20-F 1 a06-14136_120f.htm ANNUAL AND TRANSITION REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUERS

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 20-F

(Mark One)

o                                 REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005

OR

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

OR

o                                 SHELL COMPANY PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number: 0-22628

ARCADIS N.V.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

ARCADIS N.V.

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

The Netherlands

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

Nieuwe Stationsstraat 10,  Arnhem, the Netherlands

(Address of principal executive offices)

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None.

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

COMMON STOCK, € 0.05 NOMINAL VALUE, PER SHARE

(Title of Class)

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: None.

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by this annual report:

20,645,615 SHARES OF COMMON SHARES, € 0.05 NOMINAL VALUE

200 PRIORITY SHARES, € 0.05 NOMINAL VALUE

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

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes o    No x

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.

Yes x    No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). (Check one): Large accelerated filer o         Accelerated filer x         Non-accelerated filer o

Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

o Item 17    x Item 18

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes o    No x

 




 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

Page

 

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

ii

 

PRESENTATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION

 

ii

 

PART I

 

1

 

ITEM 1.

 

IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS

 

1

 

ITEM 2.

 

OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

 

1

 

ITEM 3.

 

KEY INFORMATION

 

1

 

 

 

A.   Selected Financial Data

 

1

 

 

 

B.   Capitalization and Indebtedness

 

3

 

 

 

C.   Reasons For the Offer and Use of Proceeds

 

3

 

 

 

D.   Risk Factors

 

3

 

ITEM 4.

 

INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

 

8

 

 

 

A.   History and Development of the Company

 

8

 

 

 

B.   Business Overview

 

12

 

 

 

C.   Organizational Structure

 

16

 

 

 

D.   Property, Plant and Equipment

 

16

 

ITEM 4B.

 

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

17

 

ITEM 5.

 

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

 

17

 

 

 

A.   Operating Results

 

17

 

 

 

B.   Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

28

 

 

 

C.   Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.

 

29

 

 

 

D.   Trend Information

 

30

 

 

 

E.   Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

32

 

 

 

F.   Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

 

32

 

ITEM 6.

 

DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

 

33

 

 

 

A.   Directors and Senior Management

 

33

 

 

 

B.   Compensation

 

38

 

 

 

C.   Board Practices

 

40

 

 

 

D.   Employees

 

40

 

 

 

E.   Share Ownership

 

41

 

ITEM 7.

 

MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

42

 

 

 

A.   Major Shareholders

 

42

 

 

 

B.   Related Party Transactions

 

44

 

 

 

C.   Interests of Experts and Counsel

 

44

 

ITEM 8.

 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

44

 

 

 

A.   Consolidated Financial Statements and Other Financial Information

 

44

 

 

 

B.   Significant Changes

 

44

 

ITEM 9.

 

THE OFFER AND LISTING

 

45

 

ITEM 10.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

45

 

 

 

A.   Share Capital

 

45

 

 

 

B.   Memorandum and Articles of Association

 

45

 

 

 

C.   Material contracts

 

47

 

 

 

D.   Exchange controls

 

47

 

 

 

E.   Taxation

 

47

 

 

 

F.   Dividend and paying agents

 

52

 

 

 

G.   Statement by experts

 

52

 

 

 

H.   Documents on display

 

53

 

 

 

I.   Subsidiary information

 

53

 

ITEM 11.

 

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

53

 

ITEM 12.

 

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

 

53

 

PART II

 

 

 

54

 

ITEM 13.

 

DEFAULTS, DIVIDENDS ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

 

54

 

ITEM 14.

 

MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

54

 

ITEM 15.

 

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

54

 

ITEM 16.

 

[RESERVED]

 

54

 

ITEM 16A.

 

AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

 

54

 

ITEM 16B.

 

CODE OF ETHICS

 

54

 

ITEM 16C.

 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

54

 

ITEM 16D.

 

EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES

 

55

 

ITEM 16E.

 

PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

 

55

 

PART III

 

 

 

56

 

ITEM 17.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

56

 

ITEM 18.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

F-1

 

SIGNATURES

 

 

 

INDEX OF EXHIBITS

 

 

 

 

i




CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report, and documents incorporated by reference into this report, include forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of management and on information available to management at the time such statements were made. Forward-looking statements include information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations, earnings, liquidity, cash flow and capital expenditures, industry or market conditions, assets under management, acquisition activities and the effect of completed acquisitions, debt levels and the ability to obtain additional financing or make payments on our debt, regulatory developments, demand for and pricing of our services and other aspects of its business, general economic conditions and statements that, in each case, are preceded by, followed by, or include words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “would” or similar expressions.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. They involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Although we make such statements based on assumptions we believe to be reasonable, our actual results may differ materially from expectations. Many of the factors that will determine these results are beyond our ability to control or predict. We do not intend to review or revise any particular forward-looking statements made or incorporated by reference in this Form 20-F in light of future events, except as otherwise required by law. Investors are cautioned not to rely unduly on any forward-looking statements.

The following important risk factors, and other important factors described elsewhere in this report or in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, among others, could cause our results to differ from any results that we may project, forecast, or estimate in any forward-looking statements:

·      cyclical downturns in the economy could have negative effect on investments by private companies in new investments;

·      decreased tax revenues may limit the ability of governments to invest in the types of public works for which we are engaged;

·      changes in legislation, regulation and political priorities may weaken demand for our services;

·      changes in bidding procedures of our clients may put competitive pressures on the amounts we can charge for our services;

·      inaccurate estimates of the time or cost of a project may result in project losses;

·      malfunctions in our information and communications technology may adversely affect our operations;

·      difficulties with the integration of acquired businesses may distract the attention of our management and adversely affect our operations; and

·      declines in the exchange rates of non-Euro countries may reduce the value of our assets.

PRESENTATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION

Unless the context requires otherwise (1) references to “ARCADIS,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to ARCADIS N.V. and its consolidated subsidiaries, (2) references to “the Netherlands” are to The Kingdom of the Netherlands, (3) references to “United States” or “U.S.” are to the United States of America, (4) references to “Euros,” “EUR” and “€” are to the currency of the 12 European Union member states (including the Netherlands) participating in European Monetary Union, and (5) references to “dollars” or “$” are to the currency of the United States.

ii




PART 1

ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS

Not Applicable

ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

Not Applicable

ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION

A.               Selected financial data

The selected consolidated financial data presented below as of and for each of the two years during the period ended December 31, 2005 have been derived from our audited Consolidated Financial Statements which have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, or IFRS, and the interpretations of IFRS adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board. The fiscal year ending December 31, 2005 is the first year in which ARCADIS prepared its financial statements in accordance with IFRS. Previously, ARCADIS prepared its financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the Netherlands (Dutch GAAP). The selected consolidated financial data below should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes set forth in Item 18 of this annual report.

For the convenience of the reader, the amounts reflected in our selected consolidated financial data as of and for the year ending December 31, 2005 as presented in Euros have been translated into U.S. dollars. The exchange rate used is $1.00 = € 0.84767, the exchange rate as of December 31, 2005. We do not represent that the translated amounts actually represent such U.S. dollar amounts or could be converted into U.S. dollars at the rates indicated or at any other rate.

IFRS differs in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP). See our reconciliation of IFRS to U.S. GAAP in Note 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

For the years ended December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions, except per share amounts)

 

Consolidated Statement of Income Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts in accordance with IFRS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross revenue

 

1,181.0

 

1,001.1

 

900.8

 

Net revenue

 

829.6

 

703.3

 

632.5

 

Operating income

 

64.2

 

54.4

 

35.5

 

Income from operations before taxes

 

62.0

 

52.5

 

32.1

 

Income from operations after taxes

 

41.5

 

35.2

 

21.7

 

Group income from operations after taxes

 

43.2

 

36.6

 

24.1

 

Net income

 

39.4

 

33.4

 

22.2

 

Basic net income per common share(d)

 

1.95

 

1.65

 

1.10

 

Diluted net income per common share(d)

 

1.89

 

1.60

 

1.09

 

Average number of shares

 

20.3

 

20.3

 

20.1

 

Dividend per common share(a)

 

0.78

 

0.66

 

0.48

 

 

1




 

 

 

For the years ended December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

 

 

$€

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions, except per share amounts)

 

Consolidated Statement of Income Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts in accordance with U.S. GAAP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross revenue(b)

 

1,092.3

 

925.9

 

815.9

 

776.2

 

754.3

 

739.6

 

Net revenue(b)

 

801.3

 

679.2

 

583.6

 

555.9

 

543.8

 

532.5

 

Operating income(b)

 

53.0

 

44.9

 

22.1

 

33.7

 

38.4

 

39.7

 

Income from operations before taxes

 

50.8

 

43.1

 

18.6

 

30.9

 

36.1

 

37.9

 

Income from operations after taxes

 

32.1

 

27.2

 

11.2

 

19.1

 

22.6

 

23.2

 

Net income(c)

 

33.2

 

28.1

 

15.0

 

22.6

 

23.3

 

24.5

 

Basic net income per common share(d)

 

1.64

 

1.39

 

0.75

 

1.13

 

1.16

 

1.21

 

Diluted net income per common share(d)

 

1.59

 

1.35

 

0.74

 

1.13

 

1.15

 

1.20

 

 

 

 

For the years ended December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

$€

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions, except per share amounts)

 

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts in accordance with IFRS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

767.0

 

650.1

 

442.3

 

Long-term debt

 

137.0

 

116.1

 

13.0

 

Common stock

 

1.2

 

1.0

 

1.0

 

Shareholders’ equity

 

207.9

 

176.2

 

136.4

 

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

 

 

$€

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts in accordance with U.S. GAAP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

891.1

 

755.4

 

441.0

 

348.6

 

365.2

 

396.4

 

Long-term debt

 

128.4

 

108.9

 

13.0

 

29.7

 

27.6

 

22.0

 

Shareholders’ equity

 

309.1

 

262.0

 

158.3

 

173.3

 

162.9

 

228.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


(a)   Dividend per common share represents the amount relating to each year in which a dividend payment is approved and paid in the following year. The dividend per common share in U.S. dollars is: $0.78 in 2005 and $0.63 in 2004. The dividend payment of € 0.66 per outstanding share of common stock for the year ended December 31, 2005, was presented to and approved by our shareholders at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on May 17, 2006.

(b)   Gross revenue, net revenue and operating income as reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP are presented excluding the 50% revenues or income from the proportionally consolidated companies Grupo EP S.A. and ARCADIS Aqumen Facility Management B.V. and excluding the 33% revenues or income from the proportionally consolidated company Biogas SA. As of mid-June 2005, our 50% interest in Grupo EP S.A. was divested.

(c)   Net income in 2001 of € 25.1 million, includes the gain on the sale of the non-consolidated participation in Analytico of € 4.0 million (€ 0.20 per share) and the charge related to the restructuring of our property valuation activities in the Netherlands of € 2.0 million (€ 0.10 per share).

2




(d)   Basic net income per common share calculated in accordance with IFRS and U.S. GAAP is based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the periods indicated. Diluted net income per common share calculated in accordance with IFRS and U.S. GAAP is based upon the weighted average number of the common shares outstanding during the periods indicated plus the dilutive effect of potential common shares outstanding during the periods indicated.

Exchange Rate Information

On June 20, 2006, the exchange rate between the Euro and U.S. dollar was € 0.79707 per $1.00. The following tables set forth, for the periods and dates indicated, information regarding the exchange rate for the Euro expressed in Euros per $1.00. The rates used for the tables are based on quotes from the Amsterdam Foreign Exchange.

Period

 

High

 

Low

 

Average(1)

 

End

 

Year ended December 31, 2005

 

0.86

 

0.74

 

0.81

 

0.85

 

Year ended December 31, 2004

 

0.85

 

0.73

 

0.80

 

0.73

 

Year ended December 31, 2003

 

0.96

 

0.79

 

0.88

 

0.79

 

Year ended December 31, 2002

 

1.17

 

1.06

 

1.06

 

0.95

 

Year ended December 31, 2001

 

1.19

 

1.05

 

1.12

 

1.13

 


(1)   Average of the exchange rates on the last day of each month during the year presented.

Period

 

High

 

Low

 

May 2006

 

0.79

 

0.77

 

April 2006

 

0.83

 

0.80

 

March 2006

 

0.84

 

0.82

 

February 2006

 

0.84

 

0.83

 

January 2006

 

0.85

 

0.81

 

December 2005

 

0.85

 

0.83

 

 

B.               Capitalization and indebtedness.

Not applicable.

C.               Reasons for the offer and use of proceeds.

Not applicable.

D.               Risk factors.

Our risks can be generally categorized into market, operational, financial, and other risks.

Market Risks

Decreases in government tax revenues, which support large public works projects, could weaken demand for our services.

Approximately 45% of our revenue is derived from clients in the public sector. These clients rely on tax revenues to fund large public works projects of the type for which we are often retained. During an economic downturn, governmental entities collect significantly less tax revenues and often try to limit discretionary expenditures to balance their budgets. Government limits on spending in regard to environmental remediation,

3




infrastructure expansion or enhancement, building projects, real estate data services or telecommunications infrastructure investments, could have a material adverse effect on our ability to attract and/or retain business.

A global recession could have an adverse affect on our revenues.

Approximately 55% of our revenue is derived from our private sector clients. As a result, we are exposed to general economic cycles which influence the willingness and ability of private sector firms to invest in the types of activities that require our services. Private sector clients experiencing adverse economic conditions may attempt to defer or withdraw from signed contracts, which could have a material adverse effect on our revenues. Our facilities service area, where most investments are from private sector companies, is the most sensitive to declines in economic activity.

A decline in the financial markets may adversely affect our revenue.

A sharp decline in the capital markets can have a negative effect on companies’ abilities to invest. In the past this happened in the telecommunications area, where investment declined considerably in a very short period, resulting in a substantial decrease in our revenue in the communications area for a number of years.

Changes in the political priorities in the countries in which we operate could adversely affect public spending on the services that we provide.

Changes in political priorities can considerably influence public spending and, therefore, impact spending on the services we provide. Projects for which we are well positioned may be canceled or deferred. Elections can result in shifts in political relationships leading to delays in the awarding of new contracts. The infrastructure area is the most sensitive to this risk.

Changes to existing regulations and new legislation and/or regulations, could weaken demand for our services.

We believe that demand for our principal environmental services is in part related to the response of governmental authorities to the public’s concern for environmental issues. If, however, public concern for environmental issues changes, or governmental entities in countries where we operate become less responsive to environmental issues, there could be substantially less demand for our environmental services, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. Changes in regulations and legislation may also negatively affect certain other areas of our business, such as the infrastructure and facilities activities when it comes to substantial changes in building codes and/or environmental requirements related to such projects.

Political instability in the countries in which we operate can result in contracts being canceled or harm our employees.

As a result of political instability, contracts may be terminated or abandoned or the security of our employees may be at risk, resulting in contract work being stopped temporarily or permanently. This risk arises particularly in the donor-financed market, which is primarily the market for development projects, generally financed by non-governmental organizations such as the World Bank or regional development banks, in which we achieve only a limited part of our revenues.

Changes in the bidding behavior of our clients may result in competitive pricing pressure for our services.

Changes in the bidding pattern of clients can have a considerable effect on our revenue. Due to European Union regulations, a trend is developing in a number of countries to a more open bidding process where price competition is more important. Centralization and strengthening of the purchasing function in large companies may also affect our opportunities to secure profitable revenues. Changes in behavior of our clients or our potential clients may have a negative impact on our revenues.

4




Concentration through mergers, acquisitions or other forms of consolidation may lead to increased purchasing power on the part of our clients.

With the concentration of companies, clients may disappear, and the purchasing power of customers can increase, resulting in potential decreases in our revenue. The same phenomenon can occur with the government. The combination of municipalities and water boards results in fewer, but more powerful, administrative units that, in a number of cases, now conduct activities that were formerly put out to bid.

Operational Risks

The services we provide can result in considerable liability to us which we may not be able to insure against.

The services we provide are associated with considerable liability risks. These risks can arise from errors in executing activities such as design or calculation errors, incorrect estimates of contamination, not meeting agreed schedules, exceeding cost estimates and implementing budgets, not complying with legislation and regulations, or omissions in quality guarantees that have been given. To protect against these risks we have obtained general and professional liability insurance policies. These policies cover errors and omissions in the executing of projects and provide insurance against possible claims that arise during the coverage period. If the insurance carrier does not renew coverage at the end of the policy term and we are unable to obtain replacement insurance with retroactive coverage, it is possible that claims will be denied even though the claims are related to events or actions that occurred while coverage existed. Because insurance policies contain certain exclusions and have a maximum amount per claim, not all risks are covered. Additionally, our insurance carriers may not be able to meet their obligations.

We may incur losses because we underestimate the time or the cost to complete a project.

Depending on the type of contract, losses can occur in projects as a result of inaccurate time and cost estimates, new techniques with undocumented cost and performance results, inexperienced staff, performance delays, additional consulting services, the absence of information that was assumed would be available, or other unforeseen circumstances. Although many contracts also contain conditions regarding payment of additional costs in the event of unforeseen circumstances, substantial project losses may occur, which may have a negative effect on our results of operations.

If we underutilize our permanent employees, our profitability may be negatively affected.

Many of our employees are permanently employed by us to retain their talent. If we are not able to charge our clients for services performed by these employees or if we are not able to charge our clients at the rates we have set for their services, our profitability could be negatively affected.

If our partners fail to perform their contractual obligations on a project, we could be exposed to legal liability, loss of reputation and reduced profit or loss on the project.

We account for investments in joint ventures using the proportionate method of consolidation, whereby our share of all assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of the joint venture are included in our consolidated financial statements. Approximately 30% of our gross revenue is derived from work that is not performed by our own staff, but derived from  subcontracting or other arrangements. Success on these joint projects depends in large part on whether our partners fulfill their contractual obligations satisfactorily. If any of our partners fails to satisfactorily perform their contractual obligations as a result of financial or other difficulties, we may be required to make additional investments and provide additional services in order to make up for our partner’s shortfall. If we are unable to adequately address our partner’s performance issues, then our client could terminate the joint project, exposing us to legal liability, loss of reputation and risk of loss or reduced profit on the project.

5




The refusal or inability of our clients to timely pay for services we provide to them could cause us to have insufficient liquidity.

We usually invoice clients for our services according to the progress of the work. If our clients refuse or are unable to meet their contractual payment obligations, we may not have sufficient cash to satisfy our liabilities, and our growth rate and continued operations could be adversely impacted.

If we are unable to accurately estimate the overall risks, revenues or costs on a contract, we may incur a lower profit or loss on the contract.

Some of the contracts we enter into with our clients have a fixed price or a cap. Under cost-plus contracts that have a cap, we are reimbursed for allowable costs and fees, which may be fixed or performance-based. If our costs exceed the contract cap or are not allowable under the provisions of the contract or any applicable regulations, we may not be able to obtain reimbursement for all such costs. Under fixed-price contracts, we receive a fixed price irrespective of the actual costs we incur and consequently, we will realize a profit on the fixed-price contract only if we can control our costs and prevent cost over-runs on the contract.

When we enter into turnkey contracts and Design, Build, Finance and Operate (DBFO) contracts, we face risks beyond those normally associated with our business relationships and contracts.

Due to the nature of turnkey contracts and DBFO contracts, we take on additional responsibilities, such as providing engineering and construction services, and arranging financing, that go beyond the responsibilities normally associated with our business relationships and contracts. In particular, in turnkey contracts, we face additional financial risks because of the size of these contracts, and the fact that many of the contracting services in these contracts are performed by third parties, who may not complete performance on a timely basis. In DBFO contracts, we may have an equity interest in the project, which causes us to have substantially more risk. We may face substantial decreases in our revenues if we are unable to meet our obligations under either of these types of contracts.

If our information and communication technology systems do not work properly, our operations and management may be negatively affected.

Our operation and management are largely dependent on the use of information and communication technology systems. Limited access and/or the malfunctioning of these systems, including both hardware and software, can negatively affect our operations and management. Our security and backup measures may not be sufficient to protect the integrity of our systems or to ensure that important data is not lost.

If we are unable to productively use leased office space, our operating results may be negatively affected.

We usually lease office space for periods from five to ten years. A downturn in activities may leave us with unused office space which we may not be able to sublet.

Failure to integrate acquired businesses or assets successfully will prevent us from achieving the anticipated cost savings and other financial benefits from our acquisitions.

We have completed 17 acquisitions in the past three years and we will continue to pursue growth through selective strategic acquisitions of businesses and assets. However, we will only achieve the efficiencies, cost reductions and other financial benefits, such as diversification of our current portfolio of clients and services, which we would expect to result from these acquisitions, if we successfully integrate the administrative, financial, technical and marketing organizations of acquired businesses and assets, and implement appropriate operations, financial and management systems and controls. We may have insufficient management resources to accomplish integrations, and even if we are able to do so successfully, we may not realize the level of cost savings and other financial benefits that we expected to achieve.

6




The integration of acquired operations with our own involves a number of risks, including:

·              the disruption of our business and the diversion of our management’s attention from other business concerns;

·              unanticipated expenses related to integration;

·              the potential failure to realize anticipated revenue opportunities associated with acquisitions;

·              the possible loss of our key professional employees or those of the acquired businesses;

·              the potential failure to replicate our operating efficiencies in the acquired businesses’ operations;

·              our increased complexity and diversity compared to our operations prior to an acquisition;

·              the possible negative reaction of clients to any acquisitions; and

·              unanticipated problems or legal liabilities, including responsibility as a successor-in-interest for undisclosed or contingent liabilities of acquired businesses or assets.

Financial Risks

Our international operations expose us to significant currency risk.

We do a substantial amount of business in countries that do not use the Euro as their functional currency. The currencies in these countries may fluctuate in value against the Euro over time. Declines in the value of these currencies as measured against the Euro could result in a reduction in the value, as reflected on our balance sheet, of our assets.

The seasonality of our business may cause our revenues and earnings to fluctuate, adversely affecting the price of our stock.

Our results may fluctuate seasonally and over longer periods of time. Some of the factors that contribute to such fluctuations include: (1) the number of working days available and the number of our employees on leave, (2) the manner in which our public sector clients allocate tax revenues, (3) the weather, which may limit the amount of time our professionals have in the field.

Fluctuations in our working capital and any substantial acquisition we may make may cause us to violate obligations under our short-term credit facility and other financing arrangements.

As of December 31, 2005, we had borrowed €2.1 million under our short-term credit facility and had a total of €258 million available at year-end. Fluctuations in our working capital, which includes our work in progress and trade receivables less accounts payable, may cause us to exceed the limits of our financing arrangements. This may cause us to violate the covenants and obligations under our short-term credit facility. Additionally, if we make any substantial acquisitions, our borrowings under the credit facility may increase and we may violate our financing arrangements.

Other Risks

The loss of our experienced employees could adversely affect revenue and results.

Our success is, largely, dependent on attracting and keeping good employees. If for any reason we are not able to recruit enough people with the necessary expertise and skills from the employment market, or retain them,

7




our revenue and result could be adversely affected. The departure of experienced employees to competitors or self-employment can be accompanied by the loss of clients and lead to a loss of work for us.

Any damage to our reputation may lead to ARCADIS being excluded from certain bidding processes.

Any damage to our reputation and name, such as by breaches of our code of conduct by our employees, among other events, may harm our reputation. Such damage could cause us to lose business or not be eligible to bid for business in certain industries and regions.

ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

A.               History and development of the company.

Introduction

We are an international company that delivers consulting, engineering and project management services in the areas of infrastructure, environment and facilities. ARCADIS N.V. is a public company organized on August 16, 1982 under the laws of The Kingdom of the Netherlands. Our initial predecessor was incorporated in the Netherlands in 1888 under the name Nederlandsche Heidemaatschappij. Most of our commercial activities are undertaken under the trade name ARCADIS. In some countries, we operate under different legal or commercial names for local competitive reasons.

Our principal office is located at: Nieuwe Stationsstraat 10, 6811 KS Arnhem, the Netherlands and our telephone number at that address is 31-26-3778911. Our principal office in the United States is located at: 630 Plaza Drive, Suite 200, Highlands Ranch, Colorado 80126-2377 and our telephone number at that address is 720-344-3500.

Strategy and Strategic Developments

Since mid-2000, our strategy has been focused on the expansion of our position in our existing markets in Europe and North and South America. Our strategy concentrates on strengthening profitable growth in these geographic markets. This strategy has four cornerstones:

·              Focus on activities with greater added value and higher margins;

·              Organic growth in the existing core activities;

·              Margin improvements; and

·              Acquisitions.

Following is a brief description of the progress made in each of these areas in 2005.

8




Focus on activities with greater added value and higher margins

In 2005, we further adjusted our portfolio. Activities with limited added value and lower margins were sold and replaced by consultancy and management services that generate higher added value and considerably higher margins. We added approximately €200 million in gross revenues through acquisitions in 2005, compared against the sale of businesses with €100 million in gross revenue. The most important acquisitions include Blasland, Bouck & Lee, Inc. (BBL) in the United States and AYH plc in the United Kingdom. With BBL, we gain a leading position in the environmental market, while AYH fits the transition occurring in the facilities service area from engineering to management services. Both companies are active in growth markets, having considerably higher margins than our average and offer abundant opportunities for synergy. These acquisitions have changed our profile and serve to strengthen our strategic positioning.

Solid organic growth in core activities

Organic growth represents the growth in our gross revenue that we are able to generate from year to year in our existing, non-acquired businesses, excluding exchange rate differences. In 2005, our organic growth was 5%, which was essentially the same as in 2004. We believe that we can improve our organic growth rate by better utilizing our internal knowledge base to provide opportunities, such as with respect to our remediation and GRiP® program in the United States, our rail and water management expertise in the Netherlands, our bridge and tunnel experience in France, as well as expanding our relations with existing multinational clients.

Margin goal achieved

Margin improvement is a key component of our corporate strategy introduced in 2000. By margin, we mean operating income excluding amortization of identifiable intangible assets (which we also refer to as EBITA), as a percentage of net revenue, which is the portion of revenue produced by our own employees. Excluding items that affect the comparability of results, such as the sale of non-core activities in the Netherlands and a restructuring charge in 2004, as well as a book gain on divestments including the sale of our 50% interest in Grupo EP in Spain and adjustments to pension plans, the margin increased to 8.2%, compared to 6.2% in 2004. Three factors have contributed to this improvement: acquisitions/divestments in which less profitable activities were replaced by higher margin activities, the positive effects of the restructuring in the Netherlands in 2004 and increased utilization rates combined with favorable market conditions.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions remain an important cornerstone of our strategy. The purpose of acquisitions is to further strengthen our home market portfolios. We have the following financial criteria for all of our acquisitions:

·              They are accretive to earnings per share;

·              The margin is equal to or higher than the ARCADIS margin; and

·              They produce a return on investment of 15% or more.

9




In 2005, we acquired the following four companies, all of which met our financial criteria:

Name

 

Country

 

Employees

 

Gross revenue(1)
(in millions)

 

Month
consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SWK NV

 

Belgium

 

50

 

6

 

May 2005

 

AYH, plc

 

United Kingdom

 

340

 

36

 

June 2005

 

Greystone Environmental Consultants, Inc.

 

United States

 

130

 

12

 

June 2005

 

Blasland, Bouck & Lee, Inc.

 

United States

 

900

 

142

 

September 2005

 

Total

 

 

 

1420

 

196

 

 

 


(1)   Gross revenue mentioned above  indicates the gross revenue of each entity for the last full fiscal year of the respective entity prior to its acquisition by ARCADIS.

With the acquisition of SWK, Belgian activities were strengthened geographically, as well as in heavy infrastructure. The acquisition of AYH in the United Kingdom, specializing in project management, cost control and consultancy for real estate projects, fits the transition occurring in the facilities service area and strengthens our position the United Kingdom. Greystone is an important addition to the American environmental market, bringing expertise particularly in permitting. Blasland, Bouck & Lee, specializing in environmental services and soil remediation, considerably strengthens our position in the environmental market, not only in the United States, but globally.

The total investment in acquisitions in 2005 was € 121 million, which resulted in additional goodwill of € 61 million. A goodwill amount of € 2.8 million is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill in 2005 was assigned to our geographic segments as follows (in millions):

The Netherlands

 

€   0

 

United States

 

44

 

Other European Countries

 

16

 

Rest of World(1)

 

1

 

Total goodwill

 

61

 


(1)   The geographic segment “Rest of World” includes all countries outside of our three primary reporting segments, the Netherlands, the United States and Other Europe Countries.

Of the € 121 million invested in acquisitions in 2005, up to € 27 million will be paid after 2006.

In 2005, we completed the following divestments:

Name

 

Country

 

Employees

 

Gross revenue
(in millions)

 

Month
divested

 

Detailed engineering in buildings

 

United States

 

160

 

15

 

April 2005

 

50% interest in Grupo EP SA

 

Spain

 

1,700

(1)

135

(1)

June 2005

 

Renardet/Sauti SA

 

Donor market

(2)

240

 

11

 

June 2005

 

Total divestments

 

 

2,100

 

94

 

 


(1)             Based on 100%; gross revenue was consolidated 50%, the number of employees for 100%.

(2)             The “Donor market” includes the following regions: Africa, Latin and Central America, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe.

In light of the transition in the facilities service area to activities with higher added value, the detailed engineering activities for buildings in the United States was sold. With no prospect of gaining a majority interest, we sold our 50% interest in Grupo EP to management and employees who already owned the other 50%. The company had been proportionally consolidated in our operating results, and in 2004 contributed less than 5% to our total net income from operations. However, our good relationship with Grupo EP continues through a cooperation

10




agreement. At the end of June, our interests in two smaller companies with activities in the donor-financed market were sold.

Revised strategy

The biennial review of our strategy was completed in mid-2005. The revised strategy, titled Choices for growth, continues the course of profitable growth in home markets, which was introduced in mid-2000. The revised strategy introduces a strategic vision for each of the three service areas in which we are active. This vision is based on a portfolio analysis by service area in which market attractiveness and our competitive position were weighed for each activity. In addition, an analysis of strengths and weaknesses was completed by service area and for ARCADIS as a whole.

Goals by service area were formulated for the next three to five years. The goals were translated into tangible plans for goal realization. As part of this process, “transnational growth platforms” were initiated, aimed at bundling our strengths in areas where the market offers good prospects and we are strong. The transnational growth platforms are made up of groups of employees who are strategically focused on the following areas: rail, tunnels and bridges, environment and worldwide project consulting. This process strengthens the horizontal lines in the company, offering prospects for additional growth in specific sectors. Further details are provided in the following sections on service areas.

The three core elements of the revised strategy can be summarized as follows:

Strengthening organic growth in the three service areas by:

·                              Using transnational growth platforms for specific sections;

·                              Expanding local positions in home markets; and

·                              Promoting innovations aimed at developing new products and services.

Continually improving margin by:

·                              Focusing on services with higher added value; and

·                              Outsourcing detailed engineering.

Expanding through acquisitions aimed at:

·                              Strengthening home markets and/or adding specific expertise; and

·                              Building a position in Asia.

Financial goals

We maintain the following unchanged financial goals for the mid to long term:

·                              Gross revenue: average annual growth of 10% or more, half of which is organic.

·                              Operational margin: 8% (operating income excluding amortization of identifiable intangible assets (which we also refer to as EBITA) as a percentage of net revenue).

·                              Earnings per share: average annual growth of 10% or more.

·                              Return on invested capital of 15% or more. This is net income from operations, excluding interest charges, compared to shareholders’ equity plus net interest-bearing debt, calculated as an average over four quarters.

The goals listed above are excluding the effects of currency exchange rate differences. Net income from operations is before amortization and other items that we believe affect the comparability of results, like book gains.

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Below are the results of previous years compared to the above goals, excluding currency effects.

