<PAGE>
Exhibit 2.3
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL
CONDITION
OVERVIEW
Stolt Comex Seaway S.A. ("SCS") is a holding company which through its
subsidiaries is the leading subsea contractor to the oil and gas industry,
specializing in technologically sophisticated offshore and subsea engineering,
flowline, trunkline and pipeline lay, construction, inspection and maintenance
services. The Company operates in more than 60 countries worldwide and maintains
offices in Europe, the Middle East, West Africa, Asia Pacific, and the Americas.
A publicly-traded company since May 1993, SCS was established through the merger
of the businesses of two leading diving support services companies, Comex
Services S.A. and Stolt-Nielsen Seaway A/S, which were acquired by Stolt-Nielsen
S.A. ("SNSA") in separate transactions in 1992. At the time of acquisition,
Comex was a leading worldwide subsea services contractor, which pioneered deep
water saturation diving and subsea construction using both manned and unmanned
techniques. Seaway operated principally in the North Sea and pioneered the
development and use of specially designed, technologically sophisticated diving
support ships and remotely operated vehicles ("ROVs") to support operations in
hostile deep water environments.
SCS completed an initial public offering of 6,000,000 Common Shares in May 1993,
raising additional share capital of approximately $43.4 million. During 1997 SCS
raised additional share capital of approximately $239.8 million by means of two
equity offerings. These proceeds are net of offering expenses of $11.0 million.
In March 1997, the Company sold 8,050,000 Common Shares and during November 1997
an additional 4,000,000 Common Shares were sold. Concurrent with the March
offering the Company exchanged debt due to an affiliate of SNSA for 14,000,000
Class B Shares. Concurrent with the November offering SNSA sold 4,000,000 Common
Shares that had been converted from 8,000,000 Class B Shares.
On January 9, 1998 the Company completed a two-for-one stock split which was
effected by means of a stock dividend distribution. On June 25, 1998 the Company
issued a stock dividend in the form of one new Class A Share for every two
Common Shares held. All share data and per share data have been restated to
reflect this.
In August 1998, SCS acquired Ceanic Corporation ("Ceanic"), a publicly traded
Houston-based subsea contractor, for approximately $218.9 million. Ceanic
provides both subsea services and products to the offshore oil and gas industry
in the Gulf of Mexico and inland underwater services and products to domestic
industrial and governmental customers. With Ceanic, SCS took ownership of a
substantial fleet of ships, ROVs, and other related technologies.
The acquisition of Ceanic was strategically important for SCS to access the
growing deep water market for subsea services in the Gulf of Mexico, and to
strengthen the dialogue with Houston-based oil and gas companies with regard to
providing them with subsea services for their worldwide needs.
In December 1998, SCS acquired the ROV business of Dolphin A/S for approximately
$16.9 million. This acquisition included 21 ROVs, the majority of which are on
long-term contracts to major oil companies in Norway.
On December 7, 1999 the Company announced the completion of a transaction to
form a joint venture entity, NKT Flexibles I/S, for the manufacture of flexible
flowlines and dynamic flexible risers for the offshore oil and gas industry. NKT
Flexibles I/S is owned 51% by NKT Holdings A/S, and 49% by SCS. Stolt Comex
Seaway S.A. issued 1,758,242 Class A Shares with an average guaranteed value of
$14.475 per share and paid $10.5 million in cash for its 49% interest in NKT
Flexibles I/S, a total consideration of $36.0 million.
On December 16, 1999 the Company announced the acquisition of the French
offshore construction and engineering company ETPM S.A. ("ETPM"), a wholly owned
subsidiary of Groupe GTM S.A. ("GTM"), the construction affiliate of Suez
Lyonnaise des Eaux S.A.. SCS paid GTM $130.0 million in cash and issued
6,142,857 Class A Shares. These shares are subject to a minimum guaranteed price
of between $17.50 and $18.50, which is expected to give GTM a total price for
its ETPM shares of between $237.5 and $243.6 million. This transaction is
discussed further under the "liquidity and capital resources" and "subsequent
events" sections below.
The market for the Company's services is dependent upon the success of
exploration and the level of development and production expenditures in the oil
and gas industry. Such expenditures are cyclical in nature and are influenced by
prevailing and anticipated oil and gas prices.
The price of oil fell dramatically during the latter part of 1998 and continued
to be low during the early part of 1999. This affected different segments of the
industry in different ways. New field developments in shallow water can be
turned on or off at relatively short notice and this was particularly noticeable
in the U.K. sector of the North Sea and the U.S. Gulf of Mexico during 1999
where the markets for the Company's services were well below those seen in
previous years. However, new developments in deeper water, SCS's core activity,
have longer lead times and, require a greater length of time for the planning
and installation phases. These areas remained relatively stable during 1999.
The Company's backlog at January 31, 2000 stands at $1,060.2 million, of which
$657.6 million is for 2000. Included in this figure is $477.8 million for the
newly acquired business of ETPM. This compares to a backlog at January 31, 1999
of $597.6 million, of which $382.3 million was for 1999.
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL
CONDITION, CONTINUED
The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with general accepted
accounting principles, requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the period. Actual results
could differ from those estimates. Estimates are used in the determination of
the percentage of completion of long-term contracts, allowances for doubtful
accounts, the assessment of the impairment of the value of long-lived assets,
depreciation and amortization, employee benefit plans, taxes and contingencies
among others.
