SCHEDULE 14A (Rule 14a-101) INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Filed by the Registrant [x] Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ] Check the appropriate box: [ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement [ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) [ ] Definitive Proxy Statement [x] Definitive Additional Materials [ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12 Echlin Inc. ------------------------------------------------ (Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) ------------------------------------------------ (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant) Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box): [x] No fee required. [ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. 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(1) Amount Previously Paid: -------------- (2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: -------------- (3) Filing Party: -------------- (4) Date Filed: Echlin Investor Presentation - March 31, 1998 Certain statements included herein are "forward-looking" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act"), and are made in good faith by Echlin pursuant to the Act's "safe harbor" provisions. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, global and regional economic conditions, business conditions in the overall automotive industry, and the cost and timing of the company's repositioning plan implementation. They also include other factors discussed herein and those detailed from time to time in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Agenda - ------ Discuss Echlin's significantly increased earnings power Review demonstrated momentum from Phase I repositioning plan Review significant potential of Phase II initiatives Considerations concerning SPX proposal Business fit issues Timing issues and future opportunities Echlin's Turnaround Has Just Begun - ---------------------------------- Management change only twelve months ago Inherited a set of businesses not reflective of modern management techniques Major restructuring actions are moving at a rapid pace Reorganized,simplified and focused corporate structure EVA focused management 14 targeted plant closings/consolidations 1,700 headcount reductions Businesses representing $500 million in revenue sold Today's meeting is to inform the market that Phase I of our restructuring is ahead of schedule and Phase II is underway Our earnings power is substantially above Street estimates Echlin Has Significantly Higher Earnings Potential - -------------------------------------------------- Fiscal Year Earnings Per Share - ----------- ------------------ 1995 $2.60 1996 $2.30 1997 $1.88 1998 $2.40-$2.50 1999 $3.65-$3.80 2000 $4.40-$4.55 The Market Had Just Started to Reflect the Changes at Echlin Before SPX's Proposal - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Chart describing Echlin's daily stock price from 2/13/97 through 2/13/98] 1. Review of Second Quarter and Future Earnings Potential Confirmation of Phase I: Echlin Surpassed Estimates for the Second Consecutive Quarter - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ EPS FY - S/Share 1Q1998 Estimated $0.47 Actual $0.52 2Q1998 Estimated $0.41 Actual $0.43/$0.42 NB: Second Quarter reflects $1million or $0.01 of extraordinary expense related to SPX proposal. Second Quarter Review - --------------------- Change ($ in millions) 1997 1998 1998 vs. 1997 - --------------- ---- ---- ------------- Revenues $842.2 $835.7 (0.8%) Gross Margin % 23.4% 24.4% +100 bp EBITDA $74.2 $78.8 +6.2% % Margin 8.8% 9.4% +85 bp Net Income $23.6 $26.9 +14.2% Confirmation of Phase I: Organizational Restructuring and EVA Implementation - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reorganized from 66 business units to 4 business groups EVA used for a strict evaluation of each business unit to identify "fix" or "sell" candidates As a result, 7 businesses have been sold ($500 million revenue, 2% return on sales) EVA principles implemented to assess capital investments-two strategic acquisitions accomplished in last 12 months EVA based compensation program will be rolled out to all executive and operations managers by September 1998 Facility Rationalization - ------------------------ 4 completed 8 in progress 2 yet to come Headcount reduction When complete 1,200 Additional programs 500 Total reduction 1,700 $30 million annualized pre-tax savings when complete ($0.30 per share) Echlin Now is Positioned For Phase II of Shareholder Value Creation - ------------------------------------------------------------------- Phase 1 Phase 2 EVA Worldwide Sourcing Divestitures [arrow] Shareholder [arrow] Initiative Cost Value Distribution Realignment Reductions EVA Top Line Strategic Acquisitions Growth Operational Optimization Where is the Big Opportunity at Echlin? - --------------------------------------- 66 Business Units [arrow] New Management [arrow] 4 Business Groups Old structure was a function of previous management style Consolidation conceived of and implemented by current team Reduces duplicate functions Allows coordinated approach to drive improved profitability Sourcing Distribution Operations Global Sourcing - ------------- Objective is to reduce supply base by 40% by 2000 - from 10,000 suppliers to 6,000 Major