10-K 1 d273138d10k.htm FORM 10-K Form 10-K
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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

þ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from .......... to ..........

Commission file number 001-31305

FOSTER WHEELER AG

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Switzerland   98-0607469
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No).

80 Rue de Lausanne

CH 1202 Geneva, Switzerland

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

1202

(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

41 22 741 80 00

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

(Title of Each Class)   (Name of each exchange on which registered)

Foster Wheeler AG,

Registered Shares, CHF 3.00 par value

  The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

 

(Title of Each Class)   (Name of each exchange on which registered)

None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    þ  Yes  ¨  No

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    ¨  Yes  þ  No

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.    þ  Yes  ¨  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files)    þ  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.    þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (check one)

 

Large accelerated filer  þ   Accelerated filer  ¨  

Non-accelerated filer  ¨

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

  Smaller reporting company  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    ¨  Yes  þ  No

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $2,922,000,000 as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, based upon the closing sale price on the NASDAQ Global Select Market reported for such date. Registered shares held as of such date by each officer and director and by each person who owns 5% or more of the outstanding common shares have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.

There were 107,749,674 of the registrant’s registered shares outstanding as of February 10, 2012.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

Part III incorporates information by reference from the definitive proxy statement for the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, which is expected to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the close of the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

FOSTER WHEELER AG

INDEX

 

ITEM

       Page  
  PART I   

 1.

  Business      1   

 1A.

  Risk Factors      9   

 1B.

  Unresolved Staff Comments      21   

 2.

  Properties      22   

 3.

  Legal Proceedings      23   

 4.

  Mine Safety Disclosures      23   
  PART II   

 5.

  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities      24   

 6.

  Selected Financial Data      27   

 7.

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      29   

 7A.

  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk      66   

 8.

  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data      67   

 9.

  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure      129   

 9A.

  Controls and Procedures      129   

 9B.

  Other Information      129   
  PART III   

 10.

  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance      130   

 11.

  Executive Compensation      130   

 12.

  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters      130   

 13.

  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence      131   

 14.

  Principal Accountant Fees and Services      131   
  PART IV   

 15.

  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules      132   

This annual report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of the risk factors set forth in this annual report on Form 10-K. See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Safe Harbor Statement” for further information.


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PART I

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

General

Foster Wheeler AG was incorporated under the laws of Switzerland on November 18, 2008 and registered in the commercial register of the Canton of Zug, Switzerland on November 25, 2008 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Foster Wheeler Ltd. Pursuant to a scheme of arrangement under Bermuda law, on February 9, 2009 all previously outstanding whole common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. were cancelled and Foster Wheeler AG issued registered shares to the holders of whole Foster Wheeler Ltd. common shares that were cancelled. As a result of the scheme of arrangement, the common shareholders of Foster Wheeler Ltd. became common shareholders of Foster Wheeler AG, and Foster Wheeler Ltd. became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Foster Wheeler AG, a holding company that owns the stock of its various subsidiary companies. See “— The Redomestication” for more information regarding the scheme of arrangement and certain related transactions. Except as the context otherwise requires, the terms “Foster Wheeler,” “us” and “we,” as used herein, refer to Foster Wheeler AG and its direct and indirect subsidiaries for the period after the consummation of the scheme of arrangement and Foster Wheeler Ltd. and its direct and indirect subsidiaries for the period before the consummation of the scheme of arrangement.

The redomestication was undertaken in order to establish a corporation more centrally located within Foster Wheeler’s major markets, in a country with a stable and well-developed tax regime as well as a sophisticated financial and commercial infrastructure, and to improve our ability to maintain a competitive worldwide effective corporate tax rate. In January 2010, we relocated our principal executive offices to Geneva, Switzerland.

Amounts in Part I, Item 1 are presented in thousands, except for the number of employees.

Business

We operate through two business groups: our Global Engineering and Construction Group, which we refer to as our Global E&C Group, and our Global Power Group.

Our Global E&C Group, which operates worldwide, designs, engineers and constructs onshore and offshore upstream oil and gas processing facilities, natural gas liquefaction facilities and receiving terminals, gas-to-liquids facilities, oil refining, chemical and petrochemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology facilities and related infrastructure, including power generation facilities, distribution facilities, gasification facilities and processing facilities associated with the metals and mining sector. Our Global E&C Group is also involved in the design of facilities in developing market sectors, including carbon capture and storage, solid fuel-fired integrated gasification combined-cycle power plants, coal-to-liquids, coal-to-chemicals and biofuels. Additionally, our Global E&C Group is also involved in the development, engineering, construction, ownership and operation of power generation facilities, from conventional and renewable sources, and of waste-to-energy facilities.

Our Global E&C Group owns one of the leading technologies (SYDECSM delayed coking) used in refinery residue upgrading, in addition to other refinery residue upgrading technologies (solvent deasphalting and visbreaking), and a hydrogen production process used in oil refineries and petrochemical plants. We also own a proprietary sulfur recovery technology which is used to treat gas streams containing hydrogen sulfide for the purpose of reducing the sulfur content of fuel products and to recover a saleable sulfur by-product.

Our Global E&C Group also designs and supplies direct-fired furnaces, including fired heaters and waste heat recovery generators, used in a range of refinery, chemical, petrochemical, oil and gas processes, including furnaces used in its proprietary delayed coking and hydrogen production technologies. Additionally, our Global E&C Group has experience with, and is able to work with, a wide range of processes owned by others.

Our Global E&C Group generates revenues from design, engineering, procurement, construction and project management activities pursuant to contracts which generally span up to approximately four years in duration. Additionally, our Global E&C Group generates equity earnings from returns on its noncontrolling interest investments in various power production facilities.

 

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Our Global Power Group designs, manufactures and erects steam generators and auxiliary equipment for electric power generating stations, district heating and power plants and industrial facilities worldwide. We believe that our competitive differentiation in serving these markets is the ability of our products to cleanly and efficiently burn a wide range of fuels, singularly or in combination. Our Global Power Group’s steam generators utilize a broad range of technologies, offering independent power producers, utilities, municipalities and industrial clients high-value technology solutions for converting a wide range of fuels, such as coal, lignite, petroleum coke, oil, gas, solar, biomass, municipal solid waste and waste flue gases, into steam, which can be used for power generation, district heating or industrial processes. Among these fuel sources, coal is the most widely used, and thus the market drivers and constraints associated with coal strongly affect the steam generator market and our Global Power Group’s business. Our Global Power Group also conducts research and development in the areas of combustion, solid, fluid and gas dynamics, heat transfer, materials and solid mechanics. Additionally, our Global Power Group owns a waste-to-energy facility and a controlling interest in a combined-cycle gas turbine facility and operates two cogeneration power facilities for steam/electric and refinery/electric power generation.

Our circulating fluidized-bed steam generator technology, which we refer to as CFB, is ideally suited to burn a very wide range of fuels, including low-quality and “waste-type” fuels, and we believe is generally recognized as one of the cleanest burning solid-fuel technologies available on a commercial basis in the world today.

For both our CFB and pulverized coal, which we refer to as PC, steam generators, we offer supercritical once-through-unit designs to further improve the energy efficiency and, therefore, the environmental performance of these units. Once-through supercritical steam generators operate at higher steam temperatures than traditional plants, which results in higher efficiencies and lower emissions, including emissions of carbon dioxide, or CO2, which is considered a greenhouse gas.

Further, for the longer term, we are continuing our development of Flexi-BurnTM technology for our CFB steam generators at coal power plants. This technology will enable our CFB steam generators to capture and store CO2 by operating in “oxygen-firing CO2 capture” mode, commonly referred to as oxy-fuel combustion. In this mode, the CFB combustion process will produce a CO2-rich flue gas which can then be delivered to a storage location while avoiding the need for large, expensive and energy intensive post-combustion CO2 separation equipment.

We also design, manufacture and install auxiliary equipment, which includes steam generators for solar thermal power plants, feedwater heaters, steam condensers and heat-recovery equipment. Our Global Power Group also offers a full line of new and retrofit nitrogen-oxide, which we refer to as NOx, reduction systems such as selective non-catalytic and catalytic NOx reduction systems, as well as complete low-NOx combustion systems. Our multi-pollutant flue gas desulfurization, which we refer to as FGD, equipment utilizes scrubbing technology to capture sulfur dioxide, or SO2, and other harmful emissions and has the ability to meet all applicable emission regulations in the U.S. and Europe. During 2011, we acquired a company based in Germany that designs, manufactures and installs equipment which utilizes circulating dry ash flue gas scrubbing technology for all types of steam generators in the power and industrial sectors. This acquisition enhances our product portfolio. We provide a broad range of site services relating to these products, including construction and erection services, maintenance engineering, plant upgrading and life extensions.

Our Global Power Group generates revenues from engineering activities, equipment supply, construction contracts, operating and maintenance agreements, and royalties from licensing its technology. Additionally, our Global Power Group generates equity earnings from returns on its noncontrolling interest investments in various power production facilities.

In addition to these two business groups, which also represent two of our operating segments for financial reporting purposes, we report corporate center expenses, our captive insurance operation and expenses related to certain legacy liabilities, such as asbestos, in the Corporate and Finance Group, which also represents an operating segment for financial reporting purposes and which we refer to as the C&F Group.

Please refer to Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for a discussion of our operating segments and geographic financial information relating to our operations.

 

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Products and Services

Our Global E&C Group’s products and services include:

Consulting — Our Global E&C Group provides technical and economic analyses and study reports to owners, investors, developers, operators and governments. These services include concept and feasibility studies, market studies, asset assessments, environmental assessments, energy and emissions management, product demand and supply modeling, and technology evaluations.

Design and Engineering — Our Global E&C Group provides a broad range of engineering and design-related services. Our design and engineering capabilities include process, civil, structural, architectural, mechanical, instrumentation, electrical, and health, safety and environmental management. For each project, we identify the project requirements and then integrate and coordinate the various design elements. Other critical tasks in the design process may include engineering to optimize costs, risk and hazard reviews, and the assessment of construction, maintenance and operational requirements.

Project Management and Project Control — Our Global E&C Group offers a wide range of project management and project control services for overseeing engineering, procurement and construction activities. These services include estimating costs, project planning and project cost control. The provision of these services is an integral part of the planning, design and construction phases of projects that we execute directly for clients. We also provide these services to our clients in the role of project management or program management consultant, where we oversee, on our client’s behalf, the execution by other contractors of all or some of the planning, design and construction phases of a project.

Procurement — Our procurement activities focus on those projects where we also execute the design and engineering work. We manage the procurement of materials, subcontractors and craft labor. Often, we purchase materials, equipment and third-party services on behalf of our client, where the client will pay for the purchased items or services at cost and reimburse us the cost of the associated services plus a margin or fee.

Construction/Commissioning and Start-up — Our Global E&C Group provides construction and construction management services on a worldwide basis. Our construction, commissioning and start-up activities focus on those projects where we have performed most of the associated design and engineering work. Depending on the project, we may function as the primary contractor or as a subcontractor to another firm. On some projects, we function as the construction manager, engaged by the customer to oversee another contractor’s compliance with design specifications and contracting terms. In some instances, we have responsibility for commissioning and plant start-up, or, where the client has responsibility for these activities, we provide experts to work as part of our client’s team.

Operations and Maintenance — Our Global E&C Group provides plant operations and maintenance services, such as repair, renovation, predictive and preventative services and other aftermarket services. In some instances, our contracts may require us to operate a plant, which we have designed and built, for an initial period that may vary from a very short period to up to approximately two years.

Fired Heaters — Our Global E&C Group designs and supplies direct-fired furnaces used in a wide range of refining, petrochemical, chemical, oil and gas processes, including fired heaters and waste heat recovery units. In addition, our Global E&C Group also designs and supplies fired heaters which form an integral part of our proprietary delayed coking and hydrogen production technologies.

The principal products of our Global Power Group are steam generators, which are commonly referred to as boilers. Our steam generators produce steam in a range of conditions and qualities, from low-pressure saturated steam to high quality superheated steam at either sub-critical or supercritical conditions (steam pressures above approximately 3,200 pounds-force per square inch absolute). The steam produced by steam generators can be used to produce electricity in power plants, to heat buildings and in the production of many manufactured goods and products, such as paper, chemicals and food products. Our steam generators convert the energy of a wide range of solid and liquid fuels, as well as hot process gases, into steam and can be classified into several types: circulating fluidized-bed, pulverized coal, grate, fully assembled package, field erected oil and gas, waste heat, and heat recovery steam generators. The two most significant elements of our product portfolio are our CFB and PC steam generators.

 

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Our Global Power Group’s products and services include:

Circulating Fluidized-Bed Steam Generators — Our Global Power Group designs, manufactures and supplies steam generators that utilize our proprietary CFB technology to clients worldwide. We believe that CFB combustion is generally recognized as one of the most commercially viable, fuel-flexible and clean burning ways to generate steam on a commercial basis from coal and many other solid fuels and waste products. A CFB steam generator utilizes air nozzles on the floor and lower side walls of its furnace to mix and fluidize the fuel particles as they burn, resulting in a very efficient combustion and heat transfer process. The fuel and other added solid materials, such as limestone, are continuously recycled through the furnace to maximize combustion efficiency and the capture of pollutants, such as the oxides of sulfur, which we refer to as SOx. Due to the efficient mixing of the fuel with the air and other solid materials and the long period of time the fuel remains in the combustion process, the temperature of the process can be greatly reduced below that of a conventional burning process. This has the added benefit of reducing the formation of NOx, which is another pollutant formed during the combustion process. Due to these benefits, additional SOx and NOx control systems are frequently not needed. Supercritical CFB steam technology dramatically raises the pressure of water as it is converted to steam, allowing the steam to absorb more heat from the combustion process, which results in a substantial improvement of approximately 5-15% in the efficiency of an electric power plant. To meet the requirements of the utility power sector, our Global Power Group offers supercritical CFB steam generators that range from 400 megawatt electrical, or MWe, up to 800 MWe in single unit sizes, in addition to subcritical CFB steam generators which typically range between 30-400 MWe. As discussed above, we are continuing to develop Flexi-BurnTM technology for our CFB steam generators. We have received two projects which incorporate our carbon-capturing Flexi-BurnTM technology. These two projects include a contract award to carry out the detailed engineering and supply of a pilot-scale CFB steam generator and we have signed, together with other parties, a grant agreement with the European Commission to support the technology development of a commercial scale Carbon Capture and Storage demonstration plant. Please refer to Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Business Segments,” for further discussion of these projects.

Pulverized Coal Steam Generators — Our Global Power Group designs, manufactures and supplies PC steam generators to clients worldwide. PC steam generators are commonly used in large coal-fired power plant applications. The coal is pulverized into fine particles and injected into the steam generator through specially designed low NOx burners. Our PC steam generators control NOx by utilizing advanced low-NOx combustion technology and selective catalytic reduction technology, which we refer to as SCR. PC technology requires FGD equipment to be installed to capture SOx. We offer our PC steam generators with either conventional sub-critical steam technology or more efficient supercritical steam technology for electric power plant applications. PC steam generators typically range from 200-800 MWe.

Industrial Steam Generators — Our Global Power Group designs, manufactures and supplies industrial steam generators of various types including: CFB, as described above, grate, fully assembled package, field erected oil and gas, waste heat, and heat recovery steam generators. Depending on the steam generator type and application, our industrial boilers are designed to burn a wide spectrum of industrial fuels from high quality oil and natural gas to biomass and “waste type” fuels such as tires, municipal solid waste, waste wood and paper. Our industrial steam generators are designed for ruggedness and reliability.

Auxiliary Equipment and Aftermarket Services Our Global Power Group also manufactures and installs auxiliary and replacement equipment for utility power and industrial facilities, including steam generators for solar thermal power plants, surface condensers, feed water heaters, coal pulverizers, steam generator coils and panels, biomass gasifiers, and replacement parts. Additionally, we install NOx and SOx reduction systems manufactured by third parties. The NOx reduction systems include SCR equipment and low-NOx combustion systems for PC steam generators, which significantly reduce NOx emissions from PC steam generators. The SOx reduction systems include FGD equipment which captures SO2 and other harmful emissions. Our Global Power Group also performs steam generator modifications and provides engineered solutions for steam generators worldwide.

We provide a broad range of site services relating to these products, including construction and erection services, maintenance engineering, plant upgrading and life extension, and plant repowering. Our Global Power

 

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Group also conducts research and development in the areas of combustion, fluid and gas dynamics, heat transfer, materials and solid mechanics. In addition, our Global Power Group licenses its technology to a limited number of third parties in select countries or markets.

Industries We Serve

We serve the following industries:

 

   

Oil and gas;

 

   

Oil refining;

 

   

Chemical/petrochemical;

 

   

Pharmaceutical;

 

   

Environmental;

 

   

Metals and mining;

 

   

Power generation; and

 

   

Power plant operation and maintenance.

Customers and Marketing

We market our services and products through a worldwide staff of sales and marketing professionals, through a network of sales representatives and through partnership or joint venture arrangements with unrelated third-parties. Our businesses are not seasonal and are not dependent on a limited group of clients. One client accounted for approximately 26%, 25% and 24% of our consolidated operating revenues (inclusive of flow-through revenues) in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively; however, the associated flow-through revenues included in these percentages accounted for approximately 25%, 23% and 22% of our consolidated operating revenues in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. No other single client accounted for ten percent or more of our consolidated revenues in 2011, 2010 or 2009. Representative clients include state-owned and multinational oil and gas companies; major petrochemical, chemical, metals and mining, and pharmaceutical companies; national, municipal and independent electric power generation companies; utilities; and government agencies throughout the world. The majority of our revenues and new business originates outside of the United States.

Licenses, Patents and Trademarks

We own and license patents, trademarks and know-how, which are used in each of our business groups. The life cycles of the patents and trademarks are of varying durations. We are not materially dependent on any particular patent or trademark, although we depend on our ability to protect our intellectual property rights to the technologies and know-how used in our proprietary products. As noted above, our Global Power Group has granted licenses to a limited number of companies in select countries to manufacture steam generators and related equipment and certain of our other products. During 2011, our principal licensees were located in India, Japan and South Korea. Recurring royalty revenues have historically ranged from approximately $5,000 to $10,000 per year.

Unfilled Orders

We execute our contracts on lump-sum turnkey, fixed-price, target-price with incentives and cost-reimbursable bases. Generally, we believe contracts are awarded on the basis of price, acceptance of certain project-related risks, technical capabilities and availability of qualified personnel, reputation for quality and ability to perform in a timely manner, ability to execute projects in line with client expectations, including the location of engineering activities and the ability to meet local content requirements, and safety record. On certain contracts our clients may make a down payment at the time a contract is executed and continue to make progress payments until the contract is completed and the work has been accepted as satisfying contract requirements. Our

 

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products are custom designed and manufactured, and are not produced for inventory. Our Global E&C Group frequently purchases materials, equipment, and third-party services at cost for clients on a cash neutral/reimbursable basis when providing engineering specification or procurement services, referred to as “flow-through” amounts. “Flow-through” amounts are recorded both as revenues, which we refer to as flow-through revenues, and cost of operating revenues with no profit recognized.

We measure our unfilled orders in terms of expected future revenues. Included in future revenues are flow-through revenues, as defined above. We also measure our unfilled orders in terms of Foster Wheeler scope, which excludes flow-through revenues. As such, Foster Wheeler scope measures the component of backlog of unfilled orders with profit potential and represents our services plus fees for reimbursable contracts and total selling price for lump-sum or fixed-price contracts.

Please refer to Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” for a discussion of the changes in unfilled orders, both in terms of expected future revenues and Foster Wheeler scope. See also Item 1A, “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Operations — Projects included in our backlog may be delayed or cancelled, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.”

Use of Raw Materials

We source the materials used in our manufacturing and construction operations from several countries. Our procurement of materials, consisting mainly of steel products and manufactured items, is heavily dependent on unrelated third-party sources. These materials are subject to timing of availability and price fluctuations, which we monitor on a regular basis. We have access to numerous global sources and are not dependent on any single source of supply.

Compliance with Government Regulations

We are subject to certain federal, state and local environmental, occupational health and product safety laws arising from the countries where we operate. We also purchase materials and equipment from third-parties, and engage subcontractors, who are also subject to these laws and regulations. We believe that all of our operations are in material compliance with those laws and we do not anticipate any material capital expenditures or material adverse effects on earnings or cash flows as a result of complying with those laws. Additionally, please refer to Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for a discussion of our environmental matters.

Employees

The following table indicates the number of full-time, temporary and agency personnel in each of our business groups. We believe that our relationship with our employees is satisfactory.

 

     As of December 31,  
     2011      2010  

Global E&C Group

     8,602         9,037   

Global Power Group

     3,119         2,987   

C&F Group

     77         81   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     11,798         12,105   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Competition

Many companies compete with us in the engineering and construction business. Neither we nor any other single company has a dominant market share of the total design, engineering and construction business servicing the global businesses previously described. Many companies also compete in the global power generating equipment business and neither we nor any other single competitor has an overall dominant market share over the entire steam generator product portfolio.

 

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The vast majority of the market opportunities that we pursue are subject to a competitive tendering process, and we believe that our target customers consider the price, acceptance of certain project-related risks, technical capabilities and availability of qualified personnel, reputation for quality and ability to perform in a timely manner, ability to execute projects in line with client expectations, including the location of engineering activities and the ability to meet local content requirements, and safety record as the primary factors in determining which qualified contractor is awarded a contract. We believe that we derive our competitive strength from our reputation for quality of our services and products, technology, worldwide procurement capability, project management expertise, ability to execute complex projects, professionalism, strong safety record and lengthy experience with a wide range of services and technologies.

Companies that compete with our Global E&C Group include but are not limited to the following: Bechtel Corporation; Chicago Bridge & Iron Company N.V.; Chiyoda Corporation; Fluor Corporation; Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.; JGC Corporation; KBR, Inc.; Saipem S.p.A.; Shaw Group, Inc.; Technip; Técnicas Reunidas, SA; and Worley Parsons Ltd.

Companies that compete with our Global Power Group include but are not limited to the following: Alstom Power S.A.; Andritz Group AG; The Babcock & Wilcox Company; Babcock Power Inc.; Dongfang Boiler Works (a subsidiary of Dong Fang Electric Corporation); Doosan-Babcock; Harbin Boiler Co., Ltd.; Hitachi, Ltd.; Metso Corporation; Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.; and Shanghai Boiler Works Ltd.

Available Information

You may obtain free electronic copies of our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements and all amendments to these documents at our website, www.fwc.com, under the heading “Investor Relations” by selecting the heading “SEC Filings.” We make these documents available on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file them with or furnish them to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which we refer to as SEC. The information disclosed on our website is not incorporated herein and does not form a part of this annual report on Form 10-K.

