FORM 10-Q
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
(Mark One)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 1999
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from_______ to______
Commission file number 1-2116
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ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC.
--------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Pennsylvania 23-0366390
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
P. O. Box 3001, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17604
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (717) 397-0611
-----------------------------
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements
for the past 90 days.
Yes X No_____
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Number of shares of registrant's common stock outstanding as of October 25, 1999
- - 40,061,759
1
Part I - Financial Information
------------------------------
Item 1 - Financial Statements
- -----------------------------
Armstrong World Industries, Inc., and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings
(amounts in millions except for per-share data)
Unaudited
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30 September 30
------------ ------------
1999 1998 1999 1998
---- ---- ---- ----
NET SALES $903.8 $821.6 $2,615.9 $1,920.3
Cost of goods sold 588.4 549.7 1,717.9 1,274.2
Selling, general and administrative expense 170.7 148.7 513.1 357.3
Goodwill amortization 6.5 4.3 18.6 5.2
Equity earnings from affiliates (5.2) (5.0) (13.1) (10.3)
------ ------ -------- --------
Operating income 143.4 123.9 379.4 293.9
Interest expense 25.8 22.7 78.9 36.3
Other (income) expenses, net 3.4 5.1 (4.5) 4.7
------ ------ -------- --------
Earnings before income taxes 114.2 96.1 305.0 252.9
Income taxes 42.5 34.6 112.2 88.8
------ ------ -------- --------
NET EARNINGS $71.7 $61.5 $192.8 $164.1
====== ====== ======== ========
Net earnings per share of common stock:
Basic $1.80 $1.55 $4.84 $4.12
Diluted $1.78 $1.53 $4.79 $4.06
Average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic 39.9 39.8 39.8 39.8
Diluted 40.2 40.2 40.2 40.4
See accompanying footnotes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial
statements beginning on page 6.
2
Armstrong World Industries, Inc., and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(amounts in millions)
Unaudited
Assets September 30, 1999 December 31, 1998
------ ------------------ -----------------
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 63.1 $ 38.2
Accounts receivable less allowance 514.6 440.4
Inventories:
Finished goods 237.7 251.2
Work in process 49.2 51.5
Raw materials and supplies 141.9 162.4
---------- ----------
Total inventories 428.8 465.1
Income tax benefits 54.8 52.5
Net assets of businesses held for sale 3.7 55.9
Other current assets 55.1 69.0
---------- ----------
Total current assets 1,120.1 1,121.1
Property, plant, and equipment 2,542.7 2,623.9
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 1,112.1 1,121.9
---------- ----------
Net property, plant and equipment 1,430.6 1,502.0
Insurance for asbestos-related liabilities 190.0 248.8
Investment in affiliates 59.1 41.8
Goodwill, net 957.0 965.4
Other intangibles, net 53.7 63.2
Other noncurrent assets 385.9 330.9
---------- ----------
Total assets $ 4,196.4 $ 4,273.2
========== ==========
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
------------------------------------
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt $ 94.7 $ 149.9
Current installments of long-term debt 33.1 32.9
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 619.5 544.8
Income taxes 100.7 25.7
---------- ----------
Total current liabilities 848.0 753.3
Long-term debt, less current installments 1,418.6 1,562.8
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) loan guarantee 167.4 178.6
Postretirement and postemployment benefit liabilities 244.4 249.0
Pension benefit liabilities 221.7 235.5
Asbestos-related liabilities 193.7 344.8
Other long-term liabilities 114.3 115.8
Deferred income taxes 102.2 107.6
Minority interest in subsidiaries 13.1 16.1
---------- ----------
Total noncurrent liabilities 2,475.4 2,810.2
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock 51.9 51.9
Capital in excess of par value 178.9 173.0
Reduction for ESOP loan guarantee (183.9) (199.1)
Retained earnings 1,393.5 1,257.0
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (21.3) (25.4)
Treasury stock (546.1) (547.7)
---------- ----------
Total shareholders' equity 873.0 709.7
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 4,196.4 $ 4,273.2
========== ==========
See accompanying footnotes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial
statements beginning on page 6.
3
Armstrong World Industries, Inc., and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
(amounts in millions)
Unaudited
1999 1998
---- ----
Common stock, $1 par value:
- --------------------------
Balance at beginning of year & September 30 $ 51.9 $ 51.9
---------- ----------
Capital in excess of par value:
- ------------------------------
Balance at beginning of year $ 173.0 $ 169.5
Stock issuances and other 5.9 2.2
---------- ----------
Balance at September 30 $ 178.9 $ 171.7
---------- ----------
Reduction for ESOP loan guarantee:
- ---------------------------------
Balance at beginning of year $ (199.1) $ (207.7)
Principal paid 11.2 11.3
Loans to ESOP (0.8) (5.3)
Accrued compensation 4.8 0.7
---------- ----------
Balance at September 30 $ (183.9) $ (201.0)
---------- ----------
Retained earnings:
- -----------------
Balance at beginning of year $ 1,257.0 $ 1,339.6
Net earnings 192.8 $192.8 164.1 $164.1
Tax benefit on dividends paid on
unallocated common shares 1.4 1.3
---------- ----------
Total $ 1,451.2 $ 1,505.0
Less common stock dividends 57.7 56.1
---------- ----------
Balance at September 30 $ 1,393.5 $ 1,448.9
---------- ----------
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
- ---------------------------------------------
Balance at beginning of year $ (25.4) $ (16.2)
Foreign currency translation adjustments and
hedging activities 1.1 1.1
Unrealized gain on available for sale securities -- 12.6
Minimum pension liability adjustments 3.0 4.5
---------- ----------
Total other comprehensive income 4.1 4.1 18.2 18.2
---------- ------ ---------- ------
Balance at September 30 $ (21.3) $ 2.0
---------- ----------
Comprehensive income $196.9 $182.3
====== ======
Less treasury stock at cost:
- ---------------------------
Balance at beginning of year $ 547.7 $ 526.5
Stock purchases 0.8 31.2
Stock issuance activity, net (2.4) (10.0)
---------- ----------
Balance at September 30 $ 546.1 $ 547.7
---------- ----------
Total shareholders' equity $ 873.0 $ 925.8
========== ==========
See accompanying footnotes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial
statements beginning on page 6.
4
Armstrong World Industries, Inc., and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(amounts in millions)
Unaudited
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
1999 1998
---- ----
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings $ 192.8 $ 164.1
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 124.9 100.4
Gain on sale of businesses, net (1.8) --
Deferred income taxes 3.3 17.1
Equity change in affiliates (2.4) (7.0)
Gain on sale of investment in affiliates -- (6.5)
Reorganization and restructuring payments (14.8) (3.9)
Payments for asbestos-related claims, net of recoveries (52.4) (63.3)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities net of effects of reorganization,
restructuring and dispositions:
Increase in receivables (92.0) (89.4)
Decrease in inventories 0.7 32.1
Decrease in other current assets 40.5 9.9
Increase in other noncurrent assets (58.6) (64.2)
Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses 75.2 20.1
Increase in income taxes payable 74.2 34.8
Increase in other long-term liabilities 14.3 11.4
Other, net 0.6 (0.7)
-------- --------
Net cash provided by operating activities 304.5 154.9
-------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (120.9) (85.7)
Investment in computer software (6.4) (16.7)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (3.8) (1,152.6)
Sale of Dal-Tile shares, net -- 83.5
Proceeds from sales of businesses 87.6 --
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment 3.5 1.8
Other, net (0.2) --
-------- --------
Net cash used for investing activities (40.2) (1,169.7)
-------- --------
Cash flows from financing activities:
(Decrease) increase in short-term debt (34.1) 858.0
Issuance of long-term debt 200.0 543.9
Payments of long-term debt (347.6) (277.6)
Cash dividends paid (57.7) (56.1)
Purchase of common stock for the treasury, net (0.8) (31.2)
Proceeds from exercised stock options 1.2 7.5
Other, net (0.3) 0.6
-------- --------
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities (239.3) 1,045.1
-------- --------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (0.1) 2.8
-------- --------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents $ 24.9 $ 33.1
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period $ 38.2 $ 57.9
-------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 63.1 $ 91.0
======== ========
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial
statements beginning on page 6.
5
Note 1. Operating results for the third quarter and first nine months of 1999
compared with the corresponding periods of 1998 included in this report are
unaudited. However, these results have been reviewed by the Company's
independent public accountants in accordance with established professional
standards and procedures for a limited review of interim financial information.