SEASONALITY
Over the past three years a substantial proportion of the Company's revenue has
been generated from work performed in the North Sea and, more recently, North
America. Although less apparent than in the past due to technological advances,
adverse weather conditions during the winter months in these regions usually
result in lower levels of activity during these periods. It is anticipated that
the high level of activity in Africa through the newly acquired business of ETPM
will not significantly change this pattern in the future. Therefore, full year
results are not likely to be a direct multiple of any particular quarter or
combination of quarters.
SHIP UTILIZATION
The following tables set forth the average ship utilization by quarter for the
Company's fleets of Dynamically Positioned ("DP") deep water construction ships
and shallow water diving ships and barges. The utilization rate is calculated by
dividing the total number of days for which the ships were engaged in project
related work in a quarter by 95% of the total number of days that the ships were
owned or chartered by the Company in such a quarter, expressed as a percentage.
The remaining 5% of total available days is assumed to relate to normal
maintenance and repair time.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
===============================================================
% UTILIZATION
---------------------------------------------------------------
For the years ended
November 30, Qtr 1 Qtr 2 Qtr 3 Qtr 4 Year
---------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
DEEP WATER CONSTRUCTION SUPPORT SHIPS AND BARGES
---------------------------------------------------------------
1999 81% 76% 85% 65% 77%
1998 84% 87% 96% 80% 86%
1997 84% 97% 99% 100% 96%
===============================================================
SHALLOW WATER SHIPS AND BARGES
---------------------------------------------------------------
1999 33% 38% 55% 46% 43%
1998 23% 63% 43% 55% 53%
1997 65% 33% 25% 63% 46%
===============================================================
</TABLE>
Utilization of the deep water fleet was lower in 1999 than in 1998 due to the
unfavorable market conditions in the U.K. and Gulf of Mexico. In October 1999
the Seaway Condor was taken out of service for a major upgrade which was
required for a new long-term contract in Brazil. In 1998 and 1997 the
utilization of the deep water fleet was high due to favorable market conditions
and the Company's success in securing contracts worldwide. In 1998 utilization
of the deep water fleet was lower than in 1997 due to the strategic
repositioning of the Seaway Hawk and the Seaway Eagle to the Gulf of Mexico and
the North Sea, respectively.
The shallow water diving fleet was only acquired during August 1998 through the
Ceanic acquisition. Comparatives for the first 3 quarters of 1998 and the full
year in 1997 relate to shallow water barges only. Utilization was low in the
shallow water fleet in the first half of 1999 due to the poor market conditions
in the Gulf of Mexico.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following tables show annual net operating revenue and income (loss) before
tax for each of the Company's product lines for the past three fiscal years.
Larger projects are allocated to the two worldwide product lines at tender
stage. Field development projects are those which involve engineering,
procurement, installation and commissioning requiring multiple skills which may
include subsea construction, pipelay, procurement, fabrication, and installation
of Floating Production, Storage and Offloading units, ("FPSO"), Spars and
Tension Leg Platforms, ("TLP"). Subsea construction projects generally involve
welding, hot-tapping, decommissioning and other diving and diverless subsea
construction techniques. All other projects are managed in the region in which
they take place.
<PAGE>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
============================================================================================================================
For the Years Ended November 30, 1999 1998 1997
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NET OPERATING REVENUE
Field development $ 141.7 22.1% $ 268.0 41.2% $ 184.2 42.7%
Subsea construction 160.9 25.1% 145.0 22.3% 78.3 18.2%
U.K. regional business 33.0 5.2% 44.5 6.8% 37.8 8.8%
Norway regional business 54.6 8.5% 37.6 5.8% 42.0 9.7%
Asia Pacific regional business 40.2 6.3% 34.2 5.3% 20.7 4.8%
SEAME* regional business 28.1 4.4% 20.4 3.1% 24.5 5.7%
South America regional business 47.7 7.4% 48.5 7.5% 42.4 9.8%
North America regional business 132.9 20.7% 50.4 7.8% -- --
Other 1.6 0.3% 1.2 0.2% 1.2 0.3%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $ 640.7 100.0% $ 649.8 100.0% $ 431.1 100.0%
============================================================================================================================
NET (LOSS) INCOME BEFORE TAX
Field development $ (9.9) (128.6)% $ 24.3 33.8% $ 15.8 31.5%
Subsea construction 15.1 196.1% 18.7 26.0% 10.5 20.9%
U.K. regional business 1.8 23.4% 3.9 5.4% 3.9 7.8%
Norway regional business 3.3 42.9% 2.6 3.6% 6.3 12.6%
Asia Pacific regional business (4.9) (63.6)% 6.8 9.5% 3.3 6.6%
SEAME* regional business (0.5) (6.5)% (0.4) (0.6)% (0.4) (0.8)%
South America regional business 7.4 96.1% 0.3 0.4% 4.0 8.0%
North America regional business (7.9) (102.6)% 8.3 11.6% -- --
Other 3.3 42.8% 7.3 10.3% 6.7 13.4%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $ 7.7 100.0% $ 71.8 100.0% $ 50.1 100.0%
============================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
*SEAME (SOUTHERN EUROPE, AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST)
OVERALL
Net operating revenue decreased to $640.7 million in 1999 from $649.8 million in
1998 largely as a result of poor market conditions in the U.K. particularly in
field development, and the Gulf of Mexico. The increase of revenue in North
America regional business shown above is entirely due to the full year impact of
the acquisition of Ceanic. The poor market conditions together with the interest
expense incurred on borrowings, which increased as a result of the Ceanic
acquisition, resulted in a decrease in net income before tax from $71.8 million
in 1998 to $7.7 million in 1999. Poor project performance in Asia Pacific also
contributed to the reduction in net income before tax.
