EX-99.1 2 a06-3731_2ex99d1.htm EXHIBIT 99

Exhibit 99.1

 

United States Pipe and Foundry Company, LLC

(a wholly owned subsidiary of Walter Industries, Inc.)

 

Financial Statements

for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and the years ended
December 31, 2004 and 2003

 



 

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

United States Pipe and Foundry Company, LLC

 

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Certified Public Accounting Firm

2

 

 

Balance Sheets – September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004

3

 

 

Statements of Operations for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 and the Years Ended December 31, 2004 and 2003

4

 

 

Statements of Changes in Unit/Stockholder’s Equity (Net Capital Deficiency) and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 and the Years Ended December 31, 2004 and 2003

5

 

 

Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 and the Years Ended December 31, 2004 and 2003

6

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements

7

 

1



 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Member and Board of Managers of

United States Pipe and Foundry Company, LLC

 

In our opinion, the accompanying balance sheets and the related statements of operations, of changes in unit/stockholder’s equity (net capital deficiency) and comprehensive income (loss) and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of United States Pipe and Foundry Company, LLC at September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.  We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance 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, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

As discussed in Note 2, the Company changed its method of accounting for obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations,” effective January 1, 2003.

 

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

 

 

Tampa, Florida

 

February 3, 2006

 

 

2



 

UNITED STATES PIPE AND FOUNDRY COMPANY, LLC

BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except unit/share amounts)

 

 

 

September 30, 2005

 

December 31, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

 

$

 

Receivables, net

 

118,497

 

103,692

 

Inventories

 

147,207

 

127,162

 

Deferred income taxes

 

11,099

 

11,760

 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

1,509

 

1,044

 

Total current assets

 

278,312

 

243,658

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

149,154

 

152,944

 

Deferred income taxes

 

9,514

 

 

Prepaid pension cost and other intangible assets

 

19,317

 

18,459

 

Goodwill

 

58,411

 

58,411

 

Total assets

 

$

514,708

 

$

473,472

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND UNIT/STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

52,451

 

$

51,825

 

Accrued expenses

 

29,143

 

23,443

 

Payable to affiliate, Sloss Industries

 

2,475

 

3,986

 

Income taxes payable

 

5,551

 

879

 

Total current liabilities

 

89,620

 

80,133

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payable to Parent, Walter Industries

 

443,683

 

422,842

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

2,833

 

Accrued pension liability

 

72,938

 

48,873

 

Accumulated postretirement benefits obligation

 

51,071

 

51,221

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

12,632

 

12,682

 

Total liabilities

 

669,944

 

618,584

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UNIT/STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY (NET CAPITAL DEFICIENCY)

 

 

 

 

 

Membership units at September 30, 2005:

 

 

 

 

 

Authorized – 1,000 units

 

 

 

 

 

Issued – 1,000 units

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value per share at December 31, 2004:

 

 

 

 

 

Authorized – 1,000 shares

 

 

 

 

 

Issued – 1,000 shares

 

 

 

 

Capital in excess of par value

 

68,335

 

68,335

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(178,157

)

(183,225

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(45,414

)

(30,222

)

Total unit/stockholder’s equity (net capital deficiency)

 

(155,236

)

(145,112

)

Total liabilities and unit/stockholder’s equity (net capital deficiency)

 

$

514,708

 

$

473,472

 

 

See accompanying “Notes to Financial Statements”

 

3



 

UNITED STATES PIPE AND FOUNDRY COMPANY, LLC

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(dollars and per share amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

For the nine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

months ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

For the years ended December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

425,545

 

$

537,170

 

$

431,871

 

Cost of sales

 

370,859

 

490,201

 

393,946

 

Gross profit

 

54,686

 

46,969

 

37,925

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

25,939

 

38,169

 

43,421

 

Related party corporate charges

 

5,387

 

7,643

 

4,790

 

Restructuring and impairment charges

 

 

121

 

5,938

 

Total operating expenses

 

31,326

 

45,933

 

54,149

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

 

23,360

 

1,036

 

(16,224

)

Interest expense arising from payable to Parent (1)

 

(15,151

)

(18,927

)

(16,379

)

Interest expense – other

 

(264

)

(505

)

(464

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)

 

7,945

 

(18,396

)

(33,067

)

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

2,877

 

(2,901

)

(12,632

)

Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

 

5,068

 

(15,495

)

(20,435

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax

 

 

 

(454

)

Net income (loss)

 

$

5,068

 

$

(15,495

)

$

(20,889

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic income per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

 

$

5,068

 

$

(15,495

)

$

(20,435

)

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax

 

 

 

(454

)

Earnings (loss) per share

 

$

5,068

 

$

(15,495

)

$

(20,889

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares used to determine earnings (loss) per share

 

1

 

1

 

1

 

 


(1)    United States Pipe and Foundry Company, LLC, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Walter Industries, Inc., is charged interest expense on the outstanding balance of the intercompany payable to Walter Industries, Inc.

 

See accompanying “Notes to Financial Statements”

 

4



 

UNITED STATES PIPE AND FOUNDRY COMPANY, LLC

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN UNIT/STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY

(NET CAPITAL DEFICIENCY) AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 AND

THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004 AND 2003

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

Capital in

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

Excess of

 

Comprehensive

 

Accumulated

 

Comprehensive

 

 

 

Total

 

Par Value

 

Income (Loss)

 

Deficit

 

Loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2002

 

$

(106,731

)

$

68,335

 

 

 

$

(146,841

)

$

(28,225

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

(20,889

)

 

 

$

(20,889

)

$

(20,889

)

 

 

Other comprehensive loss:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase in additional minimum pension liability, net of tax benefit of $767

 

(1,426

)

 

 

(1,426

)

 

 

(1,426

)

Comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

$

(22,315

)

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2003

 

(129,046

)

68,335

 

 

 

(167,730

)

(29,651

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

(15,495

)

 

 

$

(15,495

)

(15,495

)

 

 

Other comprehensive loss:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase in additional minimum pension liability, net of tax benefit of $309

 

(571

)

 

 

(571

)

 

 