The accounting policies used in preparing these statements are the same as those
used in preparing the Company's consolidated financial statements for the year
ended December 31, 1998. These condensed consolidated financial statements
should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and
notes thereto included in the Company's annual report and Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1998. In the opinion of management, all
adjustments of a normal recurring nature have been included to provide a fair
statement of the results for the reporting periods presented. Three and nine
months' results are not necessarily indicative of annual earnings. The third
fiscal quarter of Triangle Pacific, acquired in 1998, ended on October 2, 1999.
No events occurred between September 30 and October 2 at Triangle Pacific
materially affecting the Company's financial position or results of operations.
Note 2. INDUSTRY SEGMENTS
- -------------------------
(amounts in millions)
Three months Nine months
ended September 30 ended September 30
Net sales to external customers 1999 1998 1999 1998
- ------------------------------- ---- ---- ---- ----
Floor coverings $ 429.2 $ 375.0 $ 1,207.7 $ 937.6
Building products 200.0 196.7 571.8 572.2
Wood products 210.0 167.3 615.9 167.3
Insulation products 59.5 62.1 171.5 173.7
All other 6.5 20.5 50.4 69.5
Intersegment eliminations (1.4) -- (1.4) --
-------- -------- ---------- ----------
Total sales to external customers $ 903.8 $ 821.6 $ 2,615.9 $ 1,920.3
======== ======== ========== ==========
Segment operating income (a)
- ----------------------------
Floor coverings $ 74.5 $ 57.9 $ 180.2 $ 143.0
Building products 34.4 31.9 95.1 88.5
Wood products 22.1 17.3 70.6 17.3
Insulation products 14.1 14.5 35.6 35.7
All other 0.8 1.7 5.9 6.8
-------- -------- ---------- ----------
Total segment operating income $ 145.9 $ 123.3 $ 387.4 $ 291.3
======== ======== ========== ==========
September 30 December 31
Segment assets (a)(b) 1999 1998
- --------------------- ---- ----
Floor coverings $ 1,368.2 $ 1,359.5
Building products 558.8 550.1
Wood products 1,311.0 1,279.0
Insulation products 165.8 172.0
All other -- 67.6
---------- ----------
Total segment assets $ 3,403.8 $ 3,428.2
========== ==========
(a) The table below provides a reconciliation of segment information to total
consolidated information.
Three months Nine months
ended September 30 ended September 30
Operating income 1999 1998 1999 1998
---- ---- ---- ----
Total segment operating income $ 145.9 $ 123.3 $ 387.4 $ 291.3
Unallocated corporate (expense) income (2.5) 0.6 (8.0) 2.6
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total consolidated operating income $ 143.4 $ 123.9 $ 379.4 $ 293.9
======== ======== ======== ========
6
September 30 December 31
Assets 1999 1998
---- ----
Total segment assets $ 3,403.8 $ 3,428.2
Assets not assigned to business units 792.6 845.0
---------- ----------
Total consolidated assets $ 4,196.4 $ 4,273.2
========== ==========
(b) The Company reclassified certain components of segment assets at December
31, 1998, reflecting a change in the composition of reportable segments.
Note 3. DIVESTITURES
- --------------------
On September 30, 1999, the Company completed the previously announced sale of
its Textile Products Operations to Day International Group, Inc. The sale
resulted in a pre-tax loss of $5.7 million ($3.6 million after tax, or $0.09 per
diluted share) which was recorded in other income.
Note 4. ACQUISITIONS
- --------------------
During the third quarter of 1998, the Company acquired Triangle Pacific Corp.
and approximately 93% of DLW, a portion of which was classified as businesses
held for resale. On May 28, 1999, the Company sold DLW's furniture business for
total cash proceeds of $38.1 million. The Company completed substantially all of
the final allocations of purchase price during the third quarter of 1999
resulting in a net increase in goodwill of $5.5 million. During 1999, the
Company has continued to increase its ownership percentage in DLW.
The following table reflects the adjustments to the carrying value of the DLW
businesses held for resale relating to interest allocation, profits, cash flows
and the sale in the relevant businesses:
(amounts in millions)
Carrying value at December 31, 1998 $55.9
Interest allocated January 1 - September 30, 1999 1.0
Adjustment to estimated sales proceeds (9.1)
Effect of exchange rate change (4.7)
Losses excluded from consolidated earnings (1.5)
Cash flows funded by parent 0.2
Proceeds from sale (38.1)
------
Carrying value at September 30, 1999 $ 3.7
======
Note 5. REORGANIZATION AND RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES
- ---------------------------------------------------
At December 31, 1998, the remaining accrual balance for reorganization and
restructuring severance payments was $22.4 million. Severance payments charged
against these accruals were $14.8 million in the first nine months of 1999
relating to the elimination of positions. As of September 30, 1999, $7.9 million
remained in these accruals primarily related to severance, most of which is
expected to be paid within the next twelve months. The remaining change in the
accrual balance was due to foreign currency translation adjustments.
Note 6. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
- ----------------------------------
The related tax effects allocated to each component of other comprehensive
income for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 are as follows.
Before Net of
Tax Tax Tax
(amounts in millions) Amount Expense Amount
------ ------- ------
7
Foreign currency translation adjustments
and hedging activities $ 1.1 -- $ 1.1
Minimum pension liability adjustment 4.7 (1.7) 3.0
------ ----- ------
Other comprehensive income $ 5.8 (1.7) $ 4.1
====== ===== ======
Note 7. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
- ------------------------------------------
(amounts in millions) Nine Months Ended
September 30
1999 1998
---- ----
Interest paid $ 74.9 $ 24.7
Income taxes paid, net $ 21.1 $ 28.9
Note 8. EARNINGS PER SHARE
- --------------------------
(amounts in millions, except per share data)
Three months ended Three months ended
September 30, 1999 September 30, 1998
Per share Per share
Basic earnings per share Earnings Shares Amount Earnings Shares Amount
- ------------------------ -------- ------ ------ -------- ------ ------
Net earnings $ 71.7 39.9 $ 1.80 $ 61.5 39.8 $ 1.55
Dilutive options 0.3 0.4
--- ---
Diluted earnings per share
- --------------------------
Net earnings
$ 71.7 40.2 $ 1.78 $ 61.5 40.2 $ 1.53
==== ====
Nine months ended Nine months ended
September 30, 1999 September 30, 1998
Per share Per share
Basic earnings per share Earnings Shares Amount Earnings Shares Amount
- ------------------------ -------- ------ ------ -------- ------ ------
Net earnings $ 192.8 39.8 $ 4.84 $ 164.1 39.8 $ 4.12
Dilutive options 0.4 0.6
--- ---
Diluted earnings per share
- --------------------------
Net earnings
$ 192.8 40.2 $ 4.79 $ 164.1 40.4 $ 4.06
==== ====
Note 9. OVERVIEW OF ASBESTOS-RELATED LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
- -------------------------------------------------------
Personal Injury Litigation
The Company is one of many defendants in approximately 182,000 pending claims as
of September 30, 1999, alleging personal injury from exposure to asbestos. These
claims are discussed more fully under the heading "Legal Proceedings" under Item
1 of Part II of this report, which should be read in conjunction with this note.
The Company does not know how many claims will be filed against it in the
future, nor the details thereof, nor of pending suits not fully reviewed, nor
the defense and resolution costs that may ultimately result therefrom, nor
whether an alternative to the Amchem settlement vehicle discussed below may
emerge, nor the scope of its insurance coverage ultimately deemed available.
8
Nearly all claims seek general and punitive damages arising from alleged
exposures, at various times, from World War II onward, to asbestos-containing
products. Claims against the Company generally involve allegations of
negligence, strict liability, breach of warranty and conspiracy with respect to
its involvement with asbestos-containing insulation products. The Company
discontinued the sale of all such products in 1969. The claims also allege that
injury may be determined many years (up to 40 years) after first exposure to
asbestos. Nearly all suits name many defendants, and over 100 different
companies are reportedly involved. The Company believes that many current
plaintiffs are unimpaired. A large number of claims have been settled,
dismissed, put on inactive lists or otherwise resolved, and the Company
generally is involved in all stages of claims resolution and litigation,
including individual trials, consolidated trials and appeals. Neither the rate
of future filings and resolutions nor the total number of future claims can be
predicted at this time with a high degree of certainty.
