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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(MARK ONE)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
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 1-13948
SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 62-1612879
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
100 NORTH POINT CENTER EAST, SUITE 600 30022-8246
ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA (Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices)
1-800-514-0186
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
TITLE OF EACH CLASS: NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE ON WHICH REGISTERED:
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Common stock, par value $.10 per share (together with New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
associated preferred stock purchase rights)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
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 (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No ___ .
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of the Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [ ]
As of December 31, 1998, 15,924,065 shares of the Corporation's common
stock, par value $.10 per share, together with preferred stock purchase rights
associated therewith, were outstanding, and the aggregate market value of the
common stock on such date (based on the closing price of these shares on the New
York Stock Exchange) held by non-affiliates was approximately $246 million.
(Continued)
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DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc.'s 1999 Proxy Statement, filed with
the Commission dated March 12, 1999, contains certain of the information
required in this Form 10-K, and portions of that document are incorporated by
reference herein from the applicable sections thereof. The following chart
identifies the sections of this Form 10-K which incorporate by reference
portions of the Company's 1999 Proxy Statement. The Items of this Form 10-K,
where applicable, specify which portions of such document are incorporated by
reference. The portions of such document that are not incorporated by reference
shall not be deemed to be filed with the Commission as part of this Form 10-K.
DOCUMENT OF WHICH PORTIONS ITEMS OF THIS FORM 10-K
ARE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN WHICH INCORPORATED
- ----------------------------- -----------------------
1999 Proxy Statement Part III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of
the Registrant
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain
Beneficial Owners and Management
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
BACKGROUND
Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc. ("SWM") was incorporated in Delaware
on August 21, 1995 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kimberly-Clark Corporation
("Kimberly-Clark") for the purpose of effectuating the tax-free spin-off of
Kimberly-Clark's U.S., French and Canadian business operations that manufacture
and sell tobacco-related papers and other specialty paper products (the
"Businesses"). Pursuant to a distribution agreement dated October 23, 1995,
Kimberly-Clark agreed to distribute in the form of a dividend to its
stockholders all of the common stock of SWM and on November 30, 1995, each
Kimberly-Clark stockholder of record on November 13, 1995 received one share of
SWM common stock for every ten shares of Kimberly-Clark common stock held on the
date of record (the "Distribution"). As a result of the Distribution, SWM became
an independent public company. (As used herein, the Company means SWM, SWM and
its several subsidiaries or, as determined by the context, one or more of its
several subsidiaries.)
On February 2, 1998, Schweitzer-Mauduit Spain, S.L. ("SM-Spain"), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of SWM, acquired 99.97 percent of the outstanding shares
of Companhia Industrial de Papel Pirahy ("Pirahy"), a specialty paper
manufacturer located in Santanesia, Brazil, near Rio de Janeiro. Pirahy,
subsequently renamed Schweitzer-Mauduit do Brasil, S.A. ("SWM-B"), is the
largest supplier of tobacco-related papers to the South American market. It also
produces printing and writing papers as well as papers for packaging and
labeling applications.
Additionally, on February 11, 1998, the Company's second-tier subsidiary,
Schweitzer-Mauduit Enterprises S.A. ("SM-Enterprises"), wholly-owned by
Schweitzer-Mauduit France, S.A.R.L. ("SMF"), acquired all of the outstanding
shares of Ingefico, S.A. and 97.1 percent of the outstanding shares of its pulp
and specialty paper manufacturing subsidiaries, Groupe SAPAM S.A. ("Groupe
SAPAM") and Papeteries de la Moulasse S.A., located in St. Girons in the
southwestern part of France. Subsequently, SM-Enterprises acquired all the
remaining shares of Groupe SAPAM. SM-Enterprises and Ingefico, S.A. were then
merged into Groupe SAPAM. Papeteries de la Moulasse S.A. was renamed Papeteries
de St. Girons S.A. ("PdStG"). Approximately 90 percent of the net sales of PdStG
are of fine papers to the tobacco industry.
Financial information about foreign and domestic operations, contained
under the caption "MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" appearing in Part II, Item 7 herein and in Note 13 to
Consolidated Financial Statements contained in "FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND
SUPPLEMENTARY DATA" appearing in Part II, Item 8 herein, are incorporated in
this Item 1 by reference.
DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS
GENERAL. The Company manufactures and sells paper and reconstituted
tobacco products to the tobacco industry as well as specialized paper products
for use in other applications. Tobacco industry products, which comprised 90
percent of the Company's 1998 consolidated net sales, include cigarette, tipping
and plug wrap papers used to wrap various parts of a cigarette ("Cigarette
Papers"), reconstituted tobacco leaf ("RTL") for use as filler in cigarettes and
cigars, reconstituted tobacco wrappers and binders for cigars, and paper
products used in cigarette packaging. These products are sold directly to the
major tobacco companies or their designated converters in North and South
America, Eastern and Western Europe, China and elsewhere.
Non-tobacco industry products include drinking straw wrap, lightweight
printing and writing papers, papers for packaging and labeling applications, tea
bag, coffee and other filter papers, battery separator paper and other
specialized papers primarily for the North American, Western European and
Brazilian markets. These products are generally sold directly to converters and
other end-users in North America and Western Europe and through brokers in
Brazil. The non-tobacco industry products are a diverse mix of products, certain
of which represent commodity paper grades produced to maximize machine
operations.
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PRODUCTS. Each of the three principal types of paper used in
cigarettes -- cigarette, tipping and plug wrap papers -- serves a distinct
purpose in the function of a cigarette.
Cigarette paper wraps the column of tobacco in a cigarette. Certain
properties of cigarette paper, such as basis weight, porosity, opacity, tensile
strength, texture and whiteness must be closely controlled to tight tolerances.
Many of these characteristics are critical to meet runnability standards of the
high-speed production processes utilized by premium cigarette manufacturers.
Plug wrap paper forms the outer layer of a cigarette filter and is used to
hold the filter materials in a cylindrical form. Conventional plug wrap is
manufactured on flat wire paper machines using wood pulp. Porous plug wrap, a
highly porous paper, is manufactured on inclined wire paper machines using a
furnish consisting of "long fibers", such as abaca, and wood pulp. Porosity, a
measure of air permeability, ranges from a typical level of less than 100
Coresta on conventional plug wrap to 35,000 Coresta on high porosity papers.
High porosity plug wrap is sold under the registered trademark POROWRAP(R) and
is used on filter-ventilated cigarettes. High porosity papers can also be used
for such specialty products as battery separator paper.
Tipping paper, produced in white or buff color, joins the filter element to
the tobacco section of the cigarette. The ability to produce tipping paper which
is both printable and glueable at high speeds is critical to producing a
cigarette with a distinctive finished appearance.
Reconstituted tobacco is used by manufacturers of cigarettes, cigars and
other tobacco products primarily as a filler that is blended with virgin tobacco
in order to utilize otherwise wasted parts of the tobacco leaf. The Company
currently produces reconstituted tobacco in two forms: leaf in France and
wrapper and binder in the U.S.
BUSINESS SEGMENTS. The Company is operated and managed based on the
geographical location of its manufacturing operations: the U.S., France and
Brazil. While the products are comparable in each segment, they vary based on
the technological capabilities of each of the manufacturing operations and the
respective markets and customers served. Sales by a segment into markets
primarily served by a different segment occur where specific product needs
cannot be cost effectively met by the manufacturing operations in that segment.
MARKETS AND CUSTOMERS. The Company's U.S. business primarily supplies
customers in North America, but also has significant sales in South America and
Japan. The customer base for the U.S. operations consists of the major, and many
of the smaller, cigarette manufacturers in North America, several cigar
manufacturers and more than 50 manufacturers in approximately 30 countries
outside North America. The Company's French businesses rely predominantly on
worldwide exports, primarily to Western Europe, China, Eastern Europe and the
former Commonwealth of Independent States, and, in lesser but substantial
amounts, to Asia (excluding China), Africa, the Middle East and Australia. The
customer base for the French operations consists of a diverse group of
approximately 180 customers in approximately 80 countries. The Company's
Brazilian business primarily supplies customers in Brazil, with some sales to
other South American countries. The current customer base of the Brazilian
operations consists of the cigarette manufacturers in Brazil, as well as
customers in approximately ten countries outside Brazil. Customers of all three
units include international tobacco companies, regional tobacco manufacturers
and government monopolies.
Philip Morris Incorporated ("Philip Morris"), including its subsidiaries,
and B.A.T. Industries PLC ("BAT"), including its U.S. subsidiary Brown &
Williamson Tobacco Corporation ("Brown & Williamson"), its Brazilian subsidiary
Souza Cruz S.A. ("Souza Cruz") and its other subsidiaries, are the Company's two
largest customers. Philip Morris and BAT, together with their respective
affiliates and designated converters, accounted for approximately 28 percent and
14 percent, respectively, of the Company's 1998 consolidated net sales.
The Company's French paper businesses, together, are the largest exporter
of cigarette paper to China with an estimated 40 percent share of that country's
cigarette paper imports.
LTR Industries, S.A. ("LTRI") is a 72-percent owned second-tier subsidiary
of the Company which manufactures RTL in France. LTRI has many customers,
consisting primarily of the large cigarette
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manufacturers in Eastern and Western Europe. A small number of these large
customers account for a substantial portion of LTRI's net sales. The loss of any
one or more of these large customers could have a significant adverse effect on
LTRI's and the Company's results of operations.
The Company exited the RTL business in the U.S. at the beginning of the
second quarter of 1996. In the fourth quarter of 1997, the U.S. business
temporarily restarted operation of the U.S. RTL production line, but only to
support the growth of the French RTL business while alternatives for additional
capacity were being considered. The U.S. RTL production line ceased operation in
the fourth quarter of 1998.
PHILIP MORRIS SUPPLY AGREEMENT. In 1992, the Company's U.S. unit was
chosen to be the single source of supply of Cigarette Papers to Philip Morris'
U.S. operations. The initial five-year term of the supply agreement (the "Supply
Agreement") was extended by mutual agreement. In July 1998, Philip Morris and
the Company signed an Amended and Restated Supply Agreement for Fine Paper
Supply ("Amended Supply Agreement"). The Amended Supply Agreement extends the
Company's position as the supplier of Cigarette Papers to Philip Morris' U.S.
operations until June 30, 2002, except that Philip Morris can exercise its
right, commencing in 1999 and continuing thereafter, to acquire up to ten
percent of its prior year purchases of Cigarette Papers from other parties.
Philip Morris had the right to purchase up to five percent of its direct
purchases of Cigarette Papers from other suppliers in 1998, but chose not to do
so. By its terms, the Amended Supply Agreement automatically renews for three
successive terms of two years each unless either party gives notice of
non-renewal 24 months before the end of the then current term. A supplement to
the Amended Supply Agreement creates the potential for a seven-year exclusive
supply arrangement with Philip Morris U.S.A. for an experimental new paper
product currently being jointly developed. Philip Morris and the Company also
have entered into a licensing and royalty agreement covering future
commercialization of this potential new paper product, the commercial viability
of which has not yet been tested.
SOUZA CRUZ SUPPLY AGREEMENT. On February 2, 1998, as part of the Company's
agreement to purchase Pirahy, the Brazilian operations entered into two
exclusive supply agreements with its former owner and largest customer, Souza
Cruz, to supply all of Souza Cruz's needs for papers which SWM-B is capable of
producing. The supply agreement for tobacco-related papers has an initial term
of three years and automatically renews for additional three-year terms unless
either party provides notice of phase-out prior to the date of expiration. The
supply agreement for coated paper used in the packaging of cigarette products
has an initial term of three years, with extensions to be negotiated prior to
the date of expiration.
EMPLOYEE AND LABOR RELATIONS. As of December 31, 1998, the Company had
approximately 3,475 regular full-time active employees of whom approximately 670
hourly employees and 325 salaried employees were located in the U.S. and Canada,
approximately 1,067 hourly employees and 622 salaried employees were located in
France, and approximately 750 hourly employees and 41 salaried employees were
located in Brazil.
North American Operations -- Hourly employees at the Lee, Massachusetts,
Spotswood, New Jersey and Ancram, New York mills are represented by locals of
the PACE International Union. During 1998, a new three-year collective
bargaining agreement was reached at the Ancram mill, which will expire on
September 30, 2001. The current collective bargaining agreements expire at the
Spotswood mill on June 15, 2002 and at the Lee mills on August 1, 2002. There
have been no strikes or work stoppages at any of these locations for
approximately 19 years, and the Company believes employee and union relations
are positive.
The fiber operations of the Company's Canadian subsidiary are non-union.
The Company believes that employee relations are positive.
French Operations -- Hourly employees at the Company's mills in Quimperle,
Malaucene, St. Girons and Spay, France are union represented. During 1998, new
two-year collective bargaining agreements were entered into at each of these
mills. The current agreements for each of the mills will expire on December 31,
1999. Over the years, there have been intermittent work stoppages lasting from a
few hours to several days. The Company believes that, overall, employee
relations are positive and comparable to similar French manufacturing
operations.
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Brazilian Operations -- Hourly employees at the Pirahy mill are represented
by a union. The current collective bargaining agreement expires on May 31, 1999.
The Company believes that, overall, employee relations are positive and
comparable to similar Brazilian manufacturing operations.
RAW MATERIALS. Wood pulp is the primary fiber used in the Company's
operations. These operations consumed approximately 112,000 metric tons of wood
pulp in 1998, including requirements of the newly-acquired companies, and 71,000
metric tons of wood pulp in 1997, all of which was purchased. Company operations
also use other cellulose fibers, the most significant of which are in the form
of flax fiber and tobacco stems and scraps, as the primary raw materials for the
Company's paper and reconstituted tobacco products, respectively. While tobacco
stems and scraps are generally the property of the cigarette manufacturer for
whom the reconstitution is contracted, the Company and LTRI purchase some
tobacco materials for use in the production of RTL and wrapper and binder
products.
Flax straw is purchased and subsequently processed into flax tow at
processing facilities in Canada and France. The flax tow is then converted into
flax pulp at pulping facilities in the U.S. and France. Flax tow and flax pulp
are also purchased externally, but these purchases only represent approximately
27 percent of the flax pulp currently consumed by the Company's U.S. and French
operations.
Certain specialty papers are manufactured with other cellulose fibers such
as abaca and sisal fibers and small amounts of secondary and recycled fibers.
All of these secondary and recycled fibers are purchased.
To ensure an adequate supply of wood pulp at competitive prices, the
Company and Kimberly-Clark agreed that Kimberly-Clark will, for a fee, make
available to the Company its pulp sourcing services. The Company continues to
utilize these services.
The Company believes that the fibers identified above and the remaining raw
materials purchased by the Company are readily available from several sources
and that the loss of a single supplier would not have a material adverse effect
on the Company's ability to procure needed raw materials.
COMPETITION. The Company is the leading producer of Cigarette Papers in
the world. LTRI is the leading independent producer of RTL for use in
cigarettes. The Company does not sell its products directly to consumers or
advertise its products in consumer media. The specialized nature of these
tobacco-related papers requires research and development capability to develop
them and special papermaking equipment and skills to meet exacting customer
specifications. These factors have limited the number of competitors in each of
the tobacco-related paper categories discussed separately below.
Cigarette Paper -- Management believes that the Company has an estimated 57
percent share of the North American cigarette paper market. The Ecusta division
of P.H. Glatfelter Company ("Ecusta") is the Company's major competitor in the
sale of cigarette paper in North America. European suppliers, such as Miquel y
Costas & Miquel S.A., a Spanish corporation ("Miquel y Costas"), also compete in
this market but, to date, have achieved no more than an estimated 10 percent
market share. Management believes that the bases of cigarette paper competition
are price, consistent quality, level of technical service and performance
requirements of the customer's cigarette-making equipment.
The principal competitors of the Company's French cigarette paper
businesses are Wattens, Schoeller & Hoesch GmbH ("Schoeller & Hoesch"), a German
company acquired by P.H. Glatfelter Company in January 1998, Robert Fletcher
(Greenfield) Limited, Miquel y Costas, and Julius Glatz GmbH. Papeteries de
Mauduit, S.A. ("PdM"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company in
France, sells approximately 66 percent of its products (cigarette paper and
porous and conventional plug wrap) in Western Europe and China. Management
believes that the bases of competition for PdM's products are the same as for
the Company's U.S. operations.
The principal competitors of the Company's Brazilian cigarette paper
business are Ecusta (including Schoeller & Hoesch), Miquel y Costas and Wattens.
SWM-B has an estimated 65 percent market share of cigarette paper in Brazil and
an estimated 44 percent market share of cigarette paper in South America.
Management believes that the bases of cigarette paper competition for SWM-B are
the same as for the Company's U.S. business.
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Plug Wrap Paper -- Management believes that the Company's U.S. business has
a 78 percent share of the North American plug wrap market. The remaining 22
percent is shared by three competitors: Ecusta (including Schoeller & Hoesch),
Miquel y Costas, and Wattens. The Company's French businesses hold an estimated
65 percent of the Western European high porosity plug wrap market. Schoeller &
Hoesch is the Company's principal competitor in that market. Through the
Brazilian business' supply of conventional plug wrap papers and the U.S.
business' supply of porous plug wrap papers, the Company has an estimated 61
percent share of the South American plug wrap market. Ecusta (including
Schoeller & Hoesch), Miquel y Costas and Wattens are the Company's principal
competitors in that market.
Management believes that the primary basis of competition for high porosity
plug wrap is technical capability with price being a less important
consideration. On the other hand, conventional plug wrap entails less technical
capability with the result that price and quality are the primary bases of
competition.
Tipping Paper -- Management believes that the Company's U.S. business has
an estimated 59 percent share of the North American market for base tipping
paper which is subsequently printed by converters. Its principal competitors in
these markets are Ecusta and Tervakoski Oy, a Finnish exporter. Management
believes that the bases for competition are consistent quality, price and, most
importantly, the ability to meet the runnability and printability requirements
of converting equipment and high-speed cigarette-making machines.
Papeteries de Malaucene S.A. ("PdMal"), another of the Company's indirect
wholly-owned French subsidiaries, operates a tipping paper mill in Malaucene,
France, and ranks among the largest converted tipping paper producers in Western
Europe, with an estimated 13 percent market share. PdMal produces printed and
unprinted, and laser and electrostatically perforated tipping papers. PdMal's
principal European competitors are Tann-Papier GmbH (Austria), Benkert GmbH
(Germany) and Miquel y Costas. Management believes that the bases of competition
for perforated tipping paper in Europe are perforation technology, consistent
quality and price.
The Company's Brazilian business has an estimated 58 percent share of the
South American market for base tipping paper which is subsequently printed by
converters. The Company's principal competitors in South America are Ecusta
(including Schoeller & Hoesch) and Miquel y Costas. Management believes that the
bases of cigarette paper competition for SWM-B are the same as for the Company's
U.S. business.
Reconstituted Tobacco -- LTRI is the leading independent producer of RTL.
Management believes that the basis of competition in this market is primarily
quality. However, sales volumes are influenced by worldwide virgin tobacco
prices (lower prices of virgin tobacco may result in lower reconstituted tobacco
sales volumes).
LTRI's principal competitors are (i) R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, which
produces RTL for both internal and external use, (ii) Yelets, an affiliate of
R.J. Reynolds which operates in Russia, (iii) B.V. Deli-HTL Tabak Maatschappiji
B.V., an independent producer which operates in Holland, and (iv) cigarette
companies such as Philip Morris and BAT, which produce RTL primarily for
internal use.
Management estimates that 85-90 percent of cigar wrapper and binder used in
the U.S. market is produced internally by domestic cigar manufacturers. The
Company's Ancram mill and Nuway Microflake Partnership, a cast process
manufacturer, produce the balance.
Other Products -- The Company and its subsidiaries produce wrapping paper
for drinking straws, filter papers, as well as papers for lightweight printing
and writing, papers for packaging and labeling applications, business forms and
battery separators. Management believes that price is the primary basis of
competition for drinking straw wrap and filter papers (collectively, "Filler
Papers"), while consistent quality and customer service are believed to be the
primary competitive factors for battery separator and business forms papers. The
Company does not possess a significant market share in any of the above
segments, except for battery separator papers, where it holds approximately 25
percent of the worldwide market. The Company continues, to the extent feasible,
to convert its production of less profitable Filler Papers to more profitable
niche applications.
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RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT; PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS. The Company has research
and laboratory facilities in Spay, France and Alpharetta, Georgia and employs
more than 40 research personnel. The Company is dedicated to developing
Cigarette Papers and reconstituted tobacco product innovations and improvements
to meet the needs of individual customers. The development of new components for
tobacco products is the primary focus of these research and development
functions, which are working on several development projects for the Company's
major customers. The Company spent in the aggregate on product research and
development $6.5 million, $6.4 million and $6.0 million in 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.
The Company believes that the research and product development capabilities
of its U.S. and French operations are unsurpassed in the industry and have
played an important role in establishing the Company's reputation for high
quality, superior products. The Company's commitment to research and development
has enabled the Company, for example, to (i) produce high-performance papers
designed to run on the high-speed manufacturing machines of its customers, (ii)
produce papers to exacting specifications with very high uniformity, (iii)
produce cigarette paper with extremely low basis weights, and (iv) have an
acceptance rate by its customers in excess of 99 percent. The Company also
believes it is in the forefront of the manufacturing process, having invested
heavily in modern technology, including laser technology and modern
paper-slitting equipment. The Company believes that its commitment to research
and development, coupled with its investment in new technology and equipment,
has positioned the Company to take advantage of growth opportunities abroad for
American-style premium cigarettes.
