets, inventory control, manufacturing resource planning,
distribution resource planning, purchasing and receiving, customer billing and
payroll. Formica's significant non-information technology systems include
manufacturing equipment and transportation and distribution systems.
Formica has not experienced any disruption in its operations attributable
to year 2000 problems. However, due to the novelty and complexity of the issues
presented, and Formica's dependence on the technical skills of employees and
independent contractors and on the representations and preparedness of third
parties, could cause its efforts to be less than fully effective. Not all year
2000 problems were necessarily expected to occur during January 2000. It is
possible that the Company, its customers or vendors may have equipment with
embedded technology that indicates when maintenance is required or may shut
down the equipment if maintenance is not performed by a specific date. Although
management believes that its compliance efforts were designed appropriately to
identify and address those year 2000 issues that are subject to its reasonable
control, Formica cannot give assurance that its efforts were fully effective,
or that year 2000 issues will not have a material adverse on its business,
financial condition or results of operations. In the worst case, a protracted
failure of general business systems among Formica's customers or vendors, or in
its own plant, could cause production delays or canceled orders which would
significantly reduce its revenue for the duration of such a situation. Formica
has not developed a contingency plan which assumes significant and protracted
year 2000-related failures of major vendors, customers or systems, and does not
plan to do so.
26
<PAGE>
Formica has completed its assessment of year 2000 performance standards
for all of its information technology systems and its non-information
technology systems within its operating regions. Formica has completed the
renovation, upgrade or replacement of all of its significant information
technology systems for year 2000 performance standards. All of its significant
information technology systems have been tested and are presently operating.
Formica's review of third-party compliance risks from its key vendors and
customers is complete. Should any non-responding parties suffer interruptions
to their operations due to Year 2000 systems failures, management does not
anticipate any resulting failures to its systems, products or supply chain that
would disrupt its operations to a material degree.
Common European Currency
The Treaty on European Economic and Monetary Union provides for the
introduction of a single European currency, the Euro, in substitution for the
national currencies of the member states of the European Union that adopt the
Euro. In May 1998 the European Council determined: (i) the 11 member states
that met the requirement for the Monetary Union, and (ii) the currency exchange
rates amongst the currencies for the member states joining the Monetary Union.
The transitory period for the Monetary Union started on January 1, 1999.
According to council Resolution of July 7, 1997, the introduction of the Euro
will be made in three steps: (i) a transitory period from January 1, 1999 to
December 31, 2001, in which current accounts may be opened and financial
statements may be drawn in Euros, and local currencies and Euros will coexist;
(ii) from January 1, 2002 to June 30, 2002, in which local currencies will be
exchanged for Euros; and (iii) from July 1, 2002 in which local currencies will
disappear.
Formica cannot give assurance as to the effect of the adoption of the Euro
on its payment obligations under loan agreements for borrowings in currencies
to be replaced by the Euro or on its commercial agreements in those currencies.
Market Risk
We use financial instruments, including fixed and variable rate debt
securities, to finance operations. We use forward contracts to hedge foreign
currency exposures. Forward contracts are entered into for periods consistent
with underlying exposures and do not constitute positions independent of those
exposures. We do not enter into contracts for speculative purposes and are not
a party to any leverage instruments.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
Our operating results are subject to significant fluctuations based upon
changes in the exchange rates of some currencies in relation to the U.S.
dollar. Although, we will continue to monitor our exposure to currency
fluctuations and, when appropriate, use financial hedging techniques in the
future to minimize the effect of these fluctuations, we cannot assure you that
exchange rate fluctuations will not harm our business in the future.
Forward-Looking Information
This report (as well as other public filings, press releases and
discussions with Company management) contains and incorporates by reference
certain forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to risks and
uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include the information concerning:
o our future operating performance, including sales growth and cost
savings and synergies following our recent acquisition by Laminates,
our acquisitions of Fountainhead and STEL and the proposed
acquisition of Perstorp Surface Materials
o our expectation that certain of our equity investors will acquire
Perstorp Surface Materials and contribute it to us
o our belief that we have sufficient cash flows to support working
capital needs, capital expenditures and debt service requirements
o our belief that we can continue to reduce selling, general and
administrative expenses without adversely affecting our net sales and
27
<PAGE>
o our belief that we will incur only minimal business disruption and
financial impact as a result of the Year 2000 issue
In addition, statements that include the words "believes," "expects,"
"anticipates," intends," "estimates," "will," "should," "may," or other similar
expressions are forward-looking statements. For those statements, we claim the
protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
What Factors Could Affect the Outcome of Our Forward-Looking Statements?
You should understand that the following important factors, in addition to
those discussed elsewhere in this Form 10-K could affect the future results of
Formica and could cause those results or other outcomes to differ materially
from those expressed in our forward-looking statements.
Industry and Market Factors
o changes in economic conditions generally or in the markets served by
the Company
o fluctuations in raw material and energy prices
o product specifier preferences and spending patterns and
o competition from other decorative surfaces producers
Operating Factors
o our ability to combine our recently acquired businesses while
maintaining current operating performance levels during the
integration period(s) and the challenges inherent in diverting our
management's focus and resources from other strategic opportunities
and from operational matters
o our ability to implement our cost savings plans without adversely
impacting our net sales
o our ability to attract, hire and retain suitable personnel and
o our ability and the ability of our key business partners to replace,
modify or upgrade computer systems in ways that adequately address
the Year 2000 issue
Relating to our Debt and the Notes
We have substantial debt, which could limit our cash available for other
uses and harm our competitive position. In connection with our acquisition
by Laminates, we incurred significant indebtedness. The level of our
indebtedness could have important consequences to us, including:
o limiting cash flow available for general corporate purposes,
including acquisitions, because a substantial portion of our cash
flow from operations must be dedicated to debt service
o limiting our ability to obtain additional debt financing in the
future for working capital, capital expenditures or acquisitions
o limiting our flexibility in reacting to competitive and other changes
in the industry and economic conditions generally and
o exposing us to risks inherent in interest rate fluctuations because
some of our borrowings may be at variable rates of interest, which
could result in higher interest expense in the event of increases in
interest rates
You should read the section called "Risk Factors" in the Registration
Statement on Form S-1 (file no. 333-76683) that we filed with the SEC on April
21, 1999, and amended on August 10, 1999, for additional information about
risks that may cause our actual results and experience to differ materially
from those contained in forward-looking statements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 1998, SFAS No. 133-"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities" was issued ("SFAS No. 133"). In June 1999, SFAS No.
137-"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Deferral of
the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 133" was issued which deferred the
effective date of SFAS No. 133 to all fiscal quarters of fiscal years beginning
after June 15,
28
<PAGE>
2000. SFAS No. 133 requires all derivatives to be measured at fair value and
recognized as assets or liabilities on the balance sheet. Changes in the fair
value of derivatives should be recognized in either net income or other
comprehensive income, depending on the designated purpose of the derivative.
SFAS No. 133 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's
financial position or results of operations.
29
<PAGE>
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
----
Report of Arthur Andersen LLP, Independent Public Accountants F-2
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors F-3
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1999 and 1998 F-4
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended
December 31, 1999, eight-months ended December 31, 1998,
four-months ended April 30, 1998 and year ended December
31, 1997 F-5
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for
the year ended December 31, 1999, eight-months ended
December 31, 1998, four-months ended April 30, 1998 and
year ended December 31, 1997 F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended
December 31, 1999, eight-months ended December 31, 1998,
four-months ended April 30, 1998 and year ended December
31, 1997 F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-8
F-1
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Formica Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Formica
Corporation (a Delaware Corporation) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999
and 1998, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in
stockholders' equity and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 1999, the
eight-month period ended December 31, 1998 and the four-month period ended
April 30, 1998 (see Note 1). These consolidated financial statements and the
schedule referred to below are the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial
statements and schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States. 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 Formica Corporation and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the related results of their
operations and their cash flows for the year ended December 31, 1999, the
eight-month period ended December 31, 1998 and the four-month period ended
April 30, 1998 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in
the United States.
Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic
consolidated financial statements taken as a whole. The Schedule II - Valuation
and Qualifying Accounts is presented for the purpose of complying with the
Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and is not part of the basic
consolidated financial statements. This schedule has been subjected to the
auditing procedures applied in the audits of the basic consolidated financial
statements and, in our opinion, fairly states in all material respects the
financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic
consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.
/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
Roseland, New Jersey
March 3, 2000
F-2
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Board of Directors
Formica Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of operations,
stockholder's equity and cash flows of Formica Corporation for the year ended
December 31, 1997. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule
listed in the Index at Item 14(a). These financial statements and schedule are
the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our
audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States. 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 consolidated results of Formica
Corporation's operations, stockholder's equity and its cash flows for the year
ended December 31, 1997 in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States. Also, in our opinion, the related financial
statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial
statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the
information set forth therein.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
White Plains, New York
May 7, 1998, except for Note 3--"Reclassifications" as
to which the date is March 3, 1999
F-3
<PAGE>
FORMICA CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS--DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 1998
(in millions, except share data)
<TABLE>
1999 1998
------------ -----------
ASSETS
<S> <C> <C>
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents.................................................. $ 7.8 $ 31.6
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $4.7 and
$4.2, respectively..................................................... 84.4 64.9
Inventories................................................................ 119.7 110.3
Prepaid expenses and other current assets.................................. 11.5 15.1
Deferred income taxes...................................................... 14.7 12.3
----------- ----------
Total current assets...................................................... 238.1 234.2
Property, Plant and Equipment, net.............................................. 307.3 288.7
Other Assets:
Intangible assets, net.................................................... 161.1 176.5
Non-current assets........................................................ 11.3 1.8
----------- ----------
Total assets........................................................... $ 717.8 $ 701.2
=========== ==========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt....................................... $ 28.2 $ 21.8
Accounts payable........................................................... 37.2 40.0
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities............................. 56.8 53.5
----------- ----------
Total current liabilities................................................. 122.2 115.3
Long-Term Debt.................................................................. 362.9 295.9
Deferred Income Taxes........................................................... 125.4 138.1
Other Liabilities............................................................... 30.0 32.1
----------- ----------
Total liabilities......................................................... 640.5 581.4
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock--par value $.01--authorized 1,000 shares, none
issued or outstanding................................................... -- --
Common stock--par value $.01 per share--authorized 2,000 shares, issued
and outstanding 100 shares............................................... 0.1 0.1
Additional paid-in capital.................................................. 137.0 137.0
Accumulated deficit......................................................... (54.4) (22.3)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income............................... (5.4) 5.0
----------- ----------
Total stockholders' equity................................................ 77.3 119.8
----------- ----------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity............................. $ 717.8 $ 701.2
=========== ==========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
F-4
<PAGE>
FORMICA CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in millions)
<TABLE>
Eight Four Months Year
Year Ended Months Ended Ended Ended
December December April December
31, 1999 31, 1998 30, 1998 31, 1997
---------- ------------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Sales............................................ $ 585.2 $ 371.4 $ 178.3 $ 533.4
Cost of Products Sold................................ 418.8 266.2 131.1 350.1
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Gross Profit............................... 166.4 105.2 47.2 183.3
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses......... 148.0 100.5 60.9 202.2
Cost of Terminated Acquisitions...................... 0.8 3.0 -- --
Cost to Terminate Supply Contract.................... 26.2 -- -- --
Goodwill Impairment Charge........................... -- -- -- 484.4
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating (Loss) Income.................... (8.6) 1.7 (13.7) (503.3)
Interest Expense..................................... (37.4) (25.7) (1.7) (3.1)
Other Income......................................... 2.5 4.5 0.8 1.8
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Loss Before Income Taxes............................. (43.5) (19.5) (14.6) (504.6)
Income Tax Benefit (Provision)....................... 11.4 (2.8) -- (0.2)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net Loss................................... $ (32.1) $ (22.3) $ (14.6) $ (504.8)
========= ========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
F-5
<PAGE>
FORMICA CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(in millions)
<TABLE>
Accumulated
Other
Additional Comprehensive
Common Paid-in Accumulated Income
Stock Capital Deficit (Loss) Total
------ ---------- ----------- -------------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at December 31, 1996.................... $ 0.1 $ 924.7 $ (54.4) $ 0.3 $ 870.7
Comprehensive loss:
Net loss.................................... -- -- (504.8) -- (504.8)
Foreign currency
translation adjustments.................. -- -- -- (17.7) (17.7)
-------
(522.5)
Contribution of intangible
pension asset to Parent..................... -- (4.8) -- -- (4.8)
------ -------- -------- ------- -------
Balance at December 31, 1997.................... 0.1 919.9 (559.2) (17.4) 343.4
Comprehensive loss:
Net loss.................................... -- -- (14.6) -- (14.6)
Foreign currency translation adjustments.... -- -- -- 2.9 2.9
------ -------- -------- ------- -------
(11.7)
Dividend to Parent.............................. -- -- (0.5) -- (0.5)
------ -------- -------- ------- -------
Balance at April 30, 1998....................... $ 0.1 $ 919.9 $ (574.3) $ (14.5) $ 331.2
====== ======== ======== ======= =======
===================================================================================================================
Capitalization of the Company at May 1, 1998.... $ 0.1 $ 392.0 $ -- $ -- $ 392.1
Dividend to Parent.............................. -- (255.0) -- -- (255.0)
------ -------- -------- ------- -------
Net capitalization of the Company at
date of acquisition........................ 0.1 137.0 -- -- 137.1
Comprehensive loss:
Net loss.................................... -- -- (22.3) (22.3) --
Foreign currency translation adjustments.... -- -- -- 5.0 5.0
-------
(17.3)
------ -------- -------- ------- -------
Balance at December 31, 1998.................... 0.1 137.0 (22.3) 5.0 119.8
Comprehensive loss:
Net loss.................................... -- -- (32.1) -- (32.1)
Foreign currency translation adjustments.... -- -- -- (10.4) (10.4)
-------
(42.5)
------ -------- -------- ------- -------
Balance at December 31, 1999.................... $ 0.1 $ 137.0 $ (54.4) $ (5.4) $ 77.3
====== ======== ======== ======= =======
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
F-6
<PAGE>
FORMICA CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
<TABLE>
Eight Four Months Year
Year Ended Months Ended Ended Ended
December December April December
31, 1999 31, 1998 30, 1998 31, 1997
---------- ------------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Operating Activities:
Net loss................................................$ (32.1) $ (22.3) $ (14.6) $ (504.8)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided
by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization........................ 42.9 29.3 11.1 55.7
Goodwill impairment.................................. -- -- -- 484.4
Cost to terminate supply contract.................... 26.2 -- -- --
Deferred income taxes................................ (15.1) (0.8) 1.2 --
Changes in assets and liabilities: (net of the
effects of acquisitions)........................