You may also read and copy any materials that we file with or furnish to the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room located at 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains electronic versions of our filings on its website at www.sec.gov.

The Redomestication

In 2009, we redomesticated our ultimate parent company from Bermuda to Switzerland. Through a scheme of arrangement, we effectively changed our place of incorporation from Bermuda to the Canton of Zug, Switzerland. The scheme of arrangement was approved by the common shareholders of Foster Wheeler Ltd. on January 27, 2009 and was sanctioned by the Supreme Court of Bermuda on January 30, 2009. On February 9, 2009, the following steps occurred pursuant to the scheme of arrangement:

1. all fractional common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. were cancelled and Foster Wheeler Ltd. paid to each holder of fractional shares that were cancelled an amount based on the average of the high and low trading prices of Foster Wheeler Ltd. common shares on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on February 5, 2009, the business day immediately preceding the effectiveness of the scheme of arrangement;

2. all previously outstanding whole common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. were cancelled;

3. Foster Wheeler Ltd., acting on behalf of its shareholders, issued 1,000 common shares (which constituted all of Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s common shares at such time) to Foster Wheeler AG;

4. Foster Wheeler AG increased its share capital and filed amended articles of association reflecting the share capital increase with the Swiss Commercial Register; and

5. Foster Wheeler AG issued registered shares to the holders of whole Foster Wheeler Ltd. common shares that were cancelled.

 

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As a result of the scheme of arrangement, the common shareholders of Foster Wheeler Ltd. became common shareholders of Foster Wheeler AG and Foster Wheeler Ltd. became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Foster Wheeler AG. In connection with consummation of the scheme of arrangement:

 

   

pursuant to the terms of the Certificate of Designation governing Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Series B Convertible Preferred Shares, concurrently with the issuance of registered shares to the holders of whole Foster Wheeler Ltd. common shares, Foster Wheeler AG issued to the holders of the preferred shares the number of registered shares of Foster Wheeler AG that such holders would have been entitled to receive had they converted their preferred shares into common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. immediately prior to the effectiveness of the scheme of arrangement (with Foster Wheeler Ltd. paying cash in lieu of any fractional common shares otherwise issuable);

 

   

pursuant to the terms of the Warrant Agreement governing Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Class A Warrants outstanding on the date of the consummation of the scheme of arrangement, Foster Wheeler AG executed a supplemental warrant agreement pursuant to which it assumed Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s obligations under the Warrant Agreement and agreed to issue registered shares of Foster Wheeler AG upon exercise of such warrants in accordance with their terms; and

 

   

Foster Wheeler AG assumed Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s existing obligations in connection with awards granted under Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s incentive plans and other similar employee awards.

We refer to the foregoing transactions together with the steps of the scheme of arrangement as the “Redomestication.”

In January 2010, we relocated our principal executive offices to Geneva, Switzerland.

 

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS (amounts in thousands of dollars)

Our business is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those described below. If any of these events occur, our business could be harmed and the trading price of our securities could decline. The following discussion of risks relating to our business should be read carefully in connection with evaluating our business and the forward-looking statements contained in this annual report on Form 10-K. For additional information regarding forward-looking statements, see Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Safe Harbor Statement.”

The categorization of risks set forth below is meant to help you better understand the risks facing our business and is not intended to limit consideration of the possible effects of these risks to the listed categories. Any adverse effects related to the risks discussed below may, and likely will, adversely affect many aspects of our business.

Risks Related to Our Operations

The nature of our contracts subjects us to risks related to each project’s technical design and associated warranty obligations, changes from original projections for costs and schedules which, particularly with our current and future lump-sum or fixed-price contracts and other shared risk contracts, may result in significant losses if costs are greater than anticipated and/or contractual schedules are not met.

We assume each project’s technical risk and associated warranty obligations on all of our contracts and projects, meaning that we must tailor products and systems to satisfy the technical requirements of a project even though, at the time the project is awarded, we may not have previously produced such a product or system. Warranty obligations can range from re-performance of engineering services to modification or replacement of equipment. We also assume the risks related to revenue, cost and gross profit realized on such contracts that can vary, sometimes substantially, from the original projections due to changes in a variety of other factors, including but not limited to:

 

   

engineering design changes;

 

   

unanticipated technical problems with the equipment being supplied or developed by us, which may require that we spend our own money to remedy the problem;

 

   

changes in the costs of components, materials or labor;

 

   

difficulties in obtaining required governmental permits or approvals;

 

   

changes in local laws and regulations;

 

   

changes in local labor conditions;

 

   

project modifications creating unanticipated costs and/or delays related to contractual schedules;

 

   

delays caused by local weather conditions; and

 

   

our project owners’, suppliers’ or subcontractors’ failure to perform.

These risks may be exacerbated by the length of time between signing a contract and completing the project because most of the projects that we execute are long-term. The term of our contracts can be as long as approximately four years. In addition, we sometimes bear the risk of delays caused by unexpected conditions or events.

Some of our contracts are fixed-price contracts and other shared-risk contracts, which are inherently risky because we agree to the selling price of the project, based on estimates, at the time we enter into the contract. The selling price is based on estimates of the ultimate cost of the contract and we assume substantially all of the risks associated with completing the project, as well as the post-completion warranty obligations. Certain of these contracts are lump-sum turnkey projects where we are responsible for all aspects of the work from engineering through construction, as well as commissioning, all for a fixed selling price. We may be subject to penalties if portions of the long-term fixed priced projects are not completed in accordance with agreed-upon time limits.

 

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Therefore, significant losses can result from performing large, long-term projects on a fixed-price or lump-sum basis. These losses may be material, including in some cases up to or exceeding the full contract value in certain events of non-performance and/or delay, and could negatively impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. As of December 31, 2011, our backlog included $164,300 attributable to lump-sum turnkey contracts and $1,512,600 attributable to other fixed-price contracts, which represented 5% and 42%, respectively, of our total backlog. We may increase the size and number of fixed-price or lump-sum turnkey contracts, sometimes in countries where or with clients with whom we have limited previous experience.

We have and may continue to bid for and enter into such contracts through partnerships or joint ventures with third-parties. These arrangements increase our ability and willingness to bid for increased numbers of contracts and/or contracts of increased size. In some cases, applicable law and joint venture or other agreements may provide that each joint venture partner is jointly and severally liable for all liabilities of the venture. Entering into these partnerships or joint ventures exposes us to credit and performance risks of those third-party partners, which could have a negative impact on our business and our results of operations if these parties fail to perform under the arrangements.

Failure by us to successfully defend against claims made against us by project owners, suppliers or project subcontractors, or failure by us to recover adequately on our claims made against project owners, suppliers or subcontractors, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Our projects generally involve complex design and engineering, significant procurement of equipment and supplies and construction management. We may encounter difficulties in the design or engineering, equipment and supply delivery, schedule changes and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, that affect our ability to complete the project in accordance with the original delivery schedule or to meet the contractual performance obligations. In addition, we generally rely on third-party partners, equipment manufacturers and subcontractors to assist us with the completion of our contracts. As such, claims involving project owners, suppliers and subcontractors may be brought against us and by us in connection with our project contracts. Claims brought against us include back charges for alleged defective or incomplete work, breaches of warranty and/or late completion of the project work and claims for cancelled projects. The claims and back charges can involve actual damages, as well as contractually agreed upon liquidated sums. Claims brought by us against project owners include claims for additional costs incurred in excess of current contract provisions arising out of project delays and changes in the previously agreed scope of work. Claims between us and our suppliers, subcontractors and vendors include claims like any of those described above. These project claims, if not resolved through negotiation, are often subject to lengthy and expensive litigation or arbitration proceedings. Charges associated with claims could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. For further information on project claims, please refer to Note 16, “Litigation and Uncertainties,” to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K.

Projects included in our backlog may be delayed or cancelled, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

The dollar amount of backlog does not necessarily indicate future earnings related to the performance of that work. Backlog refers to expected future revenues under signed contracts and legally binding letters of intent that we have determined are likely to be performed. Backlog represents only business that is considered firm, although cancellations or scope adjustments may and do occur. Because of changes in project scope and schedule, we cannot predict with certainty when or if backlog will be performed or the associated revenue will be recognized. In addition, even where a project proceeds as scheduled, it is possible that contracted parties may default and fail to pay amounts owed to us. Material delays, cancellations or payment defaults could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

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Because our operations are concentrated in four particular industries, we may be adversely impacted by economic or other developments in these industries.

We derive a significant amount of revenues from services provided to clients that are concentrated in four industries: oil and gas, oil refining, chemical/petrochemical and power generation. These industries historically have been, and will likely continue to be, cyclical in nature. Consequently, our results of operations have fluctuated, and may continue to fluctuate, depending on the demand for our products and services from clients in these industries.

Unfavorable developments in global or regional economic growth rates or other unfavorable developments in one or more of these industries could adversely affect our clients’ investment plans and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

The weakness in the global economy has impacted the demand for the products that our Global E&C Group’s clients produce. We have seen instances of postponement or cancellation of prospects; clients electing to proceed with their investments in tranches on a piecemeal basis; clients releasing us to proceed on projects in phases; clients conducting further analysis before deciding to proceed with their investments or re-evaluating the size, timing, location or configuration of specific planned projects to make them more economically viable; and intensified competition among engineering and construction contractors, which has resulted in pricing pressure. These factors may continue in the future.

A number of constraining factors continue to impact the markets that our Global Power Group serves. The markets that we serve have been unfavorably affected by the weakness in the global economy and its impact on the near-term growth in demand for electricity and steam for industrial production and processes. Additionally, our industry has been impacted by political and environmental sensitivity regarding coal-fired steam generators, particularly in the U.S. and Western Europe, as well as the outlook for continued lower natural gas pricing over the next three-to-five years, driven by increasing supply and new liquefied natural gas capacity, which has increased the attractiveness of natural gas, in relation to coal, for the generation of electricity. These factors may continue in the future.

There is also potential downside risk to global economic growth driven primarily by sovereign debt and bank funding pressures in the Eurozone and the speed at which governmental efforts directed at spending and debt reduction are being implemented in the U.S. and Japan. If these risks materialize, both of our business groups could be impacted.

In addition, the constraints on the global credit market have impacted, and may continue to impact, some of our Global E&C Group’s and Global Power Group’s clients’ investment plans as these clients are affected by the availability and cost of financing, as well as their own financial strategies, which could include cash conservation.

Our results of operations and cash flows depend on new contract awards, and the selection process and timing for performing these contracts are not entirely within our control.

A substantial portion of our revenues is derived from new contract awards of projects. It is difficult to predict whether and when we will receive such awards due to the lengthy and complex bidding and selection process, which is affected by a number of factors, such as market conditions, financing arrangements, governmental approvals and environmental matters. We often compete with other general and specialty contractors, including large multinational contractors and small local contractors in the global markets in which we operate. The strong competition in our markets requires us to maintain skilled personnel and invest in technology, and also puts pressure on our profit margins. Because of this, we could be prevented from obtaining contracts for which we have bid due to price, greater perceived financial strength and resources of our competitors and/or perceived technology advantages. Alternatively, we may have to agree to lower prices and margins for contracts that we win or we may lose a bid or decide not to pursue a contract if the profit margins are below our minimum acceptable margins based on our risk assessment of the project conditions.

Our results of operations and cash flows can fluctuate from quarter to quarter depending on the timing of our contract awards. In addition, certain of these contracts are subject to client financing contingencies and envi-

 

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ronmental permits, and, as a result, we are subject to the risk that the customer will not be able to secure the necessary financing and approvals for the project, which could result in a delay or cancellation of the proposed project and thereby reduce our revenues and profits.

In addition, our performance is greatly impacted by our ability to utilize our workforce. We maintain our workforce based on our current and anticipated projects, including expected new contract awards. If we do not receive new contract awards or if awards are delayed, or if our projects experience changes from estimates related to unanticipated scheduling delays or experience modifications regarding the scope of work to be performed, we may incur significant costs if we cannot reallocate staffing in a timely manner or terminate the employment of excess staffing.

A failure by us to attract and retain key officers, qualified personnel, joint venture partners, advisors and subcontractors could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Our ability to attract and retain key officers, qualified engineers and other professional personnel, as well as joint venture partners, advisors and subcontractors, will be an important factor in determining our future success. The market for these professionals is competitive and we may not be successful in efforts to attract and retain these individuals. Failure to attract or retain these key officers, professionals, joint venture partners, advisors and subcontractors could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Our worldwide operations involve risks that may limit or disrupt operations, limit repatriation of cash, increase taxation or otherwise materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We have worldwide operations that are conducted through our subsidiaries, as well as through agreements with joint venture partners. Our subsidiaries have operations located in Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, South Africa and South America. Additionally, we purchase materials and equipment on a worldwide basis and are heavily dependent on unrelated third-party sources for these materials and equipment. Our worldwide operations are subject to risks that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, including:

 

   

uncertain political, legal and economic environments;

 

   

potential incompatibility with joint venture partners;

 

   

foreign currency controls and fluctuations;

 

   

energy prices and availability;

 

   

war and civil disturbances;

 

   

terrorist attacks;

 

   

natural disasters;

 

   

the imposition of additional governmental controls and regulations;

 

   

labor problems and safety practices; and

 

   

interruptions to shipping lanes or other methods of transit.

Because of these risks, our worldwide operations and our execution of projects may be limited, or disrupted; our contractual rights may not be enforced fully or at all; our taxation may be increased; or we may be limited in repatriating earnings. These potential events and liabilities could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

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It can be very difficult or expensive to obtain insurance coverage for our business operations, and we may not be able to secure or maintain sufficient coverage to satisfy our needs.

As part of our business operations, we maintain insurance coverage both as a corporate risk management strategy and in order to satisfy the requirements of many of our contracts. Although we have in the past been able to satisfy our insurance needs, there can be no assurance that we will be able to secure all necessary or appropriate insurance coverage in the future. Our insurance is purchased from a number of the world’s leading providers, often in layered insurance arrangements. We monitor the financial health of the insurance companies from which we hold policies, and review the financial health of an insurer prior to purchasing a policy. If any of our third party insurers fail, refuse to renew or revoke coverage or otherwise cannot satisfy their insurance requirements to us, then our overall risk exposure and operational expenses could be increased and our business operations could be interrupted.

We are subject to anti-bribery laws in the countries in which we operate. Failure to comply with these laws could result in our becoming subject to penalties and the disruption of our business activities.

Many of the countries in which we transact business have laws that restrict the offer or payment of anything of value to government officials or other persons with the intent of gaining business or favorable government action. We are subject to these laws in addition to being governed by the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act restricting these types of activities. In addition to prohibiting certain bribery-related activity with foreign officials and other persons, these laws provide for recordkeeping and reporting obligations. Our policies mandate compliance with these anti-bribery laws and we have procedures and controls in place to monitor internal and external compliance. However, any failure by us, our subcontractors, agents or others who work for us on our behalf to comply with these legal and regulatory obligations could impact us in a variety of ways that include, but are not limited to, significant criminal, civil and administrative penalties. The failure to comply with these legal and regulatory obligations could also disrupt our business activities.

We may be negatively impacted by an increase in our effective tax rate.

Our effective tax rate can fluctuate significantly from period to period as a result of changes in tax laws, treaties or regulations, or their interpretation, of any country in which we operate, the varying mix of income earned in the jurisdictions in which we operate, the realizability of deferred tax assets, including our inability to recognize a tax benefit for losses generated by certain unprofitable operations, cash repatriations decisions, changes in uncertain tax positions and the final outcome of tax audits and related litigation. An increase in our effective tax rate could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We continue to assess the impact of various legislative proposals, including U.S. federal and state proposals, and modifications to existing tax treaties, that could result in a material increase in our taxes. We cannot predict whether any specific legislation will be enacted or the terms of any such legislation. However, if such proposals were to be enacted, or if modifications were to be made to certain existing treaties, the consequences could have a materially adverse impact on us, including increasing our tax burden, increasing costs of our tax compliance or otherwise adversely affecting our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Our business may be materially adversely impacted by regional, national and/or global requirements to significantly limit or reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the future.

Greenhouse gases that result from human activities, including burning of fossil fuels, have been the focus of increased scientific and political scrutiny and are being subjected to various legal requirements. International agreements, national laws, state laws and various regulatory schemes that limit or otherwise regulate emissions measuring and control of greenhouse gases are under consideration by different governmental entities. We derive a significant amount of revenues and contract profits from engineering and construction services provided to clients that own and/or operate a wide range of process plants and from the supply of our manufactured equipment to clients that own and/or operate electric power generating plants. Additionally, we own or partially own

 

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plants that generate electricity from burning natural gas or various types of solid fuels. These plants emit greenhouse gases as part of the process to generate electricity or other products. Compliance with the future greenhouse gas regulations may prove costly or difficult. It is possible that owners and operators of existing or future process plants and electric generating plants could be subject to new or changed environmental regulations that result in increasing the cost of emitting such gases or requiring emissions allowances. The costs of controlling such emissions or obtaining required emissions allowances could be significant. It also is possible that necessary controls or allowances may not be available. Such regulations could negatively impact client investments in capital projects in our markets, which could negatively impact the market for our manufactured products and certain of our services, and also could negatively affect the operations and profitability of our own electric power plants. This could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We are subject to various environmental laws and regulations in the countries in which we operate. If we fail to comply with these laws and regulations, we may incur significant costs and penalties that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Our operations are subject to laws and regulations governing the generation, management and use of regulated materials, the discharge of materials into the environment, the remediation of environmental contamination, or otherwise relating to environmental protection. Both our Global E&C Group and our Global Power Group make use of and produce as wastes or byproducts substances that are considered to be hazardous under these environmental laws and regulations. We may be subject to liabilities for environmental contamination as an owner or operator (or former owner or operator) of a facility or as a generator of hazardous substances without regard to negligence or fault, and we are subject to additional liabilities if we do not comply with applicable laws regulating such hazardous substances, and, in either case, such liabilities can be substantial. These laws and regulations could expose us to liability arising out of the conduct of current and past operations or conditions, including those associated with formerly owned or operated properties caused by us or others, or for acts by us or others which were in compliance with all applicable laws at the time the acts were performed. In some cases, we have assumed contractual indemnification obligations for environmental liabilities associated with some formerly owned properties. The ongoing costs of complying with existing environmental laws and regulations could be substantial. Additionally, we may be subject to claims alleging personal injury, property damage or natural resource damages as a result of alleged exposure to or contamination by hazardous substances. Changes in the environmental laws and regulations, remediation obligations, enforcement actions, stricter interpretations of existing requirements, future discovery of contamination or claims for damages to persons, property, natural resources or the environment could result in material costs and liabilities that we currently do not anticipate.

We may lose future business to our competitors and be unable to operate our business profitably if our patents and other intellectual property rights do not adequately protect our proprietary products.

Our success depends significantly on our ability to protect our intellectual property rights to the technologies and know-how used in our proprietary products, including rights which we license to third parties. We rely on patent protection, as well as a combination of trade secret, unfair competition and similar laws and nondisclosure, confidentiality and other contractual restrictions to protect our proprietary technology. However, these legal means afford only limited protection and may not adequately protect our rights or permit us to gain or keep any competitive advantage.

We also rely on unpatented proprietary technology. We cannot provide assurance that we can meaningfully protect all of our rights in our unpatented proprietary technology, or that others will not independently develop substantially equivalent proprietary products or processes or otherwise gain access to our unpatented proprietary technology.

Additionally, we also hold licenses from third parties that are necessary to utilize certain technologies used in the design and manufacturing of some of our products. The loss of such licenses would prevent us from manufacturing and selling these products, which could harm our business.

 

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We rely on our information and communication systems and data in our operations. Failure in the availability or security of our information and communication systems or in data security could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

The efficient operation of our business is dependent on our information and communication systems and our use of our internal data and our clients’ data, including electronic and hardcopy data formats. Information and communication systems by their nature are susceptible to internal and external security breaches, including computer hacker and cyber terrorist breaches, and can fail or become unavailable for a significant period of time. Additionally, if our data security controls fail, we are at risk of intentionally or unintentionally disclosing our or our clients’ data, including trade secrets and blueprints. This could lead to the violation of client confidentiality agreements and loss of critical data. While we have implemented internal controls for information and communication systems and data security, there can be no assurance that the unavailability of the information and communication systems, the failure of these systems to perform as anticipated for any reason or any significant breach of system or data security may not occur which could disrupt our business and could result in decreased performance and increased overhead costs, causing our business and results of operations to suffer.

Risks Related to Our Liquidity and Capital Resources

We require cash repatriations from our subsidiaries to meet our cash needs related to our asbestos-related and other liabilities, corporate overhead expenses and share repurchases. Our ability to repatriate funds from our subsidiaries is limited by a number of factors.

We are dependent on cash repatriations to cover essentially all payments and expenses of our holding company and principal executive offices in Switzerland, to cover cash needs related to our asbestos-related liability and other overhead expenses in the U.S. and, at our discretion, to pay for the acquisition of our shares under our share repurchase program. There can be no assurance that our forecasted cash repatriations will occur as our subsidiaries need to keep certain amounts available for working capital purposes, to pay known liabilities, to comply with covenants and for other general corporate purposes. The repatriation of funds may also subject those funds to taxation in some jurisdictions. The inability to repatriate cash could negatively impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Certain of our various debt agreements impose financial covenants, which may prevent us from capitalizing on business opportunities, which could negatively impact our business.

Certain of our debt agreements, including our U.S. senior secured credit agreement, impose financial covenants on us. These covenants limit our ability to incur indebtedness, pay dividends or make other distributions, make investments and acquisitions, and sell assets. These limitations may restrict our ability to pursue business opportunities, which could negatively impact our business.

We may have significant working capital requirements, which if unfunded could negatively impact our business, financial condition and cash flows.

In some cases, we may require significant amounts of working capital to finance the purchase of materials and/or the performance of engineering, construction and other work on certain of our projects before we receive payment from our customers. In some cases, we are contractually obligated to our customers to fund working capital on our projects. Increases in working capital requirements could negatively impact our business, financial condition and cash flows.

Additionally, we could temporarily experience a liquidity shortfall if we are unable to access our cash balances and short-term investments to meet our working capital requirements. Our cash balances and short-term investments are in accounts held by major banks and financial institutions, and some of our deposits exceed available insurance. The banks or financial institutions in which we hold our cash and short-term investments have not gone into bankruptcy or forced receivership, or been seized by their governments. However, there is a risk that this could occur in the future and that we could temporarily experience a liquidity shortfall or fail to recover our deposits in excess of available insurance.

 

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Further significant deterioration of the current global economic and credit market environment, particularly in the Eurozone countries, could challenge our efforts to maintain our well-diversified asset allocation with creditworthy financial institutions.