As of December 31, 1998, the Company and its subsidiaries collectively
owned approximately 72 patents and had pending 70 patent applications covering a
variety of Cigarette Papers, RTL and cigar wrapper and binder products and
processes in the United States, Western Europe and several other countries. The
Company believes that such patents, together with its papermaking expertise and
technical sales support, have been instrumental in establishing it as the
leading worldwide supplier of Cigarette Papers, RTL and reconstituted wrapper
and binder made by the papermaking process.
Management believes that the Company's POROWRAP(R) trademark, the "PdM"
logo, the "Job papier a cigarette," Papeteries de Mauduit and Schweitzer trade
names also have been significant contributors to the marketing of the Company's
products.
BACKLOG; SEASONALITY. The Company has historically experienced a steady
flow of orders. Its mills typically receive and ship orders within a 30-day
period, except in the case of RTL where orders are generally placed well in
advance of delivery. The Company plans its manufacturing schedules and raw
material purchases based on its evaluation of customer forecasts and current
market conditions.
The U.S. business does not calculate or maintain records of order backlogs.
Philip Morris, its largest customer, provides forecasts of future demand, but
actual orders for Cigarette Papers are typically placed two weeks in advance of
shipment.
The French businesses do maintain records of order backlogs. For Cigarette
Papers, the order backlog was approximately $24 and $21 million on December 31,
1998 and 1997, respectively. This represented approximately 44 and 50 days of
Cigarette Paper sales in 1998 and 1997, respectively. LTRI's RTL business
operates under a number of annual supply agreements. The order backlog for RTL
was approximately $56 and $57 million on December 31, 1998 and 1997,
respectively.
The Brazilian business does not calculate or maintain records of order
backlogs. Approximately one-half of its sales are on a consignment basis with
Souza Cruz, its largest customer. Souza Cruz also provides forecasts of future
demand in order for the Brazilian operations to manage levels of consignment
inventories.
Sales of the Company's products are not subject to seasonal fluctuations,
except in the U.S. where customer shutdowns of one to two weeks in duration
typically occur in July and December, and in Brazil where customer orders are
typically lower in December due to a January and February holiday season.
SALES AND DISTRIBUTION. Essentially all sales of tobacco-related products
by the U.S. and French businesses are sold by the Company's marketing, sales and
customer service organizations directly to cigarette manufacturers or their
designated converters, and to cigar manufacturers, except in China where sales
are
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generally made to trading companies for resale to cigarette producers. The
Brazilian business' tobacco-related products are sold by the Brazilian marketing
and sales organization directly to cigarette manufacturers, and through brokers
for non-tobacco related products. Most of the Company's U.S. and French
businesses' non-tobacco related products are sold on a direct basis.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. Capital expenditures for environmental controls to
meet legal requirements and otherwise relating to the protection of the
environment at the Company's facilities in the United States, France, Brazil and
Canada are estimated to be approximately $2 to $4 million annually in 1999 and
2000. Based on the Company's analysis, the first phase of the Cluster Rules
governing wastewater discharges promulgated by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency ("EPA"), as published in April 1998, does not affect the Company's three
U.S. mills. The EPA is currently engaged in further rule-making. The later
phases of the Cluster Rules and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
Permit renewals may require the Company to install water pollution controls at
its U.S. facilities sometime after the year 2000. The 1999 and 2000 estimates
include amounts previously planned for earlier periods, but which have been
postponed in order to ensure compliance with final governmental regulations,
when published, and to take advantage of emerging enhanced technologies. These
expenditures have been anticipated for several years and are not expected to
have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of
operations or competitive position; however, these estimates could be modified
as a result of changes in the Company's plans, changes in legal requirements or
other factors.
RISKS FOR FOREIGN OPERATIONS. In addition to its U.S. operations, the
Company has manufacturing facilities in France, Brazil and Canada. Products made
in France, Brazil or in the U.S. are marketed in approximately 90 countries.
Because these countries are so numerous, it is not feasible to generally
characterize the risks involved. Such risks vary from country to country and
include such factors as tariffs, trade restrictions, changes in currency value,
economic conditions, and international relations. See "MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION
AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- Factors That
May Affect Future Results" appearing in Part II, Item 7 herein.
INSURANCE. The Company maintains coverage for most insurable risks that
are incident to its operations.
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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
As of December 31, 1998, the Company operated eight mills (which include
four fiber pulping operations) in the U.S., France and Brazil that produce
specialty papers and/or reconstituted tobacco products. The Company also
operates flax fiber processing operations in France and Canada. The Company or
one of its subsidiaries owns each of these facilities except for a flax tow
storage facility in Killarney, Manitoba, which is leased. The Company and its
subsidiaries maintain administrative and sales offices in Alpharetta, Georgia,
in Quimperle and Paris, France, in Hong Kong, in Santanesia and Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil, and in Madrid, Spain. The Company's world headquarters are also located
in Alpharetta. All of these offices are leased except for the Quimperle and
Santanesia offices, which are owned by PdM and SWM-B, respectively.
Management believes that each of these facilities is well-maintained,
suitable for conducting the Company's operations and business, and adequately
insured.
Only the mill in Spay, France is currently operating at or close to
capacity. The Company's U.S., French and Brazilian paper operations all
experienced downtime on certain machines during the fourth quarter of 1998
because of reduced demand and to reduce inventories of Cigarette Papers. The
U.S. RTL production line had been temporarily restarted during the fourth
quarter of 1997, in support of increased sales volumes of LTRI while
alternatives for additional capacity were considered. During the fourth quarter
of 1998, the Company announced an expansion project for the French RTL business,
and the U.S. RTL production line ceased operation.
In addition to the operating equipment listed on the following page, the
Company and its subsidiaries have additional equipment which has been taken out
of service. These pieces of equipment are in various states of condition and may
or may not be usable should the Company need additional capacity. Further, it
may not be cost-effective to make upgrades which may be necessary to bring this
equipment back into service.
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The following are locations of the Company's principal facilities and
operating equipment as of December 31, 1998:
PRODUCTION LOCATIONS EQUIPMENT PRODUCTS
-------------------- --------- --------
Lee Mills 4 Paper Machines Base Tipping and Specialty Papers,
Lee, Massachusetts Pulping Equipment Plug Wrap Paper
(4 mill sites)
Spotswood Mill 5 Paper Machines Cigarette Paper, Plug Wrap Paper
Spotswood, New Jersey Pulping Equipment
Ancram Mill 1 Paper Machine Reconstituted Tobacco Wrapper and
Ancram, New York 1 Reconstituted Tobacco Binder, Porous Plug Wrap and
Wrapper and Binder Specialty Papers
Machine
Fiber Operations 5 Movable Fiber Mills Flax Fiber Processing
Manitoba, Canada
Papeteries de Mauduit Mill 10 Paper Machines Cigarette Paper, Plug Wrap Paper
Quimperle, France Pulping Equipment and Long Fiber Specialties
Papeteries de Malaucene Mill 1 Paper Machine Tipping and Specialty Papers
Malaucene, France 3 Printing Presses
11 Laser Perforating Lines
1 Electrostatic Perforating
Line
Papeteries de St. Girons Mill 3 Paper Machines Cigarette Paper, Plug Wrap Paper,
St. Girons, France Pulping Equipment Base Tipping and Specialty Papers,
Flax Pulp
LTR Industries Mill 2 Reconstituted Tobacco Reconstituted Tobacco Leaf, Flax
Spay, France Leaf Machines Fiber Processing, Research &
1 Fiber Mill Development
Pirahy Mill 4 Paper Machines Cigarette Paper, Plug Wrap Paper,
Santanesia, Brazil 1 Coating Machine Base Tipping and Specialty Papers
ADMINISTRATIVE LOCATIONS OFFICE SPACE FUNCTIONS
------------------------ ------------ ---------
Alpharetta, Georgia Leased Office Space Company World Headquarters,
Administration, Sales and Research
& Development -- U.S. Business
Madrid, Spain Leased Office Space Administrative Office for
International Investments
Quimperle, France Owned Office Space Administrative Offices for French
Businesses
Paris, France Leased Office Space Administrative and Sales Offices
for French Businesses
Hong Kong Leased Office Space Sales Office for French Businesses
Santanesia, Brazil Owned Office Space Administrative Offices for
Brazilian Business
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Leased Office Space Sales Office for Brazilian Business
11
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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The following is a brief description of potentially material legal
proceedings to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party, or of
which any of their properties is subject:
LITIGATION
Under the terms of the Distribution, the Company assumed liability for and
agreed to indemnify Kimberly-Clark from litigation arising out of the operation
of the Businesses, including the following cases:
- A purported class action, defining a class of plaintiffs who allegedly
sustained injuries as a result of being exposed to tobacco smoke and
respirable asbestos fibers, and three individual actions have been filed
in the Circuit Court of Kanawha County, West Virginia in 1998 against
several tobacco companies, tobacco industry trade associations and
consultants, tobacco wholesalers and cigarette component manufacturers,
including Kimberly-Clark and LTRI. The class representative and each
individual plaintiff, respectively, seek compensatory damages of $2 to $3
million, punitive damages of $3 million and, for class members,
compensatory and punitive damages in an unspecified amount. Cleo Huffman,
Denny L. Parsons, Linda Morris and Sinette Newkirk, the named plaintiffs
in these actions, filed their respective complaints on February 13, 1998,
February 27, 1998, March 13, 1998 and July 22, 1998. The complaints
allege several theories of liability against the defendants including
negligence, product liability, misrepresentation, breach of warranty,
conspiracy and other theories of liability. The Company has filed motions
to dismiss that are currently pending in each of these cases.
- In September 1998, Luanne Jividen and Jerry Jividen filed a complaint in
the Circuit Court of Mason County, West Virginia against several tobacco
companies, industry trade associations and consultants, tobacco
wholesalers and cigarette component manufacturers, including
Kimberly-Clark and LTRI, seeking equitable relief, $1 million in
compensatory damages and $3 million in punitive damages for mental
suffering, physical injury and loss of consortium allegedly sustained as
a result of Ms. Jividen's contracting breast cancer as a result of her
addiction to smoking Marlboro and other brands of cigarettes. The
fourteen count complaint sets forth several theories of liability
including willful and negligent misrepresentation, violations of state
consumer protection laws, breach of express and implied warranties,
intentional infliction of emotional distress, product liability,
conspiracy, sale of an unreasonably dangerous product and accomplice
liability.
- In October 1998, Edward J. Sweeney, Stephen R. Micarek and Lisa A. Figura
filed, in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, on
behalf of themselves and certain residents of Pennsylvania, a purported
class action against several tobacco companies, industry trade
associations and consultants, tobacco wholesalers and retailers and
cigarette component manufacturers, including Kimberly-Clark, seeking
equitable relief and punitive damages for the class in an unspecified
amount. The class consists of those Pennsylvania residents who,
"commencing before age 18 . . . purchased, smoked . . . and continue to
smoke cigarettes manufactured, marketed and sold by defendants". The five
count complaint alleges that the defendants are liable to the plaintiffs
under a number of theories, including product liability, consumer fraud,
breach of special duty, negligence and civil conspiracy. Among other
things, the complaint alleges that nicotine is an addictive substance,
that the tobacco companies, by using reconstituted tobacco and other
additives, are able to control the precise amount and/or the
bioavailability of nicotine in their cigarettes and that LTRI, formerly a
subsidiary of Kimberly-Clark, specializes in the tobacco reconstitution
process and in helping tobacco companies control the nicotine in their
cigarettes. The defendants have sought to remove the case to the U.S.
District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Plaintiff's
motion to remand the case to state court is pending.
As a component supplier, the Company believes that Kimberly-Clark has
meritorious defenses to each of these cases. LTRI also has meritorious defenses
to each of the cases in which it has been named as a defendant and will seek to
be dismissed from such actions on the grounds that it is not subject to the
personal jurisdiction of the West Virginia courts and also on the grounds that
it did not sell its products in the United States. Due to the uncertainties of
litigation, the Company cannot predict the outcome of these cases and is
12
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unable to make a meaningful estimate of the amount or range of loss which could
result from an unfavorable outcome of these actions. These cases will be
vigorously defended.
During 1998, Kimberly-Clark was voluntarily dismissed, with prejudice, from
a purported tobacco class action brought by James E. McCune in 1997 in the
Circuit Court of Kanawha County, West Virginia, and, in December 1998, the
federal district court in Utah dismissed Kimberly-Clark, with prejudice, from a
tobacco class action brought by three union health and welfare funds.
Also, the Company is involved in certain other legal actions and claims
arising in the ordinary course of business. Management believes that such
litigation and claims will be resolved without a material adverse effect on the
Company's consolidated financial statements.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
The Company's operations are subject to federal, state and local laws,
regulations and ordinances relating to various environmental matters. The nature
of the Company's operations expose it to the risk of claims with respect to
environmental matters, and there can be no assurance that material costs or
liabilities will not be incurred in connection with such claims. Based on the
Company's experience to date, the Company believes that its future cost of
compliance with environmental laws, regulations and ordinances, and its exposure
to liability for environmental claims, will not have a material adverse effect
on the Company's financial condition or results of operations. However, future
events, such as changes in existing laws and regulations, or unknown
contamination of sites owned, operated or used for waste disposal by the Company
(including contamination caused by prior owners and operators of such sites or
other waste generators) may give rise to additional costs which could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results of
operations.
Prior to the Distribution, Kimberly-Clark was named a potentially
responsible party ("PRP") under the provisions of the U.S. Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA"), or analogous
state statutes, in connection with two waste disposal sites utilized by the
Company's Spotswood mill. Prior to the Distribution, the Spotswood mill also
responded to an information request by the New Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection and Energy ("NJDEP") with respect to another landfill
site allegedly used by the Spotswood mill. The Company has assumed
Kimberly-Clark's liabilities at each of these sites but does not believe that
any of these proceedings will result in the imposition of monetary sanctions or
have a material adverse effect on the Company's business or financial condition.
In December 1997, the Company received notification from the EPA that,
pursuant to CERCLA, it may be named as a PRP in connection with a 1986 shipment
of transformer oil containing polychlorinated biphenyl which the Company's Lee
mills had contracted to have transported to a disposal site by a transporter.
The transporter has agreed to indemnify the Company for any liability connected
with such shipment.
The Company also assumed responsibility to administer a consent order
between Kimberly-Clark and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental
Protection ("MDEP") governing the post-closure care of the Willow Hill Landfill
in Lee, Massachusetts. The Company is obligated to maintain the integrity of the
cover and to sample groundwater by means of monitoring wells, in addition to
other long-term maintenance responsibilities for this former non-hazardous waste
disposal facility. Under the terms of a January 24, 1997 Administrative Consent
Order with MDEP, as amended ("Consent Order"), the Company was required to
reduce concentrations of landfill gases at the landfill property line to
specified levels by September 15, 1998. The Company has met the specified levels
at 22 of 26 gas monitoring wells, but four monitoring wells have not yet
attained such levels at 30 feet below ground level. Since such noncompliance
does not create a safety risk, the Company has applied to MDEP to modify the
Consent Order so that gas concentration measurements are restricted to 20 feet
below ground level and monitoring frequency is reduced to twice per month.
Pending a decision on the Company's request to modify the Consent Order, the
Company must continue to monitor gas concentrations at the property line as
specified in the Consent Order. Although the literal terms of the Consent Order
could subject the Company to penalties for failing to meet the September 15,
1998 deadline, the Company does not expect the imposition of penalties based on
the absence of a safety risk and current progress toward full compliance. The
estimated cost of the remaining corrective action and annual operating expenses
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expected to be incurred under the Consent Order, without the modifications
requested by the Company, is $0.2 million, which amount has been accrued as of
December 31, 1998.
On December 7, 1998, the Company's Lee mills received a Notice of
Enforcement Conference concerning self-reported exceedances of its National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit limit on biological oxygen demand
("BOD") for four consecutive months (June 1998 through September 1998). Company
representatives presented an action plan to MDEP that the Company believes will
prevent future exceedances of its BOD limits. MDEP proposed that the Company
enter into an Administrative Consent Order With Penalty that would detail the
corrective actions to be taken, a timeline for implementation and stipulated
penalties for any future, as well as past, violations. MDEP has proposed a total
penalty of $15,000 for past exceedances of the BOD limits. The Company does not
believe that the cost of any corrective action or the amount of any
administrative penalties will have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business or financial condition.
Certain of the Company's facilities comprising the Lee mills and the
Spotswood mill were subject to Title V of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990
and were, therefore, required to apply for Operating Permits under that title.
The Columbia mill and the Niagara mill (portions of the Lee mills) received
final Title V Operating Permits on April 21, 1998 and May 4, 1998, respectively.
On February 4, 1999, the Spotswood mill filed an amended Operating Permit
Application in response to NJDEP's Notice of Administrative Incompleteness
issued to the mill. No material capital expenditures or operating expenses are
expected to be incurred by the U.S. business as a result of this permitting
process.
The Company's U.S. operations were not impacted by the first phase of the
revised Cluster Rules. Subsequent phases of the Cluster Rules could impact the
Company's U.S. facilities; however, the potential impact cannot be estimated
until after the EPA proposes applicable requirements, if any.
The Company incurs spending necessary to meet legal requirements and
otherwise relating to the protection of the environment at the Company's
facilities in the United States, France, Brazil and Canada. For these purposes,
the Company incurred total capital expenditures of $1.7 million in 1998, and
anticipates that it will incur approximately $2 to $4 million annually in 1999
and 2000. The major projects included in these estimates include upgrading
wastewater treatment facilities at various locations and installation of ink
solvent treatment equipment in France. The foregoing capital expenditures are
not expected to reduce the Company's ability to invest in capacity expansion,
quality improvements, capital replacements, productivity improvements, or cost
containment projects, and are not expected to have a material adverse effect on
the Company's financial condition or results of operations.
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ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters were submitted to a vote of the Company's stockholders during
the fourth quarter of 1998.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The names and ages of the executive officers of the Company as of February
25, 1999, together with certain biographical information, are as follows:
NAME POSITION
---- --------
Wayne H. Deitrich................................. Chief Executive Officer
Jean-Pierre Le Hetet.............................. Chief Operating Officer and
President - French Operations
Peter J. Thompson................................. President - U.S. Operations
Luiz Jose de Saboia e Silva....................... President - Brazilian Operations
Paul C. Roberts................................... Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
William J. Sharkey................................ General Counsel and Secretary
Wayne L. Grunewald................................ Controller
MR. WAYNE H. DEITRICH, 55, has served as Chief Executive Officer of the
Company since August 1995 and was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors
immediately after the Distribution. From June 1995 through August 1995, Mr.
Deitrich served as President - Specialty Products Sector of Kimberly-Clark. From
1993 through May 1995, Mr. Deitrich was the President - Paper and Specialty
Products Sector of Kimberly-Clark, and from 1992 to 1993, he was
President - Paper Sector of Kimberly-Clark. From 1988 through 1992, Mr. Deitrich
served as the President of Neenah Paper, a business unit of Kimberly-Clark.
MR. JEAN-PIERRE LE HETET, 55, has served as Chief Operating Officer of the
Company since April 1998 in addition to having served as President - French
Operations of the Company since August 1995. Mr. Le Hetet was elected to the
Board of Directors immediately after the Distribution. From 1991 through August
1995, Mr. Le Hetet was the President of Specialty Products, France, a business
unit of Kimberly-Clark. Prior to that time, Mr. Le Hetet served as General
Manager of Specialty Products, France.
MR. PETER J. THOMPSON, 36, has served as President - U.S. Operations of the
Company since November 1998. From April 1998 through November 1998, Mr. Thompson
was Director - Sales and Marketing for the U.S. Operations of the Company. Mr.
Thompson joined the Company in January 1997 as a Marketing Manager in the U.S.
Operations. Prior to joining the Company, he was employed by Tape, Inc. from May
1995 through January 1997, where he held several senior management positions in
marketing, sales and finance. Mr. Thompson was employed by Kimberly-Clark from
June 1984 through May 1995 in a variety of financial positions.
MR. LUIZ JOSE DE SABOIA E SILVA, 56, has served as President - Brazilian
Operations of the Company since February 2, 1998, the date of the closing of the
Pirahy acquisition. He served as a consultant to the Company effective January
1, 1998 through the closing date. Prior to January 1, 1998, but subsequent to
his retirement from Souza Cruz in March 1995, Mr. Saboia worked on various
production consultant projects with BAT. Before his retirement from Souza Cruz,
Mr. Saboia had served as Industrial Director of Souza Cruz from 1991 to 1995,
President - Cigarette Division of Souza Cruz from 1987 to 1991, Production
Director of Souza Cruz from 1983 to 1987 and Production Director - BAT - Spain
from 1980 to 1983.