(571

)

Comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

$

(16,066

)

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2004

 

(145,112

)

68,335

 

 

 

(183,225

)

(30,222

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

5,068

 

 

 

$

5,068

 

5,068

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase in additional minimum pension liability, net of tax benefit of $8,179

 

(15,192

)

 

 

(15,192

)

 

 

(15,192

)

Comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

$(10,124

)

 

 

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2005

 

$

(155,236

)

$

68,335

 

 

 

$

(178,157

)

$

(45,414

)

 

See accompanying “Notes to Financial Statements”

 

5



 

UNITED STATES PIPE AND FOUNDRY COMPANY, LLC

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

 

 

 

For the nine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

months ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

For the years ended December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

5,068

 

$

(15,495

)

$

(20,889

)

Adjustments to reconcile income (loss) to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax

 

 

 

454

 

Provision for losses on receivables

 

241

 

263

 

236

 

Depreciation

 

19,401

 

26,523

 

25,182

 

Restructuring and impairment charges (a)

 

 

 

4,700

 

Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment

 

862

 

1,020

 

164

 

Provision (credit) for deferred income taxes

 

(3,507

)

8,964

 

(2,007

)

Decrease (increase) in prepaid pension cost and other intangible assets

 

(858

)

(7,568

)

1,991

 

Increase in accrued pension liability

 

694

 

527

 

1,885

 

Decrease in accumulated postretirement benefits obligation

 

(150

)

(3,042

)

(6,709

)

(Decrease) increase in other long-term liabilities

 

(50

)

1,357

 

3,775

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Decrease (increase) in current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables

 

(15,046

)

(22,581

)

(5,127

)

Inventories

 

(20,045

)

(3,679

)

(10,636

)

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

(465

)

144

 

500

 

Increase (decrease) in current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

(66

)

18,313

 

(4,283

)

Accrued expenses (a)

 

5,700

 

(198

)

6,059

 

Payable to affiliate, Sloss Industries

 

(1,511

)

1,936

 

1,045

 

Income taxes payable

 

4,672

 

(645

)

(2,717

)

Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities

 

(5,060

)

5,839

 

(6,377

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to property, plant and equipment

 

(16,473

)

(20,354

)

(15,687

)

Cash flows used in investing activities

 

(16,473

)

(20,354

)

(15,687

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in book cash overdrafts

 

692

 

(1,331

)

242

 

Increase in amounts payable to Parent

 

20,841

 

15,673

 

21,927

 

Cash flows provided by financing activities

 

21,533

 

14,342

 

22,169

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(173

)

105

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

 

173

 

68

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

 

$

 

$

173

 

 


(a)   The Company recorded restructuring and impairment charges of $121 and $5,938 for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.  A portion of these charges, consisting of write offs of assets, were non-cash and are reconciled below:

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

Accrued expenses

 

$

121

 

$

1,238

 

Non-cash

 

 

4,700

 

Total restructuring and impairment charges

 

$

121

 

$

5,938

 

 

See accompanying “Notes to Financial Statements”

 

6



 

UNITED STATES PIPE AND FOUNDRY COMPANY, LLC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 1.  Organization

 

United States Pipe and Foundry Company, LLC (“the Company” or “U.S. Pipe”) operates in a single business segment and manufactures and sells a broad line of ductile iron pressure pipe, fittings, valves, hydrants and other cast iron products.  The Company was founded in 1899 and is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama.

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s net sales by product line (in thousands):

 

 

 

For the nine

 

For the years ended

 

 

 

months ended

 

December 31,

 

 

 

September 30, 2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

Ductile iron pipe

 

$

333,324

 

$

417,118

 

$

321,658

 

Valves and hydrants

 

43,678

 

50,656

 

46,143

 

Fittings

 

22,260

 

37,435

 

34,486

 

Other

 

26,283

 

31,961

 

29,584

 

 

 

$

425,545

 

$

537,170

 

$

431,871

 

 

The Company was originally organized as United States Pipe and Foundry Company, Inc. (“Inc.”) and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Walter Industries, Inc. (“WII”, or “Walter”), a diversified New York Stock Exchange traded company (NYSE: WLT).  On September 23, 2005, Inc. was dissolved and United States Pipe and Foundry Company, LLC was organized in the state of Alabama, and the operations of Inc. are now conducted under the form of a limited liability company.  The Company’s operations are located in the United States of America and its revenues are principally domestic.  Foreign sales were less than 5% of total net sales during each of the last three years.

 

On September 29, 2005, Walter contributed U.S. Pipe to Mueller Holding Company, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Walter.  All historical U.S. Pipe balances have been reflected in these financial statements.

 

NOTE 2.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

Effective December 30, 2005, the Company changed its fiscal year end from December 31 to September 30. As such, the fiscal period ended September 30, 2005 included in this report covers the nine-month period from January 1, 2005 to September 30, 2005.

 

The financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Concentrations of Credit Risk

 

Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of trade and other receivables.  The Company has one customer who represents 27%, 28% and 24% of net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.  This customer also represents 27% and 21% of the trade receivables balance at September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively.

 

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

 

The company has 1,000 units/shares outstanding for all periods presented. In calculating its historical earnings (loss) per share, the Company has used one share, which represents the capital structure of the reporting entity subsequent to the October 3, 2005 business combination described in Note 13.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company recognizes revenue based on the recognition criteria set forth in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Staff Accounting Bulletin 104, “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements.”

 

7



 

For shipments via rail or truck, revenue is recognized when title passes upon delivery to the customer.  Revenue earned for shipments via ocean vessel is recognized under international shipping standards as defined by Incoterms 2000 when title and risk of loss transfer to the customer.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents include short-term deposits and highly liquid investments which have original maturities of three months or less and are stated at cost which approximates market.  The Company’s cash management system provides for the reimbursement of all major bank disbursement accounts on a daily basis.  Checks issued but not yet presented to the banks for payment (i.e. book cash overdrafts), are included in accounts payable.