 

 

Goal

 

2000

 

2001

 

2002

 

2003

 

2004(1)

 

2005(1)

 

Gross revenue

 

10

%

13

%

3

%

6

%

10

%

9

%(2)

10

%(2)

— Organic

 

5

%

7

%

3

%

2

%

1

%

5

%

5

%

— Acquisitions

 

5

%

6

%

0

%

4

%

9

%

4

%

5

%

Operational margin

 

8

%

6.4

%

6.9

%

7.4

%

6.0

%

6.2

%(3)

8.2

%(3)

Earnings per share

 

10

%

10

%

10

%

11

%

(4)

%

9

%

40

%

Return on invested capital

 

15

%

14.8

%

17.6

%

18.8

%

15.9

%

17.2

%

20.6

%


(1)   Results based on IFRS.

(2)   Excluding book profit on sales.

(3)   Excluding items that impact the comparability of results.

B.               Business overview.

Development by Service Area

We provide consulting and engineering services in four principal geographic reporting segments: the Netherlands, the United States, other European countries, and Rest of World. Our primary services areas in each of these geographic segments are infrastructure, environment, and facilities. Below is a further detailing of the activities of the company in each of these three service areas:

Infrastructure

Our infrastructure area is focused on designing physical living environments for living, working, and recreational activities, as well as connecting these areas through highways, railroads, and waterways. We are engaged in infrastructure activities in all of our geographic reporting segments. Water management, infrastructure development for the energy sector and telecommunications activities are also a component of this service area. This service area’s share of total gross revenue was € 526 million, € 501 million, and € 485 million in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and accounted for 53%, 56% and 57% of our total gross revenue in those years, respectively.

The infrastructure market is dominated by public sector spending. We have strong local positions in this market. Our knowledge of local conditions and our long-term client relationships allow us to anticipate new developments and offer tailor-made services. From a broad range of multidisciplinary services, we offer integrated solutions for complex infrastructural challenges. In a number of areas, we have specialized expertise. Our rail infrastructure experience is based on years of working on the Dutch railway network, one of the most densely traveled and safest networks in the world. A prime example of our expertise in bridges is the world-famous Millau Viaduct in France, the tallest in the world. In the area of tunneling, we have extensive expertise and experience, both in rocky and in soft subsurface soils.

Our principal activities in this service area include:

·      Planning and designing roads, highway systems, bridges, tunnels, harbors, railroads, airports, industrial sites and business parks;

·      Traffic and transportation planning and design and traffic engineering studies;

·      Pedestrian and bicycle facilities design and parking analysis and design;

·      Surveying and geotechnical services for roads, railways and high-rise construction projects;

·      Consulting and mapping for cadastral purposes for utilities, facilities such as airports and industrial complexes, as well as for local governments;

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·      Architecture;

·      Construction management, administration, supervision and physical construction services;

·      Project and program management, facilities programming, master planning;

·      Assistance with the financial and economic aspects of heavy infrastructure construction projects;

·      Quality control and operational assistance;

·      Feasibility studies;

·      Structural, mechanical, electrical and process engineering; and

·      Assistance with bidding processes and permits applications.

Environment

Our environment area is focused on the improvement and maintenance of air, soil, and surface-water quality as well as projects related to noise abatement, solid waste disposal and external safety. We are engaged in environment activities in all of our geographic segments. This service area’s share of total gross revenue was € 295 million, € 243 million and € 223 million in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and accounted for 29%, 27% and 27% of our total gross revenue in those years, respectively.

A considerable portion of our gross revenue in the environment service area results from soil and groundwater remediation projects. In this area, we maintain a world leadership position that is based on cost-effective remediation technologies, a solid reputation and the Guaranteed Remediation Program (GRiP®). Under GRiP®, we provide turnkey solutions for the remediation of contaminated properties at a guaranteed price, while covering risks with insurance policies. In addition, we are able to serve multinational companies in multiple countries. This is significant as a growing number of multinational companies are reducing the number of consultants they use. Many of our clients already are multinational companies.

Our principal activities in this service area include:

·      Investigation, identification and evaluation of sources of pollution and chemical contamination in groundwater, air and soil, including the velocities and directions of contaminant migration;

·      Identification and evaluation of hydrologic factors incident to the siting and operation of industrial plants, mines, power generating stations, and waste-storage and disposal facilities;

·      Formulation of remedial actions, including the design of groundwater monitoring and treatment systems at industrial waste treatment and disposal sites, and the development and evaluation of strategies for the abatement of chemical contamination of groundwater from various sources;

·      Provision of technical guidance to governmental agencies with respect to the significance of groundwater, and methods for abating, controlling, and monitoring groundwater contamination;

·      Performance of feasibility studies, construction management, and the installation, operation and maintenance of specialized remedial technologies, including bioremediation, soil vapor extraction, air sparging, hydraulic barriers, free product control and recovery, steam-enhanced soil-venting, contaminated surface and groundwater recovery and treatment, underwater sediment remediation,wastewater treatment, stabilization/solidification, landfill caps and containment, and air quality control;

13




·      Life sciences services including toxicology, epidemiology, molecular biology, endocrinology, ecology, pathology, chemistry, environmental systems, modeling, and statistical analysis.

·      GRiP®, which include the provision of a guaranteed maximum price for remediation of contaminated industrial sites, along with an insurance scheme that limits the client’s risk exposure;

·      Redevelopment, Closure, Asset and Industrial Management, or RECLAIM™, which is an integrated approach developed for company sites slated for closure. The approach includes a remedial plan, often based on GRiP®, combined with a plan for redevelopment. The environmental remediation can then be co-funded from the sale of the redeveloped property.

·      Comprehensive assessment, containment and remediation services for both surface and subsurface hydrocarbon releases, as well as the design, installation, operation and maintenance of hydrocarbon remediation systems;

·      Environmental management consulting, including supporting clients implementing environmental policies, compliance with legal requirements and reduction of environmental risks, environmental audits, environmental management systems, waste management, and assessment of procedures, materials and products;

·      Provision of special contracting services for the construction and operation of remedial systems, focusing on the installation of systems and the subsequent long-term operation of the installed equipment, maintenance and sampling of the treatment processes;

·      Air quality services ranging from investigations through design to installation and operation, including source evaluation investigations, such as stack testing, compliance testing, diagnostic testing, continuous omissions monitoring, trial burn testing, air toxins testing, testing of remedial systems, ambient air sampling, and air quality consulting services, such as permitting, omissions inventories, dispersion modeling;

·      Noise reduction services aimed at the insulation of homes against noise from aviation, rail and road traffic; and

·      Other activities, including expert testimony, modeling, risk evaluation and risk assessment services, bioremediation services, regulatory support, preparation of environmental statistics, geophysics, and community relations.

Facilities

Our facilities area is focused on buildings in which people live, work, or relax. We engage in the facilities area in all of our geographic segments. This service area’s share of total gross revenue was € 180 million, € 144 million and € 110 million in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and accounted for 18%, 16% and 13% of our total gross revenue in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

The facilities market is strongly influenced by the level of private investment and therefore is more cyclical. In the past two years, we have focused on transitioning to higher added value services in an effort to improve profitability. Greater emphasis has been placed on expanding project and program management and facility management services. The acquisition of AYH was an important step in reaching this goal. At the same time, we began reducing and outsourcing our detailed engineering activities. It was becoming increasingly difficult to offer distinguishable services to the marketplace, which negatively impacted our profitability and led to the 2005 first quarter sale of detailed engineering services in the United States.

14




Our activities in the facilities area include:

·      Project and program management, including cost management and master planning;

·      Facility management, including technical maintenance of a client’s buildings, as well as security, procurement of energy and water, and catering;

·      Architectural design and architectural development services;

·      Civil, structural, mechanical and electrical engineering;

·      Instrumentation and controls services;

·      Industrial and manufacturing project services;

·      Feasibility studies and strategic planning;

·      Field operations;

·      Consulting services for construction processes, project organization, as well as design specifications; and

·      Provision of temporary technical staff.

Marketing and Distribution

Our major marketing channels are our primary operating companies, which are ARCADIS G&M Inc., Blasland, Bouck & Lee Inc., Greystone Environmental Consultants, Inc., ARCADIS Nederland B.V., ARCADIS Deutschland GmbH, ARCADIS BMB B.V., ARCADIS Euroconsult B.V., ARCADIS Belgium N.V. , SWK NV, ARCADIS FC International SAS, ARCADIS Logos Engenharia SA, Biogas SA, ARCADIS Geotecnica Consultores SA, PRC Holding B.V., ARCADIS Aqumen Facility Management B.V., ARCADIS Geraghty & Miller International Ltd., AYH Plc., ARCADIS Polska Sp. Z.o.o., and Profil Sp. Z.o.o..

Through our multinational client program, we have increased organic growth by expanding our relationships with existing multinational clients. For example, our multinational clients program has resulted in the execution by several existing clients of master service agreements that establish the basis for providing international services to these clients for extended periods.

Competition

We are engaged in highly competitive markets in all of our geographic reporting segments and service areas. We compete with many other firms, ranging from small local firms to large national and international firms. In addition to price, we compete primarily on the basis of quality of service, project management expertise, and ability to provide integrated solutions. Other competitive factors include application of state-of-the-art technology, geographic location and availability of personnel. A significant portion of our revenue is generated through direct contact and negotiations with clients resulting largely from existing relationships rather than through public or other bidding procedures. The development of new and more efficient technology by our competitors may have an adverse effect on us if such technology is not accessible to us or is incompatible with the services we provide.

Effect of Government Regulation

Of our business, approximately 45% of our revenue is derived from governmental entities. These clients rely on tax revenues to fund large public works projects of the type for which we are often retained. During an economic downturn, governmental entities collect significantly less tax revenue and often try to limit discretionary expenditures to balance their budgets. Government limits on spending in regard to environmental remediation,

15




infrastructure expansion or enhancement, building projects, real estate data services or telecommunications infrastructure investments, could have a material adverse effect on our ability to attract and/or retain business.

Our business is also affected by the implementation and modification of governmental legislation and regulations in a number of areas, but particularly with respect to the environment. We assist private sector clients in complying with, or responding to, new governmental legislation and regulations. Therefore, when government strengthens regulation of the environment, the demand for our services typically increases. When regulations are weakened or enforcement of such regulations seems less likely, our clients are less likely to need our services, which could materially and adversely affect our business. Changes in regulations and legislation may also affect certain other areas of our business, including communications, infrastructure and, to a lesser extent, facilities.

C.               Organizational structure.

ARCADIS N.V. is not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by another corporation or by any government, foreign or domestic. Only our major consolidated companies are listed below, stating the percentage of ownership by ARCADIS N.V. and the country in which each is domiciled.

Company

 

Percentage
Ownership

 

Domicile

 

ARCADIS G&M Inc.

 

100

 

United States

 

ARCADIS Nederland B.V.

 

100

 

The Netherlands

 

ARCADIS Deutschland GmbH

 

100

 

Germany

 

ARCADIS Euroconsult B.V.

 

100

 

The Netherlands

 

ARCADIS Belgium N.V.

 

100

 

Belgium

 

ARCADIS FC International SAS

 

100

 

France

 

ARCADIS Logos Engenharia SA

 

50 plus 1 share

 

Brazil

 

ARCADIS Geotecnica Consultores SA

 

100

 

Chile

 

PRC Holding B.V.

 

100

 

The Netherlands

 

ARCADIS Aqumen Facility Management B.V.(1)

 

50

 

The Netherlands

 

ARCADIS Geragthy & Miller International Ltd. (UK)

 

100

 

United Kingdom

 

AYH Plc.

 

100

 

United Kingdom

 

ARCADIS Polska Sp Zoo

 

100

 

Poland

 


(1)   Proportionately consolidated

D.               Property, plant and equipment.

Our principal property and equipment consists of land, offices, operating facilities, storage grounds, workshops, vehicles, equipment and software which, at December 31, 2005, represented approximately 9% of our consolidated assets. We believe that our offices, operating facilities, vehicles and equipment are well maintained, suitable, and adequate for our current operations and that suitable additional or substitute space will be available as needed to accommodate any expansion of our operations and for additional offices.

Our headquarters are leased and are located in Arnhem, the Netherlands. We own regional offices, workshops, storage grounds and land throughout the Netherlands. We lease approximately 260 local offices throughout the Netherlands, Europe, the United States, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. During fiscal 2005, aggregate annual rental payments on real estate leased by us approximated € 37 million.

The principal assets utilized in our consulting/engineering operations consist primarily of computer equipment and software, instruments, operating equipment, workshop inventory, office inventory and reproduction equipment. Some of the computer equipment is leased. The principal assets we utilized in contracting operations consist primarily of operating equipment such as earth-moving equipment, front loaders and trucks, mowers, tractors, drainage machines and office and workshop inventory as well as computer equipment. Some of the operating equipment is leased.

At December 31, 2005, we were not aware of any environmental issues existing at any of our facilities that may affect the utilization of such facilities.

16




ITEM 4B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

Not applicable.

ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

A. Operating results.

Overview

The following is a discussion of our consolidated financial condition and results of operations for the two years ended December 31, 2005 and other factors that are expected to affect our prospective financial condition. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with “Selected financial data” and our Consolidated Financial Statements which are included elsewhere in this annual report. Our Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with IFRS. IFRS differs in certain respects from U.S. GAAP. See our reconciliation of IFRS to U.S. GAAP in Note 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. Our results may fluctuate from period to period due to project delays, occasioned by regulatory agency approvals or client considerations, weather and the number of working days available.

We are an international provider of consulting and engineering services in four primary geographic reporting segments: the Netherlands, the United States, other European countries, and Rest of World, which includes all countries in which we operate outside the first three segments. We provide these services in three principal service areas: infrastructure, environment and facilities.

Developments by Geographic Segment

Our organizational structure is primarily geographic, usually with one (to two) operating companies per country. These operating companies report directly to the Executive Board. We have grouped our operations into four geographic regions: the Netherlands, other European countries, the United States and Rest of World.

The Netherlands

During 2005, market conditions in the Netherlands showed some signs of recovery. This was the result of low economic growth, and limited government spending. Organic gross revenue (gross revenue not attributable to acquisitions) in the Netherlands declined by 1%, and this decline only occurred in the infrastructure service area. In the environment and facilities service areas growth was achieved. Gross revenue from the Netherlands represented approximately 29% of our total gross revenue for 2005.

The restructuring measures implemented in the Netherlands in 2004 clearly had a positive effect on profitability. Organically, operating income improved by € 2.2 million or 20% in 2005. This was partially offset by the effect of acquisitions and divestments. As a result, operating income totaled € 11.5 million in 2005 compared to € 7.6 million in 2004.

Other European countries

Gross revenue in other European countries (including Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom) increased 5% to € 267 million in 2005, compared to € 254 million in 2004. Gross revenue from other European countries represented approximately 26% of our total gross revenue for 2005. Acquisitions and divestments caused a decrease in revenues of 1%. This was the result of the sale of our 50% interest in the Spanish company, Grupo EP during 2005. The effect of this sale on gross revenue was almost entirely offset by the contribution from acquisitions completed in 2004, as well as the acquisitions in 2005 of SWK in Belgium and AYH in the United Kingdom.

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Operating income grew by 53% to € 18.8 million in 2005, compared to € 12.3 million in 2004. The comparability of results was severely affected by the increase in amortization of identifiable intangible assets, which increased by  € 1.2 million to € 1.4 million in 2005, compared to € 0.2 in 2004. Without the effect of the increase in amortization of identifiable intangible assets, operating income would have increased by 62% in 2005. Except for Germany, all countries contributed to this improvement. Operating income from other European countries represented 34% of our total operating income for 2005.

The United States

Gross revenue for the United States increased 31% in 2005 to € 349 million, compared to €267 million in 2004. Gross revenue from the United States represented approximately 35% of our total gross revenue for 2005. Organic growth was 8%, while acquisitions contributed 23%. This included two acquisitions completed in 2005 —  the acquisition of Greystone in June 2005 and BBL in September 2005.

In the United States, activities in the environmental market developed very favorably. On the one hand this was the effect of a solid backlog in GRiP® projects, while on the other hand, regular environmental consulting work also saw healthy increases. Infrastructure activities saw growth as a result of the passage of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2003 (SAFETEA) by the federal government. For a period of six years, this legislation will release an additional $285 billion in federal funding into the infrastructure market. In the facilities service area, the influence of the shift in investment to low-wage countries (particularly China) was noticeable, resulting in a strong decline of activities in this area.

Operating income increased by 38% to € 18.3 million in 2005, compared to € 13.3 million in 2004. The comparability of these results was severely impacted by the increase in amortization of identifiable intangible assets, which increased by € 2.5 million to € 2.6 million in 2005, compared to € 0.1 in 2004. Without the effect of the increase in amortization of identifiable intangible assets, operating income would have increased by 56% in 2005. Operating income from the United States represented 34% of our total operating income for 2005.

Rest of World

Activities in Rest of World, include activities primarily in the infrastructure and environment service areas in Brazil and Chile, as well as projects in developing countries, financed by international donors such as the World Bank and the European Union. Gross revenue rose by 25% to €97 million in 2005, compared to € 78 million in 2004. The sale of two smaller companies in the donor-financed market resulted in a gross revenue decrease of 6%. The strong increase in the value of the Brazilian real produced a positive currency effect of 12%. Organic growth was 19%, and predominately came from Brazil, where activities grew by 65%. Gross revenue from Rest of World represented approximately 10% of our total gross revenue for 2005, and operating income from Rest of World represented approximately 11% of our total operating income for the year.

Revenues and Expenses

We derive our gross revenue primarily from the provision of consulting and engineering services, as well as other services, generally under the categories of contracts described below, which in some circumstances may be combined.

·       Fixed price contracts. Fixed price contracts provide for the payment of a negotiated fee that is fixed at the inception of the contract. When we enter into these types of contracts we estimate the amount of time and the cost for us to perform the services under the contract. We may underestimate the actual time and cost. Further, the information upon which the fee is based may change or may be inaccurate. As a result, we may earn less under the contract than we anticipated or suffer a loss. Conversely, if we perform the services more efficiently than we estimated, we may earn more under the contract than anticipated. With a well defined scope of work and schedule, we can limited the risk of underestimating our costs.

·       Cost-plus contracts. Cost-plus contracts provide for payment based on the time spent to perform the contract, applying agreed upon rates for different categories of employees, and then adding out-of-pocket

18




expenses. Our risk arising from this type of project is usually limited. Clients will choose this type of contract when it is difficult to estimate in advance how much time will be spent or when a client wishes to bring in a temporary staff to conduct certain activities under its management.

·       Cost-plus contracts with a cap. Cost-plus contracts with a cap are similar to cost-plus contracts, but a maximum project cost is agreed to that cannot be exceeded without the prior agreement of the client. In principle, we cease work when the cap is reached unless a “performance agreement” has also been negotiated. In that case, we may need to complete the additional work at no additional cost to the client.

·       Contracts with a building sum-related fee. Contracts with a building sum-related fee are normally used when our activities are directly related to the total completion of a construction project, such as a road, building or civil engineering project. This type of project involves producing the design, developing the engineering, handling procurement, and supervising construction. With this type of contract, the total fee for the various activities is determined by a percentage of the sum of the total construction costs. The activities are budgeted on the basis of an estimate of the construction costs. Actual construction costs, because of overcapacity in the market, may be lower than we estimate, and as a result our fee could be lower. Conversely, if we efficiently manage the project, we can significantly enhance our margin.

·       Turnkey contracts. Turnkey contracts are similar to the fixed price contracts described above. However, this type of contract also includes the engineering and construction components of the work (a design/build contract). These types of contracts require additional preparation for producing specifications and determining price. The advantages for the client are price certainty at an early stage, efficiency in the preparation and quicker deliverability. Because we do not usually perform the construction (building) component of the work, the risk that the work will not be completed is usually covered by a back-to-back contract with a contractor. In part due to size, this type of contract may be riskier for us. Risks arise from design and engineering miscalculations, unclear specifications of the product, or contractors not meeting their obligations. However, we may achieve greater profits by completing the project efficiently and under budget.

·       GRiP® contracts. GRiP® stands for Guaranteed Remediation Program. GRiP® contracts are a special type of turnkey contracts that are used in the environmental market for the remediation of contaminated property. A remediation plan is prepared, and remediation costs are estimated based on an environmental study and a determination of the extent of contamination. The performance of the remediation plan is offered (under certain conditions) to the client for a fixed price (turnkey). The risks of cost overruns are largely covered by an insurance policy. We have very rigorous procedures and policies for project estimation and determination of insurance levels and work closely with our insurers to minimize the total risk. However, there are always some inherent project estimation risks. Remaining risks can arise as a result of disputed settlements with the insurer and associated litigation.

·       Design, Build, Finance and Operate contracts (DBFO). DBFO contracts allow us to deliver a total product, including arranging financing and operating the built product for a certain period of time. This type of project is normally conducted as part of a consortium, with a partnership set up specifically for the project, acting as the contract party. Our participation depends on the project type, its scope, and the risk profile. Our participation is often related to the capitalized development effort provided by our employees. We face risks under this type of contract when we make advance investment in the development of the project, have an equity interest in the partnership, as well as risks associated with obligations that are entered into for completing or operating the project. In this type of project, the operating companies are assisted by a team at corporate level, who completes the risk analysis.

·       Framework contracts or Master Service Agreements. Framework contracts or Master Service Agreements are service agreements that are negotiated for a specified period of time. In a framework contract, projects may sometimes be put out to bid to a number of providers. Returned bids include estimates by project or project components, or maximum amounts are set. Under the pressure of competition, unfavorable terms may be agreed upon, thereby producing a negative effect on our business result for a long time. However, this type of contract provides a stable source of revenue over a longer period of time.

19




·       Contracts with a success fee. Contracts with a success fee provide that we are eligible for an agreed payment that is linked to achieving agreed upon results, whether or not within a fixed time period. In theory, we can receive success-based fees for each type of contract described above.

Our operating expenses include materials, services of third parties and subcontractors, operational costs and depreciation.

·       Materials, services of third parties and subcontractors. Materials, services of third parties and subcontractors includes project-related costs of materials and services charged by third parties including subcontractors.

·       Operational costs. Operational costs includes all costs relating to employees, as well as non-project-related out-of-pocket expenses.

·       Depreciation. Depreciation includes the depreciation of buildings, software, furniture, and fixtures.

Critical Accounting Policies

For the financial years up to and including 2004, we have presented our financial statements on a basis consistent with accounting principles generally accepted in the Netherlands. In 2005, the new accounting rules under IFRS went into effect. At the end of this Item 5, we have included a summary of the effects that the introduction of the IFRS had on our balance sheet and statement of income.

The preparation of our financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of our financial statements. The policies that management considers to be most important to the presentation of our financial condition and results of operations and to require the most significant demands on management’s judgments and estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain are discussed below. Management cautions that future events often vary from forecasts and that estimates routinely require adjustment.

A more complete description of our significant accounting policies appears in Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Work in progress. Revenue is generally recognized as services are rendered. Revenue from fixed fee contracts is recognized on the percentage of completion method, measured generally by estimating the status of completion of the project and recognizing the related estimated percentage of revenue and gross profit expected from the project. Revenue from cost-plus contracts is recognized as costs are incurred plus applicable fees. Revenue from time-and-material contracts is recognized at contract rates as work is performed and material costs are incurred. Revenue is recognized on additional services requested by clients for which a formal change order has not been obtained when the realization is probable and the amount can be reliably estimated. Provisions for estimated losses on contracts are recorded when identified. Unbilled fees, at estimated billable amounts, represent revenue recognized for which billings have not yet been presented to customers.

Costs. Contract costs include direct labor costs, subcontractor costs, other direct costs and indirect costs. Our method of revenue recognition requires us to prepare estimates of the costs to complete contracts in progress. In making such estimates, judgments are required to evaluate contingencies, such as potential variances in schedule and labor and other contract costs, liability claims, contract disputes or achievement of contractual performance standards. Changes in total estimated contract costs and losses, if any, are recognized in the period they are determined.

Impairment. The carrying amounts of the assets of ARCADIS, other than work in progress and deferred tax assets, are reviewed at each balance sheet date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment.

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For goodwill and assets that have an indefinite useful life, the recoverable amount is estimated at each balance sheet date.

An impairment loss is recognized whenever the carrying amount of an asset or its cash-generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognized in the income statement. Impairment losses recognized in regard to cash-generating units are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to cash-generating units and then, to reduce the carrying amount of the other assets in the unit on a pro rata basis.

The recoverable amount is the greater of the net selling price and value in use. In assessing the value in use, estimated future cash flows are discounted to present value using a discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.

An impairment loss of goodwill cannot be reversed. Regarding other assets, an impairment loss can be reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortization, if no impairment loss had been recognized.

Under US GAAP assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination are recorded at their estimated fair values as of their acquisition date. At December 31, 2005, we had approximately € 149.2 million of goodwill (U.S. GAAP amount), representing the cost of acquisitions in excess of fair values assigned to the underlying net assets of acquired companies. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, “Goodwill and other intangible assets,” goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are not amortized, but are subject to annual impairment testing. The assessment of goodwill involves the estimation of the fair value of our geographical assets. Management completed this assessment during the fourth quarter of 2005 based on the best information available as of the date of assessment and determined that no impairment existed. Future events could result in impairments of goodwill or other assets.

Accounting for pensions. Under IFRS the Company’s pension plans qualify as defined contribution plans. Under U.S. GAAP, the Dutch plans qualify as defined benefit plans. For a further explanation of this, please refer to Notes 17 and 18 in the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this annual report. Retirement benefits represent obligations that will be settled in the future and require assumptions to project benefit obligations and fair values of plan assets. Retirement benefit accounting is intended to reflect the recognition of future benefit costs over the employee’s approximate service period, based on the terms of the plans and the investment and funding decisions we make. In accounting for these retirement benefits, management is required to make assumptions regarding variables such as discount rate, rate of compensation increase, return on assets, and mortality tables. Periodically management consults with outside actuaries regarding these assumptions. Changes in these key assumptions can have a significant impact on the projected benefit obligations, funding requirements and periodic cost incurred. Our policies and key assumptions are included in Note 17 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Provisions for contingent liabilities. By their nature, provisions for contingent liabilities are dependent upon estimates and assessments of whether the criteria for recognition have been met, including estimates as to the outcome and the amount of the potential cost of resolution. Contingent liabilities are recognized by a charge against income when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of such liability can be reasonably estimated. The most likely amount is accrued for costs of future liabilities that may ultimately arise when such an amount can be determined. If no amount within the range is considered more likely than any other, then the accrual is based on the low end of the range.

Contingent liabilities and provisioning for reorganizations, other litigation, and tax disputes are discussed in Note 12—Long-Term Liabilities and in Note 13—Trade and other Liabilities to our Consolidated Financial Statements. The provision for reorganizations is based on an estimate of the costs of dismissal of permanent staff, taking into account legal advice and the current facts and circumstances. Provisions for other litigation and tax disputes are also based on an estimate of the costs, taking into account legal advice and information currently available.

21




Should the actual outcome differ from the assumptions and estimates, revisions to the estimated provisions would be required, which could impact our financial position and results of operations.

Accounting for income taxes. As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves estimating actual current tax expense and temporary differences between tax and financial reporting. Temporary differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included in our consolidated balance sheet. We must then assess the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income. A valuation allowance is recognized to reduce deferred tax assets if, and to the extent, it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

We have recorded a valuation allowance of € 1.9 million as of December 31, 2005, based on estimates of taxable income by jurisdiction in which we operate and the period over which deferred tax assets are recoverable. In the event actual results differ from these estimates in future periods, and depending on the tax strategies that we may be able to implement, changes to the valuation allowance could be required, which could impact our financial position and results of operations.

Allowances for doubtful accounts. Allowances for doubtful accounts are maintained for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

Results of Operations

The table below presents, for the periods indicated, (1) the percentage relationship that certain items in our Consolidated Statements of Income bear to net revenue and (2) the percentage increase (decrease) in Euro amounts for such items from year to year for the two-year period ended December 31, 2005.

 

 

Percentage of Net
Revenue

 

Percent Change

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2004 to 2005

 

Gross revenue

 

142.4

 

142.4

 

11.1

 

Materials, services of third parties and subcontractors

 

42.4

 

42.4

 

11.0

 

Net revenue

 

100.0

 

100.0

 

11.2

 

Operational costs

 

89.3

 

91.9

 

8.0

 

Depreciation

 

2.2

 

2.5

 

(2.8

)

Amortization of identifiables

 

0.8

 

0.1

 

 

Operating income

 

7.7

 

5.6

 

53.1

 

Financing income/expenses net

 

(0.3

)

(0.5

)

(46.8

)

Income from operations before taxes

 

7.5

 

5.1

 

63.9

 

Taxes

 

2.5

 

1.6

 

66.8

 

Income of consolidated companies from operations after taxes

 

5.0

 

3.4

 

62.6

 

Income of non-consolidated companies and long-term investments after taxes  

 

0.2

 

0.4

 

(43.5

)

Group income from operations after taxes

 

5.2

 

3.8

 

51.8

 

Minority interest

 

0.5

 

0.3

 

64.5

 

Net income

 

4.7

 

3.5

 

50.7

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2005 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2004

On the whole, operational results during 2005 developed favorably. Gross revenues increased with 11% from 2004, while net income improved with 51% from 2004. In particular, the environment service area produced excellent results.  You should read our audited Consolidated Financial Statements in conjunction with the following analysis.

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Gross revenue

Gross revenue in 2005 increased by 11% to €1 billion, compared to €901 million in 2004. Of the total increase, 1% was the effect of currency impacts. Acquisitions and divestments contributed a net of 5%, and organic growth contributed 5%. The organic growth was primarily the result of strong growth in the U.S. environmental market and in Brazil, as well as the gradual recovery in the Dutch market.

As of 2005, the geographic distribution of revenue had been altered. The activities in North and South America were separated into two segments: the United States became its own segment, while South America was added to the Rest of World segment. Strong expansion through acquisitions and relatively high organic growth are driving the increase in the U.S. percentage of total company sales. In 2005, 35% of the gross revenue was generated in the United States compared to 30% in 2004; the Netherlands contributed 29% in 2005, compared to 33% in 2004. Other European countries contributed 26% in 2005, compared to 28% in 2004, and the Rest of World contributed 10% in 2005, compared to 9% in 2004.

Net revenue

Our net revenue, the part of sales produced by our own employees, increased 11% to € 703 million in 2005, compared to € 633 million in 2004. Excluding the currency effect, growth was 10% in 2005. Of the growth, 6% came from acquisitions and divestments. The 5% organic growth was equal to that of gross revenue growth. Compared to 2004, there was a lower revenue inflow from the sale of businesses, which resulted in a 1% decrease in net revenue.

Operational costs

Operational costs increased by 8% to € 628 million in 2005, compared to € 581 million in 2004. Acquisitions produced a 5% increase in operational costs, while currency effects resulted in a 1% increase. The organic increase of operational costs totaled 2% in 2005, clearly lower than the increase in net revenue, mostly due to improvements in staff utilization.

Depreciation expenses

Depreciation (excluding amortization) decreased 3% to € 15.2 million in 2005, from € 15.6 in 2004, and totaled 2.2% of net revenue in 2005, compared to 2.5% in 2004. The project management and consultancy companies that have been acquired are less capital intensive and require even less depreciation than the other ARCADIS operating companies, thus resulting in the decrease in depreciation.

Amortization of identifiable intangible assets

Identifiable intangible assets related to acquisitions must be separated from goodwill and amortized separately. For ARCADIS, this expense generally includes the profit in the acquired company’s backlog. These assets are amortized over their economic lifetime (on average one to two years). In 2005, the amortization increased sharply to € 6.0 million from € 0.4 million in 2004, as a result of acquisitions.