Amchem Settlement Class Action
Georgine v. Amchem ("Amchem") was a settlement class action filed in the Eastern
District of Pennsylvania on January 15, 1993, that included essentially all
future personal injury claims against members of the Center for Claims
Resolution ("Center"), including the Company. It was designed to establish a
nonlitigation system for the resolution of such claims, and offered a method for
prompt compensation to claimants who were occupationally exposed to asbestos if
they met certain exposure and medical criteria. Compensation amounts were
derived from historical settlement data and no punitive damages were to be paid.
The settlement was designed to, among other things, minimize transactional
costs, including attorneys' fees, expedite compensation to claimants with
qualifying claims, and relieve the courts of the burden of handling future
claims.
The District Court, after exhaustive discovery and testimony, approved the
settlement class action and issued a preliminary injunction that barred class
members from pursuing claims against Center members in the tort system. The U.S.
Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit reversed that decision, and the reversal
was sustained by the U.S. Supreme Court on September 25, 1997, holding that the
settlement class did not meet the requirements for class certification under
Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23. The preliminary injunction was vacated on
July 21, 1997, resulting in the immediate reinstatement of enjoined cases and a
loss of the bar against the filing of claims in the tort system.
Post Amchem Claim Developments
During 1998, pending claims increased by 71,000 claims. The Company and its
outside counsel believe the increase in claims filed during 1998 was partially
due to acceleration of pending claims as a result of the Supreme Court's
decision on Amchem and additional claims that had been filed in the tort system
against other defendants (and not against Center members) while Amchem was
pending. The Company continually assesses the assumptions it uses in its
estimate of the range of liability that is probable and estimable. This estimate
is highly uncertain due to the difficulty of forecasting with any certainty the
numerous variables that can affect the range of the liability. Claims
experiences in the first nine months of 1999 have generally been unfavorable
with respect to the Company's assumptions about the variables used in the
estimate of its range of liability. In particular, the number of new cases filed
in 1999 is larger than the Company anticipated. In the first nine months of
1999, approximately 40,200 claims were received and verified by the Center
naming the Company as a defendant. However, at this point it is not clear
whether the increase has more to do with recent events rather than a long-term
trend. The Company will continue to study the variables as experienced in 1999
in order to identify trends that may become evident and to assess their impact
on the range of liability that is probable and estimable.
The Company continues to seek broad-based settlements of claims through the
Center. The Center is currently in negotiations that would address a substantial
portion of currently pending claims and would provide medical and other criteria
for the settlement of future claims. The Company is uncertain as to the ultimate
success and timing of those negotiations.
9
Asbestos-Related Liability
The Company continually evaluates the nature and amount of recent claim
settlements and their impact on the Company's projected asbestos resolution and
defense costs. In doing so, the Company reviews, among other things, its recent
and historical settlement amounts, the incidence of past claims, the mix of the
injuries and occupations of the plaintiffs, the number of cases pending against
it, the previous estimates based on the Amchem projection and its recent
experience. Subject to the uncertainties, limitations and other variables
referred to above and based upon its experience, the Company has estimated its
share of liability to defend and resolve probable asbestos-related personal
injury claims. The Company's estimation of such liability that is probable and
estimable through 2004 ranges from $313.7 million to $702.3 million. The Company
has concluded that no amount within that range is more likely than any other,
and therefore has reflected $313.7 million as a liability in the consolidated
financial statements filed in this report. Of this amount, management expects to
incur approximately $120.0 million over the next 12 months and has reflected
this amount as a current liability. This estimate includes an assumption that
the number of new claims filed annually will be less than the number filed in
1998. The Company believes it can reasonably estimate the number and nature of
future claims that may be filed through 2004. However, for claims that may be
filed beyond that period, management believes that the level of uncertainty is
too great to provide for reasonable estimation of the number of future claims,
the nature of such claims, or the cost to resolve them. Accordingly, it is
reasonably possible that the total exposure to personal injury claims may be
greater than the estimated range of liability.
The Company is uncertain as to the ultimate success and timing of broad-based
settlement discussions. However, if such discussions are successful or if
unfavorable claims experiences continue, significant changes in the assumptions
used in the estimation of the Company's liability may result. Such changes, if
any, could lead to increases in the recorded liability. The Company's evaluation
of the range of probable liability is primarily based on known pending claims
and an estimate of potential claims that are likely to occur and can be
reasonably estimated through 2004. The estimate of likely claims to be filed in
the future is subject to an increasing degree of uncertainty each year into the
future. As additional experience is gained regarding claims and such settlement
discussions or other new information becomes available regarding the potential
liability, the Company will reassess its potential liability and revise the
estimates as appropriate.
Because, among other things, payment of the liability will extend over many
years, management believes that the potential additional costs for claims, net
of any potential insurance recoveries, will not have a material after-tax effect
on the financial condition of the Company or its liquidity, although the net
after-tax effect of any future liabilities recorded in excess of insurance
assets could be material to earnings in a future period.
Insurance Recovery Proceedings
A substantial portion of the Company's primary and excess insurance asset is
nonproducts (general liability) insurance for personal injury claims, including
among others, those that involve exposure during installation of asbestos
materials. The Wellington Agreement and the 1989 settlement agreement have
provisions for such coverage. An ADR process under the Wellington Agreement is
underway against certain carriers to determine the percentage of resolved and
unresolved claims that are nonproducts claims, to establish the entitlement to
such coverage and to determine whether and how much reinstatement of prematurely
exhausted products hazard insurance is warranted. The nonproducts coverage
potentially available is substantial and, for some policies, includes defense
costs in addition to limits. The carriers have raised various defenses,
including waiver, laches, statutes of limitations and contractual defenses. One
primary carrier alleges that it is no longer bound by the Wellington Agreement,
and another alleges that the Company agreed to limit its claims for nonproducts
coverage against that carrier when the Wellington Agreement was signed. The ADR
process is in the trial phase of binding arbitration. During 1999, the Company
received preliminary decisions in the initial phases of the trial proceeding of
the ADR which were generally favorable to the Company on a number of issues
related to insurance coverage. The decisions, while generally favorable, relate
to the initial phase of the ADR proceeding. The Company has not yet completely
determined the financial implications of the decisions. The Company has entered
into a settlement with a number of the carriers resolving its access to
coverage.
10
An insurance asset in the amount of $206.0 million is recorded as an asset in
the consolidated financial statements filed in this report. Of this amount,
approximately $21.3 million represents partial settlement for previous claims
which will be paid in a fixed and determinable flow and is reported at its net
present value discounted at 6.35%. The total amount recorded reflects the
Company's belief in the availability of insurance in this amount, based upon the
Company's success in insurance recoveries, recent settlement agreements that
provide such coverage, the nonproducts recoveries by other companies and the
opinion of outside counsel. Such insurance is either available through
settlement or probable of recovery through negotiation, litigation or resolution
of the ADR process which is in the trial phase of binding arbitration. The
Company continually evaluates the probable insurance asset to be recorded.
Depending on further evaluation of the ADR decisions, and activities such as
settlement discussions with insurance carriers party to the ADR and those not
party to the ADR, the Company may revise its estimate and additional insurance
assets may be recorded in a future period. Of the $206.0 million asset, $16.0
million has been recorded as a current asset reflecting management's estimate of
the minimum insurance payments to be received in the next 12 months. However,
the actual amount of payments to be received in the next 12 months is dependent
upon the actual liability incurred and the nature and result of settlement
discussions. Management estimates that the timing of future cash payments for
the remainder of the recorded asset may extend beyond 10 years.
11
Independent Auditors' Review Report
-----------------------------------
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Armstrong World Industries, Inc.:
We have reviewed the condensed consolidated balance sheet of Armstrong World
Industries, Inc., and subsidiaries as of September 30, 1999, and the related
condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the three and nine-month
periods ended September 30, 1999 and 1998, and the condensed consolidated
statements of cash flows and shareholders' equity for the nine-month periods
ended September 30, 1999 and 1998. These condensed consolidated financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.
We conducted our review in accordance with standards established by the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review of interim financial
information consists principally of applying analytical procedures to financial
data and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting
matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance
with generally accepted auditing standards, the objective of which is the
expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole.
Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should
be made to the consolidated financial statements referred to above for them to
be in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
We have previously audited, in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards, the consolidated balance sheet of Armstrong World Industries, Inc.,
and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998, and the related consolidated
statements of earnings, cash flows and shareholders' equity for the year then
ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated February 2, 1999, we
expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In
our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed
consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 1998, is fairly stated, in all
material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it
has been derived.
