The following table presents our selected consolidated historical financial data for us and our Predecessor as of the dates and for each of the periods indicated. The selected consolidated historical data as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014, for the Successor 2013 Period, the Predecessor 2013 Period, the Predecessor 2012 Period, and as of December 31, 2013 has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report. The selected consolidated historical data as of December 31, 2012 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of our Predecessor. The selected consolidated historical financial data presented below contain all normal recurring adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary to present fairly our financial position and results of operations as of and for the periods presented. The selected historical consolidated financial data included below and elsewhere in this Annual Report are not necessarily indicative of future results and should be read in conjunction with the section entitled “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, and the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in Part II, Item 7 of this Annual Report.
(amounts in millions, except per share data) | | | | | | | |
Statement of Operations Data | | Year Ended December 31, 2014 | | | Period from Inception (April 23, 2013) to December 31, 2013 | | | Period from January 1, 2013 to October 31, 2013 | | Year Ended December 31, 2012 | |
| | (Successor) | | | | (Successor) | | | | (Predecessor) | | | | (Predecessor) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net sales | | $ | 843.2 | | | | $ | 118.2 | | | | $ | 627.7 | | | | $ | 731.2 | |
Gross profit | | | 396.6 | | | | | 35.7 | | | | | 322.8 | | | | | 355.1 | |
Operating profit (loss) | | | 9.5 | | (1) | | | (195.6 | ) | (2) | | | 91.7 | | (3) | | | 115.1 | |
(Loss) income before income taxes, non-controlling interests and dividends on preferred shares | | | (30.9 | ) | (1) | | | (201.4 | ) | (2) | | | 26.5 | | (3) | | | 71.0 | |
Income tax benefit (expense) | | | 6.7 | | | | | 5.8 | | | | | (13.0 | ) | | | | (24.7 | ) |
Net (loss) income | | | (24.2 | ) | (1) | | | (195.6 | ) | (2) | | | 13.5 | | (3) | | | 46.3 | |
Basic earnings per share | | | (1.94 | ) | (1) | | | (2.10 | ) | (2) | | | n/a | | | | | n/a | |
Diluted earnings per share | | | (1.94 | ) | (1) | | | (2.10 | ) | (2) | | | n/a | | | | | n/a | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance Sheet Data | | December 31, 2014 | | | | December 31, 2013 | | | | | | | | | | December 31, 2012 | |
| | (Successor) | | | | (Successor) | | | | | | | | | | (Predecessor) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash & cash equivalents | | $ | 397.3 | | | | $ | 123.0 | | | | | | | | | $ | 143.4 | |
Working capital (4) | | | 1,335.8 | | | | | 263.8 | | | | | | | | | | 246.4 | |
Total assets | | | 4,557.6 | | | | | 2,260.2 | | | | | | | | | | 1,233.9 | |
Total debt | | | 1,415.9 | | | | | 752.3 | | | | | | | | | | 720.6 | |
Total equity | | | 2,552.6 | | | | | 1,115.1 | | | | | | | | | | 272.4 | |
(1) Includes the following significant items related to the Acquisitions affecting comparability for the year ended December 31, 2014:
· | Purchase accounting adjustment of $35.5 million charged to cost of sales for the manufacturer’s profit in inventory adjustment; |
· | Transaction related costs, primarily comprised of professional fees, of $47.8 million; and |
· | Non-cash mark-to-market charge related to the contingent consideration in connection with the MacDermid acquisition of $29.1 million. |
(2) Includes the following significant items related to the MacDermid Acquisition affecting comparability in the Successor 2013 Period:
· | Non-cash charge related to the preferred share dividend rights of the Founders entities of $172.0 million; |
· | Purchase accounting adjustment of $23.9 million charged to cost of sales for the manufacturer’s profit in inventory adjustment; and |
· | Transaction related costs, primarily comprised of professional fees, of $15.2 million. |
(3) Includes the following significant items related to the MacDermid Acquisition affecting comparability in the Predecessor 2013 Period:
· | Transaction related costs primarily for professional fees and fees paid to Predecessor shareholders resulting from management fees payable in conjunction with consummation of the MacDermid Acquisition of $16.9 million; and |
· | Deemed compensation expense related to pre-acquisition share awards of approximately $9.3 million. |
(4) Working capital is defined as current assets less current liabilities.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following is a discussion of our financial condition and results of operations during the period ended December 31, 2014, the Successor 2013 Period and each of the Predecessor 2013 Period and the Predecessor 2012 Period. We did not own MacDermid for any of the Predecessor periods or for the entirety of the Successor 2013 Period. Consequently, these results may not be indicative of the results that we would expect to recognize for future periods. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the section entitled “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, and with the section entitled “Selected Financial Data” included in Part II, Item 6 of this Annual Report.
Overview
We are a global, diversified producer of high technology specialty chemical products and provider of technical services. Our business involves the formulation of a broad range of specialty chemicals, created by blending raw materials through multi-step technological processes of formulating AIs into final agricultural products, which can be easily and safely used by growers in the field. These specialty chemicals are sold into multiple industries, including agricultural, electronics, graphic arts, metal and plastic plating, and offshore oil production and drilling.
As our name “Platform Specialty Products Corporation” implies, we continually seek opportunities to act as an acquirer and consolidator of specialty chemical businesses on a global basis, particularly those meeting Platform’s “Asset Lite, High-Touch” philosophy, which involves prioritizing extensive resources to research and development and highly technical customer service, while managing conservatively our investments in fixed assets and capital expenditures. To date, Platform has completed four acquisitions: the MacDermid Acquisition, on October 31, 2013, the Agriphar Acquisition on October 1, 2014, the CAS Acquisition on November 3, 2014 and the Arysta Acquisition on February 13, 2015.
We were initially incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the British Virgin Islands on April 23, 2013 under the name “Platform Acquisition Holdings Limited.” We were created for the purpose of acquiring a target company or business with an anticipated enterprise value of between $750 million and $2.50 billion. We completed our Initial Public Offering in the United Kingdom on May 22, 2013, raising net proceeds of approximately $881 million and were listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Acquisitions
MacDermid Acquisition
On October 31, 2013, we completed the MacDermid Acquisition, pursuant to which we indirectly acquired substantially all of the equity of MacDermid Holdings which, at the time, owned 97% of MacDermid. As a result, we became a holding company for the MacDermid business. We acquired the remaining 3% of MacDermid on March 4, 2014, pursuant to the terms of an Exchange Agreement, dated October 25, 2013, between us and the fiduciaries of the 401K Plan. Concurrently with the closing of the MacDermid Acquisition, we changed our name to “Platform Specialty Products Corporation.” On January 22, 2014, we completed the Domestication, changing our jurisdiction of incorporation from the British Virgin Islands to Delaware, and on January 23, 2014, our common stock began trading on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “PAH.”
The total consideration for the MacDermid Acquisition and the Exchange Agreement was approximately $1.80 billion (including the assumption of $754 million of indebtedness, consisting primarily of MacDermid’s then first lien credit facility), plus (i) up to $100 million of contingent consideration tied to achieving certain EBITDA and stock trading price performance metrics over a seven-year period following the closing of the MacDermid Acquisition and (ii) an interest in certain MacDermid pending litigation which consideration was paid through a combination of both equity interests and cash.
Agriphar Acquisition
On October 1, 2014, we completed the Agriphar Acquisition. Pursuant to the terms of the acquisition agreement, MacDermid Agricultural Solutions Holdings B.V. acquired 100% of the equity interests of Percival for a purchase price of approximately €300 million ($370 million) consisting of $350 million in cash, after certain post-closing working capital and other adjustments, and 711,551 restricted shares of our common stock.
We financed the Agriphar Acquisition with proceeds from the Incremental Amendment and available cash on hand.
CAS Acquisition
On November 3, 2014, we completed the CAS Acquisition for $1.04 billion, consisting of $983 million in cash, after certain post-closing working capital and other adjustments, 2,000,000 shares of our common stock and the assumption of certain liabilities by Platform.
We financed the CAS Acquisition with a combination of available cash on hand and borrowings under an increase in term loans of approximately $389 million ($256 million of which is denominated in Euro), $60 million under our U.S. Dollar revolving credit facility and €55 million ($68.7 million) under our multicurrency revolving credit facility pursuant to our Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.
Arysta Acquisition
On February 13, 2015, we completed the Arysta Acquisition for approximately $3.57 billion, consisting of $2.93 billion in cash, subject to working capital and other adjustments, and $600 million of Platform’s Series B Preferred Stock issued to the Seller.
We financed the Arysta Acquisition with the proceeds from (1) available cash on hand, (2) the offering of $1.10 billion aggregate principal amount of 6.50% senior notes due 2022 denominated in U.S. dollars and €350 million aggregate principal amount of 6.00% senior notes due 2023 denominated in Euro, which offering was completed on February 2, 2015, and (3) additional borrowings of $500 million (less original issue discount of 1%) through an incremental term loan denominated in U.S. dollars, €83 million (less original discount of 2%) through an increase to our existing term loan facility denominated in Euro, and $160 million our increased U.S. dollar revolving credit facility.
Our Business
Our business involves the formulation of a broad range of specialty chemicals, which we create by blending raw materials through multi-step technological processes or formulating AIs into final agricultural products, which can be easily and safely used by growers in the fields. These specialty chemicals encompass the products we sell to our customers in the agrochemical, electronics, metal and plastic plating, graphic arts, and offshore oil production and drilling industries. We refer to our products as “dynamic chemistries” due to their intricate chemical compositions. Our dynamic chemistries are used in a wide variety of attractive niche markets and we believe that the majority of our operations hold strong positions in the product markets they serve.
We generate revenue through the manufacture and sale of our dynamic chemistries and by providing highly technical service to our customers through our extensive global network of specially trained service personnel. Our personnel work closely with our customers to ensure that the chemical composition and function of our dynamic chemistries are maintained as intended. As an example, a customer will engage us to manufacture and sell a product consisting of a process composed of eight successive chemical baths, each of which is made up of our specialty chemicals, in order to enhance the overall performance of that customer’s circuit boards. In addition to providing such product, a member of our professional service team would visit the customer’s manufacturing facilities on a regular basis to ensure that the process sold maintains the correct chemical balance and can be used effectively in the manner and for the purpose desired.
While our dynamic chemistries typically represent only a small portion of our customers’ costs, we believe that they are critical to our customers’ manufacturing processes and overall product performance. Further, operational risks and switching costs make it difficult for our customers to change suppliers and allow us to retain customers and maintain our market positions.
We manage our business in three operating segments: Performance Materials, Graphic Solutions and AgroSolutions. The AgroSolutions segment was created during the fourth quarter of 2014 to manage our newly acquired agrochemical vertical, which now includes Agriphar’s, CAS’ and Arysta’s complementary businesses and which is expected to uniformly operate under the Arysta LifeScience brand.
Performance Materials – Our Performance Materials segment manufactures and markets dynamic chemistry solutions that are used in the electronics, automotive and oil and gas production and drilling industries. We operate in the Americas, Asia and Europe. Our products include surface and coating materials and water-based hydraulic control fluids. In conjunction with the sale of these products, we provide technical service and support when necessary to ensure superior performance of their application. The regional sales mix in this segment has shifted over the past several years from more industrialized nations towards emerging markets, such as Asia and South America. To better serve customers in these markets, we have developed state-of- the-art facilities in São Paulo, Brazil and Suzhou, China. We have approximately 600 personnel and four manufacturing facilities in Asia and remain focused on further increasing our presence in the region.