Accounts receivable.............................. (18.3) 8.9 (5.4) 6.3
Inventories...................................... 0.2 7.8 (2.0) (6.4)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets........ 7.0 (7.4) 5.8 1.7
Accounts payable................................. (0.3) (2.6) 0.1 (10.4)
Accrued expenses................................. (1.9) (3.0) (18.1) (11.2)
Other, net....................................... (8.4) 16.8 10.2 (9.6)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities.................................. 0.2 26.7 (11.7) 5.7
Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment.......... (25.9) (35.5) (8.3) (46.5)
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired.... (63.4) -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities......... (89.3) (35.5) (8.3) (46.5)
Financing Activities:
Proceeds from borrowings, net....................... 268.1 288.1 -- 47.1
Due from affiliates................................. -- -- 15.5 --
Dividends paid...................................... -- (255.0) (0.5) --
Payments of debt.................................... (201.9) (0.1) (15.1) --
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing
activities................................... 66.2 33.0 (0.1) 47.1
Effects of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash................ (0.9) 0.5 (0.2) (5.4)
-------- -------- -------- --------
(Decrease)/Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents........ (23.8) 24.7 (20.3) 0.9
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of the
Period............................................ 31.6 6.9 27.2 26.3
-------- -------- -------- --------
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of the Period..........$ 7.8 $ 31.6 $ 6.9 $ 27.2
======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
F-7
<PAGE>
FORMICA CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1) BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS:
Formica Corporation ("Formica" or the "Company") is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of FM Holdings, Inc. ("Holdings"), which is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Laminates Acquisition Co. ("Laminates"). Holdings and Laminates
have no operations separate from the operations of the Company and their assets
consist primarily of their direct or indirect investment in the Company.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
the Company and its majority owned subsidiaries, prior to the acquisition from
BTR Nylex Ltd. ("BTR") on May 1, 1998 (see Note 2), for the year ended December
31, 1997 and the four-month period ended April 30, 1998. The accounts of the
Company for the eight-month period ended December 31, 1998 and the year ended
December 31, 1999 reflect the acquisition. The results for the pre-acquisition
period are not necessarily comparable to the results for the post-acquisition
period because of the changes in organizational structure, recorded asset
values, cost structure and capitalization of the Company resulting from the
acquisition. Earnings per share data are not presented because the Company's
common stock is not publicly traded and the Company is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Holdings.
The Company is a multinational organization, principally engaged in the
design, manufacture, and distribution of high-pressure decorative laminates.
The Company's operations are primarily based in North America, Europe and Asia.
(2) ACQUISITIONS:
Through April 30, 1998, the Company was an indirect wholly-owned
subsidiary of BTR. On May 1, 1998, Laminates acquired all of the outstanding
shares of Holdings, the Company's direct parent, from BTR, for approximately
$392.0 million of cash (including transaction costs of approximately $15.4
million) and the assumption of approximately $29.0 million of net debt. The
acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.
Accordingly, the excess of the purchase price over the book value of the net
assets acquired of $61.0 million has been allocated primarily to intangible
assets based on appraisals of the assets.
Prior to May 1, 1998, the new management of Formica began to formulate a
plan to restructure certain operations. Included in the allocation of the
purchase price is a restructuring provision of $6.6 million primarily related
to severance of approximately 100 administrative and operating employees within
the European operations. The reduction in headcount results from the expected
efficiencies to be gained as a result of a system conversion during 1999. The
Company began to execute the restructuring in 1999, therefore, there were no
charges against this reserve through December 31, 1998. During 1999, the
Company charged approximately $3.9 million to this reserve relating to a
portion of the total cost of terminating approximately 60 employees. The amount
of the restructuring provision remaining at December 31, 1999 was approximately
$2.7 million. This amount primarily pertains to the remaining portion of the
above costs and approximately 40 additional employees yet to be terminated
within our European operations.
The acquisition was financed with $87.1 million in proceeds from the sales
of preferred and common stock by Laminates, $50.0 million in proceeds from the
sale of senior preferred stock by an affiliate (which was merged into Holdings)
and from borrowings of $280.0 million by the Company. The net proceeds to
Holdings from the sale of preferred stock and the net proceeds from borrowings
by the Company were transferred to Laminates as a dividend. After the payments
to BTR for the acquisition price, Laminates contributed the remaining cash to
the Company. See Note 8 for acquisition financing.
In March 1999, the Company acquired a manufacturer of solid surface
products. The acquisition had no material effect on the Company's financial
position or results of operations.
In December 1999, the Company acquired its exclusive supplier of laminate
flooring. Prior to the acquisition, Formica was obligated under a contract with
the supplier to purchase minimum quantities of laminate flooring at stipulated
prices. The excess of the purchase price over the net tangible and intangible
assets of the supplier totaling $26.2 million was charged to expense as the
cost to terminate the supply contract.
The following unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations for
the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998 assume the May 1998 and December
1999 acquisitions had occurred at the beginning of 1998:
F-8
<PAGE>
FORMICA CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
1999 1998
---- ----
(in millions)
Net sales...............................$591.2 $ 553.3
Net loss................................$(20.5) $ (43.2)
In management's opinion, the unaudited pro forma combined results of
operations are not indicative of the actual results that would have occurred
had the May 1998 and December 1999 acquisitions been consummated at the
beginning of 1998 or at the beginning of 1999, or of future results.
(3) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and all of its subsidiaries. Investments in less than majority-owned
affiliates, over which the Company has significant influence, are accounted for
using the equity method. All intercompany balances and transactions have been
eliminated in consolidation.
Use of 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 and the
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual
results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues are recognized upon shipment of goods to customers.
Foreign Currencies
The Company's international operations are translated into U.S. dollars
using current exchange rates at the end of the period for the balance sheets
and a weighted-average rate for the period for the statements of operations
with currency translation adjustments reflected in accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders' equity. Realized gains and losses
from foreign currency transactions are reflected in the consolidated statements
of operations.
Foreign Exchange Contracts
The Company enters into forward sale and purchase contracts to manage
currency risk resulting from purchase and sale commitments denominated in
foreign currencies. These contracts are usually short-term in nature and
generally involve the exchange of two foreign currencies. Gains and losses
related to these contracts are deferred and included in the measurement of the
related purchase or sale transaction. At December 31, 1999, the Company had
$0.4 million in contracts to buy and $0.1 million in contracts to sell foreign
currencies. At December 31, 1998, the Company had $1.5 million in contracts to
buy and $0.1 million in contracts to sell foreign currencies. Net unrealized
gains or losses were not material to the consolidated financial statements at
December 31, 1999 and 1998.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable is limited due to
the large number of entities comprising the Company's customer base.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with original
maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Customer Incentive Rebate Program
The Company offers percentage rebates to distributors on specified
products based on the actual resale prices to end customers, within
pre-established parameters. Customer incentive rebate expenses are accrued at
the time of the sale based upon historical rebate percentages. The accrued
expenses are then reduced through payments of rebates to the distributors after
the sales to the end customer.
F-9
<PAGE>
FORMICA CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventories are
valued using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method except for certain
inventories in the United States which are valued using the last-in, first-out
(LIFO) method. As of December 31, 1999 and 1998, 68% and 55.0%, respectively,
of inventories were valued under the LIFO method. Inventories at LIFO
approximate inventories at FIFO.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation charges are
made on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the assets as
follows:
Buildings & Improvements.............. 30 to 40 years
Machinery & Equipment................. 3 to 13 years
Computer & Office Equipment........... 3 to 10 years
Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the life of
the asset or the lease term.
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets are amortized on the straight-line basis over their
estimated useful lives (3 to 20 years). The Company periodically reviews
intangible assets to evaluate whether changes have occurred that would suggest
these assets may be impaired based on the estimated net cash flows over the
remaining amortization period. If this review indicated that the remaining
estimated useful life requires revision or that the asset is not recoverable,
the carrying amount of the asset would be reduced by the estimated shortfall of
cash flows on a discounted basis. See Note 6 for the impairment charge recorded
by the Company in 1997.
Financial Instruments
At December 31, 1999 and 1998, the fair value of substantially all of the
Company's financial instruments approximated their carrying value, except for
the Senior Subordinated Notes which were trading at a price of $91.50 per
$100.00 of par value at December 31, 1999.
Research and Development
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and
development costs included in selling, general and administrative expenses were
$1.7 million, $1.4 million, $1.1 million, and $3.3 million for the year ended
December 31, 1999, the eight-month period ended December 31, 1998, the
four-month period ended April 30, 1998, and the year ended December 31, 1997,
respectively.
Environmental Compliance and Remediation Costs
Environmental compliance costs include ongoing maintenance, monitoring and
similar expenditures. These costs are expensed as incurred. Environmental
remediation costs are accrued when environmental assessments and/or remedial
efforts are probable and the cost can be reasonably estimated. See Note
15-"Commitments and Contingencies" for information concerning environmental
matters.
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs included in
selling, general and administrative expenses were $16.6 million, $10.3 million,
$10.6 million, and $24.1 million for the year ended December 31, 1999, the
eight-month period ended December 31, 1998, the four-month period ended April
30, 1998, and the year ended December 31, 1997, respectively.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes."
Under SFAS 109, the liability method is used in accounting for income taxes.
Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based
upon differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and
liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that are
expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.
F-10
<PAGE>
FORMICA CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years amounts to conform
with the current year presentation.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In June 1998, SFAS No. 133-"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities" was issued ("SFAS No. 133"). In June 1999, SFAS No.
