UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
x | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013
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 1-5667
Cabot Corporation
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 04-2271897 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |
Two Seaport Lane, Suite 1300 | ||
Boston, Massachusetts | 02210 | |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) |
(617) 345-0100
(Registrants 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 | |
Common stock, $1.00 par value per share |
New York Stock Exchange |
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No x
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 whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). 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 the Registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x
As of the last business day of the Registrants most recently completed second fiscal quarter (March 31, 2013), the aggregate market value of the Registrants common stock held by non-affiliates was $2,161,966,304. As of November 19, 2013, there were 64,093,193 shares of the Registrants common stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Registrants definitive proxy statement for its 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this annual report on Form 10-K.
PART I | ||||||
ITEM 1. |
3 | |||||
ITEM 1A. |
15 | |||||
ITEM 1B. |
21 | |||||
ITEM 2. |
22 | |||||
ITEM 3. |
24 | |||||
ITEM 4. |
26 | |||||
PART II | ||||||
ITEM 5. |
28 | |||||
ITEM 6. |
28 | |||||
ITEM 7. |
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
32 | ||||
ITEM 7A. |
54 | |||||
ITEM 8. |
55 | |||||
ITEM 9. |
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure |
118 | ||||
ITEM 9A. |
118 | |||||
ITEM 9B. |
119 | |||||
PART III | ||||||
ITEM 10. |
120 | |||||
ITEM 11. |
120 | |||||
ITEM 12. |
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters |
120 | ||||
ITEM 13. |
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence |
121 | ||||
ITEM 14. |
121 | |||||
PART IV | ||||||
ITEM 15. |
122 | |||||
126 | ||||||
128 |
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Information Relating to Forward-Looking Statements
This annual report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements under the Federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements include statements relating to our future business performance and overall prospects; demand for our products; our expectations regarding the availability of raw materials for our Specialty Fluids Business and the life of our pollucite ore reserves; our expectations concerning the receipt of the cash proceeds due to us from the sale of our Supermetals Business; the sufficiency of our cash on hand, cash provided from operations and cash available under our credit and commercial paper facilities to fund our cash requirements; anticipated capital spending, including environmental-related capital expenditures; cash requirements and uses of available cash, including future cash outlays associated with long-term contractual obligations, restructurings, contributions to employee benefit plans, environmental remediation costs and future respirator liabilities; development plans for our cesium and lignite mining operations; exposure to interest rate and foreign exchange risk; future benefit plan payments we expect to make; our expected tax rate for fiscal 2014; our ability to recover deferred tax assets; and the possible outcome of legal and environmental proceedings. From time to time, we also provide forward-looking statements in other materials we release to the public and in oral statements made by authorized officers.
Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about Cabots businesses and strategies, market trends and conditions, economic conditions and other factors. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, potentially inaccurate assumptions, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and difficult to predict. If known or unknown risks materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, our actual results could differ materially from past results and from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements are described in Item 1A in this report.
We undertake no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Investors are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our 10-Q and 8-K reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC).
Item 1. | Business |
General
Cabot is a global specialty chemicals and performance materials company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. Our principal products are rubber and specialty grade carbon blacks, fumed metal oxides, inkjet colorants, aerogel, cesium formate drilling fluids and activated carbon. Cabot and its affiliates have manufacturing facilities and operations in the United States and over 20 other countries. Cabots business was founded in 1882 and incorporated in the State of Delaware in 1960. The terms Cabot, Company, we, and our as used in this report refer to Cabot Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Our strategy is to deliver earnings growth through leadership in performance materials. We intend to achieve this goal by focusing on margin improvement, capacity expansion and emerging market growth, developing new products and businesses and actively managing our portfolio of businesses. In support of this strategy, during fiscal 2012 we completed the sale of our Supermetals Business to Global Advanced Metals Pty Ltd. and we completed our acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Norit N.V., the business of which we renamed and report as Purification Solutions. In addition, in fiscal 2013 we announced our plans to acquire the remaining 60% of the common stock of Nhumo, S.A.P.I. de C.V. (NHUMO), our carbon black manufacturing joint venture in Altamira, Mexico. We completed this acquisition on November 15, 2013.