23




Operating income

Operating income increased 53% to € 54.4 million in 2005, compared to € 35.5 million in 2004. Operating income excluding amortization of identifiable intangible assets (which we also refer to as EBITA) and excluding certain other expenses was calculated as follows:

(In Millions of Euros)

 

2005

 

2004

 

Operating income as reported

 

54.4

 

35.5

 

Amortization identifiable intangible assets

 

6.0

 

0.4

 

Operating income excluding amortization of identifiable intangible assets (EBITA)

 

60.4

 

35.9

 

Other items(1)

 

3.1

 

(3.2

)

Operating income excluding amortization of identifiable intangible assets and other items

 

57.3

 

39.1

 


(1) Other items include items that we consider to be non-operational. In 2004, these items included the effect of the sale of businesses and a restructuring in the Netherlands. In 2005 these items included book gains and losses on the sale of businesses, as well as the effect of additional payments in pension plans.

Operating income before amortization rose 68%, and excluding other expenses, increased by 47%. The currency effect was 3% and was predominantly caused by the increase of the Brazilian real. The contribution from acquisitions and divestments on balance was 24%, considerably higher than the contribution to revenue growth of 5%, underscoring the positive margin effect. Organically, operating income before amortization rose 20%, also markedly more than revenue growth of 5%. Margins also improved organically, in part as a result of the restructuring measures in the Netherlands.

Margins

Market conditions resulted in an increase in margin (operating income excluding amortization of identifiable intangible assets as a percentage of net revenue) from 6.2% in 2004 to 8.2% in 2005.

Financing expenses

Financing charges were impacted positively in 2005 by € 1.7 million from financial derivatives used to cover currency and interest risks. Excluding this effect, financing charges rose to € 3.6 million in 2005, compared to € 3.5 million in 2004. The increase was limited as a result of the gains from divested assets of € 8.5 million and a further improvement of working capital throughout the year. In 2005, initial steps were taken to improve our financing structure in order to reduce interest charges as much as possible.

Tax rate

The 33.0% tax rate in 2005 was slightly higher than the 32.4% of 2004. In 2004, a higher tax-free book gain was realized from the sale of activities than was realized in 2005. This offset the effect of a decrease in the Dutch corporate tax rates.

In the United States, we may qualify for a tax credit for expenditures on research and development. From 1999 to 2001, a total of $5.4 million was included in the income statement. We are awaiting a final settlement with the U.S. tax authorities regarding activities that qualify for this tax credit. No credits have been included in the results since 2002 and none will be included until this issue is resolved.

Contribution of non-consolidated companies; minority interest

The contribution from non-consolidated companies declined from € 2.4 million in 2004 to € 1.4 million in 2005. This was the result of the completion of a number of energy-sector contracts in Brazil. Meanwhile, a new contract for one of the projects was signed, contributing to 2005 fourth quarter profits.

24




Minority interest rose 65% to € 3.2 million. This was mainly the result of a strong profit increase in Brazil.

Net income

Net income totaled € 33.4 million in 2005, or € 1.65 per share, against € 22.2 million, or € 1.10 per share in 2004. Net income includes a gain of € 1.2 million from financial derivatives. This effect is not included in net income from operations. Net income from operations (net income before amortization of intangibles and items that we believe affect the comparability of results) was € 33.4 million, 40% higher than the € 23.8 million in 2004. Per share, this was € 1.65 against € 1.18 in 2004.

Number of outstanding shares

The number of issued shares remained approximately 20.3 million in 2005, almost unchanged compared to 2004. To cover obligations related to option plans, approximately 332,000 shares were repurchased, while approximately 303,000 shares that had been purchased earlier were used upon the exercise of options by employees. No new shares were issued. The average number of shares outstanding (as applied to calculate income per share) was 20.3 million compared to 20.1 million in 2004. For an overview of options outstanding and additional information on option plans, please refer to Item 6.E. of this annual report.

Dividends

Management proposed, and on May 17, 2006 at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, our shareholders approved a dividend of € 0.66 per share over 2005. This equals 40% of net income from operations. ARCADIS’ dividend policy is to recommend payment of an annual dividend ranging from 30% to 40% of net income from operations. The dividend will be paid out in cash. The dividend for 2004 was € 0.48 per share.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

As noted above, our financial results are primarily presented in this annual report under IFRS. However, certain of the financial information presented are not in accordance with IFRS, which we refer to as “non-GAAP”. The reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to IFRS measures is presented in the table below the following description of the non-GAAP measures:

ARCADIS has used the following non-GAAP measures in this Form 20-F: (1) operating income excluding amortization of identifiable intangible assets (which we also refer to as EBITA) and restructuring charges; and (2) net income from operations, for which we some times also exclude currency effects. Although these measures are not required or expressly permitted by IFRS, we use them because we believe they provide a useful basis for comparison of result of operations from previous years. We also believe these measures promote maximum transparency with regard to the financial effects of our ongoing business operations. In addition, our management uses these measures when determining our strategy and setting our financial goals.                ARCADIS excluded restructuring charges from these non-GAAP measures because ARCADIS has no past history of restructuring charges and has no expectation that these charges are likely to recur in the future.

ARCADIS also uses the measures revenues excluding exchange rate differences (which have the same meanings as currency effects) and net income excluding currency effects because we operate internationally, and the effects of exchange rate differences on our revenues and net income do not necessarily reflect our performance. As noted above, ARCADIS has also excluded restructuring charges because of their non-recurring nature.

Set forth below are reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to net income under IFRS.

25




 

Reconciliation of
Operating Income Excluding Amortization of Intangibles and Restructuring Charges to Net Income

(In Thousands of Euros)

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

33,414

 

22,176

 

Minority interest

 

3,170

 

1,927

 

Income from non-consolidated companies and long-term investments, after taxes

 

(1,382

)

(2,448

)

Taxes on income

 

17,342

 

10,400

 

Financing income/(expense) net

 

1,844

 

3,464

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

54,388

 

35,519

 

Amortization of identifiable intangibles

 

5,967

 

376

 

Operating income excluding amortization of intangibles (or EBITA)

 

60,355

 

35,895

 

Restructuring charges

 

 

4,417

 

Operating income excluding amortization of intangibles and restructuring charges

 

60,355

 

40,312

 

 

Reconciliation of
Net Income from Operation, Excluding Currency Effects to Net Income

(In Thousands of Euros)

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

33,414

 

22,176

 

Pensions effects(1)

 

(394

)

(667

)

Effects of financial instruments

 

(1,213

)

 

Non-recurring income net of tax(2)

 

(2,486

)

1,366

 

Income taxes

 

 

519

 

Amortization

 

4,045

 

376

 

Net income from operations

 

33,366

 

23,770

 

Currency effects(3)

 

(448

)

689

 

Net income from operations excluding currency effects

 

32,918

 

24,459

 


(1)  Pension effects relate to the following: the change from defined benefit to defined contribution plans under IFRS, changes in Dutch pension legislation, and the pledge by the Lovinklaan Foundation related to early retirement of ARCADIS employees. The amounts shown do not concern total pension amounts and costs, but the changes related to the above mentioned items.

(2) Non-recurring income net of tax relate to gain on sale of investments for 2005 and restructuring charges for 2004.

(3)  Currency effects are calculated by multiplying net income from operations for a fiscal year, excluding income from acquisitions or divestments, by difference between the exchanges rates of that fiscal year and the exchange rates for prior fiscal year.

In addition to the non-GAAP financial measures discussed above, we also present information in this annual report regarding increases or decreases in gross revenues, EBITDA and net income resulting from organic changes and from acquisitions or divestments. We also refer to organic growth being operational or non-operational

26




and excluding currency effects.  Set forth below is a further explanation of these terms and a reconciliation of these measures to the IFRS measures used in their calculation.

·       Organic. We use the term “organic” in this annual report to refer to the internal growth of activities in subsidiaries that have been consolidated for more than one year. Internal growth in companies that have been consolidated for one year or less is accounted for as “growth through acquisitions”.

·       Currency effect. As stated above, the term “currency effect” refers to the effect on our results of changes in the value of currencies against the Euro for the production and reporting of quarterly and annual results. As the costs and revenues for our operating companies are customarily in the same currency, the currency effect is a translation effect. Currency effects are calculated by multiplying net income for a fiscal year, excluding income from acquisitions or divestments, by difference between the exchanges rates of that fiscal year and the exchange rates for prior fiscal year.

·       Acquisitions/Divestments. We describe revenue developments from “acquisitions/divestments” to refer to revenue changes resulting from the purchase or sale of companies and the internal growth in those companies after they have been consolidated within ARCADIS for one year or less. After that period, internal growth in these units is accounted for as organic growth.

·       Non-operational. “Non-operational” items refer to items that are not related to the actual operations of our business and that affect the comparability of results. These items in 2004 included the effect of the sale of businesses and a restructuring of our business in the Netherlands. In 2005 these items included book gains and losses on the sale of businesses, as well as the effect of additional payments in pension plans.

·       Net income from operations. “Net income from operations” refers to net income excluding the amortization of identifiable intangible fixed assets and the costs related to pension effects.

Origin of Developments in Revenue and Income

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Gross revenues

 

 

 

 

 

Total gross revenues

 

1,001.1

 

900.8

 

Increase from preceding year

 

100.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Breakdown of increases

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisitions/divestments

 

46.2

 

 

 

Currency effect

 

10.5

 

 

 

Book gains on sale

 

(3.6

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Organic growth

 

47.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income excluding amortization of intangibles (or EBITA)

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

60,355

 

35,895

 

(Decrease)/increase from preceding year

 

24,460

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Breakdown of (decreases)/increases

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisitions/divestments

 

9,326

 

 

 

Currency effect

 

1,183

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Organic growth

 

13,951

 

 

 

Non-operational

 

6,278

 

 

 

Operational

 

7,673

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income from operations

 

 

 

 

 

Net income from operations

 

33,366

 

23,770

 

Increase/(decrease) from preceding year

 

9,596

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Breakdown of increases/(decreases)

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisitions/divestments

 

3,302

 

 

 

Currency effect

 

448

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Organic growth

 

5,846

 

 

 

Non-operational

 

4,246

 

 

 

Operational

 

1,600

 

 

 

 

27




B. Liquidity and capital resources.

Working capital, consisting of work in progress amounting to € 113.7 million (see Note 7 to our Consolidated Financial Statements) plus trade receivables amounting to € 204.3 million (see Note 13 to our Consolidated Financial Statements) minus billing in excess of costs amounting to € 89.3 million and minus accounts payable amounting to € 72.5 million (see Consolidated Balance Sheet) declined as a percentage of gross revenue (amounting to € 1,001.1 million). As a percentage of gross revenue (measured at the level of the fourth quarter times four), working capital declined from 13.3% in 2004 to 12.7% in 2005. In the opinion of management, our working capital is sufficient to meet our present requirements.

Net cash provided by operating activities was € 66.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of € 44.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. The increase was the result of growth in operating income for the Company, as well as a reduction in the amount of working capital employed.

Net cash used in investing activities was € 85.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, compared to net cash used in investing activities of € 19.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. The net cash flow activity related to investing activities consisted primarily of investments in the acquisition of consolidated companies, investments in property, plant and equipment and investments in non-consolidated companies.

Net cash provided by financing activities was € 42.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, compared to net cash used in financing activities of € 6.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. The net cash flow activity related to financing activities consisted primarily to a new long-term debt arrangement related to the acquisition of new operations.

Cash at year-end 2005 was € 73.9 million, compared to € 48.2 million in 2004. Net debt (cash minus interest-bearing debt) at year-end 2005 was € 52.2 million against net cash at year-end 2004 of € 5.8 million.

At year-end 2005, a total of € 258 million in short-term credit facilities was available, compared to € 172 million at year-end 2004. As of December 31, 2005, € 2.1 million of these facilities were used. In addition, banks have pledged performance bonds and other guarantees related to projects for a total of € 40 million. A performance bond is a guarantee that we give to our client related to our performance under a contract. This secures the client with an income, in case we do not perform according to the stipulations in the contract for which the performance bond is issued. If, however, we fully meet all the requirements of the contract, the bond will be canceled. At year-end 2005, our long-term debt totaled € 116.1 million. See Notes 9 and 10 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for a more detailed discussion of our short-term and long-term credit facilities.

ARCADIS has reached agreement with a number of banks on new financing facilities. This involves a refinancing and centralization of nearly all group debt and bonding facilities. The new centralized finance structure consists of three components, all of which have been closed at market rates.

 

28




A new term loan facility for $90 million was entered into with a consortium of four banks in order to retire the bridge loan that was taken in relation to the acquisition of BBL at the end of September 2005. Half of this loan matures after five years, the other half after seven years.

Uncommitted multicurrency facilities of € 100 million have been entered into with a consortium of four banks which will be used for financing of working capital.

An uncommitted bonding facility of € 50 million has been entered into with ABN AMRO Bank.

Other Balance Sheet Items

Our total assets grew from € 442.3 million at year-end 2004 to € 650.1 million at year-end 2005, mainly because of expansion through acquisitions. As a result of acquisitions completed in 2005, goodwill rose to € 116.0 million. compared to € 50.0 million in 2004. The identifiable assets of acquisitions are capitalized separately, and at year-end 2005, this totaled € 8.3 million. This generally relates to the value of the yet to be realized profit in the backlog of the acquired companies.

Shareholders’ equity rose by € 39.8 million to € 176.2 million at year-end 2005 as follows:

(In Millions of Euros)

 

Effect

 

Net income for 2005

 

33.4

 

Dividend payment for 2004

 

(9.7

)

Currency exchange rate differences

 

10.0

 

Exercising of options

 

2.6

 

Temporary purchase of shares to cover option plan obligations

 

(6.6

)

Additional paid-in capital by Stichting Lovirklaan for pensions

 

6.5

 

Option costs(1)

 

0.6

 

Fiscal effects related to option plans

 

3.0

 

 

 

39.8

 


(1) For more information on option costs, please refer to Note 15 in our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Concerning our balance sheet ratios, solvency calculated as shareholders’ equity, amounting to € 176.2 million and minority interest amounting to € 11.9 million as a percentage of total assets amounting to € 650.1 at year-end 2005 was 28.9%, compared to 32.9% at year-end 2004. Return on average capital invested (shareholders’ equity plus net interest bearing debt) was 20.6%, compared to 17.2% in 2004.

Capital Expenditures

 Investments in tangible fixed assets, excluding acquisitions, were € 14.9 million compared to € 11.8 million in 2004, equivalent to the level of depreciation. The investments primarily relate to communications and computer equipment. The expansion of the company through acquisitions required considerable investment for a total amount of € 121.3 million. Net of cash this was € 101.8 million, including € 26.8 million that constitutes a withholding for a possible performance-based after payment to former AYH shareholders and the retention of part of the purchase price of BBL to cover possible BBL warranties. Goodwill amounted to € 61.3 million, while the value of identifiable intangible assets was € 11.5 million. In addition, € 5.9 million was invested in non-consolidated companies and other financial fixed assets compared to € 2.5 million in 2004. Divestments of consolidated companies yielded € 15 million or € 8.5 million after taxes, compared to after tax yields of € 8.0 million in 2004, Of this amount in 2005, € 2.5 million represents book gains.

C. Research and development, patents and licenses etc

We have spent approximately 1% of our consolidated gross revenue on research and development projects during each of the last three fiscal years. We expect that, consistent with past experience, most of our technological advances will be made in response to specific needs and opportunities. We have benefited from our understanding of soil and water dynamics and from technological and knowledge advances realized in connection with specific analysis, planning, development, construction and treatment projects that it has conducted for its clients.

29




Our research specifically has resulted in the development of several field instruments for hydrocarbon detection that we use for soil and groundwater investigation. Research continues to improve these quick “no-lab” analysis methods. For environmental and ecological reports, data management and detailed engineering, we undertake research in implementing and adjusting computer assisted design and software for geographical information systems.

We also have a group of research and development specialists who are involved in the performance of all remediation projects. This group of specialists continuously maintains and improves our core competence in the fields of separations technology and understanding of particle size distribution in soils, treatment of surface water and contaminated groundwater, and biological degradation of hydrocarbons and biowaste.

D. Trend information.

We reported strong results for the first quarter of 2006. Gross revenues rose 29% to € 287 million. Excluding currency effects, the increase was 24%. At 9%, organic growth was well above the company’s target of 5%. Net income from operations increased 60% to € 9.4 million, as a result of activity growth, further profit improvement in the Netherlands and good results in from companies acquired last year. The margin (operating income excluding amortization of intangibles (or EBITA) as a percentage of net revenue) increased to 7.9% compared to 6.4% in the same period last year.

We believe our organic growth is the result of continued favorable developments in the environmental market, the increase of services for private sector clients in the facilities market and the continuing recovery of the Dutch infrastructure market.

Key financial measures

 

 

First quarter

 

 

 

(Amounts in millions of Euros unless otherwise stated)

 

2006

 

2005

 

% Change

 

Gross revenue

 

287

 

223

 

29

%

Operating income excluding amortization of intangibles (or EBITA)(1)

 

16.1

 

10.4

 

55

%

Net income

 

7.7

 

5.5

 

39

%

Net income per share(2)

 

0.38

 

0.27

 

39

%

Net income from operations(3)

 

9.4

 

5.9

 

60

%

Net income from operations per share(2)(3)

 

0.47

 

0.29

 

60

%


(1)          Operating income excluding amortization of identifiable intangible assets is calculated as follows;

 

2006

 

2005

 

Operating income as reported

 

14.6

 

10.0

 

Amortization identifiable intangible assets

 

1.5

 

0.4

 

Operating income excluding amortization identifiable intangible assets

 

16.1

 

10.4

 

 

(2)             Based on 20.2 million shares outstanding in 2006 compared to 20.3 million in 2005.

30




 

(3)          Net income from operations is calculated as follows:

 

2006

 

2005

 

Net income

 

7.7

 

5.5

 

Effects of financial instruments

 

0.7

 

 

Non-recurring income net of tax

 

 

0.1

 

Amortization

 

1.0

 

0.3

 

Net income from operations

 

9.4

 

5.9

 

 

Analysis

Of the 29% growth in gross revenue, 5% resulted from currency effects, caused by the higher exchange rates of the U.S. dollar and Brazilian real. Acquisitions and divestments on balance contributed 15%. Organic growth of 9% in part resulted from improved market conditions in the Netherlands, where activities grew in all service areas and the Netherlands experienced more than 10% growth. In addition, the United States, Brazil, Belgium and France contributed substantially to organic growth. In Poland, order intake was high, but government procedures related to the permits for construction projects caused delays in the start-up of projects.

Operating income excluding amortization identifiable intangible assets (or EBITA) rose 55%. Acquisitions and divestments on balance contributed 35%, while the currency effect was 7% positive. The organic increase was 13%, resulting from increased activity levels combined with margin improvement. Market recovery triggered improved profitability in the Netherlands.

Financing charges were impacted negatively by € 0.9 million related to financial instruments for hedging currency and interest risks. The resulting effect on net income was an increase of € 0.7 million. Excluding this effect and before amortization, net income from operations increased 60%. This is more than the increase in EBITA, primarily driven by the higher contribution of non-consolidated participations for energy projects in Brazil.

Developments by service area

The figures mentioned below relate to gross revenue developments, and discuss the comparison between the first three months of 2006 and the same period last year.

·                  Infrastructure

Gross revenue decreased slightly due to earlier divestments. The currency effect was 5% positive. Organic gross revenue growth was more than 5% and came from almost all countries. The strongest growth was achieved in Brazil. In the United States growth continued at a good level. Although the pace of growth in the market for land development slowed somewhat, the market for roads and tunnels is expanding. In the Netherlands, recovery in the municipal market and improvement of rail infrastructure yielded healthy organic growth.

·                  Environment

Gross revenue in this service area doubled, mainly through the acquisitions of BBL and Greystone. The currency effect was 7% positive. Organic growth was 12%, thanks to continued growth in traditional consulting work and increasing services on GRiP® projects in the U.S. with a high relative amount of subcontracting. Synergy with BBL and Greystone through exchange of specialty expertise and client relationships resulted in additional contracts. In South America, investments in mining increased the demand for environmental consultancy. In Europe, growth was mainly achieved in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

·                  Facilities

Gross revenue rose by more than 25%, mainly through the acquisition of the U.K.-based project management firm AYH. The currency effect was 2% positive. Organic growth was well over 10%, mainly as a result of the facility management contract with DSM and Sabic. Private sector investments resulted in growth in Belgium, France and Brazil. Because of continued poor results, the detailed engineering activities in Germany were sold.

31




Outlook

The recovery of the Dutch infrastructure market is expected to continue. The growing economy also creates additional room for infrastructure investments in other European countries. In the United States the federal program SAFETEA is having a positive impact on the market, while in Brazil investments from the government and the private sector are creating a lot of work. In the environmental market, GRiP® and the expansion of services for private sector companies, partly as a result of synergy with BBL, are providing an excellent basis for further growth. In the facilities service area, growth should mainly come from expansion of management services as a result of outsourcing by companies, as well as providing project management services for international real estate investors.

After the first quarter, we announced that Biógas, a partnership in which ARCADIS Logos has a 33.3% stake, has sold one million carbon credits from the Biógas installation on the Bandeirantes landfill near São Paulo. These credits will be supplied in 2006 and 2007, at a price to be based on the futures price per year-end 2007. Over the period up to and including 2012, Biógas expects to have a total yield of four million carbon credits, based on current projections. Our share in the profits will amount to 16.7%.

We expect to incur out of pocket expenses in 2006 of € 3 to 4 million in connection with Sarbanes-Oxley compliance and in connection with the integration of BBL.

E. Off-balance sheet arrangements.

Management believes there are no transactions, arrangements and other relationships with unconsolidated entities that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues, expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors in our common shares.

F. Tabular disclosure of contractual obligations.

The following table sets forth, as of December 31, 2005, our commitments and contractual obligations for the following five years and thereafter. The long-term debt obligations are our cash debt service obligations. Operating lease obligations are the future minimum rental payments required under the operating leases that have initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2005.

 

 

 

 

Payments due by period

 

Contractual obligations

 

Total

 

Less than
1 year

 

1-3
years

 

3-5
years

 

More than
5 years

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Long-term debt obligations, including interest (subordinated loans)

 

701

 

206

 

257

 

230

 

8

 

Operating lease obligations

 

142,630

 

34,403

 

49,492

 

44,500

 

14,235

 

Capital (finance) lease obligations

 

1,168

 

606

 

562

 

 

 

Purchase obligations

 

34,653

 

6,887

 

8,270

 

 

19,496

 

Pension plan obligations

 

113,224

 

26,162

 

30,267

 

37,257

 

19,538

 

Other long-term liabilities reflected under IFRS

 

98,532

 

92,198

(1)

4,219

 

1,610

 

505

 

Total

 

390,908

 

160,462

 

93,067

 

83,597

 

53,782

 


(1) Refers to a bridge loan related to the acquisition of BBL, which was refinanced with long-term debt in the beginning of 2006.

In the table above, for purposes of estimating the amount of future funding of our pension plan obligations, we have assumed (1) an annual growth in the salary-level of 2.5%, (2) a fixed level of the total pension premium of 18.3% on total salaries, and (3) a gradual increase in the total staff covered by the pension fund, to 2,500 in 2011 from 1,723 in 2006. The Total amount covers the period through December 31, 2011. The pension plan obligation in the “More than 5 years” column is the obligation for 2011 only. We believe that cash generated from operations, together with our existing financing arrangements will be sufficient to meet our working capital and capital expenditure requirements for 2005.

32




ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

A. Directors and senior management.

None of the members of our Supervisory Board and Executive Board, Corporate Directors, and Senior Management Committee have any family relationships between and amongst each other. Additionally, none of the following individuals have entered into any arrangement or understanding with a third party, pursuant to which the person was selected for his respective position.

Supervisory Board

The following table presents information about our Supervisory Board members following our Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, which was held on May 17, 2006:

Name

 

Year of 
Birth

 

Years Served
In Office

 

Year Term 
Expires

 

Position

 

Rijnhard W.F. van Tets(a), (b)

 

1947

 

4

 

2010

 

Chairman

 

Carlos Espinosa de los Monteros(b)

 

1944

 

8

 

2010

 

Vice-Chairman

 

Thomas M. Cohn(a)

 

1942

 

2

 

2008

 

Member

 

George R. Nethercutt, Jr.(a)

 

1944

 

1

 

2009

 

Member

 

Jan Peelen(b)

 

1940

 

6

 

2008

 

Member

 

Gerrit Ybema(b)

 

1945

 

3

 

2007

 

Member

 


(a)             Member of the Audit Committee

(b)            Member of the Selection and Remuneration Committee

Jhr. Drs. Rijnhard W.F. van Tets, age 59, was appointed to our Supervisory Board in 2002, and currently serves as our Chairman. He also serves as a member of our Supervisory Board’s Audit Committee, and chairman of the Selection and Remuneration Committee. Currently, Mr. van Tets serves as an advisor to the Executive Board of ABN AMRO Bank, after serving as a member of the Executive Board from 1988 until 2001. He also served in a variety of positions while at ABN AMRO Bank, including: Chairman of the Investment Banking Division from 1990 to 2001, Senior Executive Vice President from 1986 to 1988, and Executive Vice President of the Corporate Banking Division from 1983 to 1986. From 1977 until 1983, Mr. van Tets served as Vice President of Corporate Finance with First Boston Corporation. He currently serves as a non-executive board member of the following entities: Euronext Amsterdam N.V., Equity Trust SARL, International Flavors & Fragrances I.F.F. (the Netherlands) Holding B.V., Wegener N.V., and Investment Committee Pension Fund Building Industry. Mr. van Tets earned a Masters in Law and Business Administration from the University of Leiden.

Mr. Carlos Espinosa de los Monteros, age 62, was appointed to our Supervisory Board in 1998. He also serves as a member of our Supervisory Board’s Selection and Remuneration Committee. Mr. Espinosa currently serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes Benz Espana S.A. and Daimler Chrysler Espana Holding. He served as President of IBERIA S.A. from 1983 until 1985. From 1979 until 1983, Mr. Espinosa served President of the National Institute for Industry (INI) in Spain. Mr. Espinosa currently serves as a non-executive board member of Acciona S.A., Inditex S.A. (Zara) and Gonzalez Byass S.A.

Mr. Thomas M. Cohn, age 63, was appointed to our Supervisory Board in 2004. He also serves as chairman of our Supervisory Board’s Audit Committee. From 1994 until 2003, Mr. Cohn served as Chairman of the Executive Board of Siemens Nederland N.V. and Chief Executive Officer of the Siemens Group in the Netherlands. Mr. Cohn retired from the Siemens Nederland NV Executive Board in 2003. From 1987 until 1994, Mr. Cohn was the Chief Financial Officer and an Executive Board member of Siemens Nederland N.V. From 1967 until 1987, he held various positions, such as director of Economic Affairs, with Siemens Belgium. He started his career in 1964 with Siemens AG in Germany. Mr. Cohn also serves as a non-executive board member of the following entities:

33




Getronics Holdings B.V., Corus Nederland B.V., KEMA NV, Advisory Board Fortis Bank Rotterdam, Recontec B.V., Tecosa (Spain), Pereira Van Vliet & Partners (Chairman), Monitoring Board University of Technology Delft, Advisory Board  of Comsec Consulting group, Advisory board Oracle Nederland B.V., and Foundation Techniques and Marketing-STEM.

Mr. George R. Nethercutt, Jr., age 61, was appointed to our Supervisory Board by the General Meeting of shareholders held on May 11, 2005. Mr. Nethercutt also serves as a member of our Audit Committee. He currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Hecla Mining Company, The Washington Policy Center and Isothermal Systems Research. From 1994 until January 2005, Mr. Nethercutt served as a member of the United States House of Representatives. He served on the Appropriations Committee and the Defense, Interior and Agriculture Subcommittees. From 1977 to 1994, Mr. Nethercutt practiced law in the private sector, focusing on corporate, estate and probate and adoption law.

Drs. Jan Peelen, age 66, was appointed to our Supervisory Board in 2000. He also serves as a member of our Supervisory Board’s Selection and Remuneration Committee. Mr. Peelen retired from employment with the Unilever group of companies in 2000. From 1987 until 2000, Mr. Peelen was a member of the Executive Board of Unilever N.V. and Unilever PLC, from 1996 till 2000 he also served as a member of the Executive Committee of Unilever, as the director of Human Resources. Mr. Peelen has served in several international management positions within Unilever or its subsidiaries since 1966. Mr. Peelen also serves as a non-executive board member of the following entities: Albron B.V., Royal Friesland Foods N.V., Buhrmann N.V., VVAA Group B.V. (Chairman), and National Regie-Orgaan Genomics.

Drs. Gerrit Ybema, age 60, was appointed to our Supervisory Board in 2003. He also serves as a member of our Supervisory Board’s Selection and Remuneration Committee. From 1998 until 2002, Mr. Ybema served as the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs in the Netherlands. He has served in a variety of governmental positions at the local and state level from 1989 until 1998, including positions with the city of Enschede and the province of Friesland. He currently serves as a non-executive board member of the following entities: Monitoring Board Zorggroep Noorderbreedte, ROC Friese Poort, Consultative Organ Frisian Language and Culture, Fair Wear Foundation, and Foundation Frisian Harbour Days. Mr. Ybema earned an economics degree, with a specialization in economic relations from Rijksuniversiteit Groningen.

Executive Board

The following table presents information about our current Executive Board members:

Name

 

Year of 
Birth

 

Years Served
In Office

 

Position

 

Harrie L.J. Noy

 

1951

 

11

 

Chairman

 

C. Michiel Jaski

 

1959

 

5

 

Member

 

Friedrich Schneider

 

1962

 

 

Member

 

Ben A. van der Klift

 

1959

 

 

Member

 

 

Harrie L.J. Noy, age 55, was appointed to our Executive Board in 1994. He currently serves as Chairman of our Executive Board and has held this position since 2000. Prior to joining our Executive Board, Mr. Noy served as Managing Director of Heidemij Advies B.V. from 1990 until 1994. He joined the company in 1975. Mr. Noy also serves as a non-executive board member of the following entities: Foundation Habiforum, Foundation PSIB, Advisory Board Euronext, VEUO (The Dutch Association of Listed Companies), Foundation Management Studies (SMS), VNO-NCW, High Level Group European Construction and Technology Platform, Supervisory Board University of Arnhem-Nijmegen, Supervisory Board NV Dutch Gas Transport Services BV and Supervisory Board Foundation Vilente.

C. Michiel Jaski, age 47, was appointed to our Executive Board in 2000. Prior to joining us, he served in a variety of positions at Polyesters Plastics Packaging Shell Chemicals Ltd., including: Global Vice President from 1999 to 2000, Global Marketing & Sales Director from 1998 to 1999, Business Unit Manager Europa Shell Chemicals Ltd. from 1992 to 1998, Sales Manager Benelux Shell Nederland Chemie from 1990 to 1992, and Product Manager Shell Nederland Chemie from 1988 to 1990. From 1986 until 1987, Mr. Jaski served as the Project

34




Manager of Information Technology Philips UK and Philips Belgium. Mr. Jaski also serves as a non-executive board member of the following entities: Vice-Chairman of the Foundation Delta (primary education), the Netherlands Committee IUCN (The World Conservation Union), Dutch-German Chamber of Commerce, Foundation Toekomstbeeld der Techniek and University Fund Delft.