In addition, we may invest some of our cash in longer-term investment opportunities, including the acquisition of other entities or operations, the reduction of certain liabilities such as unfunded pension liabilities and/or repurchases of our outstanding registered shares. To the extent we use cash for such other purposes, the amount of cash available for the working capital needs described above would be reduced.

Our new contract awards, current projects and liquidity may be adversely affected by the availability and/or cost of our performance-related standby letters of credit, bank guarantees, surety bonds and other guarantee facilities.

Consistent with industry practice, we are often required to provide performance-related standby letters of credit, bank guarantees, surety bonds or other forms of performance-related guarantees to clients, which we refer to as bonds or bonding. These bonds provide credit support for the client if we fail to perform our obligations under our contract. A restriction, reduction, termination and/or increase in the cost of our bonding facilities may limit our ability to bid on new project awards, delay work on current projects or significantly change the timing of cash flows for current projects, adversely affecting our liquidity.

Additionally, in the event our credit ratings are lowered by independent rating agencies, such as Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s Investors Service, it may be more difficult or costly for us to obtain bonding for new awards or maintain such bonding on current projects. We may also be required to provide or increase cash collateral to obtain these bonds, which would reduce our available cash and could impact our ability to increase availability under our U.S. senior secured credit agreement or other bonding facilities. We are also subject to the risk that any new or amended bonding facilities might not be on terms as favorable as those we have currently, which could adversely affect our liquidity.

We may invest in longer-term investment opportunities, such as the acquisition of other entities or operations in the engineering and construction industry or power industry. Acquisitions of other entities or operations have risks that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We are exploring possible acquisitions within the engineering and construction industry to strategically complement or expand on our technical capabilities or access to new market segments. We are also exploring possible acquisitions within the power industry to complement our product offerings. The acquisition of companies and assets in the engineering and construction and power industries is subject to substantial risks, including the failure to identify material problems during due diligence, the risk of over-paying for assets and the inability to arrange financing for an acquisition as may be required or desired. Further, the identification, negotiation, integration and consolidation of acquisitions require substantial human, financial and other resources including management time and attention, and ultimately, our acquisitions may not be successfully completed or integrated and/or our resources may be diverted. There can be no assurances that we will consummate any such future acquisitions, that any acquisitions we make will perform as expected or that the returns from such acquisitions will support the investment paid to acquire them or the capital expenditures needed to develop them.

Risks Related to Asbestos Claims

The number and cost of our current and future asbestos claims in the United States could be substantially higher than we have estimated and the timing of payment of claims could be sooner than we have estimated, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Some of our subsidiaries are named as defendants in numerous lawsuits and out-of-court administrative claims pending in the United States in which the plaintiffs claim damages for alleged bodily injury or death arising from exposure to asbestos in connection with work performed, or heat exchange devices assembled, installed and/or sold, by our subsidiaries. We expect these subsidiaries to be named as defendants in similar suits and that

 

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new claims will be filed in the future. For purposes of our financial statements, we have estimated the indemnity and defense costs to be incurred in resolving pending and forecasted U.S. claims through 2026. Although we believe our estimates are reasonable, the actual number of future claims brought against us and the cost of resolving these claims could be substantially higher than our estimates. Some of the factors that may result in the costs of asbestos claims being higher than our current estimates include:

 

   

the rate at which new claims are filed;

 

   

the number of new claimants;

 

   

changes in the mix of diseases alleged to be suffered by the claimants, such as type of cancer, asbestosis or other illness;

 

   

increases in legal fees or other defense costs associated with asbestos claims;

 

   

increases in indemnity payments;

 

   

decreases in the proportion of claims dismissed with zero indemnity payments;

 

   

indemnity payments being required to be made sooner than expected;

 

   

bankruptcies of other asbestos defendants, causing a reduction in the number of available solvent defendants and thereby increasing the number of claims and the size of demands against our subsidiaries;

 

   

adverse jury verdicts requiring us to pay damages in amounts greater than we expect to pay in settlements;

 

   

changes in legislative or judicial standards that make successful defense of claims against our subsidiaries more difficult; or

 

   

enactment of federal legislation requiring us to contribute amounts to a national settlement trust in excess of our expected net liability, after insurance, in the tort system.

The total liability recorded on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2011 is based on estimated indemnity and defense costs expected to be incurred through 2026. We believe that it is likely that there will be new claims filed after 2026, but in light of uncertainties inherent in long-term forecasts, we do not believe that we can reasonably estimate the indemnity and defense costs that might be incurred after 2026. Our forecast contemplates that the number of new claims requiring indemnity will decline from year to year. If future claims fail to decline as we expect, our aggregate liability for asbestos claims will be higher than estimated.

We have worked with Analysis, Research Planning Corporation, or ARPC, nationally recognized consultants in the United States with respect to projecting asbestos liabilities, to estimate the amount of asbestos-related indemnity and defense costs at each year-end based on a 15-year forecast. Each year we have recorded our estimated asbestos liability at a level consistent with ARPC’s reasonable best estimate. ARPC reviews our asbestos indemnity payments, defense costs and claims activity and compares them to our 15-year forecast prepared at the previous year-end. Based on its review, ARPC may recommend that the assumptions used to estimate our future asbestos liability be updated, as appropriate.

Our forecast of the number of future claims is based, in part, on an analysis of future disease incidence and, in part, on a regression model, which employs the statistical analysis of our historical claims data to generate a trend line for future claims. Although we believe this forecast method is reasonable, other forecast methods that attempt to estimate the population of living persons who could claim they were exposed to asbestos at worksites where our subsidiaries performed work or sold equipment could also be used and might project higher numbers of future claims than our forecast.

The actual number of future claims, the mix of disease types and the amounts of indemnity and defense costs may exceed our current estimates. We update our forecasts at least annually to take into consideration recent claims experience and other developments, such as legislation and litigation outcomes, that may affect our estimates of future asbestos-related costs. The announcement of increases to asbestos liabilities as a result of revised forecasts, adverse jury verdicts or other negative developments involving asbestos litigation or insurance

 

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recoveries may cause the value or trading prices of our securities to decrease significantly. These negative developments could also negatively impact our liquidity, cause us to default under covenants in our indebtedness, cause our credit ratings to be downgraded, restrict our access to capital markets or otherwise materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

The failure by our U.S. subsidiaries to obtain current and future asbestos-related insurance recoveries could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

The asbestos-related asset recorded on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2011 represents our best estimate of insurance recoveries from settled and expected future insurance recoveries relating to our U.S. liability for pending and estimated future asbestos claims through 2026.

Over the last several years, certain of our subsidiaries have entered into settlement agreements calling for insurers to make lump-sum payments, as well as payments over time, for use by our subsidiaries to fund asbestos-related indemnity and defense costs and, in certain cases, for reimbursement for portions of out-of-pocket costs previously incurred. During 2011 and 2010, our subsidiaries reached agreements with certain of their insurers to settle their disputed asbestos-related insurance coverage. As a result of these settlements, we increased our asbestos-related insurance recovery assets and recorded settlement gains. However, certain of the settlements with insurance companies during the past several years were for fixed dollar amounts that do not change as the liability changes. Accordingly, increases in the asbestos-related liabilities would not result in an equal increase in the insurance recovery assets and we would have to fund the difference, which would reduce our cash flows and working capital.

Additionally, our ability to continue to recover under these insurance policies is also dependent upon the financial solvency of our insurers. Our insurance recoveries may be limited by future insolvencies among our insurers. Other than receivables related to bankruptcy liquidation awards, we have not assumed recovery in the estimate of our asbestos-related insurance recovery assets from any of our currently insolvent insurers. Other insurers may become insolvent in the future and our insurers may fail to reimburse amounts owed to us on a timely basis. If we fail to realize expected insurance recoveries, or experience delays in receiving material amounts from our insurers, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.

A number of asbestos-related claims have been received by our subsidiaries in the United Kingdom. To date, these claims have been substantially covered by insurance policies and proceeds from the policies have been paid directly to the plaintiffs. The timing and amount of asbestos claims that may be made in the future, the financial solvency of the insurers and the amounts that may be paid to resolve the claims are uncertain. The insurance carriers’ failure to make payments due under the policies could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Some of our subsidiaries in the United Kingdom have received claims alleging personal injury arising from exposure to asbestos in connection with work performed, or heat exchange devices assembled, installed and/or sold, by our subsidiaries. We expect these subsidiaries to be named as defendants in additional suits and claims brought in the future. To date, insurance policies have provided coverage for substantially all of the costs incurred in connection with resolving asbestos claims in the United Kingdom. In our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2011, we have recorded U.K. asbestos-related insurance recovery assets equal to the U.K. asbestos-related liabilities, which are comprised of an estimated liability relating to open (outstanding) claims and an estimated liability relating to future unasserted claims through 2026. Our ability to continue to recover under these insurance policies is dependent upon, among other things, the timing and amount of asbestos claims that may be made in the future, the financial solvency of our insurers and the amounts that may be paid to resolve the claims. These factors could significantly limit our insurance recoveries, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

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Risks Related to Our Financial Reporting and Corporate Governance

If we have a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, our ability to report our financial results on a timely and accurate basis may be adversely affected.

Although we had no material weaknesses as of December 31, 2011, we have reported material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting in the past. There can be no assurance that we will avoid a material weakness in the future. If we have another material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting in the future, it could adversely impact our ability to report our financial results in a timely and accurate manner.

Our use of the percentage-of-completion accounting method could result in a reduction or elimination of previously reported profits.

A substantial portion of our operating revenues, cost of operating revenues and contract profit are recognized using the percentage-of-completion method of accounting. Under this method of accounting, the earnings or losses recognized on individual contracts are based on estimates of contract revenues, costs and profitability. Revisions to estimated revenues and estimated costs can and do result in changes to previously reported revenues, costs and profits. For further information on our revenue recognition methodology, please refer to Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Revenue Recognition on Long-Term Contracts,” to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K.

Registered holders who acquired our shares after the Redomestication must apply for enrollment in our share register as shareholders with voting rights in order to have voting rights; we may deny such registration under certain circumstances.

To be able to exercise voting rights, registered holders of our shares who acquired our shares after the Redomestication must apply to us for enrollment in our share register as shareholders with voting rights. Our board of directors may refuse to register holders of shares as shareholders with voting rights based on certain grounds. In particular, under our articles of association, no shareholder will be registered with voting rights for 10% or more of our share capital as recorded in the commercial register unless determined otherwise by our board of directors, subject to exceptions for Cede & Co. and other nominees of clearing organizations. Only shareholders that are registered as shareholders with voting rights on the relevant record date are permitted to participate in and vote at a general shareholders’ meeting. Registered holders who received our shares as a result of the Redomestication are registered as shareholders with voting rights and shareholders who hold in “street name” will be entitled to participate in and vote at a general shareholders’ meeting through Cede & Co.

There are provisions in our articles of association that may reduce the voting rights of our registered shares.

Our articles of association provide that shareholders have one vote for each registered share held by them and are entitled to vote at all meetings of shareholders. However, our articles of association provide that shareholders whose “controlled shares” (as defined in the articles of association) represent 10% or more of our total voting shares are limited to voting one vote less than 10% of the total voting rights of our share capital as registered with the commercial register. This provision is intended to prevent the possibility of our company becoming a controlled foreign corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which could have certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. persons who own (directly, indirectly or under applicable constructive ownership rules) 10% or more of our voting shares. It may also have an anti-takeover effect by making it more difficult for a third party to acquire us without the consent of our board of directors. Under our articles of association, our board of directors has the authority to interpret and grant exceptions to this provision.

Our status as a Swiss corporation may limit our flexibility with respect to certain aspects of capital management.

Swiss law allows our shareholders to authorize share capital that can be issued by the board of directors without further shareholder approval. Such authorization is limited to 50 percent of the issued share capital and expires after two years at the latest and must therefore be renewed by our shareholders every two years.

 

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Additionally, subject to specified exceptions, including exceptions explicitly described in our articles of association, Swiss law grants preemptive rights to existing shareholders to subscribe for new issuances of shares. Swiss law also does not provide as much flexibility in the various terms that can attach to different classes of shares as the laws of some other jurisdictions. In the event we need to raise share capital at a time when the trading price of our shares is below the CHF 3.00 (equivalent to U.S. $3.19, based on a foreign exchange rate of CHF 0.9406 to U.S. $1.00 on December 31, 2011) par value of the shares, we will need to obtain the approval of our shareholders to decrease the par value of our issued shares or issue another class of shares with a lower par value. Any reduction in par value would decrease our par value available for future repayment of share capital not subject to Swiss withholding tax. In addition, we will not be able to issue options under our various compensation and benefit plans with an exercise price below the par value, which could limit the flexibility of our compensation arrangements. Swiss law also reserves for approval by shareholders many corporate actions over which a board of directors would have authority in some other jurisdictions. For example, dividends must be approved by shareholders. These Swiss law requirements relating to our capital management may limit our flexibility, and situations may arise where greater flexibility would have provided substantial benefits to our shareholders.

If we elect to declare dividends, we would be required to declare such dividends in Swiss francs and any currency fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and the Swiss franc will affect the dollar value of the dividends we pay.

Under Swiss corporate law, if we elect to declare dividends, including distributions through a reduction in par value, we would be required to declare such dividends in Swiss francs. Dividend payments will be made by our transfer agent in U.S. dollars converted at the applicable exchange rate shortly before the payment date. As a result, shareholders will be exposed to fluctuations in the exchange rate between the date used for purposes of calculating the CHF amount of any proposed dividend or par value reduction and the relevant payment date, which will not be shorter than two months and could be as long as a year.

We may not be able to make distributions without subjecting our shareholders to Swiss withholding tax.

If we are not successful in our efforts to make distributions, if any, through a reduction of par value or pay dividends, if any, out of qualifying additional paid-in capital, then any dividends paid by us will generally be subject to a Swiss federal withholding tax at a rate of 35%. The withholding tax must be withheld from the gross distribution and paid to the Swiss Federal Tax Administration. A U.S. tax resident shareholder that qualifies for benefits under the Convention between the United States of America and the Swiss Confederation for the Avoidance of Double Taxation with Respect to Taxes on Income, which we refer to as the “U.S.-Swiss Treaty,” may apply for a refund of the tax withheld in excess of the 15% treaty rate (or in excess of the 5% reduced treaty rate for qualifying corporate shareholders with at least 10% participation in our voting stock, or for a full refund in the case of qualified pension funds). Capital distribution payments in the form of a par value reduction or payment of a dividend out of qualifying additional paid-in capital are not subject to Swiss withholding tax. However, there can be no assurance that our shareholders will approve a reduction in par value or a dividend out of qualifying additional paid-in capital; that we will be able to meet the other legal requirements for a reduction in par value or a dividend out of qualifying additional paid-in capital; or that Swiss withholding rules will not be changed in the future. In addition, over the long term, the amount of par value available for us to use for par value reductions will be limited. If we are unable to make a distribution through a reduction in par value or pay a dividend out of qualifying additional paid-in capital, we may not be able to make distributions without subjecting our shareholders to Swiss withholding taxes.

We have anti-takeover provisions in our articles of association that may discourage a change of control.

Our articles of association and Swiss law contain provisions that could make it more difficult for a third-party to acquire us without the consent of our board of directors. These provisions provide for:

 

   

Our board of directors to be divided into three classes serving staggered three-year terms. In addition, directors may be removed from office, by the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the votes cast at the applicable shareholders meeting. These provisions of our articles of association may delay or limit the ability of a shareholder to obtain majority representation on the board of directors.

 

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Limiting the voting rights of shareholders whose “controlled shares” (as defined in the articles of association) represent 10% or more of our total voting shares to one vote less than 10% of the total voting rights of our share capital as registered with the Swiss commercial register.

 

   

Under Swiss corporate law, merger and demerger transactions require the affirmative vote of holders of at least 66 2/3% of the shares represented at the applicable shareholders meeting. In addition, under certain circumstances (for example, in the case of so-called “cashout” or “squeezeout” mergers) a merger requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 90% of shares.

 

   

Any shareholder who wishes to propose any business or to nominate a person or persons for election as a director at any annual meeting may only do so if advance notice is given to our Corporate Secretary.

These provisions could make it more difficult for a third-party to acquire us, even if the third-party’s offer may be considered beneficial by many shareholders. As a result, shareholders may be limited in their ability to obtain a premium for their shares.

We are a Swiss company and it may be difficult to enforce judgments against us or our directors and executive officers.

Foster Wheeler AG is a Swiss corporation. As a result, the rights of our shareholders are governed by Swiss law and by our articles of association and organizational regulations. The rights of shareholders under Swiss law may differ from the rights of shareholders of companies of other jurisdictions. A substantial portion of our assets are located outside the United States. It may be difficult for investors to enforce in the United States judgments obtained in U.S. courts against us or our directors based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. securities laws. Uncertainty exists as to whether courts in Switzerland will enforce judgments obtained in other jurisdictions, including in the United States, under the securities laws of those jurisdictions or entertain actions in Switzerland under the securities laws of other jurisdictions.

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

The following table provides the location and general use of our materially important owned or leased physical properties by business segment as of December 31, 2011. All or part of the listed properties may be leased or subleased to other affiliates. All properties are in good condition and adequate for their intended use.

 

Business Segment and Location

  

Principal Use

   Owned/Leased
(Lease  Expiration)(1)
 

Corporate and Finance Group

     

Zug, Switzerland

   Registered Office      Leased (2014)   

Geneva, Switzerland

   Principal executive offices      Leased (2020)   

Hampton, New Jersey(2)

   Office & engineering      Leased (2022)   

Global Engineering & Construction Group

     

Avellino, Italy(3)

   Wind farm towers      Owned   

Chennai, India

   Office & engineering      Leased (2012-2017)   

Glasgow, Scotland(4)

   Office & engineering      Owned   

Gurgaon, India

   Office & engineering      Leased (2018)   

Houston, Texas

   Office & engineering      Leased (2018)   

Istanbul, Turkey

   Office & engineering      Leased (2013)   

Kolkata, India

   Office & engineering      Leased (2012-2017)   

Madrid, Spain

   Office & engineering      Leased (2015)   

Middlesborough, England

   Office      Leased (2012)   

Midrand, South Africa

   Office & engineering      Owned   

Milan, Italy

   Office & engineering      Leased (2014-2017)   

Paris, France

   Office & engineering      Leased (2017)   

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

   Office      Leased (2017)   

Provence, France

   Office & engineering      Leased (2014)   

Reading, England

   Office, engineering & warehouse      Leased (2020-2024)   

Santiago, Chile

   Office & engineering      Leased (2014)   

Shanghai, China

   Office & engineering      Leased (2012-2013)   

Singapore

   Office & engineering      Leased (2013)   

South Jordan, Utah

   Office & engineering      Leased (2019)   

Sriracha, Thailand

   Office & engineering      Leased (2012-2013)   

Global Power Group

     

Camden, New Jersey(5)

   Waste-to-energy plant      Owned   

Espoo, Finland

   Office      Leased (2012)   

Friedrichsdorf, Germany

   Office & engineering      Leased (2016)   

Krefeld, Germany

   Manufacturing & office      Leased (2016)   

Kurikka, Finland

   Manufacturing & office      Leased (2013)   

Madrid, Spain

   Office & engineering      Leased (2015)   

Martinez, California

   Cogeneration plant      Owned   

McGregor, Texas

   Manufacturing and office      Owned   

Melbourne, Florida

   Office & warehouse      Leased (2013)   

Norrkoping, Sweden

   Manufacturing & office      Leased (2014)   

Rayong, Thailand

   Manufacturing & office      Leased (2017)   

 

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Business Segment and Location

  

Principal Use

   Owned/Leased
(Lease  Expiration)(1)
 

Shanghai, China

   Office      Leased (2012-2013)   

Sosnowiec, Poland(6)

   Office, engineering and manufacturing      Leased   

Talcahuano, Chile

   Cogeneration plant-facility site      Leased (2035)   

Tarragona, Spain

   Manufacturing      Owned   

Varkaus, Finland(7)

   Manufacturing & office      Owned   

Xinhui, Guangdong, China(8)

   Manufacturing, office & warehouse      Leased (2012-2045)   

 

 

(1) 

Properties with date ranges represent multiple leases at the same location with lease expiration dates within the range listed.

 

(2) 

The facility is also utilized by the Global Engineering & Construction Group and the Global Power Group.

 

(3) 

The two wind farm towers are owned and the land for the two towers is leased (2013-2016).

 

(4) 

Portion or entire facility leased or subleased to third parties.

 

(5) 

The waste-to-energy plant facility is owned and the land is leased (2015).

 

(6) 

The manufacturing facility is leased (2089) and the office and engineering facilities are leased on a month-to-month basis with no contractual termination date.

 

(7) 

The manufacturing facility is owned and the office facility is leased (2031).

 

(8) 

A portion of the manufacturing facilities are leased on a month-to-month basis with no contractual termination date.

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

For information on asbestos claims and other material litigation affecting us, see Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Application of Critical Accounting Estimates” and Note 16, “Litigation and Uncertainties,” to our consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

The following chart lists the quarterly high and low sales prices of our shares on the NASDAQ Global Select Market during 2011 and 2010.

 

     Quarters Ended  
     March 31,      June 30,      September 30,      December 31,  

2011 Share prices:

           

High

   $ 39.75       $ 38.74       $ 30.77       $ 23.08   

Low

   $ 32.46       $ 28.28       $ 17.00       $ 16.40   

2010 Share prices:

           

High

   $ 35.01       $ 32.38       $ 25.89       $ 35.39   

Low

   $ 23.98       $ 20.54       $ 20.33       $ 22.53   

We had 2,526 shareholders of record, as defined under Regulation S-K Item 201, and 107,749,674 registered shares outstanding as of February 10, 2012.

We have not declared or paid a cash dividend since July 2001 and we do not have any plans to declare or pay any cash dividends. Our current U.S. senior secured credit agreement contains limitations on our ability to pay cash dividends.

 

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Performance Graph

As a result of the Redomestication described in Item 1, “Business — The Redomestication,” on February 9, 2009 Foster Wheeler AG became the parent company of our group of companies and its registered shares were listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “FWLT,” the same symbol under which Foster Wheeler Ltd. common shares were previously listed. The performance information below relates to sales prices of Foster Wheeler Ltd. common shares for periods prior to the Redomestication.

On January 8, 2008, the shareholders of Foster Wheeler Ltd. approved an increase in its authorized share capital at a shareholders meeting which was necessary in order to effect a two-for-one stock split of Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s common shares in the form of a stock dividend to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s common shareholders in the ratio of one additional Foster Wheeler Ltd. common share in respect of each common share outstanding. As a result of these capital alterations, all references to common share prices, share capital, the number of shares, stock options, restricted awards, per share amounts, cash dividends, and any other reference to shares in this annual report on Form 10-K, unless otherwise noted, have been adjusted to reflect the stock split on a retroactive basis.