Net operating revenue increased to $649.8 million in 1998 from $431.1 million in
1997 largely as a result of additional business in the North Sea, the full year
impact of ships added to the fleet during 1997, and the impact of the
acquisition of Ceanic. Net income before tax increased to $71.8 million from
$50.1 million in 1997 reflecting the above factors together with reduced
borrowing costs following two successful equity offerings in 1997.
FIELD DEVELOPMENT
Net operating revenue decreased to $141.7 million in 1999 compared to $268.0
million in 1998 as a result of the market conditions in the U.K., which made it
difficult to replace the Amerada Hess Triton project. In addition a large part
of the activity of the field development product line was directed towards the
Girassol project in West Africa which is conducted through a joint venture and
is, therefore, shown as equity in net income of non-consolidated joint ventures
in the income statement. This project will largely be conducted in 2000 and
2001. Net operating revenue in 1998 increased to $268.0 million from $184.2
million in 1997 largely as a result of winning the Amerada Hess Triton project
in the U.K..
Net loss before tax in 1999 of $9.9 million compared to a net income before tax
of $24.3 million in 1998 largely as a result of the reduced activity in the
U.K., and market conditions, which severely impacted the utilization of assets
in this product line. There were also trenching difficulties associated with a
number of projects. The net income of $24.3 million in 1998 increased from $15.8
million in 1997 largely as a result of the high levels of asset utilization
associated with the Amerada Hess Triton project and a number of other smaller
projects in the North Sea.
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL
CONDITION, CONTINUED
SUBSEA CONSTRUCTION
Net operating revenue of $160.9 million in 1999 increased from $145.0 million in
1998 as a result of increased activity in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea
where the Company was very successful in 1999, and strong campaigns in both
North America and SEAME. The net operating revenue in 1998 increased to $145.0
million from $78.3 million in 1997 due to market conditions in the North Sea and
SEAME regions.
Net income before tax of $15.1 million in 1999 decreased from $18.7 million in
1998 due to reduced asset utilization resulting from the poor market conditions
in the U.K. and reduced margins worldwide. Net income before tax increased from
$10.5 million in 1997 to $18.7 million in 1998.
U.K. REGIONAL BUSINESS
Net operating revenue of $33.0 million in 1999 decreased from $44.5 million in
1998. This was entirely due to the poor market conditions in the region.
However, a significant long-term contract for BP Amoco was awarded towards the
end of 1999 and it is anticipated that this will have a positive effect on the
results for 2000. In 1998 the revenue of $44.5 million represented an increase
of $6.7 million from 1997 revenue of $37.8 million. This increase was largely
due to the availability of assets in the region with the addition of the SEAWAY
EAGLE and DISCOVERY to the fleet during 1997.
The net income before tax of $1.8 million in 1999 compared to net income before
tax of $3.9 million in 1998. This can largely be explained by the reduced market
activity in the region, which reduced margins and asset utilization. Net income
before tax of $3.9 million in 1998 was unchanged from net income before tax in
1997.
NORWAY REGIONAL BUSINESS
Net operating revenue for 1999 was $54.6 million compared to $37.6 million for
1998. The increase in 1999 was due to the purchase of the ROV business of
Dolphin A/S that contributed approximately $10.0 million to revenue in 1999. Net
operating revenue in 1998 was a decrease of $4.4 million from 1997 due to lower
levels of survey work in 1998.
Net income before tax in 1999 was $3.3 million compared to $2.6 million in 1998.
This increase can be attributed to the purchase of the ROV business described
above. This was partially offset by the competitive nature of the market for
regional business, particularly drill support in Norway during 1999 and an under
utilization of regional assets. Net income before tax in 1998 of $2.6 million
was a substantial decrease from 1997 net income before tax of $6.3 million. In
1997 both survey and IMR projects performed extremely well and asset utilization
was very good.
ASIA PACIFIC REGIONAL BUSINESS
In 1999 net operating revenue increased to $40.2 million from $34.2 million due
to improvements in the market in the region for ROVs and in the Indonesian
market in general. In 1998 net operating revenue of $34.2 million was an
improvement of $13.5 million from 1997 revenue of $20.7 million, which was
largely due to market improvements.
In 1999 a net loss before tax of $4.9 million compared to a net income before
tax of $6.8 million in 1998. This loss largely resulted from poor project
performance on two projects in Indonesia where unexpected soil conditions made
the trenching of pipelines very difficult. Net income before tax of $6.8 million
in 1998 compared to net income before tax of $3.3 million in 1997. The increase
in 1998 was the result of improvements in market conditions as discussed above.
SEAME REGIONAL BUSINESS
Net operating revenue in 1999 of $28.1 million compared favorably to revenue in
1998 of $20.4 million. This increase was partly due to the acquisition, as part
of Ceanic, of two ships operating in Nigeria and partly due to improved market
conditions in the region. A decrease of $4.1 million from 1997 revenue of $24.5
million to $20.4 million in 1998 reflected an increased focus on product line
business in this period, which left fewer assets available to undertake regional
business in SEAME.