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Our products are generally based on technical expertise and innovation in one or more of our three core competencies: making and handling very fine particles; modifying the surfaces of very fine particles to alter their functionality; and designing particles to impart specific properties to a composite. We focus on creating particles with the composition, morphology, surface functionalities and formulations to support our customers existing and emerging applications.
We are organized into four business segments: Reinforcement Materials; Performance Materials; Advanced Technologies; and Purification Solutions. The business segments are discussed in more detail later in this section. Financial information about our business segments appears in Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Item 7 below (MD&A) and in Note T of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 below (Note T).
For operational purposes, we are also organized into three geographic regions: The Americas; Europe, Middle East and Africa; and Asia Pacific. Financial information about our sales and long-lived assets in certain geographic areas appears in Note T.
Our internet address is www.cabot-corp.com. We make available free of charge on or through our internet website our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filing such material with, or furnishing it to, the SEC.
Reinforcement Materials
Products
Carbon black is a form of elemental carbon that is manufactured in a highly controlled process to produce particles and aggregates of varied structure and surface chemistry, resulting in many different performance characteristics for a wide variety of applications. Rubber grade carbon blacks are used to enhance the physical properties of the systems and applications in which they are incorporated.
Our rubber blacks products are used in tires and industrial products. Rubber blacks have traditionally been used in the tire industry as a rubber reinforcing agent and are also used as a performance additive. In industrial products such as hoses, belts, extruded profiles and molded goods, rubber blacks are used to improve the physical performance of the product.
Sales and Customers
Sales of rubber blacks products are made by Cabot employees and through distributors and sales representatives. Sales to three major tire customers represent a material portion of Reinforcement Materials total net sales and operating revenues. The loss of any of these customers could have a material adverse effect on the Segment.
Under appropriate circumstances, we have entered into supply contracts with certain customers, many of which have durations of at least one year. Many of these contracts provide for sales price adjustments to account for changes in relevant feedstock indices and, in some cases, changes in other relevant costs (such as the cost of natural gas). In fiscal 2013, approximately half of our rubber blacks volume was sold under supply agreements with an initial term of at least one year. The majority of the volumes sold under these agreements are sold to customers in North America and Western Europe.
Much of the rubber blacks we sell is used in automotive products and, therefore, our financial results may be affected by the cyclical nature of the automotive industry. However, a large portion of the market for our products is in replacement tires that historically have been less subject to automotive industry cycles.
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Competition
We are one of the leading manufacturers of carbon black in the world. We compete in the manufacture of carbon black primarily with two companies with a global presence and several other companies that have a regional presence, some of which export product outside their region. Competition for products within Reinforcement Materials is based on product performance, quality, reliability, service, technical innovation, price, and logistics. We believe our product differentiation, technological leadership, global manufacturing presence, operations and logistics excellence and customer service provide us with a competitive advantage.
Raw Materials
The principal raw material used in the manufacture of carbon black is a portion of the residual heavy oils derived from petroleum refining operations and from the distillation of coal tars and the production of ethylene throughout the world. Natural gas is also used in the production of carbon black. Raw material costs generally are influenced by the availability of various types of carbon black feedstock and natural gas, and related transportation costs. Importantly, movements in the market price for crude oil typically affect carbon black feedstock costs.
Operations
We own, or have a controlling interest in, and operate plants that produce rubber blacks in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, the Czech Republic, France, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico (as of November 15, 2013), The Netherlands and the United States. Our equity affiliate operates a carbon black plant in Venezuela.
The following table shows our ownership interest as of September 30, 2013 in rubber blacks operations in which we own less than 100%:
Location |
Percentage Interest | |
Shanghai, China |
70% (consolidated subsidiary) | |
Tianjin, China |
70% (consolidated subsidiary) | |
Xingtai City, China |
60% (consolidated subsidiary) | |
Valasske Mezirici (Valmez), Czech Republic |
52% (consolidated subsidiary) | |
Cilegon and Merak, Indonesia |
85% (consolidated subsidiary) | |
Altamira, Mexico(1) |
40% (equity affiliate) | |
Valencia, Venezuela |
49% (equity affiliate) |
(1) | We acquired the remaining 60% of the common stock of this joint venture on November 15, 2013. |
We continue to expand the manufacturing capacity of Reinforcement Materials, particularly in emerging markets. We increased the capacity at our carbon black plant in Tianjin, China by 150,000 metric tons with the addition of two rubber blacks production units in fiscal 2009, and in fiscal 2012 increased the capacity at our existing facilities in Indonesia, Argentina and multiple sites in Europe by a total of approximately 50,000 metric tons. During fiscal 2013, we completed construction of a rubber blacks manufacturing facility in Xingtai City, Hebei Province, China with our joint venture partner. The facility, which began operations in fiscal 2014, will produce approximately 130,000 metric tons of carbon black annually, with the potential to expand annual capacity to 300,000 metric tons. Also during fiscal 2013, we entered into an agreement with Grupo Kuo S.A.B. de C.V. to purchase the remaining 60% of the common stock of NHUMO, our carbon black manufacturing joint venture in Altamira, Mexico. The plant has an annual capacity of 140,000 metric tons. We completed the acquisition on November 15, 2013.