MR. PAUL C. ROBERTS, 50, has served as Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer of the Company since August 1995. From June 1995 through August 1995,
he served as Chief Financial Officer - Specialty Products Sector of
Kimberly-Clark. From January 1995 through May 1995, he was Director - Corporate
Strategic Analysis of Kimberly-Clark, and from 1988 through 1994, Mr. Roberts
was Director - Operations Analysis and Control, Pulp and Paper Sector of
Kimberly-Clark.
MR. WILLIAM J. SHARKEY, 67, has served as General Counsel and Secretary of
the Company since August 1995. Prior to that time, Mr. Sharkey was Senior
Counsel for Kimberly-Clark.
MR. WAYNE L. GRUNEWALD, 47, has served as Controller of the Company since
August 1995. From July 1995 through August 1995, he served as
Controller - Specialty Products Sector of Kimberly-Clark. From December 1989
through June 1995, he was Controller - U.S. Pulp and Newsprint, a business unit
of Kimberly-Clark.
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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
PRINCIPAL MARKET
Since the Distribution of the Company's Common Stock by Kimberly-Clark on
November 30, 1995, the Common Stock has been listed on the New York Stock
Exchange under the trading symbol "SWM".
APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF HOLDERS OF COMMON STOCK
As of February 25, 1999, there were 7,492 stockholders of record of the
Company's Common Stock. This number does not include shares held in "nominee" or
"street" name.
STOCK PRICE AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION
The dividend and market price data included in Note 15 to Consolidated
Financial Statements contained in "FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA"
appearing in Part II, Item 8 herein is incorporated in this Item 5 by reference.
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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected financial data are qualified in their entirety by
reference to, and should be read in conjunction with, the Consolidated Financial
Statements of the Company and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this
Annual Report. The financial statement data as of and for the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 and the balance sheet data as of December 31,
1995 are on a consolidated basis. The income statement data for the year ended
December 31, 1995 has been derived from historical combined financial statements
for the eleven months ended November 30, 1995, and the consolidated results of
the Company for the one month ended December 31, 1995, which have been audited
by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors. The financial statement data as
of and for the year ended December 31, 1994 has been derived from historical
combined financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP. The historical
combined financial statements of SWM and its predecessors for 1995 and 1994 do
not reflect the results of operations or financial position that would have been
obtained had SWM been a separate, independent company and are not indicative of
SWM's future performance as a separate, independent company.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
(U.S. $ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Net Sales........................................... $546.7 $460.6 $471.3 $462.9 $404.2
Gross Profit........................................ 106.1 121.9 114.2 101.2 92.1
Operating Profit.................................... 59.1 81.9 74.0 58.7 58.7
Interest income from affiliates, net(1)............. -- -- -- 3.3 5.1
Net Income.......................................... 31.0 45.3 38.7 36.8 35.1
Net Income Per Share:
Basic............................................ $ 1.94 $ 2.82 $ 2.41
Diluted.......................................... $ 1.92 $ 2.77 $ 2.38
Unaudited Pro Forma Basic and Diluted
Net Income Per Share(2).......................... $ 1.81 $ 1.66
Cash Dividends Declared and Paid Per Share.......... $ .60 $ .60 $ .45
CASH FLOW AND BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Capital Spending.................................... $ 36.7 $ 35.8 $ 51.5 $ 22.5 $ 16.8
Depreciation and amortization....................... 24.8 14.4 13.4 13.4 11.7
Cash Provided By Operations......................... 67.1 67.3 90.4 64.9 53.7
Receivables from affiliated companies(1)(3)......... -- -- -- -- 210.1
Payables to affiliated companies(1)................. -- -- -- -- 157.9
Total Assets(3)..................................... 474.7 391.0 380.6 347.0 527.3
Long-Term Debt(3)................................... 108.4 80.8 86.6 91.6 13.4
Equity(3)........................................... 197.0 179.5 156.0 129.9 245.1
- ---------------
(1) Prior to the Distribution, SMF acted as the financing entity in connection
with the Kimberly-Clark European cash management program. Receivables and
payables with affiliates and related interest income and expense with
affiliates reflect financing activities related to other operations of
Kimberly-Clark and certain of its affiliates until November 30, 1995, the
date of the Distribution, at which time the Company became a separate
independent company.
(2) Pro forma net income per share is presented based on data prepared under
assumptions as to the effects on the Company's financial statements of
certain intercompany, equity and operating transactions related to the
Distribution as though those transactions occurred at the beginning of the
periods presented. The pro forma financial data is unaudited, is presented
for informational purposes only and does not reflect the future earnings or
results of operations of the Company or what the earnings or results of
operations of the Company would have been had the Businesses been operated
as a separate, independent company for the periods prior to the
Distribution. Pro forma net income per share has been computed based on the
assumption that pro forma average shares outstanding for all periods prior
to the Distribution Date were the actual number of shares issued and
distributed in the Distribution.
(3) During 1995, the stockholders of SMF approved the conversion of $65.0
million of receivables due from an affiliated company to an equity
investment. Such affiliated company was merged with another Kimberly-Clark
wholly-owned subsidiary unrelated to the Businesses, and the shares of the
merged entity were distributed to Kimberly-Clark prior to the Distribution.
This transaction reduced receivables from affiliated companies and equity.
Additionally, various payments were made to, and debt assumed from,
Kimberly-Clark in connection with the Distribution, totaling $89.2 million,
that also reduced the amount of total assets and equity.
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
CERTAIN BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc. was incorporated on August 21, 1995
as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kimberly-Clark Corporation for the purpose of
effectuating the tax-free spin-off of Kimberly-Clark's U.S., French and Canadian
business operations that manufacture and sell tobacco-related papers and other
specialty paper products. Through the November 30, 1995 Distribution date, the
Businesses in the U.S. and Canada were conducted as operating divisions of
Kimberly-Clark and one of its Canadian subsidiaries, respectively. The
Businesses in France were conducted by LTRI, a 72 percent-owned subsidiary of
Kimberly-Clark, and two indirect wholly-owned Kimberly-Clark subsidiaries, PdM
and PdMal. These latter two companies are owned by SMF, which prior to the
Distribution was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kimberly-Clark.
On February 2, 1998, SM-Spain, a wholly-owned Spanish holding company
established in 1997, acquired Pirahy, a Brazilian specialty paper manufacturer.
On February 11, 1998, SM-Enterprises, a second-tier French subsidiary of the
Company, acquired a French business named Ingefico, S.A. and its pulp and
specialty paper manufacturing subsidiaries.
Management believes that the following commentary and tables appropriately
discuss and analyze the comparative results of operations and the financial
condition of the Company for the periods covered.
OVERVIEW
The Company operates principally in the tobacco industry, manufacturing and
selling papers used in the manufacturing of cigarettes, paper products used in
cigarette packaging and reconstituted tobacco products. The Company's
non-tobacco industry products represented ten percent of the Company's net sales
in 1998. The non-tobacco industry products are a diverse mix of products,
certain of which represent commodity paper grades produced to maximize machine
operations.
The Company is operated and managed based on the geographical location of
its manufacturing operations: the U.S., France and Brazil. While the products
are comparable in each segment, they vary based on the technological
capabilities of each of the manufacturing operations and the respective markets
and customers served. Sales by a segment into markets primarily served by a
different segment occur where specific product needs cannot be cost effectively
met by the manufacturing operations in that segment.
For purposes of the segment disclosure in the following tables, the term
"United States" includes operations in the U.S. and Canada. The Canadian
operations only produce flax fiber used as raw material in the U.S. operations.
The Company's Brazilian operations, acquired on February 2, 1998, and the
operations of the French business acquired on February 11, 1998, are included in
the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements since the beginning of February
1998.
Adjustments to net sales set forth in the following tables consist of
eliminations of intercompany sales of products between segments. Adjustments to
operating profit consist of unallocated overhead expenses not associated with a
segment and eliminations of inter-segment transactions.
This section should be read in conjunction with the Company's Consolidated
Financial Statements included herein.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
1998 Compared to 1997
By Segment for the Years Ended December 31, 1998 and 1997
(U.S. $ in millions)
% OF CONSOLIDATED
% CHANGE ------------------
NET SALES 1998 1997 VS. 1997 1998 1997
- --------- ------ ------ -------- ------- -------
United States................................ $186.0 $195.5 -4.9% 34.0% 42.4%
France....................................... 312.0 268.8 +16.1 57.1 58.4
Brazil....................................... 57.9 N.A. 10.6
Eliminations................................. (9.2) (3.7) (1.7) (0.8)
------ ------ ----- -----
Consolidated....................... $546.7 $460.6 +18.7% 100.0% 100.0%
====== ====== ===== =====
% RETURN
% OF CONSOLIDATED ON SALES
% CHANGE ------------------ ------------
OPERATING PROFIT 1998 1997 VS. 1997 1998 1997 1998 1997
- ---------------- ----- ----- -------- ------- ------- ---- ----
United States..................... $ 6.2 $21.2 -70.8% 10.5% 25.9% 3.3% 10.8%
France............................ 60.3 66.4 -9.2 102.0 81.1 19.3 24.7
Brazil............................ (2.3) N.A. (3.9) (4.0)
Unallocated/Eliminations.......... (5.1) (5.7) (8.6) (7.0)
----- ----- ----- -----
Consolidated............ $59.1 $81.9 -27.8% 100.0% 100.0% 10.8% 17.8%
===== ===== ===== =====
- ---------------
N.A. -- Not applicable
Net Sales
Net sales increased by $86.1 million due primarily to sales at the two
newly-acquired companies, whose results are included in the Company's
consolidated results beginning in February 1998, and stronger sales volumes in
France. Net sales of the newly-acquired companies contributed $90.9 million in
the period. Excluding the acquisitions, worldwide sales volumes increased by
three percent, favorably affecting net sales by $11.7 million. Sales volumes
from the French businesses grew by nine percent, excluding the French
acquisition. Although unit sales volumes at the French paper operations
increased during the year, excluding the French acquisition, sales volumes over
the second half of the year for those operations were lower compared with the
prior year period. This second semester decline in French paper unit sales was
primarily due to reduced shipments to China, Russia and southeast Asia because
of import controls, currency convertibility and decreased demand as a result of
economic conditions in those countries. RTL volumes in France improved versus
the prior year, supported in part by production from the U.S. business unit's
RTL operation at its Spotswood mill, which ceased operation in the fourth
quarter of 1998. Sales volumes at the U.S. business unit, excluding its RTL
production for the French business, declined by a total of six percent due to
reduced domestic cigarette production by the Company's customers. Changes in
average world-wide selling prices and sales mix had an unfavorable effect of
$10.2 million. The net sales comparison was unfavorably affected by $6.3 million
from changes in currency exchange rates, primarily related to a strengthened
U.S. dollar versus the French franc.
Operating Profit
Operating profit decreased by $22.8 million, with lower operating profit in
the U.S. and France and an operating loss in Brazil. Operating profit in 1998
included pre-tax charges of $1.7 million and $4.2 million in the second and
fourth quarters, respectively. The second quarter 1998 charge was for a
voluntary retirement program in connection with an agreement with the labor
union at the Company's Spotswood mill to modify work rules and eliminate 67
hourly positions. The fourth quarter 1998 pre-tax charge consisted of non-cash
write-downs of assets related primarily to idled equipment that is no longer
expected to be used due to
19
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changed market conditions and one-time labor payments, the majority of which
related to operational changes in Brazil. Additionally, production downtime was
taken in the U.S., France and Brazil to control inventory levels.
The U.S. business unit's operating profit declined by $15.0 million
primarily as a result of the one-time charges, lower sales and production
volumes, increased computer systems expenses, unfavorable sales mix and lower
selling prices. Amortization of capitalized software costs related to the new
integrated computer systems in the U.S. and associated incremental operating
expenses began in January 1998 and totaled $3.6 million for the year.
Additionally, start-up costs of $1.2 million were incurred in the first quarter
related to the new U.S. computer systems.
In France, operating profit declined by $6.1 million as a result of its
portion of the fourth quarter one-time charge, machine downtime at its paper
operations to control inventory levels, unfavorable changes in average selling
prices and sales mix, higher cost of RTL manufactured at and shipped from the
Spotswood mill and changes in currency exchange rates, partially offset by
higher sales volumes. Changes in currency exchange rates had an unfavorable
impact of approximately $1.1 million.
The Brazilian operations had an operating loss of $2.3 million for the year
primarily because of unfavorable second quarter results and the one-time labor
payments.
Non-manufacturing expenses increased by $7.0 million solely caused by
expenses at the two acquired companies. Excluding expenses of the acquired
companies, non-manufacturing expenses were the same as the prior year. Per ton
wood pulp cost decreases compared with the prior year favorably impacted
operating profit by $2.8 million, although this benefit was offset by changes in
selling prices.
1997 Compared to 1996
By Segment for the Years Ended December 31, 1997 and 1996
(U.S. $ in millions)
% OF CONSOLIDATED
% CHANGE ------------------
NET SALES 1997 1996 VS. 1996 1997 1996
- --------- ------ ------ -------- ------- -------
United States..................................... $195.5 $212.3 -7.9% 42.4% 45.0%
France............................................ 268.8 263.5 +2.0 58.4 55.9
Eliminations...................................... (3.7) (4.5) (0.8) (0.9)
------ ------ ----- -----
Consolidated............................ $460.6 $471.3 -2.3% 100.0% 100.0%
====== ====== ===== =====
% RETURN
% OF CONSOLIDATED ON SALES
% CHANGE ------------------ -----------
OPERATING PROFIT 1997 1996 VS. 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996
- ---------------- ----- ----- -------- ------- ------- ---- ----
United States........................ $21.2 $23.7 -10.5% 25.9% 32.0% 10.8% 11.2%
France............................... 66.4 55.5 +19.6 81.1 75.0 24.7 21.1
Unallocated/Eliminations............. (5.7) (5.2) (7.0) (7.0)
----- ----- ----- -----
Consolidated............... $81.9 $74.0 +10.7% 100.0% 100.0% 17.8% 15.7%
===== ===== ===== =====
Net Sales
Net sales decreased by $10.7 million due primarily to unfavorable changes
in currency exchange rates, which decreased net sales by $26.4 million. The
Company's U.S. business exited the U.S. RTL product line in early 1996, which
resulted in an unfavorable effect of $2.9 million on the net sales comparison
versus 1997. Without these two unfavorable effects, net sales in 1997 would have
increased by $18.6 million or four percent. Worldwide sales volumes increased by
three percent, adding $8.7 million to net sales. Excluding RTL volumes in the
U.S. in the first quarter of 1996, worldwide sales volumes increased by four
percent. Sales volumes increased in every major product line in France, with
total volumes from the French businesses up 14 percent for the year. Excluding
RTL volumes in the U.S. in the first quarter of 1996, sales volumes declined at
the
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U.S. business unit by eight percent primarily as a result of lower domestic
shipments, relating to a reduction in the export of cigarettes by U.S. cigarette
manufacturers and changes in the Company's internal sourcing of selected
customers from the U.S. to France. Changes in average worldwide selling prices
and sales mix had a favorable effect of $7.0 million for the year. Average
selling prices increased in the U.S. compared to the prior year as a result of
an improved mix of products, offsetting contractual price reductions related to
a decline in the per ton cost of wood pulp. Average worldwide selling prices
increased in France compared to the prior year because of an improved mix of
products, offsetting slight price decreases on certain products.
Operating Profit
Operating profit improved by $7.9 million for 1997 compared to 1996. The
improvement was primarily a result of the increased French sales volumes,
improved sales mix, better mill operations and a decline in per ton wood pulp
costs. Decreases in per ton wood pulp costs favorably impacted operating profit
by $4.2 million compared to the prior year, although this benefit was offset by
changes in selling prices. Non-manufacturing expenses were $0.2 million less
than in 1996.
The above favorable effects for the year were partially offset by lower
U.S. sales volumes, higher U.S. manufacturing costs in 1997 and changes in
currency exchange rates. During the fourth quarter of 1997, U.S. operating
profit decreased by approximately $1.8 million from reduced operating schedules
to reduce inventories. In addition, $0.7 million in start-up costs were incurred
during the fourth quarter of 1997 to restart operation of the U.S. RTL
production line in support of increased French sales volumes. Changes in
currency exchange rates had an unfavorable impact of $2.4 million on the
operating profit change.
NON-OPERATING EXPENSES
The increase in interest expense in 1998 compared to 1997 was primarily a
result of increased debt related to acquisitions in Brazil and France in
February 1998 and higher interest rates. Interest expense in 1997 and 1996 was
primarily associated with debt incurred in connection with the Distribution (see
"Liquidity and Capital Resources"). The decline in interest expense in 1997 as
compared to 1996 was primarily due to lower interest rates, currency translation
rate changes and a lower average amount of debt outstanding. The weighted
average effective interest rate on the Company's term loans was approximately
5.1 percent in 1998, 4.7 percent in 1997 and 5.2 percent in 1996. Other income,
net in 1998, 1997 and 1996 consisted primarily of interest income from
investment of cash generated by operations of the Company and royalty income.
INCOME TAXES
The noncurrent deferred income tax asset is primarily due to net operating
loss carryforwards ("NOLs") incurred through December 31, 1994 by other
businesses of Kimberly-Clark in France previously owned by SMF. Prior to the
spin-off, those other Kimberly-Clark businesses were merged and distributed to
Kimberly-Clark. Under French tax law, the NOLs of those other businesses were
retained by SMF. The SMF consolidated tax group in France has not paid income
taxes, except nominal amounts of minimum required income taxes, in the periods
presented in the financial statements and is not expected to pay normal income
taxes until the NOLs have been fully utilized. Additionally, the noncurrent
deferred income tax asset as of December 31, 1998 includes amounts related to
NOLs of SWM-B, some of which were obtained in the acquisition of this Brazilian
business. Additional information concerning these NOLs is disclosed in Note 6 to
the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The effective income tax rates for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997
and 1996 were 32.1 percent, 36.0 percent and 37.2 percent, respectively.
The provision for income taxes in 1998 included the benefit of a reduction
in the valuation allowance recorded against certain French deferred income tax
assets arising from NOLs. This adjustment reduced the deferred provision for
income taxes by $5.2 million in the second quarter of 1998. The reduction in the
valuation allowance was recorded because of continued earnings and projected
future earnings at the French businesses that utilize the NOLs, reducing the
uncertainty that these NOLs will be fully utilized in the future.
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Excluding the impact of this adjustment, the effective income tax rate for the
year ended December 31, 1998 would have been 41.7 percent.
The provision for income taxes in 1997 was impacted by an increase in the
effective statutory income tax rate enacted in France during November 1997 from
36.67 percent to 41.67 percent for 1997 and 1998, retroactive to January 1,
1997, and to 40.0 percent for 1999. The unfavorable effect on current taxes of
the tax rate increase, including a retroactive adjustment for the eleven-month
period ended November 30, 1997, was offset by the favorable effect on the
deferred provision for income taxes due to the increased value of the tax
benefits to be recognized from the NOLs retained by SMF estimated to be realized
during 1997, 1998 and 1999, the periods of the higher income tax rates. The
impact in 1997 attributable to deferred tax assets, net of liabilities, was a
favorable $2.0 million on the deferred provision for income taxes. Also
impacting the 1997 provision for income taxes was the enactment in France during
December 1997 of a law that eliminated taxation of a "provision for the
fluctuating value of raw materials" that had been included in French deferred
taxes. Cancellation of this deferred tax liability reduced the provision for
income taxes by $2.1 million, which was partially offset by establishment of a
$1.0 million reserve for a previously reported tax claim in France. (See
additional information concerning this tax claim in Note 6 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements.) Including the effect of the change in French income tax
rates on the 1997 current provision for income taxes, but excluding the effect
on the deferred provision for income taxes, and excluding the effect of the
elimination of taxation of a "provision for fluctuating value of raw materials"
and the reserve for the tax claim, the effective 1997 income tax rate would have
been 39.9 percent. The increase from this adjusted 1997 rate of 39.9 percent to
the above-adjusted 41.7 percent 1998 effective income tax rate is due to a
greater proportion of the Company's 1998 earnings being in France which has
higher income tax rates than other countries in which the Company operates.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------
1998 1997 1996
------ ------ -----
(U.S.$ IN MILLIONS)
Cash Provided by (Used for):
Changes in operating working capital...................... $ (1.9) $(10.8) $18.5
Operations................................................ 67.1 67.3 90.4
Capital spending.......................................... (36.7) (35.8) (51.5)
Capitalized software costs................................ (4.0) (7.6) (2.7)
The Company's primary source of liquidity is cash flow from operations,
which is principally obtained through operating earnings. Impacting the cash
flow from operations are changes in operating working capital. In 1998, changes
in operating working capital contributed unfavorably to cash flow by $1.9
million, excluding the acquired working capital balances of the Brazilian and
French businesses acquired in 1998. In 1997, changes in operating working
capital contributed unfavorably to cash flow by $10.8 million due principally to
lower accounts payable. Accounts payable were lower in 1997 compared to 1996 as
a result of payments in early 1997 for several large capital project and
purchased software costs included in accounts payable at December 31, 1996.
During 1997, the cash flow impact of lower accounts receivable, due to the
timing of collections, offset the impact of higher inventory levels. In 1996,
changes in operating working capital contributed favorably to cash flow by $18.5
million primarily due to decreases in inventories as a result of lower inventory
levels and lower per ton wood pulp costs, decreases in accounts receivable due
to the timing of collections, and increases in accounts payable primarily for
several large capital expenditures included in accounts payable at December 31,
1996.