A net loss before tax of $0.5 million compared to a net loss before tax of $0.4
million in both 1998 and 1997. These losses reflect the fact that work is
undertaken on regional business during the winter months to maximize the
utilization of assets, which would otherwise be idle.
SOUTH AMERICA REGIONAL BUSINESS
Net operating revenue of $47.7 million in 1999 compared to $48.5 million in 1998
and $42.4 million in 1997. The 1999 revenue was impacted by the currency
devaluation in Brazil where some of the revenue is denominated in local
currency. However, this was offset by both compensation from Petrobras under the
terms of their contract and savings on local costs, which are also denominated
in local currency. This resulted in net income before tax for 1999 of $7.4
million compared to $0.3 million in 1998 and $4.0 million in 1997. Unscheduled
drydockings for both the Seaway Harrier and Seaway Osprey early in 1998 affected
the income of the region during that period. During the second quarter of 2000
the Seaway Osprey is to be replaced by the Seaway Condor which is currently
undergoing a major upgrade. The Seaway Osprey is expected back in the North Sea
at the end of her contract in Brazil.
<PAGE>
NORTH AMERICA REGIONAL BUSINESS
Net operating revenue in 1999 was $132.9 million compared to $50.4 million in
1998. There was no regional business in 1997. Regional business in North America
commenced in August 1998 with the acquisition of Ceanic. Results in 1999 were
disappointing due to the poor market conditions in the Gulf of Mexico where
activity levels have been at a ten year low due to depressed prices for oil and
gas for much of 1999. With oil and gas prices now at a higher level it is
expected that this market will recover during late 2000. The poor market
conditions resulted in a net loss before tax in 1999 of $7.9 million compared to
a net income before tax for the last quarter of 1998 of $8.3 million.
OTHER
Other items are those which are not directly attributable to product lines or
regional activity. These included the activity of Seaway Heavy Lifting Limited
("SHL"), a joint venture with a subsidiary of the Russian oil company
Lukoil-Kaliningradmorneft plc ("Lukoil"), the results of the Company's treasury
operations, and other corporate related items.
Net operating revenue in 1999 amounted to $1.6 million compared to $1.2 million
in 1998 and 1997. This relates to management charges to joint ventures.
Net income before tax for 1999 was $3.3 million compared to $7.3 million in
1998. This decrease was largely due to lower utilization of the vessel operated
by SHL, the Stanislav Yudin, offset to some extent by reduced foreign exchange
losses and gains on the disposal of fixed assets. Net income of $7.3 million in
1998 compared to $6.7 million in 1997. This increase was the result of strong
market conditions and good project performance by SHL.
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
Depreciation and amortization in 1999 of $56.1 million compared to $35.5 million
in 1998. This increase was largely the result of the full year impact of the
Ceanic acquisition and fixed asset additions during 1998.
Depreciation and amortization in 1998 was $35.5 million compared to $25.5
million in 1997. The increase in 1998 was largely due to fixed asset additions
in 1997 and 1998 and the acquisition of Ceanic in August 1998.
EQUITY IN NET INCOME OF NON-CONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES
Equity in net income of non-consolidated joint ventures in 1999 was $5.2
million, compared to $14.8 million in 1998 and $12.2 million in 1997. The
decrease in 1999 was due to the completion of a project specific joint venture
in the North Sea in 1998 and the reduced activity of SHL. The increase in 1998
was due to the commencement of a project specific joint venture in the North Sea
and the activity levels of SHL during the period. The Company has an agreement
with Lukoil to continue SHL until 2001.
ADMINISTRATIVE AND GENERAL EXPENSES
Administrative and general expenses in 1999 were $51.8 million, compared to
$45.9 million and $31.4 million in 1998 and 1997, respectively. The increase is
largely due to the full year effect of the Ceanic acquisition, and the absence
of a profit sharing provision in 1999. The increase in 1998 over 1997 was
largely due to the Ceanic acquisition and an increased profit share provision.
RESTRUCTURING CHARGE
During the year the Company carried out a reorganization of its North Sea
operations. The Company's operational base in Haugesund, Norway was closed in
July 1999. A single organization providing administrative and operational
support was established during 1999 for North Sea commercial and administrative
functions. Non-recurring costs amounting to $1.6 million were expensed, of which
$1.3 million related to redundancy and relocation costs and $0.3 million related
to other administrative costs. These have been shown as a separate line in the
income statement. During the year SCS paid out $1.0 million redundancy costs,
leaving a provision of $0.3 million at November 30, 1999. These costs will be
paid out during 2000. All administrative costs in relation to the restructuring
were paid out during the year. The reorganization resulted in 66 redundancies in
commercial and administrative functions, of which 58 had been effected at
November 30, 1999. The remaining staff will be made redundant during 2000.
WRITE DOWN OF CERTAIN ASSETS
During the year ended November 30, 1997 the Company recognized a SFAS No. 121
impairment loss of $4.2 million. This loss related to certain subsea assets
developed by the Company which were impaired as a result of technical
obsolescence. The estimated undiscounted net cash flows directly attributable to
the utilization of such assets and their eventual disposition were less than the
net book value of such assets at that time. These assets were written down to
values considered by management to be an assessment of their fair market value.