137-"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Deferral of
the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 133" was issued which deferred the
effective date of SFAS No. 133 to all fiscal quarters of fiscal years beginning
after June 15, 2000. SFAS No. 133 requires all derivatives to be measured at
fair value and recognized as assets or liabilities on the balance sheet.
Changes in the fair value of derivatives should be recognized in either net
income or other comprehensive income, depending on the designated purpose of
the derivative. SFAS No. 133 is not expected to have a material impact on the
Company's financial position or results of operations.
(4) INVENTORIES:
Inventories consisted of the following at December 31:
1999 1998
---------- ----------
(in millions)
Finished goods.................................... $ 84.5 $ 77.2
Work-in-process................................... 11.6 12.2
Raw materials..................................... 45.1 42.6
------ ------
Total..................................... 141.2 132.0
Less: Obsolescence reserve........................ 21.5 21.7
------ ------
$119.7 $110.3
====== ======
(5) PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following at December 31:
1999 1998
---------- ----------
(in millions)
Land.............................................. $ 18.6 $ 17.7
Buildings and improvements......................... 55.4 51.0
Machinery and equipment............................ 269.4 237.2
------ ------
Total...................................... 343.4 305.9
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization.... 36.1 17.2
------ ------
$307.3 $288.7
====== ======
Depreciation expense was $24.1 million, $16.0 million, $7.9 million, and
$21.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1999, the eight-month period
ended December 31, 1998, the four-month period ended April 30, 1998, and the
year ended December 31, 1997, respectively.
Interest costs incurred in connection with major capital expenditures are
capitalized. Capitalized interest is amortized over the lives of the related
assets. Net interest costs of $1.3 million were capitalized in 1997. No
interest costs were capitalized during 1999 and 1998.
F-11
<PAGE>
FORMICA CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(6) INTANGIBLE ASSETS:
Intangible assets consisted of the following at December 31:
1999 1998
---------- ----------
(in millions)
Trademarks........................................ $140.3 $140.0
Patents........................................... 19.9 19.9
Proprietary technology and other.................. 32.5 29.4
------ ------
Total..................................... 192.7 189.3
Less: Accumulated amortization.................... 31.6 12.8
------ ------
$161.1 $176.5
====== ======
During 1997, BTR decided to dispose of its building product businesses,
including Formica by immediately offering these businesses for sale.
Accordingly, the Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $484.4
million which was determined utilizing the fair value of the Company's assets
considering among other things, the purchase price for the sale of Formica. The
impairment charge did not result in the reduction of property, plant, and
equipment.
(7) ACCRUED LIABILITIES:
Accrued liabilities consisted of the following at December 31:
1999 1998
---------- ----------
(in millions)
Accrued salaries and benefits...................... $ 19.4 $ 20.6
Restructuring reserve.............................. 2.7 6.6
Accrued interest................................... 8.6 3.7
Other accrued expenses............................. 26.1 22.6
------ ------
Total..................................... $ 56.8 $ 53.5
====== ======
(8) LONG-TERM DEBT:
Notes payable to banks and other long-term debt consisted of the following
at December 31:
1999 1998
---------- ----------
(in millions)
Senior subordinated notes.......................... $215.0 $200.0
Credit Facilities:
Term loans.................................... 83.2 85.0
Revolvers..................................... 60.7 --
Other.............................................. 32.2 32.7
------ ------
Total..................................... 391.1 317.7
Less: Current maturities........................... 28.2 21.8
------ ------
$362.9 $295.9
====== ======
In connection with the acquisition (see Note 2), Formica sold $200.0
million of senior subordinated unsecured increasing rate bridge notes (the
"Bridge Notes") with interest at the greater of prime plus an additional amount
or 10% and, together with its subsidiaries, borrowed $80.0 million of term
loans under the senior loan facility (the "Credit Facility"). Borrowings under
the Credit Facility were increased to $85.0 million after the acquisition.
On February 22, 1999, the Company issued $215.0 million of 10 7/8% Series
A Subordinated Notes due March 1, 2009 (the "Series A Notes") and repaid the
Bridge Notes. The Series A Notes were sold in transactions permitted by Rule
144A and Regulation S under the Securities Exchange Act of 1933 and therefore
were not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").
In conjunction with the issuance of the Series A Notes, the Company was
subject to a Registration Rights Agreement that required the Company to file an
Exchange Offer Registration Statement (the "Statement") with the SEC. The
Statement allowed for the exchange of new 10 7/8%
F-12
<PAGE>
FORMICA CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Series B Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009 (the "Series B Notes"), which would
be registered under the 1933 Act, for the existing Series A Notes.
The exchange offer period expired on October 1, 1999 with all outstanding
Series A Notes being exchanged for Series B Notes. Interest on the Series B
Notes is payable semi-annually on March 1 and September 1 of each year. The
Series B Notes are redeemable at the option of the Company in part beginning in
2002 and in whole in 2004 at specified redemption prices. The Series B Notes
and related indenture place certain restrictions on the Company and its
subsidiaries including the ability to pay dividends, issue preferred stock,
repurchase capital stock, incur and pay indebtedness, sell assets and make
certain restricted investments.
The Credit Facility includes a $120.0 million revolving credit facility
and an $85.0 million term loan. The revolving credit facility may be increased
by up to $25.0 million at the request of the Company and will terminate on May
1, 2004. There was $60.7 million outstanding on December 31, 1999. There were
no borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility at December 31,
1998. The term loans under the Credit Facility totaled $83.2 million and $85.0
million at December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively, which amortize over the
life of the Credit Facility.
Borrowings under the Credit Facility generally bear interest based on a
margin over, at the Company's option, the base rate or LIBOR. The applicable
margin, until the date of delivery of the Company's December 31, 1998 financial
statements, was 2.25% over LIBOR or 1% over the base rate. Thereafter, the
applicable margin varies based upon the Company's ratio of consolidated debt to
EBITDA (as defined). The Company's obligations under the Credit Facility are
guaranteed by Laminates, Holdings, and all existing or future domestic
subsidiaries of the Company (the "subsidiary guarantors") and are secured by
substantially all of the assets of the Company and the subsidiary guarantors,
including a pledge of the capital stock of all existing and future subsidiaries
of the Company (provided that no more than 65% of the voting stock of any
foreign subsidiary shall be pledged) and a pledge by Holdings of the stock of
the Company and by Laminates of the stock of Holdings.
The Credit Facility contains financial covenants requiring the Company to
maintain minimum earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and
amortization; minimum coverage of interest expense and fixed charges; and a
maximum leverage ratio. On December 22, 1999, the Company amended the Credit
Facility, obtaining the consent of the bank group for the acquisition of STEL
Industries, Inc. The Company was in compliance with the financial covenants at
December 31, 1999 and 1998.
The Company maintains various credit facilities in foreign countries
(primarily in Asia) that provide for borrowings in local currencies. At
December 31, 1999 and 1998, the Company had secured approximately $28.4 million
and $29.0 million, respectively, in letters of credit under the Credit Facility
to provide credit enhancements for certain credit facilities.
In addition to the above, the Company has established borrowing
arrangements with various financial institutions at interest rates ranging from
2.0% to 9.5% in order to fund the ongoing operations of the business. At
December 31, 1999 and 1998, there was approximately $32.2 million and $32.7
million, respectively, outstanding under these facilities. At December 31, 1999
and 1998, approximately $3.2 million and $4.7 million, respectively, were
available under these facilities.
The approximate aggregate debt maturities are as follows as of December
31, 1999:
(in millions)
2000................................. $ 28.2
2001................................. 17.5
2002................................. 22.7
2003................................. 35.0
2004................................. 72.1
Thereafter........................... 215.6
------
$391.1
======
Interest expense for 1997 was inclusive of $0.5 million attributable to
affiliated companies. There was no interest expense attributed to affiliated
companies in 1999 and 1998. Cash payments for interest approximated $28.5
million, $20.6 million, $0.2 million and $3.1 million for the year ended
December 31, 1999, the eight-month period ended December 31, 1998, the
four-month period ended April 30, 1998, and the year ended December 31, 1997,
respectively.
F-13
<PAGE>
FORMICA CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(9) EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS:
The Company sponsors defined benefit pension plans covering substantially
all United States and Canadian employees and certain employees in other
countries. The benefits provided under the defined benefit pension plans are
determined under formulas using years of service and compensation, or formulas
using years of service and a flat dollar benefit rate. The Company's principal
funding policy for the defined benefit pension plans is to maintain the plans
in accordance with the minimum funding provisions of the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974. The majority of the defined benefit pension plans'
assets are held in trust, and consist principally of equity securities and
fixed income instruments.
The majority of the defined contribution plans sponsored by the Company
are qualified under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, with the
amount of the Company's contributions determined under a matching formula tied
to employee payroll deduction contributions. In addition, some defined
contribution plans offer discretionary Company contributions based upon a
profit based formula. Expenses related to these plans totaled approximately
$1.0 million, $1.1 million, $0.3 million and $0.7 million for the year ended
December 31, 1999, the eight-month period ended December 31, 1998, the
four-month period ended April 30, 1998, and the year ended December 31, 1997,
respectively.
The net cost for the Company's defined benefit pension plans was comprised
of the following components:
<TABLE>
Eight Four Months Year
Year Ended Months Ended Ended Ended
December December April December
31, 1999 31, 1998 30, 1998 31, 1997
---------- ------------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(in millions)
Service cost ......................... $ 3.9 $ 2.9 $ 0.6 $ 3.9
Interest cost ........................ 5.8 3.0 1.2 3.5
Expected return on plan assets........ (6.1) (2.8) (1.0) (3.1)
Other................................. -- -- -- 0.1
----- ----- ----- -----
Net periodic pension cost............. $ 3.6 $ 3.1 $ 0.8 $ 3.6
===== ===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
The net periodic pension cost attributable to international plans included
in the above table was $2.1 million, $2.0 million, $0.2 million, and $0.8
million, for the year ended December 31, 1999, the eight-month period ended
1998, the four-month period ended April 30, 1998, and the year ended December
31, 1997, respectively.
The Company provides for the estimated cost of postretirement benefits
(principally medical, dental, and life insurance benefits provided to retirees
and eligible dependents). The Company does not fund its postretirement benefit
plans.
The net cost of postretirement benefits other than pensions was comprised
of the following components:
<TABLE>
Eight Four Months Year
Year Ended Months Ended Ended Ended
December December April December
31, 1999 31, 1998 30, 1998 31, 1997
---------- ------------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(in millions)
Service cost ......................... $0.2 $0.1 $0.0 $0.1
Interest cost ........................ 0.4 0.3 0.1 0.3
---- ---- ---- ----
Net postretirement benefit cost....... $0.6 $0.4 $0.1 $0.4
==== ==== ==== ====
</TABLE>
The cost of healthcare and life insurance benefits for active employees
was $12.5 million, $7.5 million, $3.8 million, and $11.0 million for the year
ended December 31, 1999, the eight-month period ended December 31, 1998, the
four-month period ended April 30, 1998, and the year ended December 31, 1997,
respectively.
F-14
<PAGE>
Summarized information about the changes in plan assets and benefit
obligations is as follows:
<TABLE>
Other Postretirement Benefits
Pension Benefit Benefits
-------------------------------- ------------------------------
1999 1998 1999 1998
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
(in millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Fair value of plan assets at January 1........... $ 83.4 $ 40.3 $ -- $ --
Actual return on plan assets..................... 6.3 4.8 -- --
Company contributions............................ 4.3 4.1 0.2 --
Participant contributions........................ 0.6 -- -- --
Transfer of plan's assets from BTR............... -- 38.4 -- --
Benefits paid from plan assets................... (3.3) (4.2) (0.2) --
-------- -------- ------- ------
Fair value of plan assets at December 31......... $ 91.3 $ 83.4 $ -- $ --
======== ======== ======= ======
Benefit obligation at January 1.................. $ 96.2 $ 52.7 $ 5.8 $ 5.5
Service cost..................................... 3.9 2.1 0.2 0.2
Interest cost.................................... 5.8 2.0 0.4 0.1
Actuarial (gains) losses......................... (7.0) 0.9 (0.3) --
Benefits paid from plan assets................... (3.3) (1.3) (0.2) --
Transfer (to) from BTR and other................. (0.9) 39.8 -- --
-------- ------- ------- ------
Benefit obligation at December 31................ $ 94.7 $ 96.2 $ 5.9 $ 5.8
======== ======= ======= ======
</TABLE>
The fair value of international pension plan assets included in the above
table was $49.7 million and $44.6 million in 1999 and 1998, respectively. The
pension benefit obligation of international plans included in this table was
$48.4 million and $49.3 million in 1999 and 1998, respectively.