 

Receivables

 

Allowances for losses on trade and other accounts receivable are based, in large part, upon judgments and estimates of expected losses and specific identification of problem trade accounts and other receivables.  Significantly weaker than anticipated industry or economic conditions could impact customers’ ability to pay such that actual losses could be greater than the amounts provided for in these allowances.

 

Inventories
 

Inventories are recorded at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market value. Additionally, the Company evaluates its inventory in terms of excess and obsolete exposures. This evaluation includes such factors as anticipated usage, inventory turnover, inventory levels and ultimate product sales value. Inventory cost includes an overhead component that can be affected by levels of production and actual costs incurred. Management periodically evaluates the effects of production levels and actual costs incurred on the costs capitalized as part of inventory.

 

Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization.  Depreciation is recorded on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.  Leasehold improvements are amortized on the straight-line method over the lesser of the useful life of the improvement or the remaining lease term.  Estimated useful lives used in computing depreciation expense are 3 to 20 years for machinery and equipment and 3 to 50 years for land improvements and buildings.  Gains and losses upon disposition are reflected in the statement of operations in the period of disposition.

 

Direct internal and external costs to implement computer systems and software are capitalized as incurred.  Capitalized costs are amortized over the estimated useful life of the system or software, beginning when site installations or module development is complete and ready for its intended use, which generally is 3 to 5 years.

 

The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 143 (“SFAS 143”), “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations,” as of January 1, 2003, related to plant and landfill closures.  Under SFAS 143, liabilities are recognized at fair value for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred and the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset is correspondingly increased.  Over time, the liability is accreted to its future value.  The corresponding asset capitalized at inception is depreciated over the useful life of the asset.  The adoption of SFAS 143 was recorded in the first quarter of 2003 and resulted in an increase to net property, plant and equipment of approximately $2.3 million, a net increase to the asset retirement obligation of approximately $3.1 million, and as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, a pre-tax decrease in income of approximately $0.8 million ($0.5 million, net of taxes).

 

Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the book value of the asset may not be recoverable.  The Company periodically evaluates whether events and circumstances have occurred that indicate possible impairment.  The Company uses an estimate of the future

 

8



 

undiscounted net cash flows of the related asset or asset grouping over the remaining life in measuring whether the assets are recoverable.  See Note 3, “Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges” and Note 13, “Subsequent Events.”

 

Workers’ Compensation

 

The Company is self-insured for workers’ compensation benefits for work related injuries.  Liabilities, including those related to claims incurred but not reported, are recorded principally using annual valuations based on discounted future expected payments and using historical data of the Company or insurance industry data when historical data is limited.  Workers’ compensation liabilities were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Undiscounted aggregated estimated claims to be paid

 

$

14,402

 

$

15,039

 

Workers’ compensation liability recorded on a discounted basis

 

$

11,919

 

$

12,665

 

 

The Company applies a discount rate at a risk-free interest rate, generally a U.S. Treasury bill rate, for each policy year.  The rate used is one with a duration that corresponds to the weighted average expected payout period for each policy year.  Once a discount rate is applied to a policy year, it remains the discount rate for that policy year until all claims are paid.  The use of this method decreases the volatility of the liability related solely to changes in the discount rate.  The weighted average rate used for discounting the liability at September 30, 2005 was 4.6%.  A one-percentage-point increase in the discount rate on the discounted claims liability would decrease the liability by $0.1 million, while a one-percentage-point decrease in the discount rate would increase the liability by $0.1 million.

 

Warranty Costs

 

The Company accrues for warranty expenses that include customer costs of repair and/or replacement, including labor, materials, equipment, freight and reasonable overhead costs, determined on a case-by-case basis, whenever the Company's products and/or services fail to comply with published industry standards or mutually agreed upon customer requirements.

 

Activity in accrued warranty, included in the caption accrued expenses in the accompanying balance sheets, was as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

For the nine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

months ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

For the years ended December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

Accrued balance at beginning of period

 

$

1,716

 

$

540

 

$

1,352

 

Warranty expense

 

5,671

 

5,514

 

2,908

 

Settlement of warranty claims

 

(2,711

)

(4,338

)

(3,720

)

Balance at end of period

 

$

4,676

 

$

1,716

 

$

540

 

 

Related Party Transactions

 

The Company purchases foundry coke from an affiliate, Sloss Industries, Inc.   Costs included in cost of sales related to purchases from Sloss Industries, Inc. were $17.9 million, $15.1 million and $13.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.  Other services that Sloss Industries, Inc. provides to the Company include the delivery of electrical power to one of the Company’s facilities, rail car switching and the leasing of a distribution facility.  The total of these other incidental services included in the Company’s operating expenses were $1.7 million, $1.8 million and $1.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

9



 

Related Party Allocations

 

Certain costs incurred by Walter, such as insurance, executive salaries, professional service fees, human resources, transportation and other centralized business functions, are allocated to its subsidiaries.  Certain costs that were considered directly related to the Company were charged to the Company and included in selling, general and administrative expenses.  These costs approximated $1.3 million, $1.4 million and $1.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.  Costs incurred by Walter that cannot be directly attributed to its subsidiaries are allocated to them based on estimated annual revenues.  Such costs were allocated to the Company and are recorded in the caption, related party corporate charges, in the accompanying statements of operations and were approximately $5.4 million, $7.6 million and $4.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

While the Company considers the allocation of such costs to be reasonable, in the event the Company was not affiliated with Walter, these costs may increase or decrease.

 

NOTE 3. Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges

 

On April 29, 2003, the Company ceased production and manufacturing operations at its castings plant in Anniston, Alabama.  The decision to cease operations was the result of several years of declining financial results and resulted in the termination of approximately 80 employees. Exit costs associated with the plant closure were $6.1 million.  Costs associated with the restructuring were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

Restructuring & impairment charges

 

 

 

 

 

expensed for the years ended December 31,

 

 

 

Total Costs

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One-time termination benefits

 

$

758

 

$

32

 

$

726

 

Contract termination costs

 

76

 

(209

)

285

 

Other associated costs

 

787

 

560

 

227

 

Write-off of property, plant and equipment and related parts and materials

 

4,438

 

(262

)

4,700

 

Total

 

$

6,059

 

$

121

 

$

5,938

 

 

Other associated costs principally include site clean-up costs that were expensed as restructuring charges when incurred.  Adjustments were made in 2004 to reduce restructuring and impairment expense by $0.3 million related to unanticipated scrap material recoveries from demolition of the manufacturing facility and $0.2 million related to an unexpected early termination of a power contract.  There were no additional charges related to restructuring or impairment during the nine months ended September 30, 2005.

