The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates. The Plan provides for various investment options in any combination of stocks or mutual funds. Investment securities are exposed to various risks, such as interest rate, market and credit. Due to the level of risk associated with certain investment securities and the level of uncertainty related to changes in the value of investment securities, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in market value in the near term would materially affect Participants’ account balances and the amounts reported in the Statement of Net Assets Available for Benefits and the Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits. Note 3 - Income Tax Status The Plan has received a determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service dated September 24, 2003, stating that the Plan is qualified under Section 401 (a) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) and, therefore, the related trust is exempt from taxation. Subsequent to this issuance of the determination letter, the Plan was amended. Once qualified, the Plan is required to operate in conformity with the Code to maintain its qualification. The plan administrator believes the Plan is being operated in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Code and, therefore, believes that the Plan, as amended, is qualified and the related trust is tax exempt. Note 4 - Administrative Expenses Expenses are incurred at either the fund level or the Plan level. All expenses incurred by the fund (commissions, management fees, etc.) are paid out of investor assets and are therefore netted in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments in the statement of changes in net assets available for benefits. Loan administration expenses are included in other expenses in the statement of changes in net assets available for benefits. Commissions on the purchase of Engelhard Corporation stock incurred when such purchases are made in the stock market are netted in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments in the statement of changes in net assets available for benefits. The Company pays all other plan administrative expenses. Note 5 - Concentrations of Credit Risk Investments in securities are generally exposed to various risks, such as interest rate, credit, and overall market volatility risks. Financial instruments that potentially subject the plan to concentration of credit risk consist principally of investments in the Engelhard Corporation Stock Fund. The plan limits the concentration of credit risk by allowing participants, subject to the lapsing of restrictions, the opportunity to invest in an array of mutual funds offered by the Vanguard Group. 10
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