A reconciliation of the plans' funded status to the net liability
recognized at December 31 is as follows:
<TABLE>
Other Postretirement
Pension Benefits Benefits
--------------------------- -------------------------
1999 1998 1999 1998
------------- ---------- ------------ ---------
(in millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Funded status (benefit obligation in excess of plan assets)...... $ (3.4) $(12.8) $(5.8) $ (6.4)
Unrecognized net (gain) loss .................................... (11.8) (1.4) (0.6) 0.1
------ ------ ----- ------
Net liability ......................................... $(15.2) $(14.2) $(6.4) $ (6.3)
====== ====== ===== ======
Reported as:
Other liabilities...................................... $ 15.2 $ 14.2 $ 6.4 $ 6.3
====== ====== ===== ======
</TABLE>
For Company pension plans with benefit obligations in excess of plan
assets at December 31, 1999 and 1998, the fair value of plan assets was $50.0
million and $45.9 million, respectively, and the benefit obligation was $60.6
million and $61.7 million, respectively.
Assumptions used in determining pension plan information are:
<TABLE>
Year Eight Four Months Year
Ended Months Ended Ended Ended
December December April December
31, 1999 31, 1998 30, 1998 31, 1997
----------------- ------------- -------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Rate of future compensation increases 0.00%-4.25% 0.0%-5.0% 0.0%-5.5% 0.0%-5.5%
Discount rate 5.75%-7.25% 5.0%-7.0% 6.5%-8.0% 6.5%-8.0%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 0.00%-9.00% 0.0%-9.0% 0.0%-9.5% 0.0%-9.5%
</TABLE>
F-15
<PAGE>
FORMICA CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Assumptions used in determining other post-retirement plan information
are:
Year Eight Four Months
Ended Months Ended Ended Year Ended
December December April December
31, 1999 31, 1998 30, 1998 31, 1997
------------- ------------ -------------- ----------
Discount rate 7.00%-7.25% 5.0%-7.0% 5.0%-7.0% 7.8%
In the aggregate, average international plan assumptions do not vary
significantly from U.S. assumptions.
The health care cost trend rate for other post-retirement benefit plans
was 10.0% at December 31, 1999 and is assumed to gradually decline to 5.0% over
a 5-year period. A one-percentage point change in the health care cost trend
rate would have had the following effects:
One Percentage Point
--------------------
Increase Decrease
-------- --------
(in millions)
Effect on total service and interest cost components... $0.0 $0.0
==== ====
Effect on benefit obligation........................... $0.2 $0.2
==== ====
(10) INCOME TAXES:
The (benefit) provision for income taxes consisted of the following:
Year Eight Four Year
Ended Months Ended Months Ended Ended
December December April December
31, 1999 31, 1998 30, 1998 31, 1997
-------- ------------ ------------ ---------
(in millions)
Current:
Federal..... $ -- $ -- $ -- $ (2.1)
State....... 0.1 0.1 -- (0.3)
Foreign..... 3.6 3.5 (1.2) 2.6
------ ----- ----- ------
3.7 3.6 (1.2) 0.2
Deferred:
Federal..... (14.2) -- -- (0.1)
State....... (2.1) -- -- --
Foreign..... 1.2 (0.8) 1.2 0.1
------ ----- ----- ------
(15.1) (0.8) 1.2 --
------ ----- ----- ------
$(11.4) $ 2.8 $ -- $ 0.2
====== ===== ===== ======
Pretax income (loss) was taxed in the following jurisdictions:
Year Eight Four Year
Ended Months Ended Months Ended Ended
December December April December
31, 1999 31, 1998 30, 1998 31, 1997
-------- ------------ ------------ ---------
(in millions)
Domestic........ $(54.9) $(12.6) $(12.6) $(518.4)
Foreign......... 11.4 6.1 (2.0) 13.8
------ ------ ------ -------
Total pretax
loss........ $(43.5) $(19.5) $(14.6) $(504.6)
====== ====== ====== =======
The 1997 domestic pretax loss includes a goodwill impairment charge of
$484.4 million (see Note 6).
F-16
<PAGE>
FORMICA CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The 1999 domestic pretax loss includes the cost to terminate a supply
contract of $26.2 million (see Note 2).
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are comprised of the following at
December 31:
1999 1998
-------- --------
(in millions)
Deferred tax liabilities:
Book over tax bases of assets acquired............ $ 120.6 $ 131.1
General inventory and LIFO reserves............... 2.0 2.7
Other, net........................................ 7.2 7.0
-------- --------
Total deferred tax liabilities............. 129.8 140.8
-------- --------
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued liabilities............................... 16.7 15.0
Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards... 16.1 15.4
Other, net........................................ 2.4 --
-------- --------
Total deferred tax assets................... 35.2 30.4
-------- --------
Valuation allowance.......................... (16.1) (15.4)
-------- --------
Net deferred tax liabilities................. $ 110.7 $ 125.8
======== ========
The Company does not provide deferred income taxes on undistributed
earnings of its foreign subsidiaries, as the earnings are considered
indefinitely reinvested. At December 31, 1999, the cumulative amount of
undistributed earnings on which the Company has not recognized deferred income
taxes is approximately $90.3 million. Determining the amount of unrecognized
deferred tax liability for this amount is not practicable. However, if the
undistributed earnings were remitted, any resulting federal tax would be
substantially reduced by foreign tax credits.
The reconciliation of income tax computed at the U.S. federal statutory
tax rates to the Company's tax (benefit) expense is as follows:
<TABLE>
Four
Eight Months
Year Ended Months Ended Ended Year Ended
December December April December
31, 1999 31, 1998 30, 1998 31, 1997
--------- ------------- ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. statutory rate........................ (35.0%) (35.0%) (35.0%) (35.0%)
State income taxes......................... (4.6%) -- -- --
Intangibles amortization................... -- -- -- 35.2%
Subpart F income........................... 0.7% 2.6% 2.1% 0.1%
Tax on income of foreign subsidiaries
and rate differential.................... 9.0% 13.8% -- (0.4%)
Change in valuation allowance.............. 4.5% 32.3% 32.9% --
Other, net................................. (0.7%) 0.7% -- 0.1%
----- ----- ----- -----
(26.1%) 14.4% 0.0% 0.0%
===== ===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
The Company is included in the consolidated federal and state tax returns
of its ultimate parent, Laminates. Cash (paid) received for income taxes
amounted to ($3.9) million, ($1.9) million, ($1.0) million, and $4.0 million,
for the year ended December 31, 1999, the eight-month period ended December 31,
1998, the four-month period ended April 30, 1998, and the year ended December
31, 1997, respectively. The utilization of net operating loss carryforwards
expiring in varying amounts in future periods may be limited by Internal
Revenue Service regulations. The Company has provided a full valuation
allowance against the net operating loss carryforwards due to the uncertainty
of realization.
(11) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
In order to fund normal working capital requirements, the Company has
entered into certain borrowing arrangements with Laminates. These arrangements
are short-term in nature and generally bear no interest. At December 31, 1999,
there was approximately $1.0 million outstanding under these arrangements.
There were no such borrowings at December 31, 1998.
F-17
<PAGE>
FORMICA CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(12) TERMINATION OF PROPOSED ACQUISITION:
The Company recorded charges of $0.8 million and $3.0 million, during the
year ended December 31, 1999 and the eight-month period ended December 31,
1998, respectively, in connection with proposed acquisitions of decorative
products businesses. The Company has abandoned these proposed transactions.
(13) SEGMENT REPORTING:
The Company is principally engaged in a single line of business: the
design, manufacture and distribution of high-pressure decorative laminates.
Substantially all revenues result from the sale of decorative laminates through
domestic and international distributors and dealers. The Company's operations
are managed on a geographic basis and, therefore, reportable segments are based
on geographic areas. Segment revenues are defined as net sales to external
customers of each segment. The Company measures segment results as operating
income (loss), which is defined as income (loss) before goodwill impairment
charge, the cost of the terminated supply contract, interest expense, other
income (expense) and income taxes. Depreciation and amortization expense is
included in the measure of segment results. All intercompany sales and expenses
have been eliminated in determining segment revenues and segment profit (loss).
<TABLE>
Four
Eight Months
Year Ended Months Ended Ended Year Ended
December December April December
31, 1999 31, 1998 30, 1998 31, 1997
--------- ------------- ------------ -------------
(in millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Segment revenues:
United States........................ $327.7 $202.3 $ 98.1 $272.2
North America - other................ 47.1 32.3 13.9 42.8
Europe............................... 140.6 92.5 48.4 146.1
Asia................................. 69.8 44.3 17.9 72.3
------ ------ ------ ------
Total.............. $585.2 $371.4 $178.3 $533.4
====== ====== ====== ======
Segment (loss) profit:
North America........................ $ (5.5) $(10.7) $(13.9) $(33.8)
Europe............................... 12.9 7.6 1.3 9.0
Asia................................. 10.2 4.8 (1.1) 5.9
------ ------ ------ ------
Total.............. $ 17.6 $ 1.7 $(13.7) $(18.9)
====== ====== ====== ======
Depreciation and amortization (included
in segment profit (loss)):
North America........................ $ 30.6 $ 22.4 $ 6.2 $ 32.4
Europe............................... 8.9 4.6 3.5 17.2
Asia................................. 3.4 2.3 1.4 6.1
------ ------ ------ ------
Total.............. $ 42.9 $ 29.3 $ 11.1 $ 55.7
====== ====== ====== ======
Expenditures for long-lived assets:
North America........................ $ 16.2 $ 20.6 $ 4.8 $ 27.6
Europe............................... 7.3 11.1 1.2 11.2
Asia................................. 2.4 3.8 2.3 7.7
------ ------ ------ ------
Total.............. $ 25.9 $ 35.5 $ 8.3 $ 46.5
====== ====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
F-18
<PAGE>
FORMICA CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
<TABLE>
Four
Eight Months
Year Ended Months Ended Ended Year Ended
December December April December
31, 1999 31, 1998 30, 1998 31, 1997
--------- ------------- ------------ -------------
(in millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Reconciliation of total segment profit
(loss) to loss before income taxes
is as follows:
Segment profit (loss).................... $ 17.6 $ 1.7 $(13.7) $ (18.9)
Goodwill impairment charge............... -- -- -- (484.4)
Cost of terminated supply contract....... (26.2) -- -- --
Interest expense......................... (37.4) (25.7) (1.7) (3.1)
Other income............................. 2.5 4.5 0.8 1.8
------ ------ ------ -------
Loss before income taxes.......... $(43.5) $(19.5) $(14.6) $(504.6)
====== ====== ====== =======
</TABLE>
December 31,
<TABLE>
------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
-------- -------- --------
(in millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Total assets:
United States.................................... $451.0 $410.8 $374.0
North America - other............................ 37.3 36.4 34.5
Europe........................................... 152.4 179.1 184.8
Asia............................................. 77.1 74.9 54.4
------ ------ ------
Total.......................... $717.8 $701.2 $647.7
====== ====== ======
Long-lived assets:
United States.................................... $168.8 $128.6 $151.9
North America - other............................ 13.4 14.3 15.4
Europe........................................... 85.4 106.6 80.7
Asia............................................. 39.7 39.2 32.0
------ ------ ------
Total.......................... $307.3 $288.7 $280.0
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
(14) CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES:
During the eight and four-months periods ended December 31 and April 30,
1998, the Company made certain changes in accounting estimates, resulting in
charges totaling $7.8 million and $5.7 million, respectively, due to new
management plans with respect to asset carrying and disposition policies and
new information becoming available, including information concerning customers,
products, and competitive conditions in certain markets. The changes in
accounting estimates for the eight-month period ended December 31, 1998 include
the increasing of the provisions for doubtful accounts and inventory
obsolescence by $2.4 million and $5.4 million, respectively. The changes in
accounting estimates for the four-month period ended April 30, 1998 include
increasing the provision for customer rebate programs by $2.7 million,
increasing the provision for doubtful accounts by $1.4 million and accruals for
customs, property tax exposures and other items totaling $1.6 million. There
were no significant changes in accounting estimates in 1999.