Graphic Solutions – Our Graphic Solutions segment primarily produces and markets photopolymers through an extensive line of flexographic plates that are used in the commercial packaging and printing industries. We manufacture photopolymers used to produce printing plates for transferring images onto commercial packaging, including packaging for consumer food products, pet food bags, corrugated boxes, labels and beverage containers. In addition, we also produce photopolymer printing plates for the flexographic and letterpress newspaper and publications markets. Our products are used to improve print quality and printing productivity. Flexography is a printing process that utilizes flexible printing plates made of rubber or other flexible plastics. Photopolymers are molecules that change properties upon exposure to light. Our business mix in this segment is focused on high innovation, higher cash flow businesses by offering new products. We believe growth in this segment will be driven by consumer demand and advertising.
AgroSolutions – Our AgroSolutions segment is based on a solutions-oriented business model that focuses on product innovation to address an ever-increasing need for higher crop yield and quality. We offer a wide variety of proven plant health and pest control products to growers, which are comprised of specific target applications in the following major product lines: adjuvants, fungicides, herbicides, home applications (home and garden and ectoparasiticides), insecticides, miticides, plant growth regulators and seed treatments. We refer to globally managed patented and proprietary off-patent fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides as our value-added portfolio, or GVAP. Our product portfolio also includes biosolutions (biostimulants, innovative nutrition and biocontrol), and regional off patent AIs that complement our principal product lines.
Our operating segments include significant foreign operations. There are certain risks associated with our foreign operations. See Part I, Item 1A.—Risk Factors—“Our substantial international operations subject us to risks not faced by domestic competitors.”
We sell our products into three main geographic regions: the Americas, Asia and Europe. Because our segments utilize shared facilities and administrative resources and offer products that are distinct from one another, we make decisions about how to manage our operations by reference to each segment and not with respect to the underlying products or geographic regions that comprise each segment.
Global Economic and Industry Conditions
Our products are sold in industries that we believe are sensitive to changes in general economic conditions. Accordingly, net sales, gross profit and financial condition depend significantly on general economic conditions and the impact of these conditions on demand for our dynamic chemistries and services in the markets in which we compete. Our business is particularly impacted by demand for chemistry products utilized in the automotive, printed circuit board, offshore oil production and commercial packaging industries.
Our business is also significantly influenced by trends and characteristics in the specialty chemical industry and the printing industry. We believe that these industries are cyclical and subject to constant and rapid technological change, product obsolescence, price erosion, evolving standards, short product life-cycles, raw material price fluctuations and changes in product supply and demand.
The specialty chemical industry is currently being affected by globalization and a shift in customers’ businesses out of traditional geographic markets and into high-growth, emerging markets.
The printing industry is currently shrinking, which is reflected in the newspaper closures and consolidations that have occurred during the past three years. The newspapers are also reducing capital spending due to outsourcing their production. As a result, sales of newspaper plates have been adversely impacted by these trends.
Net sales in future periods will depend, among other factors, upon a continued general improvement in global economic conditions, our ability to meet unscheduled or temporary changes in demand, and our ability to penetrate new markets with strategic product initiatives in specific targeted markets.
The AgroSolutions segment is supported by strong global fundamentals such as the need to feed a growing population, with limited land and competition from biofuels, in addition to a change in dietary standards in emerging markets, that create a critical need to increase yields, which is accomplished through the use of agrochemicals, including seed treatment, to protect the crop, and biosolutions offerings (especially biostimulants and innovative nutrition), among other technologies, for crop enhancement.
Despite strong macro trends for the industry, net sales in future periods can depend, among other factors, on commodity prices, climate conditions and the development of new technologies, such as GM seeds, that can partially substitute the need for agrochemicals.
Foreign Currency Exposure
For the year ended December 31, 2014, 70% of net sales were denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar - predominantly the Euro, British Pound Sterling, Chinese Yuan, Brazilian Real and Hong Kong Dollar. For the Successor 2013 Period and the Predecessor 2013 Period, approximately 68% and 67%, respectively, of net sales, were denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. For the Predecessor 2012 Period, approximately 67% of net sales were denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. Except for hedging exchange risk related to acquisitions, generally we have not utilized currency hedges to mitigate exchange rate risk between the U.S. Dollar and the foreign currencies of our operations other than with respect to the British Pound Sterling. Therefore, our financial performance may be positively or negatively impacted by changes in foreign exchange rates in any given reporting period. However, as we continue to expand our international presence through acquisitions, we continue to review a full range of options focused on mitigating foreign currency exchange rate risk. For most currencies, we are a net receiver of the foreign currency and therefore we benefit from a weaker U.S. Dollar and are adversely affected by a stronger U.S. Dollar relative to the foreign currency.
For the year ended December 31, 2014, net sales were unfavorably impacted by approximately $3.4 million as the U.S. Dollar strengthened against most foreign currencies, and especially the Brazil Real, British Pound Sterling and Euro when compared to 2013.
For the Successor 2013 Period and the Predecessor 2013 Periods, net sales were negatively impacted as the U.S. Dollar strengthened against the Brazil Real, British Pound Sterling and Euro when compared to 2012. However, the absolute impact on the Successor and Predecessor 2013 Period net sales was not material.
For the Predecessor 2012 Period, net sales were negatively impacted as the U.S. Dollar strengthened against the Brazil Real, British Pound Sterling and Euro when compared to 2011. However, the absolute impact on 2012 net sales was not material.
The majority of Agriphar’s, CAS’ and Arysta’s net sales are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. Therefore, changes in foreign exchange rates in any given reporting period may positively or negatively impact their respective financial performance.
Results of Operations
The following table summarizes the results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014 and for the Successor 2013 Period, as well as the Predecessor 2013 and 2012 Periods:
(amounts in millions) | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2014 | | | 2013 | | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | |
| | Successor | | | Successor | | | | Predecessor | | | Predecessor | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net sales | | $ | 843.2 | | | $ | 118.2 | | | | $ | 627.7 | | | $ | 731.2 | |
Cost of sales | | | 446.6 | | | | 82.5 | | | | | 304.9 | | | | 376.1 | |
Gross profit | | | 396.6 | | | | 35.7 | | | | | 322.8 | | | | 355.1 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating expenses: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Selling, technical, general and administrative | | | 357.9 | | | | 54.5 | | | | | 207.6 | | | | 214.6 | |
Non-cash charge related to preferred stock dividend rights | | | - | | | | 172.0 | | | | | - | | | | - | |
Research and development | | | 26.2 | | | | 4.0 | | | | | 19.9 | | | | 25.1 | |
Restructuring | | | 3.0 | | | | 0.8 | | | | | 3.6 | | | | 0.3 | |
Total operating expenses | | | 387.1 | | | | 231.3 | | | | | 231.1 | | | | 240.0 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating profit (loss) | | | 9.5 | | | | (195.6 | ) | | | | 91.7 | | | | 115.1 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other (expense) income: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest, net | | | (37.9 | ) | | | (5.4 | ) | | | | (45.9 | ) | | | (49.1 | ) |
Loss on extinguishment of debt | | | - | | | | - | | | | | (18.8 | ) | | | - | |
Other (expense) income, net | | | (2.5 | ) | | | (0.4 | ) | | | | (0.5 | ) | | | 5.0 | |
Total other expense | | | (40.4 | ) | | | (5.8 | ) | | | | (65.2 | ) | | | (44.1 | ) |
(Loss) income before income taxes, non-controlling interest and dividends on preferred shares | | | (30.9 | ) | | | (201.4 | ) | | | | 26.5 | | | | 71.0 | |
Income tax benefit (provision) | | | 6.7 | | | | 5.8 | | | | | (13.0 | ) | | | (24.7 | ) |
Net (loss) income | | | (24.2 | ) | | | (195.6 | ) | | | | 13.5 | | | | 46.3 | |
Net loss (income) attributable to the non-controlling interest | | | (5.7 | ) | | | 1.4 | | | | | (0.3 | ) | | | (0.3 | ) |
Net (loss) income attributable to shareholders | | | (29.9 | ) | | | (194.2 | ) | | | | 13.2 | | | | 46.0 | |
Accrued stock dividend on cumulative | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Founder's preferred shares | | | (232.7 | ) | | | - | | | | | - | | | | - | |
Accrued payment-in-kind dividend on cumulative preferred shares | | | - | | | | - | | | | | (22.4 | ) | | | (44.6 | ) |
Net (loss) income attributable to common shares | | $ | (262.6 | ) | | $ | (194.2 | ) | | | $ | (9.2 | ) | | $ | 1.4 | |
Year Ended December 31, 2014 Compared to Successor 2013 Period (Inception (April 23, 2013) through December 31, 2013) and Predecessor 2013 Period (January 1, 2013 through October 31, 2013)
Net Sales
Net sales totaled $843 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to net sales of $118 million for the Successor 2013 Period and $628 million for the Predecessor 2013 Period. Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014 includes a full 12 months of MacDermid results, compared to two months in the Successor 2013 Period and ten months in the Predecessor 2013 Period, as well as $26.1 million and $61.9 million of sales generated through the Agriphar and CAS Acquisitions, which were completed on October 1, 2014 and November 3, 2014, respectively. Sales were unfavorably impacted by $3.4 million due to the increase in value of the U.S. Dollar during the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the Successor and Predecessor 2013 Periods. Net sales of products that we have identified as new products, which represent opportunities to enter markets adjacent to those we currently serve, were $90.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $11.2 million for the Successor 2013 Period and $65.6 million for the Predecessor 2013 Period.
Net sales in the Performance Materials segment totaled $589 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to net sales of $92.6 million for the Successor 2013 Period and $482 million for the Predecessor 2013 Period. Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014 includes a full 12 months of MacDermid results, compared to two months in the Successor 2013 Period and ten months in the Predecessor 2013 Period. Electronic product sales increased in Asia, core industrial and film product sales increased in the Americas and Europe, as well as offshore fluids primarily in Europe.
Net sales in the Graphic Solutions segment sales totaled $166 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to net sales of $25.6 million for the Successor 2013 Period and $146 million for the Predecessor 2013 Period. As with the Performance Materials segment, net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014 includes a full 12 months of MacDermid results, compared to two months in the Successor 2013 Period and ten months in the Predecessor 2013 Period. The decrease in net sales is primarily attributable to lower demand for newspaper plating products partially offset by higher sales volume in packaging products primarily in Europe.
During the fourth quarter of 2014, we created a new operating segment, AgroSolutions, which includes Agriphar’s and CAS’s complementary businesses, as well as certain subsequently acquired businesses of Arysta. The AgroSolutions segment reported sales of $88.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, representing partial year sales from the Agriphar and CAS Acquisitions completed on October 1, 2014 and November 3, 2014, respectively.
By region, for the Performance Materials and Graphic Solutions segments, net sales from the Americas, Asia and Europe were $272 million, $214 million and $269 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $42.7 million, $34.6 million and $41.0 million in the Successor 2013 Period and $237 million, $177 million and $214 million in the Predecessor 2013 Periods, respectively. Net sales were lower in the Americas in 2014 primarily from an unfavorable foreign currency impact of approximately $5.4 million in addition to lower newspaper plating product sales volume. In the Asia region, net sales increased $2.8 million in 2014 which was due to continued strong demand for our electronics products but was partially offset by lower sales volume in core film products and an unfavorable foreign currency impact of approximately $2.8 million. European sales increased by $13.9 million in 2014 which was largely driven by favorable currency impacts of approximately $6.1 million in addition to higher sales volume of core industrial and film products and offshore fluids in the Performance Materials segment in addition to packaging products in the Graphic Solutions segment.