The stock performance graph below shows how an initial investment of $100 in our shares would have compared over a five-year period with an equal investment in (1) the S&P 500 Index and (2) an industry peer group index that consists of several peer companies (referred to as the “Peer Group”) as defined below.

 

LOGO

In the preparation of the line graph, we used the following assumptions: (i) $100 was invested in each of our shares, the S&P 500 Index and the Peer Group on December 29, 2006, (ii) dividends, if any, were reinvested, and (iii) the investments were weighted on the basis of market capitalization.

 

     December  29,
2006
     December  28,
2007
     December  26,
2008
     December  31,
2009
     December  31,
2010
     December  31,
2011
 
                 

Foster Wheeler AG

   $ 100.00       $ 283.41       $ 85.02       $ 106.78       $ 125.21       $ 69.42   

S&P 500 Index

     100.00         106.22         64.22         84.05         96.71         98.76   

Peer Group *

     100.00         201.81         73.59         93.54         137.54         112.38   

 

 

* 

The following companies comprise the Peer Group: Chicago Bridge & Iron Company N.V., Fluor Corporation, Jacobs Engineering Group Inc., KBR, Inc., McDermott International, Inc. and Shaw Group, Inc. The Peer Group consists of companies that were chosen by us for benchmarking the performance of our registered shares.

 

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Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities (amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)

On September 12, 2008, we announced a share repurchase program pursuant to which our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $750,000 of our outstanding shares and the designation of the repurchased shares for cancellation. On November 4, 2010, our Board of Directors proposed an increase to our share repurchase program of $335,000 and the designation of the repurchased shares for cancellation, which was approved by our shareholders at an Extraordinary General Meeting on February 24, 2011.

Under Swiss law, the cancellation of shares previously repurchased under our share repurchase program must be approved by our shareholders. Repurchased shares remain as treasury shares on our balance sheet until cancellation. We obtained specific shareholder approval for the cancellation of all treasury shares as of December 31, 2010 and amended our Articles of Association to reduce our share capital accordingly at our 2011 annual general meeting of shareholders on May 3, 2011. On July 22, 2011, the cancellation of those shares was registered with the commercial register of the Canton of Zug in Switzerland. All shares acquired after December 31, 2010 will remain as treasury shares until shareholder approval for their cancellation is granted at a future general meeting of shareholders. Based on the aggregate share repurchases under our program through December 31, 2011, we are authorized to repurchase up to an additional $91,546 of our outstanding shares. In December 2011, we initiated trades to repurchase an aggregate of 564,100 additional shares that settled in January 2012 for an aggregate cost of approximately $10,900. Cumulatively through February 23, 2012, we have repurchased 40,215,749 shares for an aggregate cost of approximately $1,004,400 and we are authorized to repurchase approximately $80,600 of additional outstanding shares. On February 22, 2012, our Board of Directors authorized additional share repurchases of up to an aggregate of approximately $500,000, inclusive of the $80,600 remaining authorized as of February 23, 2012, and the designation of the repurchased shares for cancellation. Under Swiss law, the repurchase of shares in excess of 10% of the company’s share capital must be approved in advance by the company’s shareholders. Accordingly, share repurchases under the February 2012 authorization in excess of the permissible 10% must be approved in advance by our shareholders. Depending on the aggregate cost of future repurchases we may also require approval of our banks. We expect to seek shareholder approval of the authorized additional share repurchase amount at our next general meeting of shareholders in May 2012. The following table provides information with respect to purchases under our share repurchase program during the fourth quarter of 2011.

 

Month

   Total Number of
Shares Purchased(1)
    Average Price Paid
per Share
     Total Number  of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs
    Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs
 

October 1, 2011 through October 31, 2011

          $              $   

November 1, 2011 through November 30, 2011

     1,798,475        19.05         1,798,475          

December 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011

     7,200,000        18.72         7,200,000          
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total

     8,998,475      $ 18.79         8,998,475 (2)    $ 91,546   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

(1) 

During the fourth quarter of 2011, we repurchased an aggregate of 8,998,475 shares in open market transactions pursuant to our share repurchase program. We are authorized to repurchase up to an additional $91,546 of our outstanding shares based on the aggregate share repurchases as of December 31, 2011. The repurchase program has no expiration date and may be suspended for periods or discontinued at any time. We did not repurchase any shares other than through our publicly announced repurchase program.

 

(2)

As of December 31, 2011, an aggregate of 39,651,649 shares were purchased for a total of $993,454 since the inception of the repurchase program announced on September 12, 2008.

 

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

FOSTER WHEELER AG

COMPARATIVE FINANCIAL STATISTICS

(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)

 

    2011     2010     2009     2008     2007  

Statement of Operations Data:

         

Operating revenues

  $ 4,480,729      $ 4,067,719      $ 5,056,334      $ 6,854,290      $ 5,107,243   

Income before income taxes(1)

    235,242        305,240        455,120        630,897        535,871   

Provision for income taxes(2)

    58,514        74,531        93,762        97,028        136,420   

Net income

    176,728        230,709        361,358        533,869        399,451   

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

    14,345        15,302        11,202        7,249        5,577   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to
Foster Wheeler AG

  $ 162,383      $ 215,407      $ 350,156      $ 526,620      $ 393,874   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

         

Basic

  $ 1.35      $ 1.71      $ 2.77      $ 3.73      $ 2.78   

Diluted

  $ 1.35      $ 1.70      $ 2.75      $ 3.68      $ 2.72   

Shares outstanding:

         

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding for basic earnings per share

    120,085,704        126,032,130        126,541,962        141,149,590        141,661,046   

Effect of dilutive securities

    418,779        544,725        632,649        1,954,440        3,087,176   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share

    120,504,483        126,576,855        127,174,611        143,104,030        144,748,222   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     December 31,
2011
     December 31,
2010
     December 31,
2009
     December 26,
2008
     December 28,
2007
 

Balance Sheet Data:

              

Current assets

   $ 1,523,716       $ 1,994,500       $ 1,941,555       $ 1,790,186       $ 2,044,383   

Current liabilities

     1,087,320         1,210,674         1,282,004         1,488,614         1,523,773   

Working capital

     436,396         783,826         659,551         301,572         520,610   

Land, buildings and equipment, net

     341,987         362,087         398,132         383,209         337,485   

Total assets

     2,606,943         3,060,477         3,187,738         3,011,254         3,248,988   

Long-term debt (including current installments)

     149,111         164,570         212,440         217,364         205,346   

Total temporary equity

     4,993         4,935         2,570         7,586         2,728   

Total Foster Wheeler AG shareholders’ equity

     687,747         967,693         831,517         392,562         571,041   

Other Data:

              

Backlog, measured in terms of future revenues, end of year

   $ 3,626,100       $ 3,979,500       $ 4,112,800       $ 5,504,400       $ 9,420,400   

New orders, measured in terms of future revenues

     4,285,800         4,105,800         3,481,700         4,056,000         8,882,800   

 

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(1) 

Income before income taxes includes the following:

 

     2011      2010      2009      2008      2007  

Net asbestos-related provision/(gain)

   $ 9,900       $ 5,400       $ 26,400       $ 6,600       $ (6,100

Curtailment gain on closure of the U.K. pension plan

             20,100                           

Charges for severance-related postemployment benefits

     2,700         10,800         12,400         9,000           

 

(2) 

2008 included: a benefit of $24,100 related to the net impact of deferred tax valuation allowance adjustments at two of our non-U.S. subsidiaries.

 

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)

The following is management’s discussion and analysis of certain significant factors that have affected our financial condition and results of operations for the periods indicated below. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this annual report on Form 10-K.

Safe Harbor Statement

This management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, other sections of this annual report on Form 10-K and other reports and oral statements made by our representatives from time to time may contain forward-looking statements that are based on our assumptions, expectations and projections about Foster Wheeler AG and the various industries within which we operate. These include statements regarding our expectations about revenues (including as expressed by our backlog), our liquidity, the outcome of litigation and legal proceedings and recoveries from customers for claims, and the costs of current and future asbestos claims and the amount and timing of related insurance recoveries. Such forward-looking statements by their nature involve a degree of risk and uncertainty. We caution that a variety of factors, including but not limited to the factors described in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” and the following, could cause business conditions and our results to differ materially from what is contained in forward-looking statements:

 

   

benefits, effects or results of our redomestication or the relocation of our principal executive offices to Geneva, Switzerland;

 

   

benefits, effects or results of our strategic renewal initiative;

 

   

further deterioration in global economic conditions;

 

   

changes in investment by the oil and gas, oil refining, chemical/petrochemical and power generation industries;

 

   

changes in the financial condition of our customers;

 

   

changes in regulatory environments;

 

   

changes in project design or schedules;

 

   

contract cancellations;

 

   

changes in our estimates of costs to complete projects;

 

   

changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies worldwide;

 

   

compliance with laws and regulations relating to our global operations;

 

   

currency fluctuations;

 

   

war, terrorist attacks and/or natural disasters affecting facilities either owned by us or where equipment or services are or may be provided by us;

 

   

interruptions to shipping lanes or other methods of transit;

 

   

outcomes of pending and future litigation, including litigation regarding our liability for damages and insurance coverage for asbestos exposure;

 

   

protection and validity of our patents and other intellectual property rights;

 

   

increasing global competition;

 

   

compliance with our debt covenants;

 

   

recoverability of claims against our customers and others by us and claims by third parties against us; and

 

   

changes in estimates used in our critical accounting policies.

 

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Other factors and assumptions not identified above were also involved in the formation of these forward-looking statements and the failure of such other assumptions to be realized, as well as other factors, may also cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Most of these factors are difficult to predict accurately and are generally beyond our control. You should consider the areas of risk described above in connection with any forward-looking statements that may be made by us.

In addition, this management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations contains several statements regarding current and future general global economic conditions. These statements are based on our compilation of economic data and analyses from a variety of external sources. While we believe these statements to be reasonably accurate, global economic conditions are difficult to analyze and predict and are subject to significant uncertainty and as a result, these statements may prove to be wrong. The challenges and drivers for each of our business segments are discussed in more detail in the section entitled “— Results of Operations-Business Segments,” within this Item 7.

We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are advised, however, to consult any additional disclosures we make in proxy statements, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, annual reports on Form 10-K and current reports on Form 8-K filed or furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC.

Overview

We operate through two business groups — the Global Engineering & Construction Group, which we refer to as our Global E&C Group, and our Global Power Group. In addition to these two business groups, we also report corporate center expenses, our captive insurance operation and expenses related to certain legacy liabilities, such as asbestos and other expenses, in the Corporate and Finance Group, which we refer to as our C&F Group.

We have been exploring, and intend to continue to explore, acquisitions within the engineering and construction industry to strategically complement or expand on our technical capabilities or access to new market segments. We are also exploring acquisitions within the power generation industry to complement the products our Global Power Group offers. During 2011, we acquired a company based in Germany that designs, manufactures and installs equipment which utilizes circulating dry ash flue gas scrubbing technology for all types of steam generators in the power and industrial sectors.

However, there is no assurance that we will consummate any acquisitions in the future.

Summary Financial Results

Our summary financial results for 2011, 2010 and 2009 are as follows:

 

     2011      2010      2009  

Operating revenues(1)

   $ 4,480,729       $ 4,067,719       $ 5,056,334   

Contract profit(1)

     541,455         598,786         758,647   

Selling, general and administrative expenses(1)

     309,996         303,330         294,907   

Net income attributable to Foster Wheeler AG

   $ 162,383       $ 215,407       $ 350,156   

Earnings per share :

        

Basic

   $ 1.35       $ 1.71       $ 2.77   

Diluted

   $ 1.35       $ 1.70       $ 2.75   

Cash and cash equivalents (at period end)(2)

   $ 718,049       $ 1,057,163       $ 997,158   

Net cash provided by operating activities(2)

   $ 185,746       $ 178,668       $ 290,615   

 

(1) 

Please refer to the section entitled “— Results of Operations” within this Item 7 for further discussion.

 

(2) 

Please refer to the section entitled “— Liquidity and Capital Resources” within this Item 7 for further discussion.

 

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Net income attributable to Foster Wheeler AG decreased in 2011, compared to 2010, primarily driven by the pretax decrease in contract profit of $57,300, which included the unfavorable impact of the inclusion of a curtailment gain and a settlement fee earned that were both recognized in 2010. The decline also included the unfavorable impact of the inclusion of a gain recognized in 2010 from the payment by third parties of the remaining balance of our Camden, New Jersey waste-to-energy facility’s project debt and the favorable impact of the inclusion of decreased equity earnings in 2010 for two projects in Italy that recorded impairment charges.

Net income attributable to Foster Wheeler AG decreased in 2010, as compared to 2009, primarily driven by the pretax decrease in contract profit of $159,900, which was net of the favorable impact of the inclusion of a curtailment gain and a settlement fee that were both recognized in 2010. The decline also included the unfavorable impact of decreased equity earnings in 2010 for two projects in Italy that recorded impairment charges and an increase in our effective tax rate. The change in net income attributable to Foster Wheeler AG was favorably impacted by a decrease in our net asbestos-related provision, which included the benefit of a gain on the settlement of coverage litigation with our insurance carriers in 2010, and an increased gain related to debt service payments by third parties on our Camden, New Jersey waste-to-energy facility’s project.

Please refer to the discussion within the section entitled “— Results of Operations” within this Item 7.

Challenges and Drivers

Our primary operating focus continues to be booking quality new business and effectively and efficiently executing our contracts. The global markets in which we operate are largely dependent on overall economic growth and the resultant demand for oil and gas, electric power, petrochemicals and refined products.

In the engineering and construction industry, we expect long-term demand to be strong for the end products produced by our clients, and we believe that this long-term demand will continue to stimulate investment by our clients in new, expanded and upgraded facilities. During 2010 and 2011, we saw an increased number of our clients restarting the implementation of their intended capital spending plans following the global economic downturn in 2008 and 2009. Some of these clients have been releasing, and continue to release, tranches of work on a piecemeal basis, conducting further analysis before deciding to proceed with their investments or reevaluating the size, timing or configuration of specific planned projects. We are also seeing clients reactivating planned projects that had previously been placed on hold and developing new projects. In addition, we have continued to see intense competition among engineering and construction contractors, which has resulted in pricing pressure. Our clients plan their investments on much longer time horizons, and we believe that long-term demand expectations and current oil prices are supportive of continued investments. The challenges and drivers for our Global E&C Group are discussed in more detail in the section entitled “— Results of Operations-Business Segments-Global E&C Group-Overview of Segment,” within this Item 7.

During 2011, we have seen increased new proposal activity, compared to 2010, and an improvement in the demand in some markets for the products and services of our Global Power Group. We believe this demand will continue in Asia, the Middle East and South America, primarily driven by growing electricity demand and industrial production in these regions. However, a number of constraining market factors continue to impact the markets that we serve. These factors include political and environmental sensitivity regarding coal-fired steam generators, as well as the outlook for continued lower natural gas pricing over the next three to five years, which have increased the attractiveness of natural gas, in relation to coal, for the generation of electricity. These factors may continue in the future. The challenges and drivers for our Global Power Group are discussed in more detail in the section entitled “— Results of Operations-Business Segments-Global Power Group-Overview of Segment,” within this Item 7.

There is also potential downside risk to global economic growth driven primarily by sovereign debt and bank funding pressures in the Eurozone and the speed at which governmental efforts directed at spending and debt reduction are being implemented in the U.S. and Japan. If these risks materialize, both of our business groups could be impacted.

 

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New Orders and Backlog of Unfilled Orders

The tables below summarize our new orders and backlog of unfilled orders by period:

 

    2011     2010      2009  

New orders, measured in future revenues:

      

Global E&C Group*

  $ 3,024,900      $ 2,902,100       $ 2,870,700   

Global Power Group

    1,260,900        1,203,700         611,000   
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total*

  $ 4,285,800      $ 4,105,800       $ 3,481,700   
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

      

*      Balances include the following Global E&C Group flow-through revenues, as defined in the section entitled “—Results of Operations-Operating Revenues” within this Item 7:

  $ 1,577,700      $ 963,000       $ 895,500   

 

     As of December 31,  
     2011      2010  

Backlog of unfilled orders, measured in future revenues

   $ 3,626,100       $ 3,979,500   

Backlog, measured in Foster Wheeler scope*

   $ 2,562,300       $ 2,643,200   

Global E&C Group man-hours in backlog (in thousands)

     11,600         12,700   

 

 

* As defined in the section entitled “— Backlog and New Orders” within this Item 7.

Please refer to the section entitled “— Backlog and New Orders” within this Item 7 for further detail.

Results of Operations

Operating Revenues

 

                   2011 vs. 2010            2010 vs. 2009  
     2011      2010      $ Change      % Change     2009      $ Change     % Change  

Global E&C Group

   $ 3,443,079       $ 3,346,050       $ 97,029         2.9   $ 4,040,082       $ (694,032     (17.2 )% 

Global Power Group

     1,037,650         721,669         315,981         43.8     1,016,252         (294,583     (29.0 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 4,480,729       $ 4,067,719       $ 413,010         10.2   $ 5,056,334       $ (988,615     (19.6 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

We operate through two business groups: our Global E&C Group and our Global Power Group. Please refer to the section entitled “— Business Segments,” within this Item 7, for a discussion of the products and services of our business segments.

The composition of our operating revenues varies from period to period based on the portfolio of contracts in execution during any given period. Our operating revenues are further dependent upon the strength of the various geographic markets and industries we serve and our ability to address those markets and industries.

 

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Our operating revenues by geographic region, based upon where our projects are being executed, for 2011, 2010 and 2009, were as follows:

 

                2011 vs. 2010           2010 vs. 2009  
    2011     2010     $ Change     % Change     2009     $ Change     % Change  

Africa

  $ 158,599      $ 156,576      $ 2,023        1.3   $ 129,745      $ 26,831        20.7

Asia

    835,973        964,526        (128,553     (13.3 )%      1,407,313        (442,787     (31.5 )% 

Australasia and other*

    1,175,048        1,019,670        155,378        15.2     1,206,764        (187,094     (15.5 )% 

Europe

    918,197        879,503        38,694        4.4     1,040,179        (160,676     (15.4 )% 

Middle East

    270,934        212,627        58,307        27.4     395,225        (182,598     (46.2 )% 

North America

    769,901        595,963        173,938        29.2     654,728        (58,765     (9.0 )% 

South America

    352,077        238,854        113,223        47.4     222,380        16,474        7.4
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 4,480,729      $ 4,067,719      $ 413,010        10.2   $ 5,056,334      $ (988,615     (19.6 )% 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

* Australasia and other primarily represents Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

2011 vs. 2010

Our operating revenues increased in 2011, compared to 2010, which includes increased flow-through revenues of $186,400, as described below. Excluding the impact of the change in flow-through revenues and currency fluctuations, our operating revenues increased 6% in 2011, compared to 2010. The increase in operating revenues, excluding flow-through revenues and currency fluctuations, during 2011 was the result of significantly increased operating revenues in our Global Power Group, partially offset by decreased operating revenues in our Global E&C Group.

Flow-through revenues and costs result when we purchase materials, equipment or third-party services on behalf of our customer on a reimbursable basis with no profit on the materials, equipment or third-party services and where we have the overall responsibility as the contractor for the engineering specifications and procurement or procurement services for the materials, equipment or third-party services included in flow-through costs. Flow-through revenues and costs do not impact contract profit or net earnings.

2010 vs. 2009

Our operating revenues declined in 2010, compared to 2009. The decline was primarily the result of decreased flow-through revenues of $470,100, as described below, and decreased operating revenues in both of our operating groups. Foreign currency fluctuations had a minimal impact on the decline in operating revenues. Our operating revenues decreased approximately 16% excluding the impact of the change in flow-through revenues in 2010, compared to 2009.

Please refer to the section entitled “— Business Segments,” within this Item 7, for further discussion related to operating revenues and our view of the market outlook for both of our operating groups.

Contract Profit

 

     2011     2010     2009  

Amount

   $ 541,455      $ 598,786      $ 758,647   

$ Change

     (57,331     (159,861  

% Change

     (9.6 )%      (21.1 )%   

Contract profit is computed as operating revenues less cost of operating revenues. “Flow-through” amounts are recorded both as operating revenues and cost of operating revenues with no contract profit. Contract profit margins are computed as contract profit divided by operating revenues. Flow-through revenues reduce the con-

 

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tract profit margin as they are included in operating revenues without any corresponding impact on contract profit. As a result, we analyze our contract profit margins excluding the impact of flow-through revenues as we believe that this is a more accurate measure of our operating performance.

2011 vs. 2010

Contract profit declined during 2011, compared to 2010. The decline was the net result of decreased contract profit by our Global E&C Group and the unfavorable impact of the inclusion of a curtailment gain of $20,100 related to our U.K. pension plan and a settlement fee earned of $11,800 which were both recognized by our Global E&C Group in 2010, partially offset by increased contract profit in our Global Power Group.

2010 vs. 2009

Both of our operating groups experienced decreased contract profit in 2010, compared to 2009, which was partially offset by the favorable impact of the inclusion of a curtailment gain of $20,100 in 2010 related to our U.K. pension plan that was closed for future defined benefit accrual and a settlement fee of $11,800 that our Global E&C Group received in 2010.

Please refer to the section entitled “— Business Segments,” within this Item 7, for further information related to contract profit for both of our operating groups.

Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) Expenses

 

     2011     2010     2009  

Amount

   $ 309,996      $ 303,330      $ 294,907   

$ Change

     6,666        8,423     

% Change

     2.2     2.9  

SG&A expenses include the costs associated with general management, sales pursuit, including proposal expenses, and research and development costs.

2011 vs. 2010

SG&A expenses increased in 2011, compared to 2010, primarily as a result of increased sales pursuit costs of $14,700 and general overhead costs of $4,800, partially offset by increased expenses in 2010 related to the relocation of our principal executive offices to Geneva, Switzerland of $8,000 and a decreased charge for severance-related postemployment benefits of $6,000 in 2011, compared to 2010. Our 2011 SG&A expenses included a severance-related postemployment benefits charge of $1,100, which included charges in our Global E&C Group and our C&F Group of $600 and $500, respectively. Our 2010 SG&A expenses included a severance-related postemployment benefits charge of $7,100 in our C&F Group.

2010 vs. 2009

The increase in SG&A expenses in 2010, compared to 2009, resulted primarily from increased expenses in 2010 related to the relocation of our principal executive offices to Geneva, Switzerland of $10,300, an increased charge for severance-related postemployment benefits of $2,500, partially offset by decreased general overhead costs of $3,300, while sales pursuit and research and development costs were relatively flat. Our 2010 SG&A expenses included a severance-related postemployment benefits charge of $7,100 in our C&F Group. Our 2009 SG&A expenses included a severance-related postemployment benefits charge of $4,600, which included charges in our C&F Group and our Global E&C Group of $3,700 and $900, respectively.