Cash flow from operations during these periods exceeded the level of
capital spending. Capital spending in 1998 included (i) $3.9 million toward the
expansion of converted tipping paper capacity at the Malaucene, France mill,
(ii) $3.0 million toward speed-ups of both RTL machines and replacement of a
yankee dryer hood at the Spay, France mill, (iii) $2.3 million for speed-up of a
paper machine at the Quimperle, France mill, (iv) $1.4 million to modify a paper
machine at the newly-acquired St. Girons mill, (v) $1.2 million toward upgrades
to a paper machine at the Spotswood mill, (vi) $1.0 million to upgrade a coating
machine at
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the newly-acquired Pirahy mill, and (vii) $1.0 million toward improvements at
the Quimperle pulping facility. Capital spending in 1997 included (i) $3.6
million to complete the new long fiber paper machine at the Quimperle mill, (ii)
$2.9 million at the Ancram mill toward upgrading the forming section of a long
fiber paper machine, (iii) $2.3 million for equipment necessary to temporarily
restart operation of the RTL production line at the Spotswood mill, (iv) $1.5
million toward an effluent biological treatment station at the Quimperle mill,
(v) $1.0 million to complete upgrading the flax pulping operations at the
Spotswood mill, and (vi) $1.0 million toward a paper machine upgrade project at
the Spotswood mill. Capital spending in 1996 included (i) $18.8 million for the
new long fiber paper machine at the Quimperle mill, (ii) $3.6 million at the
Quimperle mill for a production reorganization project, (iii) $3.4 million to
complete the installation of new high-speed cigarette paper converting equipment
at the Spotswood mill, (iv) $2.7 million toward upgrading the flax pulping
operations at the Spotswood mill, and (v) $2.1 million to furnish the Company's
newly leased corporate and U.S. business unit headquarters and U.S. research
facilities.
In addition to capital spending, the Company incurred, and deferred on the
balance sheet, additional software development costs of $4.0 million in 1998,
related to new integrated information systems in France and the U.S. These
systems replaced the Kimberly-Clark systems formerly used in the U.S.
In February 1998, two acquisitions of tobacco-related paper suppliers were
completed. On February 2, 1998, SM-Spain paid approximately $62.0 million in
cash for 99.97 percent ownership interest in Pirahy. In connection with the
acquisition of Pirahy, the Company modified its existing credit agreement to
provide a $20.0 million term loan to SM-Spain. SM-Spain borrowed the remaining
funds for the transaction from SMF, which in turn utilized its existing cash
balances and borrowings from its revolving credit facilities. Additionally, on
February 11, 1998, SM-Enterprises paid 37.2 million French francs (approximately
$6.1 million) in cash and assumed approximately $5.8 million in existing net
debt for all of the outstanding shares of Ingefico, S.A. and 97.1 percent of the
outstanding shares of its pulp and specialty paper manufacturing subsidiaries,
Groupe SAPAM and Papeteries de la Moulasse S.A. Subsequently, SM-Enterprises
acquired all the remaining shares of Groupe SAPAM for $0.2 million in cash.
In December 1998, the Company announced that the Board of Directors had
authorized the repurchase of shares of the Company's common stock during the
period January 1, 1999 through December 31, 2000 in an amount not to exceed $20
million. The Company repurchased a total of 155,700 shares of its common stock
in the third quarter of 1998 for $3.8 million under a previous program which was
effective through December 31, 1998.
On January 28, 1999, the Company announced that the Board of Directors had
declared a quarterly cash dividend of fifteen cents per share of common stock.
The dividend will be payable on March 8, 1999 to stockholders of record on
February 8, 1999.
The Company's ongoing requirements for cash are expected to consist
principally of amounts required for capital expenditures, stockholder dividends
and working capital. The Company has declared and paid quarterly dividends, each
amounting to $2.4 million ($0.15 per share), since the second quarter of 1996.
Management currently expects to continue this level of quarterly dividend. Other
than expenditures associated with environmental matters (see Note 12 of the
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements), as of December 31, 1998 the Company
had unrecorded outstanding commitments for capital expenditures of approximately
$8.6 million. In addition to capital spending, the Company is incurring software
development costs related to new integrated computer systems that replaced in
the U.S. the formerly used Kimberly-Clark systems beginning January 1998. The
portion of software development costs which were capitalized beginning in 1996
totaled $14.3 million through 1998 and were deferred on the balance sheet until
such systems are placed in service (see Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements). In the U.S., where the largest portion of the costs
to-date have been incurred, most of the deferred costs began amortizing at the
beginning of 1998 over a period of seven years using the straight-line method.
The Company will continue to incur costs in France in 1999 and 2000 as software
modules are purchased, designed and installed.
As of December 31, 1998, the Company had approximately $26 million still
available under its revolving credit facilities in the U.S. and France, and on
January 29, 1999, the Company renewed these facilities to January 28, 2000. The
Company also has other bank credit facilities available in the U.S., France and
Brazil.
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The Company believes its cash flow from operations, together with
borrowings still available under its revolving and other credit facilities, will
be sufficient to fund its ongoing cash requirements.
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARD
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities", which will require that all derivative
financial instruments be recognized as either assets or liabilities in the
balance sheet. SFAS No. 133 will be effective no later than for the Company's
first quarter of 2000. The Company is evaluating the effects of this new
statement and when to implement the new requirements.
OUTLOOK
The difficult market conditions experienced in the second half of 1998 are
continuing. U.S. cigarette consumption is being impacted by adverse publicity
and by increases in the retail selling price of cigarettes. U.S. cigarette
consumption and the export of cigarettes manufactured in the United States
declined in 1998 from prior year levels. Continued lower sales to China, Russia
and southeast Asia are expected for the foreseeable future due to import
controls, currency convertibility and decreased demand. With weakness in demand,
pricing has come under pressure in some markets. The uncertain pricing
environment for the Company's paper products is expected to continue into 1999
due to market conditions and the results of global pricing negotiations with
multi-national cigarette manufacturers.
With weakening demand for the Company's paper products, some production
downtime was taken during the fourth quarter of 1998 in France, the United
States and Brazil to manage inventory levels. The Company entered 1999 with what
management believes is an appropriate level of inventories and expects less
production downtime and improved operations in the first half of 1999 compared
with the fourth quarter of 1998.
Compared with the prior year, the Company's net sales will benefit in the
first quarter of 1999 from sales by companies acquired in Brazil and France in
February of 1998. The Company continues to integrate these acquisitions.
Earnings of the Company's Brazilian operations are expected to improve during
1999. The Company's objective is to achieve at least break-even operating profit
at that business unit. The recent devaluation of the Brazilian real is expected
to have a positive impact on the Company's Brazilian operations since some of
its sales in Brazil are tied to U.S. dollar selling prices. The ultimate impact
the currency devaluation will have on the economy of Brazil remains uncertain.
Changes in both inflation rates and economic growth rates could have a future
impact on the Brazilian business.
Cost savings are expected to continue from recently implemented capital
projects and from various cost savings programs, including the Spotswood mill
restructuring program that was announced in the second quarter of 1998 and the
recent change in the Brazilian operations. With the uncertain market conditions,
the Company is making cost improvement a major priority in each of its business
units.
The per ton cost of wood pulp declined during 1998. The Company does not
expect significant increases or decreases in the per ton cost of wood pulp
during 1999, although per ton wood pulp costs may be somewhat lower during the
first half of the year compared to the levels during the first half of 1998.
The French corporate income tax rate will decline from 41.67 percent in
1998 to 40.0 percent in 1999.
The amortization of capitalized software costs and operating expenses
related to the new integrated computer systems in the U.S. will continue in 1999
at approximately the same level as in 1998. The Company expects to incur $3 to
$4 million of capitalized software costs in 1999, primarily in France, and an
additional $1 to $2 million of capitalized software costs in 2000. Start-up of
the new systems in France will occur in phases, commencing in mid-1999.
The company expects capital spending for 1999 to be approximately $35
million, focused primarily on internal capacity expansion, product quality
improvements and cost reduction opportunities. In the second quarter of 1998,
the Company initiated an expansion of the Malaucene mill, which is expected to
increase the mill's capacity for finished tipping paper by approximately 45
percent and should be completed in the second
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half of 1999. Capital spending in 1999 will also include spending for a $9.9
million project authorized to increase reconstituted tobacco leaf ("RTL")
production capacity at the Spay, France mill by approximately 10 percent. With
the authorization of this project, current inventory levels and customer order
patterns, the decision was made to cease production of RTL products at the
Spotswood mill in the fourth quarter of 1998. The Spotswood RTL production line
had been temporarily restarted during the fourth quarter of 1997 to support the
French RTL operation until a plan for adding permanent RTL capacity was
developed.
FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS
Many factors outside the control of the Company could impact the Company's
results. The following important factors, among others, in some cases have
affected, and in the future could affect, the Company's actual results and could
cause the Company's actual results for 1999 and beyond, to differ materially
from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of,
the Company.
Year 2000 Compliance
Historically, many computer systems and other equipment with embedded chips
or processors utilize computer programs written using two digits to represent
the year rather than four digits. These programs may not properly recognize a
year "20XX". As a result, these programs may be unable to accurately process
certain data before, during or after the year 2000 and could result in major
governmental and business systems failures or miscalculations causing
disruptions in operations. This problem is commonly referred to as the "Year
2000" issue.
Because of the numerous information systems, mill process controls and
operating systems, and vendors and service providers that the Company uses, as
well as the Company's many customers and customer locations around the world,
the Company anticipates that there may be some disruption in its business due to
the Year 2000 issue. Due to the interdependent nature of the Company and its
systems with those of so many customers, vendors and service providers, such as
fuel oil suppliers and electric utilities, as well as domestic and foreign
governmental agencies, the Company and its operating subsidiaries are exposed to
many possible systems failures or processing errors. As a result, the Company
and its operating subsidiaries could be materially adversely affected if
utilities, private businesses and governmental agencies with which they do
business or that provide essential materials or services are not Year 2000
compliant. The Company believes that the most reasonably likely worst case
scenarios would be temporary mill closings, delays in the receipt of supplies,
delays in the delivery of its products, delays in collection of amounts due the
Company, delays in payment of amounts owed by the Company to others, and delays
in receipt of needed services. As a consequence of one or more of these
scenarios, the Company's results of operations could be materially adversely
impacted by a temporary inability to conduct its business in the ordinary course
for some period of time. However, the Company believes that its plans, including
its contingency planning discussed below should minimize the adverse effect of
any such business disruptions if they should occur.
Each of the Company's business segments has inventoried its business
operations, assessed its susceptibility to system failures or processing errors
as a result of Year 2000 issues and developed a plan to address those issues,
focusing on three elements: information systems software and hardware, mill
process controls and operating systems, and vendors and service providers. Each
element is being subdivided according to risk potential of high, medium and low.
High risk is defined as being critical to uninterrupted operation of the
business. Medium risk is defined as being necessary to support the business but
temporary work-arounds can be accomplished. Low risk is defined as being minor
inconveniences that should not impact the Company's business. Those issues which
are considered most critical to continuing operations are being given the
highest priority.
On January 1, 1998, the Company's U.S. operations, including the research
and headquarters areas, began utilizing new integrated information systems to
replace the Kimberly-Clark systems formerly used in the U.S. A benefit of the
new systems is that they are expected to provide Year 2000 compliance in the
area of information systems. In the U.S., mill process controls and operating
systems have been reviewed for nearly 3,000 pieces of equipment and systems.
Only six high risk equipment or systems issues have been identified.
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For these issues, modification requirements and a schedule for compliance have
been developed with the applicable equipment and systems vendors. Such
corrective action is expected to be completed during the third quarter of 1999.
The Company's French businesses have inventoried and evaluated all their
information systems. Approximately one-fourth of these information systems are
believed to be Year 2000 compliant. Upon implementation in mid-1999 of certain
new integrated computer systems in France, substantially all of the French
businesses' information systems are expected to be Year 2000 compliant. Less
than three percent of the approximately 2,000 pieces of mill process control
equipment and operating systems will require modification or replacement.
Adequate progress has occurred to-date, with several modifications and
replacements already completed. Such corrective action is expected to be
completed by the end of the second quarter of 1999.
The Company's Brazilian business has inventoried and evaluated all of its
information systems. Nine of its systems will require modifications to become
Year 2000 compliant. Upgrades for all nine systems have been developed and are
expected to be implemented by the end of the second quarter of 1999. Of its mill
process control equipment and operating systems, ten will require modification
and upgrades for these systems have been developed. The required modifications
for nine of the ten systems have already been implemented, and the required
modifications for the remaining system are expected to be implemented by the end
of the second quarter of 1999.
Inquiries have been mailed to vendors and service providers for the
Company's U.S., French and Brazilian operations as to the status of their Year
2000 compliance. Thus far, approximately one-half have responded. Second
requests have been sent to those vendors and service providers that had not yet
responded to the first inquiry and to those whose responses were incomplete or
inadequate. Critical vendors and suppliers are being contacted either by phone
or in person to review the status of their Year 2000 compliance plans.
Coincident with the actions described above, the Company and its operating
subsidiaries are developing and evaluating contingency plans to further mitigate
the effects of possible disruptions that may occur and are developing and
evaluating related cost estimates for such plans. All of the Company's
operations are assessing the need for alternative supply arrangements and
increased inventory levels of raw materials, supplies and finished goods, as
well as other possible measures based on the responses from vendors and service
providers. Contingency plans will be developed to try to reasonably ensure that
operations are not interrupted and unexpected costs are minimized. However,
there can be no assurances that all possible negative consequences can be
identified and avoided. The Company presently plans to address each of its
systems which are critical to its operations by the end of the second quarter of
1999.
The Company currently estimates that the total cost of implementing its
Year 2000 compliance plans will be in the range of $1 to $2 million,
substantially all to be incurred in 1999, excluding the costs of the new
integrated computer systems. Approximately two-thirds of this amount is expected
to be expensed and one-third included in capital projects. These preliminary
estimates are subject to change, since they are based on presently available
information, and will be updated as the Company continues its assessments,
proceeds with implementation of modifications and replacements necessary to
become compliant, receives further feedback from vendors and service providers
and formulates reasonable and necessary contingency plans.
Euro Currency Conversion
On January 1, 1999, eleven of the fifteen member countries of the European
Union established fixed conversion rates between their existing currencies
("legal currencies") and one common currency -- the euro. The euro now trades on
currency exchanges and may be used in business transactions. Beginning in
January 2002, new euro-denominated bills and coins will be issued, and legal
currencies will be withdrawn from circulation. The Company established a
committee to identify and implement changes necessary to address the systems and
business issues raised by the euro currency conversion. These issues include,
among others, the need to adapt computer and other business systems and
equipment to accommodate euro-denominated transactions, competitive implications
of increased price transparency within European Union countries, changes in
currency exchange costs and rate exposures, continuity of contracts that require
payment in a legal
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currency, and tax implications of the conversion. The Company's French
subsidiaries currently utilize multi-currency software that was capable of
euro-denominated sales and purchase transactions on January 1, 1999.
Consideration has also been given to other potential issues in connection with
the conversion, including those mentioned above. The Company does not anticipate
any significant negative consequences of these issues and does not anticipate
that the euro conversion will have a material adverse impact on its financial
condition or results of operations.
International Business Risks
The Company's international operations are subject to international
business risks, including unsettled political and economic conditions,
expropriation, import and export controls and restrictions, exchange controls,
inflationary economies, currency risks and risks related to the restrictions of
repatriation of earnings or proceeds from liquidated assets of foreign
subsidiaries.
Tax and Repatriation Matters
The Company is subject to income tax laws in each of the countries in which
it does business through wholly-owned subsidiaries and through affiliates. The
Company makes a comprehensive review of the income tax requirements of each of
its operations, files appropriate returns and makes appropriate income tax
planning analyses directed toward the minimization of its income tax obligations
in these countries. Appropriate income tax provisions are determined on an
individual subsidiary level and at the corporate level on both an interim and
annual basis. These processes are followed using an appropriate combination of
internal staff at both the subsidiary and corporate levels as well as
independent outside advisors in review of the various tax laws and in compliance
reporting for the various operations.
Dividend distributions are regularly made to the U.S. from certain foreign
subsidiaries and are appropriately considered in the provision for U.S. income
taxes. The Company intends for the undistributed earnings of certain other
foreign subsidiaries to be reinvested indefinitely. These undistributed earnings
are not subject to either additional foreign income taxes or U.S. income taxes
unless remitted as dividends. Accordingly, no provision has been made for U.S.
taxes on those earnings. The Company regularly reviews the status of the
accumulated earnings of each of its foreign subsidiaries and reevaluates the
aforementioned dividend policy as part of its overall financing plans.
Hedging Activities and Foreign Currency Exchange Risks
Management selectively hedges the Company's foreign currency risks, as well
as its exposure to interest rate increases on its variable rate long-term debt,
when it is practical and cost effective to do so. The instruments used to hedge
foreign currency risks are forward contracts and, to a lesser extent, option
contracts. The Company utilizes various forms of interest rate hedge agreements,
including interest rate swap agreements and forward rate agreements. These
instruments are purchased from well-known money center banks, insurance
companies or government agencies (counterparties). Usually, the contracts extend
for no more than 12 months, although their contractual term has been as long as
18 months. Management believes that credit risks with respect to the
counterparties and the foreign currency risks that would not be hedged, were the
counterparties to fail to fulfill their obligations under the contracts, are
minimal in view of the financial strength of the counterparties.
In addition to the effect of changes in currency exchange rates on
operating profit, foreign currency gains and losses have arisen from the
remeasurement of non-local currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities
into the currency of the country in which the operation is domiciled. These
gains and losses, related primarily to trade receivable and payable balances,
are included in other income, net.
Additional information concerning foreign currency related matters is
disclosed in Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Inflation
In recent years, inflation has not had a significant impact on the
Company's cost structure.
Effect of Changing Pulp Costs
Per ton pulp costs tend to be cyclical in nature and are a large component
of product costs. The Company consumed approximately 112,000 metric tons of wood
pulp in 1998, including requirements of the newly-acquired companies, and 71,000
and 65,000 metric tons of wood pulp in 1997 and 1996, respectively. During the
period from January 1996 through December 1998, the U.S. list price of the
primary pulp grade used by the Company, northern bleached softwood kraft pulp,
ranged from a low of $500 per metric ton to a high of $860 per metric ton.
Generally, over time, the Company has been able to increase its selling prices
in response to increased per ton pulp costs and has generally reduced them when
pulp costs have significantly declined. The Company may or may not be able to
fully recover future pulp cost increases, or fully retain future pulp cost
decreases, in its sales pricing structure.
Seasonality
Sales of the Company's products are not subject to seasonal fluctuations,
except in the U.S. and Brazil. In the U.S., customer shutdowns typically occur
in July and December and typically have resulted in reduced net sales and
operating profit during those two months. Additionally, the U.S. mills shut down
equipment to perform additional maintenance during these months, resulting in
higher product costs and reduced operating profit. In Brazil, customer orders
are typically lower in December due to a holiday season through much of January
and February.
Environmental Matters
The Company is subject to federal, state, local and foreign environmental
protection laws and regulations with respect to the environmental impact of air,
water and other emissions from its mills as well as its disposal of solid waste
generated by its operations. The Company believes it is operating in compliance
with, or is taking action aimed at ensuring compliance with, such laws and
regulations. While the Company has incurred in the past several years, and will
continue to incur, capital and operating expenditures in order to comply with
these laws and regulations, these costs are not expected to materially affect
the Company's business or results of operations. The Company, or its
predecessor, has been named as a potentially responsible party at several waste
disposal sites, none of which, individually, or in the aggregate, in
management's opinion, is likely to have a material adverse effect on the
Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. However,
there can be no assurance that such an effect will not occur at some future
time. Additional information concerning environmental matters is disclosed in
Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and in Part I, Item 3
"LEGAL PROCEEDINGS" herein.
Legal Proceedings
Information concerning legal proceedings is disclosed in Note 11 of the
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and in Part I, Item 3 "LEGAL
PROCEEDINGS" herein. In addition, the Company is involved in legal actions and
claims arising in the ordinary course of business. Litigation is subject to many
uncertainties and, while it is not possible to predict the outcome of the
litigation pending against the Company and its subsidiaries, management believes
that such actions and claims will be resolved without a material adverse effect
on the Company's financial statements.
Reliance on Significant Customers
Most of the Company's customers are manufacturers of tobacco products
located in approximately 90 countries around the world. Two such customers have
accounted for a significant portion of the Company's net sales in each of the
last several years, and the loss of one or both such customers, or a significant
reduction in one or both of these customers' purchases, could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's results of operations. See Note 14 of the Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements.