Friedrich Schneider, age 44, was appointed to our Executive Board in May 2006. He will serve as a member of our Executive Board with responsibilities for operations in South America and Asia and also for strengthening the infrastructure business of the company. He will also serve as a member of the ARCADIS N.V. Priority Foundation. Prior to joining us, Mr. Schneider served on the Executive Board of Rheinhold & Mahla AG, an industrial services company, in Munich from 2004 to 2005 and was responsible for the Western Europe and Technologies Divisions. From 2001 until 2004, Mr. Schneider served as a managing director of Bilfinger Berger AG, first in the International Division (2001-2002) and then in the Civil Division (2002-2004). Mr. Schneider has also served in various capacities at Bentec GMBH Drilling and Oilfield Systems (1999-2001), Preussag AG 1996-1999), Preussag International GMBH (1993-1996), Metallgesellschaft Services (1990-1993). Mr. Schneider received a Masters of Art (Economics) at the State University of New York in Albany and a PhD in Economics from the European University Institute, Florence.

Ben A. van der Klift, age 46, was appointed to our Executive Board in May 2006. He will serve as a member of our Executive Board and will serve as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Van der Klift joined us in January 2005 as Corporate Director Finance. Prior to joining us, he served as Financial Director of PRC Bouwcentrum BV in Bodegraven from 1997-2005. From 1991-1997, Mr. Van der Klift served as Controller of DHV Milieu en Infrastructuur and DHV AIB. He began his career at De Rotterdamsche Droogdok Maatschappij in Rotterdam (1987-1991). Mr. Van der Klift received a degree in Social Geography at the University in Utrecht (1981-1984), a Master of Business Administration at the Erasmus University in Rotterdam (1984-1988) and he took courses for corporate controllers at ‘Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam’ (1989-1994).

 

35




Corporate Directors

The following table presents information about our current Corporate Directors:

Name

 

Year of
Birth

 

Years Served
In Office

 

Position

Hans van Dord

 

1944

 

5

 

Corporate Director of Business Development

Wim G.M. Rupert

 

1945

 

12

 

Corporate Director of Human Resources

Craig E. Eisen

 

1951

 

4

 

Corporate Director of Mergers and Acquisitions

 

Hans van Dord, age 61, was appointed Corporate Director of Business Development in 2000. Prior to that appointment he has served in various senior management positions in different ARCADIS operating companies. Mr. Van Dord has been with our company since 1985. Prior to joining us, Mr. Van Dord worked on urban and rural planning and design projects on behalf of the Dutch government from 1972 to 1985.

Wim G.M. Rupert, age 60, was appointed as Corporate Director of Human Resources in 1994. In 1987 Mr. Rupert joined us in the function of Training Manager. Prior to joining us, he held several positions in public education in the Netherlands.

Craig E. Eisen, age 54, was appointed as Corporate Director of Mergers and Acquisitions in 2002. Prior to joining us, he held the position of Vice President Corporate Programs and was a member of the Executive Board of Tetra Tech, Inc. from 1994 to 2002. From 1981 to 1996, Mr. Eisen also served in a number of positions at Hydro-Search Inc., including as President from 1991 to 1997, as Vice President of Operations from 1988 to 1991 and as a member of the Board of Directors from 1988 to 1994. Prior professional positions include Principal Hydrogeologist at the Water Resources Research Institute, University of Wyoming from 1979 to 1981 and Hydrogeologist/Resident Engineer for the U.S. Agency for International Development—Kenya from 1978 to 1979.

Senior Management Committee

The following table presents information about our current Senior Management Committee members:

Name

 

Year of
Birth

 

Years Served
In Office

 

Position

Steven B. Blake

 

1956

 

2.5

 

CEO ARCADIS G&M

Javier Hurtado

 

1955

 

2

 

CEO ARCADIS Geotecnica

Douwe J. Kras

 

1948

 

2

 

Managing Director ARCADIS Nederland

Yann Leblais

 

1952

 

6

 

CEO ARCADIS FCI

Antonio J.O. Rocha

 

1941

 

7

 

CEO ARCADIS Logos

Kees T. Slingerland

 

1960

 

4

 

Managing Director ARCADIS Nederland

Ludo Smans

 

1947

 

10

 

Managing Director ARCADIS Belgium

Marek Adamek

 

1960

 

2

 

Managing Director ARCADIS Polska

Leo van der Kemp

 

1956

 

2.5

 

Managing Director PRC

Peter J. Vince

 

1958

 

1

 

Managing Director of AYH;

Robert K. Goldman

 

1957

 

5

 

CEO Blasland, Bouck & Lee, Inc.

Ulrich Behr

 

1952

 

1

 

CEO ARCADIS Deutschland GmbH

 

Steven B. Blake, age 49, was appointed to our Senior Management Committee in 1995. From 1999 until 2003, Mr. Blake served as a member of our Executive Board, from which he stepped down in November 2003 on his own request. Since that date he serves (again) as the Chief Executive Officer of ARCADIS G&M, Inc. He has served in a number of positions at Geraghty & Miller, including: President from 1994 to 1996, Vice President Programs & Strategic Operations from 1991 to 1994, and Director of Hydrocarbon Services Division from 1989 to 1991. Following our acquisition of Geraghty & Miller in 1994, Mr. Blake served as Chief Executive Officer of

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ARCADIS Geraghty & Miller, Inc., from 1996 until 1999. Mr. Blake also serves as a non-executive board member of the following entities: Construction Industry Roundtable, the U.S. National Water Well Association and the Federal Relations Committee (CIRT).

Javier Hurtado, age 50, industrial engineer, was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of ARCADIS Geotécnica in February 2004. Prior to joining ARCADIS he acted as Chief Executive Officer in companies from different fields of activity such as real estate, developing and managing private schools in Chile (2002-2003), developing and managing hotels and tour agencies in Croatia (2000-2002), ports (Ventanas—Chile), airports (Santiago International Airport) (1993-2000), mining companies (Cominor and ENAMI) (1992-1993), insurance (Les Mutuelles du Mans Assurance—Chile)(1989-1992). Mr. Hurtado has been member of the board of directors in a variety of companies in a broad range of businesses. He has also served as an advisor for the chamber of industries, chamber of construction and other think tanks in environmental issues, and currently holds the position of President of the Environmental Committee in the Chilean chamber of construction.

Douwe J. Kras, age 57, joined the company as a member of the Board of ARCADIS Nederland B.V. in May 2004, and he has been appointed Chairman of the Board of ARCADIS Nederland B.V. effective as of July 2004. Until 2004, Mr Kras was CEO of PRC B.V., a consultancy firm that we acquired in 2003 and that specializes in project management. He worked with PRC B.V. for 25 years. Mr Kras is member of several Supervisory Boards in the fields of Health Care, Social Housing and Culture.

Yann Leblais, age 53, was appointed to our senior Management Committee in 2002. He currently serves as CEO in ARCADIS FCI and has held his position since 2000. He also serves as CEO of ARCADIS ESG (former EEG SIMECSOL before we acquired it in 2002) and has held his position from 1995. He joined SIMECSOL in 1979 and served in a number of positions, including: Executive Vice President from 1990 to 1995 and Head of the Geotechnical & Civil Division from 1985 to 1990. Yann Leblais is currently Chairman of the Board of SYNTEC INGENIERIE, the French Consulting Association, and also serves in key positions in both French and International Tunneling Associations.

Antonio João Oliveira Rocha, age 65, was appointed to the Senior Management Committee in 2000. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Logos Engenharia S.A., our leading Brazilian company, and has held this position since 1999. Prior to becoming Logos’ CEO, from 1987 to 1999 Mr. Rocha served as Technical Director, and from 1977 to 1986 he served as Project Manager at Logos. From 1986 to 1987 he worked as deputy secretary in the Planning Secretariat of São Paulo State Government. Before joining Logos he worked at São Paulo Metro Company and Rhodia, Brazilian subsidiary of French Rhône Poulenc. Mr. Rocha worked at two Brazilian universities from 1966 until 1972.

Kees T. Slingerland, age 46, was appointed to our Senior Management Committee in 2000. At that time, he joined us as managing director of ARCADIS Heidemij Advies B.V.; from 2002 on he has been the managing director of ARCADIS Netherlands B.V.. Before he joined us, Mr. Slingerland worked for the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, from 1985 to 1989, for the NEHEM Consulting Group in Hertogenbosch and in Budapest as director international development from 1989 to 1995 and as managing director for the Flower Auction in Bleiswijk from 1995 to 2000. Mr. Slingerland also serves as a non-executive board member of CUR (Civil Centre for Engineering, Research and Codes) and of NOVIB Oxfam Netherlands (international developing aid) and as member of the advisory board Rural Developments of the Innovation Network Rural Areas and Agricultural Systems.

Ludo Smans, age 57, was appointed to our Senior Management Committee in 1999. Founder and President of the former Gedas, which company was acquired by Heidemij Group in 1995. He has held the position of Chief Executive Officer of ARCADIS Belgium since 1995. Prior to founding Gedas in 1981, Mr. Smans served in a number of positions at VEHA Radiators Herentals (Rijn Schelde Verolme) from 1971, including as Administrative Director from 1976 to 1981.

Marek Adamek, age 46, was appointed the Managing Director of ARCADIS Polska in 2005. From 1991 to 2004, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of Ekokonrem, an environmental company which he established and was acquired by the Heidemij Group in 1994. Prior to 1991, Mr. Adamek worked in a geological state-on company, as hydrogeologist and Project Manager.

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Leo van der Kemp, age 50, was appointed the managing director of PRC in 2004, He has a background in public services. From 1985 to 1992 he was involved in the housing of Dutch Universities, University Hospitals and other educational facilities. Until 1995 he was responsible for decentralization-operations of the Dutch ministry of Education and Science. From 1995 until 2004 he was director of the division Projectmanagement and Consultancy of PRC B.V.

Peter J. Vince, age 48, was appointed to the Senior Management Committee of ARCADIS in 2006. Mr. Vince is Managing Director of AYH plc, a cost and project management consultancy business that was acquired by ARCADIS in June 2005. Mr Vince joined AYH in 1994 and has been a director since 1999 taking over the role of managing director in 2003. Prior to AYH, Mr. Vince has undertaken employment in both consultancy and contracting organizations spanning to date a 30 year career in the construction and property industry.

Robert K. Goldman, age 48, was appointed to the Senior Management Committee in 2006, when he joined the company with the acquisition of Blasland, Bouck & Lee, Inc. (BBL). Mr. Goldman currently serves as CEO and Chairman of the Board of BBL. Mr. Goldman joined BBL in 1984, and held positions of increasing responsibility at the firm until the firms acquisition by ARCADIS in 2005. Mr. Goldman is also active in a leadership role in several community organizations in New York State.

Ulrich Behr, age 53, was appointed CEO of ARCADIS Germany in November 2005. Ulrich Behr is an engineer who worked as board member of HL-Technik AG, Germany’s largest engineering practice for building services until 1998. From then until 2002 he was the managing director of Josef Gartner GmbH, Germany’s number one curtain wall contractor. During this time he merged the company with Permasteelisa spa, the world’s largest façade contractor, which is listed at the Milano stock exchange. From 2003 unto October 2005 he was the CEO of Bug-Alutechnic GmbH, Austria’s most prominent façade contractor. Ulrich Behr is also lecturing at different universities in Germany.

B. Compensation.

Description of Compensation

The aggregate compensation, including directors’ fees and bonuses, paid or accrued to all of the members of our Supervisory Board and Executive Board as a group (12 persons) during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, was €1.4 million. The aggregate amount set aside or accrued to provide pension, retirement and similar benefits for all of the members of our Supervisory Board and Executive Board as a group during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, was €0.1 million. Please see Item 6.E for a description of our various stock option plans and details of the options granted under those plans.

Supervisory Board Members

Compensation for members of our Supervisory Board is determined by the General Meeting of Shareholders. For 2005, each of our Supervisory Board members was paid a base rate of compensation equal to € 25,000, while the Chairman’s compensation was €37,500. In addition, the members of the Supervisory Board receive annual compensation for expenses, which for the Chairman is €3,000, for Dutch members is € 2,000, for the Spanish member is € 10,000 and for the U.S. member is $15,000 per year. Supervisory Board members who serve on our Audit Committee and our Selection and Remuneration Committee will be paid annually € 5,000 per committee. Our Supervisory Board members are not eligible to receive options.

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The following table details the amount of compensation paid to each of our Supervisory Board members in 2005.

Name

 

Compensation

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Rijnhard W.F. van Tets

 

 50

 

 

Ross A. Webber*

 

 30

 

Thomas M. Cohn

 

 30

 

Carlos Espinosa de los Monteros

 

30

 

George R. Nethercutt**

 

 13

 

Jan Peelen

 

 30

 

Gerrit Ybema

 

 33

 


*                    Mr. Webber stepped down on May 17, 2006.

**             Mr. Nethercutt took office on May 11, 2005.

Executive Board

The compensation of members of our Executive Board is determined by the Supervisory Board based on recommendations of our Selection and Remuneration Committee. Our policy is to compensate our senior executives at market rates while considering our size and characteristics. The goal of our compensation scheme is to provide our Executive Board members with short-term and long-term incentives, so that their interests are aligned with those of our shareholders. In the fall of 2004, we engaged an external consultant to make recommendations regarding our remuneration policy in light of the demands imposed by the Dutch Corporate Governance Code. Our new remuneration policy was presented to and approved by our shareholders at the General Meeting of Shareholders on May 11, 2005. For 2005, our compensation packages include the following components:

·       Fixed salaries. The fixed portion of the overall compensation package is adjusted annually by the Supervisory Board based on recommendations from the Selection and Remuneration Committee. In 2005, the fixed portion paid to our Executive Board members was increased by 5%, which includes an annual adjustment based on general market trends and company-specific factors.

·       Short term flexible remuneration. Under our policy adopted in 2005, the annual short-term variable bonuses are linked to the achievement of certain financial and non-financial goals. The short-term variable bonus can very from 0% - 60% of the executives fixed salary. The financial and non-financial goals are set annually by the Supervisory Board. It is expected that financial goals will determine 75% of the bonus and 25% will be determined by non-financial goals.

·       Long-term flexible remuneration. The long-term variable remuneration consists of performance-related rights to acquire ARCADIS shares, such as options, appreciation rights and restricted stock. Each member of our Executive Board will receive, on an annual basis, 15,000 options and 7,000 shares of restricted stock. Additionally, the chairman of the Executive Board will receive an additional 10,000 options and 3,000 shares of restricted stock. Options and restricted stock are granted on a conditional basis and vest depending on the achievement of certain performance measures. Members of our Executive Board are granted options by the Supervisory Board based on the recommendations of the Selection and Remuneration Committee.

·       Compensations and other fringe benefits. Members of our Executive Board receive reimbursement for expenses and other fringe benefits customary in the industry, such as a company car.

·       Pensions. As of January 1, 2004, our pension plan was changed to a defined contribution plan. The premium paid by members of our Executive Board is based on the goal to achieve a target payment equal to what would have been received under our pension plan.

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The following table details the amount of compensation paid to each of our Executive Board members in 2005.

Name

 

Fixed Salary*

 

Bonus*

 

Pension
Premium*

 

Options
Granted**

 

Performance
Shares**

 

Harrie L.J. Noy

 

339

 

175

 

79

 

25,000

 

10,000

 

C. Michiel Jaski

 

254

 

130

 

30

 

15,000

 

7,000

 


*                    in thousands

**             in shares

C. Board practices.

                The length of each director’s and officer’s term in office, if applicable, is described above in Section A. Consistent with the Dutch Code on Corporate Governance, the new members of the Executive Board, Messrs. Schneider and Van der Klift, will be appointed for a maximum period of four years and may be re-appointed for a term of not more than four years. Also consistent with the Code, the maximum remuneration payable to a new Executive Board member in the event of dismissal is equal to one year’s salary. All our other directors and officers have employment contracts that have unlimited duration. The employment agreements with our Executive Board members Noy and Jaski provide not for for benefits or other compensation upon the termination of employment.

Audit Committee

Our Supervisory Board Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing and monitoring our financial statements and internal accounting procedures, approving the scope and terms of audit services to be provided by our independent auditor and monitoring the services provided by our independent auditor. Our Audit Committee reviews all periodic financial reports and conducts separate meetings with management, and the independent auditors to review the accuracy of such reports. Our Supervisory Board adopted our Audit Committee Charter and established the Audit Committee in November 2002, and our Audit Committee held its first meeting in January 2003. Our Audit Committee oversaw the implementation of IFRS in fiscal 2005.

For the year ended December 31, 2005, Mr. Cohn, Mr. van Tets, and Mr. Webber served as members of the Audit Committee, and each member qualified as an independent member of the Audit Committee as defined by the Nasdaq National Market and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Mr. Cohn served as the Chairman of the Audit Committee during 2005 and will continue to serve as Chairman during 2006. Our Audit Committee has one member, Mr. van Tets, who qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Beginning May 17, 2006, the Supervisory Board’s Integrity Committee has been integrated into the ARCADIS Audit Committee. Also from that date, Mr. Nethercutt joined the ARCADIS Audit Committee while Mr. Webber stepped down.

Selection and Remuneration Committee

Our Supervisory Board Selection and Remuneration Committee is charged with selecting and nominating candidates for appointment to the Supervisory Board and the Executive Board. In addition, this committee advises the Supervisory Board on the following matters: the size and composition of our Supervisory Board, compensation of the members of our Executive Board and our Senior Management Committee, our option plan policy, and the award of options and shares under existing share option plans.

For the year ended December 31, 2005, Mr. van Tets, Mr. Espinosa, Mr. Peelen, and Mr. Ybema served as members of the Selection and Remuneration Committee, and Mr. van Tets serves as Chairman.

D. Employees.

As of December 31, 2005, we had 9,143 employees, compared to 9,638 at the end of December 31, 2004. For 2005, the average number of employees was 9,208, compared to 9,419 in 2004.

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As of December 31, 2005, the geographic breakdown of our employees was as follows:

Region

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

Netherlands

 

2,389

 

2,346

 

2,774

 

Other European countries

 

2,751

 

4,000

 

3,446

 

United States

 

3,098

 

2,222

 

2,022

 

Rest of World

 

905

 

1,070

 

1,035

 

 

These numbers represent employees who are on the ARCADIS payroll. Including temporary and other staff, capacity at year-end 2005 totaled 10,101 employees compared to 10,474 in 2004. The decline in the number of employees was mainly the result of the sale of the 50% interest in Grupo EP in Spain with more than 1,700 employees. Because 52% of the Grupo E.P. staff had a temporary contract, in 2005, the percentage of our employees with a temporary contract decreased from 18% on January 1, 2005 to 6% on December 31, 2005.

A small minority of our employees are members of a union. The relationship between management and the labor unions is good.

E. Share ownership.

Capital Stock

The following table discloses, as of December 31, 2005, interests held in our share capital by members of our Supervisory Board and our Executive Board:

Name

 

Number of
Shares(1)

 

Percentage of
Outstanding
Capital

 

Rijnhard W.F. van Tets

 

 

 

Ross A. Webber

 

1,130

 

*

 

Th. M. (Thomas) Cohn

 

 

 

Carlos Espinosa de los Monteros

 

 

 

J. (Jan) Peelen

 

 

 

Gerrit Ybema

 

 

 

George R. Nethercutt

 

 

 

Harrie L.J. Noy

 

34,122

 

*

 

C. Michiel Jaski

 

1,719

 

*

 


*                    Less than 1%

The members of our management hold our common shares and have no greater rights than those provided to non-management holders of our shares.

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Stock Options

The following table discloses, as of December 31, 2005, stock options held by members of our Executive Board:

Name

 

Option
Plan*

 

Grant
Year

 

Number
Granted

 

 

Exercise
Price

 

2005
Exercises

 

Number
Outstanding

 

Expiration
Date

 

Harrie L.J. Noy

 

2001

 

2001

 

30,000

 

 

 

9.20

 

 

10,000

 

05-22-2011

 

 

 

 

2002

 

15,000

 

 

 

10.79

 

 

15,000

 

05-15-2012

 

 

 

 

2003

 

17,500

 

 

 

8.93

 

 

17.000

 

05-13-2013

 

 

2005

 

2005

 

25,000

 

*

 

17.94

 

 

25,000

 

05-10-2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C. Michiel Jaski

 

2001

 

2001

 

17,500

 

 

 

9.20

 

17,500

 

 

05-22-2011

 

 

 

 

2002

 

10,000

 

 

 

10.79

 

 

10,000

 

05-15-2012

 

 

 

 

2003

 

14,000

 

 

 

8.93

 

 

14,000

 

05-13-2013

 

 

2005

 

2005

 

15,000

 

*

 

17.94

 

 

15,000

 

05-10-2015

 

____________________

*                    The number shown as granted is based on granting 100% of the potential number the Executive Board member is eligible for under his employment arrangement.

The members of our Supervisory Board held no stock options as of December 31, 2005.

A description of our various stock option plans can be found in Note 13 of our Consolidated Financial Statements.

ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

A. Major shareholders.

Common Shares

We are not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by another corporation or a governmental entity. The total number of outstanding common shares as of March 31, 2006 is 20,285,820. Of our total number of outstanding shares, 1,340,950 are traded on the Nasdaq National Market. The number of record holders in the United States as of March 31, 2006, is 112.

The following table lists any person/entity who has notified us that he is the owner of more than five percent of our outstanding common shares as of March 31, 2006. These shareholders do not receive any preferential voting rights.

 

Identity of Person or Group

 

Percent of
Class

 

Delta Deelnemingen Fonds

 

5.4

%

Fortis N.V.

 

6.0

 

Koninklijke Nederlandsche Heidemaatschappij(a)

 

6.2

 

Lovinklaan Foundation(b)

 

21.3

 

Members of our Executive Board, Supervisory Board and other Executive Officers(c)

 

*

 


*                    Less than 1%.

(a)             Koninklijke Nederlandsche Heidemaatschappij (KNHM), established in 1888 and the initial predesessor of ARCADIS N.V., is an independent non-profit association dedicated to environmental awareness and education. KNHM is governed by a board of trustees composed of 12 members. ARCADIS N.V. has the right to nominate one board member.

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(b)            The Lovinklaan Foundation currently has five directors. The directors are elected by and from our Dutch staff members. None of the directors are members of our Supervisory Board or Executive Board. The Lovinklaan Foundation has agreed not to dispose of or pledge 4,000,000 shares of our common shares that it holds without the prior approval of the holder of the ARCADIS Priority Shares (the ARCADIS N.V. Priority Foundation). Lovinklaan Foundation funds the ARCADIS N.V. 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, which is currently operational in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France and the United States. In 2006 the ARCADIS N.V. 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan will also be introduced to employees in our UK subsidiaries.

(c)             Certain members of our Supervisory Board, Executive Board, our Corporate Directors and Senior Management Committee own our common shares. The number of shares listed only reflects those shares owned directly.

In 2001, Delta Deelnemingen Fonds reported it had acquired 5.17% of our shares. In 2002, KNHM brought down its ownership from 11.1% to 6.2% in pursuit of portfolio diversification. In 2002, Fortis N.V. reduced its holdings in ARCADIS from 9.89% to 6.6% at year-end, as its larger position was the result of a merger with another fund. In 2003, Smoorenburg B.V. reported that it had acquired a 5.08% position in our outstanding stock, but it reduced its holdings to 3.1% in 2005. In 2004, First Eagle Funds reported that it had acquired a 10.2% position in our outstanding stock, but during 2005 it reduced its holdings in ARCADIS to 4.9%, while the Lovinklaan Foundation reported that it had reduced its position to 21.3% from our outstanding stock.

Priority Shares

All 200 of our priority shares are owned by the ARCADIS N.V. Priority Foundation, which has 20 directors. To take action, the affirmative vote of 12 of the directors is required. Seven of the directors are members of our Supervisory Board, three are members of our Executive Board, and ten are ARCADIS employees who have been elected to serve as directors of the Bellevue Foundation (a foundation representing our international staff members). ARCADIS N.V. Priority Foundation has committed not to dispose of the priority shares except in the event of dissolution, which is an event that must be approved by the directors.

Cumulative Preferred Shares

In 1995 the ARCADIS N.V. Preferred Stock Foundation was established. The foundation has as its objective the protection and promotion of the interests of ARCADIS and its affiliated companies and all parties involved, particularly to protect ARCADIS from any hostile takeover attempts by another entity. The cumulative preferred shares will only be issued to the ARCADIS N.V. Preferred Stock Foundation in the event that ARCADIS is threatened by a hostile takeover. In order to achieve this, the foundation has been granted the right to acquire our cumulative preferred shares up to a maximum equal to the number of outstanding shares issued at the date in question. Additionally, our Executive Board, under prior approval of our Supervisory Board, has the right to issue the same number of preferred shares to the foundation.

The board of this foundation consists of four persons who all qualify as independent according to Dutch regulations, to be appointed by our Executive Board. At the end of 2005 no cumulative preferred shares were outstanding.

Cumulative Financing Preferred Shares

Our Articles of Association authorize the issuance of cumulative financing preferred stock. As of March 31, 2006, no cumulative financing preferred stock have been issued.

Change in Control

We do not know of any arrangements, other than those referred to above, which may result in our change of control.

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B. Related party transactions.

There have been no material transactions during our most recent fiscal year, nor are there presently any proposed material transactions to which we or any of our subsidiaries is a party and in which any member of our Supervisory Board or Executive Board or any relative or spouse thereof had or will have a direct or indirect material interest. On December 30, 2002, the Foundation Pension Fund ARCADIS received a EUR 5.0 million subordinated loan from the Lovinklaan Foundation, a 21% shareholder. The loan was granted to provide additional equity to the ARCADIS Pension Fund Foundation the reserves of which had decreased due to the decreased value of its investments in the stock market. The loan matures on December 30, 2007 and bears interest at a rate that is adjusted annually. The interest rate for 2005 was 3.62%. At the end of 2005, the Lovinklaan Foundation pledged to make a contribution to the pension plan in the amount of € 6.5 million for Dutch employees to compensate employees for regulatory changes related to early retirement.

During our most recent fiscal year, there has been no, and at present there is no, outstanding indebtedness to us owed or owing by any member of our Supervisory Board or Executive Board.

C. Interests of experts and counsel.

Not Applicable.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

A. Consolidated Financial Statements and Other Financial Information.

Our audited consolidated financial statements and audit report are included pursuant to Item 18 of this document.

Export Sales

Export sales do not constitute a significant portion of our total sales volume.

Legal or Arbitration Proceedings

From time to time, we are involved in routine litigation. We believe that the outcome of current and pending litigation will not have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Policy on Dividend Distribution

Our dividend policy aims to provide our shareholders with an attractive and stable return on their investment while, at the same time, providing us with the cash necessary to finance further growth of our business. We aim to make an annual dividend payment ranging from 30% to 40% of our income from operations as reported under IFRS, our dividend for 2005 is equal to 40% of our income from operations. An important consideration is that the strategy of the company is focused on growth, partly through acquisitions. The dividend policy is designed to offer shareholders an attractive dividend yield, while at the same time leaving us sufficient resources to finance growth.

B. Significant changes.

Since December 31, 2005, no significant changes in our financial condition have occurred. Our most recently issued interim financial statements were included with our First Quarter Report for 2006, which was published on May 9, 2006 and was furnished on a Form 6-K on May 11, 2006. Since the end of our first quarter of 2006, no significant changes in our financial condition have occurred.

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ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING

Markets

Our common shares are traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol “ARCAF” and are traded on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange under the symbol “ARCAD.”

Stock Price Information

The following table sets forth the high and low closing prices for our common shares traded on the Nasdaq National Market and on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange since 2000:

 

 

 

Nasdaq National Market ($)

 

Amsterdam Stock Exchange (€)

 

 

 

High

 

Low

 

High

 

Low

 

Period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2001

 

8.88

 

7.31

 

9.75

 

8.00

 

2002

 

10.35

 

8.00

 

11.19

 

7.94

 

2003

 

10.75

 

6.42

 

10.50

 

6.43

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1st Quarter

 

13.00

 

11.65

 

10.44

 

9.40

 

2nd Quarter

 

14.68

 

12.10

 

12.02

 

10.30

 

3rd Quarter

 

14.90

 

13.23

 

12.00

 

10.92

 

4th Quarter

 

18.70

 

14.29

 

13.75

 

11.45

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1st Quarter

 

21.70

 

16.78

 

16.58

 

13.08

 

2nd Quarter

 

23.87

 

19.50

 

19.50

 

15.40

 

3rd Quarter

 

27.61

 

22.50

 

22.39

 

19.00

 

4th Quarter

 

32.30

 

28.40

 

27.18

 

23.65

 

Last Six Months

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 2005

 

32.30

 

29.75

 

27.18

 

25.35

 

January 2006

 

35.64

 

33.00

 

29.15

 

26.60

 

February 2006

 

37.67

 

34.29

 

31.75

 

28.79

 

March 2006

 

45.10

 

37.59

 

37.48

 

31.75

 

April 2006

 

48.10

 

42.76

 

38.49

 

34.89

 

May 2006

 

52.63

 

43.00

 

41.00

 

33.57

 

 

As of March 31, 2006, approximately 6.5% of our outstanding common shares were listed on the Nasdaq National Market and we had 112 holders in the United States.

ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A. Share capital.

Not applicable.

B. Memorandum and articles of association.

ARCADIS is a public limited company established under the laws of the Netherlands in accordance with Book 2 of Dutch Civil Law. Our shareholders at a Special General Meeting of Shareholders adopted our Articles of Association on June 5, 2003. The following is a summary of our Articles of Association, which were filed as Exhibit 1.1 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2003 and are incorporated herein by reference, and such summary is qualified in its entirety by reference thereto.

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Purpose

Article 2 of our Articles of Association describes our purpose, which is to participate and otherwise acquire an interest in other companies and enterprises, of whatever nature, to conduct the management of such companies and enterprises, and to finance third parties and to furnish security in any manner or bind ourselves for the obligations of third parties and, finally, to do all such things as may be incidental or conducive to the attainment of any of the foregoing.

Management

ARCADIS is managed by our Executive Board under the supervision of our Supervisory Board. The members of our Executive Board are elected by the holders of our common shares. The members of our Executive Board are required to retire at the close of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held in the financial year in which they attains the age of sixty-five years, unless the Supervisory Board expressly decides otherwise with respect to the member.

Capital and Shares

Our authorized shares consist of (1) 40,000,000 ordinary shares, each with a € 0.05 par value, (2) 50,000,000 cumulative preference shares, each with a € 0.05 par value, (3) 10,000,000 cumulative financing preference shares, each with a € 0.05 par value, subdivided into four series, numbered 1 to 4, each series consisting of 2,500,000 shares; and (4) 200 priority shares, each with a € 0.05 par value.

The 200 priority shares are held by the ARCADIS N.V. Priority Foundation. Major corporate decisions require prior approval from the holder of these priority shares, including the issuance, acquisition, or disposal of shares of ARCADIS, amendments to our Articles of Association, the dissolution of ARCADIS, filing for bankruptcy, entering a joint venture of a material size, and material investments or acquisitions. The Board of the ARCADIS N.V. Priority Foundation has 20 members, including 10 members from our Executive and Supervisory Boards and 10 representatives elected by and from our employees. In order to approve any action requiring approval of the holder of the priority shares, a 60% absolute majority of the board is required. This effectively gives our employees the ability to veto certain major corporate events. The board meets twice a year to discuss the strategic development of ARCADIS.

Our Articles also permit us to issue shares of cumulative financing preferred stock. As of March 31, 2006, there are no shares of cumulative financing preferred stock outstanding. At our 2006 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, however, our shareholders approved a proposal authorizing our Supervisory Board to issue common shares and cumulative financing preferred shares in an amount equal to 10% of our common shares and/or equal to the amount of cumulative financing preferred stock outstanding as of the date of the resolution adopted by the Supervisory Board to issue the shares. The amount of shares to be issued may be increased by an additional 10% when the issuance of shares relates to the consideration to be given in a merger or acquisition.