Changes in the average selling prices of the Company’s products did not have a material impact on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the Successor 2013 Period and the Predecessor 2013 Period.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales totaled $447 million (53.0% of net sales) for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $82.5 million (69.8% of net sales) for the Successor 2013 Period and $305 million (48.6% of net sales) for the Predecessor 2013 Period. Cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2014 includes a full 12 months of MacDermid results, versus two months in the Successor 2013 Period and ten months in the Predecessor 2013 Period as well as $28.5 million and $48.3 million of incremental cost of sales from the Agriphar and CAS Acquisitions, which were completed on October 1, 2014 and November 3, 2014, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2014 and the Successor 2013 Period, cost of sales includes $35.5 million and $23.9 million of charges, respectively, related to the elimination of manufacturer’s profit in inventory charged to cost of sales resulting from purchase accounting fair value adjustments to inventory associated with our acquisitions. Excluding these charges, cost of sales as a percentage of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014 and the Successor 2013 period was 48.8% and 49.6%, respectively.
Gross Profit
For the year ended December 31, 2014, gross profit totaled $397 million (47.0% gross margin), compared to $35.7 million (30.2% gross margin) for the Successor 2013 period and $323 million (51.4% gross margin) for the Predecessor 2013 Period. The Agriphar and CAS acquisitions accounted for $11.2 million of the year over year increase. For the year ended December 31, 2014 and the Successor 2013 Period, gross profit includes $35.5 million and $23.9 million of charges, respectively, related to the elimination of manufacturer’s profit resulting from the step-up of inventory related to the Acquisitions. Excluding the inventory charges, gross margin was 51.3% and 50.4% for the year ended December 31, 2014 and the Successor 2013 Period. Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2014 was unfavorably impacted by $1.8 million due to the increase in value of the U.S. Dollar. The primary driver of the higher gross profit for the year ended 2014 was more sales in higher margin electronic products in Asia and industrial products and offshore fluids in Europe from our Performance Materials segment. Changes in the average selling price of products did not have a material impact on gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the Successor and Predecessor Periods.
Non-Cash Charges related to Preferred Stock Dividend Rights
The Series A Preferred Stock issued by Platform has dividend rights that were triggered upon the successful close of the MacDermid Acquisition. On December 31, 2014, we approved a stock dividend of 10,050,290 shares of our common stock with respect to the Series A Preferred Stock, which represented 20% of the appreciation of the market price of our common stock over the Initial Public Offering price of $10.00 multiplied by the total Initial Public Offering shares. The dividend price was $22.85 (calculated based upon the average of the last ten trading days of the year’s volume weighted average share prices) and the shares were issued on January 2, 2015 based upon the volume weighted average price of $23.16 on December 31, 2014. In subsequent years, the dividend amount will be calculated based on the appreciated stock price compared to the highest dividend price previously used in calculating the Series A Preferred Stock dividends. Shares of the Series A Preferred Stock will be automatically converted into shares of our common stock on a one for one basis (i) in the event of a change of control of Platform following an acquisition or (ii) upon the last day of the seventh full financial year following the completion of the MacDermid Acquisition, being December 31, 2020 (extendable by our Board for three additional years). Each share of Series A Preferred Stock is convertible into one share of our common stock at the option of the holder until December 31, 2020 and has certain voting rights. We recognized a non-cash charge during the Successor 2013 Period related to the fair value of the preferred dividend rights of $172 million upon the completion of the MacDermid Acquisition. The fair value of the preferred dividend rights was measured based on significant inputs not observable in the market (Level 3 inputs). Key assumptions included the fair value of our common stock and an assumption of volatility. The fair value was calculated using a Monte-Carlo simulation.
Selling, Technical, General and Administrative Expense
Selling, technical, general and administrative expense totaled $357.9 million (42.4% of net sales) for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $54.5 million (46.1% of net sales) for the Successor 2013 Period and $207.6 million (33.1% of sales) for the Predecessor 2013 Period. The Agriphar Acquisition and CAS Acquisition, collectively, accounted for $30.0 million of the year over year increase. The 2014 selling, technical, general and administrative total includes $47.8 million of acquisition-related costs primarily comprised of professional costs, compared to $15.2 million for the Successor 2013 Period and $16.9 million for the Predecessor 2013 Period. Selling, technical, general and administrative expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 also includes $29.1 million related to the fair value adjustment of the long-term contingent consideration liability related to the MacDermid Acquisition, compared to income of $0.7 million realized during the Successor 2013 Period. The Predecessor 2013 Period includes $9.3 million of compensation expense related to the recognition of legacy MacDermid Class C Junior share costs. Selling, technical, general and administrative costs, net of acquisition-related charges (including Class C Junior share compensation expense and the contingent consideration adjustment but excluding incremental amortization expense in connection with the Acquisitions), represent 33.3%, 33.8% and 28.9% of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014, the Successor 2013 Period and the Predecessor 2013 Period, respectively.
Research and Development Expense
Research and development expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 totaled $26.2 million (3.1% of net sales), compared to $4.0 million (3.4% of net sales) for the Successor 2013 Period and $19.9 million (3.2% of net sales) for the Predecessor 2013 Period. The Agriphar and CAS Acquisitions accounted for $2.1 million of the year over year increase.
Operating Profit
For the year ended December 31, 2014, operating profit was $9.5 million (1.1% of net sales), compared to operating loss of $196 million (165.5% of net sales) for the Successor 2013 period and operating profit of $91.7 million (14.6% of net sales) for the Predecessor 2013 Period. The Agriphar and CAS Acquisitions reported operating losses of $22.4 million. For the year ended December 31, 2014, operating profit was unfavorably impacted by the manufacturers profit in inventory adjustment of $35.5 million, transaction related costs of $47.8 million and a non-cash adjustment to the long term contingent consideration of $29.1 million. Excluding these acquisition-related expenses, operating profit as a percentage of sales was 14.4% in 2014.
Operating profit for the Performance Materials segment for the year ended December 31, 2014 totaled $46.3 million, compared to operating loss of $109 million for the Successor 2013 Period and operating profit of $73.5 million for the Predecessor 2013 Period. Operating loss for the Graphic Solutions segment for the year ended December 31, 2014 totaled $14.4 million, compared to operating loss of $86.6 million for the Successor 2013 Period and $18.2 million for the Predecessor 2013 Period. Excluding acquisition-related costs and a 50% allocation of corporate expenses, operating profit in the Performance Materials segment increased primarily due to higher sales volume on electronics industry products sold in Asia and core industrial and film products sold in Europe. Operating profit decreased in the Graphic Solutions segment, excluding acquisition-related costs and a 50% allocation of corporate expenses, primarily due to the lower sales volume of newspaper plating products.
Operating loss for the AgroSolutions segment for the year ended December 31, 2014 totaled $22.4 million, and included acquisition-related costs of $23.5 million related to the elimination of manufacturer’s profit in inventory charged to cost of sales resulting from purchase accounting fair value adjustments, as well $38.1 million of transaction related costs primarily comprised of professional fees.
Restructuring Expense
Restructuring expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 totaled $3.0 million (0.4% of net sales) compared to $0.8 million (0.6% of net sales) for the Successor 2013 Period and $3.6 million (0.6% of net sales) for the Predecessor 2013 Period. Restructuring actions initiated during the year ended December 31, 2014 and the Successor 2013 Period represent several small initiatives aimed at cost reduction opportunities. The actions initiated during the Predecessor 2013 Period primarily included expenses related to the elimination of certain positions within the Graphic Solutions segment in the Americas.
Interest Expense, net
Net interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 totaled $37.9 million (4.5% of net sales), compared to $5.4 million (4.6% of net sales) for the Successor 2013 Period and $45.9 million (7.3% of net sales) for the Predecessor 2013 Period. Net interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 consists primarily of interest on the first lien secured credit facility of $30.4 million, representing 12 months of activity versus two months in the Successor 2013 Period and ten months in the Predecessor 2013 Period, and interest on term loans in support of our acquisition activity of $5.5 million. The net interest expense recorded during the Successor 2013 Period represents interest, inclusive of amortization of deferred financing fees, on the first lien credit facility assumed in the MacDermid Acquisition.
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt
In the Predecessor 2013 Period, we recorded a loss of $18.8 million related to the refinancing of tranche B and tranche C term loans and senior subordinated notes. This amount consisted of $12.5 million of call premiums on the senior subordinated notes and $6.3 million of write-offs of deferred financing fees related to the extinguished debt. No similar losses were recorded during the year ended December 31, 2014 or Successor 2013 Period.
Other (Expense) Income, net
Net other expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 totaled $2.5 million (0.3% of net sales), compared to net other expense of $0.4 million (0.4% of net sales) for the Successor 2013 Period and net other expense of $0.5 million (0.1% of net sales) for the Predecessor 2013 Period. For the year ended December 31, 2014, other expense consisted primarily of net foreign exchange losses of $3.0 million. For the Successor 2013 Period, other expense consisted primarily of net foreign exchange losses of $0.6 million. For the Predecessor 2013 Period, other expense consisted primarily of net losses on derivative contracts of $0.4 million.
Income Tax (Benefit) Expense
Income tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2014 totaled $6.7 million, compared to an income tax benefit of $5.8 million for the Successor 2013 Period, and an income tax expense of $13.0 million for the Predecessor 2013 Period. We are a U.S. based company with a statutory income tax rate of 35%. We operate in various foreign countries, which have tax rates that are different from the U.S. statutory tax rate. For the year ended December 31, 2014, our effective tax rate was a 21.7% income tax benefit on a pre-tax loss of $30.9 million. The effective tax rate was positively impacted by a $3.7 million adjustment to permanently reinvested earnings and $7.7 million of foreign taxes at rates different from the U.S. statutory rate. The effective tax rate was negatively impacted by non-deductible purchase price contingency costs of $6.6 million, non-deductible transaction related costs of $6.5 million and $1.5 million for a change in uncertain tax positions. For the Successor 2013 Period, our effective tax rate was a 2.89% income tax benefit on pre-tax losses of $201.4 million. The effective tax rate was negatively impacted by the non-deductible charge related to preferred stock dividend rights of $60.2 million and non-deductible transaction related costs of $4.2 million. For the Predecessor 2013 Period, MacDermid’s effective tax rate was a 49.0% income tax expense on pre-tax income of $26.5 million. The effective tax rate was negatively impacted by non-deductible transaction related costs of $1.9 million and an increase in the valuation allowance for federal, state and foreign net operating losses and tax credits of $3.6 million.
Successor 2013 Period (Inception (April 23, 2013) through December 31, 2013)
Net Sales
Net sales for the Successor 2013 Period were $118 million which were comprised of global sales from our Performance Materials and Graphic Solutions segments of $92.6 million and $25.6 million, respectively. Net sales of products that we have identified as new products, which represent opportunities to enter markets adjacent to those we currently serve, were $11.2 million for the Successor 2013 Period.
For the Successor 2013 Period, net sales in the Americas were $42.7 million. In Europe and Asia, net sales were $41.0 million and $34.6 million, respectively, for the Successor 2013 Period.
Changes in our product mix and the average selling prices of products did not have a material impact on net sales for the Successor 2013 Period.
Gross Profit
For the Successor 2013 Period, gross profit was $35.7 million and gross margin was 30.2%. The largest driver of the decrease in the gross margin as compared to the Predecessor 2013 and 2012 Periods was a $23.9 million charge to cost of sales for the recognition of two-thirds of the inventory step up in connection with the MacDermid Acquisition. Excluding this charge, our gross margin was 50.4%. Changes in the product mix and the average selling prices of products did not have a material impact on gross profit for the Successor 2013 Period.