28
29
Tobacco Products and Governmental Actions
In recent years, governmental entities, particularly in the U.S., have
taken or have proposed actions that may have the effect of reducing consumption
of tobacco products. Reports and speculation with respect to the alleged harmful
physical effects of cigarette smoking and use of tobacco products have been
publicized for many years and, together with actions to restrict or prohibit
advertising and promotion of cigarettes or other tobacco products and to
increase taxes on such products, are intended to discourage the consumption of
cigarettes and other such products. In the fourth quarter of 1998, the major
U.S. cigarette manufacturers reached agreement with all 50 U.S. states and
several commonwealths and territories to settle health care cost recovery and
other claims. In anticipation of these settlements and as a direct result of
these settlements, most of the U.S. cigarette manufacturers have increased
prices of cigarettes significantly over the course of the last approximately 18
months. Domestic cigarette consumption has declined, in part due to these price
increases which, in turn, decreases demand for the Company's products. In
addition, litigation is pending against the major manufacturers of consumer
tobacco products seeking damages for health problems allegedly resulting from
the use of tobacco in various forms. It is not possible to predict the outcome
of such litigation or what effect adverse developments in pending or future
litigation may have on the tobacco industry. Nor is it possible to predict what
additional legislation or regulations relating to tobacco products will be
enacted, or to what extent, if any, such legislation or regulations might affect
the consumer tobacco products industry in general.
Approximately 90 percent of the Company's net sales are from products used
by the tobacco industry in the making and packaging of cigarettes or other
tobacco products. Management is unable to predict the effects that the
above-described legal and governmental actions might have on the Company's
results of operations and financial condition.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain sections of this report, particularly the foregoing discussion
regarding the "Outlook" of the Company and "Factors That May Affect Future
Results", contain certain forward-looking statements, generally identified by
phrases such as "the Company expects" or words of similar effect.
Forward-looking statements are made based upon management's expectations and
beliefs concerning future events impacting the Company. There can be no
assurances that such events will occur or that the results of the Company will
be as estimated. Many factors outside the control of the Company also could
impact the realization of such estimates. The above-mentioned important factors,
among others, in some cases have affected, and in the future could affect, the
Company's actual results and could cause the Company's actual results for 1999
and beyond, to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking
statements made by, or on behalf of, the Company.
29
30
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PAGE
-----
Consolidated Financial Statements:
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996...................... 31
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1998 and
1997.................................................. 32
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders'
Equity for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and
1996.................................................. 33
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow for the years
ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996................ 34
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements............. 35
Report of Independent Auditors.............................. 59
Management's Responsibility for Financial Reporting......... 60
Schedules have been omitted because they are either not required, not
applicable or the required information is included in the financial statements
or notes thereto.
30
31
SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
---------- ---------- ----------
(U.S. $ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
Net Sales................................................ $546.7 $460.6 $471.3
Cost of products sold.................................. 440.6 338.7 357.1
------ ------ ------
Gross Profit............................................. 106.1 121.9 114.2
Selling expense........................................ 21.0 17.4 18.2
Research expense....................................... 6.5 6.4 6.0
General expense........................................ 19.5 16.2 16.0
------ ------ ------
Operating Profit......................................... 59.1 81.9 74.0
Interest expense....................................... (6.4) (4.1) (5.3)
Other income, net...................................... 1.2 1.6 1.2
------ ------ ------
Income Before Income Taxes and Minority Interest......... 53.9 79.4 69.9
Provision for income taxes............................. 17.3 28.6 26.0
------ ------ ------
Income Before Minority Interest.......................... 36.6 50.8 43.9
Minority interest in earnings of subsidiaries.......... 5.6 5.5 5.2
------ ------ ------
Net Income............................................... $ 31.0 $ 45.3 $ 38.7
====== ====== ======
Net Income Per Common Share:
Basic.................................................. $ 1.94 $ 2.82 $ 2.41
====== ====== ======
Diluted................................................ $ 1.92 $ 2.77 $ 2.38
====== ====== ======
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
31
32
SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------
1998 1997
----------- -----------
(U.S. $ IN MILLIONS)
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents................................. $ 6.7 $ 37.2
Accounts receivable....................................... 69.5 57.0
Inventories............................................... 69.4 56.3
Current income tax refunds receivable..................... 2.8 --
Deferred income tax benefits.............................. 5.2 3.3
Prepaid expenses.......................................... 2.7 3.8
------ ------
Total Current Assets............................... 156.3 157.6
------ ------
Property
Land and improvements..................................... 7.2 5.9
Buildings and improvements................................ 69.0 45.6
Machinery and equipment................................... 379.6 296.1
Construction in progress.................................. 23.5 22.4
------ ------
Gross Property.......................................... 479.3 370.0
Less accumulated depreciation............................. 196.1 168.9
------ ------
Net Property....................................... 283.2 201.1
------ ------
Noncurrent Deferred Income Tax Benefits..................... 19.7 18.4
------ ------
Deferred Charges and Other Assets........................... 15.5 13.9
------ ------
Total Assets....................................... $474.7 $391.0
====== ======
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt......................... $ 4.4 $ 2.5
Other short-term debt..................................... 11.3 0.5
Accounts payable.......................................... 58.1 43.4
Accrued expenses.......................................... 50.7 43.0
Income taxes payable...................................... -- 1.1
------ ------
Total Current Liabilities.......................... 124.5 90.5
------ ------
Long-Term Debt.............................................. 108.4 80.8
------ ------
Deferred Income Taxes....................................... 12.7 11.2
------ ------
Other Noncurrent Liabilities................................ 24.1 21.9
------ ------
Minority Interest........................................... 8.0 7.1
------ ------
Contingencies (See Notes 6, 10, 11 and 12)
Stockholders' Equity
Preferred Stock -- $.10 par value -- 10,000,000 shares
authorized, none issued................................. -- --
Common Stock -- $.10 par value -- 100,000,000 shares
authorized, 16,078,733 and 16,065,443 shares issued at
December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively................ 1.6 1.6
Additional paid-in capital................................ 60.7 60.3
Common stock in treasury, at cost -- 154,668 shares at
December 31, 1998....................................... (3.8) --
Retained earnings......................................... 134.8 113.5
Accumulated other comprehensive income --
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments..... 3.7 4.1
------ ------
Total Stockholders' Equity......................... 197.0 179.5
------ ------
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity................ $474.7 $391.0
====== ======
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
32
33
SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACCUMULATED
COMMON STOCK ISSUED TREASURY STOCK ADDITIONAL OTHER
--------------------- ---------------- PAID-IN RETAINED COMPREHENSIVE
SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT CAPITAL EARNINGS INCOME TOTAL
---------- -------- ------- ------ ---------- -------- ------------- ------
(U.S. $ IN MILLIONS)
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1995............ 16,051,109 $ 1.6 $ 60.0 $ 46.3 $22.0 $129.9
Net income.......................... 38.7 38.7
Adjustments to unrealized foreign
currency translation.............. (5.4) (5.4)
------
Comprehensive income................ 33.3
Dividends declared ($0.45 per
share)............................ (7.2) (7.2)
Stock issued to directors as
compensation...................... 1,512 --
---------- ------ ------ ------ ----- ------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1996............ 16,052,621 1.6 60.0 77.8 16.6 156.0
Net income.......................... 45.3 45.3
Adjustments to unrealized foreign
currency translation.............. (12.5) (12.5)
------
Comprehensive income................ 32.8
Dividends declared ($0.60 per
share)............................ (9.6) (9.6)
Stock issued to directors as
compensation...................... 1,182 --
Stock issued for options
exercised......................... 11,640 0.3 0.3
---------- ------ ------ ------ ----- ------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1997............ 16,065,443 1.6 60.3 113.5 4.1 179.5
Net income.......................... 31.0 31.0
Adjustments to unrealized foreign
currency translation.............. (0.4) (0.4)
------
Comprehensive income................ 30.6
Dividends declared ($0.60 per
share)............................ (9.6) (9.6)
Purchases of treasury stock......... 155,700 $(3.8) (3.8)
Stock issued to directors as
compensation...................... 1,350 (1,032) --
Stock issued for options
exercised......................... 11,940 0.3 0.3
Adjustments due to rounding......... 0.1 (0.1) --
---------- ------ ------- ------ ------ ------ ----- ------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1998............ 16,078,733 $ 1.6 154,668 $(3.8) $ 60.7 $134.8 $ 3.7 $197.0
========== ====== ======= ====== ====== ====== ===== ======
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
33
34
SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
FOR THE YEARS ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------
1998 1997 1996
------- ----- -----
(U.S. $ IN MILLIONS)
Operations
Net income................................................ $ 31.0 $45.3 $38.7
Depreciation and amortization............................. 24.8 14.4 13.4
Deferred income tax provision............................. 5.0 9.9 8.6
Minority interest in earnings of subsidiaries............. 5.6 5.5 5.2
Non-cash utilization of restructuring reserve............. -- -- 4.7
Other..................................................... 2.6 3.0 1.3
Changes in operating working capital, excluding effects of
acquisitions:
Accounts receivable.................................... (1.2) 8.1 4.4
Inventories............................................ (1.4) (7.1) 6.8
Accounts payable....................................... 2.4 (11.1) 10.2
Accrued expenses....................................... 0.3 0.5 (1.1)
Prepaid expenses....................................... 1.2 (1.7) (1.1)
Accrued income taxes................................... (3.2) 0.5 (0.7)
------- ----- -----
Net changes in operating working capital............. (1.9) (10.8) 18.5
------- ----- -----
Cash Provided by Operations....................... 67.1 67.3 90.4
------- ----- -----
Investing
Capital spending.......................................... (36.7) (35.8) (51.5)
Capitalized software costs................................ (4.0) (7.6) (2.7)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired........................ (65.4) -- --
Other..................................................... (1.3) (4.7) (1.7)
------- ----- -----
Cash Used for Investing........................... (107.4) (48.1) (55.9)
------- ----- -----
Financing
Cash dividends paid to SWM stockholders................... (9.6) (9.6) (7.2)
Cash dividends paid to minority owner..................... (5.3) (4.5) (0.9)
Changes in short-term debt................................ 8.4 (0.8) (1.2)
Proceeds from issuances of long-term debt................. 24.8 5.6 5.4
Payments on long-term debt................................ (5.0) (3.9) (5.6)
Purchases of treasury stock............................... (3.8) -- --
Issuances of capital stock................................ 0.3 0.3 --
------- ----- -----
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing............. 9.8 (12.9) (9.5)
------- ----- -----
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents............ (30.5) 6.3 25.0
Cash and Cash Equivalents at beginning of year.............. 37.2 30.9 5.9
------- ----- -----
Cash and Cash Equivalents at end of year.................... $ 6.7 $37.2 $30.9
======= ===== =====
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
34
35
SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. $ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS
NOTE 1. BACKGROUND
On November 30, 1995, Kimberly-Clark Corporation ("Kimberly-Clark")
distributed all of the outstanding common stock of Schweitzer-Mauduit
International, Inc. (the "Distribution") to its stockholders, through a tax-free
spin-off of its U.S., French and Canadian business operations that manufacture
and sell tobacco-related papers and other specialty paper products (the
"Businesses"). Effective at the close of business on November 30, 1995, the
Company became an independent, publicly owned company as a result of the
Distribution.
In order to effectuate the spin-off of the Businesses, on August 21, 1995
and July 31, 1995, respectively, Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc. ("SWM")
and Schweitzer-Mauduit Canada, Inc. ("SM-Canada") were incorporated and
nominally capitalized. Prior to the Distribution, Kimberly-Clark transferred to
SWM (the "Transfer") (i) the assets and liabilities of its U.S.-based specialty
products business; (ii) all of the issued and outstanding shares of SM-Canada
and of Schweitzer-Mauduit France, S.A.R.L., a French corporation ("SMF"); and
(iii) 72 percent of the issued and outstanding shares of LTR Industries, S.A., a
French corporation ("LTRI"). After the Transfer, the Company consisted of the
operating assets and liabilities of Kimberly-Clark's U.S. specialty products
business and investments in SM-Canada (100 percent owned), SMF (100 percent
owned) and LTRI (72 percent owned). SMF, directly or indirectly, then owned 100
percent of two principal French operating subsidiaries, Papeteries de Mauduit
S.A. ("PdM") and Papeteries de Malaucene S.A. ("PdMal"), and a French holding
company, Schweitzer-Mauduit Enterprises S.A. ("SM-Enterprises"). The Transfer
was accounted for at historical cost in a manner similar to that in pooling of
interests accounting as the entities were all under common control. (As used
herein, the Company means SWM, SWM and its several subsidiaries or, as
determined by the context, one or more or its several subsidiaries.)
During 1997, the Company established and nominally capitalized
Schweitzer-Mauduit Spain, S.L. ("SM-Spain"), a 100 percent owned holding company
organized under the Spanish holding company regime.
NOTE 2. ACQUISITIONS
On February 2, 1998, SM-Spain paid approximately $62.0 in cash for 99.97
percent ownership interest in Companhia Industrial de Papel Pirahy ("Pirahy"), a
specialty paper manufacturer located near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In connection
with the acquisition of Pirahy, the Company modified its existing credit
agreement to provide a $20.0 term loan to SM-Spain. SM-Spain borrowed the
remaining funds for the transaction from SMF, which in turn utilized its
existing cash balances and borrowings from its revolving credit facilities.
Subsequently, Pirahy was renamed Schweitzer-Mauduit do Brasil, S.A. ("SWM-B").
On February 11, 1998, SM-Enterprises paid 37.2 million French francs
(approximately $6.1) in cash and assumed approximately $5.8 in existing net debt
for all of the outstanding shares of Ingefico, S.A. and 97.1 percent of the
outstanding shares of its pulp and specialty paper manufacturing subsidiaries,
Groupe SAPAM S.A. ("Groupe SAPAM") and Papeteries de la Moulasse S.A., located
in St. Girons, France. Subsequently, SM-Enterprises acquired all the remaining
shares of Groupe SAPAM for $0.2 in cash. SM-Enterprises and Ingefico, S.A. were
then merged into Groupe SAPAM. Papeteries de la Moulasse S.A. was renamed
Papeteries de St. Girons S.A. ("PdStG").
35
36
SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
U.S. $ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS
The above acquisitions were accounted for under the purchase method of
accounting and, accordingly, the acquired assets and liabilities have been
recorded at their estimated fair values as of the respective dates of the
acquisitions. In conjunction with the acquisitions, liabilities were assumed as
follows:
Fair value of assets acquired............................... $ 95.7
Less: Cash paid for the stock............................... (68.3)
Direct costs incurred................................. (2.0)
------
Liabilities assumed....................................... $ 25.4
======
The operating results of the newly-acquired companies are included in the
Consolidated Statements of Income beginning February 1, 1998. Unaudited
consolidated pro forma net sales, net income, basic earnings per share and
diluted earnings per share, assuming the acquisitions had occurred at the
beginning of 1997, would have been $570.4, $44.2, $2.76 and $2.71, respectively.
Unaudited consolidated pro forma net sales and net income for 1998 would have
been $555.9 and $31.1, respectively. Unaudited consolidated pro forma basic and
diluted earnings per share for 1998 would have been $1.94 and $1.92, the same as
the Company's audited consolidated basic and diluted earnings per share.
NOTE 3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
These financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles, which require management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect amounts of assets and liabilities reported, disclosure
of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
amounts of revenues and expenses reported for the periods. Actual results could
differ from these estimates. These financial statements are presented on a
consolidated basis and include the accounts of SWM and all its majority-owned
subsidiaries. All material intercompany and interdivisional transactions are
eliminated.
Revenue Recognition
Sales are generally recognized upon shipment of the product to the
customer.
Foreign Currency Translation
The income statements of foreign entities are translated into U.S. dollars
at average exchange rates prevailing during the periods. The balance sheets of
these entities are translated at period-end exchange rates, and the differences
from historical exchange rates are reflected in a separate component of
accumulated other comprehensive income as unrealized foreign currency
translation adjustments. Foreign currency gains and losses arising from
settlement of transactions in non-local currencies and remeasurement of
non-local currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities are included in
other income, net.
Earnings Per Share
Basic net income per common share is computed based on net income divided
by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. The average number
of common shares used in the calculation of basic net income per common share
for 1998, 1997 and 1996 were 16,018,700, 16,059,900 and 16,052,100,
respectively. Diluted net income per common share is computed based on net
income divided by the weighted average number of common and potential common
shares outstanding. The average number of common and potential common shares
used in the calculation of diluted net income per common share for 1998, 1997
and 1996 were 16,161,300, 16,338,600 and 16,216,900, respectively. The only
potential common shares are those related to stock options outstanding during
the respective years.
36
37
SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
U.S. $ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash, time deposits, and readily
marketable securities with original maturities of three months or less. The
recorded amount reported in the balance sheet approximates fair value.
Inventories
Most U.S. inventories are valued at cost on the Last-In, First-Out ("LIFO")
method. The balance of the U.S. inventories and inventories of entities outside
the U.S. are valued at the lower of cost, using the First-In, First-Out ("FIFO")
and weighted average methods, or market.
Property and Depreciation
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciable property is
depreciated on the straight-line method for accounting purposes. When property
is sold or retired, the cost of the property and the related accumulated
depreciation are removed from the balance sheet, and any gain or loss on the
transaction is included in income. The depreciable lives for the principal asset
categories are as follows:
ASSET CATEGORY DEPRECIABLE LIFE
- -------------- ----------------
Machinery and Equipment................................ 5 to 20 years
Buildings.............................................. 20 to 40 years
Building Improvements.................................. Lesser of 20 years or
remaining life of the
relevant building or
lease
Capitalized Software Costs
The Company accounts for costs incurred in connection with software
developed for internal use in accordance with Statement of Position 98-1,
"Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for
Internal Use" issued in March 1998 by the Accounting Standards Executive
Committee of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The Company
capitalizes certain purchases of software and software design and installation
costs in connection with major projects for software development for internal
use. These costs are included in Deferred Charges and Other Assets on the
consolidated balance sheet and are amortized on the straight line method for
accounting purposes over the estimated useful life not to exceed seven years.
Costs associated with business process redesign, end-user training, system
start-up and ongoing software maintenance are expensed as incurred.
Environmental Spending
Environmental spending is capitalized if such spending qualifies as
property, plant and equipment, substantially increases the economic value or
extends the useful life of an asset. All other such spending is expensed as
incurred. Environmental spending relating to an existing condition caused by
past operations is expensed. Liabilities are accrued when environmental
assessments or remedial efforts are probable, and the costs can be reasonably
estimated. Generally, timing of these accruals coincides with completion of a
feasibility study or commitment to a formal plan of action.
Impairment of Assets
The Company periodically assesses the likelihood of recovering the cost of
long-lived assets based on its expectation of future profitability and
undiscounted cash flow of the related operations. These factors, along
37
38
SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
U.S. $ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS
with management's plans with respect to the operations, are considered in
assessing the recoverability of property and purchased intangibles.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense and deferred income tax assets and liabilities are
determined under the asset and liability method. Deferred income taxes have been
provided on the differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of
assets and liabilities by applying enacted tax rates in effect for the years in
which the differences are expected to reverse.
In France, prior to the Distribution, SMF, PdM, PdMal and SMF's other
French subsidiaries unrelated to the tobacco-related and specialty papers
businesses were included in the consolidated income tax group of SMF, while LTRI
separately filed its own income tax returns. Those other SMF subsidiaries were
merged together, and the shares of the merged entity were distributed to
Kimberly-Clark prior to the Distribution. SMF remained part of SWM to permit PdM
and PdMal to utilize income tax loss carryforwards previously generated by those
other French operations. Subsequent to the Distribution, those other French
subsidiaries were no longer included in the consolidated income tax group of
SMF, and LTRI continues to separately file its own income tax returns.
Stock Compensation
Compensation cost for stock options is measured based on the intrinsic
value method under APB No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" (See
Note 8). Payments in the form of shares of the Company made to third parties,
including the Company's outside Directors, are recorded at fair value based on
the market value of the Company's common stock at the time of payment.
New Accounting Standard
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities", which will require that all derivative
financial instruments be recognized as either assets or liabilities in the
balance sheet. SFAS No. 133 will be effective no later than for the Company's
first quarter of 2000. The Company is evaluating the effects of this new
statement and when to implement the new requirements.