Other Income, net

 

     2011     2010     2009  

Amount

   $ 51,607      $ 60,444      $ 52,263   

$ Change

     (8,837     8,181     

% Change

     (14.6 )%      15.7  

 

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2011

Other income, net in 2011 consisted primarily of equity earnings of $40,100 generated from our investments, primarily from our ownership interests in build, own and operate projects in Chile and Italy. Our 2011 equity earnings from our Global Power Group’s project in Chile and our Global E&C Group’s projects in Italy were $30,900 and $9,700, respectively. Additionally, we recognized a $4,000 gain in 2011 related to the revaluation of a contingent consideration liability.

Other income, net decreased in 2011, compared to 2010, primarily driven by the unfavorable impact of the inclusion of a $21,900 gain recognized in 2010 from the payment by third parties of the remaining balance of our Camden, New Jersey waste-to-energy facility’s project debt, as described below, and decreased value-added tax refunds and other non-income tax credits of $3,400, partially offset by increased equity earnings in our Global Power Group’s project in Chile of $10,200, increased equity earnings in our Global E&C Group’s investments of $5,900, which includes the favorable impact of the inclusion of decreased equity earnings in 2010 of $13,200 related to impairment charges recognized by two of our Global E&C Group’s projects in Italy, and a $4,000 gain in 2011 related to the revaluation of a contingent consideration liability in our Global E&C Group.

2010

Other income, net in 2010 consisted primarily of equity earnings of $24,000 generated from our investments, primarily from our ownership interests in build, own and operate projects in Italy and Chile, and a $21,900 gain recognized from the payment of the remaining balance of our Camden, New Jersey waste-to-energy facility’s project debt by the Pollution Control Finance Authority of Camden County, or PCFA, and the State of New Jersey.

Other income, net increased in 2010, compared to 2009. This was the net result of a $12,000 increase in 2010 related to the gain recognized from debt service payments by third parties of our Camden, New Jersey waste-to-energy facility’s project debt, an increase in equity earnings in our Global Power Group’s project in Chile of $4,600 and other activities, including $2,600 of value-added tax refunds and other non-income tax credits, partially offset by a decrease in equity earnings in our Global E&C Group’s projects in Italy. During 2010, our Global E&C Group’s equity earnings decreased $13,200, compared to 2009, for two projects in Italy that recorded impairment charges in 2010.

For further information related to our equity earnings, please refer to the sections within this Item 7 entitled “— Business Segments-Global Power Group” for our Global Power Group’s project in Chile and “— Business Segments-Global E&C Group” for our Global E&C Group’s projects in Italy, as well as Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K.

2009

Other income, net in 2009 consisted primarily of $34,500 in equity earnings generated from our investments, as described above, and a $9,900 gain recognized from the payment by third parties of the 2009 debt service obligation on the Camden waste-to-energy facility’s project debt.

Other Deductions, net

 

     2011     2010     2009  

Amount

   $ 43,969      $ 41,221      $ 30,931   

$ Change

     2,748        10,290     

% Change

     6.7     33.3  

Other deductions, net includes various items, such as legal fees, consulting fees, bank fees, net penalties on unrecognized tax benefits and the impact of net foreign exchange transactions within the period. Net foreign exchange transactions include the net amount of transaction losses and gains that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of our subsidiaries. Net

 

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foreign exchange transaction gains and losses during 2011, 2010 and 2009 were primarily driven by exchange rate fluctuations on cash balances held by certain of our subsidiaries that were denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of those subsidiaries.

2011

Other deductions, net in 2011 consisted primarily of legal fees of $17,800, consulting fees of $12,000, net penalties on unrecognized tax benefits of $4,000, which were net of previously accrued tax penalties that were ultimately not assessed, and bank fees of $3,500, partially offset by a net foreign exchange transaction gain of $1,100.

2010

Other deductions, net in 2010 consisted primarily of legal fees of $17,800, net foreign exchange transaction losses of $5,800, consulting fees of $4,700, bank fees of $4,300, net penalties on unrecognized tax benefits of $1,700, which were net of previously accrued tax penalties that were ultimately not assessed, and a charge for unamortized fees and expenses related to the amendment and restatement of our October 2006 U.S. senior secured credit agreement in July 2010 of $1,600.

2009

Other deductions, net in 2009 consisted primarily of legal fees of $16,400, consulting fees of $4,000, bank fees of $3,900 and net penalties on unrecognized tax benefits of $2,500, which were net of previously accrued tax penalties that were ultimately not assessed.

Interest Income

 

     2011     2010     2009  

Amount

   $ 18,922      $ 11,581      $ 10,535   

$ Change

     7,341        1,046     

% Change

     63.4     9.9  

2011 vs. 2010

The increase in interest income in 2011, compared to 2010, was primarily a result of higher investment yields on cash and cash equivalents balances and, to a lesser extent, higher average cash and cash equivalents balances and favorable foreign currency fluctuations.

2010 vs. 2009

The increase in interest income in 2010, compared to 2009, was primarily a result of higher average cash and cash equivalents balances and, to a lesser extent, the favorable impact from higher investment yields on cash and cash equivalents balances.

Interest Expense

 

     2011     2010     2009  

Amount

   $ 12,876      $ 15,610      $ 14,122   

$ Change

     (2,734     1,488     

% Change

     (17.5 )%      10.5  

2011 vs. 2010

Interest expense decreased in 2011, compared to 2010, primarily as a result of the favorable impact from decreased average borrowings.

 

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2010 vs. 2009

Interest expense increased in 2010, compared to 2009, which primarily resulted from an increase in net interest expense on unrecognized tax benefits of $3,800, partially offset by decreased average borrowings. Accrued interest expense on unrecognized tax benefits in 2010 and 2009 are net of the reversal of previously accrued interest expense on unrecognized tax benefits that was ultimately not assessed of $1,900 and $5,100, respectively.

Net Asbestos-Related Provision

 

     2011     2010     2009  

Amount

   $ 9,901      $ 5,410      $ 26,365   

$ Change

     4,491        (20,955  

% Change

     83.0     (79.5 )%   

2011 vs. 2010

Net asbestos-related provision increased in 2011, compared to 2010, which was the net result of a decreased gain on the settlement of coverage litigation with asbestos insurance carriers in 2011, compared to 2010, of $7,900, partially offset by a decreased provision related to the revaluation of our asbestos liability of $3,400. Our 2011 and 2010 provisions included charges to increase our asbestos liability for increased asbestos defense costs projected over our 15 year estimate.

2010 vs. 2009

Net asbestos-related provision decreased in 2010, compared to 2009, which was the result of an increased gain on the settlement of coverage litigation with asbestos insurance carriers in 2010, compared to 2009, of $12,800 and a decreased provision related to the revaluation of our asbestos liability of $8,200. Our 2010 and 2009 provisions included charges to increase our asbestos liability for increased asbestos defense costs projected over our 15 year estimate.

Please refer to Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for more information.

Provision for Income Taxes

 

     2011     2010     2009  

Amount

   $ 58,514      $ 74,531      $ 93,762   

$ Change

     (16,017     (19,231  

% Change

     (21.5 )%      (20.5 )%   

Effective Tax Rate

     24.9     24.4     20.6

Although we are a Swiss Corporation, we are exclusively traded on a U.S. exchange; therefore, we reconcile our effective tax rate to the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% to facilitate meaningful comparison with peer companies in the U.S. capital markets. Our effective tax rate can fluctuate significantly from period to period and may differ significantly from the U.S. federal statutory rate as a result of income taxed in various non-U.S. jurisdictions with rates different from the U.S. statutory rate, as a result of our inability to recognize a tax benefit for losses generated by certain unprofitable operations and as a result of the varying mix of income earned in the jurisdictions in which we operate. In addition, our deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, based upon available evidence, it is more likely than not that the tax benefit of loss carryforwards (or other deferred tax assets) will not be realized in the future. In periods when operating units subject to a valuation allowance generate pretax earnings, the corresponding reduction in the valuation allowance favorably impacts our effective tax rate. Conversely, in periods when operating units subject to a valuation allowance generate pretax losses, the corresponding increase in the valuation allowance has an unfavorable impact on our effective tax rate.

 

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2011

Our effective tax rate for 2011 was lower than the U.S. statutory rate of 35% due principally to the net impact of the following:

 

   

Income earned in tax jurisdictions with tax rates lower than the U.S. statutory rate, which contributed to an approximate 17.5-percentage point reduction in our effective tax rate; and

 

   

A valuation allowance increase because we are unable to recognize a tax benefit for losses subject to valuation allowance in certain jurisdictions (primarily in the U.S.), which contributed to an approximate six-percentage point increase in our effective tax rate.

2010

Our effective tax rate for 2010 was lower than the U.S. statutory rate of 35% due principally to the net impact of the following:

 

   

Income earned in tax jurisdictions with tax rates lower than the U.S. statutory rate, which contributed to an approximate 17-percentage point reduction in our effective tax rate; and

 

   

Total changes in our valuation allowance contributed to an approximate five-percentage point increase in our effective tax rate as a result of the net impact of a valuation allowance increase because we are unable to recognize a tax benefit for losses subject to valuation allowance in certain jurisdictions (primarily in the U.S.), and a reversal of valuation allowance on deferred tax assets in a non-U.S. jurisdiction.

2009

Our effective tax rate for 2009 was lower than the U.S. statutory rate of 35% due principally to the net impact of income earned in tax jurisdictions with tax rates lower than the U.S. statutory rate, which contributed to an approximate 15-percentage point reduction in our effective tax rate for 2009.

We monitor the jurisdictions for which valuation allowances against deferred tax assets were established in previous years, and we evaluate, on a quarterly basis, the need for the valuation allowances against deferred tax assets in those jurisdictions. Such evaluation includes a review of all available evidence, both positive and negative, in determining whether a valuation allowance is necessary.

For statutory purposes, the majority of the U.S. federal tax benefits, against which valuation allowances have been established, do not expire until 2025 and beyond, based on current tax laws.

Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests

 

     2011     2010     2009  

Amount

   $ 14,345      $ 15,302      $ 11,202   

$ Change

     (957     4,100     

% Change

     (6.3 )%      36.6  

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests represents third-party ownership interests in the net income of our Global Power Group’s Martinez, California gas-fired cogeneration subsidiary and our manufacturing subsidiaries in Poland and the People’s Republic of China, as well as our Global E&C Group’s subsidiaries in Malaysia and South Africa. The change in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests is based upon changes in the net income of these subsidiaries and/or changes in the noncontrolling interests’ ownership interest in the subsidiaries.

2011 vs. 2010

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests decreased in 2011, compared to 2010, which was the net result from decreases in net income from our operations in the People’s Republic of China, Poland and South Africa, partially offset by an increase in net income from our operations in Martinez, California.

 

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2010 vs. 2009

The increase in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in 2010, compared to 2009, primarily resulted from an increase in the net income from our subsidiary in Martinez, California, which contributed to a $3,900 increase in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests. Other changes included an increase in the net income from our subsidiary in South Africa, substantially offset by decreases in the net income from our subsidiaries in the People’s Republic of China and Malaysia.

EBITDA

EBITDA, as discussed and defined below, is the primary measure of operating performance used by our chief operating decision maker.

In addition to our two business groups, which also represent operating segments for financial reporting purposes, we report corporate center expenses, our captive insurance operation and expenses related to certain legacy liabilities, such as asbestos, in the Corporate and Finance Group, or C&F Group, which also represents an operating segment for financial reporting purposes.

 

     2011     2010     2009  

Amount

   $ 283,229      $ 359,703      $ 503,799   

$ Change

     (76,474     (144,096  

% Change

     (21.3 )%      (28.6 )%   

2011 vs. 2010

EBITDA decreased in 2011, compared to 2010, primarily driven by decreased contract profit of $57,300, which was the net result of decreased contract profit by our Global E&C Group, partially offset by increased contract profit by our Global Power Group. The decrease in contract profit also included the unfavorable impact of the inclusion of a curtailment gain and a settlement fee earned that were both recognized by our Global E&C Group in 2010. The decline in EBITDA also included the unfavorable impact of the inclusion of a gain recognized by our Global Power Group in 2010 from the payment by third parties of the remaining balance of our Camden, New Jersey waste-to-energy facility’s project debt and the favorable impact of the inclusion of decreased equity earnings in 2010 for two of our Global E&C Group projects in Italy that recorded impairment charges.

2010 vs. 2009

EBITDA decreased in 2010, compared to 2009, primarily driven by decreased contract profit of $159,900, which was the result of decreased contract profit by both our Global E&C Group and our Global Power Group. The decrease in contract profit also included the favorable impact of the inclusion of a curtailment gain and a settlement fee earned that were both recognized by our Global E&C Group in 2010. The decline in EBITDA also included decreased equity earnings in our Global E&C Group in 2010, compared to 2009, for two projects in Italy that recorded impairment charges. The change in EBITDA was favorably impacted by a decrease in our net asbestos-related provision, which included the benefit of a gain on the settlement of coverage litigation with our insurance carriers in 2010, and an increased gain recognized by our Global Power Group related to debt service payments by third parties on our Camden, New Jersey waste-to-energy facility’s project debt.

Please refer to the preceding discussion of each of these items within this “— Results of Operations” section and the individual segment explanations below.

EBITDA is a supplemental financial measure not defined in generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. We define EBITDA as income attributable to Foster Wheeler AG before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. We have presented EBITDA because we believe it is an important supplemental measure of operating performance. Certain covenants under our U.S. senior secured credit agreement use an adjusted form of EBITDA such that in the covenant calculations the EBITDA as presented herein is adjusted for

 

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certain unusual and infrequent items specifically excluded in the terms of our U.S. senior secured credit agreement. We believe that the line item on the consolidated statement of operations entitled “net income attributable to Foster Wheeler AG” is the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure to EBITDA. Since EBITDA is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP, it should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, net income attributable to Foster Wheeler AG as an indicator of operating performance or any other GAAP financial measure. EBITDA, as calculated by us, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies. In addition, this measure does not necessarily represent funds available for discretionary use and is not necessarily a measure of our ability to fund our cash needs. As EBITDA excludes certain financial information that is included in net income attributable to Foster Wheeler AG, users of this financial information should consider the type of events and transactions that are excluded. Our non-GAAP performance measure, EBITDA, has certain material limitations as follows:

 

   

It does not include interest expense. Because we have borrowed money to finance some of our operations, interest is a necessary and ongoing part of our costs and has assisted us in generating revenue. Therefore, any measure that excludes interest expense has material limitations;

 

   

It does not include taxes. Because the payment of taxes is a necessary and ongoing part of our operations, any measure that excludes taxes has material limitations; and

 

   

It does not include depreciation and amortization. Because we must utilize property, plant and equipment and intangible assets in order to generate revenues in our operations, depreciation and amortization are necessary and ongoing costs of our operations. Therefore, any measure that excludes depreciation and amortization has material limitations.

A reconciliation of EBITDA to net income attributable to Foster Wheeler AG is shown below:

 

     2011     2010     2009  

EBITDA

      

Global E&C Group

   $ 210,541      $ 296,240      $ 421,186   

Global Power Group

     184,467        163,825        194,027   

C&F Group*

     (111,779     (100,362     (111,414
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     283,229        359,703        503,799   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less: Interest expense

     12,876        15,610        14,122   

Less: Depreciation and amortization

     49,456        54,155        45,759   

Less: Provision for income taxes

     58,514        74,531        93,762   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Foster Wheeler AG

   $ 162,383      $ 215,407      $ 350,156   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

* Includes general corporate income and expense, our captive insurance operation and the elimination of transactions and balances related to intercompany interest.

 

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EBITDA in the above table includes the following:

 

     2011      2010      2009  

Net increase in contract profit from the regular revaluation of final estimated contract profit revisions:(1)

        

Global E&C Group(2)

   $ 13,200       $ 32,700       $ 66,700   

Global Power Group(2)

     22,000         24,100         2,300   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total(2)

     35,200         56,800         69,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asbestos-related provision in C&F Group(3)

     9,900         5,400         26,400   

Pension plan curtailment gain in our Global E&C Group

             20,100           

Net gain on settlement fee received in our Global E&C Group

             9,800           

Charges for severance-related postemployment benefits:

        

Global E&C Group

     2,200         3,700         8,700   

C&F Group

     500         7,100         3,700   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     2,700         10,800         12,400   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Please refer to “Revenue Recognition on Long-Term Contracts” in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for further information regarding changes in our final estimated contract profit.

 

(2) 

The changes in final estimated contract profit revisions during 2011 included the impact of two out-of-period corrections for reductions of final estimated profit totaling $7,800, which included final estimated profit reductions in our Global E&C Group and our Global Power Group of $3,200 and $4,600, respectively. The corrections were recorded in 2011 as they were not material to previously issued financial statements, nor are they material to the 2011 financial statements.

 

(3) 

Please refer to Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for further information regarding the revaluation of our asbestos liability and related asset.

The accounting policies of our business segments are the same as those described in our summary of significant accounting policies. The only significant intersegment transactions relate to interest on intercompany balances. We account for interest on those arrangements as if they were third-party transactions — i.e., at current market rates, and we include the elimination of that activity in the results of the C&F Group.

 

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Business Segments

Global E&C Group

 

                   2011 vs. 2010            2010 vs. 2009  
     2011      2010      $ Change     % Change     2009      $ Change     % Change  

Operating Revenues

   $ 3,443,079       $ 3,346,050       $ 97,029        2.9   $ 4,040,082       $ (694,032     (17.2 )% 

EBITDA

   $ 210,541       $ 296,240       $ (85,699     (28.9 )%    $ 421,186       $ (124,946     (29.7 )% 

Results

Our Global E&C Group’s operating revenues by geographic region, based upon where our projects are being executed, for 2011, 2010, and 2009, were as follows:

 

                   2011 vs. 2010            2010 vs. 2009  
     2011      2010      $ Change     % Change     2009      $ Change     % Change  

Africa

   $ 155,207       $ 156,543       $ (1,336     (0.9 )%    $ 126,031       $ 30,512        24.2

Asia

     550,425         813,212         (262,787     (32.3 )%      1,301,173         (487,961     (37.5 )% 

Australasia and other*

     1,175,042         1,019,668         155,374        15.2     1,206,153         (186,485     (15.5 )% 

Europe

     474,116         603,862         (129,746     (21.5 )%      601,553         2,309        0.4

Middle East

     235,977         194,906         41,071        21.1     393,052         (198,146     (50.4 )% 

North America

     528,923         372,223         156,700        42.1     283,622         88,601        31.2

South America

     323,389         185,636         137,753        74.2     128,498         57,138        44.5
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 3,443,079       $ 3,346,050       $ 97,029        2.9   $ 4,040,082       $ (694,032     (17.2 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

* Australasia and other primarily represents Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

Please refer to the section entitled, “— Overview of Segment” below for our view of the market outlook for our Global E&C Group.

2011 vs. 2010

Our Global E&C Group experienced an increase in operating revenues of 3% in 2011, compared to 2010. The increase was primarily driven by increased flow-through revenues of $187,800. The change in operating revenues also included the unfavorable impact of the inclusion of a settlement fee earned of $11,800 that our Global E&C Group recognized in 2010, as noted below. Excluding flow-through revenues, foreign currency fluctuations and the settlement fee recognized in 2010, our Global E&C Group’s operating revenues decreased 8% in 2011, compared to 2010.

Our Global E&C Group’s EBITDA decreased in 2011, compared to 2010, primarily driven by decreased contract profit of $61,400, excluding the impact of a curtailment gain and a settlement fee earned that were both recognized in 2010. The decrease in contract profit primarily resulted from decreased contract profit margins and decreased volume of operating revenues, excluding flow-through revenues. The EBITDA decline also included unfavorable impacts for the inclusion of a $20,100 curtailment gain related to the 2010 future benefit accrual closure in our U.K. defined benefit pension plan and a $9,800 settlement fee recognized in 2010, as described below. EBITDA was further negatively impacted by increased sales pursuit costs in 2011, compared to 2010, of $10,800, driven by increased new proposal activity. The decline in EBITDA was partially offset by increased equity earnings in our Global E&C Group’s investments of $5,900, as 2010 equity earnings included impairment charges of $13,200 recognized by two of our Global E&C Group’s projects in Italy.

 

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2010 vs. 2009

Our Global E&C Group experienced a decrease in operating revenues of 17% in 2010, compared to 2009. The decline included the net impact of decreased flow-through revenues of $468,800, partially offset by the favorable impact of a settlement fee earned of $11,800 that our Global E&C Group received in 2010, as noted below. Foreign currency fluctuations had a minimal impact on the decline in operating revenues. Excluding flow-through revenues and the settlement fee noted above, our Global E&C Group’s operating revenues decreased 10% in 2010, compared to 2009.

Our Global E&C Group’s EBITDA decreased in 2010, compared to 2009, primarily driven by decreased contract profit of $144,000, excluding the impact of a curtailment gain and a settlement fee earned that were both recognized in 2010. The decrease in contract profit primarily resulted from decreased contract profit margins and, to a lesser extent, the volume decrease in operating revenues, excluding flow-through revenues. The EBITDA decline also included favorable impacts for the inclusion of a $20,100 curtailment gain related to the 2010 future benefit accrual closure in our U.K. defined benefit pension plan and a $9,800 settlement fee recognized in 2010, as described below, as well as the unfavorable impact of the inclusion of decreased equity earnings of $13,200 in 2010 for two of our Global E&C Group’s projects in Italy that recorded impairment charges.

Equity Interest Investment Impairment Charges

During 2010, two of our equity interest investments in electric power generation projects in Italy, Centro Energia Teverola S.p.A., or CET, and Centro Energia Ferrara S.p.A., or CEF, terminated long-term incentivized power off-take agreements that they had in place with the Authority for Energy. In light of the termination of the power off-take agreements, we and our respective partners at CET and CEF reviewed the economic viability of each plant. As a result, a decision was made to shut down the CET plant effective January 1, 2011. Following the termination of the power off-take agreement, we and our partner in CEF decided to continue to operate the CEF plant at least temporarily on a merchant basis while we considered a possible future sale of the plant. As a result of the foregoing operating decisions, CET and CEF recorded impairment charges during the fourth quarter of 2010 to write down their fixed assets to fair value in their financial statements. Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2010, our investments in CET and CEF were reduced by equity losses based on CET’s and CEF’s 2010 financial results, inclusive of the respective impairment charges. As a result of the foregoing, the carrying value of our CET and CEF investments approximated fair value at December 31, 2010.

During 2011, we and our partner in CEF concluded that we would continue to operate the plant while continuing to consider the long-term economic viability of the plant or potential disposal options.