We also have the ability to further expand the capacity at certain of our existing plants. The timing for these future expansions is dependent on a number of factors, including overall economic conditions.
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Over the course of fiscal 2009 and 2010, we closed our manufacturing operations in Stanlow, U.K., Berre, France and Thane, India. During fiscal 2013, we closed our manufacturing operations at our carbon black joint venture in Port Dickson, Malaysia.
Performance Materials
Performance Materials is comprised of two businesses that sell the following products: specialty grades of carbon black and thermoplastic concentrates and compounds (our Specialty Carbons and Compounds Business); and fumed silica, fumed alumina and dispersions thereof (our Fumed Metal Oxides Business). In each business, we design, manufacture and sell materials that deliver performance in a broad range of customer applications across the automotive, construction and infrastructure, and electronics and consumer products sectors.
Products
Carbon black is a form of elemental carbon that is manufactured in a highly controlled process to produce particles and aggregates of varied structure and surface chemistry, resulting in many different performance characteristics for a wide variety of applications. Our specialty grades of carbon black are used to impart color, provide rheology control, enhance conductivity and static charge control, provide UV protection, enhance mechanical properties, and provide formulation flexibility through surface treatment. These products are used in a wide variety of applications, such as inks, coatings, cables, pipes, toners and electronics. In addition, we manufacture and source thermoplastic concentrates and compounds (which we refer to as specialty compounds) that are marketed to the plastics industry.
Fumed silica is an ultra-fine, high-purity particle used as a reinforcing, thickening, abrasive, thixotropic, suspending or anti-caking agent in a wide variety of products for the automotive, construction, microelectronics, and consumer products industries. These products include adhesives, sealants, cosmetics, inks, toners, silicone rubber, coatings, polishing slurries and pharmaceuticals. Fumed alumina, also an ultra-fine, high-purity particle, is used as an abrasive, absorbent or barrier agent in a variety of products, such as inkjet media, lighting, coatings, cosmetics and polishing slurries.
Sales and Customers
Sales of these products are made by Cabot employees and through distributors and sales representatives. In our Specialty Carbons and Compounds Business, sales are to a broad number of customers. Sales under long-term contracts (those with an initial term longer than one year) with two customers account for a substantial portion of the revenue of our Fumed Metal Oxides Business.
Competition
We are one of the leading manufacturers of carbon black in the world. We compete in the manufacture of carbon black primarily with two companies with a global presence and several other companies that have a regional presence, some of which export product outside their region. We are also a leading producer of specialty compounds in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. We are a leading producer and seller of fumed silica and compete primarily with three companies with a global presence and numerous other companies which have a regional presence.
Competition for these products is based on product performance, quality, reliability, service, technical innovation and price. We believe our product differentiation, technological leadership, global manufacturing presence, operations excellence and customer service provide us with a competitive advantage.
Raw Materials
The principal raw material used in the manufacture of carbon black is a portion of the residual heavy oils derived from petroleum refining operations and from the distillation of coal tars and the production of
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ethylene throughout the world. Natural gas is also used in the production of carbon black. Raw material costs generally are influenced by the availability of various types of carbon black feedstock and natural gas, and related transportation costs. Importantly, movements in the market price for crude oil typically affect carbon black feedstock costs.
Other than carbon black feedstock, the primary materials used for our specialty compounds are thermoplastic resins and mineral fillers. Raw materials for these compounds are, in general, readily available.