In addition a small number of obsolete items were also written down to $nil as
management considered it unlikely that they would be utilized in future years.
NON-OPERATING (EXPENSE) INCOME
NET INTEREST EXPENSE
In 1999 net interest expense increased to $16.7 million from $5.1 million in
1998. This increase resulted from the acquisition of Ceanic, which was largely
debt financed. In 1998 net interest expense
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL
CONDITION, CONTINUED
decreased from $9.5 million in 1997 to $5.1 million in 1998 as a result of lower
borrowing requirements subsequent to the equity offerings made in 1997.
INCOME TAXES
The Company recorded a net tax benefit of $8.5 million in 1999, compared to a
net tax provision in 1998 and 1997 of $17.5 million and $11.1 million,
respectively. The tax credit, in 1999, largely results from the disappointing
year in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico where substantial pre tax losses were
recognized. The increase in the provision between 1997 and 1998 relates for the
most part to increases in pre-tax income recognized in the U.K. and Norway.
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING POLICY
In 1998, the Company changed its accounting policy for drydocking from an
accrual basis to a deferral basis. Under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No.
20 (APB No. 20) the Company is required to separately disclose the cumulative
effect at December 1, 1997. This amounted to $3.1 million net of tax.
CAPITAL STOCK AND EARNINGS PER SHARE
On January 9, 1998 the Company completed a two-for-one stock split which was
effected by means of a stock dividend distribution. On June25, 1998 the Company
issued a stock dividend in the form of one new Class A Share for each two Common
Shares.
In March 1997, the Company sold 8,050,000 Common Shares and during November 1997
an additional 4,000,000 Common Shares were sold. Concurrent with the March
offering the Company exchanged debt due to an affiliate of SNSA for 14,000,000
Class B Shares. Concurrent with the November offering SNSA sold 4,000,000 Common
Shares that had been converted from 8,000,000 Class B Shares.
All share and earnings per share information contained within the Annual Report
have been restated to reflect the stock split and creation of Class A Shares.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The primary liquidity needs of the Company are to fund working capital and
capital expenditures. The Company's principal sources of funds have been cash
generated from operations, borrowings from commercial banks, SNSA and funding
raised in the equity markets.
On December 19, 1997 the Company obtained a revolving credit facility led by
HSBC Bank plc (formerly Midland Bank plc) and Den norske Bank ASA, which
provides for a five-year revolving credit line in the principal amount of $125.0
million, such principal amount reducing to $100.0 million and $75.0 million in
years four and five, respectively. The interest charges are based on the ratio
of the Company's debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and
amortization ("EBITDA") and will range from the London Interbank Offer Rate
("LIBOR") +0.4% to LIBOR + 0.8%.
On April 1, 1999 the Company agreed a new credit facility with Den norske Bank
ASA, Bank of America NT & SA, HSBC Bank plc, and ASLK-CGER Bank. This facility
is in the form of a five-year revolving credit line. The initial amount
available was $150.0 million, which is to be reduced by $12.5 million semi
annually leaving $37.5 million due at maturity. Currently there is $137.5
million available under this facility. The interest charges are based on the
ratio of the Company's debt to EBITDA and will range from LIBOR + 0.85% to LIBOR
+ 1.40% over the life of the facility.
Subsequent to November 30, 1999 the Company agreed a bridging facility with Den
norske Bank ASA for $150.0 million with a duration of 364 days. Interest will be
charged at LIBOR + 1.1875%. The purpose of the facility was to finance a portion
of the purchase price of the acquisition of ETPM, to refinance existing
indebtedness of ETPM, and for other working capital purposes. It is anticipated
this facility will be re-financed during the year.
As of November 30, 1999 the Company had available bank facilities of $315.6
million of which $122.3 million were utilized at November 30, 1999. Of the bank
facilities utilized, $100.0 million were classified as long-term debt.
In addition the Company also had debt at November 30, 1999 due to SNSA of $150.0
million, of which $100.0 million is classified as long-term and $50.0 million as
short-term. During 2000 the conversion of the long-term debt to 10,341,262 Class
A Shares will be completed. The short-term debt will be repaid using existing
bank facilities.
During the next financial year the Company expects to make capital expenditures
of $400.0 million, including the acquisition of ETPM and the investment in NKT
Flexibles I/S which are discussed under subsequent events below. Of this capital
expenditure approximately $62.0 million was committed at November 30, 1999.
Approximately $140.0 million of the capital expenditure will be funded using
Class A Shares. Scheduled debt service is expected to be $63.0 million. In
addition it will be necessary to re-finance approximately $60.0 million of debt
existing in ETPM on acquisition. Based on the current level of activity, cash
used by operations is expected to be $9.0 million, which results in a funding
requirement of $314.0 million. The Company has adequate facilities to meet this
need.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $40.3 million during 1999 compared
to $103.7 million in 1998. Average accounts receivable days increased to 113
days at November 30, 1999 from 108 days at November 30, 1998. Accounts payable
days of 91 days at November 30, 1999 compared to 117 days in 1998.
The year to year fluctuations in cash from operating activities is due to
fluctuations in net operating income as discussed under "Results of operations"
above.