 

Activity in accrued restructuring was as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

For the years ended

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

Beginning balance

 

$

243

 

$

 

Restructuring expenses accrued

 

383

 

1,238

 

Restructuring payments

 

(626

)

(995

)

Ending balance

 

$

 

$

243

 

 

NOTE 4.  Receivables

 

Receivables are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Trade receivables

 

$

115,007

 

$

102,845

 

Other receivables

 

4,376

 

1,559

 

Less: Allowance for losses

 

(886

)

(712

)

Receivables, net

 

$

118,497

 

$

103,692

 

 

10



 

Activity in allowance for losses is summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

For the nine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

months ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

For the years ended December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

Balance at beginning of period

 

$

712

 

$

788

 

$

781

 

Provisions charged to income

 

241

 

263

 

236

 

Charge-offs, net of recoveries

 

(67

)

(339

)

(229

)

Balance at end of period

 

$

886

 

$

712

 

$

788

 

 

NOTE 5.  Inventories

 

Inventories are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Finished goods

 

$

101,079

 

$

86,739

 

Work in process

 

15,472

 

12,590

 

Raw materials and supplies

 

30,656

 

27,833

 

Total inventories

 

$

147,207

 

$

127,162

 

 

NOTE 6.  Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Property, plant and equipment are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Land

 

$

1,963

 

$

1,963

 

Land improvements

 

9,284

 

9,182

 

Buildings and leasehold improvements

 

33,786

 

33,591

 

Machinery and equipment

 

401,675

 

398,653

 

Construction in progress

 

16,240

 

9,903

 

Total

 

462,948

 

453,292

 

Less: Accumulated depreciation

 

(313,794

)

(300,348

)

Net

 

$

149,154

 

$

152,944

 

 

NOTE 7. Goodwill

 

The Company accounts for goodwill under SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.”  Goodwill is not amortized, but reviewed for impairment on an annual basis as of January 1, or more frequently if significant events occur that indicate impairment could exist.  The fair value of the Company is determined using a valuation model that incorporates transactions of comparable companies and expected future cash flow projections of the Company which are then discounted using a risk-adjusted discount rate.

 

11



 

NOTE 8.  Accrued Expenses

 

Accrued expenses are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Vacations and holidays

 

$

4,573

 

$

4,512

 

Workers’ compensation

 

2,882

 

3,353

 

Accrued payroll and bonus

 

3,894

 

1,695

 

Accrued sales commissions

 

1,006

 

653

 

Accrued other taxes

 

2,091

 

1,554

 

Accrued warranty claims

 

4,676

 

1,716

 

Accrued environmental claims

 

4,000

 

4,000

 

Accrued volume discounts

 

4,785

 

5,100

 

Other

 

1,236

 

860

 

Total accrued expenses

 

$

29,143

 

$

23,443

 

 

NOTE 9.  Income Taxes

 

Income tax expense (benefit) applicable to the Company consists of the following (in thousands ):

 

 

 

For the nine months ended September 30,

 

For the years ended December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

Current

 

Deferred

 

Total

 

Current

 

Deferred

 

Total

 

Current

 

Deferred

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

$

6,384

 

$

(3,507

)

$

2,877

 

$

(11,865

)

$

4,085

 

$

(7,780

)

$

(10,625

)

$

(252

)

$

(10,877

)

State and local

 

 

 

 

 

4,879

 

4,879

 

 

(1,755

)

(1,755

)

Total

 

$

6,384

 

$

(3,507

)

$

2,877

 

$

(11,865

)

$

8,964

 

$

(2,901

)

$

(10,625

)

$

(2,007

)

$

(12,632

)

 

The income tax expense (benefit) at the Company’s effective tax rate differed from the Federal statutory rate as follows:

 

 

 

For the nine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

months ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

For the years ended December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

Statutory tax rate

 

35.0

%

(35.0

)%

(35.0

)%

Effect of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

State and local income tax

 

4.8

%

 

(3.5

)%

Change in valuation allowances

 

(4.8

)%

19.2

%

 

Other, net

 

1.2

%

 

0.3

%

Effective tax rate

 

36.2

%

(15.8

)%

(38.2

)%

 

The change in valuation allowances consists of state income tax benefits for which the Company believes it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be realized.

 

Activity in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

Balance at beginning of period

 

$

10,477

 

$

8,712

 

$

6,200

 

(Reversal) provision applicable to state net deferred tax assets

 

(2,560

)

(441

2,512

 

Provision (reversal) applicable to other comprehensive loss

 

1,109

 

2,206

 

 

Balance at end of period

 

$

9,026

 

$

10,477

 

$

8,712

 

 

12



 

Deferred tax assets (liabilities) related to the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Deferred tax assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for losses on receivables

 

$

352

 

$

356

 

Inventories

 

105

 

157

 

Accrued expenses

 

12,110

 

10,535

 

Net operating loss

 

6,164

 

6,906

 

Postretirement benefits other than pensions

 

20,298

 

21,251

 

Pensions

 

21,312

 

13,490

 

 

 

60,341

 

52,695

 

Valuation allowance

 

(9,026

)

(10,477

)

Net deferred tax assets

 

51,315

 

42,218

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

(30,702

)

(33,291

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net deferred tax assets

 

$

20,613

 

$

8,927

 

 