Raw materials for the production of fumed silica are various chlorosilane feedstocks. We purchase feedstocks and for some customers convert their feedstock to product on a fee-basis (so called toll conversion). We also purchase aluminum chloride as feedstock for the production of fumed alumina. We have long-term procurement contracts or arrangements in place for the purchase of fumed silica feedstock, which we believe will enable us to meet our raw material requirements for the foreseeable future. In addition, we buy some raw materials in the spot market to help ensure flexibility and minimize costs.
Operations
We own, or have a controlling interest in, and operate plants that produce specialty grades of carbon black primarily in China, The Netherlands and the United States. Our specialty compounds are produced in facilities that we own, or have a controlling interest in, located in Belgium, China and the United Arab Emirates. We also own, or have a controlling interest in, manufacturing plants that produce fumed metal oxides in the United States, China, the United Kingdom, and Germany. An equity affiliate operates a fumed metal oxides plant in Mettur Dam, India.
The following table shows our ownership interest as of September 30, 2013 in these segment operations in which we own less than 100%:
Location |
Percentage Interest | |
Tianjin, China (Specialty Carbons and Compounds Business) |
90% (consolidated subsidiary) | |
Jiangxi Province, China (Fumed Metal Oxides Business) |
90% (consolidated subsidiary) | |
Mettur Dam, India (Fumed Metal Oxides Business) |
50% (equity affiliate) |
We continue to expand the manufacturing capacity of our Specialty Carbons and Compounds Business in emerging markets. During fiscal 2010, we commenced specialty compounds manufacturing in Dubai. In addition, in fiscal 2011 we commissioned a specialty compounds manufacturing plant at our carbon black plant in Tianjin, China. This plant has an annual capacity of approximately 45,000 metric tons that may be expanded to 80,000 metric tons in the future.
We also continue to expand our fumed silica capacity. During fiscal 2012, we increased the annual capacity at our joint ventures fumed silica manufacturing facility in Jiangxi Province, China to approximately 15,000 metric tons, with the potential to further expand to 20,000 metric tons as demand in Asia grows. In addition, during fiscal 2013 we expanded production capacity by 25% at our fumed silica facility in Barry, Wales.
Over the course of fiscal 2009, 2010 and 2011, we closed our specialty compounds manufacturing operations in Dukinfield, U.K. and in Grigno, Italy and our carbon black manufacturing operations in Stanlow, U.K. and in Berre, France. In fiscal 2012, we closed our specialty compounds manufacturing facility in Hong Kong and moved production primarily to our facility in Tianjin, China.
Advanced Technologies
Advanced Technologies is comprised of our Inkjet Colorants, Aerogel, Security Materials, Elastomer Composites and Specialty Fluids Businesses. A discussion of each of these Businesses follows.
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Inkjet Colorants Business
Products
We produce and sell aqueous inkjet colorants primarily to the inkjet printing market. Our inkjet colorants are high-quality pigment-based black and color dispersions based on our patented surface modification technology. The dispersions are used in aqueous inkjet inks to impart color (optical density or chroma), sharp print characteristics and durability (waterfastness, lightfastness and rub resistance) while maintaining high printhead reliability. Our inkjet colorants serve various inkjet printing applications, including small office and home office, corporate office, and commercial printing, as well as other niche applications that require a high level of dispersibility and colloidal stability. We also sell inks with our pigment based colorant dispersions into the emerging commercial printing segment for digital print.
Sales and Customers
Sales of inkjet colorants and inks are made by Cabot employees to inkjet printer manufacturers and to suppliers of inkjet inks in the inkjet cartridge aftermarket. Many of our commercialized products have been developed through joint research and development initiatives with inkjet printer manufacturers and press integrators. These initiatives have led to the development of exclusive differentiated products for these inkjet customers.
Competition
Our inkjet colorants and inks are designed to replace traditional pigment dispersions and dyes used in inkjet printing applications. Competitive products for inkjet colorants are organic dyes and other dispersed pigments manufactured and marketed by large chemical companies and small independent producers. Competition is based on product performance, technical innovation, quality, reliability, service and price. We believe our commercial strengths include technical innovation, strong customer partnerships, product performance and service.