38
39
SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
U.S. $ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS
NOTE 4. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES
Supplemental Balance Sheet Data
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
------------------
1998 1997
------ ------
Summary of Accounts Receivable:
Trade..................................................... $57.4 $45.3
Other..................................................... 14.0 12.1
Less allowances for doubtful accounts and sales
discounts.............................................. (1.9) (0.4)
----- -----
Total............................................. $69.5 $57.0
===== =====
Summary of Inventories by Major Class:
At the lower of cost on the FIFO and weighted average
methods or market:
Raw materials.......................................... $25.9 $20.1
Work in process........................................ 9.3 11.3
Finished goods......................................... 26.6 21.4
Supplies and other..................................... 13.2 9.7
----- -----
75.0 62.5
Excess of FIFO cost over LIFO cost..................... (5.6) (6.2)
----- -----
Total............................................. $69.4 $56.3
===== =====
Total inventories included $30.8 and $31.3 of inventories subject to the
LIFO method of valuation at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. If LIFO
inventories had been valued at FIFO cost, net income would have been decreased
by $0.4, $0.6 and $1.4 in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
------------------
1998 1997
------ ------
Summary of Accrued Expenses:
Accrued salaries, wages and employee benefits............. $26.8 $22.2
Other accrued expenses.................................... 23.9 20.8
----- -----
Total............................................. $50.7 $43.0
===== =====
39
40
SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
U.S. $ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS
Analysis of Allowances for Doubtful Accounts and Sales Discounts:
BALANCE AT WRITE-OFFS BALANCE
BEGINNING BALANCES CHARGED TO AND CURRENCY AT END OF
OF PERIOD ACQUIRED EXPENSE DISCOUNTS TRANSLATION PERIOD
---------- -------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998
Allowance for doubtful accounts...... $0.4 $1.5 $0.3 $(0.1) $(0.2) $1.9
Allowance for sales discounts........ -- -- 0.2 (0.2) -- --
---- ---- ---- ----- ----- ----
Total...................... $0.4 $1.5 $0.5 $(0.3) $(0.2) $1.9
==== ==== ==== ===== ===== ====
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997
Allowance for doubtful accounts...... $0.5 $ -- $(0.1) $ -- $0.4
Allowance for sales discounts........ -- 0.2 (0.2) -- --
---- ---- ----- ----- ----
Total...................... $0.5 $0.2 $(0.3) $ -- $0.4
==== ==== ===== ===== ====
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1996
Allowance for doubtful accounts...... $0.5 $ -- -- $ -- $0.5
Allowance for sales discounts........ -- 0.1 (0.1) -- --
---- ---- ----- ----- ----
Total...................... $0.5 $0.1 $(0.1) $ -- $0.5
==== ==== ===== ===== ====
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------- ------- -------
Interest paid............................................... $ 6.2 $ 4.2 $ 4.4
Interest capitalized........................................ 0.1 0.5 0.4
Income taxes paid (1)....................................... 15.6 17.7 17.5
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents due to exchange rate
changes................................................... $(1.0) $(2.5) $(0.7)
- ---------------
(1) The SMF consolidated tax group paid only nominal amounts of minimum required
income taxes in all periods presented due to the net operating loss
carryforwards retained in the Distribution.
NOTE 5. DEBT
In 1995, the Company, SMF and PdM Industries S.N.C. ("PdM Industries"), a
subsidiary owned 99 percent by PdM and one percent by SMF, entered into an
unsecured credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with a group of banks to
provide term and revolving loans totaling 375 million French francs (or
approximately $67 at December 31, 1998 and $63 at December 31, 1997) to SMF and
PdM Industries (the "French Credit Facility") and term and revolving loans
totaling $40.0 to the Company (the "U.S. Credit Facility" and, together with the
French Credit Facility, the "Credit Facilities"). The French Credit Facility
consists of a term loan to SMF in the amount of 250 million French francs (or
approximately $45 at December 31, 1998 and $42 at December 31, 1997) (the
"French Term Loan Facility") and a renewable 364-day revolving credit facility
available to both SMF and PdM Industries in an amount of up to 125 million
French francs (or approximately $22 at December 31, 1998 and $21 at December 31,
1997) (the "French Revolving Credit Facility"). Borrowings under the French
Credit Facility are guaranteed by the Company. The U.S. Credit Facility consists
of a term loan to the Company in the amount of $25.0 (the "U.S. Term Loan
Facility", and, together with the French Term Loan Facility, the "Term Loan
Facilities") and a renewable 364-day revolving credit facility available to the
Company in an amount of up to $15.0 (the "U.S. Revolving Credit Facility" and,
together with the French Revolving Credit Facility, the "Revolving Credit
Facilities"). In connection with the Distribution, the Company made cash
distributions to Kimberly-Clark
40
41
SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
U.S. $ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS
principally financed by borrowings of the full amounts by SWM and SMF under the
U.S. and French Term Loan Facilities, respectively.
In February 1998, the Company completed the Brazilian and French
acquisitions (see Note 2). In anticipation of these acquisitions, the Company
modified its then existing Credit Agreement. The terms of the "Amended and
Restated Credit Agreement" entered into on January 30, 1998 were substantially
the same as the prior Credit Agreement, except that it (i) provided an
additional $20.0 term loan to SM-Spain (adding it to the Term Loan Facilities),
(ii) extended the maturities of the Term Loan Facilities by approximately two
years, and (iii) renewed the Revolving Credit Facilities. During January 1999,
the Revolving Credit Facilities were renewed with an expiration date of January
28, 2000. Loans under each of the Term Loan Facilities are payable in three
equal semi-annual installments beginning in January 2002.
The interest rates under the Term Loan Facilities are based, at the
election of the Company, on either (a) the sum of (i) either 0.375 percent per
annum or 0.300 percent per annum (the "Applicable Margin"), determined by
reference to the Company's Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Amended and
Restated Credit Agreement) plus (ii) the London interbank offered rate
("LIBOR"), or (b) an alternate base rate. Beginning January 29, 1999, the
interest rates under the Revolving Credit Facilities are based, at the election
of the Company, on either (a) the sum of (i) 0.45 percent per annum plus (ii)
LIBOR, or (b) an alternate base rate.
The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains representations and
warranties which are customary for facilities of this type and covenants and
provisions that, among other things, require the Company maintain certain
defined financial ratios (a minimum Tangible Net Worth, a maximum Leverage Ratio
and a minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, all as defined in the Amended and
Restated Credit Agreement). Events of default under the Amended and Restated
Credit Agreement include, among other things, termination of the Company's
supply agreement with Philip Morris without entry into one or more suitable
replacement agreements.
The Company selectively enters into interest rate hedge agreements with
respect to its variable rate long-term borrowings under the Credit Facilities to
manage its exposure to interest rate increases when it is practical and cost
effective to do so. The weighted average effective interest rates on the Term
Loan Facilities for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 were 5.1
percent, 4.7 percent and 5.2 percent, respectively.
At both December 31, 1998 and 1997, long-term debt other than the Term Loan
Facilities primarily consisted of obligations of the French operations related
to government mandated profit sharing. These amounts bear interest at the five
year treasury note rate in France (6.0 percent at both December 31, 1998 and
1997) and are generally payable in the fifth year subsequent to the year the
profit sharing is accrued.
Following are the balances of long-term debt obligations as of December 31:
1998 1997
------ -----
French Term Loan............................................ $ 44.7 $41.8
U.S. Term Loan.............................................. 25.0 25.0
Spanish Term Loan........................................... 20.0 --
French Employee Profit Sharing.............................. 17.4 15.0
Other....................................................... 5.7 1.5
------ -----
112.8 83.3
Less current portion........................................ (4.4) (2.5)
------ -----
$108.4 $80.8
====== =====
41
42
SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
U.S. $ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS
Following are the scheduled maturities for these long-term debt obligations
as of December 31, 1998:
1999...................................................... $ 4.4
2000...................................................... 3.8
2001...................................................... 3.9
2002...................................................... 64.7
2003...................................................... 34.4
Thereafter................................................ 1.6
------
$112.8
======
At December 31, 1998, the U.S. and the French operations of the Company
together had approximately $37 of Revolving Credit Facilities available, of
which approximately $26 was unused. These facilities permit borrowing at
competitive interest rates and are available for general corporate purposes.
Beginning January 29, 1999, the Company pays commitment fees on the unused
portion of these Revolving Credit Facilities at an annual rate of .15 percent
and may cancel the facilities without penalty at any time prior to their
expiration at January 28, 2000.
The Company also had other bank credit facilities available totaling
approximately $19, of which $0.3 was outstanding at December 31, 1998. No
commitment fees are paid on the unused portion of these facilities.
At December 31, 1998 and 1997, the estimated fair value of the Company's
long-term debt and short-term debt approximated the carrying amount. These fair
values were based on quoted market prices for the same or similar debt or on
current rates offered to the Company for obligations with the same maturities.
NOTE 6. INCOME TAXES
An analysis of the provision (benefit) for income taxes for the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 follows:
1998 1997 1996
----- ----- -----
Current income taxes:
U.S. Federal.............................................. $(1.7) $ 3.8 $ 4.9
U.S. State................................................ (0.3) 0.7 0.9
Foreign................................................... 14.3 14.2 11.6
----- ----- -----
12.3 18.7 17.4
----- ----- -----
Deferred income taxes:
U.S. Federal.............................................. 1.9 1.5 1.2
U.S. State................................................ (0.1) 0.3 0.2
Foreign................................................... 3.2 8.1 7.2
----- ----- -----
5.0 9.9 8.6
----- ----- -----
Total............................................. $17.3 $28.6 $26.0
===== ===== =====
Income before income taxes included income of $52.6 in 1998, $63.5 in 1997,
and $51.8 in 1996 from operations outside the U.S.
42
43
SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
U.S. $ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS
A reconciliation of income tax computed at the U.S. federal statutory
income tax rate to the provision for income taxes is as follows for the years
ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996:
1998 1997 1996
---------------- ---------------- ----------------
AMOUNT PERCENT AMOUNT PERCENT AMOUNT PERCENT
------ ------- ------ ------- ------ -------
Tax at U.S. statutory rate...................... $18.9 35.0% $27.8 35.0% $24.5 35.0%
State income taxes, net of federal tax
benefit....................................... (0.3) (0.5) 0.6 0.8 0.7 1.0
Statutory rates outside the U.S in excess of
U.S. statutory rate, net...................... 3.9 7.2 4.2 5.3 0.7 1.0
French income tax rate increase -- deferred
benefit....................................... -- -- (2.0) (2.6) -- --
Change in French tax law........................ -- -- (2.1) (2.6) -- --
Adjustment of French valuation allowances....... (5.2) (9.6) -- -- -- --
Other, net...................................... -- -- 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2
----- ---- ----- ---- ----- ----
Provision for income taxes...................... $17.3 32.1% $28.6 36.0% $26.0 37.2%
===== ==== ===== ==== ===== ====
The provision for income taxes in 1998 included the benefit of a reduction
in the valuation allowance recorded against certain French deferred income tax
assets arising from net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs"). This adjustment
reduced the deferred provision for income taxes by $5.2. The reduction in the
valuation allowance was recorded because of continued earnings and projected
future earnings at the French businesses that utilize the NOLs, reducing the
uncertainty that these NOLs will be fully utilized in the future.
The provision for income taxes in 1997 was impacted by an increase in the
effective statutory income tax rate enacted in France in November 1997 from
36.67 percent to 41.67 percent for 1997 and 1998, retroactive to January 1,
1997, and to 40.0 percent for 1999. The unfavorable effect on current taxes of
the tax rate increase, including a retroactive adjustment for the eleven-month
period ended November 30, 1997, was offset by the favorable effect on the
deferred provision for income taxes due to the increased value of the tax
benefits to be recognized from the NOLs retained by SMF estimated to be realized
during 1997, 1998 and 1999, the periods of the higher income tax rates. The
impact in 1997 attributable to deferred tax assets, net of liabilities, was a
favorable $2.0 on the deferred provision for income taxes. Also impacting the
1997 provision for income taxes was the enactment in France in 1997 of a law
that eliminated taxation of a "provision for the fluctuating value of raw
materials" that had been included in French deferred taxes. Cancellation of this
deferred tax liability reduced the provision for income taxes by $2.1.
The Company considers the undistributed earnings of certain foreign
subsidiaries to be indefinitely reinvested or plans to repatriate such earnings
only when tax effective to do so. Accordingly, no provision for U.S. federal and
state income taxes has been made thereon. Upon distribution of those earnings in
the form of dividends, loans to the U.S. parent, or otherwise, the Company could
be subject to both U.S. income taxes (subject to an adjustment for foreign tax
credits) and withholding taxes payable to foreign tax authorities. Determination
of the amount of unrecognized deferred U.S. tax liability is not practicable
because of the complexities associated with its hypothetical calculation.
43
44
SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
U.S. $ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS
Deferred income tax assets (liabilities) as of December 31, 1998 and 1997
are comprised of the following:
1998 1997
------ ------
Current deferred income tax assets attributable to:
Inventories............................................... $ (0.8) $ (1.1)
Postretirement and other employee benefits................ 3.5 2.4
Other accrued liabilities................................. 1.8 2.3
Other..................................................... 0.7 (0.3)
------ ------
Net current deferred income tax asset............. $ 5.2 $ 3.3
====== ======
Net noncurrent deferred income tax assets attributable to:
Operating and capital loss carryforwards.................. $ 60.9 $ 60.6
Accumulated depreciation and amortization................. (28.2) (24.7)
Other..................................................... (0.2) (1.1)
Valuation allowances...................................... (12.8) (16.4)
------ ------
Net noncurrent deferred income tax asset.......... $ 19.7 $ 18.4
====== ======
Net noncurrent deferred income tax liabilities attributable
to:
Accumulated depreciation and amortization................. $(19.8) $(17.2)
Postretirement and other employee benefits................ 7.9 8.0
Other..................................................... (0.8) (2.0)
------ ------
Net noncurrent deferred income tax liability...... $(12.7) $(11.2)
====== ======
In the above presentation, the net noncurrent deferred income tax asset
relates to the French, Brazilian and Spanish tax jurisdictions, and the net
noncurrent deferred income tax liability relates to the U.S. and Canadian tax
jurisdictions. Total deferred income tax assets were $62.0 and $56.9 at December
31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Total deferred income tax liabilities were
$49.8 and $46.4 at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
Under French tax law, the NOLs incurred through December 31, 1994 by the
SMF subsidiaries unrelated to the Businesses, which were distributed to
Kimberly-Clark prior to the Distribution, were retained by SMF as of January 1,
1995. In addition to SMF's remaining NOLs, NOLs were obtained in the acquisition
of Pirahy and have been generated during 1998 by SWM-B and SM-Spain.
44
45
SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
U.S. $ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS
The following summarizes the changes in the Company's NOLs and the related
noncurrent deferred income tax asset and valuation allowance for the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996:
TOTAL VALUATION NET
NOLS ASSET ALLOWANCE ASSET
------ ----- --------- -----
Amount at December 31, 1995....................... $190.0 $69.7 $ (4.2) $65.5
Increase related to filing of 1995 French tax
returns......................................... 40.9 15.0 (15.0) --
1996 utilization.................................. (18.6) (6.8) -- (6.8)
Currency translation effect....................... (11.6) (4.3) 1.1 (3.2)
------ ----- ------ -----
Amount at December 31, 1996....................... 200.7 73.6 (18.1) 55.5
Decrease related to filing of 1996 French tax
returns......................................... (1.4) (0.5) -- (0.5)
French income tax rate increase................... -- 2.6 (0.5) 2.1
1997 utilization.................................. (14.8) (6.2) -- (6.2)
Currency translation effect....................... (24.3) (8.9) 2.2 (6.7)
------ ----- ------ -----
Amount at December 31, 1997....................... 160.2 60.6 (16.4) 44.2
Obtained in acquisition........................... 10.3 3.2 -- 3.2
French valuation allowance adjustment............. -- -- 5.2 5.2
1998 utilization, net of generated................ (13.9) (6.3) (0.8) (7.1)
Currency translation effect....................... 9.2 3.4 (0.8) 2.6
------ ----- ------ -----
Amount at December 31, 1998....................... $165.8 $60.9 $(12.8) $48.1
====== ===== ====== =====
Under current tax laws governing the tax jurisdictions in which the Company
has NOLs, certain NOLs in France expire five years subsequent to the year
generated while others carry forward indefinitely, NOLs in Brazil carry forward
indefinitely and NOLs in Spain expire seven years subsequent to the year
generated. Of the $165.8 of NOLs still available at December 31, 1998, $28.6 and
$2.5 will expire in 1999 and 2005, respectively, if not utilized against taxable
income of the respective jurisdiction. The remaining $134.7 of NOLs have no
expiration date. The Company intends to elect to include newly-acquired PdStG in
the SMF consolidated tax group beginning January 1, 1999. After the 1998
adjustment of the French valuation allowance, establishment of a valuation
allowance to reduce the noncurrent deferred income tax asset related to the
Spanish NOLs and currency exchange rate changes during the year, valuation
allowances totaled $12.8 as of December 31, 1998, reducing the related net
deferred tax asset to an amount which is estimated to be realized through
utilization of the NOLs prior to their expiration. Although realization is not
assured, management believes it is more likely than not that the net deferred
tax asset will be realized. However, that amount could change if, among other
considerations, estimates of future taxable income, or income tax regulations or
interpretations, change during the carryforward periods.
Along with numerous other companies and banks in France, PdM is subject to
a tax claim with respect to its purchase of certain bonds in 1988 which were
represented by the two selling banks as carrying specific tax benefits. The
French taxing authority is challenging the use by PdM of those benefits. The tax
claim against PdM by the French taxing authority is $1.9 as of December 31,
1998, including penalties for "abuse of the law" and late payment. A court
decision has held that another purchaser of the bonds was not liable for "abuse
of the law", thus eliminating the "abuse of law" portion of the claim. The
amount of penalties related to "abuse of the law" included in the tax claim
against PdM is approximately $0.8. If the same decision were applied to the tax
claim against PdM, PdM's exposure as of December 31, 1998 would be reduced to
approximately $1.1. The Company is vigorously defending the claim based on the
merits and has filed claims against each bank on the basis of their
misrepresentation of certain facts. The Company's claim against one of the banks
was rejected by a trial court in 1996 and the Company appealed this decision. In
1997, the case against the other bank was stayed until the claim filed by the
French taxing authority against PdM has been resolved. A reserve of $1.0 was
established for this tax claim against PdM during 1997. Based on information
45
46
SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
U.S. $ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS
currently available, there exists a reasonable possibility of an unfavorable
outcome for this claim. Since the claim relates to a period prior to PdM joining
the consolidated tax group, any unfavorable outcome could not be offset with the
NOLs of the SMF consolidated tax group.
NOTE 7. POSTRETIREMENT AND OTHER BENEFITS
North American Pension Benefits
In connection with the Distribution, retirees of the Company's U.S. and
Canadian businesses prior to the Distribution remained participants of their
respective Kimberly-Clark plans. Subsequent to the Distribution, the Company and
its subsidiary in Canada established defined benefit retirement plans covering
substantially all full-time employees. Retirement benefits are based on years of
service and generally on the average compensation earned in the highest five of
the last 15 years of service. Employees as of the date of the Distribution
retained credit for prior service while employees of Kimberly-Clark. The
Company's funding policy is to contribute assets that, at a minimum, fully fund
the accumulated benefit obligation, subject to regulatory and tax deductibility
limits. Under the Distribution, Kimberly-Clark was required to transfer a
proportionate share of assets of its plans related to the employees who
transferred to the Company in the Distribution. The plan assets for the U.S. and
Canadian plans were transferred during 1997 from the Kimberly-Clark plans, in
which the employees had participated prior to the Distribution, to the Company's
plans upon receiving favorable determination letters from the Internal Revenue
Service and Revenue Canada, respectively, qualifying the Company's plans. Plan
assets are invested in a diversified portfolio consisting primarily of equity
and debt securities.
The components of net pension expense for U.S. employees for the years
ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 were as follows:
1998 1997 1996
----- ----- -----
Service cost................................................ $ 2.3 $ 2.1 $ 2.3
Interest cost............................................... 4.4 3.6 3.4
Expected return on plan assets.............................. (4.3) (3.9) (3.2)
Amortizations and other..................................... 0.1 -- 0.2
----- ----- -----
Net periodic pension cost................................... 2.5 1.8 2.7
Special termination benefits charge......................... 1.1 -- --
----- ----- -----
Total pension cost.......................................... $ 3.6 $ 1.8 $ 2.7
===== ===== =====
The assumed long-term rate of return on pension assets for purposes of
pension expense recognition for the U.S. employee plans was 10.0 percent for
each of the years 1998, 1997, and 1996. Transition adjustments for these plans
are being amortized on the straight-line method over 14 to 18 years. The
discount rates used to determine the projected benefit obligation and
accumulated benefit obligation for the U.S. employee pension plans were 6.75
percent and 7.25 percent at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The
assumed long-term rates of compensation increases used to determine the
projected benefit obligations for these plans were 4.0 percent for both December
31, 1998 and 1997.
46
47
SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
U.S. $ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS
The funded status of the U.S. employee pension plans as of December 31,
1998 and 1997 were as follows:
1998 1997
----- -----
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year......... $54.4 $45.6
Service cost........................................... 2.3 2.1
Interest cost.......................................... 4.4 3.6
Actuarial (gains) losses............................... 8.4 3.4
Special termination benefits........................... 1.1 --
Gross benefits paid.................................... (1.3) (0.3)
----- -----
Projected benefit obligation at end of year............... 69.3 54.4
----- -----
Change in Plan Assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year............ 45.1 39.3
Actual return on plan assets........................... 10.3 6.1
Employer contributions................................. 3.1 --
Gross benefits paid.................................... (1.3) (0.3)
----- -----
Fair value of plan assets at end of year.................. 57.2 45.1
----- -----
Funded status at end of year................................ (12.1) (9.3)
Unrecognized actuarial (gains) losses....................... 6.0 3.6
Unrecognized prior service cost and net transition
obligation................................................ 0.2 0.2
----- -----
Net accrued pension liability............................... $(5.9) $(5.5)
===== =====
The projected benefit obligation and accumulated benefit obligation for a
U.S. supplemental executive pension plan with accumulated benefit obligations in
excess of plan assets were $2.4 and $0.9, respectively, as of December 31, 1998,
and $2.6 and $1.4, respectively, as of December 31, 1997. This particular plan
is unfunded and therefore has no plan assets.