KPMG LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
November 3, 1999
12
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
- ------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
of Operations
-------------
Financial Condition
- -------------------
As shown on the Consolidated Balance Sheet (see page 3), the Company had cash
and cash equivalents of $63.1 million at September 30, 1999. Working capital was
$272.1 million as of September 30, 1999, $95.7 million lower than the $367.8
million recorded at the end of 1998. The ratio of current assets to current
liabilities was 1.32 to 1 as of September 30, 1999, compared with 1.49 to 1 as
of December 31, 1998. The decreases from December 31, 1998 were primarily due to
higher current liabilities, primarily accounts payable and accrued expenses as
well as income taxes payable.
Long-term debt, excluding the Company's guarantee of an ESOP loan, decreased in
the first nine months of 1999. At September 30, 1999, long-term debt of $1,418.6
million, or 54.8 percent of total capital, compared with $1,562.8 million, or
59.3 percent of total capital, at the end of 1998. At September 30, 1999, and
December 31, 1998 ratios of total debt (including the Company's guarantee of the
ESOP loan) as a percent of total capital were 66.2 percent and 73.1 percent,
respectively.
As shown on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (see page 5), net cash
provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 1999,
was $304.5 million compared with $154.9 million for the comparable period in
1998. The increase was due to several items including higher net income, higher
depreciation and amortization, an increase in accounts payable and accrued
expenses and an increase in income taxes payable.
Net cash used for investing activities was $40.2 million for the nine months
ended September 30, 1999, compared with $1,169.7 million for the nine months
ended September 30, 1998. The decrease was primarily due to the acquisition of
Triangle Pacific and DLW during the third quarter of 1998 and the proceeds from
the sales of businesses in 1999.
Net cash used for financing activities was $239.3 million for the nine months
ended September 30, 1999 compared with net cash provided by financing activities
of $1,045.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1998. The decrease
was primarily due to the $181.7 million net reduction of debt during the first
nine months of 1999 compared to the $1,124.3 million net increase in debt during
the same period in 1998.
The Company is constantly evaluating its various business units and may from
time to time dispose of, or restructure, those units. On February 2, 1999, the
Company announced its intent to form a joint venture in the worldwide technical
insulation business with Nomaco (USA)/NMC (Belgium) and Thermaflex
(Netherlands). Efforts to complete the formation of the joint venture are
currently in process. However, the joint venture partners have temporarily
withdrawn their merger petition from regulatory approval. The partners are
considering new business proposals to enhance the proposed merger and expect to
conclude this evaluation by year-end. On September 30, 1999, the Company
completed its sale of its Textile Products Operations ("TPO") to Day
International Group, Inc.
Asbestos-Related Litigation
- ---------------------------
The Company is involved in significant asbestos-related litigation which is
described more fully under the heading "Legal Proceedings" under Item 1 of Part
II of this report and which should be read in connection with this discussion
and analysis. The Company does not know how many claims will be filed against it
in the future, nor the details thereof, nor of pending suits not fully reviewed,
nor the defense and resolution costs that may ultimately result therefrom, nor
whether an alternative to the Georgine v. Amchem ("Amchem") settlement vehicle
(discussed in that Legal Proceedings item) may emerge, nor the scope of its
insurance coverage ultimately deemed available.
13
The Company continually evaluates the nature and amount of recent claim
settlements and their impact on the Company's projected asbestos resolution and
defense costs. In doing so, the Company reviews, among other things, its recent
and historical settlement amounts, the incidence of past claims, the mix of the
injuries and occupations of the plaintiffs, the number of cases pending against
it, the previous estimates based on the Amchem projection and its recent
experience. Subject to the uncertainties, limitations and other variables
referred to above and based upon its experience, the Company has estimated its
share of liability to defend and resolve probable asbestos-related personal
injury claims. The Company's estimation of such liability that is probable and
estimable through 2004 ranges from $313.7 million to $702.3 million. The Company
has concluded that no amount within that range is more likely than any other,
and therefore has reflected $313.7 million as a liability in the consolidated
financial statements filed in this report. Of this amount, management expects to
incur approximately $120.0 million over the next 12 months and has reflected
this amount as a current liability. This estimate includes an assumption that
the number of new claims filed annually will be less than the number filed in
1998. The Company believes it can reasonably estimate the number and nature of
future claims that may be filed through 2004. However, for claims that may be
filed beyond that period, management believes that the level of uncertainty is
too great to provide for reasonable estimation of the number of future claims,
the nature of such claims, or the cost to resolve them. Accordingly, it is
reasonably possible that the total exposure to personal injury claims may be
greater than the estimated range of liability.
During 1998, pending claims increased by 71,000 claims. The Company and its
outside counsel believe the increase in claims filed during 1998 was partially
due to acceleration of pending claims as a result of the Supreme Court's
decision on Amchem and additional claims that had been filed in the tort system
against other defendants (and not against Center members) while Amchem was
pending. The Company continually assesses the assumptions it uses in its
estimate of the range of liability that is probable and estimable. This estimate
is highly uncertain due to the difficulty of forecasting with any certainty the
numerous variables that can affect the range of the liability. Claims
experiences in the first nine months of 1999 have generally been unfavorable
with respect to the Company's assumptions about the variables used in the
estimate of its range of liability. In particular, the number of new cases filed
in 1999 is larger than the Company anticipated. In the first nine months of
1999, approximately 40,200 claims were received and verified by the Center
naming the Company as a defendant. However, at this point it is not clear
whether the increase has more to do with recent events rather than a long-term
trend. The Company will continue to study the variables as experienced in 1999
in order to identify trends that may become evident and to assess their impact
on the range of liability that is probable and estimable.
The Company continues to seek broad-based settlements of claims through the
Center. The Center is currently in negotiations that would address a substantial
portion of currently pending claims and would provide medical and other criteria
for the settlement of future claims. The Company is uncertain as to the ultimate
success and timing of those negotiations. However, if such discussions are
successful or if unfavorable claims experiences continue, significant changes in
the assumptions used in the estimation of the Company's liability may result.
Such changes, if any, could lead to increases in the recorded liability.
The Company's evaluation of the range of probable liability is primarily based
on known pending claims and an estimate of potential claims that are likely to
occur and can be reasonably estimated through 2004. The estimate of likely
claims to be filed in the future is subject to an increasing degree of
uncertainty each year into the future. As additional experience is gained
regarding claims and settlements or other new information becomes available
regarding the potential liability, the Company will reassess its potential
liability and revise the estimates as appropriate.
Because, among other things, payment of the liability will extend over many
years, management believes that the potential additional costs for claims, net
of any potential insurance recoveries, will not have a material after-tax effect
on the financial condition of the Company or its liquidity, although the net
after-tax effect of any future liabilities recorded in excess of insurance
assets could be material to earnings in a future period.
An insurance asset in the amount of $206.0 million is recorded as an asset in
the consolidated financial statements filed in this report. Of this amount,
approximately $21.3 million represents partial settlement for
14
previous claims which will be paid in a fixed and determinable flow and is
reported at its net present value discounted at 6.35 percent. The total amount
recorded reflects the Company's belief in the availability of insurance in this
amount, based upon the Company's success in insurance recoveries, recent
settlement agreements that provide such coverage, the nonproducts recoveries by
other companies and the opinion of outside counsel. Such insurance is either
available through settlement or probable of recovery through negotiation,
litigation or resolution of the ADR process which is in the trial phase of
binding arbitration. The Company continually evaluates the probable insurance
asset to be recorded. Depending on further evaluation of the ADR decisions, and
activities such as settlement discussions with insurance carriers party to the
ADR and those not party to the ADR, the Company may revise its estimate and
additional insurance assets may be recorded in a future period. Of the $206.0
million asset, $16.0 million has been recorded as a current asset reflecting
management's estimate of the minimum insurance payments to be received in the
next 12 months. However, the actual amount of payments to be received in the
next 12 months is dependent upon the actual liability incurred and the nature
and result of settlement discussions. Management estimates that the timing of
future cash payments for the remainder of the recorded asset may extend beyond
10 years.
Even though uncertainties remain as to the potential number of unasserted claims
and the liability resulting therefrom, and after consideration of the variables
involved, including the ultimate scope of its insurance coverage, the Wellington
Agreement and other settlements with insurance carriers, the results of the
California insurance coverage litigation, the establishment of the Center, the
likelihood that an alternative to the Amchem settlement will eventually emerge,
and its experience, the Company believes the asbestos-related claims against the
Company will not have a material after-tax effect on the financial condition of
the Company or its liquidity, although the net after-tax effect of any future
liabilities recorded in excess of insurance assets could be material to earnings
in a future period.