For Federal income tax purposes, Walter files a consolidated income tax return with its subsidiaries and affiliates, which includes the Company.  The income tax provision has been presented as if the Company filed on a stand alone basis with the exception that the tax sharing agreement in place with Walter provides that subsidiaries of Walter generating losses will receive compensation for such losses during the year the loss was generated.  Since the Federal losses generated at the Company provide an immediate benefit through the tax sharing agreement, management determined that the benefit should be fully recognized on a stand alone basis. Had Walter’s agreement with is subsidiaries not provided for immediate benefit as of September 30, 2005, the Company would have been in a net operating loss position for Federal Income tax purposes. On a separate return basis, such losses totaled $2.4 million as of September 30, 2005. Furthermore, without Walter providing immediate benefit and without consideration of the Company’s merger into Mueller Water Products on October 3, 2005, (see Note 13), it is more likely than not that such Federal operating losses would not be utilized. The information below provides the proforma affect as if of the Company determined a stand alone tax provision assuming the Company provided taxes without consideration of its parent company benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 (in thousands):

 

 

 

As Reported

 

Proforma (unaudited)

 

 

 

Current

 

Deferred

 

Total

 

Current

 

Deferred

 

Total

 

Federal

 

$

6,384

 

$

(3,507

)

$

2,877

 

$

1,556

 

 

$

1,556

 

State and Local

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

6,384

 

$

(3,507

)

$

2,877

 

$

1,556

 

 

$

1,556

 

 

Additionally, on a pro forma basis, the above net deferred tax asset of $20.0 million would be reduced to zero.

 

The Company has state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $77.0 million expiring beginning 2009 for which a valuation allowance has been established.  Additionally, the loss carryforwards are subject to limitations in certain jurisdictions under IRC Section 382.

 

A controversy exists with regard to federal income taxes allegedly owed by the Walter consolidated group, which includes the Company, for fiscal years 1980 through 1994.  It is estimated that the amount of tax presently claimed by the IRS is approximately $34.0 million for issues currently in dispute in bankruptcy court for matters unrelated to the Company.  This amount is subject to interest and penalties.  Under tax law, the Company is jointly and severally liable for any final tax determination.  However, Walter and its affiliates believe that their tax filing positions have substantial merit and intend to defend vigorously any claims asserted.  Walter believes that it has an accrual sufficient to cover the estimated probable loss, including interest and penalties. There are no changes or accruals in the Company's accounts related to these issues since these matters do not relate to the operations of the Company.

 

NOTE 10. Pension and Other Employee Benefits

 

The Company has various pension and profit sharing plans covering substantially all employees (the "Plans").  Total pension expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 was $ 5.4 million, $8.4 million and $9.4 million, respectively.  The Company funds its retirement and employee benefit plans in accordance with the requirements of the plans and, where applicable, in amounts sufficient to satisfy the “Minimum Funding Standards” of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”).  The plans provide benefits based on years of service and compensation or at stated amounts for each year of service.

 

The Company also provides certain postretirement benefits other than pensions, primarily healthcare, to eligible retirees.  The Company’s postretirement benefit plans are not funded.  New salaried employees have been ineligible to participate in postretirement healthcare benefits since May 2000.  Effective January 1, 2003, the

 

13



 

Company placed a monthly cap on Company contributions for postretirement healthcare coverage of $350 per salaried participant (pre-Medicare eligibility) and $150 per participant (post-Medicare eligibility).

 

The Company’s policy is to use a measurement date that is three months prior to its fiscal year end.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, the Company used a June 30 measurement date for all of its pension and postretirement benefit plans.  For the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company used a September 30 measurement date. The amounts recognized for such plans are as follows, (in thousands).

 

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

Other Benefits

 

 

 

Sept. 30,

 

Dec. 31,

 

Sept. 30,

 

Dec. 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated benefit obligation

 

$

234,925

 

$

197,040

 

$

29,498

 

$

23,747

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in projected benefit obligation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Projected benefit obligation at beginning of period

 

$

216,269

 

$

205,966

 

$

23,747

 

$

23,822

 

Service cost

 

3,824

 

4,617

 

413

 

549

 

Interest cost

 

9,445

 

12,710

 

1,031

 

1,453

 

Amendments

 

900

 

412

 

 

 

Actuarial loss (gain)

 

37,024

 

4,720

 

5,110

 

(475

)

Benefits paid

 

(9,487

)

(12,156

)

(803

)

(1,867

)

Other

 

 

 

 

265

 

Projected benefit obligation at end of period

 

$

257,975

 

$

216,269

 

$

29,498

 

$

23,747

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in plan assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period

 

$

164,249

 

$

147,102

 

$

 

$

 

Actual gain (loss) on plan assets

 

17,939

 

13,562

 

 

 

Employer contribution

 

950

 

15,741

 

803

 

1,867

 

Benefits paid

 

(9,487

)

(12,156

)

(803

)

(1,867

)

Fair value of plan assets at end of period

 

$

173,651

 

$

164,249

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Funded (unfunded) status

 

$

(84,324

)

$

(52,020

)

$

(29,498

)

$

(23,747

)

Unrecognized net actuarial loss (gain)

 

92,918

 

65,725

 

(13,659

)

(12,435

)

Unrecognized prior service cost

 

3,071

 

2,377

 

(8,256

)

(15,526

)

Contribution after measurement date

 

4,581

 

 

342

 

487

 

Prepaid (accrued) benefit cost

 

$

16,246

 

$

16,082

 

$

(51,071

)

$

(51,221

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts recognized in the balance sheet:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepaid benefit cost

 

$

16,246

 

$

16,082

 

$

 

$

 

Accrued benefit cost

 

(72,938

)

(48,873

)

(51,071

)

(51,221

)

Intangible asset

 

3,071

 

2,377

 

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income, before tax effects

 

69,867

 

46,496

 

 

 

Net amount recognized

 

$

16,246

 

$

16,082

 

$

(51,071

)

$

(51,221

)

 

Information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Projected benefit obligation

 

$

257,975

 

$

216,269

 

Accumulated benefit obligation

 

234,925

 

197,040

 

Fair value of plan assets

 

173,651

 

164,249

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The amounts in each period reflected in other comprehensive income are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Increase in minimum liability (before tax effects) included in other comprehensive income

 

$

23,371

 

$

880

 

 

14



 

A summary of key assumptions used is as follows:

 

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

Other Benefits

 

 

 

Sept. 30,

 

December 31,

 

Sept. 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate

 

5.00

%

6.00

%

6.35

%

5.00

%

6.00

%

6.35

%

Rate of compensation increase

 