At our 2006 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, our shareholders approved a proposal authorizing our Supervisory Board to issue shares of cumulative preferred stock, up to a maximum amount equal to 100% of our total capital stock issued and outstanding as of the date of the resolution adopted by the Supervisory Board to issue the shares. This stock will serve to limit any hostile takeover attempt by another entity. These shares would only be issued if we are threatened by a hostile takeover. In such an event, the shares would be issued to the ARCADIS N.V. Preferred Stock Foundation.

Dividends

Our Executive Board, subject to the approval of our Supervisory Board, determines the amount of profits set aside as reserves. The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders determines the amount of profit remaining which can be distributed as a dividend to the holders of the common shares. The priority shares are entitled, to the extent possible, to receive 5% of the nominal amount per priority share before the holders of our common shares receive any dividend payment. The priority shares are not entitled to any further distribution.

46




 

Liquidation

If there is a liquidation, the holders of the outstanding priority shares will be entitled to a distribution before the holders of the outstanding common shares.

Repurchase of Shares

Our Articles authorize the Executive Board to repurchase shares of our capital stock if certain conditions are met. The Supervisory Board and our shareholders must authorize such a repurchase. The authorization must specify the number of shares that may be repurchased, the manner in which they shall be acquired and the price ranges at which they may be repurchased. Our shareholders approved a proposal to permit our Executive Board to repurchase shares of our capital stock at our 2006 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders.

Meetings of Shareholders

Our Articles require us to have an Annual General Meeting of Shareholders before the first of July of each year. The Dutch Civil Law also requires us to hold a meeting of our shareholders each year. Any person who is a shareholder on the date of the annual meeting is entitled to attend and vote at the annual meeting. Extraordinary meetings are held upon the adoption of a resolution by our Executive Board or Supervisory Board. Additionally, shareholders holding at least 10% of our issued capital may also call extraordinary meetings of shareholders.

C. Material contracts.

Our option and share purchase plans are described above in Item 6.E. Otherwise, we have not entered into any material contracts, other than contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business.

D. Exchange controls.

There are currently no Netherlands laws, decrees or regulations that restrict the export or import of capital and there are no exchange control restrictions on remittances of dividends imposed by law on dividends, interest or other payments to non-resident holders of our common shares.

There are currently no limitations on the right of non-resident or foreign owners to hold or vote our common shares imposed by the Netherlands law or by our Articles of Association or other constituent documents.

E. Taxation.

Netherlands Taxation

The following is a summary of Netherlands tax consequences to an owner of our common shares who is not, or is not deemed to be, a resident of The Netherlands or has not opted to be treated as a resident of The Netherlands for purposes of the relevant tax codes (a “non-resident Shareholder”). The summary does not address taxes imposed by The Netherlands and its political subdivisions, other than the transfer tax, dividend withholding tax, individual income tax, corporate income tax,  and gift and inheritance tax.

Transfer Tax

No value added tax, stamp, documentary or registration duty or similar charge, will be imposed under the laws of The Netherlands upon execution, delivery, transfer, combination or split-up of our common shares.

Dividend Withholding Tax

To the extent that cash dividends are distributed by ARCADIS, such dividends would be subject under Netherlands tax law to withholding tax at a rate of 25%.

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Dividends include:

·                  distributions in cash or in kind, including deemed and constructive distributions;

·                  liquidation proceeds on redemption of our common shares in excess of the average paid-in capital as recognized for Netherlands dividend withholding tax purposes and, as a rule, the consideration for the repurchase of our common shares by us in excess of the average paid-in capital recognized for Netherlands dividend withholding tax purposes, unless such repurchase is (a) for temporary investment or (b) exempt on the basis of the Dividend Tax Act 1965;

·                  the par value in respect of the issue of our common shares to a holder of our common shares, or an increase in the par value of our common shares, in exchange for a lower consideration, except where the issue or increase is funded out of our paid-in capital as recognized for Netherlands dividend withholding tax purposes; and

·                  partial redemption of our common shares to the extent this constitutes a repayment of contributed capital (as understood under the Dividend Tax Act 1965), and to the extent we have net profits (as that expression is understood for Netherlands dividend withholding tax purposes), unless our common shareholders have resolved in a general meeting to make such repayment, and the par value of our common shares concerned has been reduced by a corresponding amount by way of an amendment of the Articles of Association.

Holders of our common shares residing outside The Netherlands may be entitled to a full or partial exemption from or refund of Netherlands dividend withholding tax under an applicable double taxation convention depending on its terms and conditions and subject to compliance by the shareholder with those terms and conditions.

Holders of our common shares residing in the United States may be entitled to a reduction of Netherlands dividend withholding tax, in general to a Netherlands dividend withholding tax of 15%, under the double tax convention between The Netherlands and the United States with respect to income (the “Treaty”) subject to compliance by such shareholders with the applicable terms and conditions of the Treaty. Generally, a holder of our common shares will qualify for benefits under the Treaty (subject to compliance with the procedures for claiming benefits) if the holder:

·              is the beneficial owner of the dividends paid;

·              is resident in the United States according to the Treaty;

·              does not hold our common shares in connection with the conduct of business in The Netherlands; and

·              is not restricted in claiming the benefit of the Treaty under article 26 (Limitation on Benefits).

Dividends paid in respect of our common shares to an exempt pension trust or similar organization, may qualify for an exemption from or, as the case may be, a complete refund of Dutch dividend withholding tax under the Treaty, subject to compliance with the applicable terms and conditions.

On November 23, 2004, the European Free Trade Association Court of Justice (EFTA Court) issued its decision in the so-called Fokus Bank case. The EFTA Court decided that the Norwegian tax rules, that treat outbound dividend payments to foreign shareholders less favorably than dividend payments to domestic shareholders, constitute a forbidden restriction on the free movement of capital. It may be expected that the European Court of Justice (ECJ) will come to an identical decision in a similar case if asked to interpret the freedom of capital as laid down in the EC-Treaty. The freedom of capital generally does not only apply to capital movements between EU Member States but also to capital movements to and from third countries, such as the United States.

48




 

Although the Netherlands tax system is different from the Norwegian tax system, the decision of the EFTA Court may have significant implications for certain non-resident shareholders that receive dividends that are subject to Netherlands dividend withholding tax, or that have received such dividends in the past three years. Especially the following non-resident shareholders may be affected and may as a result be entitled to refund of Netherlands dividend withholding tax.

·                  Legal entities that could have invoked the participation exemption with respect to the dividends received or would have been exempt from corporate income tax in case they would have been a resident of the Netherlands for tax purposes. In general, the participation exemption applies in case of shareholdings of 5% or more. In case of a shareholding of less than 5% the participation exemption may be applicable if the shares are not held as a mere portfolio investment. In case of legal entities resident in the Netherlands, in effect no Netherlands dividend withholding tax is due with respect to dividends on shareholdings that apply for the participation exemption.

·                  Natural persons where the shares do not belong to the assets of a business enterprise or do not belong to a substantial interest. In case such a natural person would have been a resident of the Netherlands, the dividend as such would not be subject to individual income tax. Instead, the individual would be taxed on a deemed income, calculated at 4% of his net equity, whereas the dividend tax withheld would have been credited in full against the individual income tax due.

The freedom of capital movements to and from third countries is generally subject to grandfathering (stand-still) provisions in the EC-Treaty, but based on case law of the ECJ it may be held that these provisions do not apply in the specific case of claiming a refund of the Netherlands dividend withholding tax.

Dividend payments can be subject to Dutch dividend-stripping rules. Under these rules, a recipient of a dividend is not considered the beneficial owner if it is plausible that:

·      the recipient paid consideration (in cash or in kind) in connection with the dividend distribution, and the payment forms part of a sequence of transactions;

·      an individual or company benefited, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from the dividend, where that individual or company is entitled to a less favorable relief from dividend withholding tax than the recipient of the dividend distribution; and

·      the individual or company directly or indirectly retains or obtains a position in the shares, profit rights, or profit sharing bonds that is comparable to its position in similar shares, profit rights or profit sharing bonds before the sequence of transactions commenced.

The legislation explicitly states that the term “sequence of transactions” includes cases of a sole acquisition of one or more dividend rights and of the establishment of short-term rights of enjoyment on shares, while the transferor retains ownership of the shares. The legislation states that the anti-dividend-stripping rules also apply to transactions entered into on the public stock market.

Individual Income Tax and Corporate Income Tax

A shareholder that is not a resident nor deemed to be a resident of The Netherlands for Netherlands tax purposes nor has opted to be treated as a resident of the Netherlands will not be subject to The Netherlands income tax or corporate income tax in respect of dividends received from, or capital gains realized in respect of a disposal of, our common shares, provided that:

·              the common shares are not attributable to a business or part of a business of the shareholder that is carried out through a permanent establishment or a permanent representative in The Netherlands (“Netherlands business”);

49




 

·              the holder of the common shares does not have a substantial interest (a holding of at least 5% of the share capital) or a deemed substantial interest in us as defined in the Income Tax Act 2001, or in the event that such holder does have such interest, it forms part of the business assets of a business, other than a Netherlands business; and

·              in the case of an individual holder of our common shares, the dividends received from our common shares and capital gain realized in respect of a disposal of our common shares are not regarded, on the basis of the Income Tax Act 2001, as “taxable income from one or more activities performed in The Netherlands not being activities that generate taxable profit or taxable wages”.

Gift and Inheritance Taxes

No gift or inheritance taxes will arise in The Netherlands with respect to a gift or inheritance of our common shares from a person who is neither a resident nor deemed to be a resident of The Netherlands, unless:

·              such holder, at the time of the gift has, or at the time of death had, a business or an interest in a business that is or was, in whole or in part, carried out through a permanent establishment or a permanent representative in The Netherlands and to which business or part thereof, as the case may be, the common shares are or were attributable; or

·              in the case of a gift of the common shares by an individual who at the date of the gift was neither resident nor deemed to be resident of The Netherlands, such individual dies within 180 days after the date of the gift, while at the time of death being resident or deemed to be resident of The Netherlands.

For purposes of Netherlands gift, estate and inheritance tax, an individual who holds The Netherlands nationality will be deemed to be resident in The Netherlands if he has been resident in The Netherlands at any time during the ten years preceding the date of the gift or death. For purposes of Netherlands gift tax, an individual not holding Netherlands nationality will be deemed to be resident in The Netherlands if he has been resident in The Netherlands at any time during the twelve months preceding the date of the gift.

United States Taxation

The following is a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations relevant to the purchase, ownership and disposition of common shares by a holder that is a citizen or resident of the United States, a corporation organized under the laws of the U.S. or any state thereof (or Washington, DC), an estate the income of which is subject to U.S federal income tax regardless of its source, or a trust if a court within the U.S. is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust (a “U.S. holder”). This summary does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to a decision to purchase common shares. In particular, this summary deals only with U.S. holders that will hold common shares as capital assets and does not address the tax treatment of U.S. holders that may be subject to special tax rules, such as banks, tax-exempt entities, insurance companies, securities dealers, expatriates, persons that hold common shares as part of an integrated investment (including a “straddle”) comprised of common shares and one or more other positions, persons whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, and holders (including indirect and constructive ownership) of 10% or more of our voting shares. In addition, this summary does not address any alternative minimum tax or any state, local or non-U.S. tax consequences. This summary is based on the U.S./NL Income Tax Treaty and the tax laws of the United States, including judicial and administrative interpretations, in effect on the date hereof, which are subject to change, potentially retroactively. Except as discussed under “United States Taxation — Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules,” this discussion assumes that we are not, and will not become, a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”). Prospective purchasers of our common shares should consult their own advisors as to the tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the common shares in light of their own particular circumstances, including the effect of any federal, state, local or other non-U.S. tax laws to which they may be subject.

50




 

Taxation of Dividends

Distributions paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles) in respect of our common shares (including the amounts withheld in respect of Dutch withholding tax) generally will be subject to U.S. federal income taxation as foreign source dividend income by the U.S. holder. Distributions will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction generally allowed to U.S. corporations. Dividends received by non-corporate U.S. holders generally are eligible for a 15% maximum federal income tax rate through taxable years beginning on or before December 31, 2010, so long as certain holding period requirements are met. Dividends received from “qualified foreign corporations” generally qualify for the reduced rate. A non-U.S. corporation (other than a passive foreign investment company) generally will be considered to be a qualified foreign corporation if (1) the shares of the non-U.S. corporation are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States or (2) the non-U.S. corporation is eligible with respect to substantially all of its income for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States that contains an exchange of information program. The U.S./NL Income Tax Treaty has been identified as a qualifying treaty. Individual U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the impact of the provisions of this recent tax legislation on their particular situations.

Subject to generally applicable limitations and the discussion below, Dutch withholding tax imposed on dividends at the treaty rate will be treated as a foreign income tax eligible for credit against a U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability (or, at a U.S. holder’s election, may be deducted in computing taxable income). Foreign tax credits may not be allowed for withholding taxes imposed in respect of certain short-term or hedged positions in securities or in respect of arrangements in which a U.S. holder’s expected economic profit, after non-U.S. taxes, is insubstantial. Holders should consult their own advisors concerning the implications of these rules in light of their particular circumstances.

Foreign tax credits are determined based on income in particular limitation categories. For these purposes, dividends we pay generally constitute passive income or, in the case of certain holders, financial services income. The separate “financial services income” limitation category will be eliminated for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2006. Special limitations may apply to non-U.S. taxes on dividends subject to the maximum 15% federal income tax rate. U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the availability of, and limitations on, any such foreign tax credit.

We expect to fund dividend distributions on our common shares with dividends received from our subsidiaries organized outside The Netherlands. Under special Netherlands tax rules applicable to international holding company structures, we will be entitled in certain circumstances to reduce the amount of taxes that we otherwise would be obliged to pay to the Dutch tax authorities by an amount equal to 3% of the lesser of the dividends that we receive from our foreign subsidiaries and the net dividends that we pays to our shareholders. There is no authority directly addressing the implications of these special tax rules for the taxation of dividends paid to U.S. holders. It is possible that the foreign tax credits otherwise allowable for U.S. tax purposes in respect of Dutch withholding taxes on dividend income would be reduced by the proportion of the Dutch tax saving realized by us that is measured by reference to those dividends. We will advise U.S. holders if we claim the benefit of this reduction in respect of dividends on our common shares.

The amount of the dividend distribution includible in income of a U.S. holder should be the U.S. dollar value of the foreign currency (e.g. Euro) paid, determined by the spot rate of exchange on the date received, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars. Generally, any gain or loss resulting from currency exchange fluctuations during the period from the date the dividend payment is includible in income to the date such payment is converted into U.S. dollars will be treated as ordinary income or loss. Such gain or loss will generally will be income from sources within the United States for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. Distributions in excess of current accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes, will be treated as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of the U.S. holder’s basis in the common shares and thereafter as taxable capital gain.

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Taxation of Sales of Common Shares

Gains or losses realized by a U.S. holder on the sale or other disposition of common shares generally will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as capital gains or losses and generally will be long-term gains or losses if the common shares have been held for more than one year. Long-term capital gain recognized by a non-corporate U.S. holder in a taxable year beginning on or before December 31, 2010, generally is subject to federal income taxation at a maximum rate of 15%. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Gain, if any, realized by a U.S. holder on the sale or other disposition of common shares generally will be treated as U.S.-source income for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes.

Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules

The rules governing “passive foreign investment companies” (PFICs) can have significant tax effects on U.S. holders. We could be classified as a PFIC if, for any taxable year, either (a) 75% or more of our gross income is “passive income”, which generally includes interest, dividends, certain gains from the sale or exchange of shares or securities and some types of rents and royalties, or (b) on average, 50% or more of our assets, by fair market value, or, in some cases, by adjusted tax basis, produce or are held for the production of “passive income.” We believe that we are not and have not been a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, since PFIC status depends upon the composition of a company’s income and assets and the market value of its assets (including, among others, less than 25% owned equity investments) from time to time, there can be no assurance that we will not be considered a PFIC for any taxable year. If we were treated as a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. holder held a common share, certain adverse tax consequences could apply to the U.S. holder.

If we are treated as a PFIC for any taxable year in which a U.S. holder owned common shares, gain recognized by such U.S. holder on a sale or other disposition of a common share would be allocated ratably over the U.S. holder’s holding period for the share. The amounts allocated to the taxable year of the sale or other disposition and to any year before we became a PFIC would be taxed as ordinary income. The amount allocated to each other taxable year would be subject to tax at the highest rate in effect for individuals or corporations, as appropriate, and an interest charge would be imposed on the amount allocated to such taxable year. Further, any distribution in respect of our common shares in excess of 125% of the average of the annual distributions on shares received by the U.S. holder during the preceding three years or the U.S. holder’s holding period, whichever is shorter, would be subject to taxation as described above. Certain elections may be available to U.S. holders that may mitigate the adverse tax consequences resulting from PFIC status.

In addition, if we were to be treated as a PFIC in a taxable year in which it pays a dividend or the prior taxable year, the 15% dividend rate discussed above with respect to dividends paid to certain non-corporate U.S. holders would not apply.

U.S. Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

A U.S. holder may be subject to “backup withholding” at the rate of 28% with respect to payments of dividends or proceeds from a sale of common shares, unless the holder (1) is a corporation or other “exempt recipient,” and demonstrates this fact when so required, or (2) provides a correct taxpayer identification number, certifies that it is not subject to backup withholding, and otherwise complies with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. Any amount withheld under these rules will be creditable against the U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability. In addition, a U.S. holder may be subject to information reporting to the IRS with respect to payment of dividends or proceeds from a sale of common shares.

F. Dividend and paying agents

Not applicable.

G. Statement by experts

Not applicable.

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H. Documents on display

We will provide copies of our 2005 annual report in English or Dutch, as requested, and our 2005 annual report on Form 20-F, without charge. Copies of the exhibits to this 2005 annual report on Form 20-F are available for a duplication fee. If an exhibit is not in English, or has not been previously translated into English, a summary of such exhibit in English will be provided. To obtain copies of these documents, please contact ARCADIS N.V., Corporate Development Department, P.O. Box 33, 6800 LE Arnhem, the Netherlands (tel. +31 26 377 8286), or ARCADIS N.V., Investor Relations, 88 Duryea Road, Melville, NY 11747, USA (tel. (631) 391-5262).

I. Subsidiary information

In accordance with articles 379, 392 and 414 Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code, the list of subsidiaries is filed with the Chamber of Commerce in Arnhem, the Netherlands. We have also filed a list of our subsidiaries as an exhibit to this annual report on Form 20-F.

ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Foreign Exchange Risk

We do a substantial amount of business in non-Euro countries. The currencies in these countries may vary in value against the Euro, posing a possible risk to us. This risk is predominantly limited to a translation risk in that our revenues and costs are usually in the same currency. Because the economic risk to the company is limited, this risk is not hedged. The currency-risk in the balance sheet may lead to a depreciation of the value of certain foreign assets and liabilities, but the net effect of these depreciations on our economic position is limited.

There is only a limited risk that net cash flow, denominated in the currencies in which the operating companies perform their purchasing and selling activities, will be negatively influenced by exchange rate changes.

Financial instruments are  used in a limited fashion to cover the risk associated with the conversion into Euros of equity and income from foreign operations and non-consolidated companies outside the Euro-zone.

Interest Rate Risk

We manage interest rate risks by financing fixed assets and part of current assets with shareholders’ equity, provisions and long-term debt. The remainder of current assets is financed with short-term debt including revolving bank credits with variable interest rates. Based on our interest risk profile, limited financial instruments were used during 2005 to cover the risk. This risk is only applicable to long-term debt and bank overdrafts in our balance sheet (see our Consolidated Balance Sheets included in Item 18) amounting to € 21.8 million at year-end 2005. A movement in interest rate by 100 basis points would, based on our financial instruments that are subject to changes in interest rates, have a negative or positive effect on net income of less than € 0.2 million.

ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

Not applicable.

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PART II

ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

Not applicable.

ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Not applicable.

ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of December 31, 2005, and concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

(d) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2005, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 16. [RESERVED]

ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

Our Supervisory Board has determined that Mr. van Tets, one of our Supervisory Board Audit Committee members, qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Mr. van Tets is an independent member of our Supervisory Board as defined by the The Nasdaq Stock Market. In making this determination, the Supervisory Board took into consideration the experience of Mr. van Tets, which is described in his biographical information found in Item 6 of this annual report.

ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS

We have adopted a code of ethics, which is entitled the “ARCADIS General Business Principles.” This code serves as a guideline for our business decisions and activities around the world. The code applies to all of our employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer or controller. These principles highlight our commitment to conducting business with integrity, which is one of our three core values. The ARCADIS General Business Principles are available on our website located at, www.ARCADIS-global.com. We intend to disclose any amendments or waivers to our code of ethics that are required to be disclosed by posting such information on our website, at the address specified above.

ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Fees and Services. The following table details the aggregate fees billed by our principal accountant, KPMG Accountants N.V., for the last two fiscal years for various services (in millions):

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Type of Services Provided

 

2005

 

2004

 

Audit Fees

 

1.3

 

1.3

 

Audit-Related Fees(a)

 

0.7

 

0.4

 

Tax Fees(b)

 

0.4

 

0.2

 

All Other Fees

 

 

 


(a)             Audit-related fees for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 consist of fees for services that are traditionally performed by the independent accountants. These services include accounting consultations, internal control reviews on implementation of information systems, services related to the implementation § 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 regarding management’s report over internal control over financial reporting, and other similar services, consultations concerning financial accounting and reporting standard (especially related to the transition to International Financial Reporting Standards), due diligence and audits in connection with acquisitions or divestments.

(b)            Tax fees as of the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 consist of fees expensed for tax planning services and tax advice.

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures. The Audit Committee of our Supervisory Board has adopted a charter which details the duties and responsibilities of our Audit Committee. These duties and responsibilities include, among other things, reviewing and monitoring our financial statements and internal accounting procedures, approving the scope and terms of audit services to be provided by our independent auditor and monitoring the services provided by our independent auditor. All non-audit services provided by our independent auditor must be pre-approved by our Audit Committee. The Audit Committee will consider whether the provision of such services by our auditor is compatible with our auditor’s independence. The Chairman of our Audit Committee may approve additional non-audit services in amounts up to a maximum of € 50,000, but such approval must be disclosed to the full Audit Committee at its next meeting.

ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES.

Not Applicable.

ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

 

 

(a)

 

(b)

 

(c)

 

(d)

 

Period

 

Total Number of
Shares (or Units)
Purchased(1)

 

Average Price Paid per
Share (or Unit)

 

Total Number of
Shares (or Units)
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs

 

Maximum Number (or
Approximate Dollar
Value) of Shares or
Units that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs

 

January 2005

 

30,600

 

$

17.77

 

 

 

February 2005

 

19,000

 

$

19.53

 

 

 

March 2005

 

13,350

 

$

19.89

 

 

 

April 2005

 

654

 

$

19.56

 

 

 

May 2005

 

1,104

 

$

22.24

 

 

 

June 2005

 

168,761

 

18.66

 

 

 

 

 

10,000

 

$

22.35

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,000

 

19.47

 

 

 

July 2005

 

5,000

 

$

22.93

 

 

 

 

55




 

 

 

(a)

 

(b)

 

(c)

 

(d)

 

Period

 

Total Number of
Shares (or Units)
Purchased(1)

 

Average Price Paid per
Share (or Unit)

 

Total Number of
Shares (or Units)
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs

 

Maximum Number (or
Approximate Dollar
Value) of Shares or
Units that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs

 

August 2005

 

 

 

 

 

September 2005

 

 

 

 

 

October 2005

 

18,700

 

$

30.22

 

 

 

November 2005

 

16,625

 

$

30.35

 

 

 

December 2005

 

43,252

 

26.33

 

 

 

 


(1)             All shares purchased were purchased by ARCARDIS N.V. on the open market. Our Articles of Association provide that our Executive Board may acquire fully paid-up shares of our capital stock if: (a) the amount of our shareholders’ equity reduced by the amount paid for the repurchased shares is not less than the paid-up and issued portion of our share capital increased by the reserves maintained pursuant to Netherlands law, and (b) the aggregate par value of the shares to be acquired and of the shares already held by us or any of our subsidiaries does not exceed one-tenth (1/10th) of the issued capital.

On May 17, 2006, our shareholders approved the repurchase of our shares by the Executive Board and this authorization will be valid for a term not to exceed 18 months. Our Articles of Association further provide that the authorization to repurchase shares must specify the number of shares that may be repurchased, the manner in which they shall be acquired and the price ranges at which they may be repurchased. No authorization is required if we repurchase our shares in order to transfer the shares to our employees, such as under our employee stock option plans.

The Executive Board is permitted to purchase, for a period of 18 months commencing on July 1, 2006, to repurchase, in the discretion of the Executive Board, any and all of our paid-up shares of capital stock and any shares of cumulative financing preferred stock, up to the maximum amount authorized under applicable law and our Articles of Association.

We may purchase any and all paid-up shares of our capital stock on the public markets, or by other means such as a purchase directly from a holder of our shares, at a price per share between (a) the share’s nominal value (€ 0.05 per share) and (b) an amount equal to 10% above the average market price of such shares on Euronext Amsterdam N.V. The market price shall be determined based on the average of the highest trading price per share of our capital stock, as published by the Official Prijscourant of Euronext Amsterdam N.V., for each of the 5 trading days immediately preceding the day of repurchase by us.

Shares of our cumulative financing preferred stock may be purchased at a price per share between (1) the share’s nominal value (€ 0.05 per share) and (2) the amount paid-up as nominal value and premium (agio), increased by the amount of profit which would have been distributed to the holders of shares of cumulative financing preferred stock upon redemption of such shares, in accordance with our Articles of Association.

PART III

ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

We have elected to report under Item 18.

56




 

ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Page

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

F-2

 

Financial Statements:

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2005 and 2004

 

F-3

 

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004

 

F-4

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004

 

F-5

 

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004

 

F-7

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

F-8

 

 

F-1




 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Executive Board, Supervisory Board and Shareholders of ARCADIS N.V.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of ARCADIS N.V. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of ARCADIS N.V. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2005, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU.

International Financial Reporting Standards vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements.

KPMG Accountants N.V.
Utrecht, The Netherlands
March 3, 2006, Except as to the subsequent events paragraph in note 1, which is as of June 12, 2006

F-2




 

ARCADIS N.V.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands of EUR, except share amounts)

 

 

 

At December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents (Note 4)

 

73,884

 

48,219

 

Corporate tax receivables

 

4,037

 

 

(Un)billed receivables (Note 5)

 

321,013

 

250,645

 

Derivatives

 

1,723

 

 

Inventories (Note 6)

 

374

 

468

 

Other current assets

 

31,950

 

20,659

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current assets

 

432,981

 

319,991

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tangible assets (Note 7)

 

55,994

 

43,635

 

Intangible assets (Note 7)

 

127,861

 

55,356

 

Investments in non-consolidated companies (Note 8)

 

7,451

 

5,597

 

Other long-term investments (Note 8)

 

1,939

 

1,097

 

Other assets (Note 8)

 

10,683

 

6,991

 

Deferred tax assets

 

13,212

 

9,676

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

650,121

 

442,343

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

72,517

 

76,820

 

Accrued expenses

 

12,587

 

5,712

 

Other current liabilities (Note 9)

 

118,813

 

90,671

 

Current portion of long-term debt (Note 10)

 

2,456

 

21,115

 

Corporate tax liabilities

 

8,172

 

9,873

 

Billings in excess of cost

 

89,269

 

40,273

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

303,814

 

244,464

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt (Note 10)

 

116,149

 

12,966

 

Deferred tax liabilities (Note 11)

 

26,252

 

12,129

 

Other long-term liabilities (Note 12)

 

15,818

 

27,419

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

462,033

 

296,978

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minority Interest

 

11,885

 

8,994

 

Shareholders’ equity (Note 13):

 

 

 

 

 

Priority shares - EUR 0.05 par value — Authorized, issued and outstanding
200 shares as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

 

 

 

Cumulative Financing preferred stock - EUR 0.05 par value— 10,000,000 shares
Authorized. No shares issued or outstanding at December 31, 2005 and 2004

 

 

 

 

Cumulative preferred stock - EUR 0.05 par value— 50,000,000 shares
Authorized. No shares issued or outstanding at December 31, 2005 and 2004

 

 

 

 

Common stock - EUR 0.05 par value— 40,000,000 shares
Authorized. Issued and outstanding 20,269,936 and 20,308,742
shares at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively

 

1,030

 

1,030

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

44,153

 

37,644

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

6,403

 

(3,633

)

Retained earnings

 

124,617

 

101,330

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

176,203

 

136,371

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

650,121

 

442,343

 

 

See Accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-3




 

ARCADIS N.V.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands of EUR, except share and per share amounts)

 

 

 

For the years ended December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross revenue

 

1,001,099

 

900,781

 

Materials, services of third parties and subcontractors

 

297,849

 

268,244

 

Net revenue

 

703,250

 

632,537

 

Operational cost (Note 15)

 

627,685

 

580,988

 

Depreciation

 

15,210

 

15,654

 

Amortization identifiable intangible assets

 

5,967

 

376

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

54,388

 

35,519

 

Financial items

 

(1,844

)

(3,464

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before taxes

 

52,544

 

32,055

 

Taxes (Note 16)

 

17,342

 

10,400

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income of consolidated companies after taxes

 

35,202

 

21,655

 

Income from non-consolidated companies and long-term investments, after taxes

 

1,382

 

2,448

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Group income after taxes

 

36,584

 

24,103

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attributable to:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (Equity holders of the parent)

 

33,414

 

22,176

 

Minority interest

 

3,170

 

1,927

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net income per share of common stock

 

1.65

 

1.10

 

Diluted net income per share of common stock

 

1.60

 

1.09

 

Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding

 

20,261

 

20,140

 

Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding

 

20,817

 

20,417

 

 

See Accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-4





ARCADIS N.V.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands of EUR)

 

 

 

For the years ended December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Cash flow from operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

33,414

 

22,176

 

Minority interest

 

3,170

 

1,927

 

Income of non-consolidated companies and long-term investments

 

(1,382

)

(2,448

)

Taxes on income

 

17,342

 

10,400

 

Financial items

 

1,844

 

3,464

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

54,388

 

35,519

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

21,177

 

16,030

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating cash flow before changes in working capital and provisions

 

75,565

 

51,549

 

Stock-based compensation

 

561

 

239

 

Dividend received from non-consolidated companies

 

632

 

2,099

 

Sale of activities, net of cost

 

(2,486

)

(3,990

)

Interest received

 

1,996

 

1,063

 

Interest paid

 

(5,799

)

(3,449

)

Corporate tax paid

 

(16,114

)

(6,779

)

Changes in inventories

 

94

 

(268

)

Changes in receivables

 

(32,525

)

(11,550

)

Changes in provisions

 

(3,305

)

882

 

Changes in billing in excess of costs

 

36,429

 

 

Changes in current liabilities

 

11,742

 

14,978

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

66,790

 

44,774

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow from investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments in (in)tangible assets

 

(17,667

)

(12,470

)

Divestments of (in)tangible assets

 

2,725

 

713

 

Investments in consolidated companies

 

(75,039

)

(14,759

)

Divestments of consolidated companies

 

8,527

 

8,006

 

Investments in non-consolidated companies and other non-current assets

 

(5,858

)

(2,526

)

Divestments of non-consolidated companies and other non-current assets

 

2,198

 

1,308

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(85,114

)

(19,728

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow from financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Issued shares

 

49

 

1,727

 

Options exercised

 

2,624

 

704

 

Own shares purchased

 

(6,562

)

(158

)

New long-term debt

 

79,931

 

3,018

 

 

F-5




 

Repayment of long-term debt

 

(24,136

)

(4,034

)

Changes in short-term borrowings

 

39

 

2,248

 

Dividends paid

 

(10,848

)

(10,204

)

Other changes in equity

 

966

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

42,063

 

(6,699

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exchange rate differences

 

1,926

 

(1,386

)

Translation differences of income items

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total exchange rate differences

 

1,926

 

(1,386

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total increase / (decrease)

 

25,665

 

16,961

 

At beginning of year

 

48,219

 

31,258

 

Conversion difference January 1 amount

 

 

 

 

 

At end of year

 

73,884

 

48,219

 

 

See Accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

F-6




ARCADIS N.V.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands of EUR, except per share amounts)

 

 

Priority
Shares

 

Common
Shares

 

Share
Capital

 

Additional
Paid-in
Capital

 

Foreign
Currency
translation
adjustment

 

Retained
Earnings

 

Total

 

Minority
Interest

 

Group
equity

 

Balance at January 1, 2004 

 

200

 

20,430,377

 

1,022

 

35,985

 

 

87,956

 

124,963

 

7,557

 

132,520

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22,176

 

22,176

 

1,908

 

24,084

 

Dividends declared (EUR 0.48 per share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(9,647

)

(9,647

)

(557

)

10,204

)

Own share purchase for granted options

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(158

)

(158

)

 

 

(158

)

Exercises of options

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

704

 

704

 

 

 

704

 

Issuance of shares of common stock

 

 

 

215,238

 

8

 

1,659

 

 

 

 

 

1,667

 

 

 

1,667

 

Option costs and taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

239

 

239

 

 

 

239

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,633

)

 

 

(3,633

)

186

 

(3,447

)

Expansion ownership

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(217

)

(217

)

Capital increase

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

59

 

59

 

Other changes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

60

 

60

 

58

 

118

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2004

 

200

 

20,645,615

 

1,030

 

37,644

 

(3,633

)

101,330

 

136,371

 

8,994

 

145,365

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

33,414

 

33,414

 

3,170

 

36,584

 

Dividends declared (EUR 0.48 per share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(9,745

)

(9,745

)

(1,103

)

(10,848

)

Own share purchase for granted options

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6,652

)

(6,652

)

 

 

(6,652

)

Exercises of options

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,624

 

2,624

 

 

 

2,624

 

Option costs and taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,487

 

3,487

 

 

 

3,487

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,036

 

 

 

10,036

 

1,581

 

11,617

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,509

 

 

 

 

 

6,509

 

 

 

6,509

 

Expansion ownership

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(787

)

(787

)

Capital increase

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

49

 

49

 

Other changes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

69

 

69

 

(19

)

50

 

Balance at December 31, 2005

 

200

 

20,645,615

 

1,030

 

44,153

 

6,403

 

124,617

 

176,203

 

11,885

 

188,088

 

 

See Accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-7




 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

General

ARCADIS N.V. is a public company organized under the laws of the Kingdom of The Netherlands. Its principal office is located at: Nieuwe Stationsstraat 10, 6811 KS, Arnhem, the Netherlands. Phone: *31-26-3778911.