French Pension Benefits
In France, employees are covered under a government administered program.
In addition, the Company's French operations sponsor retirement indemnity plans
which pay a lump sum retirement benefit to employees who retire from the
Company. The Company's French operations also sponsor a supplemental executive
pension plan which is designed to provide a retirement benefit equal to between
50 and 65 percent of final earnings, depending upon years of service, after
considering other government and Company sponsored retirement plans. Plan assets
are principally invested in the general asset portfolio of a French insurance
company.
The Company's net pension expense for the French pension plans was $1.6,
$1.1 and $1.0 for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively. The assumed long-term rates of return on pension assets for
purposes of pension expense recognition for the French plans were 7.0 percent
for 1998 and 8.0 percent for 1997 and 1996. Transition adjustments for these
plans are being amortized on the straight-line method over 19 to 20 years. The
discount rates used to determine the projected benefit obligation and
accumulated benefit obligation for the French plans were 6.0 percent and 8.0
percent at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The assumed long-term rates
of compensation increases used to determine the projected benefit obligation for
these plans were approximately 2.5 percent and 4.0 percent at December 31, 1998
and 1997, respectively.
The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation, and fair
value of plan assets for the French pension plans were $15.4, $8.0 and $4.0,
respectively, as of December 31, 1998, and $10.3, $4.4 and
47
48
SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
U.S. $ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS
$3.8, respectively, as of December 31, 1997. The Company's net accrued pension
liability for the French plans was $4.5 and $1.7 at December 31, 1998 and 1997,
respectively.
Brazilian Pension Benefits
In Brazil, employees are covered under a government administered program.
Postretirement Health Care and Life Insurance Benefits
In connection with the Distribution, retirees of the Company's U.S. and
Canadian businesses prior to the Distribution remained participants of their
respective Kimberly-Clark plans. Subsequent to the Distribution, the Company and
its subsidiary in Canada established unfunded health care and life insurance
benefit plans which will cover substantially all future retirees of the Company.
Eligibility for benefits under the Company's plans is based on years of service
and age at retirement. Employees as of the date of the Distribution retained
credit for prior service while employees of Kimberly-Clark. The Company's plans
are noncontributory for certain long service employees when they retire, but are
contributory for most other future retirees.
The components of U.S. employee postretirement health care and life
insurance benefit costs were as follows for the years ended December 31, 1998,
1997 and 1996:
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
Service cost................................................ $0.3 $0.3 $0.3
Interest cost............................................... 0.5 0.5 0.7
Amortizations and other..................................... (0.5) (0.4) (0.1)
---- ---- ----
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost.................... 0.3 0.4 0.9
Special termination benefits charge......................... 0.3 -- --
---- ---- ----
Total postretirement benefit cost........................... $0.6 $0.4 $0.9
==== ==== ====
The components of the unfunded U.S. employee postretirement health care and
life insurance benefit obligation included in other noncurrent liabilities as of
December 31, 1998 and 1997 were as follows:
1998 1997
------ ------
Change in Benefit Obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year................... $ 7.1 $ 10.1
Service cost........................................... 0.3 0.3
Interest cost.......................................... 0.5 0.5
Actuarial (gains) losses............................... 0.8 (3.4)
Plan amendments........................................ (0.3) (0.4)
Special termination benefits........................... 0.3 --
Gross benefits paid by the Company..................... (0.6) --
------ ------
Benefit obligation at end of year......................... 8.1 7.1
------ ------
Funded status at end of year................................ (8.1) (7.1)
Unrecognized actuarial (gains) losses....................... (5.3) (6.5)
Unrecognized prior service cost............................. (1.3) (1.1)
------ ------
Net accrued postretirement benefit liability................ $(14.7) $(14.7)
====== ======
For purposes of measuring the benefit obligation at December 31, 1998, a
6.125 percent annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health
care benefits was assumed for 1999. The rate was assumed to decrease to 5.0
percent for 2000 and remain at that level thereafter. For purposes of measuring
the benefit
48
49
SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
U.S. $ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS
obligation at December 31, 1997, a 7.75 percent annual increase in the per
capita cost of health care benefits was assumed for 1998. The rate was assumed
to decrease to 5.5 percent in 2000 and remain at that level thereafter. Discount
rates of 6.75 percent and 7.25 percent were used to determine the postretirement
benefit obligations at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
A one-percentage point increase or decrease in the healthcare cost trend
rate would have a nominal effect on the total of the service and interest cost
components of the postretirement benefit obligation at December 31, 1998. A one
percentage point increase in the healthcare cost trend rate would increase the
total postretirement benefit obligation by $0.1 at December 31, 1998. Likewise,
a one percentage point decrease in the healthcare cost trend rate would decrease
the total postretirement benefit obligation by $0.1 at December 31, 1998.
Other Benefits
Substantially all U.S. employees have been given the opportunity to
participate in voluntary investment plans. Under the plans, the Company matches
a portion of employee contributions. The Company's cost under the plans
reflected in each of the accompanying consolidated income statements for the
years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 was $1.0. At December 31, 1998,
1997 and 1996, 500,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock were reserved for
issuance under these plans, none of which had been issued as of December 31,
1998. The shares may, at the Company's option, be used by the Company to satisfy
the Company's liability for its matching contributions.
NOTE 8. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
The Company's Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the issuance of up to
100,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $.10 per share, and 10,000,000
shares of Preferred Stock, par value $.10 per share. Each share of presently
outstanding Common Stock and each share of Common Stock issued after the date of
this report will have attached to it, one right to purchase from the Company one
one-hundredth (1/100) of a share of a series of Preferred Stock designated as
the Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (the "Series A Preferred
Stock") (a "Right"). Each Right entitles a shareholder to purchase from the
Company one one-hundredth (1/100) of a share of the Series A Preferred Stock at
a price of $65 per one one-hundredth (1/100) of a share, subject to certain
anti-dilution adjustments. The Rights, however, become exercisable only at such
time as a person or group acquires, or commences a public tender or exchange
offer for, 15 percent or more of the Company's Common Stock. The Rights have
certain anti-takeover effects since they may cause substantial dilution to a
person or group that attempts to acquire the Company on terms not approved by
the Company's Board of Directors. The Rights should not interfere with any
merger or other business combination approved by the Board of Directors since
they may be redeemed by the Company at $.01 per Right at any time until a person
or group has obtained beneficial ownership of 15 percent or more of the voting
stock. The Rights will expire at the close of business on October 1, 2005,
unless redeemed earlier by the Company.
The Series A Preferred Stock will be non-redeemable and, unless otherwise
provided in connection with the creation of a subsequent series of preferred
stock, will be subordinate to any other series of the Company's preferred stock.
Each share of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive when, as and
if declared, a quarterly dividend in an amount equal to the greater of $1 per
share or 100 times the cash dividends declared on the Company's Common Stock. In
addition, the Series A Preferred Stock is entitled to 100 times any non-cash
dividends (other than dividends payable in shares of Common Stock or a
subdivision of the outstanding shares of Common Stock) declared on the Common
Stock, in like kind. In the event of a liquidation, the holders of the Series A
Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive a liquidation payment in an amount
equal to the greater of $100 per share or 100 times the payment made per share
of Common Stock. Each share of
49
50
SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
U.S. $ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS
Series A Preferred Stock will have 100 votes, voting together with the Common
Stock. In the event of any merger, consolidation or other transaction in which
common shares are exchanged, each share of Series A Preferred Stock will be
entitled to receive 100 times the amount received per share of Common Stock. The
rights of the Series A Preferred Stock as to dividends, liquidation and voting
are protected by antidilution provisions.
The Company's Equity Participation Plan (the "Plan") provides that eligible
employees may be granted stock options which, when exercised, give the recipient
the right to purchase the Company's Common Stock at a price no less than the
"fair market value" (as defined in the Plan) of such stock at grant date.
Options awarded under the Plan only become exercisable after specified periods
of employment after the grant thereof (30 percent after the first year, 30
percent after the second year and the remaining 40 percent after the third
year). Generally, such options expire ten years subsequent to the date of grant.
SFAS No. 123 "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation" defines a fair value
based method of accounting for stock compensation, including stock options, to
employees. This statement provides entities a choice of recognizing related
compensation expense by adopting the fair value method or to measure
compensation using the intrinsic value method under Accounting Principles Board
Opinion No. 25 ("APB No. 25"). The Company has elected to continue to measure
compensation cost for stock options based on the intrinsic value method under
APB No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees". Payments in the form of
shares of the Company made to third parties, including the Company's outside
Directors, are recorded at fair value based on the market value of the Company's
common stock at the time of payment. Under APB No. 25, because the exercise
price of the Company's employee stock options equals the market price of the
underlying stock on the date of grant, no compensation expense is recognized.
SFAS No. 123 requires presentation of pro forma net income and earnings per
share as if the Company had accounted for its employee stock options under the
fair value method of that statement. For purposes of the pro forma disclosures,
the estimated fair value of the options is amortized to expense over the vesting
period. Under the fair value method, the Company's net income and earnings per
share would have been the pro forma amounts indicated below:
1998 1997 1996
----- ----- -----
Net Income:
As reported............................................... $31.0 $45.3 $38.7
Pro forma................................................. $29.8 $44.3 $37.4
Basic net income per share:
As reported............................................... $1.94 $2.82 $2.41
Pro forma................................................. $1.86 $2.76 $2.33
Diluted net income per share:
As reported............................................... $1.92 $2.77 $2.38
Pro forma................................................. $1.84 $2.71 $2.31
The valuation under SFAS No. 123 was based on the Black-Scholes option
pricing model with the market value of the stock equal to the exercise price, an
estimated volatility over the ten year option term of 24 percent for the 1998
awards, 30 percent for the 1997 awards and 32 percent for the 1996 awards, a
risk-free rate of return based upon the zero coupon government bond yield, and
an assumed quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share. At both December 31, 1998 and
1997, 1,500,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock were reserved under the
Plan. At December 31, 1998 and 1997, there were 608,040 and 724,000 shares
available for future awards.
50
51
SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
U.S. $ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS
The following stock options were outstanding as of December 31, 1998, 1997
and 1996:
1998 1997 1996
-------------------- -------------------- --------------------
WEIGHTED- WEIGHTED- WEIGHTED-
AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE
EXERCISE EXERCISE EXERCISE
OPTIONS PRICE OPTIONS PRICE OPTIONS PRICE
-------- --------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
Outstanding at beginning of year.... 764,360 $23.11 699,400 $22.09 598,800 $21.06
Granted........................... 135,900 36.22 76,600 32.54 100,600 28.19
Forfeited......................... (19,940) 32.81 -- --
Exercised......................... (11,940) 23.93 (11,640) 23.51 --
-------- -------- --------
Outstanding at end of year.......... 868,380 24.93 764,360 23.11 699,400 22.09
======== ======== ========
Options exercisable at year-end..... 655,200 $21.99 381,860 $21.60 179,640 $21.06
======== ======== ========
Weighted-average per share fair
value of options granted during
the year.......................... $ 15.00 $ 12.40 $ 9.13
======== ======== ========
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding
at December 31, 1998:
OPTIONS OUTSTANDING OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
-------------------------------------- ------------------------
WEIGHTED-
AVERAGE WEIGHTED- WEIGHTED-
REMAINING AVERAGE AVERAGE
RANGE OF NUMBER CONTRACTUAL EXERCISE NUMBER EXERCISE
EXERCISE PRICES OUTSTANDING LIFE PRICE EXERCISABLE PRICE
- ------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- --------- ----------- ---------
$21.06 to $28.19..................... 671,380 6.9 years $22.00 634,020 $21.64
$32.43 to $34.07..................... 92,700 8.3 32.88 21,180 32.55
$34.62 to $37.38..................... 104,300 9.1 36.72 --
------- -------
$21.06 to $37.38..................... 868,380 7.3 years $24.93 655,200 $21.99
======= =======
NOTE 9. FOREIGN CURRENCY
Foreign currency losses have arisen from settlement of transactions in
non-local currencies and the remeasurement of non-local currency denominated
monetary assets and liabilities into the currency of the country in which the
operation is domiciled. Such losses included in other income, net were nominal
in 1998, 1997 and 1996.
Foreign currency risks arise from transactions and commitments denominated
in non-local currencies. These transactions and commitments may include the
purchase of inventories or property, plant and equipment, the sale of products
and the repayment of loans.
Management selectively hedges the Company's foreign currency risks when it
is practical and cost effective to do so. The instruments are purchased from
well-known money center banks, insurance companies or government agencies
(counterparties). Usually the contracts extend for no more than 12 months,
although their contractual term has been as long as 18 months. Credit risks with
respect to the counterparties, and the foreign currency risks that would not be
hedged if the counterparties fail to fulfill their obligations under the
contracts, are minimal in view of the financial strength of the counterparties.
Gains and losses on instruments that hedge firm commitments are deferred
and included in the basis of the underlying hedged items. Premiums paid for
options are amortized ratably over the life of the option. All other gains and
losses are included in period income or expense based on the period-end market
price of the instrument.
51
52
SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
U.S. $ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS
At December 31, 1998, there were outstanding forward contracts, which were
held for purposes other than trading, maturing at various dates in 1999, to
purchase $4.0 of various foreign currencies. These contracts have not given rise
to any significant net deferred gains or losses as of December 31, 1998.
NOTE 10. COMMITMENTS
Operating Leases
Future minimum obligations under non-cancelable operating leases having an
initial or remaining term in excess of one year as of December 31, 1998 are less
than $1 annually over the next five years. Rental expense under operating leases
was $5.1, $4.0 and $3.9 for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.
Other Commitments
During 1998, PdM entered into a ten year agreement with one of its vendors
in connection with PdM's purchases of calcium carbonate, a raw material used in
the manufacturing of some paper products. The vendor has agreed to construct and
operate an on-site plant at the Quimperle, France mill. The cost to construct
the necessary building and equipment will be approximately $7. PdM has agreed to
annual minimum purchase commitments at prices which will vary according to
quantities consumed. If PdM buys less than the minimum purchase commitments, the
vendor can terminate the contract and require PdM to pay to the vendor the then
net book value of the building and equipment, determined using a straight-line
method of depreciation over the life of the agreement.
Similarly, a vendor of SWM-B operates a calcium carbonate plant on-site at
the Pirahy, Brazil mill. Under that agreement, which will expire in 2006, the
net raw material prices vary according to the quantities produced, however,
SWM-B is committed to pay at least the monthly fixed costs of the calcium
carbonate plant which are less than $0.1 per month.
Under each of the above agreements, the net raw material prices expected to
be paid are less than the net prices at which the raw material could otherwise
be purchased, and thus the commitments are not expected to result in losses.
Additionally, PdM's and SWM-B's current levels of calcium carbonate usage far
exceed their respective contractual minimum commitments.
The Company has entered into certain other contracts for the purchase of
certain raw materials. Minimum purchase commitments, at current prices, are
approximately $0.7 in 1999. These purchase commitments are not expected to
result in losses.
The Company has also entered into certain contracts for the purchase of
equipment and related costs in connection with its ongoing capital projects.
These commitments at December 31, 1998 totaled approximately $8.6.
SWM-B has arrangements with local financial institutions through which
certain customers selected by SWM-B that desire extended payment terms can
obtain financing directly with such financial institutions. SWM-B negotiates the
terms of the financing and, upon agreement by all parties, SWM-B receives
immediate payment from the financial institution upon the sale of the related
product. Under these arrangements, SWM-B retains an unrecorded commitment to the
financial institutions in the event the customer defaults. SWM-B has total
arrangements available as of December 31, 1998 of approximately $9.1, of which
approximately $2.7 was being utilized.
52
53
SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
U.S. $ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS
NOTE 11. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Under the terms of the Distribution, the Company assumed liability for and
agreed to indemnify Kimberly-Clark from litigation arising out of the operation
of the Businesses, including the following cases:
- A purported class action, defining a class of plaintiffs who allegedly
sustained injuries as a result of being exposed to tobacco smoke and
respirable asbestos fibers, and three individual actions have been filed
in the Circuit Court of Kanawha County, West Virginia in 1998 against
several tobacco companies, tobacco industry trade associations and
consultants, tobacco wholesalers and cigarette component manufacturers,
including Kimberly-Clark and LTRI. The class representative and each
individual plaintiff, respectively, seek compensatory damages of $2 to
$3, punitive damages of $3 and, for class members, compensatory and
punitive damages in an unspecified amount. Cleo Huffman, Denny L.
Parsons, Linda Morris and Sinette Newkirk, the named plaintiffs in these
actions, filed their respective complaints on February 13, 1998, February
27, 1998, March 13, 1998 and July 22, 1998. The complaints allege several
theories of liability against the defendants including negligence,
product liability, misrepresentation, breach of warranty, conspiracy and
other theories of liability. The Company has filed motions to dismiss
that are currently pending in each of these cases.
- In September 1998, Luanne Jividen and Jerry Jividen filed a complaint in
the Circuit Court of Mason County, West Virginia against several tobacco
companies, industry trade associations and consultants, tobacco
wholesalers and cigarette component manufacturers, including
Kimberly-Clark and LTRI, seeking equitable relief, $1 in compensatory
damages and $3 in punitive damages for mental suffering, physical injury
and loss of consortium allegedly sustained as a result of Ms. Jividen's
contracting breast cancer as a result of her addiction to smoking
Marlboro and other brands of cigarettes. The fourteen count complaint
sets forth several theories of liability including willful and negligent
misrepresentation, violations of state consumer protection laws, breach
of express and implied warranties, intentional infliction of emotional
distress, product liability, conspiracy, sale of an unreasonably
dangerous product and accomplice liability.
- In October 1998, Edward J. Sweeney, Stephen R. Micarek and Lisa A. Figura
filed, in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, on
behalf of themselves and certain residents of Pennsylvania, a purported
class action against several tobacco companies, industry trade
associations and consultants, tobacco wholesalers and retailers and
cigarette component manufacturers, including Kimberly-Clark, seeking
equitable relief and punitive damages for the class in an unspecified
amount. The class consists of those Pennsylvania residents who,
"commencing before age 18 . . . purchased, smoked . . . and continue to
smoke cigarettes manufactured, marketed and sold by defendants". The five
count complaint alleges that the defendants are liable to the plaintiffs
under a number of theories, including product liability, consumer fraud,
breach of special duty, negligence and civil conspiracy. Among other
things, the complaint alleges that nicotine is an addictive substance,
that the tobacco companies, by using reconstituted tobacco and other
additives, are able to control the precise amount and/or the
bioavailability of nicotine in their cigarettes and that LTRI, formerly a
subsidiary of Kimberly-Clark, specializes in the tobacco reconstitution
process and in helping tobacco companies control the nicotine in their
cigarettes. The defendants have sought to remove the case to the U.S.
District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Plaintiff's
motion to remand the case to state court is pending.
As a component supplier, the Company believes that Kimberly-Clark has
meritorious defenses to each of these cases. LTRI also has meritorious defenses
to each of the cases in which it has been named as a defendant and will seek to
be dismissed from such actions on the grounds that it is not subject to the
personal jurisdiction of the West Virginia courts and also on the grounds that
it did not sell its products in the United States. Due to the uncertainties of
litigation, the Company cannot predict the outcome of these cases and is
53
54
SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
U.S. $ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS
unable to make a meaningful estimate of the amount or range of loss which could
result from an unfavorable outcome of these actions. These cases will be
vigorously defended.
During 1998, Kimberly-Clark was voluntarily dismissed, with prejudice, from
a purported tobacco class action brought by James E. McCune in 1997 in the
Circuit Court of Kanawha County, West Virginia, and, in December 1998, the
federal district court in Utah dismissed Kimberly-Clark, with prejudice, from a
tobacco class action brought by three union health and welfare funds.
Also, the Company is involved in certain other legal actions and claims
arising in the ordinary course of business. Management believes that such
litigation and claims will be resolved without a material effect on the
Company's consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 12. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
The Company's operations are subject to federal, state and local laws,
regulations and ordinances relating to various environmental matters. The nature
of the Company's operations expose it to the risk of claims with respect to
environmental matters, and there can be no assurance that material costs or
liabilities will not be incurred in connection with such claims. Based on the
Company's experience to date, the Company believes that its future cost of
compliance with environmental laws, regulations and ordinances, and its exposure
to liability for environmental claims, will not have a material adverse effect
on the Company's financial condition or results of operations. However, future
events, such as changes in existing laws and regulations, or unknown
contamination of sites owned, operated or used for waste disposal by the Company
(including contamination caused by prior owners and operators of such sites or
other waste generators) may give rise to additional costs which could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results of
operations.
Prior to the Distribution, Kimberly-Clark was named a potentially
responsible party ("PRP") under the provisions of the U.S. Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA"), or analogous
state statutes, in connection with two waste disposal sites utilized by the
Company's Spotswood, New Jersey mill. Prior to the Distribution, the Spotswood
mill also responded to an information request by the New Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection and Energy ("NJDEP") with respect to another landfill
site allegedly used by the Spotswood mill. The Company has assumed
Kimberly-Clark's liabilities at each of these sites but does not believe that
any of these proceedings will result in the imposition of monetary sanctions or
have a material adverse effect on the Company's business or financial condition.