3.50

%

3.50

%

3.50

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic cost:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate

 

6.00

%

6.35

%

7.25

%

6.00

%

6.35

%

7.25

%

Expected return on plan assets

 

8.90

%

8.90

%

9.25

%

 

 

 

Rate of compensation increase

 

3.50

%

3.50

%

3.50

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assumed healthcare cost trend rates:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Health care cost trend rate assumed for the next year

 

 

 

 

10.00

%

10.00

%

10.00

%

Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)

 

 

 

 

5.00

%

5.00

%

5.00

%

Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate

 

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

The components of net periodic benefit cost (income) are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

Other Benefits

 

 

 

For the nine
months ended
Sep. 30,

 

For the years ended
December 31,

 

For the nine
months ended
Sep. 30,

 

For the years ended
December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

Components of net periodic benefit cost (income):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

 

$

3,824

 

$

4,617

 

$

4,386

 

$

413

 

$

549

 

$

509

 

Interest cost

 

9,445

 

12,710

 

13,339

 

1,031

 

1,453

 

1,456

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(10,560

)

(12,451

)

(11,631

)

 

 

 

Amortization of transition amount

 

 

(2

)

(360

)

 

 

 

Amortization of prior service cost

 

205

 

255

 

285

 

(1,867

)

(2,759

)

(2,489

)

Amortization of net loss (gain)

 

2,454

 

3,263

 

3,406

 

(670

)

(855

)

(1,077

)

Curtailment settlement loss

 

 

 

 

 

265

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost (income)

 

$

5,368

 

$

8,392

 

$

9,425

 

$

(1,093

)

$

(1,347

)

$

(1,601

)

 

The discount rate is based on a proprietary bond defeasance model designed by the Plans’ investment consultant to create a portfolio of high quality corporate bonds which, if invested on the measurement date, would provide the necessary future cash flows to pay accumulated benefits when due.  The premise of the model is that annual benefit obligations are funded from the cash flows generated from periodic bond coupon payments, principal maturities and the interest on excess cash flows, i.e. carry forward balances.

 

The model uses a statistical program to determine the optimal mix of securities to offset benefit obligations.  The model is populated with an array of Moody’s Aa-rated corporate fixed income securities that actively traded in the bond market on the measurement date.  None of the securities used in the model had embedded call, put or convertible features, and none were structured with par paydowns or deferred income streams.  All of the securities in the model are considered appropriate for the analysis as they are diversified by maturity date and issuer and offer predictable cash flow streams.  For diversification purposes, the model was constrained to purchasing no more than 20 percent of any outstanding issuance.  Carryforward interest is credited at a rate determined by adding the appropriate implied forward Treasury yield to the Aa-rated credit spread as of the measurement date.

 

The expected return on pension assets is based on the long-term actual average rate of return on the Plans’ pension assets and projected returns using asset mix forecasts and historical return data.

 

15



 

The Company’s pension plans weighted-average asset allocations at the measurement date, by asset category, are as follows:

 

 

 

June 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Asset Category:

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities

 

68

%

68

%

Debt securities

 

30

%

30

%

Other

 

2

%

2

%

Total

 

100

%

100

%

 

The plan assets of the pension plans are contributed to, held and invested by the Walter Industries, Inc. Subsidiaries Master Pension Trust (“Pension Trust”).  The plan assets included in the Company’s determination of its pension benefit obligation is based on an allocation of the Pension Trust assets, whereby the projected benefit obligation of the Company is compared with the projected benefit obligation of Walter and its affiliates (including the Company) to determine the Company’s “Projected Benefit Obligation Ratio.”  This ratio is applied to the total assets in the Pension Trust to determine the amount of assets allocated to the Company.  The Pension Trust employs a total return investment approach whereby a mix of equity and fixed income investments are used to meet the long-term funding requirements of the Pension Trust.  The asset mix strives to generate rates of return sufficient to fund plan liabilities and exceed the long-term rate of inflation, while maintaining an appropriate level of portfolio risk.  Risk tolerance is established through careful consideration of plan liabilities, plan funded status, and corporate financial condition.  The investment portfolio is diversified across domestic and foreign equity holdings, and by investment styles and market capitalizations.  Fixed income holdings are diversified by issuer, security type, and principal and interest payment characteristics.  Derivatives may be used to gain market exposure in an efficient and timely manner; however, derivatives may not be used to leverage the portfolio beyond the market value of the underlying investments.  Investment risk is measured and monitored on an ongoing basis through quarterly investment portfolio reviews, annual benefits liability measurements, and periodic asset/liability studies.

 

As of June 30, 2005, the Pension Trust’s strategic asset allocation was as follows:

 

 

 

Strategic

 

Tactical

 

Asset Class

 

Allocation

 

Range

 

Total Equity

 

70

%

65-70

%

Large Capitalization Stocks

 

45

%

40-50

%

Mid Capitalization Stocks

 

10

%

8-12

%

Small Capitalization Stocks

 

0

%

0

%

International Stocks

 

15

%

12-18

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Fixed Income

 

30

%

25-35

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Cash

 

0

%

0-2

%

 

These ranges are targets and deviations may occur from time-to-time due to market fluctuations.  Portfolio assets are typically rebalanced to the allocation targets at least annually.

 

The Pension Trust employs a building block approach in determining the long-term rate of return for plan assets.  Historical market returns are studied and long-term risk/return relationships between equity and fixed income asset classes are analyzed.  This analysis supports the fundamental investment principle that assets with greater risk generate higher returns over long periods of time.  The historical impact of returns in one asset class on returns of another asset class is reviewed to evaluate portfolio diversification benefits.  Current market factors including inflation rates and interest rate levels are considered before assumptions are developed.  The long-term portfolio return is established via the building block approach by adding interest rate risk and equity risk premiums to the anticipated long-term rate of inflation.  Proper consideration is given to the importance of portfolio diversification and periodic rebalancing.  Peer data and historical return assumptions are reviewed to check for reasonableness.