Raw Materials
Raw materials for inkjet colorants include carbon black sourced from our carbon black plants, organic pigments and other treating agents available from various sources. Raw materials for inkjet inks include pigment dispersions, solvents and other additives. We believe that all raw materials to produce inkjet colorants and inks are in adequate supply.
Operations
Our inkjet colorants and inks are manufactured at our facility in Haverhill, Massachusetts. During fiscal 2012, we doubled the capacity of two of our production lines at this facility.
Aerogel Business
Products
Aerogel is a hydrophobic, silica-based particle with a high surface area that is used in a variety of thermal insulation and specialty chemical applications. In the building and construction industry, the product is used in insulative sprayable plasters and composite building products, as well as translucent skylight, window, wall and roof systems for insulating eco-daylighting applications. In the oil and gas industry, aerogel is used to insulate subsea pipelines. In the specialty chemicals industry, the product is used to provide matte finishing, insulating and thickening properties for use in a variety of applications. These applications include incorporation of aerogel into highly thermal insulative coatings formulations for safe touch and improved energy efficiency. We continue to focus on application and market development activities for use of aerogel in these and other new applications.
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Sales and Customers
Sales of aerogel products are made principally by Cabot employees to engineering procurement and installation companies, traditional insulation manufacturers, building and construction materials companies, and specialty chemical and coatings producers and distributors.
Competition
Although the manufacturing processes used are different, in certain insulation applications, our aerogel products compete principally with aerogel products manufactured by Aspen Aerogel, Inc. and non-aerogel insulation products manufactured by primarily regional companies throughout the world.
Competition is based on product performance, price, quality, reliability and service. We believe our commercial strengths include technical innovation, product performance, quality and service.
Raw Materials
The principal raw materials for the production of aerogel are silica sol and/or sodium silicate, which we believe are in adequate supply.
Operations
We manufacture our aerogel products at our facility in Frankfurt, Germany using a unique and patented manufacturing process.
Security Materials Business
The principal area of commercial focus for the Security Materials Business is in developing covert taggants for a broad range of anti-counterfeiting security applications, including brand security, currency, tax stamps, identification and fuel markers. Covert taggants are invisible, unique markers that are added to products to determine their authenticity through the use of custom detectors or readers. Our taggants are manufactured using a proprietary process, which produces highly uniform materials with unique signatures. The principal raw materials for the production of our security taggants are rare earth oxides, which we believe we have in adequate supply.
We conduct development and manufacturing activities for our Security Materials Business primarily at our facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico. During fiscal 2013, we closed our research and development facility in Mountain View, California and moved those operations to our facility in New Mexico.
Elastomer Composites Business
Our elastomer composite products are compounds of natural latex rubber and carbon black made by a patented liquid phase process. These compounds improve abrasion/wear resistance, reduce fatigue and reduce rolling resistance compared to natural rubber/carbon black compounds made by conventional methods. Our elastomer composite products are targeted primarily for tire applications. We manufacture our elastomer composite products at our facility in Port Dickson, Malaysia.
We have licensed our patented elastomer composites manufacturing process to Manufacture Francaise des Pneumatiques Michelin (Michelin) for their exclusive use in tire applications. In consideration, we are entitled to receive milestone payments upon the achievement of multiple development and technical milestones, as well as quarterly royalty payments. Quarterly royalty payments extend through fiscal 2022 in accordance with a pre-determined schedule linked to Michelins installed capacity.
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Specialty Fluids Business
Products
Our Specialty Fluids Business principally produces and markets cesium formate as a drilling and completion fluid for use primarily in high pressure and high temperature oil and gas well construction. Cesium formate products are solids-free, high-density fluids that have a low viscosity, enabling safe and efficient well construction and workover operations. The fluid is resistant to high temperatures, minimizes damage to producing reservoirs and is readily biodegradable in accordance with the testing guidelines set by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. In a majority of applications, cesium formate is blended with other formates or products.
Sales, Rental and Customers
Sales of our cesium formate products are made to oil and gas operating companies directly by Cabot employees and sales representatives and indirectly through oil field service companies. We generally rent cesium formate to our customers for use in drilling operations on a short-term basis and we also make direct sales of cesium formate outside of the rental process. After completion of a job under our rental process, the customer returns the remaining fluid to Cabot and it is reprocessed for use in subsequent well operations. Any fluid that is lost during use and not returned to Cabot is paid for by the customer.