ARCADIS N.V. and its consolidated subsidiaries (“ARCADIS” or the “Company”), is an international provider of comprehensive knowledge-based consulting services in the areas of infrastructure, environment and buildings.

The Consolidated Financial Statements of ARCADIS have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and its interpretations adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) as endorsed by the European Union. Note 18 includes a summary of the differences between IFRS and U.S. GAAP that have a material effect on net income and shareholders’ equity. Unless otherwise stated, and except for share and per share amounts, all amounts are presented in thousands of EUR.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the result of which form the basis for making judgments about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from the estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

Principles of Consolidation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of ARCADIS and the companies which ARCADIS directly and/or indirectly controls. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

In 2003, the joint venture ARCADIS Aqumen Facility Management B.V. was set up. This 50% participation is also accounted for on a proportionate basis under IFRS.

As from 2005, the joint venture Biogás Energia Ambiental SA (33.33% owned) is also accounted for on a proportionate basis under IFRS.

Conversion of Foreign Currencies

Asset and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are converted into EUR at rates of exchange on the respective balance sheet dates. For statement of income data, amounts in foreign currencies are converted into EUR at the average rate over the respective reporting period. Exchange rate differences are included in income, except those arising from the translation of shareholders’ equity of foreign entities outside the EUR countries, which are directly added to or deducted from equity.

F-8




 

Principles of Valuation of Assets and Liabilities

Goodwill

All acquisitions are accounted for by applying the purchase method. Goodwill represents the difference between the cost of the acquisition and the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired. Goodwill has an indefinite useful life and is stated at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment.

Identifiable intangible assets

Acquired identifiable intangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortization and impairment losses. Identifiable intangible assets have a finite useful life and are amortized over the estimated useful life based on the realization of the underlying profit.

Software

Software is valued at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Software has a finite life and is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life, which is 3 to 5 years.

Depreciation methods and useful lives, as well as residual values, are reassessed annually.

Tangible assets

Real estate is valued at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Depreciation is charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life and generally amounts to 3% of the book value at the beginning of the year. Land is not depreciated.

Furniture and fixtures are valued at cost. Depreciation is charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life. For furniture and fixtures the useful life varies from 3 to 8 years, annual depreciation is 12% to 33% of cost.

Depreciation methods and useful lives, as well as residual values, are reassessed annually.

Investments in non-consolidated companies

Non-consolidated companies, in which ARCADIS has significant influence, but not control, over the financial and operating management, are valued using the equity method. Long-term receivables are valued at cost. If necessary, a deduction is made for permanent devaluation.

Jointly controlled entities

Jointly controlled entities are those entities over whose activities the Group has joint control, established by contractual agreement. The consolidated financial statements include the Group’s proportionate share of the entities’ assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses with items of a similar nature on a line-by-line basis, from the date that joint control commences until the date that joint control ceases.

Inventories

Goods for resale, raw materials, and supplies are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value on balance sheet date.

Derivatives

Only for specific purposes derivative financial instruments are used to hedge the Group’s exposure to foreign exchange and interest rate risks arising from operational, financing and investment activities. In accordance with its treasury policy, the Group does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. However, derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting under IFRS are accounted for as trading instruments.

F-9




 

Derivatives are recognized initially at fair value. The gain or loss on remeasurement to fair value is recognized immediately as profit or loss. The fair value of interest rate swaps is the estimated amount that the Group would receive or pay to terminate the swap at the balance sheet date, taking into account current interest rates and the current creditworthiness of the swap counterparties. The fair value of forward exchange contracts is their quoted market price at the balance sheet date, being the present value of the quoted forward price.

(Un)billed Receivables

Unbilled receivables are stated at cost plus profit recognized to date less a provision for foreseeable losses and less progress billings. Cost includes all expenditures related directly to specific projects and an allocation of fixed and variable overheads incurred in the Group’s contract activities based on normal operating capacity.

Trade and other receivables are valued at amortized costs.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and call deposits. Bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and which form an integral part of the Group’s cash management are included as a component of cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the statement of cash flow.

Equity

Repurchase of shares

The consideration paid for temporary repurchased shares, which are repurchased in order to prevent dilution through the share option plan, is deducted from equity including directly attributable costs.

Dividends

Dividends are recognized as a liability in the period in which they are declared.

Provisions

General

Provisions are recognized when there is a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event for which it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

Provisions are stated at the net present value, taking into account the timing of the cash outflows.

Pensions

In some countries limited plans are in place that qualify as defined benefit plans. For these limited defined benefit plans, a provision is created, which is based on actuarial calculations.

Obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension plans are recognized as a cost in the income statement as incurred.

Other long-term employee benefits

The company’s net obligation for long-term service benefits, other than pension plans, is the amount of future benefit that employees have earned in return for their service in the current and prior periods. The obligation is calculated using the projected unit credit method and is discounted to its present value of any related assets that are deducted. This provision consists of a provision for jubilee payments and a provision for early retirement.

Long-term debt

Interest- bearing debts are recorded against amortized cost, in which the difference between the proceeds and the final repayment amount is charged to the income statement during the duration of the debts. The portion of

F-10




the long-term debt that has to be repaid within 1 year after balance sheet date is recorded as current portion of long-term debt under the current liabilities, unless there is an intention to refinance the repayment with long-term debt.

Impairment

The carrying amounts of the assets of ARCADIS, other than work in progress and deferred tax assets, are reviewed at each balance sheet date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment.

For goodwill and assets that have an indefinite useful life, the recoverable amount is estimated at each balance sheet date.

An impairment loss is recognized whenever the carrying amount of an asset or its cash-generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognized in the income statement. Impairment losses recognized in regard to cash-generating units are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to cash-generating units and then, to reduce the carrying amount of the other assets in the unit on a pro rata basis.

The recoverable amount is the greater of the net selling price and value in use. In assessing the value in use, estimated future cash flows are discounted to present value using a discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.

An impairment loss of goodwill is not reversed. Regarding other assets, an impairment loss is reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortization, if no impairment loss had been recognized.

Method of Determination of Income

Gross revenue

Net sales are the total amount charged to customers, less sales-related taxes. To provide a correct presentation of the Group’s activities, net sales are adjusted for changes in work in progress. The change in work in progress includes the results of the current projects. Gains on sales of investments are shown separately.

Profits on projects are recorded according to the percentage-of-completion method. Losses, calculated up to the completion of the project, are recorded as soon as the loss situation is known. The balances of the projects on which no confirmation of order has been received are charged to income.

Materials, services of third parties, and subcontractors

This amount represents all project- related costs of material and services charged by third parties including the costs of subcontractors.

Operational cost

All costs in relation to employees , as well as non-project-related out-of-pocket expenses are taken into account as operational cost in the year to which these items relate.

Share-based payments

The fair value of share based incentives under the ARCADIS long-term incentive plan is determined  at the date of grant and is proportionally charged to the income statement as personnel cost over the period in which they are conditional until the vesting date of the options.

The fair value of the granted options is determined using the Black Scholes model taking into account the conditions of the granting. The cost charged will be adjusted for the actual number of share-based incentives that are cancelled.

F-11




The vesting and exercise of shares may be conditional on the satisfaction of performance conditions or on continued employment, or both, as set by the Supervisory Board.

Financing items

Financing items comprise interest income and expenses (are accounted for in the year to which these items relate using the effective interest rate method) and gains or losses on financial instruments.

       Taxes

       Income tax on Group income comprises both current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognized in the income statement except to the extent that it relates to items recognized directly in equity in which case it is recognized in equity.

Deferred taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded on the basis of the expected fiscal consequences of temporary differences between the book value in the financial statements and the tax reporting of all assets and liabilities. Calculation of the deferred taxes is against the at balance sheet date enacted or substantially enacted tax rates and tax laws that according to the expectations are applicable when the deferred taxes will be settled. Deferred tax assets are only recorded when it is more likely than not that there will be future fiscal profits with which to settle these temporary differences or not-yet-compensated fiscal losses. Deferred taxes are recorded at nominal value.

Provisions for deferred taxes are based on the timing differences between book value and value for tax purposes of assets and liabilities at current rates.

       Income from non-consolidated companies

       The proportionate share in earnings from non-consolidated participations is accounted for in the year these earnings are recorded by those participations. For non-consolidated companies in which ARCADIS does not have significant influence, only dividends received are included in income.

Segment reporting

The four segments on which the Company reports are the geographical segments. The differentiation in the type of services provided by the various group companies is limited. These services extend in general to consulting, engineering and project management services.

       Earnings per share

       Basic earnings per share are computed using the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share are computed using the weighted average number of ordinary shares and options outstanding during the period, as far as the exercise price of these options is lower than the share price.

Principles of preparing the Cash Flow Statement

The consolidated cash flow statement compares the balance sheet at January 1 with that at December 31. Changes because of conversion of foreign currencies are eliminated. Investments in and divestments of consolidated companies are presented net of cash.

Standards issued, but not yet effective

The company has not yet determined the impact of new accounting standards issued, but not yet effective.

F-12




 

Net Income Per Share of Common Stock

The weighted average number of shares outstanding, and the weighted average number of diluted shares for the years presented were as follows:

 

Year

 

Priority Shares

 

Shares of Common
Stock

 

Diluted Number of
Shares of Common
Stock

 

2005

 

200

 

20,260,512

 

20,816,577

 

2004

 

200

 

20,139,995

 

20,417,030

 

 

The diluted number of shares is calculated by using the monthly number of options outstanding and the monthly average stock price on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq National Market. Only options with exercise prices below the average stock price are taken into account.

Subsequent events

No events have occurred after December 31, 2005, that would have changed the judgment and analysis by management of the financial condition of the Company as per December 31, 2005, or the net income for the year 2005.

NOTE 2.  ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTMENTS

In 2005, the following interests in companies were acquired:

·                  SWK offers specialist knowhow in the fields of transportation, mobility, harbors and civil and waterworks.

·                  Greystone Environmental Consultants, Inc., predominantly offers environmental consultancy services in the early phase of projects and serves.

·                  AYH, Plc. specializes in project management, cost control and consultancy for real estate projects for private sector clients and governments.

·                  Blasland, Bouck & Lee, Inc. (BBL) specializes in environmental services and soil, groundwater and sediment remediation services.

During 2005 the following interests have been sold (see note 18e):

·                      Grupo EP SA (Spain)

·                      Renardet S.A. (Switzerland)

·                      Sauti (Italy)

The total investment for acquisitions in 2005 was € 121 million, and resulted in goodwill of € 61 million. A goodwill amount of EUR 2.8 million is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

The goodwill acquired in 2005 was assigned as follows (in millions):

 

Geographical Area

 

2005

 

2004

 

The Netherlands

 

0

 

1

 

United States

 

44

 

7

 

Europe

 

16

 

5

 

Rest of world

 

1

 

0

 

Total goodwill paid

 

61

 

13

 

 

F-13




 

Of the EUR 121 million invested in acquisitions in 2005, up to EUR 27 million will be paid after 2006 and is consequently recorded as a liability.

The following five companies were acquired in 2004:

·            Terence Dudley in the U.K. specializes in civil engineering and is an addition to the existing environmental activities in the English market.

·            With the acquisition of the firm Profil in Poland, ARCADIS improved its position in the Polish infrastructure market.

·            The acquisition Bessent, Hammack & Ruckman strengthens ARCADIS’ position in the Florida infrastructure market.

·            The acquisition of Diversity Partners adds program and construction management capabilities in the U.S, and are marketed under the names Construction Dynamics Group and Lewis & Zimmerman Associates.

·            Witpaard is an urban planning company, which strengthens ARCADIS’ position in the municipal market in the Netherlands.

During 2004 the following interests have been sold:

·      KAFI B.V. (The Netherlands)

·      Mandaat B.V. (The Netherlands)

·      Involon B.V. (The Netherlands)

All acquisitions during 2005 and 2004 were accounted for by the purchase method. In 2004 EUR 3.1 million goodwill paid is deductible for tax purposes and in 2005 EUR 2.8 million, while only the goodwill paid on the United States acquisitions is tax deductible.

F-14




 

The acquisitions and disposal of interests completed during 2005 had the following effect on the ARCADIS’ assets and liabilities.

 

amounts in thousands of euros unless otherwise stated

 

Acquisitions

 

Divestments

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intangible assets

 

3,327

 

(2,384

)

943

 

Tangible assets

 

20,495

 

(8,523

)

11,972

 

Investments in non-consolidated companies

 

(1,047

)

313

 

(734

)

Other investments

 

1,515

 

(1,082

)

433

 

Deferred tax assets

 

6,122

 

 

6,122

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total non-current assets

 

30,412

 

(11,676

)

18,736

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Un)billed receivables

 

63,395

 

(44,914

)

18,481

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

19,454

 

(6,461

)

12,993

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current assets

 

82,849

 

(51,375

)

31,474

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

113,261

 

(63,051

)

50,210

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and minority interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minority interest

 

302

 

(1,090

)

(788

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provisions

 

493

 

(1,972

)

(1,479

)

Deferred tax liabilities

 

5,588

 

 

5,588

 

Long-term debt

 

6,142

 

(5,678

)

464

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total non-current liabilities

 

12,223

 

(7,650

)

4,573

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Billing in excess of cost

 

9,562

 

(1,041

)

8,521

 

Trade and other liabilities

 

42,728

 

(40,768

)

1,960

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

52,290

 

(41,809

)

10,481

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and minority interest

 

64,815

 

(50,549

)

14,266

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total net value

 

48,446

 

(12,502

)

35,944

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recorded goodwill

 

61,273

 

 

61,273

 

Book gain

 

 

(2,486

)

(2,486

)

Identifiable intangible assets

 

11,540

 

 

11,540

 

Consideration paid / (received)

 

121,259

 

(14,988

)

106,271

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After payments not paid yet

 

(26,766

)

 

(26,766

)

Cash (acquired) / disposed

 

(19,454

)

6,461

 

(12,993

)

Net cash outflow / (inflow)

 

75,039

 

(8,527

)

66,512

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F-15




 

NOTE 3.  Segment information

Geographical Area Information

                Presented below is the geographical segmentation which coincides with the Company’s reporting structure. The differentiation in the type of services provided by the various group companies is limited and extends in general to consulting, engineering and project management services. Therefore no other segmentation information is included. The information presented below illustrates the performance in the geographical areas in terms of gross revenue, operating income, identifiable assets, and expenditures and depreciation with respect to property, plant & equipment and intangible assets, and extraordinary items. Financing expenses and taxes on income, among others, are not presented, because the Company manages its segments on an operating income basis.

 

 

 

The
Netherlands

 

United

States

 

Other
European
countries

 

Rest

of world

 

Intra group

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

Gross revenue

 

287.7

 

301.3

 

348.9

 

267.3

 

267.1

 

254.4

 

97.4

 

77.8

 

 

 

 

 

1,001.1

 

900.8

 

Revenue between regions 

 

3.0

 

3.3

 

0.1

 

0.0

 

2.6

 

1.2

 

0.2

 

0.1

 

(5.9

)

(4.7

)

 

 

Total revenue

 

290.7

 

304.6

 

349.0

 

267.3

 

269.7

 

255.6

 

97.6

 

77.9

 

(5.9

)

(4.7

)

1,001.1

 

900.8

 

Materials, services of third parties and subcontractors

 

78.4

 

83.2

 

115.7

 

82.9

 

60.2

 

70.8

 

49.4

 

36.0

 

(5.9

)

(4.7

)

297.8

 

268.2

 

Net revenue

 

212.3

 

221.3

 

233.3

 

184.4

 

209.4

 

184.8

 

48.2

 

42.0

 

 

 

 

 

703.3

 

632.5

 

Operating costs

 

193.8

 

206.7

 

208.1

 

167.3

 

184.3

 

167.9

 

41.6

 

38.9

 

 

 

 

 

627.7

 

581.0

 

Depreciation

 

5.0

 

6.9

 

4.4

 

3.7

 

4.9

 

4.3

 

0.8

 

0.7

 

 

 

 

 

15.2

 

15.6

 

EBITA

 

13.5

 

7.7

 

20.9

 

13.4

 

20.2

 

12.5

 

5.8

 

2.3

 

 

 

 

 

60.4

 

35.9

 

Amortization identifiable intangible assets

 

2.0

 

0.1

 

2.6

 

0.1

 

1.4

 

0.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.0

 

0.4

 

Operating income

 

11.5

 

7.6

 

18.3

 

13.3

 

18.8

 

12.3

 

5.8

 

2.3

 

 

 

 

 

54.4

 

35.5

 

Financing items

 

(1.8

)

(3.5

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income of non-consolidated companies

 

0.2

 

0.5

 

 

0.0

 

0.0

 

0.0

 

1.2

 

1.9

 

 

 

 

 

1.4

 

2.4

 

Taxes

 

(17.3

)

(10.4

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Group income after taxes 

 

36.6

 

24.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minority interest

 

(3.2

)

(1.9

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income excluding extraordinaries

 

11.4

 

7.1

 

9.1

 

7.9

 

11.1

 

5.7

 

1.8

 

1.5

 

 

 

 

 

33.4

 

22.2

 

EBITA on recurring basis 

 

12.5

 

11.1

 

20.9

 

13.2

 

18.1

 

12.5

 

5.8

 

2.4

 

 

 

 

 

57.3

 

39.1

 

Net income from operations

 

11.4

 

8.4

 

9.1

 

7.9

 

11.1

 

6.0

 

1.8

 

1.5

 

 

 

 

 

33.4

 

23.8

 

 

Amounts in millions of euros

F-16




 

 

 

The
Netherlands

 

United
States

 

Other
European
countries

 

Rest
of world

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

Total assets

 

318.6

 

261.7

 

268.6

 

110.3

 

157.6

 

175.3

 

59.3

 

33.7

 

(154.0

)

(138.6

)

650.1

 

442.3

 

Total financial assets

 

1.5

 

(6.0

)

6.3

 

3.6

 

1.7

 

9.5

 

10.6

 

6.5

 

 

 

 

 

20.1

 

13.7

 

Total liabilities

 

142.0

 

125.8

 

225.5

 

59.5

 

135.4

 

176.3

 

39.5

 

22.0

 

(80.4

)

(86.7

)

462.0

 

297.0

 

Total investments

 

4.0

 

3.1

 

6.2

 

3.8

 

5.8

 

4.4

 

1.6

 

0.5

 

 

 

 

 

17.7

 

11.8

 

Total number of employees

 

2,389

 

2,346

 

3,098

 

2,222

 

2,751

 

4,000

 

905

 

1,070

 

 

 

 

 

9,143

 

9,638

 

 

Amounts in millions of euros

Presented below is our gross revenue by service area. We do not consider these service areas to be reportable segments. We discontinued our communications service area in 2004 and combined the remaining activities with our infrastructure service area.

 

Gross revenue by Service Area

 

2005

 

2004

 

Infrastructure

 

526

 

502

 

Environment

 

295

 

243

 

Facilities

 

180

 

144

 

Communications

 

 

12

 

 

 

1,001

 

901

 

 

NOTE 4.  Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company’s policy is to invest cash in excess of operating requirements in highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2005, and 2004 consisted of the following:

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Cash in banks and on hand

 

64,856  

 

46,549  

 

Cash in banks restricted for taxes/social security premiums

 

291

 

633

 

Time deposits

 

8,737

 

1,037

 

Total cash and cash equivalents

 

73,884

 

48,219

 

 

F-17




 

NOTE 5.  (Un)billed receivables

Receivables maturing within one year as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 consisted of:

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Unbilled receivables

 

113,721   

 

65,610   

 

Trade receivables

 

215,474

 

194,733

 

Provision for bad debts

 

(11,140)

 

(13,348)

 

Receivables from non-consolidated companies

 

2,958

 

3,650

 

Total receivables

 

321,013

 

250,645

 

 

The provision for bad debts has developed as follows:

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Balance at beginning of year

 

13,348    

 

10,879    

 

Addition charged to income

 

3,438

 

4,432

 

Exchange rate results

 

527

 

(110)

 

Deductions

 

(3,796)

 

(1,746)

 

Acquisitions / divestments

 

(2,377)

 

(107)

 

Balance at end of year

 

11,140

 

13,348

 

 

F-18




 

Costs and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts are as follows:

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts

 

604,140   

 

561,127  

 

Estimated earnings

 

20,763

 

20,667

 

Subtotal

 

624,903

 

581,794

 

Less: Billings to date

 

600,451

 

556,457

 

Total work in process

 

24,452

 

25,337

 

All amounts are expected to be collected within 1 year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Costs incurred and estimated earnings in excess of billings

 

113,721  

 

65,610  

 

Billings in excess of costs incurred and estimated earnings

 

(89,269)

 

(40,273)

 

Total work in process

 

24,452

 

25,337

 

Amount of advances received

 

17,675

 

13,543

 

Amount of retentions held by clients

 

1,392

 

2,801

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTE 6.  Inventories

Inventories at December 31, 2005 and 2004 consisted of:

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Raw materials and supplies

 

328 

 

342

 

Goods for resale

 

46

 

126

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total inventories

 

374

 

468

 

 

F-19




 

NOTE 7.  Tangible assets

Tangible assets at December 31, 2005 and 2004 consisted of :

 

 

 

Land and

 

Furniture

 

 

 

In thousands of euro

 

buildings

 

and fixtures

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase price

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at January 1, 2004

 

17,478

 

114,934

 

132,412

 

(De)consolidations

 

 

880

 

880

 

Investments

 

1,217

 

9,057

 

10,274

 

Divestments

 

(100

)

(7,269

)

(7,369

)

Effect of movements in foreign exchange

 

68

 

(2,016

)

(1,948

)

Others

 

 

 

133

 

133

 

Balance at December 31, 2004

 

18,663

 

115,719

 

134,382

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at January 1, 2005

 

18,663

 

115,719

 

134,382

 

(De)consolidations

 

8,865

 

(5,158

)

3,707

 

Investments

 

1,218

 

13,649

 

14,867

 

Divestments

 

(443

)

(20,624

)

(21,067

)

Effect of movements in foreign exchange

 

66

 

5,618

 

5,684

 

Balance at December 31, 2005

 

28,369

 

109,204

 

137,573

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and impairment losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at January 1, 2004

 

5,186

 

81,180

 

86,366

 

Depreciation charge for the year

 

1,049

 

12,411

 

13,460

 

Deconsolidations

 

(136

)

(251

)

(387

)

Divestments

 

(9

)

(6,905

)

(6,914

)

Effect of movements in foreign exchange

 

19

 

(1,797

)

(1,778

)

Balance at December 31, 2004

 

6,109

 

84,638

 

90,747

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at January 1, 2005

 

6,109

 

84,638

 

90,747

 

Depreciation charge for the year

 

1,372

 

12,107

 

13,479

 

Deconsolidations

 

(1,256

)

(7,009

)

(8,265

)

Divestments

 

(164

)

(18,460

)

(18,624

)

Effect of movements in foreign exchange

 

13

 

4,229

 

4,242

 

Balance at December 31, 2005

 

6,074

 

75,505

 

81,579

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carrying amounts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At January 1, 2004

 

12,292

 

33,754

 

46,046

 

At December 31, 2004

 

12,554

 

31,081

 

43,635

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At January 1, 2005

 

12,554

 

31,081

 

43,635

 

At December 31, 2005

 

22,295

 

33,699

 

55,994

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At December 31, 2005, the book value of tangible assets, financed by financial lease, was € 1,709 (2004: € 1,753).

F-20




 

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets consist of capitalized goodwill, identifiable intangibles and purchased software. The book value based on historical cost was as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

Identifiable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

intangible

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

assets

 

Software

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase price

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at January 1, 2004

 

38,183

 

 

15,915

 

54,098

 

(De)consolidations

 

 

 

 

 

(60

)

(60

)

Investments

 

13,290

 

2,451

 

2,940

 

18,681

 

Divestments

 

 

 

 

 

(610

)

(610

)

Effect of movements in foreign exchange

 

(1,047

)

 

 

(164

)

(1,211

)

Reclassification

 

(500

)

500

 

 

 

Other changes

 

 

 

 

 

80

 

80

 

Balance at December 31, 2004

 

49,926

 

2,951

 

18,101

 

70,978

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at January 1, 2005

 

49,926

 

2,951

 

18,101

 

70,978

 

(De)consolidations

 

1,118

 

 

(840

)

278

 

Investments

 

61,273

 

11,540

 

2,846

 

75,659

 

Divestments

 

 

 

 

 

(751

)

(751

)

Effect of movements in foreign exchange

 

3,666

 

188

 

777

 

4,631

 

Balance at December 31, 2005

 

115,983

 

14,679

 

20,133

 

150,795

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and impairment losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at January 1, 2004

 

 

 

 

12,707

 

12,707

 

Depreciation charge for the year

 

 

 

376

 

2,188

 

2,564

 

(De)consolidations

 

 

 

 

 

(107

)

(107

)

Investments

 

 

 

 

 

809

 

809

 

Divestments

 

 

 

 

 

(191

)

(191

)

Effect of movements in foreign exchange

 

 

 

 

 

(160

)

(160

)

Reclassification

 

(63

)

63

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2004

 

(63

)

439

 

15,246

 

15,622

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at January 1, 2005

 

(63

)

439

 

15,246

 

15,622

 

Depreciation charge for the year

 

 

 

5,967

 

1,732

 

7,699

 

(De)consolidations

 

 

 

 

 

(665

)

(665

)

Divestments

 

 

 

 

 

(424

)

(424

)

Effect of movements in foreign exchange

 

7

 

66

 

629

 

702

 

Reclassification

 

56

 

(56

)

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2005

 

 

6,416

 

16,518

 

22,934

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At January 1, 2004

 

38,183

 

 

3,208

 

41,391

 

At December 31, 2004

 

49,989

 

2,512

 

2,855

 

55,356

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At January 1, 2005

 

49,989

 

2,512

 

2,855

 

55,356

 

At December 31, 2005

 

115,983

 

8,263

 

3,615

 

127,861

 

F-21




 

The total goodwill capitalized was assigned to our geographic segments as follows:

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

The Netherlands

 

15,223

 

14,566

 

United States

 

63,154

 

16,638

 

Other European Countries

 

32,759

 

15,470

 

Rest of world

 

4,847

 

3,315

 

Total goodwill

 

115,983

 

49,989

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The amortization and depreciation charge is recognized in the following line items in the income statement:

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Amortization identifiable intangible assets

 

5,967

 

376

 

Depreciation of software

 

1,732

 

2,188

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The capitalized goodwill and identifiable intangible assets were tested for impairment. This test did not result in an impairment.

F-22




 

NOTE 8.  Investments in Non-Consolidated Companies

The principal non-consolidated interests at December 31, 2005 were the Brazilian companies Breitener Energética SA (5.5% owned), PIE-RP Termelétrica SA (25.0% owned), and a number of Dutch joint ventures.

Accounts receivable from and payables to non-consolidated companies are included in the financial statements as current assets and current liabilities, respectively, and amount to EUR 2,958 and EUR 160, respectively.

 

Investments in non-consolidated companies

 

 

 

 

 

Valued using the equity method

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at January 1

 

5,597

 

4,058

 

Changes as a result of

 

 

 

 

 

Equity share in income

 

1,382

 

2,422

 

Investments

 

416

 

235

 

(De)consolidations

 

(734

)

390

 

Divestments

 

34

 

 

Received dividends

 

(631

)

(2,073

)

Reclassification

 

 

(136

)

Other changes and exchange rate differences

 

1,387

 

701

 

 

 

1,854

 

1,539

 

Balance at December 31

 

7,451

 

5,597

 

 

Summarized Financial Information of Non-Consolidated Companies

The following tables present summarized financial information of ARCADIS non-consolidated companies in millions of EUR for fiscal years 2005 and 2004.

Summary of financial information on non-consolidated companies — 100 per cent in millions:

 

 

 

Assets

 

Liabilities

 

Equity

 

Gross
Revenue

 

Net income

 

2005

 

108.4

 

26.5

 

81.9

 

86.8

 

29.8

 

2004

 

148.5

 

76.7

 

71.8

 

122.4

 

40.7

 

 

The financial condition and results of operations of the followings non-consolidated companies are included in the Balance Sheet Data and Income Statement Data presented above:

F-23




 

% of Equity and Net Non-Consolidated Company Name

 

Income

 

PIE-RP Termelétrica SA

 

25.0

%

Breitener Energética SA

 

5.5

%*

Dynamicon B.V.

 

40.0

%

Ecosystems B.V.

 

20.0

%

Combinatie Oost-Achterhoek B.V.

 

20.0

%

Urbanet B.V.

 

25.0

%

Brainliner B.V.

 

33.3

%

Waterwolf Dienstverlening Buitenruimte B.V.

 

40.0

%

Grubbenvorst VOF

 

33.3

%

Assetrail B.V. i.o

 

20.0

%

VOF X-pact

 

12.0

%*

VOF Modislab

 

33.3

%


*                    These companies are valued against equity value, because ARCADIS’ operational influence is higher than its formal participation.

Related party transactions

Besides the transaction with the Lovinklaan Foundation, as mentioned in note 15, no other transactions with related parties took place in 2005.