<PAGE>
Net cash provided by operating activities in 1998 was $103.7 million, compared
to $2.9 million in 1997. This large increase was a result of improved
profitability during the year, a reduction in the average accounts receivable
days outstanding from 124 days in 1997 to 108 days (as adjusted for Ceanic) in
1998, and an increase in average accounts payable days outstanding from 90 days
in 1997 to 117 days (as adjusted for Ceanic) in 1998. Net cash used in investing
activities in 1999 was $75.8 million compared to $328.2 million in 1998. In 1998
the acquisition of Ceanic accounted for $213.1 million; net of cash acquired. In
1999 $90.9 million was used to purchase fixed assets which was partially offset
by dividends from joint ventures of $11.6 million.
Net cash used in investing activities in 1998 of $328.2 million compared to
$101.3 million in 1997. In addition to the purchase of Ceanic described above
$123.3 million was used to purchase fixed assets, which was partly offset by
$12.6 million in dividends from joint ventures.
Net cash used in investing activities in 1997 was also used to purchase fixed
assets of $108.6 million offset by dividends of $7.0 million from joint
ventures.
Net cash provided by financing activities in 1999 was $34.7 million, compared to
$225.3 million in 1998 and $102.3 million in 1997. In 1999 this was comprised of
an increase in long-term debt of $34.0 million, repayment of long-term debt of
$1.4 million, $5.6 million additional drawdown on short-term facilities, $1.0
million increase in restricted cash deposits, and $3.1 million repayment of
capital lease obligations. In 1998 this comprised a long-term loan from SNSA of
$150.0 million, $66.0 million of new long-term debt, $1.0 million repayment of
long-term debt, $4.1 million additional drawdown on short-term bank facilities,
and $5.8 million of release of restricted cash. In 1997 net cash from financing
activities was largely comprised of $179.8 million of proceeds from equity
offerings offset by repayments of long-term debt and debt due to an affiliate.
MULTI-CURRENCY ACTIVITIES
The reporting currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. The majority of net
operating expenses are denominated in the functional currency of the individual
operating subsidiaries. In the North Sea region the functional currencies are
the Norwegian kroner and the British pound and in SEAME it is the U.S. dollar.
The Company ceased to treat activities in Brazil as occurring in a
hyperinflationary environment with effect from December 1, 1997, as a result in
a change in the status of this economy as determined by inflation factors laid
down by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").
The Company enters into forward exchange and options contracts to hedge capital
expenditures and operational non-functional currency exposures on a continuing
basis for periods consistent with its committed exposures. The Company does not
engage in currency speculation.
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On December 7, 1999 the Company announced the completion of a transaction to
form a joint venture entity, NKT Flexibles I/S, for the manufacture of flexible
flowlines and dynamic flexible risers for the offshore oil and gas industry. NKT
Flexibles I/S is owned 51% by NKT Holdings A/S, and 49% by SCS. Stolt Comex
Seaway S.A. issued 1,758,242 Class A Shares with an average guaranteed value of
$14.475 per share and paid $10.5 million in cash for its 49% interest in NKT
Flexibles I/S, a total consideration of $36.0 million.
On December 16, 1999 the Company announced the acquisition of the French
offshore construction and engineering company ETPM S.A. ("ETPM"), a wholly owned
subsidiary of Groupe GTM S.A. ("GTM"), the construction affiliate of Suez
Lyonnaise des Eaux S.A.. SCS paid GTM $130.0 million in cash and issued
6,142,857 Class A Shares. These shares are subject to a minimum guaranteed
price, which is expected to give GTM a total price for its ETPM shares of
between $237.5 and $243.6 million. This acquisition was initially funded by
funds provided by SNSA, which have been replaced by a bridge finance facility
provided by Den norske Bank ASA for $150.0 million with a duration of 364days.
Interest will be levied at LIBOR + 1.1875%. This will be re-financed during the
year.
The guaranteed minimum share price is $17.50 per share for the first six months
after closing and increases by $0.25 every six months up to a maximum of $18.50
per share after 24 months. For the first 24 months after closing, GTM is free to
sell all or part of their SCS shares at any time. SCS will only be obliged to
honor its minimum price guarantee in the event SCS elects to arrange such sale.
From the period of 24 to 30 months after the closing, SCS may force GTM to sell
its shares in SCS. From the period of 24 to 30 months after the closing GTM may
request that SCS arranges to sell GTM's shares in SCS. In each case, the minimum
guarantee share price will apply. From the period of 24 to 30 months after the
closing, GTM continues to have the right to sell all or part of its shares in
SCS. For those shares that GTM have not sold by month 30 after the closing, GTM
can require SCS to sell GTM's shares in SCS and the minimum price guarantee will
apply. Thirty months after closing, the guarantee lapses.
In addition SCS has entered into a hire purchase arrangement for two ships owned
by GTM, the Seaway Polaris and the DLB 801, (derrick lay barge), with an early
purchase option after two years. The net present value of this arrangement is
approximately $32.0 million.
During 2000 the Company will incur restructuring costs as a result of the ETPM
acquisition. It is expected these will include the costs associated with is
closure of certain offices and redundancy of certain personnel. Management has
determined the structure of the new organization and is in the final stages of
planning the integration process. Restructuring costs are expected to be in the
region of between $15.0 million and $20.0 million.