A large portion of our fluids have been used for drilling and completion of wells in the North Sea, where we have been supplying cesium formate-based fluids for both reservoir drilling and completion activities on large gas and condensate field projects in the Norwegian Continental Shelf. Although we have expanded the use of our fluids to drilling operations outside of the North Sea, an important portion of our business continues to be with a limited number of customers for drilling and completion operations in that geography.
Competition
Formate fluids, which were introduced to the market in the mid-1990s, are a relatively small but growing part of the drilling and completion fluids market and compete mainly with traditional drilling fluid technologies. Competition in the well fluids business is based on product performance, quality, reliability, service, technical innovation, price, and proximity of inventory to customers drilling operations. We believe our commercial strengths include our unique product offerings and their performance, and our customer service.
Raw Materials
The principal raw material used in this business is pollucite (cesium ore), the vast majority of which we obtain from our mine in Manitoba, Canada, a portion of which is located under Bernic Lake. We own a substantial portion of the worlds known pollucite reserves. There have been recent indications of structural instability in a portion of the mine that contains significant cesium reserves. Accordingly, we are assessing the technical and economic feasibility of development alternatives at the mine that, if pursued, we believe would enable us to continue to access our pollucite reserves and potentially expand our existing mining operations. Assuming we determine that such a project is viable and it is successfully implemented, we expect our supply of cesium products to last approximately 10 years, considering our current production rates, our current estimate of reserve levels in the mine and our inventory on hand. However, the process of estimating mineral reserves is inherently uncertain and requires making subjective engineering, geological, geophysical and economic assumptions. Accordingly, there is likely to be variability in the estimated reserve life of the ore body over time. As we assess our development alternatives, our existing mining operations in other portions of the mine continue, and given the risk of instability in the mine, we are increasing our cesium ore inventory in an effort to ensure that we have sufficient raw material inventory to meet our customer needs for the foreseeable future. The risks and uncertainties associated with this project are described in the Risk Factor discussion in Item 1A below.
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Most jobs for which cesium formate is used require a large volume of the product. Accordingly, the Specialty Fluids Business maintains a large inventory of fluid.
Operations
Our mine and cesium formate manufacturing facility are located in Manitoba, Canada, and we have fluid blending and reclamation facilities in Aberdeen, Scotland and in Bergen and Kristiansund, Norway. In addition, we warehouse fluid at various locations around the world to support existing and potential operations.
Purification Solutions
Products
Activated carbon is a porous material consisting mainly of elemental carbon treated with heat, steam and/or chemicals to create high internal porosity, resulting in a large internal surface area that resembles a sponge. It is generally produced in two forms, powdered and granular, and is manufactured in different sizes, shapes and levels of purity for a wide variety of applications. Activated carbon is used to remove contaminants from liquids and gases using a process called adsorption, whereby the interconnected pores of activated carbon trap contaminants.
Our activated carbon products are typically used for the purification of water, air, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals and other liquids and gases, as either a colorant or a decolorizing agent in the production of products for food and beverage applications and as a chemical carrier in slow release applications. In gas and air applications, one of the uses of activated carbon is for the removal of mercury in flue gas streams. In certain applications, used activated carbon can be reactivated for further use by removing the contaminants from the pores. The most common applications for our reactivated carbon are water treatment and food and beverage purification. In addition to our activated carbon production and reactivation, we also provide activated carbon solutions through on-site equipment and services, including delivery systems for activated carbon injection in coal-fired utilities, mobile water filter units and carbon reactivation services.
Sales and Customers
Sales of activated carbon are made by Cabot employees and through distributors and sales representatives to a broad range of customers, including coal-fired utilities, food and beverage processors, water treatment plants, pharmaceutical companies and catalyst producers. Some of our sales of activated carbon are made under annual contracts or longer-term agreements, particularly in mercury removal applications.
Competition
We are one of the leading manufacturers of activated carbon and providers of activated carbon equipment and services in the world. We compete in the manufacture of activated carbon primarily with six companies with a global presence and numerous other companies with a regional or local presence, although not all of these companies manufacture activated carbon for the range of applications for which we sell our products.
Competition for activated carbon and activated carbon equipment and services is based on quality, performance, price and supply-chain stability. We believe our product and application diversity, product differentiation, technological leadership, quality, cost-effective access to raw materials, and scalable manufacturing capabilities provide us with a competitive advantage.