(15) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
Leases
The Company leases machinery, such as transportation and plant equipment,
and facilities, such as administrative offices and warehouse space, under
various non-cancelable operating lease agreements.
At December 31, 1999, future minimum lease payments under operating lease
agreements that have a remaining term in excess of one year are as follows:
F-19
<PAGE>
FORMICA CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in millions)
2000......................................... $ 6.8
2001......................................... 5.8
2002......................................... 4.8
2003......................................... 4.2
2004......................................... 3.8
Thereafter................................... 2.1
-----
$27.5
=====
Rent expense aggregated $7.2 million, $5.3 million, $2.4 million and $7.8
million for the year ended December 31, 1999, the eight-month period ended
December 31, 1998, the four-month period ended April 30, 1998, and the year
ended December 31, 1997, respectively.
Litigation and Environmental Matters
In the ordinary course of business, the Company has been or is the subject
of or party to various pending litigation and claims. Currently, the Company
has been named as a potentially responsible party at several Superfund sites
and has reserved approximately $3.9 million and $4.0 million at December 31,
1999 and 1998, respectively, for these matters. While it is not possible to
predict with certainty the outcome of any potential litigation or claims, the
Company believes, any known contingencies, individually or in the aggregate,
will not have a material adverse impact on its financial position or results of
operations. However, depending on the amount and timing of an unfavorable
resolution of this contingency, it is possible that the Company's future cash
flows could be materially affected in a particular quarter.
On April 5, 1999, the Company received a subpoena covering the period from
January 1, 1994 until April 1, 1999, from a federal grand jury in connection
with an investigation into possible antitrust violations in the United States
market for high-pressure laminate. The Company has produced documents and
provided other information in response to the subpoena, and a number of present
or former Formica employees have appeared for testimony before the grand jury
or have been interviewed by the Staff of the Antitrust Division of the U.S.
Department of Justice in connection with the investigation. The Company intends
to continue its cooperation with the investigation. The Company is unable to
determine at this time the effect, if any, that this matter may have on its
financial statements.
There can be no assurances that Formica will not become involved in future
proceedings, litigation or investigations, that such Superfund or other
environmental liabilities will not be material or that indemnification pursuant
to certain indemnification rights will otherwise be available.
(16) COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
Total comprehensive loss was ($42.5) million, ($17.3) million, ($11.7)
million and ($522.5) million for the year ended December 31, 1999, the
eight-month period ended December 31, 1998, the four-month period ended April
30, 1998, and the year ended December 31, 1997, respectively. The difference
between comprehensive income (loss) and the net loss results from foreign
currency translation adjustments.
(17) RESTRICTED STOCK PLANS:
During 1999 and 1998, the board of directors and shareholders of Laminates
approved and adopted restricted stock programs. The plans authorize purchases
by eligible employees of Laminates and its subsidiaries of restricted shares of
common stock of Laminates, at a price equal to the fair market value of a share
of common stock on the date of purchase. Any shares of restricted stock
purchased under the plan are subject to repurchase by Laminates at the purchase
price upon the participating employee's termination of employment with
Laminates or any of its subsidiaries until those shares have vested in
accordance with the terms of the plan. The number of shares authorized to be
issued under the 1998 plan is 157,153, subject to adjustments upon the
occurrence of certain events. Under the 1999 plan, 15,401 shares of preferred
stock and 18,335 shares of common stock were authorized for issuance to
management and key employees. As of December 31, 1999, 145,134 shares have been
allocated to and purchased by certain officers and other management employees
and 12,019 shares are available under the
F-20
<PAGE>
plan for future purchase. The number of preferred shares available for future
grants under both plans is 15,401 and the number of common shares is 55,004.
(18) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:
Acquisition by Certain Equity Investors in Formica
Perstorp, one of our competitors in the European laminate market
announced on March 1, 2000, that it has signed an agreement covering the sale
of the PSM business of Perstorp AB, a Swedish corporation, to DSH. DSH, an
investment company formed by DLJ Merchant Banking partners ("DLJ") and CVC
European Equity partners ("CVC"), will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings
if the acquisition closes as expected at the end of the first quarter 2000. DLJ
and CVC are equity investors in Formica Corporation. Formica has advanced $5.0
million to DSH in connection with this transaction. Concurrent with the closing
of the sale of PSM to DSH, DSH will enter into a management and service
agreement with Formica Corporation to oversee the operations and management of
PSM. In addition, the stockholders of Formica and of DSH have entered into
agreements whereby the acquired business will be merged into Formica upon the
occurrence of certain events.
Restructuring
On March 1, 2000, the Company announced plans to restructure certain
operating activities in North America, reducing total headcount by
approximately 200 employees. As part of this restructuring, the Mt. Bethel,
Pennsylvania manufacturing facility will be closed, and operations will be
subsequently transferred to the Company's Odenton, Maryland manufacturing
facility. The Company has completed certain elements of the restructuring plan,
and expects to finalize the plan and complete the related restructuring
activities during 2000. The costs of the restructuring activities cannot be
reasonably estimated at this time, however, these costs are not expected to
have a material effect on the Company's financial position. Depending on the
amount and timing of these activities, the Company's cash flows and results of
operations could be materially affected in a particular quarter.
F-21
<PAGE>
Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (in millions)
<TABLE>
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additions
Charged to Charged
Balance at Costs to Other Balance at
Beginning and Accounts- Deductions End of
Description of Period Expenses Describe - Describe Period
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year ended December 31, 1999:
Deducted from assets accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $4.2 $1.7 -- ($1.2) 1 $4.7
============ ============ ============ ============= ============
Year ended December 31, 1998:
Deducted from assets accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $1.5 $6.0 -- ($3.3) 1 $4.2
============ ============ ============ ============= ============
Year ended December 31, 1997:
Deducted from assets accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $1.4 $3.0 -- ($2.9) 1 $1.5
============ ============ ============ ============= ============
</TABLE>
- ----------
1 Write-off of uncollectible accounts.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreement with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosures
None to report.
II-1
<PAGE>
Part III - Information on Directors, Officers and Ownership
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the
directors and executive officers of Formica. Each director of Formica also
serves as a director of Holdings and Laminates.
<TABLE>
Name Age Office
<S> <C> <C>
Vincent P. Langone................ 57 Director, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
David T. Schneider................ 50 Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
William Adams..................... 48 President, International Operations
Steve Kuo......................... 45 President, Asian Operations
Joseph Gonnella................... 53 President, North American Operations
Jean Pierre Clement............... 56 President, Solid Surfacing Operations
Thompson Dean..................... 40 Director
Peter T. Grauer................... 53 Director
David Y. Howe..................... 34 Director
Alexander Donald Mackenzie........ 41 Director
</TABLE>
Vincent P. Langone has been Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer since May 1998. From 1995 until 1997, Mr. Langone was a principal of
Interbuild International, Inc. Mr. Langone was previously named President and
Chief Operating Officer of Formica Corporation in 1985 when Formica became
independent and privately held through a management-led leveraged buyout in
which he was a principal participant and investor. After taking Formica public
in 1987, Mr. Langone was appointed Chief Executive Officer in 1988. In 1989, Mr.
Langone organized a group of investors led by Dillon, Read & Co. and Formica was
again taken private. Under the new structure he assumed the additional role of
Chairman. Mr. Langone currently serves as a director of Summit Bank, United
Retail Group and Brand Scaffolding Services.
David T. Schneider has been Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
Secretary since May 1998. From 1995 until 1997, Mr. Schneider was a principal of
Interbuild International, Inc. Mr. Schneider previously joined Formica
Corporation in 1986 as North American Controller following a management-led
leveraged buyout from American Cyanamid Company in 1985. He was appointed
Corporate Controller in 1987 and named Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of Formica in 1989.
William Adams is President of Formica's International operations and
General Manager of Formica-U.K. He joined Formica Corporation in 1968. He has
held various positions in Formica involving the following functions: research
and development, yield improvement, warehousing, distribution, planning and
production.
Steve Kuo is President of Formica's Asian operations. He joined Formica
Corporation in March 1985 in sales and marketing and later served as General
Manager of North and East China. He was promoted to his present position in
December 1997.
Joseph Gonnella is President of Formica's North America operations. He
joined Formica Corporation in November 1999. Prior to joining Formica
Corporation, Mr. Gonnella was employed by Engelhard Corporation from 1992 until
1999, where he served as Senior Vice President, Strategy & Corporate Development
(1997-1999) and previously as Group Vice President & General Manager,
Environmental Technologies Group (1992-1997).
Jean Pierre Clement is President of Formica's Solid Surfacing
Operations. Mr. Clement has held various senior management positions within
Formica in France, Canada, and the United States over his 30-year tenure with
the Company.
Thompson Dean has been a director of Formica since May 1998. Mr. Dean
has been the Managing Partner of DLJ Merchant Banking, Inc., since November
1996. Previously, Mr. Dean was a Managing Director of DLJ Merchant Banking Inc.
and its predecessor since January 1992. Mr. Dean serves as a director of
Commvault Inc., Von Hoffman Corporation, Manufacturer's Services Limited, Phase
Metrics, Inc., AKI Holdings Corporation, Amatek Ltd., DeCrane Aircraft Holdings
Inc., Mueller Group, Inc., Charles River Laboratories, Inc. and Insilco Holding
Co.
III-1
<PAGE>
Peter T. Grauer has been a director of Formica since May 1998 and a
Managing Director of DLJ Merchant Banking Inc. and its predecessor since
September 1992. Mr. Grauer serves as a director of Doane Pet Care Company, Co.,
Total Renal Care Holdings, Inc., DecisionOne Holdings Corp., Bloomberg, Inc. and
Thermadyne Holdings Corporation.
David Y. Howe has been a director of Formica since May 1998 and a Vice
President of Citicorp Venture Capital, Ltd. since 1993. Mr. Howe serves as a
director of Aetna Industries, Inc., American Italian Pasta Company, Insilco
Holding Co., IPC Information Systems, Inc., Pen-Tab Industries, Inc. and several
private companies.
A. Donald Mackenzie has been a director of Formica since May 1998 and a
Managing Director of CVC Capital Partners Limited since 1993. Previously, he was
a director of Citicorp Venture Capital Ltd. Mr. Mackenzie serves as a director
of Hamleys Plc and Hozelock Group Plc.
In accordance with the terms of the Investors' Agreement among the DLJ
Merchant Banking funds, the institutional investors and management shareholders
of Laminates, Formica intends to elect two additional directors who are
unaffiliated with Formica or any of DLJ Merchant Banking or the institutional
investors.
Employment Agreements
Vincent Langone and David Schneider. Messrs. Langone and Schneider have
entered into employment agreements with Laminates on the following terms,
effective as of April 30, 1998. The employment agreements have a duration of
three years from their effectiveness subject to automatic extensions for one
year periods on their second and each subsequent anniversary, absent notice of
non-renewal by either party. The employment agreements provide for initial
annual base salaries of $600,000 and $300,000, respectively, for Messrs. Langone
and Schneider, and, contingent upon Laminate's achievement of EBITDA targets,
payment of cash bonuses.
Mr. Langone was paid a $375,000 transaction fee in connection with the
acquisition of the Company by Laminates and will be paid an advisory fee in
connection with future acquisitions and/or divestitures during the term of his
employment. Mr. Schneider was paid a $125,000 transaction fee in connection with
the acquisition of the Company by Laminates.
Each of Messrs. Langone and Schneider is entitled to participate in any
benefit and incentive compensation programs, plans and practices which Laminates
makes available generally to its senior executive officers.