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL
CONDITION, CONTINUED
In addition to the 6,142,857 Class A Shares issued to GTM, to finance the
transaction, SCS and SNSA have agreed to convert $100.0 million of debt due to
SNSA into 10,341,262 Class A Shares at a price of $9.67. Of the total 77.3
million Common Shares and Common Share equivalents outstanding upon completion
of the debt conversion, SNSA will own 47.6%, GTM 7.9%, and NKT 2.3% with the
public float representing 42.2%.
It is proposed that the Company's name be changed to Stolt Offshore S.A. at the
AGM in April in recognition of our continuing evolution into a larger and more
diverse company.
Both Bernard Vossier the Chief Executive Officer and Pierre Laborie, who was
until recently the Vice-Chairman and President of ETPM, will be nominated to
stand for election to be members of the Board at that meeting.
MARKET RISK
The Company is exposed to market risk, including changes in interest rates and
currency exchange rates. To manage the volatility relating to these exposures on
a consolidated basis, the Company nets the exposures and takes advantage of
natural offsets and enters into derivative transactions for the remaining
currency exposures in accordance with the Company's policies. The financial
impact of these instruments is offset by corresponding changes in the underlying
exposures being hedged. The Company does not hold or issue derivative
instruments for trading purposes.
CURRENCY RATE AND INTEREST RATE EXPOSURE
The Company's exposure to currency rate fluctuations results from its net
investments in foreign subsidiaries, primarily in the U.K., Norway, France and
Brazil, and from its share of the local currency earnings in its operations in
the U.K. and Norway. The Company is also exposed to fluctuations in several
other currencies resulting from operating expenditures and one-off liabilities.
The Company's currency rate exposure policy prescribes the range of allowable
hedging activity. The Company primarily utilizes forward exchange contracts and
purchased options. The Company does not use derivatives to hedge the value of
investments in foreign subsidiaries.
The Company's exposure to third party interest rate fluctuations results
primarily from floating-rate short-term lines of credit, as well as
floating-rate long-term revolving credit facilities tied to LIBOR.
The Company uses a "Value-at-Risk" (VAR) model to estimate the potential loss
that could occur from the adverse movements in either interest rates or foreign
exchange rates. The VAR model uses historical foreign exchange rates and
interest rates to estimate the volatility and correlation of these rates in
future periods. It estimates a potential one-day loss in fair market value using
statistical modeling techniques and including substantially all market risk
exposures, specifically excluding equity-method investments. The VAR model
estimates were made assuming normal market conditions and a 95% confidence
level.
The 95% confidence interval signifies the Company's degree of confidence that
actual losses would not exceed the estimated losses shown in the table below.
The amounts shown here disregard the possibility that interest rates and foreign
currency exchange rates could move favorably. The VAR model assumes that all
movements in these rates will be adverse. Actual experience has shown that gains
and losses tend to offset each other over time, and it is highly unlikely that
the Company could experience losses such as these over an extended period of
time. These amounts should not be considered projections of future losses, since
actual results may differ significantly depending upon activity in the global
financial markets.
The fair value losses shown in the table below have no impact on the Company's
results of operations or financial condition.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=============================================================================
VAR Interest Rates Foreign exchange rates
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
As of November 30, 1999 $693 $70
=============================================================================
</TABLE>
A discussion of the Company's accounting policies for financial instruments is
included in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, and disclosure
relating to the financial instruments is included in Note 24 to the consolidated
financial statements.
EURO
The Company has carried out an initial review of the impact of carrying out
business in an additional currency, and it is anticipated that there is unlikely
to be a material impact on the Company in the short-term. Those financial
systems, which must be upgraded to provide Euro compliance, will be
systematically upgraded to meet commercial requirements. Any foreign exchange
risks will be assessed and managed as part of the Company's foreign exchange
program.
YEAR 2000
In 1997, the Company established a company-wide initiative to identify,
evaluate, and address Year 2000 issues covering the information technology
systems and applications used in its business. In addition, the project included
a review of the Year 2000 compliance efforts of key suppliers, customers, and
other principal business partners. While the scope of the project was broad, it
was structured in such a way as to identify and prioritize efforts on critical
systems, network elements and products, and key business partners. To date, the
Company has not experienced significant systems problems at the turn of the
millennium.
The Company incurred approximately $0.2 million in expenses during 1999 in
connection with the efforts on Year 2000 issues. In 1998, the Company recorded
$0.1 million.
<PAGE>
IMPACT OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In March 1998, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee of the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants issued Statement of Position 98-1
("SOP 98-1"), "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or
Obtained for Internal Use", which provides guidance on accounting for the costs
of computer software developed or obtained for internal use. This SOP requires
computer software costs that are incurred in the preliminary project stage to be
expensed as incurred. Once the capitalization criteria of the SOP have been met,
directly attributable development costs should be capitalized. It also provides
guidance on the treatment of upgrade and maintenance expenditure. SOP 98-1 is
effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1998. Costs incurred
prior to initial application of this SOP, whether capitalized or not, should not
be adjusted to the amounts that would have been capitalized had this SOP been in
effect when those costs were incurred. The adoption of SOP 98-1 is not expected
to have a significant impact on the Company's financial statements or
disclosures.
In April 1998, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee of the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants issued Statement of Position 98-5
("SOP 98-5"), "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up Activities", which provides
guidance on the financial reporting of start-up costs and organization costs.