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Raw Materials
The principal raw materials we use in the manufacture of activated carbon are various forms of coal, including lignite, wood and other carbonaceous materials, which we believe we have in adequate supply. Our raw material supply contracts are typically for a duration of two to five years. We are also developing a lignite mine close to our Marshall, Texas facility, which we expect will begin operations in fiscal 2015.
Operations
We own, or have a controlling interest in, and operate plants that produce activated carbon in the United States, the United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Italy. Our affiliates operate activated carbon plants in Canada and Mexico.
The following table shows our ownership interest as of September 30, 2013 in these segment operations in which we own less than 100%:
Location |
Percentage Interest | |
Bienfait, Saskatchewan, Canada |
50% (contractual joint venture) | |
Atitalaquia, Hidalgo, Mexico |
49% (equity affiliate) |
Since 2009, two new production lines were added at our largest facility in Marshall, Texas to meet anticipated rising demand for mercury removal solutions. In addition, our Canadian joint venture began operations in 2010. We have permits in place and the potential to add additional capacity at certain of our facilities as needed to meet market demand.
Patents and Trademarks
We own and are a licensee of various patents, which expire at different times, covering many of our products as well as processes and product uses. Although the products made and sold under these patents and licenses are important to Cabot, the loss of any particular patent or license would not materially affect our business, taken as a whole. We sell our products under a variety of trademarks, the loss of any one of which would not materially affect our business, taken as a whole.
Seasonality
Our businesses are generally not seasonal in nature, although we may experience some regional seasonal declines during holiday periods and some weather-related seasonality in Purification Solutions.
Backlog
We do not consider backlog to be a significant indicator of the level of future sales activity. In general, we do not manufacture our products against a backlog of orders. Production and inventory levels are based on the level of incoming orders as well as projections of future demand. Therefore, we believe that backlog information is not material to understanding our overall business and is not a reliable indicator of our ability to achieve any particular level of revenue or financial performance.
Employees
As of September 30, 2013, we had 4,638 employees. Some of our employees in the United States and abroad are covered by collective bargaining or similar agreements. We believe that our relations with our employees are generally satisfactory.
Research and Development
Cabot develops new and improved products and higher efficiency processes through Company-sponsored research and technical service activities, including those initiated in response to customer requests. Our expenditures for such activities generally are spread among our businesses and are shown in
12
the consolidated statements of operations. Further discussion of our research and technical expenses incurred in each of our last three fiscal years appears in MD&A in Item 7 below.
Safety, Health and Environment (SH&E)
Cabot has been named as a potentially responsible party under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (the Superfund law) and comparable state statutes with respect to several sites primarily associated with our divested businesses. (See Legal Proceedings below.) During the next several years, as remediation of various environmental sites is carried out, we expect to spend against our $5 million environmental reserve for costs associated with such remediation. Adjustments are made to the reserve based on our continuing analysis of our share of costs likely to be incurred at each site. Inherent uncertainties exist in these estimates due to unknown conditions at the various sites, changing governmental regulations and legal standards regarding liability, and changing technologies for handling site investigation and remediation. While the reserve represents our best estimate of the costs we expect to incur, the actual costs to investigate and remediate these sites may exceed the amounts accrued in the environmental reserve. While it is always possible that an unusual event may occur with respect to a given site and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in a particular period, we do not believe that the costs relating to these sites, in the aggregate, are likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial position. Furthermore, it is possible that we may also incur future costs relating to environmental liabilities not currently known to us or as to which it is currently not possible to make an estimate.
Our ongoing operations are subject to extensive federal, state, local, and foreign laws, regulations, rules, and ordinances relating to safety, health, and environmental matters (SH&E Requirements). These SH&E Requirements include requirements to obtain and comply with various environmental-related permits for constructing any new facilities and operating all of our existing facilities. We have expended and will continue to expend considerable sums to construct, maintain, operate, and improve facilities for safety, health and environmental protection and to comply with SH&E Requirements. We spent approximately $22 million in environmental-related capital expenditures at existing facilities in fiscal 2013 and anticipate spending approximately $23 million for such matters in fiscal 2014.