Upon a termination without cause, for good reason or due to non-renewal
of the employment agreement, each of Messrs. Langone and Schneider is entitled
under the agreements to the following severance benefits:
(1) unpaid accrued base salary and vacation and earned bonus
(2) two times the sum of executive's then-current annual base salary
and bonus, as calculated according to the agreement
(3) 36 months continued benefits coverage
(4) a fully vested supplemental retirement benefit under the Formica
Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan and
(5) accelerated vesting with respect to any time-based options and
time-vested equity based awards granted to or purchased by
executive
Laminates has agreed that it will "gross-up" executives for any excise
taxes to which they are subject as a result of any severance payments being
considered "golden parachute" payments by the Internal Revenue Service.
The employment agreements provide that each of Messrs. Langone and
Schneider will, during his term of employment with Formica and for a period of
two years following a termination for which he is entitled to severance, be
bound by a covenant (1) not to compete in the high-pressure laminates business
or other line of business significant to Laminates and any of its subsidiaries
as a whole and (2) not to solicit any employees of Laminates or its
subsidiaries.
III-2
<PAGE>
For purposes of the employment agreements, good reason includes any of
these events without the express prior written consent of the executive:
o the assignment to the executive of duties materially inconsistent
with the executive's positions, duties, responsibilities, titles
or offices described above or any material reduction of those
duties or responsibilities, or other than for cause or due to
disability, the removal of the executive from or any failure to
elect or reelect the executive to his position
o a reduction in base salary, bonus opportunity or benefits
o our failure to obtain the specific assumption of the employment
agreement by any successor or assign or any person acquiring
substantially all of our assets
o our failure to perform in any material respect our stated duties
under the employment agreement, which is not remedied within 30
days of notice to us by the the executive
o movement of our principal offices to a location more than 35
miles from Newark, New Jersey
o our failure to keep in effect the policy of directors' and
officers' liability insurance or
o a change of control
For purposes of the foregoing, change of control means such time as (1)
the DLJ Merchant Banking funds, the CVC entities and MMI Products, LLC and their
permitted transferees own less than 10% of the outstanding shares of our common
stock on a fully diluted basis, (2) the transfer of substantially all of our
assets has occurred, (3) we shall have been liquidated or (4) any person, other
than an institutional shareholder or permitted transferee, shall own more of our
equity securities than the institutional shareholder and its permitted
transferee own, in the aggregate, the greatest amount of our equity securities.
For purposes of the employment agreements, cause means (1) the
executive's conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction or entry of a plea
of nolo contendere for an act on the executive's part constituting a felony
which conviction or plea causes damage to our reputation or financial position
or which undermines the executive's authority or (2) a willful and gross breach
of a substantial and material obligation of the executive under the employment
agreement; provided, that no action shall give rise to cause if undertaken in
the good faith belief that the action was in our best interest.
William Adams. Mr. Adams is party to an employment agreement with
Formica Limited, an indirect subsidiary of Formica, dated March 14, 1990, as
amended in 1997 and 1999. Under his employment agreement, Mr. Adams is paid an
annual salary and may participate in applicable incentive compensation schemes.
The agreement entitles Mr. Adams to participation in various benefits of Formica
Limited, including a group health plan, a pension plan and company sick pay, and
subjects Mr. Adams to a confidentiality covenant which survives his termination
of employment. Under the terms of his agreement, Mr. Adams is entitled to twenty
four (24) months notice of termination of employment, for which Formica Limited
may substitute payment. Mr. Adams is required to give three months notice of his
voluntary termination of employment.
Steve Kuo. Mr. Kuo is party to a service contract with Cyanamid Taiwan
Corporation and Formica Taiwan Corporation, an indirect subsidiary of Formica,
dated March 18, 1986. That agreement was executed following the sale of the
Formica business by American Cyanamid Corporation in 1985, and provides for the
transfer of Mr. Kuo's employment from Cyanamid Taiwan Corporation to Formica
Taiwan Corporation. Under the terms of the agreement, Mr. Kuo's employment with
Formica Taiwan Corporation is on the same terms as his employment with Cyanamid
Taiwan Corporation, with acknowledgment of Mr. Kuo's years of service at
Cyanamid Taiwan Corporation for the purpose of calculating Mr. Kuo's retirement
payments at Formica Taiwan Corporation.
Joseph Gonnella. Mr. Gonnella is party to an employment agreement with
Formica Corporation, dated November 1, 1999. Pursuant to his employment
agreement, Mr. Gonnella is paid an annual salary and may participate in
applicable incentive compensation schemes. The agreement entitles Mr. Gonnella
to participation in certain benefits of Formica Corporation, including a group
health plan, a pension plan, and company sick pay, and subjects Mr. Gonnella to
a confidentiality covenant, which survives his termination of employment.
Pursuant to the terms of his agreement, Mr. Gonnella in entitled to twenty-four
(24) months notice or termination of employment, for which Formica Corporation
may substitute payment.
III-3
<PAGE>
Jean Pierre Clement. Mr. Clement is an employee of Formica Corporation.
He is paid an annual salary and may participate in applicable compensation
schemes. Mr. Clement is also entitled to participation in certain benefits of
Formica Corporation, including a group health plan and company sick pay. Mr.
Clement is covered by the Formica S.A. (France) pension plan.
Compensation of Directors
Currently, directors are not paid fees. Formica has not yet determined
whether the independent directors to be elected in accordance with our
investors' agreement will be paid any fees.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
<TABLE>
Restricted Securities
Other Annual Stock Underlying LTIP All Other
Salary Bonus Compensation Award(s) Options/SARs Payouts Compensation
Name and Principal Position Year ($) ($) ($) ($) (2) (#) ($) ($)
- ------------------------------- ------- ----------- ---------- -------------- ----------- -------------- -------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Vincent P. Langone 1999 $600,000 $600,000 -- -- -- -- $ 52,065
Director, Chairman, 1998 $400,000 -- -- -- -- -- $ 428,649 (1)
President, and C.E.O.
David T. Schneider 1999 $300,000 $300,000 -- -- -- -- $ 6,421
Vice-President, C.F.O., 1998 $200,000 -- -- -- -- -- $ 134,153 (1)
and Secretary
William Adams 1999 $194,218 $201,126 -- -- -- -- $ 1,585
President, 1998 $198,020 $198,020 -- -- -- -- --
International
Operations
Steve Kuo 1999 $119,595 $ 35,389 -- -- -- -- $ 9,592
President, Asia 1998 $106,750 $ 34,747 -- -- -- -- --
Jean Pierre Clement 1999 $168,000 $ 10,000 -- -- -- -- --
President-Solid Surfacing 1998 -- -- -- -- -- -- --
</TABLE>
- ----------
(1) Amounts principally represent payment for transaction fees--see "Employment
Agreements."
(2) Messrs. Langone and Schneider purchased 104,769 and 15,715 shares of
restricted stock respectively, at $1.00 per share on April 30, 1998. The
purchase price of those shares reflects the fair market value of those
shares, as of that date and therefore those shares are not reported as
"compensation."
Employee Retirement Plan
We maintain the Formica Corporation Employee Retirement Plan, a
non-contributory defined benefit plan for United States employees. The
retirement plan was amended and restated as of January 1, 1996, and amended
again in February 1998. Pension benefits are determined based upon a career
average pay formula. The annual pension benefit to which a salaried employee is
entitled, under the retire plan, at the normal retirement date, which is age 65
after five years of service, is an amount equal to the sum of:
(A) (1) 1.5 percent of earnings for each year of service, plus (2)
1.5 percent of earnings for each partial year of service to date
of termination, if termination is effective other than at year
end plus
(B) the accrued benefit as of June 30, 1992 determined as being the
greater of (1) the benefit accrued under the retirement plan
then in effect or (2) 1.5 percent of the five year average
annual earnings multiplied by years of service as of June 30,
1992
The retirement plan formula calculates annual pension amounts on a
single-life annuity basis.
The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, limits the annual amount
payable to an individual under a tax qualified pension plan to $130,000, as
adjusted for cost of living increases, and places limitations upon amounts
payable to some individuals. The Code also limits the amount of annual
compensation that may be taken into account by a plan to $160,000, as adjusted
for cost of living increases.
Messrs. Langone and Schneider are the only two named executive officers
who participate in our retirement plan. Estimated annual benefits payable upon
retirement under the retirement plan to Messrs. Langone and Schneider are
$79,150 and $72,691 assuming current Code limitations, no change in present
salary and continued employment to retirement at age 65. For each of Messrs.
Langone and Schneider, the amount of that benefit attributable to employment
with Formica prior to or during 1998 would be $56,138 and $33,316, respectively,
and the amount of that benefit attributable to employment with
III-4
<PAGE>
Formica after 1998 would be $39,375 and $23,012. As discussed below, the amount
of that benefit attributable to employment with Formica after 1998 will be
applied to offset benefits to which Messrs. Langone and Schneider would be
entitled under our supplemental retirement plan. Mr. Langone was previously
employed by American Cyanamid, Formica's former parent, and, therefore, his
benefits would be reduced by any amounts payable under the American Cyanamid
retirement plan. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
The following table shows the estimated annual benefits payable upon
retirement to participants in our Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan.
Estimated Annual Retirement Benefits
Years of Service
-------------------------------------------------
Final Average Compensation 5 10 15 20
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 200,000 $ 75,000 $150,000 $225,000 $300,000
225,000 84,375 168,750 253,125 337,500
250,000 93,750 187,500 281,250 375,000
300,000 112,500 225,000 337,500 450,000
400,000 150,000 300,000 450,000 500,000
450,000 168,750 337,500 500,000 500,000
500,000 187,500 375,000 500,000 500,000
600,000 225,000 450,000 500,000 500,000
700,000 362,500 500,000 500,000 500,000
800,000 300,000 500,000 500,000 500,000
900,000 337,500 500,000 500,000 500,000
1,000,000 375,000 500,000 500,000 500,000
The unfunded Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan provides additional
annual retirement benefits equal to, for a participant who has completed less
than 25 years of service with Formica, the product of
(1) 7.5% of the highest amount obtained by averaging a participant's total
cash compensation paid for the lesser of :
(A) any 3, or
(B) all, calendar years of employment with Formica after 1997
multiplied by
(2) the participant's years of service with Formica after 1997.
The supplemental plan provides additional annual retirement benefits
equal to, for a participant who has completed at least 25 years of service with
Formica, 60% of his average earnings as determined above. The maximum annual
retirement benefit payable under the supplemental plan, prior to any offset,
shall be $500,000. No separate accounts are maintained under the supplemental
plan.
The benefit amounts set forth in the table above are subject to
reduction for social security benefits, pension benefits payable under our
employee retirement plan for which accrual is attributable to employment with
Formica after 1997 and the value of benefits under our employee savings plan.
The benefit amounts set forth in the table above are contingent upon a
participant's retirement on or after age 65, or if a participant's combined age
and service with Formica total 65, a participant's retirement on or after age
62. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a participant may be eligible for benefits
under the plan if the participant retires early on or after age 60 and has
completed 5 years of service with Formica. In that case, a participant shall be
entitled to receive the retirement benefits calculated as described above
reduced by 1/4 of 1% for each month by which the participant's early retirement
date precedes his normal retirement date.
During the year ended December 31, 1999, Messrs. Langone and Schneider
were the only two participants in the supplemental plan. Each of Messrs. Langone
and Schneider currently is credited with 2 years of service for purposes of
benefit accrual under the supplemental plan. Under their employment
III-5
<PAGE>
agreements, upon a termination without cause, for good reason including a change
of control of Formica, or upon disability, each of Messrs. Langone and Schneider
will be entitled to fully vested benefits under the supplemental plan paid in
lump sum, adding two years to their credited years of service for purposes of
computing benefits.
Formica Limited 1998 Pension Scheme
The following table shows the estimated annual benefits payable upon
retirement to participants in the Formica Limited 1998 Pension Scheme.