purchases include: Aluminum Bearings Steel Packaging Rubber MRO Target of annualized 5.0% cost reduction on $2.0 billion of material and equipment purchases over a two-year period Reduction Per Share Benefit --------- ----------------- Fiscal 1999 2.5% - 3.0% $0.50 - $0.60 Fiscal 2000 2.0% - 2.5% $0.40 - $0.50 Total $0.90 - $1.10 Distribution Realignment - ------------------------ Distribution Points Current Target 44 5 Costs reduced by $30 million annually upon completion Potential Echlin inventory reduction of approximately $90 million Two year payback on initial investment Operational Optimization - ------------------------ Shares services initiatives BaaN software implementation IMPACT manufacturing program Effects of EVA-based compensation program 1998 Earnings Power is Higher than Expectations - ----------------------------------------------- Upside we see in 3Q and 4Q Gross margins up 180-220 bp above year ago level Operating expenses 40-60 bp lower Improved cash flow 1998 EPS Range $2.40-$2.50 Sources of Fiscal Year 1999 Potential - ------------------------------------- Incremental 1999 Pre-Tax Impact (Millions, except EPS) Phase I: Operations and Financial Improvements $25 - $30 Repositioning Benefits 10 Phase II: Global Sourcing and Distribution Realignment 55 - 60 Operational Improvements 25 - 30 Subtotal Pre-Tax Impact $115 - $130 Total Expected EPS Range $3.65 - $3.80 Sources of Fiscal Year 2000 Potential Incremental 2000 Pre-Tax Impact (Millions, except EPS) Phase II: Incremental Global Sourcing $40 - $50 Distribution Realignment 10 - 15 Operational Improvements 10- 15 Subtotal Pre-Tax Impact $60 - $80 Total Expected EPS Range $4.40 - $4.55 Earnings Potential - ------------------ ($ in millions, fiscal year) 1998 1999 2000 ------------ ---- ---- ---- Revenues $3,500 $3,575 $3,850 % Growth (1.7%) 2.1% 7.7% Gross Margin % 25.2% 27.9% 28.4% EBITDA(1) $380 $500 $575 % Margin 10.8% 14.0% 14.9% EPS Range $2.40-$2.50 $3.65-$3.80 $4.40-$4.55 (1) Corresponding to midpoint of indicated EPS range. Additional Opportunities: Strategic Acquisitions - ------------------------------------------------ Enhance shareholder value Complementary in technology Complementary in markets served Expansion of geographic markets Market leader (#1 or #2) in product lines Strong management team in place Above average organic growth potential 2. The SPX Proposal Some Issues Under Review as we Consider the SPX Proposal - -------------------------------------------------------- Business fit of combined company will determine valuation of stock portion Distribution concept Negative customer reaction Lack of synergies Equity market valuation of combined company SPX understanding of industry Distribution Systems are Fundamentally Different - ----------------------------------------------------- [Chart comparing Echlin and SPX distribution systems] Limited Customer Overlap - ------------------------ Echlin SPX(a) Estimated Overlap OE Manufacturers X X 8% OE Dealers X 0 Aftermarket Aftermarket Repair Shops X 0 Warehouse Distributors X 0 Retailers X 0 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Overlap 8% (a) Assumes sales for Service Solution business is divided between dealers and repair shops for comparative purposes. Customer Reaction: The Impact is Already Reverberating - ------------------------------------------------------ "... we have been greatly concerned about this move on SPX's part since the beginning and we are very much in opposition to it." -Larry Price, CEO, Genuine Parts Company "I was deeply concerned about how this would affect one of my most important suppliers... I do not believe it to be in the best interest of the customers." - -Wilson McMillion, Owner, Parts Plus "I am not impressed by Mr. Blystone's background, track record, nor understanding of the aftermarket." -Keith Thompson, CEO, Republic Automotive Parts "We do not see any benefits or synergies to this combination for Echlin's customers and, therefore, do not believe it is good for your shareholders." -Art Fisher, CEO, Federated Auto Parts Distributors "As a customer, I am totally opposed to this takeover." -Rollance E. Olson, Chairman, Parts Depot You Have Noticed the Lack of Business Fit and Synergies - ------------------------------------------------------- Date Firm Comments 2/18/98 Lehman Brothers "There are no synergies; SPX plan is to simply manage the business better." 2/19/98 DLJ Securities "SPX does not have significant business with Echlin's main customers." 2/20/98 Morgan Stanley "There appears to be little operational synergies & that would aid in achieving these cost savings." 2/18/98 "Echlin's manufacturing facilities in general are product focused, and therefore many not permit faster rationalization without spending a lot of money. This runs counter to SPX's claims that management is overspending." 