Non-Cash Charges related to Preferred Stock Dividend Rights
The Series A Preferred Stock issued by Platform had dividend rights that were triggered upon the successful close of the MacDermid Acquisition. We recognized a non-cash charge related to the fair value of preferred dividend rights of $172 million. The fair value of the preferred dividend rights was measured based on significant inputs not observable in the market (Level 3 inputs). Key assumptions included the fair value of our common stock and an assumption of volatility. The fair value was calculated using a Monte-Carlo simulation.
Selling, Technical, General and Administrative Expense
Selling, technical, general and administrative expense was $54.5 million for the Successor 2013 Period. As a percentage of net sales, selling, technical, general and administrative expense was 46.1% for the Successor 2013 Period. Such expenses were higher than the Predecessor 2013 and 2012 Periods due primarily to acquisition-related charges of $15.2 million for professional fees in addition to incremental amortization expense on newly valued intangible assets.
Research and Development Expense
Research and development expense for the Successor 2013 Period was $4.0 million and was the result of additional investments made to support certain strategic projects. As a percentage of net sales, research and development expense was 3.4% for the Successor 2013 Period.
Operating Loss
Operating losses for the Performance Materials segment and the Graphic Solutions segment for the Successor 2013 Period were approximately $109 million and $86.6 million, respectively. The operating losses were due to the segment allocation of adjustments recorded in connection with the MacDermid Acquisition.
Restructuring Expense
Restructuring expense for the Successor 2013 Period was $0.8 million and was comprised of several small restructuring initiatives in an effort to achieve cost savings.
Interest Expense, net
Net interest expense for the Successor 2013 Period was $5.4 million and primarily represents interest, inclusive of amortization of deferred financing fees, on the first lien credit facility assumed in the MacDermid Acquisition of $5.5 million net of interest income.
Other (Expense) Income, net
Other expense for the Successor 2013 Period was $0.4 million due primarily to foreign exchange losses.
Income Tax Benefit
For the Successor 2013 Period, we recorded an income tax benefit of $5.8 million. Our effective tax rate was 2.89% income tax benefit on pre-tax losses of $201.4 million. The effective tax rate was negatively impacted by the non-deductible charge related to preferred stock dividend rights of $60.2 million and non-deductible transaction related costs of $4.2 million.
Predecessor 2013 Period (January 1, 2013 through October 31, 2013)
The following discussion and analysis compares the operating results of the Predecessor for the period January 1, 2013 to October 31, 2013, which we refer to as the Predecessor 2013 Period, to the year ended December 31, 2012.
Net Sales
MacDermid’s net sales decreased in the Predecessor 2013 Period by $103.5 million, or 14.2%, as compared to the Predecessor 2012 Period. The decrease in net sales was primarily attributable to comparing operating results for a 10-month period to a period consisting of a full twelve months. Net sales of products that MacDermid has identified as new products, which represent opportunities to enter markets adjacent to those it currently serves, was $65.6 million for the Predecessor 2013 Period, compared to $66.7 million for the Predecessor 2012 Period.
Net sales in the Performance Materials segment decreased by $77.7 million, or 13.9%, as compared to the Predecessor 2012 Period. The decrease in net sales was primarily attributable to comparing operating results for a ten month period to one consisting of a full twelve months. Net sales in the Graphic Solutions segment decreased by $25.8 million, or 15.0%, as compared to the Predecessor 2012 Period. The decrease in net sales was primarily attributable to comparing operating results for a 10-month period to a period consisting of a full 12 months.
For the Predecessor 2013 Period, net sales in the Americas were $237 million. In Europe and Asia, net sales were $214 million and $177 million, respectively, for the Predecessor 2013 Period.
Changes in the average selling prices of MacDermid’s products did not have a material impact on net sales for the Predecessor 2013 Period compared to the Predecessor 2012 Period.
Gross Profit
Gross profit decreased in the Predecessor 2013 Period by $32.2 million, or 9.1%, as compared to the Predecessor 2012 Period. The decrease in gross profit was primarily attributable to comparing operating results for a ten month period to a period consisting of a full twelve months. Despite lower gross profit, the gross margin of 51.4% in the Predecessor 2013 Period represented an increase of 280 basis points as compared to the Predecessor 2012 Period gross margin of 48.6% primarily due to favorable changes in product mix.
Selling, Technical, General and Administrative Expense
Selling, technical, general and administrative expense decreased in the Predecessor 2013 Period by $7.1 million, or 3.3%, as compared to the Predecessor 2012 Period. The decrease in selling, technical, general and administrative was primarily attributable to comparing operating results for a 10-month period to a period consisting of a full twelve months. As a percentage of net sales, selling, technical, general and administrative expense was 33.1% and 29.4% for the Predecessor 2013 Period and the Predecessor 2012 Period, respectively. The Predecessor 2013 Period includes $16.9 million of acquisition-related costs primarily comprised of professional fees in addition to compensation expense of $9.3 million associated with recognition of legacy MacDermid Class C Junior shares representing 100% of expense for the vested shares due to the MacDermid Acquisition being sufficiently probable. Excluding these charges, selling, technical, general and administrative expense as a percentage of sales was 29.0%.
Research and Development Expense
Research and development expense decreased in the Predecessor 2013 Period by $5.2 million, or 20.6%, as compared to the year Predecessor 2012 Period. The decrease in research and development expense was primarily attributable to comparing operating results for a 10-month period to a period consisting of a full twelve months. As a percentage of net sales, research and development expense was 3.2% and 3.4% for the Predecessor 2013 Period and the Predecessor 2012 Period, respectively. The slight decrease was due to higher investments made to support certain strategic projects for the Predecessor 2012 Period that were non-recurring in the Predecessor 2013 Period.
Operating Profit
Operating profit for the Performance Materials segment in the Predecessor 2013 Period decreased by $8.5 million, or 10.4%, as compared to the Predecessor 2012 Period. The decrease in operating profit was primarily attributable to the allocation of approximately $13.0 million of acquisition-related costs as previously discussed in addition to comparing operating results for a ten month period to one consisting of a full twelve months. Partially offsetting these decreases were increases from higher sales of offshore industry products and higher margins on industrial products sold in the United States and electronics industry products sold in Asia.
Operating profit for the Graphic Solutions segment in the Predecessor 2013 Period decreased by $14.8 million, or 45.0%, as compared to the Predecessor 2012 Period. The decrease in operating profit was primarily attributable to the allocation of approximately $13.0 million of acquisition-related costs as previously discussed in addition to comparing operating results for a ten month period to a period consisting of a full twelve months. Partially offsetting these decreases were increases in operating profit from higher net sales in the Americas and Europe, as discussed above, and the continued market share gains related to new and higher margin products.
Restructuring Expense
Restructuring expense increased in the Predecessor 2013 Period by $3.3 million as compared to the Predecessor 2012 Period. The primary driver of the increase was $2.2 million of restructuring charges related to the elimination of certain positions in the Graphic Solutions segment in the Americas and $0.7 million related to the elimination of certain positions in the Performance Materials segment in Europe. MacDermid anticipates that these headcount reductions will have annual cash cost savings of approximately $3.4 million going forward. Actual cash cost savings to be realized depend on the timing of payments and many other factors, some of which are beyond MacDermid’s control, and could differ materially from its estimates. MacDermid anticipates recognizing the estimated cash cost savings once all payments have been finalized related to these restructuring initiatives.
Interest Expense, net
Net interest expense decreased in the Predecessor 2013 Period by $3.2 million, or 6.5%, as compared to the Predecessor 2012 Period. The decrease in interest expense was primarily attributable to comparing operating results for a 10-month period to a period consisting of a full twelve months. Partially offsetting the favorable impact due to the lower number of months of operations included in each period were higher debt balances outstanding in the Predecessor 2013 Period.
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt
In the Predecessor 2013 Period, we recorded a loss of $18.8 million related to the refinancing of tranche B and tranche C term loans and senior subordinated notes. This amount consisted of $12.5 million of call premiums on the senior subordinated notes and $6.3 million of write-offs of deferred financing fees related to the extinguished debt.
Other (Expense) Income, net
The Predecessor 2013 Period included net other expense of $0.6 million compared to net other income of $5.0 million for the Predecessor 2012 Period. The primary components of net other expense in the Predecessor 2013 Period were foreign currency exchange losses of $1.4 million, partially offset by a remeasurement gain of $1.1 million on Euro denominated debt, due to the fluctuation of the Euro compared to the U.S. Dollar. The primary components of net other income for the Predecessor 2012 Period were a remeasurement gain of $8.4 million on foreign currency denominated intercompany loans, partially offset by a remeasurement loss of $2.7 million on Euro denominated debt and foreign exchange losses of $1.1 million.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense was $13.0 million in the Predecessor 2013 Period compared to $24.7 million for the Predecessor 2012 Period. For the Predecessor 2013 Period and the Predecessor 2012 Period, MacDermid’s effective tax rate was 49.0% and 34.8%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the Predecessor 2013 Period was increased by non-deductible transaction related costs of $1.9 million and an increase in the valuation allowance for federal, state and foreign net operating losses and tax credits of $3.6 million. MacDermid is a U.S. based company with a statutory income tax rate of 35%. MacDermid operates in various foreign countries, which have tax rates that are different from the U.S. statutory tax rate. The effective tax rate for the Predecessor 2012 Period was impacted by the imposition of foreign taxes at different tax rates of $11.6 million, an increase in uncertain tax positions of $5.7 million and an increase in the valuation allowance for federal, state and foreign net operating losses and tax credits of $6.9 million.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary sources of liquidity during the year ended December 31, 2014 were cash raised from the May Private Placement, the October/November Private Placement, the Warrant Exchange Offer, the Public Offering, proceeds from additional borrowings and available cash generated from operations. Our primary uses of cash and cash equivalents are raw material purchases, salary expenses, acquisitions, capital expenditures and debt service obligations. We believe that our cash and cash equivalent balance and cash generated from operations will be sufficient to meet our working capital needs, capital expenditures and other business requirements for at least the next twelve months. Future acquisitions, however, may require utilization of our revolving credit facility as well as future debt and equity offerings. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had $397 million and $123 million in cash and cash equivalents, respectively, in addition to availability under our line of credit of $173 million at December 31, 2014.
Of our $397 million and $123 million of cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, $130 million and $41.5 million was held by our foreign subsidiaries. The majority of the cash held by foreign subsidiaries is generally available for the ongoing needs of our operations. The laws of certain countries may limit our ability to utilize cash resources held in those countries for operations in other countries. However, these laws are not likely to impact our liquidity in any material way. The operations of each foreign subsidiary generally fund such subsidiary’s capital requirements. In the event that other foreign operations or operations within the United States require additional cash, we may transfer cash between and among subsidiaries as needed so long as such transfers are in accordance with law. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had the ability to repatriate $5.9 million and $10.3 million, respectively, at our discretion from the foreign subsidiaries and branches while the remaining balance of $125 million and $31.2 million, respectively, was held at subsidiaries in which earnings are considered permanently reinvested. Repatriation of some of these funds could be subject to delay and could have potential tax consequences, principally with respect to withholding taxes paid in foreign jurisdictions. If cash is repatriated from jurisdictions in which earnings are considered permanently reinvested we will be required to accrue and pay U.S. income taxes on such repatriations.