Our equity earnings from our CET and CEF investments during 2011 were insignificant. Our equity loss from our CET and CEF investments during 2010 totaled $8,200, inclusive of the 2010 impairment charges totaling $13,200.

Please refer to Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for more information.

2010 Settlement Fee

During 2010, we received a settlement fee of $11,800, which was included in operating revenues, due to a client’s decision not to proceed with a power plant development project and the related prospective engineering, procurement and construction contract. We incurred $2,000 of costs related to this project, which included the write-off of capitalized costs in our project company and development costs. These items contributed to a net favorable impact to EBITDA in 2010 of approximately $9,800.

Overview of Segment

Our Global E&C Group, which operates worldwide, designs, engineers and constructs onshore and offshore upstream oil and gas processing facilities, natural gas liquefaction facilities and receiving terminals, gas-to-liquids facilities, oil refining, chemical and petrochemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology facilities

 

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and related infrastructure, including power generation facilities, distribution facilities, gasification facilities and processing facilities associated with the metals and mining sector. Our Global E&C Group is also involved in the design of facilities in developing market sectors, including carbon capture and storage, solid fuel-fired integrated gasification combined-cycle power plants, coal-to-liquids, coal-to-chemicals and biofuels. Additionally, our Global E&C Group is also involved in the development, engineering, construction, ownership and operation of power generation facilities, from conventional and renewable sources, and of waste-to-energy facilities in Europe.

Our Global E&C Group provides the following services:

 

   

Design, engineering, project management, construction and construction management services, including the procurement of equipment, materials and services from third-party suppliers and contractors.

 

   

Environmental remediation services, together with related technical, engineering, design and regulatory services.

 

   

Design and supply of direct-fired furnaces, including fired heaters and waste heat recovery generators, used in a range of refinery, chemical, petrochemical, oil and gas processes, including furnaces used in our proprietary delayed coking and hydrogen production technologies.

Our Global E&C Group owns one of the leading technologies (SYDECSM delayed coking) used in refinery residue upgrading, in addition to other refinery residue upgrading technologies (solvent deasphalting and visbreaking), and a hydrogen production process used in oil refineries and petrochemical plants. We also own a proprietary sulfur recovery technology which is used to treat gas streams containing hydrogen sulfide for the purpose of reducing the sulfur content of fuel products and to recover a saleable sulfur by-product. Additionally, our Global E&C Group has experience with, and is able to work with, a wide range of processes owned by others.

Our Global E&C Group generates revenues from design, engineering, procurement, construction and project management activities pursuant to contracts spanning up to approximately four years in duration and generates equity earnings from returns on its noncontrolling interest investments in various power production facilities.

In the engineering and construction industry, we expect long-term demand to be strong for the end products produced by our clients, and we believe that this long-term demand will continue to stimulate investment by our clients in new, expanded and upgraded facilities. During 2010 and 2011, we saw an increased number of our clients restarting the implementation of their intended capital spending plans following the global economic downturn in 2008 and 2009. Some of these clients have been releasing, and continue to release, tranches of work on a piecemeal basis, conducting further analysis before deciding to proceed with their investments or reevaluating the size, timing or configuration of specific planned projects. We are also seeing clients reactivating planned projects that had previously been placed on hold and developing new projects.

Our clients plan their investments based on long-term time horizons, and we believe that long-term demand expectations and current oil prices are supportive of continued investments. We also believe that global demand for energy, chemicals and pharmaceuticals will continue to grow over the long-term and that clients will continue to invest in new and upgraded capacity to meet that demand.

We have continued to see intense competition among engineering and construction contractors, which has resulted in pricing pressure. This factor is expected to continue into 2012.

There is also potential downside risk to global economic growth driven primarily by sovereign debt and bank funding pressures in the Eurozone, the speed at which governmental efforts directed at spending and debt reduction are being implemented in the U.S. and Japan, and geopolitical oil supply risks. If these risks materialize, our Global E&C Group could be impacted.

We have continued to be successful in booking contracts of varying types and sizes in our key end markets, including an engineering, procurement and construction management, or EPCm, project for a waste to energy project in Europe, an EPCm contract for a propylene oxide unit in Saudi Arabia, design and material supply for

 

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delayed coker heaters in Europe and the U.S., engineering services for offshore facilities in the Gulf of Mexico, engineering for a delayed coker island in Europe and a front-end engineering design project for a new chemicals facility in Asia. Our success in this regard is a reflection of our safety performance, technical expertise, our project execution performance, our long-term relationships with clients, and our selective approach in pursuit of new prospects where we believe we have significant differentiators.

Global Power Group

 

                   2011 vs. 2010            2010 vs. 2009  
     2011      2010      $ Change      % Change     2009      $ Change     % Change  

Operating Revenues

   $ 1,037,650       $ 721,669       $ 315,981         43.8   $ 1,016,252       $ (294,583     (29.0 )% 

EBITDA

   $ 184,467       $ 163,825       $ 20,642         12.6   $ 194,027       $ (30,202     (15.6 )% 

Results

Our Global Power Group’s operating revenues by geographic region, based upon where our projects are being executed, for 2011, 2010, and 2009, were as follows:

 

                   2011 vs. 2010            2010 vs. 2009  
     2011      2010      $ Change     % Change     2009      $ Change     % Change  

Africa

   $ 3,392       $ 33       $ 3,359        N/M      $ 3,714       $ (3,681     (99.1 )% 

Asia

     285,548         151,314         134,234        88.7     106,140         45,174        42.6

Australasia and other*

     6         2         4        200.0     611         (609     (99.7 )% 

Europe

     444,081         275,641         168,440        61.1     438,626         (162,985     (37.2 )% 

Middle East

     34,957         17,721         17,236        97.3     2,173         15,548        715.5

North America

     240,978         223,740         17,238        7.7     371,106         (147,366     (39.7 )% 

South America

     28,688         53,218         (24,530     (46.1 )%      93,882         (40,664     (43.3 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,037,650       $ 721,669       $ 315,981        43.8   $ 1,016,252       $ (294,583     (29.0 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

* Australasia and other primarily represents Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

N/M Not meaningful

Please refer to the section entitled, “— Overview of Segment” below for our view of the market outlook for our Global Power Group.

2011 vs. 2010

Our Global Power Group experienced a significant increase in operating revenues in 2011, compared to 2010. The increase was primarily driven by an increased volume of business, with an additional favorable impact from foreign currency fluctuations. Excluding foreign currency fluctuations, our Global Power Group’s operating revenues increased 40% in 2011, compared to 2010.

Our Global Power Group’s EBITDA increased in 2011, compared to 2010, primarily driven by increased contract profit of $35,600. The increase in contract profit primarily resulted from the increased volume of operating revenues, partially offset by decreased contract profit margins, including the impact of an out-of-period correction recorded in 2011 for a reduction of final estimated profit of approximately $4,600 which is discussed in this Item 7, “— Results of Operations-EBITDA.” EBITDA in 2011 also benefited from increased equity earnings in our Global Power Group’s project in Chile of $10,200. The increase in EBITDA was net of the unfavorable impact of the inclusion of a gain of $21,900 recognized in 2010 from the payment by third parties of the remaining balance of our Camden, New Jersey waste-to-energy facility’s project debt. Please see below for further discussion.

 

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2010 vs. 2009

Our Global Power Group experienced a significant decrease in operating revenues in 2010, compared to 2009, of 29%, while foreign currency fluctuations had minimal impact on the decline. The decrease was the result of a significant decrease in the volume of business.

Our Global Power Group’s EBITDA decreased in 2010, compared to 2009, primarily driven by decreased contract profit of $49,800. The decrease in contract profit primarily resulted from the volume decrease in operating revenues, partially offset by increased contract profit margins. The change in EBITDA was favorably impacted by an increased gain of $12,000 related to debt service payments by third parties on our Camden, New Jersey waste-to-energy facility’s project debt, decreased SG&A expenses in 2010 of $9,900, primarily as a result of decreased sales pursuit costs and general overhead costs, and an increase in equity earnings in our Global Power Group’s project in Chile of $4,600, which includes the recognition of insurance recoveries in 2010 as described below.

Equity Interest Investment Impact of 2010 Chile Earthquake

On February 27, 2010, an earthquake occurred off the coast of Chile that caused significant damage to our Global Power Group’s project in Chile. As a result of the damage, the project’s facility suspended normal operating activities on that date. The project included an estimated recovery under its business interruption insurance policy in its financial statements, which covered through the period while the facility suspended normal operating activities. In accordance with authoritative accounting guidance on business interruption insurance, the project recorded an estimated recovery for lost profits as substantially all contingencies related to the insurance claim had been resolved as of the third quarter of 2010. The facility began operating at less than normal utilization during the second quarter of 2011 and achieved normal operating activities in the third quarter of 2011.

Our equity earnings from our project in Chile were $30,900 and $20,700 in 2011 and 2010, respectively. The increase in equity earnings in 2011, compared to 2010, was primarily driven by an increase in the project’s volume of electricity produced in 2011, as well as higher marginal rates in 2011 for electrical power generation.

Overview of Segment

Our Global Power Group designs, manufactures and erects steam generators and auxiliary equipment for electric power generating stations, district heating and power plants and industrial facilities worldwide. Our competitive differentiation in serving these markets is the ability of our products to cleanly and efficiently burn a wide range of fuels, singularly or in combination. In particular, our CFB steam generators are able to burn coals of varying quality, as well as petroleum coke, lignite, municipal waste, waste wood, biomass, and numerous other materials. Among these fuel sources, coal is the most widely used, and thus the market drivers and constraints associated with coal strongly affect the steam generator market and our Global Power Group’s business. Additionally, our Global Power Group owns a waste-to-energy facility and a controlling interest in a combined-cycle gas turbine facility and operates two cogeneration power facilities for steam/electric and refinery/electric power generation.

Our Global Power Group offers a number of other products and services related to steam generators, including:

 

   

Designing, manufacturing and installing auxiliary and replacement equipment for utility power and industrial facilities, including surface condensers, feedwater heaters, coal pulverizers, steam generator coils and panels, biomass gasifiers, and replacement parts for steam generators.

 

   

Design, supply and installation of nitrogen-oxide, or NOx, reduction systems and components for pulverized coal steam generators such as selective catalytic reduction systems, low NOx combustion systems, low NOx burners, primary combustion and overfire air systems and components, fuel and combustion air measuring and control systems and components.

 

   

Design, supply and installation of flue gas desulfurization equipment for all types of steam generators and industrial equipment.

 

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A broad range of site services including construction and erection services, maintenance engineering, steam generator upgrading and life extension, and plant repowering.

 

   

Research and development in the areas of combustion, fluid and gas dynamics, heat transfer, materials and solid mechanics.

 

   

Technology licenses to other steam generator suppliers in select countries.

During 2011, we have seen increased new proposal activity, compared to 2010, and an improvement in the demand in some markets for the products and services of our Global Power Group. We believe this demand will continue in Asia, the Middle East and South America, primarily driven by growing electricity demand and industrial production in these regions.

A number of constraining market factors continue to impact the markets that we serve. Political and environmental sensitivity regarding coal-fired steam generators continues to cause prospective projects utilizing coal as their primary fuel to be postponed or cancelled as clients experience difficulty in obtaining the required environmental permits or decide to wait for additional clarity regarding governmental regulations. This environmental concern has been especially pronounced in the U.S. and Western Europe, and is linked to the view that solid-fuel-fired steam generators contribute to global warming through the discharge of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. The outlook for continued lower natural gas pricing over the next three to five years, driven by increasing supply and new liquefied natural gas capacity, has increased the attractiveness of natural gas, in relation to coal, for the generation of electricity. In addition, the constraints on the global credit market may continue to impact some of our clients’ investment plans as these clients are affected by the availability and cost of financing, as well as their own financial strategies, which could include cash conservation. These factors could negatively impact investment in the power sector, which in turn could negatively impact our Global Power Group’s business.

Longer-term, we believe that world demand for electrical energy will continue to grow and that solid-fuel-fired steam generators will continue to fill a significant portion of the incremental growth in new generating capacity. We see a growing need to repower older coal plants with new, more efficient and cleaner burning coal plants in order to meet environmental, financial and reliability goals set by policy makers in many countries. The fuel flexibility of our CFB steam generators enables them to burn a wide variety of fuels other than coal and to produce carbon-neutral electricity when fired by biomass. In addition, our utility steam generators can be designed to incorporate supercritical steam technology, which we believe significantly improves power plant efficiency and reduces power plant emissions.

There is potential downside risk to global economic growth driven primarily by sovereign debt and bank funding pressures in the Eurozone and the speed at which governmental efforts directed at spending and debt reduction are being implemented in the U.S. and Japan. If these risks materialize, our Global Power Group could be impacted.

We completed an engineering and supply project for a pilot-scale (approximately 30 megawatt thermal, equivalent to approximately 10 megawatt electrical, or MWe) CFB steam generator, which incorporates our carbon-capturing Flexi-BurnTM technology. This CFB steam generator is now in operation and testing has begun to validate the design of a full-scale carbon-capturing CFB power plant. Further, we are executing a project, together with other parties, which is funded by a grant agreement with the European Commission, or EC, to support the technology development of a commercial scale (approximately 300 MWe) Carbon Capture and Storage, or CCS, demonstration plant featuring our Flexi-BurnTM CFB technology. If the technology development work demonstrates that the project meets its specified technology and investment goals, construction of the commercial scale demonstration plant could begin in 2013 and the plant could be operational by 2016. This project is one of the six European based CCS projects selected for funding by the EC under the European Energy Program for Recovery and it is the only selected project utilizing CFB technology for CCS application.

During 2011, we received an award for four 550 MWe supercritical CFB steam generators for a power project in South Korea, which is an indication of the successful scale-up of our CFB technology and further advances our CFB supercritical technology with a vertical-tube, once-through design.

 

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Recently we have been awarded contracts which include the design and supply of four 250 MWe clean burning CFB steam generators in Vietnam, four 150 MWe CFB steam generators and related technology license in India and two large concentrated solar power projects in the southwestern U.S. In addition, we received two limited notices to proceed which include: an award for the design of a waste-to-energy CFB in South Korea and an award for two large-scale heat recovery steam generators in Hungary. The solutions we provide are based on our clients’ varied needs and we believe our success winning the new awards comes from our track record of developing innovative technology to competitively combine reliability with efficiency and achieve environmental goals.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

2011 Activities

Our cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and restricted cash balances were:

 

     As of December 31,      $ Change     % Change  
     2011      2010       

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 718,049       $ 1,057,163       $ (339,114     (32.1 )% 

Short-term investments

     1,294                 1,294        N/M   

Restricted cash

     44,094         27,502         16,592        60.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 763,437       $ 1,084,665       $ (321,228     (29.6 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

N/M Not meaningful

Total cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and restricted cash held by our non-U.S. entities as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 were $630,000 and $849,500, respectively. Please refer to Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for additional details on cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash balances.

During 2011, we experienced a decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $339,100, primarily as a result of cash used to repurchase our shares and to pay related commissions under our share repurchase program of $409,400, cash used for capital expenditures of $28,100, payments related to business acquisitions of $29,400, an unfavorable impact related to exchange rate changes on our cash and cash equivalents of $28,100 and a change in restricted cash, excluding foreign currency translation effects, of $18,600, partially offset by cash provided by operating activities of $185,700.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

 

     2011     2010     2009  

Amount

   $ 185,746      $ 178,668      $ 290,615   

$ Change

     7,078        (111,947  

% Change

     4.0     (38.5 )%   

Net cash provided by operating activities in 2011 primarily resulted from cash provided by net income of $248,700, which excludes non-cash charges of $72,000, and cash provided by working capital of $10,100, partially offset by mandatory and discretionary contributions to our pension plans of $71,000, which included discretionary contributions of $51,300, and cash used for net asbestos-related payments of $7,900 (please refer to Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for further information on net asbestos-related payments).

The increase in net cash provided by operating activities of $7,100 in 2011, compared to 2010, resulted primarily from a favorable change in working capital that resulted in an increase in cash of $37,600 and decreased contributions to our pension plans of $27,600, which was driven by lower discretionary contributions of $25,300, partially offset by decreased cash provided by net income of $60,700.

 

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The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities of $111,900 in 2010, compared to 2009, resulted primarily from decreased cash provided by net income of $150,300, increased pension plan contributions of $27,200, which was driven by higher discretionary contributions of $28,300, partially offset by decreased cash used to fund working capital of $92,600 and decreased cash used for asbestos-related activities of $24,900.

Working capital varies from period to period depending on the mix, stage of completion and commercial terms and conditions of our contracts and the timing of the related cash receipts. We generated cash from the conversion of working capital during 2011, as cash receipts from client billings exceeded cash used for services rendered and purchases of materials and equipment. During 2010, we used cash to fund working capital. The increase in cash provided by working capital during 2011 was primarily driven by the conversion of working capital to cash by our Global E&C Group, while our Global Power Group used cash to fund working capital.

As more fully described below in “— Outlook,” we believe our existing cash balances and forecasted net cash provided from operating activities will be sufficient to fund our operations throughout the next 12 months. Our ability to increase or maintain our cash flows from operating activities in future periods will depend in large part on the demand for our products and services and our operating performance in the future. Please refer to the sections entitled “— Global E&C Group-Overview of Segment” and “— Global Power Group-Overview of Segment” above for our view of the outlook for each of our business segments.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

 

     2011     2010     2009  

Amount

   $ (75,489   $ (13,114   $ (87,265

$ Change

     (62,375     74,151     

The net cash used in investing activities in 2011 was attributable primarily to payments related to business acquisitions of $29,400, capital expenditures of $28,100 and an increase in restricted cash of $18,600.

The net cash used in investing activities in 2010 was attributable primarily to capital expenditures of $23,300 and payments related to business acquisitions of $4,200, partially offset by a decrease in restricted cash of $6,000, proceeds from the sale of investments and other assets of $5,100 and a return of investment from unconsolidated affiliates of $3,200.

The net cash used in investing activities in 2009 was attributable primarily to capital expenditures of $45,600, which included $18,100 of expenditures in FW Power S.r.l. for the construction of electric power generating wind farm projects in Italy, and payments totaling approximately $32,600 primarily for two business acquisitions specializing in upstream oil and gas engineering services.

The capital expenditures in 2011, 2010 and 2009 related primarily to project construction (including the expenditures related to the FW Power S.r.l. wind farm projects in 2009 noted above), leasehold improvements, information technology equipment and office equipment. Our capital expenditures increased $4,800 in 2011, compared to 2010, as a result of increased expenditures in our Global Power Group, while capital expenditures in our Global E&C Group were relatively flat.

For further information on capital expenditures by segment, please see Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

 

     2011     2010     2009  

Amount

   $ (421,302   $ (100,494   $ 1,456   

$ Change

     (320,808     (101,950  

The net cash used in financing activities in 2011 was attributable primarily to the cash used to repurchase shares and to pay related commissions under our share repurchase program of $409,400 (please see the “— Outlook” section below for further details regarding our share repurchase program). Other financing activities

 

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included cash used for repayment of debt and capital lease obligations of $12,500 and distributions to noncontrolling interests of $11,400, partially offset by cash provided from the exercise of stock options of $11,900.

The net cash used in financing activities in 2010 was attributable primarily to cash used to repurchase shares under our share repurchase program of $99,200. Other financing activities included the repayment of debt and capital lease obligations of $16,700 and distributions to noncontrolling interests of $8,000, partially offset by cash provided from the exercise of stock options of $25,700.

The net cash provided by financing activities in 2009 was attributable primarily to proceeds from the issuance of debt of $13,100 and proceeds from the exercise of share purchase warrants of $2,800, partially offset by the repayment of debt and capital lease obligations of $12,700 and distributions to noncontrolling interests of $2,200.

Outlook

Our liquidity forecasts cover, among other analyses, existing cash balances, cash flows from operations, cash repatriations, changes in working capital activities, unused credit line availability and claim recoveries and proceeds from asset sales, if any. These forecasts extend over a rolling 12-month period. Based on these forecasts, we believe our existing cash balances and forecasted net cash provided by operating activities will be sufficient to fund our operations throughout the next 12 months. Based on these forecasts, our primary cash needs will be working capital, capital expenditures, pension contributions and net asbestos-related payments. We may also use cash for acquisitions, discretionary pension plan contributions or to repurchase our shares under the share repurchase program, as described further below. The majority of our cash balances are invested in short-term interest bearing accounts with maturities of less than three months at creditworthy financial institutions around the world. Further significant deterioration of the current global economic and credit market environment, particularly in the Eurozone countries, could challenge our efforts to maintain our well-diversified asset allocation with creditworthy financial institutions. We continue to consider investing some of our cash in longer-term investment opportunities, including the acquisition of other entities or operations in the engineering and construction industry or power industry and/or the reduction of certain liabilities, such as unfunded pension liabilities.

It is customary in the industries in which we operate to provide standby letters of credit, bank guarantees or performance bonds in favor of clients to secure obligations under contracts. We believe that we will have sufficient letter of credit capacity from existing facilities throughout the next 12 months.

We are dependent on cash repatriations from our subsidiaries to cover essentially all payments and expenses of our holding company and principal executive offices in Switzerland, to cover cash needs related to our asbestos-related liability and other overhead expenses in the U.S. and, at our discretion, the acquisition of our shares under our share repurchase program, as described further below. Consequently, we require cash repatriations to Switzerland and the U.S. from our entities located in other countries in the normal course of our operations to meet our Swiss and U.S. cash needs and have successfully repatriated cash for many years. We believe that we can repatriate the required amount of cash to Switzerland and the U.S. Additionally, we continue to have access to the revolving credit portion of our U.S. senior secured credit facility, if needed.

Our net asbestos-related payments are the result of asbestos liability indemnity and defense costs payments in excess of insurance settlement proceeds. During 2011, we had net asbestos-related cash outflows of approximately $7,900. In 2012, we expect net cash outflows to be approximately $7,400. This estimate assumes no additional settlements with insurance companies or elections by us to fund additional payments. As we continue to collect cash from insurance settlements and assuming no increase in our asbestos-related insurance liability or any future insurance settlements, the asbestos-related insurance receivable recorded on our balance sheet will continue to decrease.