Other long-term investments

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Investments in non-consolidated companies

 

501

 

641

 

Long-term receivables from non-consolidated companies

 

1,438

 

456

 

Total other long-term investments

 

1,939

 

1,097

 

 

Investments in non-consolidated companies

 

 

 

 

 

Valued at amortized cost

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at January 1

 

641

 

1,223

 

Changes as a result of

 

 

 

 

 

Equity share in income

 

 

26

 

Investments

 

499

 

275

 

(De)consolidations

 

(583

)

(374

)

Divestments

 

(74

)

(150

)

Received dividends

 

 

(26

)

Other changes and exchange rate differences

 

18

 

(333

)

 

 

(140

)

(582

)

Balance at December 31

 

501

 

641

 

 

F-24




 

Long-term receivables from non-consolidated companies

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at January 1

 

456

 

1,051

 

Changes as a result of

 

 

 

 

 

New receivables

 

1,526

 

600

 

Amortization loans

 

 

(700

)

Received

 

(593

)

(407

)

Other changes and exchange rate differences

 

49

 

(88

)

 

 

982

 

(595

)

Balance at December 31

 

1,438

 

456

 

 

Other assets

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at January 1

 

6,991

 

6,059

 

Changes as a result of

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidations

 

1,016

 

34

 

New receivables

 

3,416

 

1,416

 

Received

 

(1,565

)

(751

)

Reclassification

 

(180

)

136

 

Other changes and exchange rate differences

 

1,005

 

97

 

 

 

3,692

 

932

 

Balance at December 31

 

10,683

 

6,991

 

 

NOTE 9.   OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

Other current liabilities includes items maturing within one year and at December 31, 2005 and 2004 consisted of:

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Taxes and social security contributions

 

26,845   

 

28,334   

 

Payable to employees

 

14,669

 

14,172

 

Bank overdrafts and short term borrowings

 

4,196

 

9,772

 

Other liabilities

 

73,103

 

38,393

 

Total other current liabilities

 

118,813

 

90,671

 

 

F-25




NOTE 10.  LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt at December 31, 2005 and 2004 consisted of:

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Bank loans (interest rates between 3.1% and 7.2%)

 

85,691

 

31,065

 

Financial lease contracts (interest rates between 3.0% and 6.8%)

 

1,172

 

2,048

 

Other long-term debt (interest rates between 3.3% and 7.0%)

 

31,742

 

968

 

Subtotal

 

118,605

 

34,081

 

Current portion

 

2,456

 

21,115

 

Total long-term debt

 

116,149

 

12,966

 

 

The weighted average interest rate for 2005 and 2004 on interest bearing debt was 3.1% and 4.7%, respectively.

The aggregate maturity of long-term debt as of December 31, 2005 is as follows:

Years ending December 31,

 

 

Amount

 

2006

 

76,290

(1)

2007

 

16,569

 

2008

 

1,508

 

2009

 

271

 

2010

 

1,514

 

         Thereafter

 

19,997

 

 Total

 

116,149

 

 


1)                 In 2006, this debt will be refinanced on a long-term basis with due date in 2011 and is therefore classified long-term.

ARCADIS and its consolidated companies have short-term credit facilities available in the amount of EUR 258 million (2004: EUR 172 million) under arrangements with banks at interest rates which approximate the bank’s prime rates. At December 31, 2005, an amount of EUR 2.1 million (2004: EUR 9.8 million) was utilized from these credit facilities, and approximately EUR 40.0 million was used for guarantees (performance bonds), leaving approximately EUR 215.9 million available. A performance bond is a guarantee given by ARCADIS to the client related to the performance to be provided by ARCADIS. This secures the client with an income, in case ARCADIS would not perform according to the stipulations in the contract for which the performance bond is issued. If, however, ARCADIS fully meets all the requirements, the bond will be canceled.

F-26




NOTE 11.  DEFERRED TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

 

 

Deferred
Tax
Assets

 

Deferred
Tax
liabilities

 

Total

 

Balance at January 1, 2004

 

(8,702

)

14,012

 

5,310

 

Changes 2004 as a result of Consolidations

 

(107

)

703

 

596

 

Deconsolidations

 

 

(268

)

(268

)

Additions

 

(1,246

)

317

 

(929

)

Amounts used

 

111

 

(1,861

)

(1,750

)

Exchange rate differences

 

268

 

(774

)

(506

)

Balance at December 31, 2004

 

(9,676

)

12,129

 

2,453

 

Changes 2005 as a result of Consolidations

 

(6,122

)

5,588

 

(534

)

Additions

 

(4,810

)

7,427

 

2,617

 

Amounts used

 

3,881

 

(503

)

3,378

 

Unused amounts reversed during the period

 

4,127

 

 

4,127

 

Exchange rate differences

 

(612

)

1,611

 

999

 

Balance at December 31, 2005

 

(13,212

)

26,252

 

13,040

 

 

The components of deferred taxes included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2005 and 2004 are as follows:

 

 

Assets

 

Liabilities

 

Net

 

Sources of deferral

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

Goodwill/identifiables

 

 

 

3,038

 

206

 

3,038

 

206

 

Derivatives

 

 

 

510

 

 

510

 

 

Work in progress

 

(580

)

(324

)

18,958

 

10,635

 

18,378

 

10,311

 

Accrued expenses

 

(5,482

)

(3,568

)

 

 

(5,482

)

(3,568

)

Share based payments

 

(1,960

)

 

 

 

(1,960

)

 

Deferred compensation

 

(2,202

)

(5,784

)

 

 

(2,202

)

(5,784

)

Cash method

 

 

 

3,054

 

901

 

3,054

 

901

 

Net operating losses

 

(4,873

)

(1,885

)

 

 

(4,873

)

(1,885

)

Less valuation allowance

 

1,885

 

1,885

 

 

 

1,885

 

1,885

 

Others

 

 

 

692

 

387

 

692

 

387

 

Balance at December 31

 

(13,212

)

(9,676

)

26,252

 

12,129

 

13,040

 

2,453

 

 

The valuation allowance has been established to reserve for recognition of tax benefits on net operating losses of certain subsidiary companies. The gross operating losses which might be compensated by future profits amount to EUR 13,035 in 2005 and EUR 5,172 in 2004. The change in valuation allowance for fiscal 2005 amounted to EUR 0.0 million and in 2004 amounted to a decrease of EUR 0.1 million,.

F-27




NOTE 12.  OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

 

 

Pension
Obligations

 

Deferred
Compensation

 

Restructuring

 

Litigation

 

Other

 

Total

 

Balance at January 1, 2004 

 

17,370

 

1,207

 

3,999

 

1,155

 

725

 

24,456

 

Changes 2004 as a result of Deconsolidations

 

 

 

(1,079

)

 

 

(1,079

)

Additions

 

1,902

 

 

9,451

 

323

 

881

 

12,557

 

Amounts used

 

(205

)

(13

)

(7,911

)

(75

)

(147

)

(8,351

)

Exchange rate differences

 

(164

)

 

 

 

 

(164

)

Balance at December 31, 2004

 

18,903

 

1,194

 

4,460

 

1,403

 

1,459

 

27,419

 

Changes 2005 as a result of Consolidations

 

 

 

 

493

 

 

493

 

Deconsolidations

 

 

 

(966

)

(145

)

(861

)

(1,972

)

Additions

 

1,820

 

95

 

2,424

 

2,739

 

234

 

7,312

 

Amounts used

 

(499

)

(27

)

(3,158

)

(791

)

(377

)

(4,852

)

Unused amounts reversed during the period

 

(13,100

)

 

 

 

 

(13,100

)

Exchange rate differences

 

460

 

 

 

 

58

 

518

 

Balance at December 31, 2005

 

7,584

 

1,262

 

2,760

 

3,699

 

513

 

15,818

 

 

     Of the provisions, the amount of € 4.0 million is of a current nature. Non-current is € 11.8 million.

Pensions

Employees of PRC, which was acquired in 2003, until recently had a pension plan that under IFRS was classified as a defined benefit pension plan. In the transition from NL GAAP to IFRS a provision was recorded in the 2004 opening balance sheet, which was charged directly to equity. By the end of 2005 the defined benefit pension plan was changed into a defined contribution pension plan. The provision of € 13.1 million recorded as of December 31, 2004 for the defined benefit pension plan, was released to income in 2005.

Other categories of provisions

The restructuring provision is built for the restructuring of some parts of the Company, especially in the Netherlands. ARCADIS has received claims. As far as these claims are not covered by professional liability insurances, a provision for litigation is built. Some minor provisions are taken on an aggregate level under the heading “Other provisions”.

F-28




NOTE 13.  SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Share capital.  At December 31, 2005,  ARCADIS’ authorized share capital was EUR 5,000,010, divided into 200 priority shares, par value EUR 0.05; 50,000,000 shares of cumulative preferred stock, par value EUR 0.05; 10,000,000 shares of cumulative financing preferred stock (divided over four series of 2,500,000 shares each), and 40,000,000 shares of common stock, par value EUR 0.05. At December 31, 2005, the number of shares issued consisted of 200 priority shares, and 20,645,615 shares of common stock. No shares of preferred stock are issued or outstanding.

The priority shares are held by the “Stichting Prioriteit ARCADIS N.V.”, a non-profit foundation which currently has 20 board members: seven members of the ARCADIS’ Supervisory Board, three members of the ARCADIS’ Executive Board and ten members from the Board of the Foundation Bellevue, a foundation established in Arnhem, who’s board members are appointed by and from ARCADIS’ international employee base of the ARCADIS group. Under the Articles of Association, certain transactions by ARCADIS must be approved by vote of at least eleven of the directors of the Stichting Prioriteit ARCADIS N.V.. Actions which require approval of the Foundation are as follows:

 (1)   The issuance, acquisition and disposal of shares in the Company;

 (2)   Amendments to the Articles of Association;

 (3)   The dissolution of the Company and the filing for bankruptcy;

 (4)   The entry into or termination of long-term cooperative ventures of substantial significance; and

 (5)   Investments (including entering into participations) for an amount equal to at least 25% of shareholders’ equity.

The Stichting Preferente Aandelen ARCADIS N.V. (Preferred Stock Foundation ARCADIS N.V.) established in Arnhem since 1995, has as its objective the protection and promotion of the interests of ARCADIS N.V. and its affiliated companies and all parties involved. The Board of this Foundation consists of four persons appointed by the Company’s Executive Board. The Foundation has been granted the right to acquire the ARCADIS’ preferred (protection) shares up to a maximum equal to the number of outstanding shares issued at the date in question.   ARCADIS N.V. has been granted the right to issue the same number of preferred shares to the Foundation. Both options may only be exercised provided the interests of ARCADIS N.V., its affiliated enterprises, and all parties involved were to warrant this.

ARCADIS NV 1994 and 1996 Incentive Plan

ARCADIS NV had specific employee stock options plans for its American employees. At December 31, 2005, 287,664 (2004: 454,139) options were outstanding. These can be exercised at prices ranging from US$ 6.75 to US$ 15.00 (2004: US$ 6.75 and US$ 15.00); the average exercise price is US$ 10.20  (2004: US$ 9.77). During 2005, no options were granted under these plans. During 2005, 142,350 options were exercised (2004: 223,238) with exercise prices between US$ 6.75 and US$ 11.50 (2004: US$ 6.75 and US$ 11.50), while 24,125 options with exercise prices ranging from US$ 6.75 to US$ 15.00 were cancelled. The closing price of ARCADIS shares on NASDAQ on December 31, 2005, was US$ 31.60 (2004: US$ 18.42). One option entitles the holder to one share. On December 31, 2005, option holders had the opportunity to exercise 148,639 options at prices ranging from US$ 6.75 to US$ 14.60. These plans expired in 2003 and in May 2005, so that no new options may be granted under these plans. The options granted under these plans are valid for a ten-year period and generally become vested after a three-year period.

ARCADIS NV 2001 Long Term Incentive Share Option Plan

From 2001, a new worldwide option plan was introduced for the senior management of the Company. On May 13, 2005, 210,000 options were granted under this plan with an exercise price of € 17.94. In May and June, 28,220 options with exercise prices ranging from US$ 21.77 to US$ 23.01 were granted to the Corporate Director of Mergers & Acquisitions. In June 2005, 49,980 options were granted to the management and key staff of AYH related to the acquisition of the company. The exercise price is € 19.25. On December 31, 2005, a total number of 899,391 options were outstanding under the 2001 plan. The average exercise price is € 12.00. On December 31, 2005, option holders had the opportunity to exercise 167,200 options against prices varying from € 9.20 to € 10.79. The closing price of ARCADIS shares on Euronext on December 30, 2005 was € 26.80.

F-29




ARCADIS NV 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan

In May 2005, the General Meeting of Shareholders agreed to a number of changes in the 2001 plan. These changes are the result of the implementation of the Dutch Corporate Governance Code, as well as the expiration of the ARCADIS 1996 Incentive Plan. Following are the primary changes that were introduced:

·                  In addition to rights to shares (option rights) other share-related incentives can be granted, such as Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock (units) and Incentive shares.

·                  The granting of (rights to) shares can be related to the goals or performance criteria as set by the ARCADIS NV Supervisory Board. This Committee also determines the moment at which the granted (rights to) shares can be exercised.

·                  The number of (rights to) shares totals 2,500,000. The plan has been extended to December 31, 2011. In its December 2005 meeting, the Supervisory Board approved the revised text of the 2001 plan, now titled the ARCADIS NV 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

On May 13, 2005, and under the conditions of this plan, 40,000 conditional options ware granted to the members of the Executive Board against an exercise price of € 17,94. In addition, under of this plan, 60,000 options (with an exercise price US$ 21.01) were granted to the Corporate Director of Mergers & Acquisitions, and 149,968 options (with an exercise price US$ 21.14) were granted to the management and key staff of BBL related to the acquisition of that company. In May 2005 under the conditions of this plan, 17,000 conditional share units were granted to the members of the Executive Board, in line with the revised remuneration policy for the Executive Board as adopted by the General Meeting of Shareholders in May 2005. The administrative settlement of these options and shares will take place in the first quarter of 2006.

Overview of incentive shares granted

Provisional (rights to) shares granted on

 

 

 

Granted

 

Unconditional in

 

Amount

 

Expired

 

May 11, 2005

 

17,000

 

2008

 

191,418

 

 

 

 

F-30




 

Overview of options granted

 

Option plan
from year

 

 

Maximum

 

Granted

 

Exercise
price

 

Withdrawn

 

Exercised

 

Outstanding

 

Expiration
date

 

1994

 

520,000

 

*) 51,878

 

US$9.13

 

35,752

 

16,126

 

0

 

03-26-2006

 

 

 

 

 

74,500

 

US$9.13

 

34,442

 

35,058

 

5,000

 

03-26-2006

 

1996

 

850,000

 

99,695

 

US$11.50

 

38,000

 

59,195

 

2.500

 

04-01-2008

 

 

 

 

 

*)305

 

US$11.50

 

 

305

 

0

 

04-01-2008

 

 

 

 

 

82,500

 

US$6.75

 

25,270

 

44,360

 

12,870

 

03-17-2009

 

 

 

 

 

122,123

 

US$6.75

 

28,900

 

62,495

 

30,728

 

05-17-2010

 

 

 

 

 

*)6,627

 

US$6.75

 

 

2,605

 

4,022

 

05-17-2010

 

 

 

 

 

110,937

 

US$8.00

 

36,700

 

29,390

 

44,847

 

05-23-2011

 

 

 

 

 

*)7,813

 

US$8.00

 

 

3,810

 

4,003

 

05-23-2011

 

 

 

 

 

31,779

 

US$9.44

 

 

24,717

 

7,062

 

06-14-2012

 

 

 

 

 

*)3,221

 

US$9.44

 

 

2,147

 

1,074

 

06-14-2012

 

 

 

 

 

10,000

 

US$10.25

 

 

 

10,000

 

05-09-2013

 

 

 

 

 

60,000

 

US$11.50

 

9,600

 

 

50,400

 

06-13-2013

 

 

 

 

 

30,000

 

US$8.70

 

2,000

 

 

28,000

 

08-18-2013

 

 

 

 

 

*) 19,848

 

US$11.85

 

 

 

19,848

 

06-13-2013

 

 

 

 

 

787

 

US$9.86

 

 

 

787

 

05-09-2013

 

 

 

 

 

*)7,865

 

US$8.75

 

 

5,243

 

2,622

 

08-18-2013

 

 

 

 

 

1,257

 

US$9.33

 

 

 

1,257

 

05-07-2013

 

 

 

 

 

*) 1,088

 

US$10.06

 

 

 

1,088

 

08-08-2013

 

 

 

 

 

*) 30,800

 

US$10.19

 

 

26,200

 

4,600

 

10-16-2013

 

 

 

 

 

2,136

 

US$11.80

 

 

 

2,136

 

12-31-2013

 

 

 

 

 

7,864

 

US$11.80

 

 

 

7,864

 

12-31-2013

 

 

 

 

 

*) 1,456

 

US$13.70

 

 

 

1,456

 

06-29-2014

 

 

 

 

 

*) 4,525

 

US$14.00

 

 

 

4,525

 

09-24-2014

 

 

 

 

 

*) 5,200

 

US$14.29

 

 

 

5,200

 

10-15-2014

 

 

 

 

 

*) 8,000

 

US$14.60

 

 

 

8,000

 

11-03-2014

 

 

 

 

 

30,000

 

US$15.00

 

2,225

 

 

27,775

 

11-03-2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Subtotals

 

 

 

812,204

 

 

 

212,889

 

311,651

 

287,664

 

 

 

1994/1996

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2001

 

2,500,000

 

195,000

 

€9.20

 

5,000

 

140,000

 

50,000

 

05-22-2011

 

 

 

 

 

254,100

 

€10.79

 

55,622

 

90,278

 

108,200

 

05-15-2012

 

 

 

 

 

9,000

 

€8.50

 

 

 

9,000

 

08-28-2012

 

 

 

 

 

290,250

 

€8.93

 

56,389

 

611

 

233,250

 

05-13-2013

 

 

 

 

 

230,779

 

€8.50

 

3,682

 

 

227,097

 

10-16-2013

 

 

 

 

 

210,000

 

€17.94

 

13,500

 

 

196,500

 

05-10-2015

 

 

 

 

 

5,160

 

US$21.77

 

 

 

5,160

 

05-11-2015

 

 

 

 

 

18,260

 

US$23.01

 

 

 

18,260

 

06-23-2015

 

 

 

 

 

4,800

 

US$23.00

 

 

 

4,800

 

06-30-2015

 

 

 

 

 

49,980

 

€19.25

 

2,856

 

 

47,124

 

06-23-2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Subtotal 2001

 

 

 

1,267,329

 

 

 

137,049

 

230,889

 

899,391

 

 

 

2005

 

 

 

40,000

 

€17.94

 

 

 

40,000

 

05-10-2015

 

 

 

 

 

60,000

 

€21.01

 

 

 

60,000

 

09-30-2015

 

 

 

 

 

149,968

 

US$21.14

 

 

 

149,968

 

09-30-2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Subtotal 2005

 

 

 

249,968

 

 

 

 

 

249,968

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

2,329,501

 

 

 

349,938

 

542,540

 

1,437,023

 

 

 

 

*) “Unconditional”

F-31




 

A summary of the combined activities under ARCADIS Stock Option Plans for each year in the two-year period ended December 31, 2005 is as follows:

 

 

Number of
ARCADIS
Shares

 

Exercise price
range in US$

 

Number of
ARCADIS
Shares

 

Exercise price
range in
EUR

 

Balance — January 1, 2004

 

607,768

 

6.75 to 11.85

 

953,129

 

8.50 to 10.79

 

Granted

 

91,069

 

10.06 to 15.00

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(223,238

)

6.75 to 11.50

 

(70,000

)

9.20

 

Forfeited

 

(21,460

)

6.75 to 11.50

 

(73,327

)

8.50 to 10.79

 

Balance — December 31, 2004

 

454,139

 

6.75 to 15.00

 

809,802

 

8.50 to 10.79

 

Granted

 

28,220

 

21.77 to 23.01

 

509,948

 

17.94 to 21.14

 

Exercised

 

(142,350

)

6.75 to 11.50

 

(160,889

)

8.93 to 10.79

 

Forfeited

 

(24,125

)

6.75 to 15.00

 

(37,722

)

8.50 to 19.25

 

Balance — December 31, 2005

 

315,884

 

6.75 to 23.01

 

1,121,139

 

8.50 to 21.14

 

 

At December 31, 2005 and 2004, options to purchase 315,839 and 346,421 shares, respectively, were exercisable.

Total options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2005 were as follows:

 

 

Options Outstanding

 

Options Exercisable

 

 

 

Option Price Per Share

 

 

Number

 

Weighted
Average Life

 

Weighted
Average Exercise
Price Per Share

 

Number

 

Weighted
Average Exercise
Price Per Share

 

$6.75-8.50

 

96,470

 

4.8

 

$7.38

 

83,620

 

$7.29

 

$8.51-10.00

 

45,802

 

6.6

 

8.92

 

17,802

 

9.26

 

$10.01-11.50

 

68,588

 

7.2

 

11.21

 

8,188

 

10.57

 

$11.51-15.00

 

76,804

 

8.3

 

13.60

 

39,029

 

13.06

 

$15.01-20.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

$20.01-24.00

 

28,220

 

9.5

 

22.78

 

 

 

Total

 

315,884

 

 

 

Average 11.32

 

148,639

 

Average 9.22

 

EUR 8.50-11.00

 

627,547

 

7.0

 

EUR 9.11

 

167,200

 

EUR 10.19

 

EUR 11.01-17.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

EUR 17.01-22.00

 

493,592

 

9.5

 

19.41

 

 

 

Total

 

1,121,139

 

 

 

Average 13.65

 

167,200

 

Average 10.19

 

 

Purchase or issuance of shares

Regarding the ARCADIS Incentive plans, the intention is to minimize dilution by purchasing (a portion of) the shares needed for these plans. In 2005, no shares were issued as a result of options being exercised (2004: 215,238). The following amounts of shares were purchased:

Year

 

 

 

Number of shares

 

 

 

 

Price at time of purchase

 

2002

 

300,000

 

€ 10.75

2003

 

112,972

 

€ 7.74 to € 8.65

2004

 

500

 

€ 8.65

2004

 

11,400

 

US$18.40 to US$18.65

2005

 

217,013

 

€ 18.25 to € 27.24

2005

 

115,033

 

US$17.00 to US$30.94

 

F-32




 

In 2005, the Company repurchased 217,013 shares against a price ranging from € 18.25 to € 27.24, and 115,033 shares against a price ranging from US $ 17.00 to US $ 30.94; these shares are to cover the options granted. This temporary repurchase has been deducted from the Other Reserves.

Of the shares purchased, a total number of 303,239 throughout 2005 have been placed back in the market through the exercise of options. The net proceeds were € 2,624,000-.

Outstanding shares of common stock:

 

 

January 1

 

Issuing shares

 

Repurchase
shares

 

Reissuing
shares

 

December 31

 

2004

 

20,017,405

 

215,238

 

11,900

 

78,000

 

20,298,743

 

2005

 

20,298,743

 

 

332,046

 

303,239

 

20,269,936

 

 

Additional paid-in capital. Additional paid-in capital represents the premium paid in excess of par value of shares at the time of issuance of new shares or exercise of stock options. If ARCADIS declared a distribution to shareholders of additional paid-in-capital, at least EUR 17.6 million of the additional paid-in capital would not be taxable under the 1964 Dutch income tax legislation.

At the end of 2005 an agreement was made with the Lovinklaan foundation, ARCADIS’ largest shareholder, that this foundation would pay ARCADIS € 6,509 to support an adjustment of the early retirement plan for Dutch employees (see note 10). Such payment by a shareholder is considered additional paid-in capital.

                Retained earnings.   The Executive Board is authorized to propose to the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, with the approval of the Supervisory Board, which part of the profit shall be paid as dividend. That which remains shall be added to the equity of the Company. The holder of the priority shares is entitled to a dividend of 5% of the par value of the priority shares. For fiscal year 2005, the Executive Board with the approval of the Supervisory Board proposes to present for approval by the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders a dividend amount of EUR 13.4 million which represents a dividend of EUR 0.66 per outstanding share of common stock. On May 17, 2006, the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of ARCADIS NV approved the 2005 dividend proposal. For fiscal year 2004, a dividend was proposed and accepted amounting to EUR 0.48 per outstanding share of common stock. There are no restrictions on the distribution of retained earnings.

NOTE 14.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

   Banks have issued guarantees (performance bonds) up to the amount of € 40.0 million (2004: € 37.7 million).

    Payments made under non-cancelable operating leases during 2005 and 2004 were EUR 29.6 million and EUR 32.8 million respectively. Commitments on account of rent and operational lease contracts amount to €  142.6 million (2004: € 121.6 million). Future minimum payments for these non-cancellable operating leases during the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in millions of EUR):

Years ending December 31,

 

Amount
Operational
Lease

         2006

 

34.4

         2007

 

27.3

         2008

 

22.2

         2009

 

18.7

         2010

 

25.8

Thereafter

 

14.2

 

 

 

        Total

 

142.6

 

F-33




 

At December 31, 2005, ARCADIS had EUR 26.8 million commitments arising from acquisitions and participations.

Litigation

ARCADIS N.V. and its group companies are from time to time involved in litigation issues, all of which are contested. Also based on legal advice, management believes that the outcome of pending cases will not have a material effect on the consolidated financial condition of Arcadis N.V. but could be material to the Company’s operational results in any one accounting period.

Guarantees

As a partner in a number of partnerships, ARCADIS is liable for the contractual obligations these companies enter into. The potential risk pertaining to these obligations amounted to € 0.3 million (2004: € 0.4 million).

NOTE 15. OPERATIONAL COST

The operational cost for the years 2005 and 2004 consist of following items:

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Salaries and wages

 

349,966

 

325,497

 

Social charges

 

55,284

 

51,152

 

Pension and early retirement charges

 

15,574

 

16,791

 

Other personnel costs including temporary labor

 

63,657

 

55,280

 

Total personnel cost

 

484,481

 

448,720

 

Occupancy expenses

 

42,986

 

42,919

 

Travel expenses

 

32,274

 

29,615

 

Office expenses

 

23,308

 

19,659

 

Other operational cost

 

44,636

 

40,075

 

 

 

627,685

 

580,988

 

 

Option expenses

In accordance with IFRS 2, the company’s stock option plans qualify as so-called equity-settled plans. As a consequence, the company has to charge the fair value of the stock options against income (spread over the vesting period). The amount is taken into account in equity directly.

Under other personnel cost an amount of € 0.6 million is included for the options granted to personnel in 2005, 2004 and 2003 under the different option plans. In calculating the amount, the fair value of each option was estimated as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

Expected dividend yield

 

3.5

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

4.0

%

Expected volatility

 

35

%

Expected life of option

 

5 years

 

Expected forfeitures

 

15

%

 

Incentive shares

On May 11, 2005, the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders approved the conditional granting of 17,000 incentive shares to the members of the Executive Board. The costs of this grant amount to EUR 0.2 million. These costs are amortized over the three-year period because the grant becomes unconditional after three years. The expenses for 2005 amount to EUR 0.1 million and are included in the other personnel costs.

F-34




 

The following parameters were used to calculate the costs:

Share price at grant date

 

17.94

 

Expected dividend yield

 

2.57

%

Risk-free interest rate

 

3.30

%

Foregone dividend

 

7.2

%

Performance discount

 

30.0

%

 

Options and shares granted are conditional in nature and depend on attaining a performance measure after three years. The performance measure is Total Shareholder Return (TSR), defined as share price increase plus dividend. This measure stimulates the creation of shareholder value in the longer term.

Each year, a three-year cycle begins, whereby achievements are measured at the end of the period against a peer group of companies of comparable size and breadth. ARCADIS’ position in the peer group (10 companies including ARCADIS) determines whether the (conditional) options and shares granted earlier become unconditional.

The following table indicates the number of options and shares that can become unconditional at the end of each three-year period depending on ARCADIS’ relative position in comparison to the peer group.

Position against peer group

 

 

 

Number of conditional options and
shares that become unconditional

 

 

First

 

150%

Fourth

 

100%

Seventh

 

50%

Below seventh

 

0%

Between first and seventh

 

Determined by interpolation

 

Pension costs

Per January 1, 2004, the pension plan for Dutch employees, excluding employees of PRC, was changed into a pension plan that is classified as a defined contribution plan under IFRS. This means that, except for the pension premium, this plan does not affect ARCADIS’ results and balance sheet. The introduction of new legislation on January 1, 2006 however impact the early retirement plan. The Lovinklaan Foundation, which — as a major ARCADIS shareholder — acts in the interest of employees, pledged funding to correct this impact. The required (non-recurring) donation of € 9.5 million to the pension fund was charged against 2005 income. Thanks to the € 6.5 million capital contribution by the Lovinklaan Foundation, the effect (after taxes) on ARCADIS equity was zero.

Due to the transition of the PRC pension plan by the end of 2005 to a defined contribution plan under IFRS, a provision of € 13.1 million was released to income in 2005. In the 2004 IFRS income statement a benefit of € 1.2 million was recorded regarding this plan. The transition to a defined contribution plan required in 2005 a one time additional donation to the PRC pension fund of € 2.3 million.

F-35




 

NOTE 16. TAXES ON INCOME

The tax effects of significant timing differences that give rise to year-end deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset within each taxable entity. Deferred tax assets in excess of these amounts are recognized if their realization is more likely than not.

The geographic breakdown of income before taxes, including income before taxes from non-consolidated companies and long-term investments and including gross extraordinary items in 2005 and 2004 are as follows:

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

The Netherlands

 

12,442

 

7,891

 

Foreign

 

41,484

 

26,612

 

Income before taxes

 

53,926

 

34,503

 

 

The geographic breakdown of income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Income is as follows:

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Current tax

 

(5,420

)

2,165

 

The Netherlands

 

11,994

 

10,395

 

Foreign

 

6,574

 

12,560

 

Deferred tax

 

6,824

 

(424

)

The Netherlands

 

3,944

 

(1,736

)

Foreign

 

10,768

 

(2,160

)

Total taxes

 

17,342

 

10,400

 

 

At December 31, 2005, operating loss carry-forwards for tax purposes amounted to EUR 13.0 million which can be carried forward indefinitely. Net operating losses of EUR 0.0 million were utilized during 2005 and 2004.

The following table reconciles the normal corporate tax rate in the Netherlands to the effective consolidated rates:

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Nominal tax rate in the Netherlands

 

31.5

%

34.5

%

Foreign tax rate differences

 

2.9

 

0.7

 

New loss carry forwards

 

 

0.2

 

Settlements

 

(0.1

)

(1.0

)

Amortization of identifiable intangible assets

 

0.8

 

0.4

 

Income from non-consolidated companies

 

(0.8

)

(2.4

)

Non-taxable profits

 

(1.9

)

(4.3

)

Non-deductible expenses

 

0.4

 

0.5

 

Change in corporate tax percentage Netherlands

 

(0.6

)

1.5

 

Effective tax rates

 

32.2

%

30.1

%

 

F-36




 

Non taxable items relate mainly to income from non-consolidated companies and long-term investments, amortization of goodwill and the gain on the sale of investments.

At December 31, 2005, approximately EUR 76.6 million of retained earnings were considered to be permanently reinvested by certain foreign subsidiaries. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of the unrecognized deferred tax liability for these undistributed earnings. Consequently, deferred taxes have not been provided for unremitted earnings of these subsidiaries.