On February 13, 2015, we completed the Arysta Acquisition for approximately $3.57 billion, consisting of $2.93 billion in cash, subject to working capital and other adjustments, and $600 million of Platform’s Series B Preferred Stock issued to the Seller. The Series B Preferred Stock may be converted into a maximum of 22,107,590 shares of our common stock. To the extent that the aggregate value of such 22,107,590 shares of common stock is less than $600 million (based on a 10-day volume weighted average price), then, such shortfall would be payable in cash by Platform as additional purchase price.
In connection with the Arysta Acquisition, we borrowed $500 million and €83.0 million under the New Tranche B-2 Term Loans and $160 million under our Revolving Credit facility. In addition, on February 2, 2015, we completed the private offering of $1.10 billion aggregate principal amount of 6.50% USD Notes due 2022, and €350 million aggregate principal amount of 6.00% EUR Notes due 2023. Interest will be payable in cash, semi-annually in arrears, on February 1 and August 1 of each year, beginning on August 1, 2015.
The following is a summary of our cash flows provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities during the periods indicated ($ in millions):
| | | | | Period from Inception (April 23, 2013) through December 31, | | | | | | | | |
| | 2014 | | | 2013 | | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | |
| | (Successor) | | | (Successor) | | | | (Predecessor) | | | (Predecessor) | |
(amounts in millions) | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period | | $ | 123.0 | | | $ | - | | | | $ | 143.4 | | | $ | 113.5 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash provided by operating activities | | | 98.2 | | | | 7.5 | | | | | 56.0 | | | | 75.2 | |
Cash used in investing activities | | | (1,982.7 | ) | | | (920.3 | ) | | | | (7.8 | ) | | | (18.3 | ) |
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities | | | 2,168.9 | | | | 1,035.7 | | | | | (104.3 | ) | | | (27.2 | ) |
Exchange rate impact on cash and cash equivalents | | | (10.1 | ) | | | 0.1 | | | | | (0.2 | ) | | | 0.2 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period | | $ | 397.3 | | | $ | 123.0 | | | | $ | 87.1 | | | $ | 143.4 | |
Year Ended December 31, 2014 Compared to Successor 2013 Period (Inception (April 23, 2013) through December 31, 2013) and Predecessor 2013 Period (January 1, 2013 through October 31, 2013)
Operating Activities
For the year ended December 31, 2014, we generated cash flows from operating activities of $98.2 million, compared to $7.5 million in cash for the Successor 2013 Period and $56.0 million in cash for the Predecessor 2013 Period. The increase in cash flows provided by operations, for the year ended December 31, 2014 is primarily due to an improvement in certain working capital balances (inclusive of accounts receivable, inventory and accounts payable) of $19.1 million and $40.7 million when compared to the Successor and Predecessor 2013 periods, respectively. These changes were mainly due to a reduction in inventory in Latin America from strong sales in the fourth quarter, in addition to increased cash collections mostly in Europe. Additionally, depreciation and amortization were significantly higher than the Successor and Predecessor 2013 Periods, partially offset by a higher deferred income tax benefit. In 2014, a non-cash adjustment to the long-term contingent liability of $29.1 million was also recorded due to the achievement of the share price targets during the year.
The Company’s management uses days-sales-outstanding, or DSO, to measure how efficiently it manages the billing and collection of accounts receivable. We calculate DSO by dividing the product of 360 and our accounts receivable balance by our annualized net sales. DSO was 75 days at December 31, 2014 and 73 days at December 31, 2013. The increase in DSO was caused, in part, by the Agriphar and CAS Acquisitions, which increased our accounts receivable balance by $208 million on the acquisition date.
The Company’s management also uses days-in-inventory, or DII, to calculate the efficiency at realizing inventories. We calculate DII by dividing the product of 360 and our inventory balance, net of reserves, by our annualized cost of sales, excluding intercompany sales. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, DII was 81 days and 88 days, respectively. The Agriphar and CAS Acquisitions increased our inventory balance by $171 million on the acquisition date. At December 31, 2014, net inventory included a fair value adjustment of $22.0 million, as $35.5 million was recognized in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2013, net inventory included a fair value adjustment of $12.0 million, as $23.9 million was recognized in our Consolidated Statement of Operations in connection with the MacDermid Acquisition. Our products generally have shelf lives that exceed one year.
Investing Activities
Net cash flows used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $1.98 billion, compared to $920 million for the Successor 2013 Period and $7.8 million for the Predecessor 2013 Period. During 2014, we used net cash of $1.36 billion to fund acquisitions, compared to net cash of $922 million used during the Successor 2013 Period to fund the MacDermid Acquisition. Additionally, we deposited $600 million of cash into an escrow account restricted to fund the Arysta Acquisition. Capital expenditures totaled $18.5 million (exclusive of $2.4 million of accrued capital expenditures), compared to $2.3 million for the Successor 2013 Period and $8.9 million for the Predecessor 2013 Period. During 2014, we incurred approximately $8.3 million in software consulting and hardware costs for system integration project in connection with the CAS acquisition. Approximately $2.4 million of these costs were not yet paid and included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities at December 31, 2014.
Financing Activities
Net cash flows from financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2014 were $2.17 billion, compared to cash generated of $1.04 billion for the Successor 2013 Period and cash used of $104 million for the Predecessor 2013 Period. During 2014, the cash was generated from net proceeds received from the issuance of share of common stock totaling $1.51 billion and net proceeds from term loans related to our acquisitions totaling $679 million. During the Successor 2013 Period, the cash was generated from proceeds received from the issuance of common stock, preferred shares and warrants. During the Predecessor 2013 Period, borrowings totaled $1.10 billion (net of debt discounts of $5.5 million) which were used primarily to (1) pay off tranche B and tranche C terms loans of approximately $380 million, (2) pay off senior subordinated notes of approximately $355 million (inclusive of a call premium payment), (3) repurchase approximately $270 million of outstanding Series A Preferred Stock, (4) pay accumulated dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock of approximately $230 million and (5) pay $13.6 million of financing costs. Additionally, an advance of $33.3 million was sent by Platform Acquisition Holdings Limited and received by MacDermid prior to the MacDermid Acquisition.
Successor 2013 Period (April 23, 2013 to December 31, 2013)
Operating Activities
During the Successor 2013 Period, we generated $7.5 million in cash from operating activities primarily due to the favorable changes in working capital of approximately $8.1 million.
Investing Activities
During the Successor 2013 Period, we used cash from investing activities of approximately $920 million primarily for the MacDermid Acquisition.
Financing Activities
During the Successor 2013 Period, we generated cash from financing activities of $1.04 billion from proceeds received from the issuance of common and preferred shares and warrants.
Predecessor 2013 Period (January 1, 2013 through October 31, 2013)
Operating Activities
During the Predecessor 2013 Period, we generated cash from operating activities of $56.0 million which was primarily comprised of net income of $13.5 million, adjusted for depreciation and amortization of $32.8 million, and $18.8 million related to the loss on extinguishment of debt partially offset by unfavorable changes in working capital of $13.6 million.
Investing Activities
During the Predecessor 2013 Period, we used cash from investing activities of $7.8 million primarily for the purchase of capital expenditures of $8.9 million.
Financing Activities
During the Predecessor 2013 Period, we used cash from financing activities of approximately $104 million as borrowings of $1.10 billion (net of debt discounts of $5.5 million) were used primarily to (1) pay off tranche B and tranche C terms loans of approximately $380 million, (2) pay off senior subordinated notes of approximately $355 million (inclusive of a call premium payment), (3) repurchase approximately $270 million of outstanding Series A preferred Stock, (4) pay accumulated dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock of approximately $230 million and (5) pay $13.6 million of financing costs. Additionally, an advance of $33.3 million was sent by Platform Acquisition Holdings Limited and received by MacDermid prior to the MacDermid Acquisition.
Financial Borrowings
Credit Facilities
As of October 30, 2013, we became party to an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement consisting of (i) a $755 million First Lien Credit Facility and (ii) a $50.0 million Revolving Credit Facility. A portion of our revolving credit facility not in excess of $15.0 million is available for the issuance of letters of credit. As of December 31, 2014, we had approximately $744 million of indebtedness outstanding under our First Lien Credit Facility and there were no borrowings under our revolving credit facility, other than stand-by letters of credit issued in the amount of $1.0 million which reduce the borrowings available under our revolving credit facility.
On October 1, 2014, we and MacDermid, as borrowers, MacDermid Holdings, certain subsidiaries of MacDermid Holdings and Platform party thereto, Barclays Bank PLC, as collateral agent and administrative agent, and the incremental lender entered into the Incremental Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement for an increase in the Term Loan Facility of the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement in an aggregate principal amount of $300 million. Except as set forth in the Incremental Amendment, such USD Incremental Loans have identical terms as the existing Tranche B Term Loans and are otherwise subject to the provisions of the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The proceeds from the Incremental Amendment were used to finance the Agriphar Acquisition.
Upon closing of the CAS Acquisition on November 3, 2014, the Further Amendments became effective pursuant to Amendment No. 2, and the Borrowers (i) borrowed the New Tranche B Term Loans in an aggregate principal amount of $130 million through an increase in Platform’s existing tranche B term loan facility, (ii) Platform’s existing U.S. Dollar revolving credit facility was increased by $62.5 million to $87.5 million and (iii) Platform’s existing multicurrency revolving credit facility was increased by $62.5 million to $87.5 million. On the date of the CAS Acquisition, the Borrowers borrowed $60 million and €55 million pursuant to the U.S. Dollar revolving credit facility and the multi-currency revolving credit facility, respectively, which were settled by December 31, 2014. In addition, new Euro Tranche Term Loans denominated in Euro in an aggregate amount of €205 million were borrowed by MAS Holdings and NAIP, serving as a United States co-borrower. Pursuant to the Further Amendments, MAS Holdings and NAIP were added as borrowers under the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, certain foreign subsidiaries of the Borrowers, MAS Holdings and NAIP became guarantors under the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, and in connection therewith, pledged certain additional collateral to secure the obligations incurred under the Euro Tranche Term Loans and/or other loans incurred under the facility.
Our credit facilities contain various covenants, including limitations on additional indebtedness, dividends and other distributions, entry into new lines of business, use of loan proceeds, capital expenditures, restricted payments, restrictions on liens, transactions with affiliates, amendments to organizational documents, accounting changes, sale and leaseback transactions and dispositions. In addition, the revolving credit facility requires us to comply with certain financial covenants, including consolidated leverage and interest coverage ratios and limitations on capital expenditures if funding under the revolving credit facility exceeds 25% of the commitments at the end of any fiscal quarter ($43.8 million as of December 31, 2014.) As of December 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with the debt covenants contained in our credit facilities.
On October 20, 2014, Platform entered into a the Debt Commitment Letter with Barclays Bank PLC, Credit Suisse AG, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Nomura Corporate Funding Americas, LLC, Nomura Securities International, LLC, UBS AG, Stamford Branch and UBS Securities LLC for (i) a $1.6 billion Term Facility to be incurred under the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and (ii) senior unsecured bridge loans in an aggregate principal amount of $750 million for the purposes of financing the Arysta Acquisition and the fees and expenses in connection therewith, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Debt Commitment Letter. The lenders’ obligation to provide the Facilities was subject to a number of customary conditions precedents. Furthermore, Platform was under no obligation to borrow under the Facilities and, in connection with the proposed Arysta Acquisition, anticipated seeking a number of alternative financings for the proposed Arysta Acquisition in lieu of such financings, including, but not limited to, equity offerings (including the Proposed Public Offering), debt offerings and other borrowings under the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.
In June 2013, MacDermid had entered into a $360 million second lien facility that was repaid in connection with the MacDermid Acquisition.