On July 30, 2010, Foster Wheeler AG, Foster Wheeler Ltd., certain of Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s subsidiaries and BNP Paribas, as Administrative Agent, entered into a four-year amendment and restatement of our U.S. senior secured credit agreement, which we entered into in October 2006. The amended and restated U.S. senior

 

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secured credit agreement provides for a facility of $450,000, and includes a provision which permits future incremental increases of up to an aggregate of $225,000 in total additional availability under the facility. The amended and restated U.S. senior secured credit agreement permits us to issue up to $450,000 in letters of credit under the facility. Letters of credit issued under the amended and restated U.S. senior secured credit agreement have performance pricing that is decreased (or increased) as a result of improvements (or reductions) in our corporate credit rating as reported by Moody’s Investors Service, which we refer to as Moody’s, and/or Standard & Poor’s, which we refer to as S&P. We received a corporate credit rating of BBB- as issued by S&P during 2010, which, under the amended and restated U.S. senior secured credit agreement, reduces our pricing for letters of credit issued under the agreement. Based on the current ratings, the letter of credit fees for performance and financial letters of credit issued under the amended and restated U.S. senior secured credit agreement are 1.000% and 2.000% per annum of the outstanding amount, respectively, excluding fronting fees. This performance pricing is not expected to materially impact our liquidity or capital resources over the next 12 months. We also have the option to use up to $100,000 of the $450,000 for revolving borrowings at a rate equal to adjusted LIBOR, as defined in the agreement, plus 2.000%, subject also to the performance pricing noted above.

The assets and/or stock of certain of our U.S. and non-U.S. subsidiaries collateralize our obligations under our amended and restated U.S. senior secured credit agreement. In the event that our corporate credit rating as issued by Moody’s is at least Baa3 and as issued by S&P is at least BBB-, all liens securing our obligations under the amended and restated U.S. senior secured credit agreement will be automatically released and terminated.

We had approximately $225,600 and $310,000 of letters of credit outstanding under our U.S. senior secured credit agreement in effect as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. There were no funded borrowings under our U.S. senior secured credit agreement outstanding as of December 31, 2011 or 2010. Based on our current operating plans and cash forecasts, we do not intend to borrow under our U.S. senior secured credit facility during 2012. Please refer to Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for further information regarding our debt obligations.

On February 27, 2010, an earthquake occurred off the coast of Chile that caused significant damage to our unconsolidated affiliate’s facility in Chile. As a result of the damage, the project’s facility suspended normal operating activities on that date. Subsequent to that date, our unconsolidated affiliate filed a claim with its insurance carrier. A preliminary assessment of the extent of the damage was completed and an estimate of the required cost of repairs was developed. Based on the assessment and cost estimate, as well as correspondence received from the insurance carrier, we expect the property damage insurance recovery to be sufficient to cover the costs of repairing the facility. The insurance carrier also provided a preliminary assessment of the business interruption insurance recovery due to our unconsolidated affiliate, and has advanced insurance proceeds against this assessment. Based on this assessment, we expect the business interruption insurance recovery to substantially compensate our unconsolidated affiliate for the loss of profits while the facility suspended normal operating activities. Our unconsolidated affiliate’s receivable related to the remaining balance under its property damage and business interruption insurance recovery assessment was approximately $66,400 as of December 31, 2011. The facility began operating at less than normal utilization during the second quarter of 2011 and achieved normal operating activities in the third quarter of 2011. Please refer to Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for further information on our equity interest in this project.

We are not required to make any mandatory contributions to our U.S. pension plans in 2012 based on the minimum statutory funding requirements. Based on the minimum statutory funding requirements for 2012, we expect to make mandatory contributions totaling approximately $22,400 to our non-U.S. pension plans in 2012. Additionally, we may elect to make additional discretionary contributions to our U.S. and/or non-U.S. pension plans during 2012.

On September 12, 2008, we announced a share repurchase program pursuant to which our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $750,000 of our outstanding shares and the designation of the repurchased shares for cancellation. On November 4, 2010, our Board of Directors proposed an increase to our share repurchase program of $335,000 and the designation of the repurchased shares for cancellation, which was approved by our shareholders at an Extraordinary General Meeting on February 24, 2011.

 

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Based on the aggregate share repurchases under our program through December 31, 2011, we were authorized to repurchase up to an additional $91,500 of our outstanding shares. Any repurchases will be made at our discretion in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions in compliance with applicable securities laws and other legal requirements and will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions, share price and other factors. The program does not obligate us to acquire any particular number of shares. The program has no expiration date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. Any repurchases made pursuant to the share repurchase program will be funded using our cash on hand. Through December 31, 2011, we have repurchased 39,651,649 shares for an aggregate cost of approximately $993,500. In December 2011, we initiated trades to repurchase an aggregate of 564,100 additional shares that settled in January 2012 for an aggregate cost of approximately $10,900. Cumulatively through February 23, 2012, we have repurchased 40,215,749 shares for an aggregate cost of approximately $1,004,400 and we are authorized to repurchase approximately $80,600 of additional outstanding shares. We have executed the repurchases in accordance with 10b5-1 repurchase plans as well as other privately negotiated transactions pursuant to our share repurchase program. The 10b5-1 repurchase plans allow us to purchase shares at times when we may not otherwise do so due to regulatory or internal restrictions. Purchases under the 10b5-1 repurchase plans are based on parameters set forth in the plans. For further information, please refer to Part II, Item 5 of this annual report on Form 10-K.

We have not declared or paid a cash dividend since July 2001 and we do not have any plans to declare or pay any cash dividends. Our current U.S. senior secured credit agreement contains limitations on cash dividend payments as well as other restricted payments.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We own several noncontrolling equity interests in power projects in Chile and Italy. Certain of the projects have third-party debt that is not consolidated in our balance sheet. We have also issued certain guarantees for the Chile-based project. Please refer to Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for further information related to these projects.

Contractual Obligations

We have contractual obligations comprised of long-term debt, non-cancelable operating lease commitments, purchase commitments, capital lease obligations and pension and other postretirement benefit funding requirements. Our expected cash flows related to contractual obligations outstanding as of December 31, 2011 are as follows:

 

     Total      Less than
1 Year
     1-3 Years      3-5 Years      More than
5 Years
 

Long-term debt:

              

Principal

   $ 90,600       $ 10,200       $ 21,300       $ 20,800       $ 38,300   

Interest

     15,200         3,200         4,800         3,200         4,000   

Capital lease obligations:

              

Principal

     58,500         2,500         5,500         7,000         43,500   

Interest

     42,400         5,600         10,600         9,400         16,800   

Non-cancelable operating lease obligations

     329,500         50,600         81,000         67,600         130,300   

Purchase commitments

     785,700         673,600         99,600         12,500           

Funding requirements:

              

Pension U.S.*

     23,100                         23,100           

Pension non-U.S.*

     103,600         22,400         42,300         38,900           

Other postretirement benefits*

     27,400         5,600         11,000         10,800           
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total contractual cash obligations

   $ 1,476,000       $ 773,700       $ 276,100       $ 193,300       $ 232,900   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

* Funding requirements are expected to extend beyond five years; however, data for contribution requirements beyond five years are not yet available and depend on the performance of our investment portfolio and actuarial experience. These projections assume no discretionary contributions.

 

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The table above does not include payments of our asbestos-related liabilities as we cannot reasonably predict the timing of the net cash outflows associated with this liability beyond 2012. We expect to fund $7,400 of our asbestos liability indemnity and defense costs from our cash flows in 2012 net of the cash expected to be received from existing insurance settlements. Please refer to Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for more information.

The table above does not include payments relating to our uncertain tax positions as we cannot reasonably predict the timing of the net cash outflows associated with the settlement of these obligations. Our total liability (including accrued interest and penalties) is $79,400 as of December 31, 2011. Please refer to Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for more information.

We are contingently liable under standby letters of credit, bank guarantees and surety bonds, primarily for guarantees of our performance on projects currently in execution or under warranty. These balances include the standby letters of credit issued under the U.S. senior secured credit agreement, for further discussion please refer to the section entitled “— Liquidity and Capital Resources-Outlook” within this Item 7, and from other facilities worldwide. As of December 31, 2011, such commitments and their period of expiration are as follows:

 

     Total      Less than
1 Year
     1-3 Years      3-5 Years      More than
5 years
 

Bank issued letters of credit and guarantees

   $ 835,700       $ 407,900       $ 335,500       $ 35,000       $ 57,300   

Surety bonds

     154,600         70,600         42,200         40,300         1,500   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total commitments

   $ 990,300       $ 478,500       $ 377,700       $ 75,300       $ 58,800   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Please refer to Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for a discussion of guarantees.

Backlog and New Orders

New orders are recorded and added to the backlog of unfilled orders based on signed contracts as well as agreed letters of intent, which we have determined are legally binding and likely to proceed. Although backlog represents only business that is considered likely to be performed, cancellations or scope adjustments may and do occur. The elapsed time from the award of a contract to completion of performance may be up to approximately four years. The dollar amount of backlog is not necessarily indicative of our future earnings related to the performance of such work due to factors outside our control, such as changes in project schedules, scope adjustments or project cancellations. We cannot predict with certainty the portion of backlog to be performed in a given year. Backlog is adjusted quarterly to reflect new orders, project cancellations, deferrals, revised project scope and cost and sales of subsidiaries, if any.

Backlog measured in Foster Wheeler scope reflects the dollar value of backlog excluding third-party costs incurred by us on a reimbursable basis as agent or principal, which we refer to as flow-through costs. Foster Wheeler scope measures the component of backlog with profit potential and corresponds to our services plus fees for reimbursable contracts and total selling price for fixed-price or lump-sum contracts.

 

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New Orders, Measured in Terms of Future Revenues

 

    2011     2010     2009  
     Global
E&C
Group
    Global
Power
Group
    Total     Global
E&C
Group
    Global
Power
Group
    Total     Global
E&C
Group
    Global
Power
Group
    Total  

By Project Location:

                 

North America

  $ 403,700      $ 286,000      $ 689,700      $ 525,100      $ 223,500      $ 748,600      $ 544,000      $ 217,800      $ 761,800   

South America

    267,400        24,700        292,100        390,600        20,200        410,800        180,400        15,700        196,100   

Europe

    751,200        128,900        880,100        569,400        600,800        1,170,200        388,000        237,900        625,900   

Asia

    525,100        801,100        1,326,200        712,300        333,300        1,045,600        900,500        109,600        1,010,100   

Middle East

    245,100        14,200        259,300        304,200        25,800        330,000        262,900        29,400        292,300   

Africa

    119,300        6,000        125,300        284,300        100        284,400        81,800        200        82,000   

Australasia and other*

    713,100               713,100        116,200               116,200        513,100        400        513,500   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 3,024,900      $ 1,260,900      $ 4,285,800      $ 2,902,100      $ 1,203,700      $ 4,105,800      $ 2,870,700      $ 611,000      $ 3,481,700   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

* Australasia and other primarily represents Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

 

By Industry:

                 

Power generation

  $ 323,500      $ 1,143,400      $ 1,466,900      $ 22,900      $ 1,096,200      $ 1,119,100      $ 33,600      $ 512,200      $ 545,800   

Oil refining

    1,300,500               1,300,500        1,691,100               1,691,100        1,533,300               1,533,300   

Pharmaceutical

    43,800               43,800        70,300               70,300        55,100               55,100   

Oil and gas

    801,900               801,900        375,000               375,000        786,500               786,500   

Chemical / petrochemical

    475,000               475,000        669,000        100        669,100        439,300               439,300   

Power plant operation and maintenance

    17,800        117,500        135,300        16,900        107,400        124,300               98,800        98,800   

Environmental

    6,500               6,500        14,700               14,700        17,300               17,300   

Other, net of eliminations

    55,900               55,900        42,200               42,200        5,600               5,600   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 3,024,900      $ 1,260,900      $ 4,285,800      $ 2,902,100      $ 1,203,700      $ 4,105,800      $ 2,870,700      $ 611,000      $ 3,481,700   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Backlog, Measured in Terms of Future Revenues

 

     December 31, 2011     December 31, 2010  
     Global
E&C
Group
    Global
Power
Group
    Total     Global
E&C
Group
    Global
Power
Group
    Total  

By Contract Type:

           

Lump-sum turnkey

  $      $ 164,300      $ 164,300      $      $ 424,400      $ 424,400   

Other fixed-price

    515,400        997,200        1,512,600        779,800        555,800        1,335,600   

Reimbursable

    1,904,800        44,400        1,949,200        2,157,900        61,600        2,219,500   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 2,420,200      $ 1,205,900      $ 3,626,100      $ 2,937,700      $ 1,041,800      $ 3,979,500   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

By Project Location:

           

North America

  $ 483,200      $ 217,400      $ 700,600      $ 620,900      $ 189,500      $ 810,400   

South America

    328,100        25,500        353,600        389,200        30,400        419,600   

Europe

    637,100        234,500        871,600        382,500        517,800        900,300   

Asia

    413,300        711,100        1,124,400        481,200        269,300        750,500   

Middle East

    275,700        15,000        290,700        266,900        34,800        301,700   

Africa

    104,700        2,400        107,100        174,400               174,400   

Australasia and other*

    178,100               178,100        622,600               622,600   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 2,420,200      $ 1,205,900      $ 3,626,100      $ 2,937,700      $ 1,041,800      $ 3,979,500   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

* Australasia and other primarily represents Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

 

By Industry:

           

Power generation

  $ 304,000      $ 1,090,000      $ 1,394,000      $ 15,100      $ 929,300      $ 944,400   

Oil refining

    1,468,400               1,468,400        1,726,200               1,726,200   

Pharmaceutical

    28,200               28,200        39,800               39,800   

Oil and gas

    303,600               303,600        793,800               793,800   

Chemical/petrochemical

    287,900               287,900        331,800        200        332,000   

Power plant operation and maintenance

           115,900        115,900               112,300        112,300   

Environmental

    3,600               3,600        8,500               8,500   

Other, net of eliminations

    24,500               24,500        22,500               22,500   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 2,420,200      $ 1,205,900      $ 3,626,100      $ 2,937,700      $ 1,041,800      $ 3,979,500   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Backlog, measured in terms of Foster Wheeler Scope

  $ 1,365,900      $ 1,196,400      $ 2,562,300      $ 1,611,300      $ 1,031,900      $ 2,643,200   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Global E&C Group Man-hours in Backlog (in thousands)

    11,600          11,600        12,700          12,700   
 

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

The foreign currency translation impact on backlog and Foster Wheeler scope backlog resulted in decreases of $73,000 and $69,900, respectively, as of December 31, 2011 as compared to December 31, 2010.

 

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Inflation

The effect of inflation on our financial results is minimal. Although a majority of our revenues are realized under long-term contracts, the selling prices of such contracts, established for deliveries in the future, generally reflect estimated costs to complete the projects in these future periods. In addition, many of our projects are reimbursable at actual cost plus a fee, while some of the fixed-price contracts provide for price adjustments through escalation clauses.

Application of Critical Accounting Estimates

Our consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Management and the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors approve the critical accounting policies.

Highlighted below are the accounting policies that we consider significant to the understanding and operations of our business as well as key estimates that are used in implementing the policies.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues and profits on long-term contracts are recorded under the percentage-of-completion method.

Progress towards completion on fixed price contracts is measured based on physical completion of individual tasks for all contracts with a value of $5,000 or greater. For contracts with a value less than $5,000, progress toward completion is measured based on the ratio of costs incurred to total estimated contract costs (the cost-to-cost method).

Progress towards completion on cost-reimbursable contracts is measured based on the ratio of quantities expended to total forecasted quantities, typically man-hours. Incentives are also recognized on a percentage-of-completion basis when the realization of an incentive is assessed as probable. We include flow-through costs consisting of materials, equipment or subcontractor services as both operating revenues and cost of operating revenues on cost-reimbursable contracts when we have overall responsibility as the contractor for the engineering specifications and procurement or procurement services for such costs. There is no contract profit impact of flow-through costs as they are included in both operating revenues and cost of operating revenues.

Contracts in process are stated at cost, increased for profits recorded on the completed effort or decreased for estimated losses, less billings to the customer and progress payments on uncompleted contracts. A full provision for loss contracts is made at the time the loss becomes probable regardless of the stage of completion.

At any point, we have numerous contracts in progress, all of which are at various stages of completion. Accounting for revenues and profits on long-term contracts requires estimates of total contract costs and estimates of progress toward completion to determine the extent of revenue and profit recognition. We rely extensively on estimates to forecast quantities of labor (man-hours), materials and equipment, the costs for those quantities (including exchange rates), and the schedule to execute the scope of work including allowances for weather, labor and civil unrest. Many of these estimates cannot be based on historical data, as most contracts are for unique, specifically designed facilities. In determining the revenues, we must estimate the percentage-of-completion, the likelihood that the client will pay for the work performed, and the cash to be received net of any taxes ultimately due or withheld in the country where the work is performed. Projects are reviewed on an individual basis and the estimates used are tailored to the specific circumstances. In establishing these estimates, we exercise significant judgment, and all possible risks cannot be specifically quantified.

The percentage-of-completion method requires that adjustments or re-evaluations to estimated project revenues and costs, including estimated claim recoveries, be recognized on a project-to-date cumulative basis, as changes to the estimates are identified. Revisions to project estimates are made as additional information becomes known, including information that becomes available subsequent to the date of the consolidated financial statements up through the date such consolidated financial statements are filed with the SEC. If the final estimated profit to complete a long-term contract indicates a loss, provision is made immediately for the total loss anticipated. Profits are accrued throughout the life of the project based on the percentage-of-completion. The project life cycle, including project-specific warranty commitments, can be up to approximately six years in duration.

 

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The actual project results can be significantly different from the estimated results. When adjustments are identified near or at the end of a project, the full impact of the change in estimate is recognized as a change in the profit on the contract in that period. This can result in a material impact on our results for a single reporting period. We review all of our material contracts on a monthly basis and revise our estimates as appropriate for developments such as earning project incentive bonuses, incurring or expecting to incur contractual liquidated damages for performance or schedule issues, providing services and purchasing third-party materials and equipment at costs differing from those previously estimated and testing completed facilities, which, in turn, eliminates or confirms completion and warranty-related costs. Project incentives are recognized when it is probable they will be earned. Project incentives are frequently tied to cost, schedule and/or safety targets and, therefore, tend to be earned late in a project’s life cycle.

Changes in estimated final contract revenues and costs can either increase or decrease the final estimated contract profit. In the period in which a change in estimate is recognized, the cumulative impact of that change is recorded based on progress achieved through the period of change. There were 43, 46 and 43 separate projects that had final estimated contract profit revisions whose impact on contract profit exceeded $1,000 in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The changes in final estimated contract profit resulted in a net increase of $35,200, $56,800 and $69,000 to reported contract profit for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, relating to the revaluation of work performed on contracts in prior periods. The changes in final estimated contract profit revisions during 2011 included the impact of two out-of-period corrections for reductions of final estimated profit totaling $7,800, which included final estimated profit reductions in our Global E&C Group and our Global Power Group of $3,200 and $4,600, respectively. The corrections were recorded in 2011 as they were not material to previously issued financial statements, nor are they material to the 2011 financial statements. The changes in final estimated contract profit revisions during 2009 included $24,300 for positive settlements on two projects in our Global E&C Group, of which $14,800 was associated with the receipt of a payment on a long outstanding arbitration award. The impact on contract profit is measured as of the beginning of each year and represents the incremental contract profit or loss that would have been recorded in prior periods had we been able to recognize in those periods the impact of the current period changes in final estimated profits.

Asbestos

Some of our U.S. and U.K. subsidiaries are defendants in numerous asbestos-related lawsuits and out-of-court informal claims pending in the United States and the United Kingdom. Plaintiffs claim damages for personal injury alleged to have arisen from exposure to or use of asbestos in connection with work allegedly performed by our subsidiaries during the 1970s and earlier. The calculation of asbestos-related liabilities and assets involves the use of estimates as discussed below.

We believe the most critical assumptions within our asbestos liability estimate are the number of future mesothelioma claims to be filed against us, the number of mesothelioma claims that ultimately will require payment from us or our insurers, and the indemnity payments required to resolve those mesothelioma claims.

United States

As of December 31, 2011, we had recorded total liabilities of $294,300 comprised of an estimated liability of $56,700 relating to open (outstanding) claims being valued and an estimated liability of $237,600 relating to future unasserted claims through December 31, 2026. Of the total, $50,900 is recorded in accrued expenses and $243,400 is recorded in asbestos-related liability on the consolidated balance sheet.

Since 2004, we have worked with Analysis Research Planning Corporation, or ARPC, nationally recognized consultants in the United States with respect to projecting asbestos liabilities, to estimate the amount of asbestos-related indemnity and defense costs at year-end for the next 15 years. Since that time, we have recorded our estimated asbestos liability at a level consistent with ARPC’s reasonable best estimate.

Based on its review of the 2011 activity, ARPC recommended that the assumptions used to estimate our future asbestos liability be updated as of December 31, 2011. Accordingly, we developed a revised estimate of our aggregate indemnity and defense costs through December 31, 2026 considering the advice of ARPC. In 2011, we revalued our liability for asbestos indemnity and defense costs through December 31, 2026 to $294,300,

 

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which brought our liability to a level consistent with ARPC’s reasonable best estimate. In connection with updating our estimated asbestos liability and related asset, we recorded a charge of $16,000 in 2011 primarily related to the revaluation of our asbestos liability, which includes adjustments for actual settlement experience different from our estimates and the accrual of our rolling 15-year asbestos-related liability estimate. The total asbestos-related liabilities are comprised of our estimates for our liability relating to open (outstanding) claims being valued and our liability for future unasserted claims through December 31, 2026.

Our liability estimate is based upon the following information and/or assumptions: number of open claims, forecasted number of future claims, estimated average cost per claim by disease type — mesothelioma, lung cancer, and non — malignancies — and the breakdown of known and future claims into disease type — mesothelioma, lung cancer or non-malignancies, as well as other factors. The total estimated liability, which has not been discounted for the time value of money, includes both the estimate of forecasted indemnity amounts and forecasted defense costs. Total defense costs and indemnity liability payments are estimated to be incurred through year-end 2026, during which period the incidence of new claims is forecasted to decrease each year. We believe that it is likely that there will be new claims filed after December 31, 2026, but in light of uncertainties inherent in long-term forecasts, we do not believe that we can reasonably estimate the indemnity and defense costs that might be incurred after December 31, 2026. Through December 31, 2011, total cumulative indemnity costs paid, prior to insurance recoveries, were approximately $764,900 and total cumulative defense costs paid were approximately $367,300, or approximately 32% of total defense and indemnity costs.

As of December 31, 2011, we had recorded assets of $174,700, which represents our best estimate of actual and probable insurance recoveries relating to our liability for pending and estimated future asbestos claims through December 31, 2026; $43,700 of this asset is recorded within accounts and notes receivable-other, and $131,000 is recorded as asbestos-related insurance recovery receivable on the consolidated balance sheet. Asbestos-related assets under executed settlement agreements with insurers due in the next 12 months are recorded within accounts and notes receivable-other and amounts due beyond 12 months are recorded within asbestos-related insurance recovery receivable. Our asbestos-related insurance recovery receivable also includes our best estimate of actual and probable insurance recoveries relating to our liability for pending and estimated future asbestos claims through December 31, 2026. Our asbestos-related assets have not been discounted for the time value of money.