Consolidated Results
- --------------------
Third-quarter net sales of $903.8 million were 10.0 percent higher compared to
net sales of $821.6 million in the third quarter of 1998. The growth reflects
the acquisitions of Triangle Pacific (sales of $210.0 million in 1999 compared
to $167.3 million in 1998) and DLW (sales of $136.4 million in 1999 compared to
$63.9 million in 1998) during the third quarter of 1998. Net sales by the
Company's preacquisition businesses were $557.4 million, which were $33.0
million, or 5.6 percent below prior year as floor coverings decreased 5.9
percent and gasket sales were absent due to the divestiture of 65% of Armstrong
Industrial Specialties, Inc.
("AISI") on June 30, 1999.
Third-quarter net earnings of $71.7 million increased 16.6 percent from 1998's
third-quarter net earnings of $61.5 million. The 1999 third quarter results
include a pre-tax loss of $5.7 million ($3.6 million after tax) from the sale of
TPO that was recorded in other income. The Company also recorded a $2.6 million
pre-tax gain from proceeds from the demutualization of an insurance company with
whom the Company has company-owned life insurance policies. The 1998 third
quarter results include $12.3 million pre-tax for expenses related to activities
involving Domco and Sommer-Allibert and a $6.5 million pre-tax and after tax
gain on the sale of Dal-Tile shares. Net earnings per diluted share were $1.78
($1.87 excluding the loss on sale of TPO) compared with $1.53 per diluted share
for the third quarter of 1998. Net earnings per basic share were $1.80 ($1.89
excluding the loss on sale of TPO) compared with $1.55 per basic share for the
third quarter of 1998.
The cost of goods sold in the third quarter was 65.1 percent of net sales
compared to 66.9 percent of net sales in the third quarter of 1998. Excluding
Triangle Pacific and DLW, Armstrong's base business cost of goods sold was 61.6
percent, or 2.5 percentage points better than 1998, driven primarily by
significant cost reductions in floor coverings and building products arising
from 1998's cost reduction activities and lower raw material and other costs.
Although the Company has experienced lower prices for some of its raw materials
costs, the Company anticipates some pricing pressure on certain raw materials in
upcoming quarters.
Third-quarter SG&A expenses were 18.9 percent of net sales compared to 18.1
percent of net sales in last year's third quarter. The percentage increase is
primarily due to the decrease in preacquisition business net sales.
Goodwill amortization was $6.5 million in the third quarter of 1999 compared
with $4.3 million in the third quarter of 1998. Interest expense was $25.8
million in the third quarter of 1999 compared with $22.7 million
15
in the third quarter of 1998. These increases are due to a full quarter's
amortization and debt in 1999 for the acquisitions of Triangle Pacific and DLW
compared to a partial quarter's amortization and debt in 1998.
Net sales for the first nine months of 1999 were $2,615.9 million, 36.2 percent
higher than the net sales of $1,920.3 million for the same period of 1998. The
growth reflects higher net sales of Triangle Pacific (sales of $615.9 million in
1999 compared to $167.3 million in 1998) and DLW (sales of $381.9 million in
1999 compared to $63.9 million in 1998) due to the acquisitions in the third
quarter of 1998. Net sales by the Company's preacquisition businesses were
$1,618.1 million, which were $71.0 million, or 4.2 percent below prior year as
floor coverings decreased 5.5 percent and gasket sales were partially absent due
to the divestiture on June 30, 1999.
Net earnings for the first nine months of $192.8 million increased 17.5 percent
from the net earnings of $164.1 million for the same period of 1998. The first
nine months 1999 results include an after-tax gain of $7.5 million from the sale
of 65 percent of the Company's interest in AISI and an after tax loss of $3.6
million from the sale of TPO. Both of these transactions were recorded in other
income. Exclusive of these divestitures, the net earnings for the first nine
months of 1999 would have been $188.9 million, or an increase of 15.1 percent.
Net earnings per diluted share were $4.79 ($4.69 excluding the sales of AISI and
TPO) compared with $4.06 per diluted share for the first nine months of 1998.
Net earnings per basic share were $4.84 ($4.74 excluding the sales of AISI and
TPO) compared with $4.12 per basic share for the first nine months of 1998.
For the third quarter of 1999, the Company's effective tax rate was 37.2 percent
compared with 36.0 percent in the same period of 1998. The effective tax rate
for the first nine months of 1999 was 36.8 percent compared with 35.1 percent in
the same period of 1998. The increases in the effective tax rates are due to the
increase in non-deductible goodwill amortization related to the acquisitions of
Triangle Pacific and DLW (third quarter and first nine months), partially offset
by the realization of available capital losses carried forward.
Expected sales synergies from the 1998 acquisitions of Triangle Pacific and DLW
have proceeded at a slower pace than originally anticipated. Weak results from
European operations have negatively impacted 1999 results and the Company
anticipates this condition continuing through the fourth quarter and into next
year.
Industry Segment Results:
- ------------------------
Floor coverings net sales were $429.2 million and $375.0 million in the third
quarter of 1999 and 1998, respectively. DLW contributed net sales of $136.4
million and $63.9 million in the third quarter of 1999 and 1998, respectively.
Excluding DLW from both years, net sales of $292.8 million in the third quarter
of 1999 were 5.9 percent below the net sales of $311.1 last year. Sales in the
Americas were essentially flat as increased sales of commercial tile and
residential sheet almost offset declines of residential tile, laminate, and
commercial sheet. The residential sheet sales were driven by promotional
programs to the wholesalers servicing the independent and retail store channel.
Strong school business and improved shipping capabilities contributed to
favorable wholesaler sales of commercial tile. European sales of $21.1 million
reflected continued weak economic conditions and residential pricing pressure
resulting from excess capacity and the lack of business in Russia. Pacific area
sales of $9.7 million were 14.1% ahead of last year. Third-quarter operating
income of $74.5 million in 1999 included $9.4 million from DLW. Third-quarter
operating income of $57.9 million in 1998 included $0.2 million from DLW.
Excluding DLW, Armstrong's base business operating income of $65.1 million was
22.2 percent of net sales compared to $57.7 million or 18.5 percent of net sales
in 1998. This operating margin improvement was primarily due to implementation
of actions related to 1998's cost reduction activities, lower manufacturing
costs, and $3.6 million for an insurance settlement for a past product claim.
Building products net sales of $200.0 million increased 1.7 percent from $196.7
million in the third quarter of 1998 led by record sales of U.S. commercial
ceilings. Net sales in Europe fell 7.7% due to weak Western European volumes and
price losses across the region, as well as a negative effect of exchange rates.
Pacific area net sales increased 9.6 percent with higher volumes, primarily in
China, offsetting weaker prices across the region. Operating income of $34.4
million increased $2.5 million over 1998 due to cost improvements and increased
net sales. Operating margin of 17.2 percent of net sales compared favorably
16
with 16.2 percent in 1998 primarily as a result of cost reduction activities
announced in the fourth quarter of 1998 and lower raw material and other costs.
Wood products, comprising Triangle Pacific (acquired in the third quarter of
1998), contributed $210.0 million to net sales in the third quarter of 1999
compared to net sales of $167.3 million in 1998. Net sales were 15.4 percent
ahead of the comparable period in 1998, which was partially prior to the
acquisition by Armstrong. Cabinet net sales grew 23.4 percent and continued to
benefit from improved sales mix and continuing cost reductions. Wood flooring
net sales were 12.9 percent ahead of last year but continue to reflect
competitive pricing pressure. Operating margin of 10.5 percent of net sales was
above prior year despite the increased amortization of acquisition goodwill and
the impact of rising lumber prices. Excluding the impact of goodwill, the
operating margin would have been 12.9 percent of net sales versus 10.4 percent
of net sales in 1998 on a comparable basis.
Insulation product net sales of $59.5 million declined 4.2 percent from the
prior year. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange rates, net sales were down
only 1.0 percent versus the prior year. Net sales in Europe declined 7.7 percent
while net sales in the Americas increased 11.6 percent. Operating profit of
$14.1 million was slightly below last year as purchasing savings and other cost
reductions partially offset declining net sales.
Net sales of $6.5 million in the All Other segment were 68.3 percent below last
year primarily due to the sale of AISI. Operating income of $0.8 million
reflected improved profitability from TPO and equity earnings from AISI.
Unallocated corporate expense of $2.5 million compared to unallocated corporate
income of $0.6 million last year. This difference was primarily due to higher
administrative and acquisition integration costs.