Senior Subordinated Notes
On April 12, 2007, MacDermid issued $350.0 million of senior subordinated notes with a fixed interest rate of 9.50% at par. The senior subordinated notes were called and retired in the Predecessor 2013 Period.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
We own most of our major manufacturing facilities, but we do lease certain office, manufacturing factories and warehouse space and land, as well as other equipment primarily under non-cancelable operating leases.
Summarized in the table below are our obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2014:
| | Payment Due by Period | |
(amounts in millions) | | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2017 | | 2018 | | 2019 | | | | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Long-term debt (1) | | $ | 15.1 | | $ | 15.0 | | $ | 14.7 | | $ | 14.6 | | $ | 14.5 | | | $ | 1,342.0 | | $ | 1,415.9 | |
Operating leases (2) | | | 9.3 | | | 6.3 | | | 4.4 | | | 3.5 | | | 3.4 | | | | 15.5 | | | 42.4 | |
Interest payments (3) | | | 63.6 | | | 63.3 | | | 62.5 | | | 62.3 | | | 61.3 | | | | 29.5 | | | 342.5 | |
Long term contingent consideration (4) | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | | 100.0 | | | 100.0 | |
Other long term obligations (5) | | | 21.5 | | | 21.5 | | | 21.5 | | | 38.7 | | | - | | | | - | | | 103.2 | |
Total cash contractual obligations | | $ | 109.5 | | $ | 106.1 | | $ | 103.1 | | $ | 119.1 | | $ | 79.2 | | | $ | 1,487.0 | | $ | 2,004.0 | |
(1) | Reflects the principal payments on the Credit Facilities. |
(2) | Amounts are net of sublease income on operating leases. |
(3) | Amounts are based on currently applicable interest rates in the case of variable interest rate debt. |
(4) | Reflects the expected payout of 100% of the contingent purchase price relating to the MacDermid Acquisition in December 2021. |
(5) | Other long term obligations include asset retirement obligations and amounts committed under legally enforceable supply agreements. |
To the extent we can reliably determine when payments will occur pertaining to unrecognized tax benefit liabilities, the related amount will be included in the table above. However, due to the high degree of uncertainty regarding the timing of potential future cash flows associated with the $27.7 million of such liabilities at December 31, 2014, we are unable to make a reliable estimate of when (if at all) amounts may be paid to the respective taxing authorities.
Off-Balance Sheet Transactions
We use customary off-balance sheet arrangements, such as operating leases and letters of credit, to finance our business. None of these arrangements has or is reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.
Significant Accounting Policies and Critical Estimates
Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 to the audited consolidated financial statements. As disclosed in Note 1, the preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that impact the reported amounts and accompanying disclosures. Such decisions include the selection of the appropriate accounting principles to be applied and assumptions upon which accounting estimates are based. We apply judgment based on our understanding and analysis of the relevant circumstances to reach these decisions. By their nature, these judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. Accordingly, actual results could differ significantly from the estimates applied.
Those areas requiring the greatest degree of management judgment or deemed most critical to our financial reporting involve:
Stock-based Compensation
We expense employee stock-based compensation over the requisite service period based on the estimated grant-date fair value of the awards and forfeiture rates, if any. Compensation cost is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of the awards at the grant date. A corresponding increase to stockholders’ equity is recorded equal to the amount of the compensation expense charge. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of stock-based awards represent our best estimates and involve inherent uncertainties and the application of judgment. The amount of the compensation expense is based on the estimated fair value of the awards of the consideration received or the fair value of the equity instruments issued, whichever is more reliably measurable.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue, including freight charged to customers, net of applicable rebates, estimates for sales returns and allowances and discounts, when the earnings process is complete. This occurs when products are shipped to or received by the customer in accordance with the terms of the agreement, title and risk of loss have been transferred, collectability is probable and pricing is fixed or determinable. Shipping terms are customarily “FOB shipping point” and do not include right of inspection or acceptance provisions. Equipment sales arrangements may include right of inspection or acceptance provisions, in which case revenue is deferred until these provisions are satisfied.
Earnings (Loss) per Share
Basic earnings (loss) per share of common stock excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per ordinary share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue ordinary shares were exercised or converted into ordinary shares or resulted in the issuance of ordinary shares that then shared in the earnings of the entity. Since we have only incurred losses, basic and diluted losses per share are the same.
Fair Value Measurement
We record cash equivalents at fair value. ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” establishes a fair value hierarchy for those instruments measured at fair value that distinguishes between assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and our own assumptions (unobservable inputs). The hierarchy consists of three levels:
Level 1—Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2—Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in non-active markets; and model derived valuations whose inputs or significant valuation drivers are observable.
Level 3—significant inputs of the valuation model are unobservable and/or reflect our own market assumptions.
We used Level 1 fair value hierarchy assumptions to measure the fair value of all of our cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2014.
Goodwill
Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level annually, or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired, in accordance with ASC 350-20 “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other”. Our reporting units are determined based upon our organizational structure in place at that date of the goodwill impairment test. For goodwill, a two-step impairment test is performed at the reporting unit level. In the first step of impairment testing, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. The fair value of each reporting unit is determined based on the present value of discounted future cash flows. Excluding certain nonrecurring charges, the discounted cash flows are prepared based upon cash flows at the reporting unit level for the twelve months ended preceding the date of impairment testing. The cash flow model utilized in the goodwill impairment test involves significant judgments related to future growth rates, discount rates and tax rates, among other considerations. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets assigned to that reporting unit, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is required. If the carrying value of the net assets assigned to the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, the second step of the impairment test is performed to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. If the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment charge is recorded equal to the difference. Platform performed its annual goodwill assessment on October 1, and no goodwill impairment charges were recorded for the year ended December 31, 2014.
However, in performing the first step of the goodwill impairment test for the year ended December 31, 2014, the excess of the fair value of the Offshore and ASF Americas reporting units over their carrying values were 7.6% and 11.1% respectively. Goodwill assigned to the Offshore and ASF Americas reporting units totaled $364 million and $78.3 million, respectively.
We determine the fair value of these reporting units as follows:
· | Valuation Techniques - we use discounted cash flow analyses, which require assumptions about short and long-term net cash flows, growth rates, as well as discount rates. Additionally, we consider guideline company and guideline transaction information, where available, to aid in the valuation of the reporting units. |
· | Growth Assumptions - Multi-year financial forecasts are developed for each reporting unit by considering several key business drivers such as new business initiatives, client service and retention standards, market share changes, historical performance, and industry and economic trends, among other considerations. The annual revenue growth rates used in the initial seven year period range from (0.7%) to 9% for Offshore and 2.3% to 5.9% for ASF Americas. The long-term growth rates used in determining the terminal value of the Offshore and ASF Americas reporting units were estimated at 3.5% and 3.0%, respectively based on management's assessment of the minimum expected terminal growth rate of each reporting unit, as well as broader economic considerations such as gross domestic product and inflation. |
· | Discount Rate Assumptions - Discount rates are estimated based on a Weighted Average Cost of Capital, or WACC. The WACC combines the required return on equity, based on a Modified Capital Asset Pricing Model, which considers the risk-free interest rate, market risk premium, beta, small stock risk premium and a company specific risk premium, with the cost of debt, based on BBB rated corporate bonds, adjusted using an income tax factor. The calculation resulted in a WACC rate of 10.5% for both offshore and ASF Americas. |
· | Estimated Fair Value and Sensitivities - The estimated fair value of each reporting unit is derived from the valuation techniques described above. The estimated fair value of each reporting unit is analyzed in relation to numerous market and historical factors, including current economic and market conditions, company-specific growth opportunities, and guideline company information. |
The estimated fair value of the reporting unit is highly sensitive to changes in these estimates and assumptions; therefore, in some instances, changes in these assumptions could impact whether the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying value. We perform sensitivity analyses around these assumptions in order to assess the reasonableness of the assumptions and the resulting estimated fair values. Based on the sensitivity analysis performed for the Offshore reporting unit, a 1% decrease it the terminal growth rate or a 1% increase in the WACC rate would have resulted in the carrying value of the net assets to exceed their fair value, making it necessary to proceed to the second step of the impairment test. For ASF Americas, a 1% decrease it the terminal growth rate does not result in the carrying value exceeding their fair value, however, a 1% increase in the WACC rate would have resulted in the carrying value of the net assets to exceed their fair value, making it necessary to proceed to the second step of the impairment test. Ultimately, if any of these assumptions do not materialize in a manner consistent with the Company’s expectations, including discounts rates, annual revenue growth rates and terminal growth rates, there is risk of impairment to recorded goodwill.
For the Predecessor, annual impairment testing related to goodwill was performed on April 1, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and no reporting units had lower estimated fair values than carrying values in the first step of goodwill impairment evaluation; therefore, no further testing was performed and no goodwill impairment charges were recorded
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Indefinite-lived intangible assets (including our tradenames) are reviewed for potential impairment on an annual basis when events or circumstances indicate that these indefinite-lived intangible assets may be impaired by comparing the estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived purchased intangible assets to the carrying value. An impairment charge is recognized when the estimated fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than the carrying value. We use the “relief from royalty” method to test trade name intangible assets for impairment. The primary assumptions in these calculations are our net sales projections, growth rates and the WACC, that we apply to determine the present value of these cash flows. The WACC combines the required return on equity, based on a Modified Capital Asset Pricing Model, which considers the risk-free interest rate, market risk premium, beta, small stock risk premium and a company specific risk premium, with the cost of debt, based on BBB rates corporate bonds, adjusted using an income tax factor. We then apply a royalty rate to the projected net sales. The royalty rate is based on market royalty rates and royalties we pay to outside parties. The resulting royalty savings are reduced by income taxes resulting from the annual royalty savings at a market participant corporate income tax rate to arrive at the after-tax royalty savings associated with owning the trade names. Finally, the present value of the estimated annual after-tax royalty savings for each year is used to estimate the fair value of the trade names. Assumptions concerning net sales are impacted by global and local economic conditions in the various markets we serve as well as uncertainties related to sales growth, economic growth, future product development and cost estimates.
Long-Lived Assets Including Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which currently range from eight to 30 years for customer lists, seven to 14 years for developed technology, one to five years for non-compete agreements and five to 20 years for tradenames. If circumstances require a long-lived asset group to be tested for possible impairment, we first determine whether the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset plus net proceeds expected from disposition of the asset, if any, are less than the carrying value of the asset. When an impairment is identified, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its estimated fair value based on a discounted cash flow approach or, when available and appropriate, based on comparable market values.
We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement bases and the tax bases of assets, liabilities, net operating losses and tax credit carry-forwards. A valuation allowance is required to berecognized to reduce the recorded deferred tax asset to the amount that will more likely than not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income by jurisdiction during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible or when carry-forwards can be utilized. We consider the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable and tax planning strategies in this assessment. If these estimates and related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record additional valuation allowances against our deferred tax assets resulting in additional income tax expense. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences and loss carryforwards are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date of such change.
As a result of the Arysta Acquisition, the foreign tax credit carryover of $27.2 million currently recognized will no longer be realized. It is more likely than not that a valuation allowance of $27.2 million will be raised in the first quarter of 2015.
We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in evaluating its uncertain tax positions and determining its provision for income taxes. The first step in evaluating the tax position for recognition is to determine the amount of evidence that supports a favorable conclusion for the tax position upon audit. In order to recognize the tax position, we must determine whether it is more likely than not that the position is sustainable. The final requirement is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that has a more than 50% chance of being realized upon final settlement.
The Company accrues for non-income tax contingencies when it is probable that a liability to a taxing authority has been incurred and the amount of the contingency can be reasonably estimated.