This SOP requires costs of start-up activities and organization costs to be
expensed as incurred. SOP 98-5 is effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 1998. The adoption of SOP 98-5 is not expected to have a
significant effect on the Company's financial statements or disclosures.
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS No.
133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities". The
Statement establishes accounting and reporting standards in the U.S. requiring
that every derivative instrument (including certain derivative instruments
embedded in other contracts) be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset
or liability measured at its fair value. The Statement requires that changes in
the derivative's fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific
hedge accounting criteria are met. Special accounting for qualifying hedges
allows a derivative's gains and losses to offset related results on the hedged
items in the income statement, and requires that a company must formally
document, designate, and assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive
hedge accounting.
In 1999, the FASB issued SFAS No. 137, which deferred the effective date of SFAS
No. 133. SFAS No. 133, as amended by SFAS No. 137, is effective for fiscal years
beginning after June 15, 2000. A company may also implement the Statement as of
the beginning of any fiscal quarter after issuance (that is, fiscal quarters
beginning June 16, 1998 and thereafter). SFAS No. 133 cannot be applied
retroactively. SFAS No. 133 must be applied to (a)derivative (b) certain
derivative instruments embedded in hybrid contracts that were issued, acquired,
or substantively modified after December31, 1997.
The Company has not yet quantified the impact of adopting SFAS No.133 on the
amounts presented under U.S. generally accepted accounting standards. However,
the Statement could increase volatility in earnings and comprehensive income.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this Annual Report, including the message from the
Chairman and the operational review from the Chief Executive Officer, describe
plans or expectations for the future and constitute "forward-looking statements"
as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual
and future results and trends could differ materially from those set forth in
such statements due to various factors. Such factors include, among others:
general economic and business conditions; industry capacity; industry trends;
competition; the availability and reliability of ships; project performance;
currency fluctuations; the loss of any significant customers; changes in
business strategy or development plans; availability, terms and deployment of
capital; availability of qualified personnel; changes in, or the failure or
inability to comply with, government regulations; and adverse weather
conditions. Additional information concerning these as well as other factors is
contained from time to time in the Company's U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC") filings, including but not limited to the Company's report on
Form 20-F for the year ended November 30, 1998. Copies of these filings may be
obtained by contacting the Company or the SEC.
<PAGE>
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
===================================================================================================================================
For the years ended November 30, 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net operating revenue $ 640.7 $ 649.8 $ 431.1 $ 313.4 $ 327.0
Non-recurring items $ (1.6) $ -- $ (3.1) $ -- $ (9.0)
Net operating income (loss) $ 24.2 $ 77.7 $ 54.5 $ (3.4) $ 19.2
Cumulative effect of change in accounting policy $ -- $ 3.1 $ -- $ -- $ --
Net income (loss) $ 16.2 $ 57.3 $ 39.0 $ (14.9) $ 2.0
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss) per Common Share and
Common Share equivalents before cumulative
effect of change in accounting policy(a)
Basic $ 0.27 $ 0.92 $ 0.83 $ (0.50) $ 0.07
Diluted $ 0.27 $ 0.91 $ 0.82 $ (0.50) $ 0.07
Net income per Common Share and
Common Share equivalents cumulative effect of
change in accounting policy(a)
Basic $ -- $ 0.05 $ -- $ -- $ --
Diluted $ -- $ 0.05 $ -- $ -- $ --
Net income (loss) per Common Share and
Common Share equivalents(a)
Basic $ 0.27 $ 0.97 $ 0.83 $ (0.50) $ 0.07
Diluted $ 0.27 $ 0.96 $ 0.82 $ (0.50) $ 0.07
Weighted average number of Common Shares and
Common Share equivalents outstanding(a)
Basic 59.1 59.0 47.0 30.0 30.0
Diluted 59.5 60.0 47.6 30.0 30.0
===================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
===================================================================================================================================
As of November 30, 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Current assets less current liabilities (including
current portion of long-term debt, capital
lease obligations and debt due to SNSA) $ 31.9 $ 67.4 $ 78.7 $ (20.0) $ 12.2
Long-term assets $ 591.2 $ 574.2 $ 275.0 $ 207.7 $ 196.6
Long-term debt, including long-term debt
due to SNSA, and capital lease obligations
(including current portion) $ 200.7 $ 221.2 $ 2.6 $ 154.5 $ 128.3
Other long-term liabilities $ 14.5 $ 22.5 $ 3.5 $ 4.2 $ 6.6
Shareholders' equity $ 408.4 $ 400.6 $ 348.0 $ 76.9 $ 90.9
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Book value per Common Share and
Common Share equivalents(a)
Basic $ 6.91 $ 6.79 $ 7.40 $ 2.56 $ 3.03
Diluted $ 6.86 $ 6.68 $ 7.31 $ 2.56 $ 3.03
Weighted average number of Common Shares and
Common Share equivalents outstanding(a)
Basic 59.1 59.0 47.0 30.0 30.0
Diluted 59.5 60.0 47.6 30.0 30.0
Total number of Common Shares and
Common Share equivalents outstanding(a) 59.2 59.0 59.0 30.0 30.0
===================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
(a) All share data and per share data have been restated to reflect the
two-for-one stock split completed on January 9, 1998 and the Class A Share
distribution on June 25, 1998.