Year-2000 Activities:
- --------------------
The Company has continued its investments in hardware and software that is
year-2000 compliant. A fully operational Enterprise Resource Planning system,
implemented in phases over the last 4 years, has eliminated a major portion of
the Company's year-2000 compliance risk by centralizing and replacing business
critical systems including logistics, finance, human resources, payroll, and
procurement. In addition, the Company has converted the remainder of its
software and hardware information technology and non-information technology
systems to minimize any exposure to year-2000 compliance failures, and is
currently in the testing phase of conversion. Parallel work streams or "tracks"
continue to complete the work required to repair or replace non-compliant
systems and monitor the degree of year-2000 compliance by the Company's business
partners including suppliers, customers, financial institutions, and utilities.
The work streams encompass; (a) local projects to repair all internally
developed and supported applications; (b) infrastructure projects to repair or
replace all infrastructure components (e.g., mainframe and client server
computer systems, networks, phone switches and personal computers); (c) remote
projects to repair or replace all remote systems, including plant supported
systems and applications including process line controls, HVAC systems, security
systems, telecommunications systems, and other factory systems; (d) a desktop
spreadsheet and data base verification service to validate that all internally
written applications are compliant; and (e) contingency planning and event
management by all business units to ensure business continuity should external
year-2000 failures impact customers, suppliers, utilities, services or financial
institutions.
The Year-2000 project includes several phases: an inventory phase to identify
all software and hardware components potentially affected; an assessment phase
to determine if identified components are compliant; a planning phase to
establish plans to bring components into compliance; an execution phase to
carryout actions determined during the planning phase; a testing phase to verify
compliance; and a completion phase to bring the revised component into
production. The local and infrastructure work streams are in the completion
phases. The remote work stream is in the final testing and completion phases.
The spreadsheet and database verification work stream is currently functional
and available for use. Finally, the contingency planning and event management
work streams are in the final planning and completion phases.
Total costs of the Year-2000 project worldwide are estimated to be $20.4 million
through 1999. Actual costs through September 1999 were $18.4 million. Management
believes that internally generated funds and existing sources of liquidity are
sufficient to meet expected funding requirements for this project.
17
The Company is in the process of assessing, through direct contact and letters
of inquiry with key suppliers and customers, the year-2000 compliance status of
customers and suppliers. Responses to these contacts and letters are evaluated
for compliance, the need for follow-up actions, or contingency plans based on
business criticality. The evaluation of responses to date indicates that nearly
all customers and suppliers have substantially completed their year-2000
efforts. Until completion of this process, the Company cannot assess the
potential impact, if any, that year-2000 non-compliance by customers and
suppliers may have on the Company. Management believes the most
reasonably-likely worst case scenario would be that a small number of vendors
who are not critical to the operation of the Company's business will be unable
to supply materials for a short time after January 1, 2000. Moreover, management
is creating contingency plans to prepare for any reasonably-likely worst case
scenarios, including manual operations, selection of alternative suppliers,
early purchase of inventory and additional software repair.
Cautionary Statements About Future Results
- ------------------------------------------
This discussion is provided under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995. The Company's disclosures in reports filed with the SEC, including its
1998 Annual Report to Shareholders and other public comments contain certain
written or oral forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements provide
the Company's expectations or forecasts of future events. These statements may
be identified by the fact that they use words such as "anticipate," "estimate,"
"expect," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe," "outlook," and other words of
similar meaning in discussions of future operating or financial performance. In
particular, these include statements relating to future earnings per share,
dividends, financial results, operating results, prospective products, future
performance of current products, future sales or expenses, and the outcome of
contingencies such as legal proceedings.
Any of these forward-looking statements may turn out to be wrong. Actual future
results may vary materially. Consequently, no forward-looking statement can be
guaranteed.
Many factors could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from
expected historical results. Such factors include:
. the strength of domestic and foreign end-use markets for the Company's
products,
. levels of raw material and energy costs,
. product and price competition caused by factors such as worldwide
excess industry capacity,
. economic and political climate in emerging markets,
. interest, foreign exchange and effective tax rates
. successful integration of 1998 acquisitions, and
. the outcome of asbestos, environmental and any other legal proceedings
as described in the notes to the Company's consolidated financial
statements and/or in the "Legal Proceedings" sections of the Company's
10-K, 10-Q and 8-K filings with the SEC.
This should not be considered to be a complete list of all potential risks and
uncertainties that might affect our future results. The Company undertakes no
obligation to update any forward-looking statements. The related disclosures in
the Company's report on Form 10-K filed in March 1999, in the Company's reports
on Form 10-Q filed in May and August of 1999 and any further disclosures the
Company makes in subsequent 10-Q, 8-K and 10-K reports to the SEC should also be
consulted.
18
Part II - Other Information
---------------------------
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
- ------- -----------------
ASBESTOS-RELATED LITIGATION
Personal Injury Litigation
The Company is one of many defendants in approximately 182,000 pending claims as
of September 30, 1999, alleging personal injury from exposure to asbestos.
Nearly all claims seek general and punitive damages arising from alleged
exposures, at various times, from World War II onward, to asbestos-containing
products. Claims against the Company generally involve allegations of
negligence, strict liability, breach of warranty and conspiracy with respect to
its involvement with asbestos-containing insulation products. The Company
discontinued the sale of all such products in 1969. The claims also allege that
injury may be determined many years (up to 40 years) after first exposure to
asbestos. Nearly all suits name many defendants, and over 100 different
companies are reportedly involved. The Company believes that many current
plaintiffs are unimpaired. A large number of claims have been settled,
dismissed, put on inactive lists or otherwise resolved, and the Company
generally is involved in all stages of claims resolution and litigation,
including individual trials, consolidated trials and appeals. Neither the rate
of future filings and resolutions nor the total number of future claims can be
predicted at this time with a high degree of certainty.
Attention has been given by various parties to securing a comprehensive
resolution of the litigation. In 1991, the Judicial Panel for Multidistrict
Litigation ordered the transfer of federal cases to the Eastern District of
Pennsylvania in Philadelphia for pretrial purposes. The Company supported this
transfer. Some cases are periodically released for trial, although the issue of
punitive damages is retained by the transferee court. That court has been
instrumental in having the parties resolve large numbers of cases in various
jurisdictions and has been receptive to different approaches to the resolution
of claims. Claims in state courts have not been directly affected by the
transfer, although most recent cases have been filed in state courts.
Amchem Settlement Class Action
Georgine v. Amchem ("Amchem") was a settlement class action filed in the Eastern
District of Pennsylvania on January 15, 1993, that included essentially all
future personal injury claims against members of the Center for Claims
Resolution ("Center"), including the Company. It was designed to establish a
nonlitigation system for the resolution of such claims, and offered a method for
prompt compensation to claimants who were occupationally exposed to asbestos if
they met certain exposure and medical criteria. Compensation amounts were
derived from historical settlement data and no punitive damages were to be paid.
The settlement was designed to, among other things, minimize transactional
costs, including attorneys' fees, expedite compensation to claimants with
qualifying claims, and relieve the courts of the burden of handling future
claims.
The District Court, after exhaustive discovery and testimony, approved the
settlement class action and issued a preliminary injunction that barred class
members from pursuing claims against Center members in the tort system. The U.S.
Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit reversed that decision, and the reversal
was sustained by the U.S. Supreme Court on September 25, 1997, holding that the
settlement class did not meet the requirements for class certification under
Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23. The preliminary injunction was vacated on
July 21, 1997, resulting in the immediate reinstatement of enjoined cases and a
loss of the bar against the filing of claims in the tort system.
Post Amchem Claim Developments
During 1998, pending claims increased by 71,000 claims. The Company and its
outside counsel believe the increase in claims filed during 1998 was partially
due to acceleration of pending claims as a result of the
19
Supreme Court's decision on Amchem and additional claims that had been filed in
the tort system against other defendants (and not against Center members) while
Amchem was pending. The Company continually assesses the assumptions it uses in
its estimate of the range of liability that is probable and estimable. This
estimate is highly uncertain due to the difficulty of forecasting with any
certainty the numerous variables that can affect the range of the liability.
Claims experiences in the first nine months of 1999 have generally been
unfavorable with respect to the Company's assumptions about the variables used
in the estimate of its range of liability. In particular, the number of new
cases filed in 1999 is larger than the Company anticipated. In the first nine
months of 1999, approximately 40,200 claims were received and verified by the
Center naming the Company as a defendant. However, at this point it is not
clear whether the increase has more to do with recent events rather than a
long-term trend. The Company will continue to study the variables as experienced
in 1999 in order to identify trends that may become evident and to assess their
impact on the range of liability that is probable and estimable.