Employee Benefits and Pension Obligations
Amounts recognized in our audited consolidated financial statements related to pension and other postretirement benefits are determined from actuarial valuations. Inherent in such valuations are assumptions including expected return on plan assets, discount rates at which the liabilities could be settled, rates of increase in future compensation levels, mortality rates. These assumptions are updated annually and are disclosed in Note 7 to our audited consolidated financial statements. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, actual results that differ from the assumptions are accumulated in other comprehensive income and amortized over future periods and, therefore, affect expense recognized.
We consider a number of factors in determining and selecting assumptions for the overall expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. We consider the historical long-term return experience of our assets, the current and expected allocation of our plan assets, and expected long-term rates of return. We derive these expected long-term rates of return with the assistance of our investment advisors. We base our expected allocation of plan assets on a diversified portfolio consisting of domestic and international equity securities, fixed income, real estate and alternative asset classes. The measurement date used to determine pension and other postretirement benefits is December 31, at which time the minimum contribution level for the following year is determined.
With respect to U.S. plans, our investment policies incorporate an asset allocation strategy that emphasizes the long-term growth of capital and acceptable asset volatility as long as it is consistent with the volatility of the relevant market indexes. The investment policies attempt to achieve a mix of approximately 75% of plan investments for long-term growth and 25% for near-term benefit payments. We believe this strategy is consistent with the long-term nature of plan liabilities and ultimate cash needs of the plans. Plan assets consist primarily of corporate bond mutual funds, limited partnership interests, listed stocks and cash. The corporate bond mutual funds held by the pension plan include primarily corporate bonds from companies from diversified industries located in the U.S. The listed stocks are investments in large-cap and mid-cap companies located in the U.S. The assets from the limited partnership investments primarily include listed stocks located in the U.S. The weighted average asset allocation of the Pension Plan was 25% equity securities and managed equity funds, 58% limited partnership interests, 9% bond mutual fund holdings and 8% cash at December 31, 2014. ROA assumptions are determined annually based on a review of the asset mix as well as individual ROA performances, benchmarked against indexes such as the S&P 500 Index and the Russell 2000 Index. In determining an assumed rate of return on plan assets, we consider past performance and economic forecasts for the types of investments held by the Pension Plan. The asset allocation strategy and ROA assumptions for the non-U.S. plans are determined based on similar set of criteria adapted for local investments, inflation rates and in certain cases specific government requirements.
JOBS Act
As a publicly traded company, we are required to document and test our internal control procedures in order to satisfy the requirements of Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley, which requires, beginning with this Annual Report, annual management assessments of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. As we no longer qualify as an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act, Section 404 will additionally require, commencing with our annual report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2015, a report by our independent registered public accounting firm that addresses the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Income Statement – Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20) - In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, “Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items.” This update eliminates the requirement for entities to identify extraordinary events and transactions, those being both unusual in nature and infrequent in occurrence, and separately classify, present and disclose such items. The guidance is effective prospectively for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015, but entities may apply the guidance retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company does not expect this ASU to have a material impact on its financial statements.
Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) - In November 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-16, “Determining Whether the Host Contract in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issued in the Form of a Share Is More Akin to Debt or to Equity (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force).” Under current practice, there were predominantly two methods used to evaluate whether the nature of the host contract in a hybrid financial instrument is more akin to debt or equity: one considered all the features including the embedded and the other excluded the embedded derivative in the consideration. This update eliminates the difference in practice by clarify that the evaluation should be based on all the instrument’s features, including the embedded derivative, and that no single term or feature would necessarily determine the economic characteristics and risks of the host contract. The guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and is applied in a modified retrospective basis to existing hybrid financial instruments issued in the form of a share as of the beginning of our fiscal year 2016. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of this new ASU.
Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718) - In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, “Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force),” The amendments require that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. The guidance is effective prospectively for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company does not expect this ASU to have a material impact on its financial statements.
Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) - In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),” which (1) removes inconsistencies and weaknesses in revenue requirements, (2) provides a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues, (3) improves comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions, and capital markets, (4) provides more useful information to users of financial statements through improved disclosure requirements, and (5) simplifies the preparation of financial statements by reducing the number of requirements to which an entity must refer. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance is effective prospectively for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is continuing to evaluate the impact of this new ASU.
Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of Platform. Platform may from time to time make written or oral statements that are “forward-looking,” including statements contained in this Annual Report, other filings with the SEC and in reports to its stockholders. Such forward-looking statements include Platform’s adjusted earnings per share, expected or estimated revenue, the outlook for Platform’s markets and the demand for its products, estimated sales, segment earnings, net interest expense, income tax provision, restructuring and other charges, cash flows from operations, consistent profitable growth, free cash flow, future revenues and gross operating and adjusted EBITDA margin improvement requirement and expansion, organic net sales growth, bank debt covenants, the success of new product introductions, growth in costs and expenses, the impact of commodities and currencies and Platform’s ability to manage its risk in these areas, and the impact of acquisitions, divestitures, restructuring and other unusual items, including Platform’s ability to successfully complete as well as integrate and obtain the anticipated results and synergies from its consummated and future acquisitions. These statements are made on the basis of management’s views and assumptions as of the time the statements are made and Platform undertakes no obligation to update these statements. There can be no assurance, however, that its expectations will necessarily come to pass. Significant factors affecting these expectations are set forth in Part I, Item 1A.—Risk Factors of this Annual Report.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Foreign Currency Risk
We conduct a significant portion of our business in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar, our financial reporting currency. In 2014, approximately 70% of net sales were denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. Generally, each of our operations utilizes the local currency of the operation as its functional currency, the currency in which it incurs operating expenses and collects accounts receivable. Our business is exposed to foreign currency risk primarily from changes in the exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and the following currencies: Euro, British Pound Sterling, Chinese Yuan, Brazilian Real and Hong Kong Dollar. As a result, our operating results could be affected by foreign currency exchange rate volatility relative to the U.S. Dollar.
Except for hedging exchange rate risk related to acquisitions, generally we have not utilized foreign currency hedges to mitigate exchange rate risk between the U.S. Dollar and the foreign currencies of our operations other than with respect to the British Pound Sterling. Approximately 35% of the sales of our Autotype foreign subsidiary, which is based in the United Kingdom and utilizes the British Pound Sterling as its functional currency, are denominated in U.S. Dollars. For that reason, we utilize foreign currency hedges between the British Pound Sterling and the U.S. Dollar to help mitigate the risk of a stronger British Pound Sterling for our Autotype foreign subsidiary. Accordingly, in each of the last three years, we contracted with a financial institution to deliver U.S. Dollars and to receive British Pound Sterling at a fixed exchange rate. As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate U.S. Dollar notional amount of foreign currency forward contracts was $14.0 million. These contracts were all denominated in British Pound Sterling. The fair value of the foreign currency forward contracts at December 31, 2014, was a $0.1 million current liability. Foreign currently exchange losses totaled $3.0 million, $0.6 million and $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, the Successor 2013 Period and the Predecessor 2013 Period, respectively. As we continue to expand our international presence through acquisitions, we continue to review a full range of options focused on mitigating foreign currency exchange rate risk.
Our policies prohibit us from speculating in financial instruments for profit on exchange rate price fluctuations, from trading in currencies for which there are no underlying exposures, and from entering into trades for any currency to intentionally increase the underlying exposure.
Interest Rate Risk
We are also exposed to interest rate risk associated with our cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, long-term debt, and other financing commitments. At December 31, 2014, we had cash and cash equivalents of $397 million and total debt of $1.42 billion, including approximately $1.41 billion of variable interest rate debt based on the 1-month LIBOR. Our remaining variable interest rate debt is subject to interest rate risk, because its interest payments will fluctuate as the underlying interest rates change from market changes. A 100 basis point increase in LIBOR rates would result in a higher interest expense of approximately $2.5 million annually.
Counterparty Risk
Outstanding financial derivative instruments expose us to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to the agreements. The credit exposure related to these financial instruments is represented by the fair value of contracts with an obligation fair value as of December 31, 2014. On a periodic basis, we review the credit ratings of our counterparties and adjust our exposure as deemed appropriate. As of December 31, 2014, we believe that our exposure to counterparty risk is immaterial.
Commodity Price Risk
Some raw materials and supplies are subject to price and supply fluctuations caused by market dynamics. Our strategic sourcing initiatives are focused on mitigating the impact of commodity price risk. Although some of our commercial agreements allow us to pass on certain unusual increases in component and raw material costs to our customers in limited situations, we may not be fully compensated for such increased costs. To a lesser extent, we also are exposed to fluctuations in the prices of certain utilities and services, such as electricity, natural gas, and freight.
Periodically, we may employ forward metals contracts or other financial instruments to hedge commodity price or other price risks. Such contracts are generally designated as normal purchases and accounted for similar to other inventory purchases as defined in ASC 815. We continue to review a full range of business options focused on strategic risk management for all raw material commodities. Any failure by our suppliers to provide acceptable raw materials or supplies could adversely affect our production schedules and contract profitability. We assess qualification of suppliers and continually monitor them to control risk associated with such supply base reliance.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements,” in this Annual Report.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our CEO, who is our principal executive officer, and CFO, who is our principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, as ours are designed to do, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.
As of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report, with the supervision and participation of management, including our CEO and CFO, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on this evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that, as of the end of such period, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
· | pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of Platform’s assets; |
· | provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of Platform’s financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of Platform are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and |
· | provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of Platform’s assets that could have a material effect on its financial statements. |
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
As required by Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley, management assessed the effectiveness of Platform’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth in the Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
Based on our assessment and the above criteria, management concluded that Platform maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014.
Platform’s evaluation of internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014 did not include the internal control over financial reporting related to Agriphar and CAS because they were acquired by Platform in purchase business combinations consummated during the 4th quarter of 2014. Total assets, excluding goodwill and intangible assets recognized in purchase accounting, and sales for these acquisitions represent approximately 27.0% and 10.4%, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014 (see Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements).
Changes to Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
In connection with the evaluation required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(d), our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that no changes in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the period covered by this Annual Report that have materially affected, or are reasonable likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. We excluded our subsidiaries resulting from the Agriphar and CAS Acquisitions from our assessment of internal control over financial reporting because our control over operations was acquired in a purchase business combination during 2014.
Platform’s evaluation of internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014 did not include the internal control over financial reporting related to Agriphar and CAS because they were acquired by Platform in purchase business combinations consummated during the 4th quarter of 2014. Total assets, excluding goodwill and intangible assets recognized in purchase accounting, and sales for these acquisitions represent approximately 27.0% and 10.4%, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014 (see Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements).
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
Part III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
We maintain a Business Conduct and Ethics Policy applicable to all directors and employees of Platform and its subsidiaries. The Policy is located on our website at http://www.platformspecialtyproducts.com under “Investor Relations – Corporate Governance.” We intend to provide disclosure of any amendment to or waiver of our Business Conduct and Ethics Policy on our website within four business days following the date of such amendment or waiver.
We also maintain a Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers applicable to our CEO, CFO and principal accounting officer. The Code of Ethics is located on our website at http://www.platformspecialtyproducts.com under “Investor Relations – Corporate Governance.” We intend to provide disclosure of any amendment to or waiver of our Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers on our website within four business days following the date of such amendment or waiver.