Our insurance recoveries may be limited by future insolvencies among our insurers. Other than receivables related to bankruptcy court-approved settlements during liquidation proceedings, we have not assumed recovery in the estimate of our asbestos-related insurance asset from any of our currently insolvent insurers. We have considered the financial viability and legal obligations of our subsidiaries’ insurance carriers and believe that the insurers or their guarantors will continue to reimburse a significant portion of claims and defense costs relating to asbestos litigation. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, we have not recorded an allowance for uncollectible balances against our asbestos-related insurance assets. We write off receivables from insurers that have become insolvent; there have been no such write-offs during 2011, 2010 and 2009. During 2011, we reached an agreement with an insurer that was under bankruptcy liquidation and for which we had written off our receivable prior to 2009. The asset awarded under the bankruptcy liquidation for this insurer was $4,500 and was included in our asbestos-related assets as of December 31, 2011. Other insurers may become insolvent in the future and our insurers may fail to reimburse amounts owed to us on a timely basis. If we fail to realize the expected insurance recoveries, or experience delays in receiving material amounts from our insurers, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.

We plan to update our forecasts periodically to take into consideration our experience and to update our estimate of future costs and expected insurance recoveries. The estimate of the liabilities and assets related to asbestos claims and recoveries is subject to a number of uncertainties that may result in significant changes in the current estimates. Among these are uncertainties as to the ultimate number and type of claims filed, the amount of claim costs, the impact of bankruptcies of other companies with asbestos claims, uncertainties surrounding the litigation process from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and from case to case, as well as potential legislative changes. Increases in the number of claims filed or costs to resolve those claims could cause us to increase further the estimates of the costs associated with asbestos claims and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

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The following chart reflects the sensitivities in the December 31, 2011 consolidated financial statements associated with a change in certain estimates used in relation to the U.S. asbestos-related liabilities.

 

Changes (Increase or Decreases) in Assumption:

   Approximate Change
in Liability
 

One-percentage point change in the inflation rate related to the indemnity and defense costs

   $ 22,700   

Twenty-five percent change in average indemnity settlement amount

     47,700   

Twenty-five percent change in forecasted number of new claims

     52,600   

Based on the December 31, 2011 liability estimate, an increase of 25% in the average per claim indemnity settlement amount would increase the liability by $47,700 as described above and the impact on expense would be dependent upon available additional insurance recoveries. Assuming no change to the assumptions currently used to estimate our insurance asset, this increase would result in a charge in the statement of operations of approximately 80% of the increase in the liability. Long-term cash flows would ultimately change by the same amount. Should there be an increase in the estimated liability in excess of 25%, the percentage of that increase that would be expected to be funded by additional insurance recoveries would decline.

Our subsidiaries have been effective in managing the asbestos litigation, in part, because our subsidiaries: (1) have access to historical project documents and other business records going back more than 50 years, allowing them to defend themselves by determining if the claimants were present at the location of the alleged asbestos exposure and, if so, the timing and extent of their presence; (2) maintain good records on insurance policies and have identified and validated policies issued since 1952; and (3) have consistently and vigorously defended these claims which has resulted in dismissal of claims that are without merit or settlement of meritorious claims at amounts that are considered reasonable.

United Kingdom

As of December 31, 2011, we had recorded total liabilities of $28,800 comprised of an estimated liability relating to open (outstanding) claims of $8,000 and an estimated liability relating to future unasserted claims through December 31, 2026 of $20,800. Of the total, $2,700 was recorded in accrued expenses and $26,100 was recorded in asbestos-related liability on the consolidated balance sheet. An asset in an equal amount was recorded for the expected U.K. asbestos-related insurance recoveries, of which $2,700 was recorded in accounts and notes receivable-other and $26,100 was recorded as asbestos-related insurance recovery receivable on the consolidated balance sheet. The liability estimates are based on a U.K. House of Lords judgment that pleural plaque claims do not amount to a compensable injury and accordingly, we have reduced our liability assessment. If this ruling is reversed by legislation, the total asbestos liability and related asset recorded in the U.K. would be approximately $42,000.

Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans

We have defined benefit pension plans in the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Finland, France, India and South Africa and we have other postretirement benefit plans, or OPEB plans, for health care and life insurance benefits in the U.S. and Canada.

Our defined benefit pension plans, or pension plans, cover certain full-time employees. Under the pension plans, retirement benefits are primarily a function of both years of service and level of compensation. The U.S. pension plans, which are closed to new entrants and additional benefit accruals, and the Canada, Finland, France and India pension plans are non-contributory. The U.K. pension plan, which is closed to new entrants and additional benefit accruals, and the South Africa pension plan are both contributory plans.

Certain employees in the U.S. and Canada may become eligible for health care and life insurance benefits, or other postretirement benefits, if they qualify for and commence receipt of normal or early retirement pension benefits as defined in the U.S. and Canada pension plans while working for us. Additionally, one of our subsidiaries in the U.S. also has a benefit plan which provides coverage for an employee’s beneficiary upon the death of the employee. This plan has been closed to new entrants since 1988.

 

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Our defined benefit pension and OPEB plans are accounted for in accordance with current accounting guidance, which requires us to recognize the funded status of each of our defined benefit pension and OPEB plans on the consolidated balance sheet. The guidance also requires us to recognize any gains or losses, which are not recognized as a component of annual service cost, as a component of comprehensive income, net of tax. Please refer to Note 8 of the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for more information.

The calculations of defined benefit pension and OPEB plan liabilities, annual service cost and cash contributions required rely heavily on estimates about future events often extending decades into the future. We are responsible for establishing the assumptions used for the estimates, which include:

 

   

The discount rate used to calculate the present value of future obligations;

 

   

The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets;

 

   

The expected rate of annual salary increases;

 

   

The selection of the actuarial mortality tables;

 

   

The annual healthcare cost trend rate (only for the OPEB plans); and

 

   

The annual inflation rate.

We utilize our business judgment in establishing the estimates used in the calculations of our pension and OPEB plan liabilities, annual service cost and cash contributions. These estimates are updated on an annual basis or more frequently upon the occurrence of significant events. The estimates can vary significantly from the actual results and we cannot provide any assurance that the estimates used to calculate the pension OPEB plan liabilities included herein will approximate actual results. The volatility between the assumptions and actual results can be significant.

The following table summarizes the estimates used for our defined benefit pension and OPEB plans for 2011, 2010 and 2009:

 

    Pension Plans     OPEB Plans  
    United States     United Kingdom     Other    
    2011     2010     2009     2011     2010     2009     2011     2010     2009     2011     2010     2009  

Net periodic benefit cost:

                       

Discount rate

    5.11     5.67     6.23     5.40     5.70     6.20     5.40     5.37     6.18     3.31     4.53     6.26

Long-term rate of return

    7.74     7.75     8.25     6.40     6.70     6.30     6.96     7.37     7.14     N/A        N/A        N/A   

Salary growth*

    N/A        N/A        N/A        N/A        N/A        3.50     3.59     3.67     3.07     N/A        N/A        N/A   

Projected benefit obligations:

                       

Discount rate

    4.03     5.11     5.67     4.80     5.50     5.70     5.18     5.68     6.22     3.85     4.88     5.45

Salary growth*

    N/A        N/A        N/A        N/A        N/A        4.05     4.21     4.22     4.20     N/A        N/A        N/A   

 

 

* Salary growth is not applicable for frozen pension plans as future salary levels do not affect benefits payable. N/A — Not applicable.

The discount rate is developed using a market-based approach that matches our projected benefit payments to a spot yield curve of high-quality corporate bonds. Changes in the discount rate from period-to-period were generally due to changes in long-term interest rates.

The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is developed using a weighted-average methodology, blending the expected returns on each class of investment in the plans’ portfolio. The expected returns by asset class are developed considering both past performance and future considerations. We annually review and adjust, as required, the long-term rate of return for our pension plans. The weighted-average expected long-term rate of return on plan assets has ranged from 6.8% to 7.1% over the past three years.

 

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The following tables reflect the sensitivities in the consolidated financial statements associated with a change in certain estimates used in relation to the U.S. and the U.K. defined benefit pension plans. Each of the sensitivities below reflects an evaluation of the change based solely on a change in that particular estimate.

 

     Approximate Increase/
(Decrease)
 
     Impact on
Liabilities
    Impact on 2012
Benefit Cost
 

U.S. Pension Plan:

    

One-tenth of a percentage point increase in the discount rate

   $ (4,389   $ 40   

One-tenth of a percentage point decrease in the discount rate

     4,470        (42

One-tenth of a percentage point increase in the expected return on plan assets

            (319

One-tenth of a percentage point decrease in the expected return on plan assets

            319   

U.K. Pension Plan:

    

One-tenth of a percentage point increase in the discount rate

   $ (11,525   $ (261

One-tenth of a percentage point decrease in the discount rate

     11,755        258   

One-tenth of a percentage point increase in the expected return on plan assets

            (186

One-tenth of a percentage point decrease in the expected return on plan assets

            784   

Accumulated net actuarial losses and prior service credits from our pension plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost over the next year are $16,400 and $1,500, respectively. Estimated amortization of net transition obligation over the next year is inconsequential. Net actuarial losses reflect differences between expected and actual plan experience, including returns on plan assets, and changes in actuarial assumptions, all of which occurred over time. These net actuarial losses, to the extent not offset by future actuarial gains, will result in increases in our future pension costs depending on several factors, including whether such losses exceed the corridor in which losses are not amortized. The net actuarial losses outside the corridor are amortized over the expected remaining service periods of active participants (approximately 11, 14 and 18 years for the Canadian, South African and Finnish plans, respectively) and average remaining life expectancy of participants for our closed plans (approximately 24 and 29 years for the U.S. and U.K. plans, respectively) since benefits are closed.

A one-tenth of a percentage point decrease in the funding rates, used for calculating future funding requirements to the U.S. plan through 2016, would increase aggregate contributions over the next five years by approximately $3,300, while an increase by one-tenth of a percentage point would decrease aggregate contributions by approximately $2,700.

A one-tenth of a percentage point decrease in the funding rates, used for calculating future funding requirements to the U.K. plan through 2016, would increase aggregate contributions over the next five years by approximately $5,100, while an increase by one-tenth of a percentage point would decrease aggregate contributions by approximately $5,000.

Accumulated net actuarial losses and prior service credit that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic postretirement benefit cost in connection with our OPEB plans over the next year are $500 and $3,500, respectively. The net actuarial losses outside the corridor are amortized over the average life expectancy of inactive participants (approximately 24 years) because benefits are closed. The prior service credits are amortized over schedules established at the date of each plan change (approximately 7 years).

Please refer to Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for further discussion of our defined benefit pension and OPEB plans.

Share-Based Compensation Plans

Our share-based compensation plans include awards for stock options and restricted shares, restricted stock units and performance-based restricted stock units (collectively, “restricted awards”). We measure these awards at fair value on their grant date and recognize compensation cost in the consolidated statements of operations over their vesting period.

 

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The following table summarizes our share-based compensation expense and related income tax benefit:

 

     2011      2010      2009  

Share-based compensation

   $ 21,849       $ 22,996       $ 22,781   

Related income tax benefit

     413         353         448   

As of December 31, 2011, the breakdown of our unrecognized compensation cost and related weighted-average period for the cost to be recognized were as follows:

 

     December 31, 2011      Weighted-
Average Period
for Cost to be
Recognized
 

Unrecognized compensation cost:

     

Stock options

   $ 8,942         2 years   

Restricted awards

     15,797         2 years   
  

 

 

    

Total unrecognized compensation cost

   $ 24,739         2 years   
  

 

 

    

We estimate the fair value of each option award on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. We then recognize the grant date fair value of each option as compensation expense ratably using the straight-line attribution method over the service period (generally the vesting period). The Black-Scholes model incorporates the following assumptions:

 

   

Expected volatility — we estimate the volatility of our share price at the grant date using a “look-back” period which coincides with the expected term, defined below. We believe using a “look-back” period which coincides with the expected term is the most appropriate measure for determining expected volatility.

 

   

Expected term — we estimate the expected term using the “simplified” method, as outlined in Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, “Share-Based Payment.”

 

   

Risk-free interest rate — we estimate the risk-free interest rate using the U.S. Treasury yield curve for periods equal to the expected term of the options in effect at the time of grant.

 

   

Dividends — we use an expected dividend yield of zero because we have not declared or paid a cash dividend since July 2001 and we do not have any plans to declare or pay any cash dividends.

We estimate the fair value of restricted share unit awards using the market price of our shares on the date of grant. We then recognize the fair value of each restricted share unit award as compensation expense ratably using the straight-line attribution method over the service period (generally the vesting period).

Certain of our executives have been awarded performance-based restricted share units. Under these awards, the number of restricted share units that ultimately vest depend on our share price performance against specified performance goals, which are defined in our performance-based award agreements. We estimate the grant date fair value of each performance-based restricted share unit award using a Monte Carlo valuation model. We then recognize the fair value of each restricted share unit award as compensation expense ratably using the straight-line attribution method over the service period (generally the vesting period).

We estimate pre-vesting forfeitures at the time of grant using a combination of historical data and demographic characteristics, and we revise those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. We record share-based compensation expense only for those awards that are expected to vest.

If factors change and we employ different assumptions in the application of current accounting guidance, the compensation expense that we record for awards in future periods may differ significantly from what we have recorded in the current period. There is a high degree of subjectivity involved in selecting the option pricing model assumptions used to estimate share-based compensation expense. Consequently, there is a risk that our estimates of the fair value of our share-based compensation awards on the grant dates may bear little resemblance

 

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to the actual value realized upon the exercise/vesting, expiration or forfeiture of those share-based payments in the future. Stock options and performance-based restricted share units may expire worthless or otherwise result in zero intrinsic value compared to the fair value originally estimated on the grant date and the expense reported in the consolidated financial statements. Alternatively, value may be realized from these instruments that are significantly in excess of the fair value originally estimated on the grant date and the expense reported in the consolidated financial statements.

There are significant differences among valuation models. This may result in a lack of comparability with other companies that use different models, methods and assumptions. There is also a possibility that we will adopt different valuation models in the future. This may result in a lack of consistency in future periods and may materially affect the fair value estimate of share-based payments.

Please refer to Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for further discussion of our share-based compensation plans.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

At least annually, we evaluate goodwill for potential impairment. We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is defined as the components one level below our operating segments, as these components constitute businesses for which discrete financial information is available and segment management regularly reviews the operating results of those components. Presently, goodwill exists in three of our reporting units — one within our Global Power Group business segment and two within our Global E&C Group business segment.

We first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, if so no further assessments are performed. We then perform an impairment test on reporting units where we have determined that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The first step of the goodwill impairment test, used to identify potential impairment, compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value exceeds the carrying amount, goodwill is not considered impaired. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, the second step must be performed to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. The second step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. In the fourth quarter of each year, we evaluate goodwill at each reporting unit to assess recoverability, and impairments, if any, are recognized in earnings. An impairment loss would be recognized in an amount equal to the excess of the carrying amount of the goodwill over the implied fair value of the goodwill.

Intangible assets with determinable useful lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives and reviewed for impairment together with other tangible long-lived assets whenever events or circumstances indicate that an impairment may exist.

We determined that both the income and market valuation approaches provide inputs into the estimate of the fair value of our reporting units, which would be considered by market participants. Under the income valuation approach, we employ a discounted cash flow model to estimate the fair value of each reporting unit. This model requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions regarding future revenues, costs, margins, capital expenditures, changes in working capital, terminal year growth rate and cost of capital. Our cash flow models are based on our forecasted results for the applicable reporting units. The models also assume a 3% growth rate in the terminal year. Actual results could differ from our projections.

Under the market valuation approach, we employ the guideline publicly traded company method, which indicates the fair value of the equity of each reporting unit by comparing it to publicly traded companies in similar lines of business. After identifying and selecting guideline companies, we analyze their business and financial profiles for relative similarity. Factors such as size, growth, risk and profitability are analyzed and compared to each of our reporting units.

During our 2011 annual evaluation, we noted that the indicated fair value was above the carrying value of each reporting unit.

 

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Goodwill of $22,300 related to one of our Global E&C Group’s reporting units. Our estimate of the fair value of this reporting unit during our 2011 impairment test was sufficiently in excess of its carrying value even after conducting various sensitivity analyses on key assumptions, such that no adjustment to the carrying value of goodwill was required. However, should the performance of this unit deteriorate in the future, which could result in a decline in its estimated fair value, its carrying value could exceed its fair value in future periods, which could lead to an impairment of goodwill.

Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are established for tax attributes (credits or loss carryforwards) and temporary differences between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates based on the date of enactment. Within each jurisdiction and taxpaying component, current deferred tax assets and liabilities and noncurrent deferred tax assets and liabilities are combined and presented as a net amount.

Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, based upon available evidence, it is more likely than not that the tax benefit of loss carryforwards (or other deferred tax assets) will not be realized in the future. In evaluating our ability to realize our deferred tax assets within the various tax jurisdictions in which they arise, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial performance. Projecting future taxable income requires significant assumptions about future operating results, as well as the timing and character of taxable income in numerous jurisdictions. For statutory purposes, the majority of the deferred tax assets for which a valuation allowance is provided as of December 31, 2011 do not begin to expire until 2025 or later, based on the current tax laws. We have a valuation allowance of $399,000 recorded as of December 31, 2011.

We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement.

Our subsidiaries file income tax returns in numerous tax jurisdictions, including the United States, several U.S. states and numerous non-U.S. jurisdictions around the world. Tax returns are also filed in jurisdictions where our subsidiaries execute project-related work. The statute of limitations varies by jurisdiction. Because of the number of jurisdictions in which we file tax returns, in any given year the statute of limitations in a number of jurisdictions may expire within 12 months from the balance sheet date. As a result, we expect recurring changes in unrecognized tax benefits due to the expiration of the statute of limitations, none of which are expected to be individually significant. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. (including federal, state and local) or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2007.

A number of tax years are under audit by the tax authorities in various jurisdictions, including the U.S. and several states within the U.S. We anticipate that several of these audits may be concluded in the foreseeable future, including in 2012. Based on the status of these audits, it is reasonably possible that the conclusion of the audits may result in a reduction of unrecognized tax benefits. However, it is not possible to estimate the magnitude of any such reduction at this time.

As of December 31, 2011, we had $53,700 of unrecognized tax benefits, all of which would, if recognized, affect our effective tax rate before existing valuation allowance considerations.

We recognize interest accrued on the unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties on the unrecognized tax benefits in other deductions, net on our consolidated statement of operations. Previously accrued interest and/or penalties that are ultimately not assessed reduce current year expense.

Please refer to Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for further discussion of our income taxes.

 

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Accounting Developments

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. (“ASU”) 2011-05, “Comprehensive Income.” ASU 2011-05 amends existing guidance in order to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income and eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in equity, the presentation format that we currently employ. Under ASU 2011-05, all non-owner changes in equity are required to be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. For public companies, ASU 2011-05 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2011. Although we have not yet determined the manner of presentation that we will select, the adoption of this standard, beginning with our consolidated financial statements included in our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending March 31, 2012, will not have a material impact on our results of operation or financial position.

 

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

(amounts in thousands of dollars)

Interest Rate Risk — We are exposed to changes in interest rates should we need to borrow under our U.S. senior secured credit agreement (there were no such borrowings as of December 31, 2011 and, based on current operating plans and cash flow forecasts, none are expected in 2012) and, to a limited extent, under our variable rate special-purpose limited recourse project debt for any portion of the debt for which we have not entered into a fixed rate swap agreement. If average market rates are 100-basis points higher in the next twelve months, our interest expense for such period of time would increase, and our income before income taxes would decrease, by approximately $100. This amount has been determined by considering the impact of the hypothetical interest rates on our variable rate borrowings as of December 31, 2011 and does not reflect the impact of interest rate changes on outstanding debt held by certain of our equity interests since such debt is not consolidated on our balance sheet.

Foreign Currency Risk — We operate on a worldwide basis with substantial operations in Europe that subject us to foreign currency exchange rate risk mainly relative to the British pound, Euro and Polish Zloty. Under our risk management policies, we do not hedge translation risk exposure.

All activities of our affiliates are recorded in their functional currency, which is typically the local currency in the country of domicile of the affiliate. In the ordinary course of business, our affiliates enter into transactions in currencies other than their respective functional currencies. We seek to minimize the resulting foreign currency transaction risk by contracting for the procurement of goods and services in the same currency as the sales value of the related long-term contract.

We further mitigate the risk through the use of foreign currency forward contracts to hedge the exposed item, such as anticipated purchases or revenues, back to their functional currency. We utilize all such financial instruments solely for hedging, and our company policy prohibits the speculative use of such instruments. However, for financial reporting purposes, these contracts are generally not accounted for as hedges.

The notional amount of our foreign currency forward contracts provides one measure of our transaction volume outstanding as of the balance sheet date. As of December 31, 2011, we had a total gross notional amount of approximately $233,500 related to foreign currency forward contracts and the primary currencies movements hedged were the British pound, Chinese yuan, Euro, Polish zloty and U.S. dollar. Amounts ultimately realized upon final settlement of these financial instruments, along with the gains and losses on the underlying exposures within our long-term contracts, will depend on actual market exchange rates during the remaining life of the instruments. The contract maturity dates range from 2012 through 2013.

We are exposed to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the counterparties. These counterparties are commercial banks that are primarily rated “BBB+” or better by S&P (or the equivalent by other recognized credit rating agencies). Further significant deterioration of the current global economic and credit market environment, particularly in the Eurozone countries, could challenge our efforts to maintain our well-diversified asset allocation with creditworthy financial institutions.

Please refer to Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for further information on our primary foreign currency forward exchange contracts.

 

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Index to Financial Statements

 

     Page  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     68   

Consolidated Statement of Operations

     69   

Consolidated Balance Sheet

     70   

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

     71   

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

     72   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     73   

Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

     128   

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Foster Wheeler AG:

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Foster Wheeler AG and its subsidiaries (“the Company”) at December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements and the financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A of the Company’s Form 10-K. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/S/    PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Florham Park, New Jersey

February 23, 2012

 

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FOSTER WHEELER AG AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

 

     2011     2010     2009  

Operating revenues

   $ 4,480,729      $ 4,067,719      $ 5,056,334   

Cost of operating revenues

     3,939,274        3,468,933        4,297,687   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contract profit

     541,455        598,786        758,647   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     309,996        303,330        294,907   

Other income, net

     (51,607     (60,444     (52,263

Other deductions, net

     43,969        41,221        30,931   

Interest income

     (18,922     (11,581     (10,535

Interest expense

     12,876        15,610        14,122   

Net asbestos-related provision

     9,901        5,410        26,365   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     235,242        305,240        455,120