The Company continues to seek broad-based settlements of claims through the
Center. The Center is currently in negotiations that would address a substantial
portion of currently pending claims and would provide medical and other criteria
for the settlement of future claims. The Company is uncertain as to the ultimate
success and timing of those negotiations.
Asbestos-Related Liability
The Company continually evaluates the nature and amount of recent claim
settlements and their impact on the Company's projected asbestos resolution and
defense costs. In doing so, the Company reviews, among other things, its recent
and historical settlement amounts, the incidence of past claims, the mix of the
injuries and occupations of the plaintiffs, the number of cases pending against
it, the previous estimates based on the Amchem projection and its recent
experience. Subject to the uncertainties, limitations and other variables
referred to above and based upon its experience, the Company has estimated its
share of liability to defend and resolve probable asbestos-related personal
injury claims. The Company's estimation of such liability that is probable and
estimable through 2004 ranges from $313.7 million to $702.3 million. The Company
has concluded that no amount within that range is more likely than any other,
and therefore has reflected $313.7 million as a liability in the consolidated
financial statements filed in this report. Of this amount, management expects to
incur approximately $120.0 million over the next 12 months and has reflected
this amount as a current liability. This estimate includes an assumption that
the number of new claims filed annually will be less than the number filed in
1998. The Company believes it can reasonably estimate the number and nature of
future claims that may be filed through 2004. However, for claims that may be
filed beyond that period, management believes that the level of uncertainty is
too great to provide for reasonable estimation of the number of future claims,
the nature of such claims, or the cost to resolve them. Accordingly, it is
reasonably possible that the total exposure to personal injury claims may be
greater than the estimated range of liability.
The Company is currently uncertain as to the ultimate success and timing of the
broad-based settlement discussions. However, if such discussions are successful
or if unfavorable claims experiences continue, significant changes in the
assumptions used in the estimation of the Company's liability may result. Such
changes, if any, could lead to increases in the recorded liability. The
Company's evaluation of the range of probable liability is primarily based on
known pending claims and an estimate of potential claims that are likely to
occur and can be reasonably estimated through 2004. The estimate of likely
claims to be filed in the future is subject to an increasing degree of
uncertainty each year into the future. As additional experience is gained
regarding claims and such settlement discussions or other new information
becomes available regarding the potential liability, the Company will reassess
its potential liability and revise the estimates as appropriate.
Because, among other things, payment of the liability will extend over many
years, management believes that the potential additional costs for claims, net
of any potential insurance recoveries, will not have a material after-tax effect
on the financial condition of the Company or its liquidity, although the net
after-tax effect of any future liabilities recorded in excess of insurance
assets could be material to earnings in a future period.
20
Codefendant Bankruptcies
Certain codefendant companies have filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of
the Federal Bankruptcy Code. As a consequence, litigation against them (with
some exceptions) has been stayed or restricted. Due to the uncertainties
involved, the long-term effect of these proceedings on the litigation cannot be
predicted.
Property Damage Litigation
The Company is also one of many defendants in eight pending claims as of
September 30, 1999, brought by public and private building owners. These claims
include allegations of damage to buildings caused by asbestos-containing
products and generally seek compensatory and punitive damages and equitable
relief, including reimbursement of expenditures, for removal and replacement of
such products. Among the lawsuits that have been resolved are four class
actions, which involve public and private schools, Michigan state public and
private schools, colleges and universities, and private property owners who
leased facilities to the federal government. The Company vigorously denies the
validity of the allegations against it in these claims. These suits and claims
are not handled by the Center. Insurance coverage has been resolved and is
expected to cover almost all costs of these claims.
Insurance Coverage
The Company's primary and excess insurance policies provide product hazard and
nonproducts (general liability) coverages for personal injury claims, and
product hazard coverage for property damage claims. Certain policies also
provide coverage to ACandS, Inc., a former subsidiary of the Company. The
Company and ACandS, Inc., share certain limits that both have accessed and have
entered into an agreement that reserved for ACandS, Inc., a certain amount of
excess insurance.
The insurance carriers that provide personal injury products hazard, nonproducts
or property damage coverages include the following: Reliance Insurance Company;
Aetna (now Travelers) Casualty and Surety Company; Liberty Mutual Insurance
Company; Travelers Insurance Company; Fireman's Fund Insurance Company;
Insurance Company of North America; Lloyds of London; various London market
companies; Fidelity and Casualty Insurance Company; First State Insurance
Company; U.S. Fire Insurance Company; Home Insurance Company; Great American
Insurance Company; American Home Assurance Company and National Union Fire
Insurance Company (now part of AIG); Central National Insurance Company;
Interstate Insurance Company; Puritan Insurance Company; and Commercial Union
Insurance Company. An excess carrier that provided personal injury coverage,
certain London companies, and certain excess carriers providing only property
damage coverage are insolvent. The Company is pursuing claims against insolvents
in a number of forums.
Wellington Agreement
In 1985, the Company and 52 other companies (asbestos defendants and
insurers)signed the Wellington Agreement. This Agreement settled nearly all
disputes concerning personal injury insurance coverage with most of the
Company's carriers, provided broad coverage for both defense and indemnity and
addressed both products hazard and nonproducts (general liability) coverages.
California Insurance Coverage Lawsuit
Trial court decisions in the insurance lawsuit filed by the Company in
California held that the trigger of coverage for personal injury claims was
continuous from exposure through death or filing of a claim, that a triggered
insurance policy should respond with full indemnification up to policy limits,
and that any defense obligation ceases upon exhaustion of policy limits.
Although not as comprehensive, another decision established favorable defense
and indemnity coverage for property damage claims, providing coverage during the
period of installation and any subsequent period in which a release of fibers
occurred. The California appellate courts substantially upheld the trial court,
and that insurance coverage litigation is now concluded. The Company has
resolved most personal injury products hazard coverage matters with its solvent
carriers through the Wellington Agreement, referred to above, or other
settlements. In 1989, a settlement with a carrier having both primary and excess
coverages provided for certain minimum and
21
maximum percentages of costs for personal injury claims to be allocated to
nonproducts (general liability) coverage, the percentage to be determined by
negotiation or in alternative dispute resolution ("ADR").
Asbestos Claims Facility ("Facility") and Center for Claims Resolution
("Center")
The Wellington Agreement established the Facility to evaluate, settle, pay and
defend all personal injury claims against member companies. Resolution and
defense costs were allocated by formula. The Facility subsequently dissolved,
and the Center was created in October 1988 by 21 former Facility members,
including the Company. Insurance carriers, while not members, are represented ex
officio on the Center's governing board and have agreed annually to provide a
portion of the Center's operational costs. The Center adopted many of the
conceptual features of the Facility and has addressed the claims in a manner
consistent with the prompt, fair resolution of meritorious claims. Resolution
and defense costs are allocated by formula; adjustments over time have resulted
in some increased share for the Company.
Insurance Recovery Proceedings
A substantial portion of the Company's primary and excess insurance asset is
nonproducts (general liability) insurance for personal injury claims, including
among others, those that involve exposure during installation of asbestos
materials. The Wellington Agreement and the 1989 settlement agreement referred
to above have provisions for such coverage. An ADR process under the Wellington
Agreement is underway against certain carriers to determine the percentage of
resolved and unresolved claims that are nonproducts claims, to establish the
entitlement to such coverage and to determine whether and how much reinstatement
of prematurely exhausted products hazard insurance is warranted. The nonproducts
coverage potentially available is substantial and, for some policies, includes
defense costs in addition to limits. The carriers have raised various defenses,
including waiver, laches, statutes of limitations and contractual defenses. One
primary carrier alleges that it is no longer bound by the Wellington Agreement,
and another alleges that the Company agreed to limit its claims for nonproducts
coverage against that carrier when the Wellington Agreement was signed. The ADR
process is in the trial phase of binding arbitration. During 1999, the Company
received preliminary decisions in the initial phases of the trial proceeding of
the ADR which were generally favorable to the Company on a number of issues
related to insurance coverage. The decisions, while generally favorable, relate
to the initial phase of the ADR proceeding. The Company has not yet completely
determined the financial implications of the decisions. The Company has entered
into a settlement with a number of the carriers resolving its access to
coverage.
Other proceedings against non-Wellington carriers may become necessary.