3/18/98 Merrill Lynch "... we believe synergisms are largely absent." Other "New Distribution Concepts" ... - ------------------------------------- [Chart describing Federal-Mogul - Daily stock price: 1/4/93 through 3/11/94] ... Have Cost Shareholders Money - --------------------------------- [Chart describing Federal-Mogul - Daily stock price: 1/4/93 through 12/27/96] Other "New Distribution Concepts" ... - ------------------------------------- [Chart describing APS Holding Corp. - Daily stock price: 1/11/96 through 9/27/96] ... Have Cost Shareholders Money - --------------------------------- [Chart describing APS Holding Corp. - Daily stock price: 1/11/96 through 3/25/98] Possible Reasons SPX Needs an Acquisition - ----------------------------------------- A study of U.S. Automotive Diagnostic Equipment Market Raises Concerns over Strength of Business "In the last couple of years, SPX has lost market share in almost every product segment. The main reasons for this is their distribution system." "SPX has not had a very strong following with independent installers." "SPX has increased its sales per employee tremendously over last couple of years. However, it is expected that some of the gains have come at the expense of cuts in R&D. Competitors expect that this may hurt SPX's prospects in the long run." "OBD III, IV and V represent real threats to diagnostic equipment manufacturers." Source: Frost & Sullivan Report commissioned by Echlin on February 25, 1998 SPX Issues Under Review - A Summary - ----------------------------------- New distribution concept presumes customer acceptance Substantial potential for customer defection Almost $100 million of synergies are required to get neutral EPS(1) Pro forma P/E may reflect auto parts industry multiple 2 years of automotive experience Proposed Board is aligned with SPX (1) According to SPX S-4 SPX's Claims About Echlin Do Not Hold Up to Scrutiny - ---------------------------------------------------- Productivity Capital Spending Underperforming Assets EVA Implementation Pace of Management Actions Claim: Echlin Productivity is Low Reality: Outstanding Capital Productivity - ----------------------------------------- Three-Year Average Return on Assets(a) Echlin 11.3% Delco Remy 10.8% Dana 9.6% Arvin 8.7% Lucas Varity 8.2% Standard Motor 7.3% Federal Mogul 5.4% (a) Average of EBIT/Assets for latest three fiscal years. Claim: Echlin Overspending on Capex Reality: Capex/Sales in Line With Others - ---------------------------------------- Capex/Sales 1995 1996 1997 Avg. '95-'97 - ----------- ---- ---- ---- ------------ Aftermarket Companies: Dana ............................... 5.4% 4.6% 3.9% 4.6% Arvin .............................. 5.1 3.6 4.3 4.3 Delco Remy ......................... 2.0 5.1 4.6 3.9 Echlin ............................. 3.8 3.3 4.2 3.8 Federal-Mogul ...................... 3.9 2.7 2.8 3.1 Standard Motor Products ............ 2.5 3.0 2.5 2.7 SPX ................................ 2.8 1.8 2.5 2.4 Claim: Need to Divest Underperforming Assets Reality: New Management Has Moved Quickly to Sell Underperforming Assets - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sold: Sensor Engineering BWD Puerto Rico Preferred Plastic Australia Distribution ACE Electric WAWD Midland-Grau Divested businesses representing revenues of $500 million with an average margin of 2%. Claim: Echlin Moving Too Slowly on EVA - -------------------------------------- Reality: "Echlin is making significant progress with EVA - implementation is among the fastest we've seen for a company of their size and complexity." - Joel Stern Claim: Management Does Not Move Quickly Reality: We Are Moving With Speed - --------------------------------------- Reorganized, simplified and focused corporate structure Rapid implementation of EVA principles Implemented restructuring program to reduce costs Divesting underperforming and non-core assets Acquired complementary businesses Quickly exceeded analyst's earnings expectations 3. Conclusions Echlin's Board of Directors: Track Record of Independence - --------------------------------------------------------- Always has been shareholder focused Track record of acting independently Has made difficult decisions without external pressure Well aware of responsibilities and is well advised "I've been following Echlin for 20 years and I've known [Chairman and Chief Executive Larry McCurdy] for 20 years...he's a shareholder-sensitive guy." - -Mario Gabelli The Echlin Opportunity - ---------------------- Restructuring well under way Benefits just becoming apparent No need for major strategic or operational assumptions to produce revised EPS Repositioning actions have history of success in industry and have created value in the market 25 years of automotive experience and credibility Track record of Board independence Key Message - ----------- We have implemented the turnaround and SPX has timed a proposal to reap the rewards Echlin's shareholders are just starting to see the EPS impact Return on investments are just beginning to become apparent externally Echlin wanted to share its view of future because current numbers underestimate EPS potential Apparent to the board and management Not readily apparent to the investor community Certain statements included herein are "forward-looking" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act"), and are made in good faith by Echlin pursuant to the Act's "safe harbor" provisions. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, global and regional economic conditions, business conditions in the overall automotive industry, and the cost and timing of the company's repositioning plan implementation. They also include other factors discussed herein and those detailed from time to time in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.