The Company also assumed responsibility to administer a consent order
between Kimberly-Clark and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental
Protection ("MDEP") governing the post-closure care of the Willow Hill Landfill
in Lee, Massachusetts. The Company is obligated to maintain the integrity of the
cover and to sample groundwater by means of monitoring wells, in addition to
other long-term maintenance responsibilities for this former non-hazardous waste
disposal facility. Under the terms of a January 24, 1997 Administrative Consent
Order with MDEP, as amended ("Consent Order"), the Company was required to
reduce concentrations of landfill gases at the landfill property line to
specified levels by September 15, 1998. The Company has met the specified levels
at 22 of 26 gas monitoring wells, but four monitoring wells have not yet
attained such levels at 30 feet below ground level. Since such noncompliance
does not create a safety risk, the Company has applied to MDEP to modify the
Consent Order so that gas concentration measurements are restricted to 20 feet
below ground level and monitoring frequency is reduced to twice per month.
Pending a decision on the Company's request to modify the Consent Order, the
Company must continue to monitor gas concentrations at the property line as
specified in the Consent Order. Although the literal terms of the Consent Order
could subject the Company to penalties for failing to meet the September 15,
1998 deadline, the Company does not expect the imposition of penalties based on
the absence of a safety risk and current progress toward full compliance. The
estimated cost of the remaining corrective action and annual operating expenses
54
55
SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
U.S. $ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS
expected to be incurred under the Consent Order, without the modifications
requested by the Company, is $0.2, which amount has been accrued as of December
31, 1998.
On December 7, 1998, the Company's Lee mills received a Notice of
Enforcement Conference concerning self-reported exceedances of its National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit limit on biological oxygen demand
("BOD") for four consecutive months (June 1998 through September 1998). Company
representatives presented an action plan to MDEP that the Company believes will
prevent future exceedances of its BOD limits. MDEP proposed that the Company
enter into an Administrative Consent Order With Penalty that would detail the
corrective actions to be taken, a timeline for implementation and stipulated
penalties for any future, as well as past, violations. MDEP has proposed a total
penalty of fifteen thousand dollars for past exceedances of the BOD limits. The
Company does not believe that the cost of any corrective action or the amount of
any administrative penalties will have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business or financial condition.
Certain of the Company's facilities comprising the Lee mills and the
Spotswood mill were subject to Title V of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990
and were, therefore, required to apply for Operating Permits under that title.
The Columbia mill and the Niagara mill (portions of the Lee mills) received
final Title V Operating Permits on April 21, 1998 and May 4, 1998, respectively.
On February 4, 1999, the Spotswood mill filed an amended Operating Permit
Application in response to NJDEP's Notice of Administrative Incompleteness
issued to the mill. No material capital expenditures or operating expenses are
expected to be incurred by the U.S. business as a result of this permitting
process.
The Company's U.S. operations were not impacted by the first phase of the
revised U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ("EPA's") "Cluster Rules".
Subsequent phases of the Cluster Rules could impact the Company's U.S.
facilities; however, the potential impact cannot be estimated until after the
EPA proposes applicable requirements, if any.
The Company incurs spending necessary to meet legal requirements and
otherwise relating to the protection of the environment at the Company's
facilities in the United States, France, Brazil and Canada. For these purposes,
the Company incurred total capital expenditures of $1.7 in 1998, and anticipates
that it will incur approximately $2 to $4 annually in 1999 and 2000. The major
projects included in these estimates include upgrading wastewater treatment
facilities at various locations and installation of ink solvent treatment
equipment in France. The foregoing capital expenditures are not expected to
reduce the Company's ability to invest in capacity expansion, quality
improvements, capital replacements, productivity improvements, or cost
containment projects, and are not expected to have a material adverse effect on
the Company's financial condition or results of operations.
NOTE 13. BUSINESS SEGMENTS AND GEOGRAPHY
Business Segment Reporting
The Company has adopted SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information". Information presented herein is in
accordance with this new disclosure standard and closely aligns with geographic
information presented by the Company in previous years.
The Company is operated and managed based on the geographical location of
its manufacturing operations: the U.S., France and Brazil. These business
segments manufacture and sell cigarette, tipping and plug wrap papers, used to
wrap various parts of a cigarette, reconstituted tobacco products, and paper
products used in cigarette packaging, primarily to the tobacco industry. While
the products are comparable in each segment, they vary based on the
technological capabilities of each of the manufacturing operations and the
respective markets and customers served. Sales by a segment into markets
primarily served by a different
55
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SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
U.S. $ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS
segment occur where specific product needs cannot be cost effectively met by the
manufacturing operations in that segment.
Tobacco industry products comprised 90 percent of the Company's
consolidated net sales in 1998, and 94 percent in 1997 and 1996. The Company's
non-tobacco industry products are a diverse mix of products, certain of which
represent commodity paper grades produced to maximize machine operations.
Consolidated Operations by Segment
For purposes of the segment disclosure in the following tables, the term
"United States" includes operations in the U.S. and Canada. The Canadian
operations only produce flax fiber used as raw material in the U.S. operations.
The Company's Brazilian operations acquired on February 2, 1998 and the
operations of the French business acquired on February 11, 1998 are included in
the Company's consolidated financial statements since the beginning of February
1998.
Intercompany sales of products between segments are made at market prices
and are referred to as intersegment items. Expense amounts not associated with
segments are referred to as unallocated items. Assets reported by segment
represent assets which are directly used and an allocated portion of jointly
used assets. These assets include receivables from other segments and are
included in eliminations.
NET SALES OPERATING PROFIT TOTAL ASSETS
------------------------ --------------------- ---------------
1998 1997 1996 1998 1997 1996 1998 1997
------ ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
United States................................ $186.0 $195.5 $212.3 $ 6.2 $21.2 $23.7 $156.3 $155.4
France....................................... 312.0 268.8 263.5 60.3 66.4 55.5 254.5 237.6
Brazil....................................... 57.9 N.A. N.A. (2.3) N.A. N.A. 67.3 N.A.
------ ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
Subtotal............................ 555.9 464.3 475.8 64.2 87.6 79.2 478.1 393.0
------ ------ ------
Intersegment sales by:
United States.............................. (7.1) (1.2) (2.6)
France..................................... (2.1) (2.5) (1.9)
Brazil..................................... -- N.A. N.A.
------ ------ ------
Subtotal............................ (9.2) (3.7) (4.5)
------ ------ ------
Unallocated items and eliminations, net...... -- -- -- (5.1) (5.7) (5.2) (3.4) (2.0)
------ ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
Consolidated................... $546.7 $460.6 $471.3 $59.1 $81.9 $74.0 $474.7 $391.0
====== ====== ====== ===== ===== ===== ====== ======
CAPITAL SPENDING DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
------------------------- -------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1998 1997 1996
----- ----- ----- ------- ------- -------
United States........................ $ 9.2 $16.3 $18.5 $11.6 $ 6.8 $ 5.9
France............................... 25.3 19.5 33.0 9.5 7.6 7.5
Brazil............................... 2.2 N.A. N.A. 3.7 N.A. N.A.
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Consolidated........... $36.7 $35.8 $51.5 $24.8 $14.4 $13.4
===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
- ---------------
N.A. -- Not Applicable
Consolidated Operations by Geographic Area
Long-lived assets, excluding deferred income tax assets and certain other
deferred charges, were $102.9, $144.4 and $49.1 in the U.S., France and Brazil,
respectively, as of December 31, 1998, and $104.9 and $106.5 in the U.S. and
France, respectively at December 31, 1997.
56
57
SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
U.S. $ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS
For purposes of the geographic disclosure in the following table, net sales
are attributed to geographic locations based on the location of the Company's
direct customers.
NET SALES
------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------ ------ ------
United States............................................... $156.2 $169.3 $180.9
Europe and the former Commonwealth of Independent States.... 224.7 192.7 190.5
Asia/Pacific (including China).............................. 76.8 68.3 68.1
Latin America(1)............................................ 67.4 10.5 7.5
Other foreign countries..................................... 21.6 19.8 24.3
------ ------ ------
Consolidated...................................... $546.7 $460.6 $471.3
====== ====== ======
- ---------------
(1) Substantially all of the Company's net sales to Latin America were to
customers in Brazil in each of the periods presented.
NOTE 14. MAJOR CUSTOMERS
Two of the Company's customers have accounted for a significant portion of
the Company's net sales in one or more of the last several years, and the loss
of one or both such customers, or a significant reduction in one or both of
these customers' purchases, could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's results of operations. Net sales to Philip Morris Incorporated
("Philip Morris"), together with its affiliates and designated converters,
accounted for approximately 28 percent, 36 percent and 35 percent, of total
consolidated net sales for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively. As a result of the acquisition of the Brazilian business in 1998,
a substantial portion of whose sales are to a subsidiary of B.A.T. Industries
PLC ("BAT"), net sales to BAT, together with its affiliates and designated
converters, increased to approximately 14 percent of consolidated net sales for
the year ended December 31, 1998. For periods prior to 1998, BAT was a
significant customer, but accounted for less than ten percent of the Company's
consolidated net sales. Each of the Company's segments reported sales to these
customers for each of the respective periods reported above.
The Company had sales to the minority shareholder of LTRI of $16.8, $14.0
and $18.4 in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
The Company's consolidated accounts receivable at December 31, 1998 and
1997 included balances from Philip Morris and BAT, together with their
respective affiliates and designated converters. The percentage of these
customers' balances of consolidated accounts receivable is approximately the
same as their respective percentages of consolidated net sales. The Company
performs ongoing credit evaluations on all of its customers' financial condition
and generally does not require collateral or other security to support customer
receivables.
57
58
SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
U.S. $ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS
NOTE 15. UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA AND COMMON STOCK INFORMATION
The Company's Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under
the ticker symbol "SWM". As of December 31, 1998, there were 7,690 stockholders
of record of the Company's Common Stock. This number does not include shares
held in "nominee" or "street" name.
1998
------------------------------------------------
FIRST SECOND(1) THIRD FOURTH(2) YEAR
------ --------- ------ --------- ------
Net Sales.......................................... $134.3 $144.0 $134.4 $134.0 $546.7
Gross Profit....................................... 31.1 27.7 26.7 20.6 106.1
Operating Profit................................... 20.6 15.6 15.2 7.7 59.1
Net Income......................................... $ 10.0 $ 12.2 $ 6.8 $ 2.0 $ 31.0
Net Income Per Share:
Basic............................................ $ .62 $ .76 $ .43 $ .13 $ 1.94
Diluted.......................................... .61 .75 .43 .13 1.92
Cash Dividends Declared and Paid Per Share......... $ .15 $ .15 $ .15 $ .15 $ .60
Market Price Per Share:
High............................................. $38.63 $35.38 $29.19 $22.19 $38.63
Low.............................................. 32.25 27.94 21.31 13.00 13.00
Close............................................ $34.50 $29.00 $21.75 $15.44 $15.44
1997
------------------------------------------------
FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH YEAR
------ --------- ------ --------- ------
Net Sales.......................................... $113.0 $116.3 $113.4 $117.9 $460.6
Gross Profit....................................... 30.8 33.5 30.3 27.3 121.9
Operating Profit................................... 21.0 22.9 20.6 17.4 81.9
Net Income......................................... $ 11.3 $ 12.7 $ 11.2 $ 10.1 $ 45.3
Net Income Per Share:
Basic............................................ $ .70 $ .79 $ .70 $ .63 $ 2.82
Diluted.......................................... .69 .78 .68 .62 2.77
Cash Dividends Declared and Paid Per Share......... $ .15 $ .15 $ .15 $ .15 $ .60
Market Price Per Share:
High............................................. $35.63 $40.63 $43.66 $44.50 $44.50
Low.............................................. 30.25 29.88 36.56 33.00 29.88
Close............................................ $30.25 $37.50 $42.50 $37.25 $37.25
- ---------------
(1) Results for the second quarter 1998 included a deferred income tax benefit
as a result of an adjustment of valuation allowances against French NOLs of
$5.2, or $.32 per share, partially offset by a $1.7 pre-tax charge related
to a restructuring of the Spotswood mill workforce, the net income effect of
which was $(1.0), or $(.06) per share.
(2) Results for the fourth quarter 1998 included a $4.2 pre-tax charge, the net
income effect of which was $(2.2), or $(.14) per share, related to
write-downs of idled equipment and one-time labor payments.
58
59
SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Schweitzer-Mauduit International,
Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of
Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998
and 1997, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in
stockholders' equity, and cash flow for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997
and 1996. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Schweitzer-Mauduit
International, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the years
ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
January 22, 1999
59
60
SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING
The management of Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc. is responsible for
conducting all aspects of the business, including the preparation of the
financial statements in this Annual Report. The financial statements have been
prepared using generally accepted accounting principles considered appropriate
in the circumstances to present fairly the Company's consolidated financial
position, results of operations and cash flows on a consistent basis. Management
also has prepared the other information in this Annual Report and is responsible
for its accuracy and consistency with the financial statements.
As can be expected in a complex and dynamic business environment, some
financial statement amounts are based on management's estimates and judgments.
Even though estimates and judgments are used, measures have been taken to
provide reasonable assurance of the integrity and reliability of the financial
information contained in this Annual Report. These measures include an effective
control-oriented environment in which a company-wide internal control program
plays an important role, an Audit Committee of the Board of Directors which
oversees the financial reporting process, and independent audits. As part of
that responsibility, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors
the selection of the Company's independent public accountants, Deloitte & Touche
LLP.
One characteristic of a control-oriented environment is a system of
internal control over financial reporting and over safeguarding of assets
against unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition, designed to provide
reasonable assurance to management and the Board of Directors regarding
preparation of reliable published financial statements and such asset
safeguarding. The system is supported with written policies and procedures and
contains self-monitoring mechanisms. Appropriate actions are taken by management
to correct deficiencies as they are identified. All internal control systems
have inherent limitations, including the possibility of circumvention and
overriding of controls, and therefore, can provide only reasonable assurance as
to financial statement preparation and such asset safeguarding. Management
believes the Company's system of internal control maintains an appropriate
cost-benefit relationship.
The Company has also adopted a code of conduct which, among other things,
contains policies for conducting business affairs in a lawful and ethical manner
in each country in which it does business, for avoiding potential conflicts of
interest, and for preserving confidentiality of information and business ideas.
Internal controls have been implemented to provide reasonable assurance that the
code of conduct is followed.
The financial statements have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP. During
their audits, the independent auditors were given unrestricted access to all
financial records and related data. Management believes that all representations
made to the independent auditors during their audits were valid and appropriate.
During the audits conducted by the independent auditors, management
received minor recommendations to strengthen or modify internal controls in
response to developments and changes. Management has adopted, or is in the
process of adopting, all recommendations which are cost-effective.
/s/ Wayne H. Dietrich
Wayne H. Deitrich
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
/s/ Paul C. Roberts
Paul C. Roberts
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
January 22, 1999
60
61
PART II, CONTINUED
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The section of the Company's Proxy Statement dated March 12, 1999 (the
"1999 Proxy Statement") captioned "Certain Information Regarding Directors and
Nominees" under "Proposal 1. Election of Directors" identifies members of the
Board of Directors of the Company and nominees, and is incorporated in this Item
10 by reference.
See also "Executive Officers of the Registrant" appearing in Part I hereof.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information in the section of the 1999 Proxy Statement captioned
"Executive Compensation" under "Proposal 1. Election of Directors" is
incorporated in this Item 11 by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
MANAGEMENT
The information in the sections of the 1999 Proxy Statement captioned
"Security Ownership of Management" and "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial
Holders" under "Proposal 1. Election of Directors" is incorporated in this Item
12 by reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The information in the section captioned "Certain Transactions and Business
Relationships" under "Proposal 1. Election of Directors" of the 1999 Proxy
Statement is incorporated in this Item 13 by reference.
61
62
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) Documents filed as part of this report.
(1) and (2) Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules:
See the Index to Financial Statements included in Item 8 of Part II
under the caption "FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA".
Schedules have been omitted because they were not applicable or
because the required information has been included in the financial
statements or notes thereto.
(3) Exhibits:
See the Index to Exhibits that appears at the end of this document
and which is incorporated by reference herein.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
(i) The Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 8,
1998, which reported the Company's expected third quarter 1998 earnings.
(ii) The Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 3,
1998, which reported that the Company's Board of Directors authorized the
repurchase of the Company's common stock during the period January 1, 1999
through December 31, 2000 in an aggregate amount not to exceed $20 million.
(iii) The Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K dated December
18, 1998, which reported the Company's announcement of a fourth quarter
1998 charge to earnings and expected fourth quarter 1998 earnings, and
reiterated the share repurchase program reported on Form 8-K dated December
3, 1998.
62
63
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
By: /s/ WAYNE H. DEITRICH
---------------------------------------
Wayne H. Deitrich
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer)
Dated: March 4, 1999
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
NAME POSITION DATE
---- -------- ----
/s/ WAYNE H. DEITRICH Chairman of the Board and March 4, 1999
- ----------------------------------------------------- Chief Executive Officer
Wayne H. Deitrich (principal executive officer)
/s/ PAUL C. ROBERTS Chief Financial Officer March 4, 1999
- ----------------------------------------------------- and Treasurer
Paul C. Roberts (principal financial officer)
/s/ WAYNE L. GRUNEWALD Controller March 4, 1999
- ----------------------------------------------------- (principal accounting
Wayne L. Grunewald officer)
* Director March 4, 1999
- -----------------------------------------------------
Claire L. Arnold
* Director March 4, 1999
- -----------------------------------------------------
K.C. Caldabaugh
* Director March 4, 1999
- -----------------------------------------------------
Laurent G. Chambaz
* Director March 4, 1999
- -----------------------------------------------------
Richard D. Jackson
* Director March 4, 1999
- -----------------------------------------------------
Leonard J. Kujawa
* Director March 4, 1999
- -----------------------------------------------------
Jean-Pierre Le Hetet
* Director March 4, 1999
- -----------------------------------------------------
Larry B. Stillman
*By: /s/ WILLIAM J. SHARKEY March 4, 1999
-------------------------------------------------
William J. Sharkey
Attorney-In-Fact
63
64
SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION
- ----------- -----------
2.1 -- Distribution Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
2.1 to Form 10/A Amendment 2, dated October 27, 1995).
2.2 -- Stock Purchase Agreement by and between SWM, Souza Cruz S.A.
and Contab Participacoes Ltda. dated December 16, 1997 for
the purchase of Companhia Industrial de Papel Pirahy
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Form 8-K, dated
February 2, 1998).
3.1 -- Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3.1 to Form 10, dated September 12, 1995).
3.2 -- By-Laws, as amended on and through February 27, 1996
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995).
4.1 -- Form of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 10/A Amendment 2, dated October 27,
1995).
4.2 -- Rights Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2
to Form 10/A Amendment 2, dated October 27, 1995).
10.1 -- Transfer, Contribution and Assumption Agreement
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10/A
Amendment 2, dated October 27, 1995).
10.2 -- Corporate Services Agreement (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10/A Amendment 2, dated October 27,
1995).
10.3 -- Employee Matters Agreement (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.3 to Form 10/A Amendment 2, dated October 27,
1995).
10.4 -- Tax Sharing Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.4 to Form 10/A Amendment 2, dated October 27, 1995).
10.5 -- Outside Directors' Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.5 to Form 10/A Amendment 2, dated October 27,
1995).
10.6* -- Annual Incentive Plan Amended and Restated as of February
25, 1999.
10.7* -- Equity Participation Plan Amended and Restated as of
February 25, 1999.
10.8* -- Long-Term Incentive Plan Amended and Restated as of February
25, 1999.
10.9.1 -- Amended and Restated Agreement between Philip Morris
Incorporated and Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc. for
Fine Paper Supply, effective April 1, 1998+ (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended September 30, 1998).
10.9.2 -- Technology Ownership, Technical Assistance and Technology
License Agreement by and among Philip Morris Incorporated,
Philip Morris Products, Inc. and Schweitzer-Mauduit
International, Inc., effective April 1, 1998+ (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended September 30, 1998).
10.10.1* -- Supply Agreement between Companhia Industrial de Papel
Pirahy and Souza Cruz S.A. dated as of February 2, 1998+.
10.11* -- Supplemental Benefit Plan Amended and Restated as of
February 25, 1999.
10.12* -- Executive Severance Plan Amended and Restated as of February
25, 1999.
64
65
INDEX TO EXHIBITS -- CONTINUED
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION
- ----------- -----------
10.13.1 -- Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated January 29, 1998
between the Company, as Borrower and Guarantor, SMF, as
Borrower, PdM Industries, as Borrower, SM-Spain, as
Borrower, the Banks named therein and Societe Generale, as
Agent (the "Amended and Restated Credit Agreement")
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Company's
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998).
10.13.2* -- Amendment No. 1, dated January 29, 1999, to the Amended and
Restated Credit Agreement.
21.1* -- Subsidiaries of the Company.
23.1* -- Independent Auditors' Consent.
24.1* -- Powers of Attorney.
27.1* -- Financial Data Schedule (for SEC use only).
- ---------------
* Filed herewith.
+ Exhibit has been redacted pursuant to a Confidentiality Request under Rule
24(b)-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
65