Estimated Annual Retirement Benefits
Years of Service
Final Average ----------------------------------------------------------------
Compensation 15 20 25 30
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$150,000 $ 37,508 $ 50,010 $ 62,513 $ 75,015
175,000 43,759 58,450 72,931 87,518
200,000 50,010 66,680 83,350 100,020
250,000 62,513 83,350 104,188 125,025
300,000 75,015 100,020 125,025 150,030
400,000 100,020 133,360 166,700 200,040
450,000 112,523 150,300 187,538 225,045
500,000 125,025 166,700 208,375 250,050
600,000 150,030 200,040 250,050 300,060
Mr. Adams is the only named executive officer who participated in the
U.K. pension plan which is a final salary defined benefit scheme. The amount of
the pension to which any participant may be entitled under the scheme is based
upon final pensionable earnings, which is a participant's highest annual
earnings from the last five years prior to termination. For purposes of
determining pension, earnings include basic pay, shift premium and overtime pay
(excluding bonus).
The U.K. pension plan provides annual retirement benefits equal to the
product of the retirement percentage and final pensionable earnings. The
retirement percentage equals 1.667% multiplied by years of service up to a
maximum of 66.67%.
Participants may be eligible to elect to receive a portion of their
pension in a lump sum upon retirement subject to limitations by the United
Kingdom Inland Revenue. Employees are required to contribute to the funding of
the pension scheme at a rate of 5% of earnings, less a deduction of
(pound)3,328.
The benefit amounts set forth in the table above are contingent upon a
participant's retirement after age 60. If a participant retires before age 60
but no earlier than age 50, the participant shall be eligible to receive the
retirements calculated as described above reduced by 5% for every year the
participant retires early than age 60. If a participant retires earlier than age
50, the participant shall not receive benefits under the U.K. scheme.
Employee Retirement Plan of Formica Taiwan Corporation
Mr. Kuo is the only named executive officer who participates in the
retirement plan covering Taiwanese employees. Under the Taiwanese plan, for
service following 1984, employees are entitled to lump sum retirement benefits
equal to the sum of (1) two month's average pay for each year of service up to
fifteen years of service and (2) one month's average pay for each year of
service thereafter, up to a total maximum of 45 months, subject to 20% increase
if retirement is due to disability caused in performance of duties to Formica.
Average pay shall be calculated at retirement in accordance with the Taiwanese
Labor Standards law.
A participant is eligible for those retirement benefits upon voluntary
or mandatory retirement. A person is eligible for voluntary retirement if (1) he
or she has worked with Formica Taiwan for a period of not less than fifteen
years and has reached the age of fifty-five for a male employee or fifty for a
female employee or (2) he or she has worked with Formica Taiwan for a period of
not less than twenty-five years. Formica Taiwan may require an employee to
mandatorily retire if he or she has reached the age of sixty or he or she is
mentally or physically disabled and thus incompetent to perform his or her job.
III-6
<PAGE>
Formica S.A. (France) 1989 Pension Scheme
Mr. Clement is the only named executive officer who participated in the
French pension scheme which is a final salary defined benefit scheme. The French
scheme provides supplementary benefits based on the number of year's service and
the final salary. The amount of the pension to which any participant may be
entitled under the scheme is based upon final pensionable earnings, which is a
participant's highest annual earnings from the last five years prior to
termination. For purposes of determining pension, earnings include basic pay,
shift premium and overtime pay (excluding bonus).
Mr. Clement's pension is comprised of two parts: a government benefit
and a supplementary benefit from the Formica France Pension Plan. The French
government provides a maximum pension of 88,200FF per annum (at 60 or 65 years
old) provided the participant has 40 years of service.
Participants are not eligible to elect to receive their pension in a
lump sum upon retirement. Employees are not required to contribute to the
funding of the pension scheme. Formica France contributes 200,000FF per annum in
total for Mr. Clement; 20,000FF per annum to the government for the government
pension and 180,000FF per annum to the Formica France Pension Plan.
The 1998 Restricted Stock Plan
On April 30, 1998, the board of directors and shareholders of Laminates
approved and adopted the Laminates Management Restricted Stock Program. The plan
authorizes purchases by eligible employees of Laminates and its subsidiaries,
selected in the discretion of the committee referred to below, of restricted
shares of common stock of Laminates. Any shares of restricted stock purchased
under the plan are subject to forfeiture upon the participating employee's
termination of employment with Laminates or any of its subsidiaries until those
shares have vested in accordance with the terms described below. The only
employees who have participated in the plan to date are Messrs. Langone and
Schneider.
Administration. The plan is administered by a committee of our board of
directors established by the board in a manner which complies with Rule 16b-3
under the Exchange Act and Section 162(m) of the Code, to the extent compliance
is necessary, or if no committee has been established, by the board.
Number of Authorized Shares. Shares issuable under the plan may include
shares of authorized but unissued or reacquired common stock.
The number of shares which may be issued under the plan is 157,153,
subject to adjustments upon the occurrence of various events and as follows. As
of December 31, 1999, 120,484 shares have been allocated to and purchased by
Messrs. Langone and Schneider, 24,650 shares have been allocated to and
purchased by other management employees under the 1999 stock plan, and 12,019
shares are available under the plan for future purchase. Subject to various
exceptions, upon the issuance by Laminates of additional equity following the
effectiveness of the acquisition, additional shares will be available under the
plan equal to from 12.5% to 5.5% of the additional common stock issued,
depending upon the amount and timing of the issuance.
Purchase Price. Unless otherwise determined by the committee, the price
at which each share of restricted stock may be purchased under the plan shall be
the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of purchase.
Vesting. Each restricted share will vest in accordance with the terms
of the applicable purchase agreement between Laminates and the participating
employee. 60% of the shares currently issued under the plan will be subject to
time-based vesting and 40% of the shares issued under the plan are subject to
performance-based vesting. The time based shares vest on a five year schedule,
20% on each anniversary of purchase, and the performance based shares vest on a
five year schedule provided that EBITDA targets are met. The issued time based
shares vest upon termination of a participating employee's employment due to
death, disability, without cause or for good reason and upon a change of control
of Laminates and the issued performance based shares vest upon a change of
control of Laminates occurring within 20 months of the effectiveness of the
acquisition, and thereafter only if investment return targets are met.
Puts and Calls. The restricted stock is subject to repurchase by
Laminates upon any termination of employment by the employee and of sale by the
employee upon termination of employment other than for cause or by the employee
without good reason. The applicable purchase price is set forth in the purchase
agreement with respect to the shares.
III-7
<PAGE>
Amendment and Termination. The board may amend, alter, suspend,
discontinue or terminate the plan or any portion thereof at any time, provided
however, that the shareholders of Laminates shall be required to approve any
amendment if the approval is necessary to comply with any tax or regulatory
requirements.
The 1999 Stock Plan
On March 18, 1999, the board of directors of Laminates approved and
adopted the Laminates 1999 Stock Plan. The plan authorizes purchases by eligible
employees of Laminates and its subsidiaries, selected in the discretion of the
committee referred to below, of shares of preferred stock, shares of common
stock, and restricted shares of common stock of Laminates. Any shares of
restricted stock purchased under the plan are subject to repurchase by Laminates
at the purchase price upon the participating employee's termination of
employment with Laminates or any of its subsidiaries until those shares have
vested in accordance with the terms described below.
Administration. The plan is administered by a committee of our board of
directors established by the board in a manner which complies with Rule 16b-3
under the Exchange Act and Section 162(m) of the Code, to the extent compliance
is necessary, or if no committee has been established, by the board.
Number of Authorized Shares. Shares issuable under the plan may include
shares of authorized but unissued or reacquired common stock.
The number of preferred shares which may be issued under the plan is
15,401 and the number of common shares is 55,004, including 36,669 shares of
restricted stock available for future purchase under the 1998 Restricted Stock
Plan. As of December 31, 1999, 9,681 preferred shares and 36,175 common shares,
including 24,650 restricted shares, have been purchased by management employees
other than Messrs. Langone and Schneider.
Purchase Price. Unless otherwise determined by the committee, the price
at which each share of preferred and common stock may be purchased under the
plan shall be the fair market value of a share of stock on the date of purchase.
Vesting. Each restricted share will vest in accordance with the terms
of the applicable purchase agreement between Laminates and the participating
employee. 50% of the shares currently issued under the plan will be subject to
time-based vesting and 50% of the shares issued under the plan are subject to
performance-based vesting. The time based shares vest on a five year schedule,
20% on each anniversary of purchase, and the performance based shares vest on a
five year schedule provided that EBITDA targets are met.
Puts and Calls. The preferred and common stock is subject to repurchase
by Laminates upon any termination of employment by the employee. The applicable
purchase price is set forth in the purchase agreement with respect to the
shares.
Amendment and Termination. The board may amend, alter, suspend,
discontinue or terminate the plan or any portion thereof at any time, provided
however, that the shareholders of Laminates shall be required to approve any
amendment if the approval is necessary to comply with any tax or regulatory
requirements.
III-8
<PAGE>
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The following table sets forth information with respect to the
beneficial ownership of Formica's voting securities as of December 31, 1999 by
(1) each person or group known to Formica who beneficially owns more than five
percent of voting securities of Formica, (2) each of Formica's directors, (3)
each executive officer of Formica and (4) all directors and executive officers
of Formica as a group:
Name of Beneficial Owner Percentage of Class
- ------------------------ -------------------
Laminates Acquisition Co. (2)
277 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10072 ............................ 100.0%
FM Holdings Corp.
15 Independence Boulevard
Warren, New Jersey 07059 ............................ 100.0%
Thompson Dean
DLJ Merchant Banking Inc.
277 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10072 ............................. --
Peter Grauer
DLJ Merchant Banking Inc.
277 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10072 ............................. --
David Y. Howe
Citicorp Venture Capital, Ltd.
399 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10043 ............................. --
Alexander Donald Mackenzie
CVC Capital Partners Limited
Hudson House
8-10 Tavistock Street ................................ --
London WC2E 7PP
Vincent Langone ......................................... --
David Schneider ......................................... --
William Adams ........................................... --
Steve Kuo ............................................... --
Jean Pierre Clement ..................................... --
All directors and officers as a group (9 persons) ....... --
- ----------
(1) Under the applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, each
person or entity is deemed to be a beneficial owner with the power to vote
and direct the disposition of these shares. Shares of common stock subject
to warrants are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of the
person holding the options, but are not deemed outstanding for computing
the percentage of any other person.
(2) Includes securities held by FM Holdings, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary
of Laminates.
III-9
<PAGE>
The following table sets forth information with respect to the
beneficial ownership of Laminates' voting securities as of December 31, 1999 by
(i) each person or group known to Formica who beneficially owns more than five
percent of Laminate's voting securities, (ii) each of Formica's directors, (iii)
each executive officer of Formica and (iv) all directors and executive officers
of Formica as a group:
Number of Percentage of
Name of Beneficial Owner Shares (1) Class
------------------------ ----------- -----
DLJ Merchant Banking Funds (2).................... 538,236 (3) 42.0%
CVC European Equity Partners, L.P.
Hudson House
810 Tavistock Street
London, WC2E 7PP............................... 240,198 (4) 18.8%
CVC European Equity Partners (Jersey) L. P.
Hudson House
810 Tavistock Street
London, WC2E 7PP............................... 28,920 (5) 2.3%
MMI Products, L.L.C.
399 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10043..................... 269,118 (6) 21.0%
Thompson Dean
DLJ Merchant Banking Inc.
277 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10072....................... -- --
Peter Grauer
DLJ Merchant Banking Inc.
277 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10072....................... -- --
David Y. Howe
Citicorp Venture Capital, Ltd.
399 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10043....................... -- --
Alexander Donald Mackenzie
CVC Capital Partners Limited
Hudson House
8-10 Tavistock Street
London WC2E 7PP................................ -- --
Vincent Langone................................... 140,061 (7) 10.9%
David Schneider................................... 27,479 (8) 2.2%
William Adams..................................... 5,200 (9) 0.4%
Steve Kuo......................................... 525 (10) --
Jean Pierre Clement............................... 1,800 (11) --
All directors and officers as a group (9 persons)
(7)(8)(9)(10)(11) ................................. 175,065 13.6%
- ----------
(1) Under the applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, each
person or entity is deemed to be a beneficial owner with the power to vote
and direct the disposition of these shares. Shares of common stock subject
to warrants are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of the
person holding the options, but are not deemed outstanding for computing
the percentage of any other person.