 

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Assumed healthcare cost trend rates, discount rates, expected return on plan assets and salary increases have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the pension and healthcare plans.  A one-percentage-point change in the trend rate for these assumptions would have the following effects (in thousands):

 

 

 

1-Percentage

 

1-Percentage

 

 

 

Point Increase

 

Point Decrease

 

Health care cost trend:

 

 

 

 

 

Effect on total of service and interest cost components

 

$

62

 

$

(53

)

Effect on postretirement benefit obligation

 

701

 

(612

)

Discount rate:

 

 

 

 

 

Effect on postretirement service and interest cost components

 

(9

)

(3

)

Effect on postretirement benefit obligation

 

(2,468

)

2,770

 

Effect on current year postretirement benefits expense

 

(159

)

155

 

Effect on pension service and interest cost components

 

(210

)

203

 

Effect on pension benefit obligation

 

(24,479

)

29,826

 

Effect on current year pension expense

 

(1,480

)

1,755

 

Expected return on plan assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Effect on current year pension expense

 

(1,187

)

1,187

 

Rate of compensation increase:

 

 

 

 

 

Effect on pension service and interest cost components

 

340

 

(291

)

Effect on pension benefit obligation

 

2,798

 

(2,432

)

Effect on current year pension expense

 

567

 

(488

)

 

The Company’s minimum pension plan funding requirement for fiscal 2006 is $0.1 million, which the Company expects to fully fund.  The Company also expects to contribute $1.7 million to its other post-employment benefit plan in fiscal 2006.  The following estimated benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid (in thousands):

 

 

 

Pension

 

Other
Postretirement
Benefits
Before

Medicare

 

Medicare
Part D

 

 

 

Benefits

 

Subsidy

 

Subsidy

 

2006

 

$

13,975

 

$

1,711

 

$

 

2007

 

14,351

 

1,721

 

 

2008

 

14,750

 

1,781

 

 

2009

 

15,143

 

1,924

 

 

2010

 

15,529

 

1,999

 

 

Years 2011-2015

 

85,043

 

10,824

 

 

 

NOTE 11. Commitments and Contingencies

 

Income Tax Litigation

 

The Company is currently engaged in litigation with regard to Federal income tax disputes (see Note 9).

 

Environmental Matters

 

The Company is subject to a wide variety of laws and regulations concerning the protection of the environment, both with respect to the construction and operation of many of its plants and with respect to remediating environmental conditions that may exist at its own and other properties.  The Company believes that it is in substantial compliance with federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations.  The Company accrues for environmental expenses resulting from existing conditions that relate to past operations when the

 

17



 

costs are probable and reasonably estimable.  Expenses charged to the statement of operations for compliance of ongoing operations and for remediation of environmental conditions arising from past operations in the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 were approximately $4.4 million, $9.5 million and $4.2 million, respectively.  Because environmental laws and regulations continue to evolve and because conditions giving rise to obligations and liabilities under environmental laws are in some circumstances not readily identifiable, it is difficult to forecast the amount of such future environmental expenditures or the effects of changing standards on future business operations or results. Consequently, the Company can give no assurance that such expenditures will not be material in the future.  The Company capitalizes environmental expenditures that increase the life or efficiency of property or that reduce or prevent environmental contamination.  Capital expenditures for environmental requirements are anticipated to average approximately $2.0 million per year in the next five years.  Capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 for environmental requirements were approximately $1.7 million, $2.7 million and zero, respectively.

 

The Company has implemented an Administrative Consent Order (“ACO”) for its Burlington, New Jersey plant that was required under the New Jersey Environmental Cleanup Responsibility Act (now known as the Industrial Site Recovery Act).  The ACO required soil and ground water cleanup, and the Company has completed, and has received final approval on, the soil cleanup required by the ACO.  The Company is continuing to address ground water issues at this site.  Further remediation could be required.  These remediation costs are expected to be minimal.  Long-term ground water monitoring will be required to verify natural attenuation.  It is not known how long ground water monitoring will be required.  Management does not believe monitoring or further cleanup costs, if any, will have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company.

 

The Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) generally imposes liability, which may be joint and several and is without regard to fault or the legality of waste generation or disposal, on certain classes of persons, including owners and operators of sites at which hazardous substances are released into the environment (or pose a threat of such release), persons that disposed or arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances at such sites, and persons who owned or operated such sites at the time of such disposal.  CERCLA authorizes the EPA, the States and, in some circumstances, private entities to take actions in response to public health or environmental threats and to seek to recover the costs they incur from the same classes of persons. Certain governmental authorities can also seek recovery for damages to natural resources.  Currently, U.S. Pipe has been identified as a potentially responsible party (“PRP”) by the EPA under CERCLA with respect to cleanup of hazardous substances at two sites to which its wastes allegedly were transported or deposited.  The Company is among many PRPs at such sites and a significant number of the PRPs are substantial companies.  An agreement has been reached with the EPA and a Consent Order, signed by U.S. Pipe and the EPA, has been finalized respecting one of the sites.  U.S. Pipe has satisfied its obligations under the Consent Order at a cost that was not material.  Natural resource damage claims respecting that same site have now also been made by the State of California while the liability and the corresponding insurance claim cannot presently be estimated, U.S. Pipe, as a member of the same group of PRPs, believes it has adequate first dollar insurance coverage covering the State’s claims. With respect to the other site, located in Anniston, Alabama, the PRPs have been negotiating an administrative consent order with the EPA.  Based on these negotiations, management estimates the Company’s share of liability for cleanup, after allocation among several PRPs, will be approximately $4.0 million, which was accrued in 2004.  Civil litigation in respect of the site is also ongoing, including a putative class action lawsuit alleging property damage and personal injury.  Management does not believe that U.S. Pipe’s share of any additional liability will have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Company, but could be material to results of operations in future reporting periods.

 

Although no assurances can be given that the Company will not be required in the future to make material expenditures relating to these or other sites, management does not believe at this time that the cleanup costs, if any, associated with these or other sites will have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or results of

 

18



 

operations of the Company, but such cleanup costs could be material to results of operations in a reporting period.