An insurance asset in the amount of $206.0 million is recorded as an asset in
the consolidated financial statements filed in this report. Of this amount,
approximately $21.3 million represents partial settlement for previous claims
which will be paid in a fixed and determinable flow and is reported at its net
present value discounted at 6.35%. The total amount recorded reflects the
Company's belief in the availability of insurance in this amount, based upon the
Company's success in insurance recoveries, recent settlement agreements that
provide such coverage, the nonproducts recoveries by other companies and the
opinion of outside counsel. Such insurance is either available through
settlement or probable of recovery through negotiation, litigation or resolution
of the ADR process which is in the trial phase of binding arbitration. The
Company continually evaluates the probable insurance asset to be recorded.
Depending on further evaluation of the ADR decisions, and activities such as
settlement discussions with insurance carriers party to the ADR and those not
party to the ADR, the Company may revise its estimate and additional insurance
assets may be recorded in a future period. Of the $206.0 million asset, $16.0
million has been recorded as a current asset reflecting management's estimate of
the minimum insurance payments to be received in the next 12 months. However,
the actual amount of payments to be received in the next 12 months is dependent
upon the actual liability incurred and the nature and result of settlement
discussions. Management estimates that the timing of future cash payments for
the remainder of the recorded asset may extend beyond 10 years.
Conclusions
The Company does not know how many claims will be filed against it in the
future, nor the details thereof, nor of pending suits not fully reviewed, nor
the defense and resolution costs that may ultimately result
22
therefrom, nor whether an alternative to the Amchem settlement vehicle may
emerge, nor the scope of its insurance coverage ultimately deemed available.
The Company continually evaluates the nature and amount of recent claim
settlements and their impact on the Company's projected asbestos resolution and
defense costs. In doing so, the Company reviews, among other things, its recent
and historical settlement amounts, the incidence of past claims, the mix of the
injuries and occupations of the plaintiffs, the number of cases pending against
it, the previous estimates based on the Amchem projection and its recent
experience. Subject to the uncertainties, limitations and other variables
referred to above and based upon its experience, the Company has estimated its
share of liability to defend and resolve probable asbestos-related personal
injury claims. The Company's estimation of such liability that is probable and
estimable through 2004 ranges from $313.7 million to $702.3 million. The Company
has concluded that no amount within that range is more likely than any other,
and therefore has reflected $313.7 million as a liability in the consolidated
financial statements filed in this report. Of this amount, management expects to
incur approximately $120.0 million over the next 12 months and has reflected
this amount as a current liability. The Company believes it can reasonably
estimate the number and nature of future claims that may be filed through 2004.
However for claims that may be filed beyond that period, management believes
that the level of uncertainty is too great to provide for reasonable estimation
of the number of future claims, the nature of such claims, or the cost to
resolve them. Accordingly, it is reasonably possible that the total exposure to
personal injury claims may be greater than the recorded liability. The Company
continually assesses the assumptions it uses in its estimate of the range of
liability that is probable and estimable. This estimate is highly uncertain due
to the difficulty of forecasting with any certainty the numerous variables that
can affect the range of the liability. Claims experiences in the first nine
months of 1999 have generally been unfavorable with respect to the Company's
assumptions about the variables used in the estimate of its range of liability.
In particular, the number of new cases filed in 1999 is larger than the Company
anticipated. In the first nine months of 1999, approximately 40,200 claims were
received and verified by the Center naming the Company as a defendant. However,
at this point it is not clear whether the increase has more to do with recent
events rather than a long-term trend. The Company will continue to study the
variables as experienced in 1999 in order to identify trends that may become
evident and to assess their impact on the range of liability that is probable
and estimable.
The Company continues to seek broad-based settlements of claims through the
Center. The Center is currently in negotiations that would address a substantial
portion of currently pending claims and would provide medical and other criteria
for the settlement of future claims. The Company is uncertain as to the ultimate
success and timing of those negotiations. However, if such discussions are
successful or if unfavorable claims experiences continue, significant changes in
the assumptions used in the estimation of the Company's liability may result.
Such changes, if any, could lead to increases in the recorded liability.
Because of the uncertainties related to asbestos litigation, it is not possible
to precisely estimate the number of personal injury claims that may ultimately
be filed or their cost. It is reasonably possible there will be additional
claims beyond management's estimates. Management believes that the potential
additional costs for such additional claims, net of any potential insurance
recoveries, will not have a material after-tax effect on the financial condition
of the Company or its liquidity, although the net after-tax effect of any future
liabilities recorded in excess of insurance assets could be material to earnings
in a future period.
An insurance asset in the amount of $206.0 million is recorded in the
consolidated financial statements filed in this report and reflects the
Company's belief in the availability of insurance in this amount, based upon the
Company's success in insurance recoveries, settlement agreements that provide
such coverage, the nonproducts recoveries by other companies, and the opinion of
outside counsel. Such insurance is either available through settlement or
probable of recovery through the ADR process, negotiation or litigation.
Subject to the uncertainties, limitations and other variables referred to
elsewhere in this discussion and based upon its experience, the Company believes
it is probable that substantially all of the defense and resolution costs of
property damage claims will be covered by insurance.
23
Even though uncertainties remain as to the potential number of unasserted claims
and the liability resulting therefrom, and after consideration of the variables
involved, including the ultimate scope of its insurance coverage, the Wellington
Agreement and other settlements with insurance carriers, the results of the
California insurance coverage litigation, the establishment of the Center, the
likelihood that an alternative to the Amchem settlement will eventually emerge,
and its experience, the Company believes the asbestos-related claims against the
Company will not have a material after-tax effect on the financial condition of
the Company or its liquidity, although the net after-tax effect of any future
liabilities recorded in excess of insurance assets could be material to earnings
in a future period.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
- ---------------------
The Company's operations are subject to federal, state, local and foreign
environmental laws and regulations. As with many industrial companies, the
Company is currently involved in proceedings under the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("Superfund"), and
similar state laws at approximately 22 sites. In most cases, the Company is one
of many potentially responsible parties ("PRPs") who have voluntarily agreed to
jointly fund the required investigation and remediation of each site. With
regard to some sites, however, the Company disputes the liability, the proposed
remedy or the proposed cost allocation among the PRPs. The Company may also have
rights of contribution or reimbursement from other parties or coverage under
applicable insurance policies. The Company is also remediating environmental
contamination resulting from past industrial activity at certain of its current
and former plant sites.
Estimates of future liability are based on an evaluation of currently available
facts regarding each individual site and consider factors including existing
technology, presently enacted laws and regulations and prior Company experience
in remediation of contaminated sites. Although current law may impose joint and
several liability on all parties at any Superfund site, the Company's
contribution to the remediation of these sites is expected to be limited by the
number of other companies also identified as potentially liable for site costs.
As a result, the Company's estimated liability reflects only the Company's
expected share. In determining the probability of contribution, the Company
considers the solvency of the parties, whether responsibility is being disputed,
the terms of any existing agreements and experience regarding similar matters.
Liabilities of $17.8 million were recorded at September 30, 1999 for potential
environmental liabilities that the Company considers probable and for which a
reasonable estimate of the probable liability could be made. Where existing data
is sufficient to estimate the amount of the liability, that estimate has been
used; where only a range of probable liability is available and no amount within
that range is more likely than any other, the lower end of the range has been
used. As assessments and remediation activities progress at each individual
site, these liabilities are reviewed to reflect additional information as it
becomes available.
The estimated liabilities do not take into account any claims for recoveries
from insurance or third parties. Such recoveries, where probable, have been
recorded as an asset in the consolidated financial statements and are either
available through settlement or probable of recovery through negotiation or
litigation.
Actual costs to be incurred at identified sites in the future may vary from
estimates, given the inherent uncertainties in evaluating environmental
liabilities. Subject to the imprecision in estimating environmental remediation
costs, the Company believes that any sum it may have to pay in connection with
environmental matters in excess of the amounts noted above would not have a
material adverse effect on its financial condition, liquidity or results of
operations, although the recording of future costs may be material to earnings
in such future period.
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Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
- ------- --------------------------------
(a) The following exhibits are filed as a part of the Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q:
Exhibits
--------
No. 3 The Company's By-laws, as amended effective September 20, 1999
No. 15 Letter re Unaudited Interim Financial Information
No. 27 Financial Data Schedule
25
Signatures
----------
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Armstrong World Industries, Inc.
By: /s/ D. K. Owen
-----------------------------------------
D. K. Owen, Senior Vice President,
Secretary and General Counsel
By: /s/ W. C. Rodruan
-----------------------------------------
W. C. Rodruan, Vice President and
Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)
Date: November 12, 1999
26
Exhibit Index
-------------
Exhibit No.
- -----------
No. 3 The Company's By-laws, as amended effective September 20, 1999
No. 15 Letter re: Unaudited Interim Financial Information
No. 27 Financial Data Schedule