(2) Consists of shares held directly by DLJ Merchant Banking Partners II, L.P.
and the following related investors: DLJ Merchant Banking Partners II-A,
L.P.; DLJ Offshore Partners II, C.V.; DLJ Diversified Partners, L.P.; DLJ
Diversified Partners-A, L.P.; DLJ Millennium Partners, L.P.; DLJ Millennium
Partners-A, L.P.; DLJ Merchant Banking Funding II, Inc.; DLJ First ESC
L.P.; UK Investment Plan 1997 Partners, Inc.; DLJ EAB Partners, L.P.
III-10
<PAGE>
and DLJ ESC II L.P. The address of each is 277 Park Avenue, New York, New
York 10172, except (1) the address of Offshore is John B. Gorsiraweg 14,
Willemstad, Curacao, Netherlands, Antilles and (2) the address of UK
Partners is 2121 Avenue of the Stars, Fox Plaza, Suite 3000, Los Angeles,
California 90067.
(3) Includes 50,000 shares that may be acquired upon exercise of warrants.
(4) Includes 22,313 shares that may be acquired upon exercise of warrants.
(5) Includes 2,687 shares that may be acquired upon exercise of warrants.
(6) Includes 25,000 shares that may be acquired upon exercise of warrants.
(7) Includes 104,769 shares of restricted stock, of which 62,861 are time based
shares and 41,908 are performance based shares. See "Management--The 1998
Restricted Stock Plan."
(8) Includes 15,715 shares of restricted stock, of which 9,429 are time based
shares and 6,286 are performance based shares. See "Management--The 1998
Restricted Stock Plan."
(9) Includes 4,000 shares of restricted stock, of which 2,000 are time based
shares and 2,000 are performance based shares. See "Management--The 1999
Stock Plan."
(10) Includes 350 shares of restricted stock, of which 175 are time based shares
and 175 are performance based shares. See "Management --The 1999 Stock
Plan."
(11) Includes 1,200 shares of restricted stock, of which 600 are time based
shares and 600 are performance based shares. See "Management --The 1999
Stock Plan."
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
DLJ Capital Funding, an affiliate of DLJ Merchant Banking, has and will
receive customary fees and reimbursement of expenses in connection with the
arrangement and syndication of the Credit Facility and as a lender thereunder.
Laminates Funding, Inc., an affiliate of DLJ Merchant Banking, was a purchaser
of a portion of the bridge notes and received customary fees and expenses in
connection therewith. Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation, also
an affiliate of DLJ Merchant Banking, acted as the initial purchaser of the
Senior Subordinated Notes. The aggregate amount of all fees paid to the various
DLJ entities in connection with the acquisition and the offering of the Senior
Subordinated Notes is approximately $8.5 million.
Formica and its subsidiaries may from time to time enter into financial
advisory or other investment banking relationships with Donaldson, Lufkin &
Jenrette Securities Corporation or one of its affiliates whereby Donaldson,
Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation or its affiliates will receive
customary fees and will be entitled to reimbursement for all related reasonable
disbursements and out-of-pocket expenses. Formica expects that any arrangement
will include provisions for the indemnification of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette
Securities Corporation against a variety of liabilities, including liabilities
under the federal securities laws.
In order to fund normal working capital requirements, the Company has
entered into certain borrowing arrangements with Laminates. These arrangements
are short-term in nature and generally bear no interest. At December 31, 1999,
there was approximately $1.0 million outstanding under these arrangements. See
Note 11 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedule, and Reports on Form 8-K
(a)(1) The following consolidated financial statements of Formica Corporation
and subsidiaries are included in Item 8:
Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 1999 and 1998.
Consolidated Statements of Operations - Year ended December 31, 1999,
Eight-months ended December 31, 1998, Four-months ended April 30, 1998 and
Year ended December 31, 1997.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity - Year ended
December 31, 1999, Eight-months ended December 31, 1998, Four-months ended
April 30, 1998 and Year ended December 31, 1997.
III-11
<PAGE>
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Year ended December 31, 1999,
Eight-months ended December 31, 1998, Four-months ended April 30, 1998 and
Year ended December 31, 1997.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Year ended December 31, 1999,
Eight-months ended December 31, 1998, Four-months ended April 30, 1998 and
Year ended December 31, 1997.
(a)(2) The following consolidated financial statement schedule of Formica
Corporation and subsidiaries are included in Item 8:
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable
accounting regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required
under the related instructions or are inapplicable, and therefore, have been
omitted.
(a)(3) Exhibits:
Exhibit
Number Exhibit Description
- ------ -------------------
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registration
Statement on Form S-1 filed August 10, 1999, and incorporated herein by
reference.)
3.2 By laws (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1
filed August 10, 1999, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10.1 Investors' Agreement dated as of April 30, 1998 among Laminates, the DLJ
Merchant Banking Funds, the institutional investors and the management
shareholders (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registration Statement on Form
S-1 filed August 10, 1999, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10.2 Restricted Stock Program (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registration
Statement on Form S-1 filed August 10, 1999, and incorporated herein by
reference.)
10.3 Employment Agreement of Vincent Langone (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed August 10, 1999, and incorporated
herein by reference.)
10.4 Employment Agreement of David Schneider (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed August 10, 1999, and incorporated
herein by reference.)
10.5 Employment Agreement of William Adams (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed August 10, 1999, and incorporated
herein by reference.)
10.6 Employment Agreement of Steven Kuo (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed August 10, 1999, and incorporated
herein by reference.)
10.7 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of July 20, 1998 among
Formica, certain Formica subsidiaries and a syndicate of financial
institutions led by DLJ Capital Funding, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to
the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed August 10, 1999, and
incorporated herein by reference.) Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
(filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed
August 10, 1999, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10.8 Restated Formica Corporation Employee Retirement Plan dated as of January
1, 1996, as amended (filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Registration Statement
on Form S-1 filed August 10, 1999, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10.9 Formica Taiwan Corporation Employee Retirement Plan dated as of December
23, 1986 (filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1
filed August 10, 1999, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10.10 Formica UK Corporation Employee Retirement Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.11 to
the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed August 10, 1999, and
incorporated herein by reference.)
10.11 Laminates 1999 Stock Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Registration
Statement on Form S-1 filed August 10, 1999, and incorporated herein by
reference.)
10.12 Laminates 1999 Stock Purchase Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.13 to the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed August 10, 1999, and incorporated
herein by reference.)
10.13 Registration Rights Agreement dated as of February 22, 1999 between
Formica and Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation, BT Alex.
Brown Incorporated and Credit Suisse First Boston as Initial Purchasers
(filed as Exhibit 1.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed
August 10, 1999, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10.14 Indenture, dated as of February 22, 1999 between Formica and the Trustee
(filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed
August 10, 1999, and incorporated herein by reference.)
21 Affiliated Companies and Subsidiaries of Formica (included on page E-1 of
this registration statement)
27 Financial Data Schedule
III-12
<PAGE>
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
No Current Reports on Form 8-K were filed by Formica during the fourth
quarter of fiscal 1999.
Supplemental Information to be Furnished with Reports filed pursuant to Section
15(d)
No annual reports or proxy material has been sent to security holders.
III-13
<PAGE>
Item 15. Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act
of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
FORMICA CORPORATION
By: /s/ David T. Schneider
----------------------
David T. Schneider
Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1933,
this Report has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on
the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ Vincent P. Langone
- ---------------------------------------
Vincent P. Langone Director, Chairman, President and Chief March 23, 2000
Executive Officer
/s/ David T. Schneider
- ---------------------------------------
David T. Schneider Vice President, Chief Financial Officer March 23, 2000
and Secretary
/s/ Thompson Dean
- ---------------------------------------
Thompson Dean Director March 23, 2000
/s/ Peter T. Grauer
- ---------------------------------------
Peter T. Grauer Director March 23, 2000
/s/ David Y. Howe
- ---------------------------------------
David Y. Howe Director March 23, 2000
/s/ Alexander Donald Mackenzie
- ---------------------------------------
Alexander Donald Mackenzie Director March 23, 2000
</TABLE>
III-14
Formica Corporation, 1999 Form 10-K
Exhibit 21-Listing of Affiliated Companies and Subsidiaries
<TABLE>
Country Company Name
Affiliated Companies
<S> <C>
United States Laminates Acquisition Co. (a Delaware corporation) Parent FM Holdings
United States FM Holdings Inc. (a Delaware corporation) Parent of all subsidiaries
Subsidiaries
Austria Formica (Austria) GmbH
Canada Formica Canada Inc.
Formica Financial Services Ltd.
France Formica S.A.
Gravure et Polissage de Surfaces Metalliques (G.P.S.M.)
Germany Formica Vertriebs GmbH
Homapal Plattenwerk Beteilgungsgesellschaft (50% J.V.)
Homapal Plattenwerk GmbH and Co. (50% J.V.)
Hong Kong Formica (Asia) Limited
Italy Formica Italia SRL
Korea Formica Korea Corporation
Malaysia Formica (Malaysia) SDN, BHD.
Mexico Formica de Mexico S.A. de C.V.
Servicios Formica de Mexico S.A. de C.V
Tenedoro Formica de Mexico S.A. de C.V
Netherlands Formica Enterprises B.V.
Formica (Nederland) B.V.
Tile International B.V.
Formica Enterprises
Peoples Republic of China Formica (Shanghai) Company Limited
Shanghai Formica Decorative Material Co. Ltd. (55% J.V.)
Shanghai Fulihua Decorative Laminates Company (51% J.V.)
Singapore Formica (Singapore) Pte. Limited
Spain Formica Espanola S.A.
Sweden Decorative Surfaces Holding A.B.
Switzerland Formica (Schweiz) A.G.
Taiwan Formica Taiwan Corporation
United Kingdom Consort Laminates Limited
Formica Holdings Limited
Formica Limited
Formica Holdco (U.K.) Ltd.
United States Design Communications International Inc. (a New York corporation)
The Diller Corporation (an Illinois corporation)
Formica International Corporation (a New Jersey corporation)
STEL Industries, Inc. (a Washington corporation)
Wildon Corporation (a Pennsylvania corporation)
Wildon Industries Inc. (a Pennsylvania corporation)
Surface Materials Co., Inc. (a Delaware corporation)
</TABLE>
E-1
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<CIK> 814241
<NAME> Formica Corporation
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<CURRENCY> U.S. DOLLARS
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS 8-MOS 4-MOS 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1999 DEC-31-1998 DEC-31-1998 DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> JAN-1-1999 MAY-1-1998 JAN-1-1998 JAN-1-1997
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1999 DEC-31-1998 APR-30-1998 DEC-31-1997
<EXCHANGE-RATE> 1 1 1 1
<CASH> 7,800 31,600 0 27,200
<SECURITIES> 0 0 0 0
<RECEIVABLES> 89,100 69,100 0 69,900
<ALLOWANCES> 4,700 4,200 0 1,500
<INVENTORY> 119,700 110,300 0 119,000
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 238,100 234,200 0 243,400
<PP&E> 343,400 305,900 0 333,200
<DEPRECIATION> 36,100 17,200 0 53,200
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 717,800 701,200 0 647,700
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 122,200 115,300 0 176,800
<BONDS> 362,900 295,900 0 11,400
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
<COMMON> 100 100 0 100
<OTHER-SE> 77,200 119,700 0 343,300
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 717,800 701,200 0 647,700
<SALES> 585,200 371,400 178,300 533,400
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 585,200 371,400 178,300 533,400
<CGS> 418,800 266,200 131,100 350,100
<TOTAL-COSTS> 418,800 266,200 131,100 350,100
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 175,000 103,500 60,900 686,600
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0 0 0 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 37,400 25,700 1,700 3,100
<INCOME-PRETAX> (43,500) (19,500) (14,600) (504,600)
<INCOME-TAX> (11,400) 2,800 0 200
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (32,100) (22,300) (14,600) (504,800)
<DISCONTINUED> 0 0 0 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0 0 0 0
<CHANGES> 0 0 0 0
<NET-INCOME> (32,100) (22,300) (14,600) (504,800)
<EPS-BASIC> 0 0 0 0
<EPS-DILUTED> 0 0 0 0
</TABLE>