 

In 2004, the Company entered into a settlement and release agreement with a former insurer whereby the former insurer paid $1.9 million, net of legal fees, to the Company for historical insurance claims, previously expensed as incurred by the Company.  Such claims had not previously been submitted to the insurance company for reimbursement.  The Company released the insurer of both past and future claims, and recorded a $1.9 million reduction to selling, general and administrative expenses in 2004.

 

In 2005, the Company entered into a settlement and release agreement with a former insurer whereby the former insurer agreed to pay $5.1 million, net of legal fees, to the Company for historical insurance claims previously expensed as incurred by the Company.  Such claims had not previously been submitted to the insurance company for reimbursement.  The Company released the insurer of both past and future claims.  During 2005, the Company received $2.8 million in cash and the remainder is expected to be received in the second quarter of fiscal 2006.  The Company recorded a $5.1 million reduction to selling, general and administrative expenses in 2005.

 

Miscellaneous Litigation

 

In 2003, the Company increased its accruals for outstanding litigation by approximately $6.5 million, principally related to the settlement of a class action employment matter.  The settlement was finalized in May 2004 for an amount approximating the accrual.

 

The Company is a party to a number of other lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business.  The Company provides for costs relating to these matters when a loss is probable and the amount is reasonably estimable.  The effect of the outcome of these matters on the Company’s future results of operations cannot be predicted with certainty as any such effect depends on future results of operations and the amount and timing of the resolution of such matters.  While the results of litigation cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company believes that the final outcome of such other litigation will not have a materially adverse effect on the Company’s financial statements.

 

Operating Leases

 

The Company accounts for operating leases in accordance with SFAS 13, “Accounting for Leases,” which includes guidance for evaluating free rent periods, determining amortization periods of leasehold improvements and incentives related to leasehold improvements.  The Company’s operating leases are primarily for equipment and office space.

 

Rent expense was $0.2 million, $0.3 million and $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.  Future minimum payments under non-cancelable operating leases as of September 30, 2005 are (in thousands):

 

 

 

Operating

 

 

 

Leases

 

2006

 

$

249

 

2007

 

158

 

2008

 

73

 

2009

 

67

 

2010

 

67

 

Thereafter

 

130

 

 

19



 

Note 12. Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

 

In November 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs,” which clarifies the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material. This Statement requires that those items be recognized as current-period charges regardless of whether they meet the criterion of “so abnormal.” In addition, this Statement requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The Company intends to adopt SFAS No. 151 on October 1, 2005, the beginning of its 2006 fiscal year. The impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 151 on the Company’s financial statements may have a material impact on our operating income in the event actual production output is significantly higher or lower than normal capacity.  In the event actual production capacity is significantly different than normal capacity, the Company may be required to recognize certain amounts of facility expense, freight, handling costs or wasted materials as a current period expense.

 

In March 2005, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 47, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations” (“FIN 47”), which is an interpretation of FASB No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations” (“SFAS 143”).  This interpretation clarifies terminology within SFAS 143 and requires companies to recognize a liability for the fair value of a conditional asset retirement obligation when incurred if the liability’s fair value can be reasonably estimated.  FIN 47 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005.  This standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

 

In June 2005, the FASB issued FASB No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections”, which changes the requirements for accounting for and reporting of a change in accounting principle.  SFAS 154 requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements of a voluntary change in accounting principle unless it is impracticable.  SFAS 154 also requires that a change in method of depreciation, amortization or depletion for long-lived, nonfinancial assets be accounted for as a change in accounting estimate that is effected by a change in accounting principle.  SFAS 154 is effective for accounting changes made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005.  The adoption of SFAS 154 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

 

NOTE 13. Subsequent Events

 

On October 3, 2005, pursuant to the agreement dated June 17, 2005, Walter, through a wholly-owned subsidiary acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Mueller Water Products and subsidiaries (“Mueller”) for $943.4 million and assumed approximately $1.05 billion of indebtedness at Mueller.  In conjunction with the acquisition, the Company was contributed to Mueller.  For accounting and financial statement presentation purposes, the Company is treated as the accounting acquiror of Mueller.  Mueller had net sales of $1,148.9 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005 and total assets of $1,086.8 million at September 30, 2005.

 

The purchase price was allocated to Mueller’s net tangible and identifiable intangible assets based on their fair values as of October 3, 2005.  The excess of the purchase price over the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets was recorded as goodwill.  Based on current fair values, the purchase price was allocated as follows (dollars in millions):

 

Receivables, net

 

$

177.4

 

Inventories

 

373.2

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

215.5

 

Identifiable intangible assets

 

855.9

 

Goodwill

 

817.6

 

Net other assets

 

376.5

 

Net deferred tax liabilities

 

(300.0

)

Debt (1)

 

(1,572.7

)

Total purchase price allocation

 

$

943.4

 

 


(1)  Includes debt existing at the date of acquisition and additional debt assumed by Mueller in conjunction with

 

20



 

Walter’s acquisition of Mueller.

 

In addition, Walter parent contributed its net intercompany receivable balance to capital in excess of par value of the Company.  The Company will reflect this decrease in intercompany payable as additional equity in October 2005.

 

On October 21, 2005, Walter announced its plan to undertake an initial public offering and subsequent spin-off of the Company, which comprises the combined operations of the Company and Mueller.

 

On October 26, 2005, Walter announced plans to close U.S. Pipe’s Chattanooga, Tennessee plant and transfer the valve and hydrant production operations of that plant to Mueller’s Chattanooga, Tennessee and Albertville, Alabama plants.  The eventual closure of the Chattanooga plant is expected to occur in 2006.  The estimated Chattanooga pre-tax closing costs that are expected to be recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2006 ending December 31, 2005 consist of $17.8 million of long-lived asset write-offs, a $5.2 million inventory absorption loss, an $11.9 million charge to write inventory down to fair value, $3.0 million for severance costs and an environmental charge of $2.4 million.  The Company expects to recognize additional severance expense during the second quarter of 2006 in the amount of $0.6 million.  In addition, the Company anticipates additional environmental-related charges of $1.3 million and a $2.9 million charge to increase the pension and other benefit obligations to be recognized in fiscal 2006.

 

21