The remaining items required by Part III, Item 10 are incorporated herein by reference from Platform’s Proxy Statement for its 2015 annual meeting of stockholders. Platform intends to file its Proxy Statement no later than 120 days after December 31, 2014.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The items required by Part III, Item 11 are incorporated herein by reference from Platform’s Proxy Statement for its 2015 annual meeting of stockholders. Platform intends to file its Proxy Statement with the SEC no later than 120 days after December 31, 2014.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The Equity Compensation Plan Information table required by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K and the remaining items required by Part III, Item 12 are incorporated herein by reference from Platform’s Proxy Statement for its 2015 annual meeting of stockholders. Platform intends to file its Proxy Statement with the SEC no later than 120 days after December 31, 2014.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The items required by Part III, Item 13 are incorporated herein by reference from Platform’s Proxy Statement for its 2015 annual meeting of stockholders. Platform intends to file its Proxy Statement with the SEC no later than 120 days after December 31, 2014.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The items required by Part III, Item 14 are incorporated herein by reference from Platform’s Proxy Statement for its 2015 annual meeting of stockholders. Platform intends to file its Proxy Statement with the SEC no later than 120 days after December 31, 2014.
Part IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(A) Exhibits
| | Incorporated by Reference | Included in this Annual Report |
Exhibit Nb. | Exhibit Description | Form | File Nb. | Exhibit Nb. | Filing Date |
2.1 | Business Combination Agreement And Plan Of Merger, dated as of October 10, 2013, by and among Platform Acquisition Holdings Limited, Platform Delaware Holdings, Inc., Platform Merger Sub, LLC, MacDermid Holdings, LLC, MacDermid, Incorporated, Tartan Holdings, LLC, and Court Square Capital Partners II LP Shareholder Services LLC as seller representative for the direct and indirect beneficial owners of the Company | S-4 | 333-192778 | 2.1 | 12/11/13 | |
2.2 | Exchange Agreement, dated as of October 25, 2013, by and between Platform Acquisition Holdings Limited and the MacDermid Incorporated Profit Sharing and Employee Savings Plan | S-4 | 333-192778 | 2.2 | 12/11/13 | |
2.3 | Stock and Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 16, 2014, between Chemtura Corporation and Platform Specialty Products Corporation | 8-K | 001-36272 | 2.1 | 04/17/14 | |
2.4 | Letter agreement dated October 24, 2014 relating to the Stock and Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 16, 2014, between Platform Specialty Products Corporation and Chemtura Corporation | 8-K | 001-36272 | 2.1 | 10/30/14 | |
2.5 | Agreement, dated as of August 4, 2014, among MacDermid Agricultural Solutions Holdings B.V., Platform Specialty Products Corporation, as guarantor, and a representative of Percival S.A. | 8-K | 001-36272 | 2.1 | 08/06/14 | |
2.6 | Share Purchase Agreement, dated October 20, 2014, between Nalozo S.à.r.l. and Platform Specialty Products Corporation | 8-K | 001-36272 | 2.1 | 10/21/14 | |
2.7 | Amendment Agreement, dated December 2, 2014, between Nalozo S.à.r.l. and Platform | 8-K | 001-36272 | 2.1 | 12/04/14 | |
2.8 | Amendment Agreement, dated February 11, 2015, between Nalozo S.à.r.l., Nalozo L.P. and Platform | 8-K | 001-36272 | 2.3 | 02/17/15 | |
3.1 (a) | Certificate of Incorporation | S-4 POS | 333-192778 | 3.1 | 01/24/14 | |
3.1 (b) | Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation | 8-K | 001-36272 | 3.1 | 06/13/14 | |
3.1 (c) | Certificate of Designation of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock | 8-K | 001-36272 | 3.1 | 02/17/15 | |
3.2 | Amended and Restated By-laws | 10-K | 001-36272 | 3.2 | 03/31/14 | |
4.1 | Specimen Common Stock certificate | S-4 | 333-192778 | 4.1 | 01/02/14 | |
4.2 | Indenture, dated as of February 2, 2015, among Escrow Issuer, the Trustee and the EUR Agent | 8-K | 001-36272 | 4.1 | 02/03/15 | |
4.3 | Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 13, 2015, among Platform, the Initial Guarantors, the Trustee and the EUR Agent | 8-K | 001-36272 | 4.2 | 02/17/15 | |
4.4 | Form of 6.50% senior notes due 2022 denominated in U.S. dollars | 8-K | 001-36272 | A-1 to 4.1 | 02/03/15 | |
4.5 | Form of 6.00% senior notes due 2023 denominated in Euro | 8-K | 001-36272 | A-2 to 4.1 | 02/03/15 | |
10.1 | Severance Agreement Letter, dated as of May 23, 2011, between MacDermid, Incorporated and Daniel H. Leever | S-4 | 333-192778 | 10.1 | 01/02/14 | |
10.2 | Severance Agreement Letter, dated as of January 7, 2003, between MacDermid, Incorporated and Frank J. Monteiro | S-4 | 333-192778 | 10.2 | 01/02/14 | |
10.3 | Severance Agreement Letter, dated as of July 22, 2002, between MacDermid, Incorporated and John L. Cordani | S-4 | 333-192778 | 10.3 | 01/02/14 | |
10.4 | Memorandum of Agreement, dated as of July 9, 2001, between MacDermid, Incorporated and John L. Cordani | S-4 | 333-192778 | 10.4 | 01/02/14 | |
10.5 | MacDermid, Incorporated Profit Sharing and Employee Savings Plan (as amended and restated generally effective January 1, 2010) | S-4 | 333-192778 | 10.5 | 12/11/13 | |
10.6 | MacDermid, Incorporated Employees’ Pension Plan (as amended and restated generally effective January 1, 2009) | S-4 | 333-192778 | 10.6 | 12/11/13 | |
10.7 | MacDermid, Incorporated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, effective April 1, 1994, as amended on February 25, 2005, and as further amended on July 11, 2013 | S-4 | 333-192778 | 10.7 | 01/02/14 | |
10.8 | Second Amendment to MacDermid, Incorporated Employees’ Pension Plan, 2009 Restatement | S-4 | 333-192778 | 10.8 | 01/02/14 | |
10.9 | Amendment No. 1 to MacDermid, Incorporated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (as Previously Amended and Restated) | S-4 | 333-192778 | 10.9 | 01/02/14 | |
10.10 | Platform Specialty Products Corporation Amended and Restated 2013 Incentive Compensation Plan | S-8 | 333-194012 | 10.1 | 02/18/14 | |
10.11 | Form of Amended and Restated Restricted Stock Unit Agreement – Platform Specialty Products Corporation Amended and Restated 2013 Incentive Compensation Plan | 10-Q | 001-36272 | 10.5 | 08/06/14 | |
10.12 | Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement | S-4 | 333-192778 | 10.12 | 01/02/14 | |
10.13 | Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2013, among, inter alia, Platform Acquisition Holding Limited, MacDermid Holdings, LLC, Matrix Acquisition Corp., MacDermid, Incorporated (as successor to Matrix Acquisition Corp., the borrower), the subsidiaries of the borrower from time to time parties thereto, the lenders from time to time parties thereto and Credit Suisse AG, as administrative agent and as collateral agent | S-4 | 333-192778 | 10.13 | 01/02/14 | |
10.14 | Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of August 6, 2014, among, inter alia, the Company, MacDermid Holdings, LLC, MacDermid, Incorporated, the subsidiaries of the borrower from time to time parties thereto, the lenders from time to time parties thereto and Barclays Bank PLC, as administrative agent and collateral agent | 8-K | 001-36272 | 10.1 | 08/08/14 | |
10.15 | Amendment No. 2, dated as of August 6, 2014, among, inter alia, the Company, MacDermid Holdings, LLC, MacDermid, Incorporated, the subsidiaries of the borrower from time to time parties thereto, the lenders from time to time parties thereto, and Barclays Bank PLC, as administrative agent and collateral agent | 8-K | 001-36272 | 10.2 | 08/08/14 | |
10.16 | Incremental Amendment, dated October 1, 2014, among the Company, MacDermid, Incorporated, MacDermid Holdings, LLC, certain subsidiaries of MacDermid Holdings, LLC and Platform party thereto, Barclays Bank PLC, as collateral agent and administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto | 8-K | 001-36272 | 10.1 | 10/01/14 | |
10.17 | Amendment No.3, dated February 13, 2015, among, inter alia, Platform, Holdings, MacDermid, the subsidiaries of the borrower from time to time parties thereto, the lenders from time to time parties thereto, and Barclays Bank PLC, as administrative agent and collateral agent | 8-K | 001-36272 | 10.1 | 02/17/15 | |
10.18 | Form of Retaining Holder Securityholders Agreement | S-4 | 333-192778 | 10.14 | 01/02/14 | |
10.19 | Advisory Services Agreement, dated October 31, 2013, by and between Platform Specialty Products Corporation and Mariposa Capital, LLC | S-4 | 333-192778 | 10.15 | 01/02/14 | |
10.20 | Letter Agreement with respect to Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan payment, dated as of October 29, 2013, between Platform Acquisition Holdings Limited and Daniel H. Leever | S-4 | 333-192778 | 10.16 | 01/02/14 | |
10.21 | Security Holder’s Agreement dated as of November 7, 2013 | S-4 | 333-192778 | 10.17 | 01/02/14 | |
10.22 | Placing Agreement, dated May 17, 2013, by and between Platform Acquisition Holdings Limited, certain of its Directors, Berggruen Acquisition Holdings IV Ltd., Mariposa Acquisition, LLC, and Barclays Bank and Citigroup Global Markets Limited as placing banks | S-4 | 333-192778 | 10.18 | 01/02/14 | |
10.23 | Form of Option Deeds | S-4 | 333-192778 | 10.19 | 01/02/14 | |
10.24 | Form of Interest Notice | S-4 | 333-192778 | 10.20 | 01/15/14 | |
10.25 | Third Amendment to Amended and Restated MacDermid, Incorporated Employees’ Pension Plan | S-4 | 333-192778 | 10.21 | 01/02/14 | |
10.26 | Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement – Platform Specialty Products Corporation Equity Incentive Plan | S-4 | 333-192778 | 10.22 | 01/02/14 | |
10.27 | Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement – Platform Specialty Products Corporation Equity Incentive Plan | S-4 | 333-192778 | 10.23 | 01/02/14 | |
10.28 | Irrevocable Election | S-4 | 333-192778 | 10.24 | 01/17/14 | |
10.29 | Amended and Restated Pledge and Security Agreement, amended and restated as of October 31, 2013 | 10-K | 001-36272 | 10.25 | 03/31/14 | |
10.30 | Registration Rights Agreement, dated May 20, 2014, between Platform Specialty, the placement agents thereto and the Investors stated therein | 8-K | 001-36272 | 10.1 | 05/21/14 | |
10.31 | Form of registration rights agreement between Platform and the purchasers of the shares in the October/November Private Placement | 8-K | 001-36272 | 10.3 | 10/08/14 | |
10.32 | Registration Rights Agreement, dated February 13, 2015, between Platform and Nalozo L.P. | 8-K | 001-36272 | 10.2 | 02/17/15 | |
10.33 | Form of Support Agreement | DEF14A | 001-36272 | Annex A | 10/17/14 | |
14.1 | Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers | 10-K | 001-36272 | 14 | 03/31/14 | |
21.1 | List of subsidiaries | | | | | X |
23.1 | Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP | | | | | X |
23.2 | Consent of KPMG LLP | | | | | X |
31.1 | Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | | | | | X |
31.2 | Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | | | | | X |
32.1 | Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | | | | | X |
101.INS* | XBRL Instance Document | | | | | X |
101.SCH* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | | | | | X |
101.CAL* | XBRL Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | | | | | X |
101.DEF* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document | | | | | X |
101.LAB* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document | | | | | X |
101.PRE* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | | | | | X |