NOTE 17.  PENSION PLANS

As declared in note 12 and 15 ARCADIS has under IFRS by the end of 2005 no pension plans that qualify as defined benefit pension plans. Under IFRS ARCADIS has for certain employees collective defined contribution pension plans which qualify as defined benefit plans under US GAAP. The benefits under these plans are based primarily on years of service and employees’ compensation near retirement. The funding policy of the plans is consistent with local requirements. Obligations under the defined benefit plans are met by systematically depositing funds with the trustees or separate foundations, under insurance policies, or by financial statement accruals. The actuarial calculations are made with use of the Projected Unit Credit Method. Expected Return is a component of the determination of the pension expense. The difference between Actual Return and Expected Return is recorded as an Unrecognized Net Gain or Loss on the balance sheet. The Unrecognized Net Gains or Losses are in accordance with the corridor approach and amortized when it exceeds 10% of the larger of the beginning balance of the projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets. Amortization of the excess unrecognized net gain or loss is included as a component of pension expense.

Pension costs included in the Consolidated Statements of Income as computed under IFRS for the plans that are considered to be defined benefit pension plans under US GAAP, amounted to EUR 7.4 million charge in 2005 and EUR 15.5 million charge in 2004.

Pension costs for these plans computed in compliance with US GAAP in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 87, “Employer’s Accounting for Pensions” (“SFAS 87”) for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 were as follows:

 

 

2005

 

2006

 

Service cost-benefit earned during the period

 

15,277

 

13,200

 

Interest cost on projected benefit obligations

 

31,574

 

33,900

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(35,230

)

(36,600

)

Net amortization , deferral and other*

 

2,563

 

15,400

 

Net pension cost

 

14,184

 

25,900

 


*                    includes for 2004 a revision of the estimate of the net
projected benefit obligation associated with PRC acquisition.

Reconciliation of pension costs:

 

 

2005

 

2004

Employer contribution

 

20,533

 

15,500

Unused amounts of pension provisions

 

(13,100

)

Net pension cost under IFRS

 

7,433

 

15,500

Net pension costs in compliance with US GAAP

 

14,184

 

25,900

Reconciling item of net income

 

(6,751

)

10,400

 

F-37




The funded status of these defined benefit pension plans for US GAAP purposes was as follows:

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

Assets exceed
accumulated benefits

 

Accumulated benefits
exceed assets

 

Accumulated benefits
exceed assets

 

Change in Projected Benefit Obligation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit Obligation at beginning of the year

 

634,200

 

63,100

 

590,200

 

Addition PRC

 

 

 

56,800

 

Service cost

 

13,449

 

1,828

 

13,200

 

Interest cost

 

28,632

 

2,942

 

33,900

 

Plan participants’ contributions

 

3,188

 

764

 

3,500

 

Benefits paid

 

(29,206

)

(2,002

)

(29,400

)

Actuarial (gain)loss, including changes in assumptions

 

3,581

 

4,281

 

29,100

 

Benefit obligation at end of the year

 

653,844

 

70,913

 

697,300

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in plan assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

 

596,400

 

46,600

 

561,700

 

Addition PRC

 

 

 

42,500

 

Actual return on plan assets

 

88,010

 

9,207

 

49,200

 

Employer contribution

 

18,882

 

1,604

 

15,900

 

Plan participants’ contributions

 

3,188

 

764

 

3,100

 

Benefits paid

 

(29,206

)

(2,002

)

(29,400

)

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

 

677,274

 

56,173

 

643,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepaid /(accrued) benefit costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Funded status

 

23,430

 

(14,740

)

(54,300

)

(Asset) at transition

 

 

 

(51

)

Unrecognized actuarial loss

 

44,324

 

315

 

120,600

 

Unrecognized prior service cost

 

13,138

 

403

 

(5,552

)

Prepaid/accrued benefit cost

 

80,892

 

(14,022

)

60,697

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classification of the net balances is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepaid benefit costs

 

80,892

 

 

 

Accrued benefit liability

 

 

(13,652

)

(38,900

)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

 

 

99,597

 

Prepaid benefit costs, net

 

80,892

 

(13,652

)

60,697

 

 

The Accumulated Benefit Obligation (ABO) amounted to EUR  648.8 million at December 31, 2005 for defined benefit pension plans where assets exceed accumulated benefits and EUR 69.8 million for defined benefit pension plans where accumulated benefits exceed assets. The Accumulated Benefit Obligation (ABO) amounted to EUR 681.9 million at December 31, 2004.

F-38




 

The pension plan asset allocation for the years 2005 and 2004, and the target allocation for 2006 for the pension plan in the Netherlands by asset category are as follows:

 

 

Target
allocation 2006

 

Percentage of
plan assets at
December 31, 2005

 

Percentage of
plan assets at
December 31, 2004

 

Bonds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

—Government

 

12.5

%

14.5

%

10.1

%

—Credits

 

20.0

 

13.1

 

18.7

 

—High yield

 

7.5

 

4.7

 

7.8

 

Equity securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

—Mature markets

 

30.0

 

37.2

 

34.9

 

—Emerging markets

 

5.0

 

10.2

 

7.3

 

Real estate

 

20.0

 

8.6

 

5.5

 

Hedge funds

 

5.0

 

8.9

 

12.6

 

Other

 

 

2.8

 

3.1

 

Total

 

100

%

100

%

100

%

 

Furthermore risk will be reduced by reducing the gap between the duration of the liabilities and the duration of the assets. Instruments that will be used are Interest Rate Swaps and Swaptions.

In 2005, the Pension Fund evaluated the long-term investment strategy. The conclusion of the Asset Liability Management study was that because of new rules of the Dutch authorities the fund can no longer accept the same risks as it accepted in the past. Therefore the board of the Pension Fund decided that the new strategic asset mix will be as stated in the table above. In the Asset liability Management Study the following assumptions were made for the expected returns:

Category

 

 

 

Percentage

 

Bonds

 

 

 

—Government

 

4.0

%

—Credits

 

4.4

 

—High yield

 

5.1

 

Equity securities

 

 

 

—Mature markets

 

7.0

 

—Emerging markets

 

8.8

 

Real estate

 

5.2

 

Hedge funds

 

5.3

 

Expected return

 

5.6

 

 

The overall expected long-term return is a weighted-average of the expected returns from the distinguished asset categories.

F-39




 

The expected returns on bonds are based on the market capital rate at the end of 2005. The returns on equities are based on the bond return plus historical data based premium of 3% for the higher risk on equities. The expected return on hedge fund is the return on cash (2%) plus premium of 3.3%. The Pension Fund has decided to invest in “fund-of-fund” hedge funds with a very low tracking error. The fund-of-fund hedge funds invest in non-directional strategies in order to attain a diversification that leads to an investment portfolio with a low correlation to stock markets. The fund-of-fund hedge funds in which the Pension Fund invests realized returns that were higher than the assumed 5.3% in the Asset Liability Management study. In order to be prudent, with 3.3% the Pension Fund has decided for a premium that is on the low side of the range. The returns on real estate is in range with the maximum assumption that the Dutch authorities (De Nederlandsche Bank) allows a pension fund to use for this category.

Most of those assets were purchased and managed by investment funds of external investment managers: ING, Robeco, Delta Lloyd, Frank Rusell and Fagoed. Only a small part of the assets (2%) are managed by the fund itself.

The benefits that will be paid in the next 10 years are estimated as follows:

Benefits

 

 

 

Millions of EUR

 

2006

 

31.0

 

2007

 

31.1

 

2008

 

32.8

 

2009

 

34.6

 

2010

 

35.8

 

2011 - 2015

 

183.5

 

 

In the next fiscal year (2006), the contribution to the plan was estimated at EUR 20.7 million.

The obligations with respect to pension plans were determined using the following rates:

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Discount rate

 

4.00

%

4.50

%

Assumed long-term rate of compensation increase

 

2.00

 

2.00

 

Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets

 

5.50

%

5.50

%

 

Plan assets principally consist of long-term interest earning investments, quoted and listed securities, and real estate assets.

The principal defined benefit plans referred to above cover approximately 22% of ARCADIS employees. The remaining plans primarily represent defined contribution plans. Expenses for these plans totaled EUR 5.9 million in 2005 and EUR 2.0 million in 2004 under both IFRS and U.S. GAAP.

Due to the increase of stock markets in 2005, the value of plan assets exceeded the accumulated benefit obligation for the defined benefit pension plan for Dutch employees excluding employees of PRC. For the defined benefit plan for the employees of PRC the accumulated benefit obligation for the defined benefit plan exceeded the value of plan assets. As a consequence, the Company recognized in 2005 additional provisions for minimum pension liabilities. This provision amounted to € 13.7 million.

Due to the substantial decline of stock markets in previous years, the accumulated benefit obligation for the defined benefit plan exceeded the value of plan assets. As a consequence, the Company recognized an additional provision for minimum pension liabilities amounted to € 99.6 million before taxes at December 31, 2004 and was created through a direct charge against shareholders’ equity. After taxes, the amount was € 65.5 million.

F-40




 

NOTE 18. Application of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America

The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) applied in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements of ARCADIS N.V. differ in some respects from those generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP). Those differences which have a material effect on net income and/or shareholders’ equity are as follows:

(a) Under U.S. GAAP, the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired (“goodwill”) is capitalized. Prior to the adoption of SFAS 141 and SFAS 142, goodwill was amortized over its estimated useful life ranging between 10 and 25 years. Since the adoption of SFAS 141, which applies to all business combinations completed after June 30, 2001, and the adoption of SFAS 142, which applies to all existing goodwill since January 1, 2002, goodwill is no longer amortized, but an annual impairment test is performed on the remaining unamortized goodwill. At year-end 2005, goodwill for US GAAP purposes exceeded the amount capitalized under IFRS by EUR 33.2 million, compared to EUR 39.3 million at the end of 2004 because the company continued amortizing goodwill until the adoption of IFRS. The Company performs its annual impairment test as of the end of December each year. From 2004 onward IFRS is applied in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements of ARCADIS N.V. and from then goodwill is no longer amortized, but an annual impairment test is performed on the remaining unamortized goodwill.

Under IFRS ARCADIS has by the end of 2005 capitalized EUR 7,270 goodwill for contingent payments for acquisitions that are performance dependent. Under U.S. GAAP this goodwill would not be capitalized until the contingency is resolved.

The total amount of capitalized goodwill for the years 2005 and 2004 is as follows:

Capitalized goodwill

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Capitalized under IFRS

 

115,983

 

49,926

 

Capitalized goodwill for performance dependent after payments

 

(7,270

)

 

Included in reconciliation of Equity

 

40,469

 

38,894

 

Total capitalized goodwill under US GAAP

 

149,182

 

88,820

 

 

The allocation of capitalized goodwill for the years 2005 and 2004 by reportable segment is as follows:

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

The Netherlands

 

30,751

 

30,095

 

United States

 

76,122

 

23,617

 

Other European Countries

 

33,641

 

28,030

 

Rest of world

 

8,668

 

7,078

 

Total

 

149,182

 

88,820

 

 

(b) Pension costs included in the Consolidated Statements of Income are computed in accordance with IFRS. At December 31, 2005 ARCADIS only has pension plans that qualify as Defined Contribution plans under IFRS.

F-41




 

Under U.S. GAAP certain pension plans qualify as defined benefit plans. The service costs for the defined benefit pension plans are based on calculations using actuarial assumptions which, among others, include estimated future salary increases and estimated employee turnover related to resignations, dismissals and disability, and the present value is calculated by applying a discount rate of 4.00% for 2005 and 4.50% for 2004. Moreover, net periodic pension costs are reduced by credits, if any, representing amortization of overfunding of the Fund, which is calculated by valuing plan assets at fair market value.

The difference between the pension cost determined under SFAS 87 (U.S. GAAP) and the one determined under IFRS is shown in Note 17.

(c) Under IFRS, net deferred tax liabilities are classified as noncurrent assets or liabilities. Under U.S. GAAP, deferred tax liabilities are classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. Deferred tax assets related to carryforwards are classified according to the expected reversal date of the carryforward.

(d) The companies AAFM B.V. (Netherlands) and Grupo EP (Spain) in which ARCADIS holds a 50% interest and the company Biogás Energia Ambiental S.A. (Brasil) in which ARCADIS holds a 33.33% interest are included in the consolidated financial statements over 2005 on a proportional basis in conformity with IFRS. Furthermore over 2004 the companies Grupo EP (Spain) and AAFM B.V. (Netherlands) in which ARCADIS held a 50% interest per December 31, 2004 are included in the consolidated financial statements over 2004 on a proportional basis in conformity with IFRS. Under U.S. GAAP, the investment in a joint venture should be accounted for under the equity method. This departure from U.S. GAAP would have no effect on shareholders’ equity and net income. The financial statements prepared in conformity with IFRS include the following amounts in respect of those investments:

Pro rata summarized financial information

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Current assets

 

6,727

 

44,126

 

Non-current assets

 

1,898

 

15,869

 

Total assets

 

8,625

 

59,995

 

Current liabilities

 

5,012

 

40,926

 

Non-current liabilities

 

1,842

 

6,101

 

Minority interest

 

0

 

1,302

 

Total liabilities

 

6,854

 

48,329

 

Shareholders’ Equity

 

1,771

 

11,666

 

Gross revenue

 

51,351

 

88,307

 

Group income from operations

 

1,883

 

2,015

 

 

F-42




 

(e) The gross revenue, net income and basic net income per share of 2005 and 2004 are influenced by discontinued operations as follows:

Influence of discontinued operations

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Gross revenue of continuing operations

 

995,784

 

881,822

 

Gross revenue of discontinued operations

 

5,315

 

18,959

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income of continuing operations

 

29,618

 

21,197

 

Net income of discontinued operations

 

3,796

 

979

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net income per share from continuing operations

 

1.46

 

1.05

 

Basic net income per share from discontinued operations

 

0.19

 

0.05

 

 

(f) Under IFRS, the balance sheet item Cash and Cash equivalents includes an amount of EUR 0.3 million at December 31, 2005 (EUR 0.6 million at December 31, 2004) which is restricted for payments of taxes and social securities, and therefore not freely available. Restricted amounts would not be included in cash and cash equivalents under U.S. GAAP.

(g) Under IFRS, the balance sheet item Other long-term liabilities includes an amount of EUR 4.0 million at December 31, 2005 which under U.S. GAAP would be classified as current liabilities.

Reconciliation of Net Income

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Net income in accordance with IFRS

 

33,414

 

22,176

 

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

Pensions (b)

 

(6,751

)

(10,400

)

Income tax effect of above adjustments

 

1,939

 

3,276

 

Option costs

 

 

239

 

Effect from change in tax rate

 

(488

)

(250

)

Net income in accordance with U.S. GAAP

 

28,114

 

15,041

 

Basic net income per common share in accordance with U.S. GAAP

 

1.39

 

0.75

 

Diluted net income per common share in accordance with U.S. GAAP

 

1.35

 

0.74

 

Weighted average number of shares of common stock in accordance with U.S. GAAP (in thousands)

 

20,261

 

20,140

 

 

Basic net income per common share amounts in accordance with U.S. GAAP are based upon the weighted average number of the common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per common share amounts in accordance with U.S. GAAP are based upon the weighted average number of the common shares outstanding during the period plus the dilutive effect of potential common shares outstanding during the period.

F-43




 

(h) In accordance with IFRS, IFRS 2 has been applied for 2004 and 2005. In 2004 the company applied APB 25, whereby no compensation costs were included in net income. A reconciling item of EUR 365 pre-tax is recorded in the reconciliation of net income. As of 2005, the company has elected to apply SFAS 123R, as a result of which there no longer is any material difference with IFRS 2.

The company recognized a deferred tax asset under IFRS for the estimated tax benefits to the extent that it is probable that these tax benefits will be realized in the near future. Under FAS 123R the company may only recognize tax benefits to the extent that they are realized. Therefore, the deferred tax asset of EUR 1,960 is reversed in shareholders equity

Reconciliation of Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Shareholders’ equity in accordance with IFRS

 

176,203

 

136,371

 

Adjustments to reported shareholders’ equity, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill (a)

 

40,469

 

38,894

 

Pensions (b)

 

67,239

 

(25,055

)

Deferred tax assets related to options

 

(1,960

)

 

Income tax effect of above adjustments

 

(19,902

)

8,125

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity in accordance with U.S. GAAP

 

262,049

 

158,335

 

 

Roll forward of Shareholders’ equity in accordance with U.S. GAAP

Balance at January 1, 2004

 

173,299

 

Net income 2004

 

15,041

 

Dividends declared

 

(9,647

)

Own share purchase for granted options

 

(158

)

Exercises of options

 

704

 

Issuance of shares of common stock

 

1,667

 

Pensions

 

(15,021

)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

(7,550

)

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2004

 

158,335

 

 

 

 

 

Net income 2005

 

28,114

 

Dividends declared

 

(9,745

)

Own share purchase for granted options

 

(6,562

)

Exercises of options

 

2,624

 

Option costs and taxes

 

1,527

 

Pensions

 

69,727

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

11,520

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

6,509

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2005

 

262,049

 

 

F-44




 

Comprehensive income

Comprehensive income/(loss) encompasses all changes in shareholders’ equity (except those arising from transactions with owners). The comprehensive income and accumulated other comprehensive income as shown below, are presented based on U.S. GAAP numbers, and for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 were as follows:

 

 

Comprehensive
Income (net of tax)

 

Accumulated other
comprehensive
income

 

Balance - January 1, 2004

 

 

 

(61,637

)

Comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

15,041

 

 

 

Provision minimum pension liability

 

(14,933

)

(14,933

)

Foreign currency translation

 

(7,550

)

(7,550

)

Other changes

 

59

 

59

 

Comprehensive income

 

(7,383

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance - December 31, 2004

 

 

 

(84,061

)

Comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

28,114

 

 

 

Provision minimum pension liability

 

69,727

 

69,727

 

Foreign currency translation

 

11,520

 

11,520

 

Other changes

 

69

 

69

 

Comprehensive income

 

109,430

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance - December 31, 2005

 

 

 

(2,745

)

 

Pension additional minimum liability includes tax effects charged/added directly to shareholders’ equity of € 29.3 million (charged) for the year ended December 31, 2005 and EUR 6.9 million (added) in 2004.

Foreign currency translation adjustments have no tax effect.

NOTE 19. DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

In view of the short-term turnaround times involved, the book value of cash and cash equivalents, receivables and current liabilities approximates fair value.

The fair value of ARCADIS’ long term debt does not materially differ from the carrying value because the main part of the outstanding long term debt is maturing in 2006.

F-45




NOTE 20. Explanation of transition to IFRS

As stated in the valuation principles, these are ARCADIS N.V.’s first consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS.

The valuation principles detailed in note 1 have been applied in preparing the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2005, the comparative information presented in these financial statements for the year ended December 31 2004 and in the preparation of an opening IFRS balance sheet at January 1,2004 (the ARCADIS N.V.’s date of transition).

In preparing its opening IFRS balance sheet, ARCADIS N.V. has adjusted amounts reported previously in financial statements prepared in accordance with its former basis of accounting. An explanation of how the transition from Dutch GAAP to IFRS has affected the ARCADIS N.V.’s financial position and financial performance is detailed in the following tables and the notes that accompany the tables.

F-46




Reconciliation of the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2004 to IFRS

 

 

December 31, 2004

 

 

 

January 1, 2004

 

Assets

 

Previous
GAAP

 

IFRS
effect

 


IFRS

 

 

 

Previous
GAAP

 

IFRS
effect

 

IFRS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intangible assets

 

53,095

 

2,261

 

55,356

 

 

 

41,391

 

 

41,391

 

Tangible assets

 

42,328

 

1,307

 

43,635

 

 

 

44,872

 

1,174

 

46,046

 

Investments in non-consolidated companies 

 

 

5,597

 

5,597

 

 

 

 

4,663

 

4,663

 

Other investments

 

13,685

 

(5,597

)

8,088

 

 

 

12,391

 

(4,663

)

7,728

 

Deferred tax assets

 

 

9,676

 

9,676

 

 

 

 

4,036

 

4,036

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total non-current assets

 

109,108

 

13,244

 

122,352

 

 

 

98,654

 

5,210

 

103,864

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventories

 

27,715

 

(27,247

)

468

 

 

 

15,208

 

(15,008

)

200

 

(Un)billed receivables

 

205,423

 

65,881

 

271,304

 

 

 

202,134

 

53,429

 

255,563

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

48,219

 

 

48,219

 

 

 

31,258

 

 

31,258

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current assets

 

281,357

 

38,634

 

319,991

 

 

 

248,600

 

38,421

 

287,021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

390,465

 

51,878

 

442,343

 

 

 

347,254

 

43,631

 

390,885

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity and liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share capital

 

1,030

 

 

1,030

 

 

 

1,022

 

 

1,022

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

37,644

 

 

37,644

 

 

 

35,985

 

 

35,985

 

Reserve exchange rate differences

 

(17,342

)

13,709

 

(3,633

)

 

 

(13,709

)

13,709

 

 

Retained earnings

 

104,198

 

(25,044

)

79,154

 

 

 

113,240

 

(25,284

)

87,956

 

Net income

 

20,139

 

2,037

 

22,176

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

145,669

 

(9,298

)

136,371

 

 

 

136,538

 

(11,575

)

124,963

 

Minority interest

 

8,975

 

19

 

8,994

 

 

 

7,557

 

 

7,557

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Group equity

 

154,644

 

(9,279

)

145,365

 

 

 

144,095

 

(11,575

)

132,520

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provisions

 

12,366

 

15,053

 

27,419

 

 

 

9,403

 

9,611

 

19,014

 

Deferred tax liabilities

 

7,709

 

4,420

 

12,129

 

 

 

10,565

 

4,035

 

14,600

 

Long-term debt

 

12,004

 

962

 

12,966

 

 

 

29,724

 

726

 

30,450

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total non-current liabilities

 

32,079

 

20,435

 

52,514

 

 

 

49,692

 

14,372

 

64,064

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Billings in excess of cost

 

 

40,273

 

40,273

 

 

 

 

40,385

 

40,385

 

Corporate tax liabilities

 

9,873

 

 

9,873

 

 

 

5,456

 

 

5,456

 

Trade and other liabilities

 

193,869

 

449

 

194,318

 

 

 

148,011

 

449

 

148,460

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

203,742

 

40,722

 

244,464

 

 

 

153,467

 

40,834

 

194,301

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

390,465

 

51,878

 

442,343

 

 

 

347,254

 

43,631

 

390,885

 

 

amounts in thousands of euros unless otherwise stated

F-47




 

Reconciliation of the consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2004

 

 

Previous
GAAP

 

IFRS
effect

 

IFRS

 

Net sales

 

900,930

 

(6,525

)

894,405

 

Gain on sale of investments

 

 

6,525

 

6,525

 

Change in work in progress

 

(149

)

 

(149

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross revenue

 

900,781

 

 

900,781

 

Materials, services of third parties and subcontractors

 

(268,244

)

 

(268,244

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenue

 

632,537

 

 

632,537

 

Operational cost

 

(581,675

)

687

 

(580,988

)

Depreciation

 

(15,648

)

(6

)

(15,654

)

Amortization identifiable intangible assets

 

(2,558

)

2,182

 

(376

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

32,656

 

2,863

 

35,519

 

Financial items

 

(3,464

)

 

(3,464

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before taxes

 

29,192

 

2,863

 

32,055

 

Taxes

 

(9,593

)

(807

)

(10,400

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income of consolidated companies after taxes

 

19,599

 

2,056

 

21,655

 

Income of non-consolidated companies and long-term investments

 

2,448

 

 

2,448

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Group income after taxes

 

22,047

 

2,056

 

24,103

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attributable to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (Equity holders of the parent)

 

20,139

 

2,037

 

22,176

 

Minority interest

 

1,908

 

19

 

1,927

 

 

amounts in thousands of euros unless otherwise stated

There are no material differences between the cash flow statement presented under IFRS and the cash flow statement presented under previous GAAP.

F-48




Description of adjustments resulting from the implementation of IFRS (with respect to 2004)

Goodwill

Under IFRS, goodwill is no longer amortized. Instead an annual (or more frequent if needed) impairment test is performed to assess if the expected cash flow still warrants the capitalized amounts. The amounts that are paid at the time of acquisition for identifiable intangible assets are capitalized and amortized over the economic lifetime of the assets.

Up to and including 2004, goodwill was amortized according to Dutch GAAP. The amount related to the amortization was € 2,558. Of this amount, € 376 has been earmarked as amortization on identifiable intangible assets. The remaining amount of € 2,182 concerns goodwill amortization. In the comparative figures for 2004, this amount has been added to income.

Work-in-progress

The first change concerns the treatment of proposal costs. Some operating companies used to treat proposal cost as work- in- progress by earmarking these costs as project related after the project contract had been signed. IFRS has a more stringent regimen for the capitalization of costs. In the comparative balance sheet for year-end 2004 for work-in-progress, this leads to a reduction by € 2,634. Of this amount, and after subtraction of a deferred tax credit of € 830, € 1,804 has been charged to shareholders’ equity.

A second adjustment concerns the general overhead cost as a pricing component that is charged to projects. IFRS prohibits the capitalization of general overhead cost in work-in-progress through pricing. ARCADIS used to charge projects against a full cost price, adding general indirect cost. Because ARCADIS uses the percentage-of-completion method for project assessment, the new valuation principle only has an effect on loss-making projects. In that case, a provision was formed in which the amount of indirect cost was too high. Application of IFRS leads to an increase in the year-end 2004 balance sheet work-in-progress of € 618, which has been added to shareholders’ equity. After taxes, this amounts € 424.

These new valuation principles do not lead to a different result, only to a timing difference in result taking. The 2004 income therefore has not been adjusted.

Deferred compensation

Since 2004, ARCADIS has had a pension plan that qualifies as a defined contribution plan for its Dutch employees. For the employees of PRC, a pension plan that qualifies as a defined benefit plan is in place. For German and French companies limited plans that qualify as defined benefit plans are in place. IFRS (IAS 19) requires that these defined benefit plans have a € 14,960 provision created and charged to shareholders’ equity in the 2004 opening balance sheet. After tax, € 10,231 has been charged to shareholders’ equity. The 2004 net income was increased by € 668 net based on actuarial calculations related to these pension plans.

A relatively small number of staff are eligible for jubilee payments. A € 1,000 provision was created on the balance sheet for these payments, which after taxes has been charged to shareholders’ equity (€ 685).

Option costs

IFRS requires that costs for options that have been issued after November 7, 2002 and that will become vested after January 1, 2005 be included in the results, distributed over the period in which they are conditional. In the case of ARCADIS, this is three years. The cost, amounting to € 365 in 2004 (after tax € 239) has been charged to the 2004 result. Because ARCADIS’ option plans options can only be converted into shares, this amount has been added to shareholders’ equity.

Provision for doubtful debtors

IFRS prohibits the existence of a dynamic provision for doubtful debtors. The total provision has therefore been evaluated and distributed to outstanding receivables. The surplus that remained after the evaluation to the amount of € 203 was added to shareholders’ equity.

Exchange rate differences

The cumulative reserve for exchange rate differences has been balanced at January 1, 2004 with the retained earnings. Future exchange rate differences will be registered separately.

F-49




Other changes

The investigation into the effects of the introduction of IFRS has led to small changes in income in different parts of the company, resulting in a total net income reduction of € 55.

Change in corporate tax rate in the Netherlands

Part of the items mentioned above relate to the Dutch part of the Company. To the extent that these items caused deferred taxes, the percentage change in corporate tax in the Netherlands as of January 1, 2005 affected this deferral. This caused a negative effect to the amount of € 519 on the adjusted income statement for the year ended Decembr 31, 2004.

Adjusted results 2004:

Because of the above changes, the results for 2004 have been adjusted as follows.

 

 

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

Published net income (NL GAAP)

 

20,139

 

 

 

 

 

IFRS Adjustments

 

 

 

Amortization of goodwill

 

2,182

 

Pensions

 

1,082

 

Option costs

 

(365

)

Other adjustments

 

(55

)

Corporate tax

 

(288

)

Change in tax percentage

 

(519

)

Total adjustments

 

2,037

 

 

 

 

 

Net income according to IFRS

 

22,176

 

 

Adjusted shareholders’equity
Based on the above, the shareholders’equity has been adjusted as follows.

 

 

December 31,
2004

 

January 1,
2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Published shareholders’ equity

 

145,669

 

136,538

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustment net income 2004, excluding the effect of a change in tax rate

 

2,556

 

 

Option costs 2004 in favor of shareholder’s equity

 

239

 

 

Work in progress net of tax

 

(1,380

)

(1,321

)

Provision for pensions net of tax

 

(10,231

)

(9,802

)

Provision for jubilee payments net of tax

 

(685

)

(655

)

General provision for doubtful debtors

 

203

 

203

 

Total adjustments

 

(9,298

)

(11,575

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted shareholder’s equity

 

136,371

 

124,963

 

 

Amounts in thousands of euros unless otherwise stated

F-50




 

ITEM 19. EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit No.

 

Exhibit Description

1.1

 

Articles of Association of ARCADIS N.V. (Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 1.1 of ARCADIS N.V.’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2003).

 

 

 

4.1

 

Employment Agreement, dated January 27, 1994, by and between ARCADIS N.V. and Harrie L.J. Noy, as amended on June 19, 2000 (Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.1 of ARCADIS N.V.’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2003).

 

 

 

4.2

 

Employment Agreement, dated January 20, 2000, by and between ARCADIS N.V. and C. Michiel Jaski (Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.2 of ARCADIS N.V.’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2003).

 

 

 

4.3

 

The ARCADIS G&M, Inc. 2002 Officer Stock Purchase Plan (Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.1 of ARCADIS N.V.’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed on April 28, 2003).

 

 

 

4.4

 

ARCADIS N.V. 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.1 of ARCADIS N.V.’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed on June 28, 2002).

 

 

 

4.5

 

ARCADIS N.V. 2001 Long-Term Incentive Share Option Plan (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to ARCADIS N.V.’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-99489) filed on September 6, 2002).

 

 

 

4.6

 

Heidemij N.V. 1996 Incentive Plan. (Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.1 of ARCADIS N.V.’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed on January 14, 1997).

 

 

 

4.7

 

Heidemij N.V. 1994 Incentive Plan (Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.3 of ARCADIS N.V.’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed on March 11, 1994).

 

 

 

4.8

 

ARCADIS N.V. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

 

 

 

4.9

 

Employment Agreement, dated January 17, 2006, by and between ARCADIS N.V. and Friedrich Schneider.

 

 

 

4.10

 

Employment Agreement, dated April 4, 2006, by and between ARCADIS N.V. and Ben A. van der Klift.

 

 

 

8.1

 

Subsidiaries of ARCADIS N.V. as of December 31, 2005.

 

 

 

11.1

 

ARCADIS General Business Principles (Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 11.1 of ARCADIS N.V.’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2003).

 

 

 

12.1

 

Certificate of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to §302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

12.2

 

Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to §302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

13.1

 

Certificate of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

13.2

 

Certificate of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

15.1

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 




 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and has duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

ARCADIS N.V.

 

 

 

Dated: June 22, 2006

By:

/s/ Harrie L.J. Noy

 

 

Harrie L.J. Noy

 

 

Chairman of the Executive Board

 




 

INDEX OF EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit No.

 

Exhibit Description

4.8

 

ARCADIS N.V. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Share Option Plan.

 

 

 

 

 

4.9

 

Employment Agreement, dated January 17, 2006, by and between ARCADIS N.V. and Friedrich Schneider.

 

 

 

 

 

4.10

 

Employment Agreement, dated April 4, 2006, by and between ARCADIS N.V. and Ben A. van der Klift.

 

 

 

 

 

8.1

 

Subsidiaries of ARCADIS N.V. as of December 31, 2005.

 

 

 

 

 

12.1

 

Certificate of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to §302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

 

 

12.2

 

Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to §302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

 

 

13.1

 

Certificate of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

 

 

13.2

 

Certificate of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

 

 

15.1

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.