In recognition of the importance of compliance with SH&E Requirements to Cabot, our Board of Directors has a Safety, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee. The Committee, which is comprised of independent directors, meets at least three times a year and provides oversight and guidance to Cabots safety, health and environmental management programs. In particular, the Committee reviews Cabots environmental reserve, safety, health and environmental risk assessment and management processes, environmental and safety audit reports, performance metrics, performance as benchmarked against industry peer groups, assessed fines or penalties, site security and safety issues, health and environmental training initiatives, and the SH&E budget. The Committee also consults with our outside and internal advisors regarding management of Cabots safety, health and environmental programs.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies carbon black as a Group 2B substance (known animal carcinogen, possible human carcinogen). We have communicated IARCs classification of carbon black to our customers and employees and have included that information in our material safety data sheets and elsewhere, as appropriate. We continue to believe that the available evidence, taken as a whole, indicates that carbon black is not carcinogenic to humans, and does not present a health hazard when handled in accordance with good housekeeping and safe workplace practices as described in our material safety data sheets.
The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) published a notice adding carbon black (airborne, unbound particles of respirable size) to the California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act, commonly referred to as Proposition 65, in 2003. Proposition 65 requires businesses to warn individuals before they knowingly or intentionally expose them to chemicals subject to
13
its requirements, and it prohibits businesses from knowingly discharging or releasing the chemicals into water or onto land where they could contaminate drinking water. We worked with the International Carbon Black Association, as well as various customers and carbon black user groups, to ensure our compliance with the requirements associated with the Proposition 65 listing of carbon black, which became effective in February 2004. OEHHA is reportedly considering certain changes that may result in removing the airborne, unbound particles of respirable size qualifying language from its listing of carbon black. If this change is adopted by OEHHA, it would result in increased labeling and other requirements for our customers under Proposition 65.
REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals), the European Union (EU) regulatory framework for chemicals developed by the European Commission (EC), applies to all chemical substances produced or imported into the EU in quantities greater than one metric ton a year. Manufacturers or importers of these chemical substances are required to submit specified health, safety, risk and use information about the substance to the European Chemical Agency. We have and continue to complete the registrations under REACH for our products in accordance with the registration deadlines. We have also worked, and continue to work, with the manufacturers and importers of our raw materials, including our feedstocks, to ensure their registration prior to the applicable deadlines. In addition, the EC has adopted a harmonized definition of nanomaterial to be used in the EU to identify materials for which special provisions may apply, such as risk assessment and ingredient labeling. The EC definition is broad and applies to many of our existing products, including carbon black, fumed silica and alumina. Product registration and assessment programs are also developing in other countries and we will be prepared to comply with these programs once adopted.
Environmental agencies worldwide are increasingly implementing regulations and other requirements resulting in more restrictive air emission limits globally, particularly as they relate to nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide and particulate matter emissions. In addition, global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions impact the carbon black and activated carbon industries as carbon dioxide is emitted from those manufacturing processes. The EU Emissions Trading Scheme applies to our carbon black and activated carbon facilities in Europe. We generally expect to purchase emission credits where necessary to respond to allocation shortfalls. There are also ongoing regulatory developments in other regions and countries, including the U.S., Canada, China, and Brazil, regarding greenhouse gas emission reduction programs. Those programs have not yet been fully defined and their impact on Cabot cannot be estimated at this time.
A number of organizations and regulatory agencies have become increasingly focused on the issue of water scarcity and water quality, particularly in certain geographic regions. We are engaged in various activities to promote water conservation and wastewater recycling. The costs associated with these activities are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our operations.
Various U.S. agencies and international bodies have adopted security requirements applicable to certain manufacturing and industrial facilities and marine port locations. These security-related requirements involve the preparation of security assessments and security plans in some cases, and in other cases the registration of certain facilities with specified governmental authorities. We closely monitor all security-related regulatory developments and believe we are in compliance with all existing requirements. Compliance with such requirements is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our operations.
Foreign and Domestic Operations and Export Sales
A significant portion of our revenues and operating profits is derived from overseas operations. The profitability of our segments is affected by fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies. (See MD&A and the Geographic Information portion of Note T for further information relating to sales and long-lived assets by geographic area.) Currency fluctuations, nationalization and expropriation
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of assets are risks inherent in international operations. We have taken steps we deem prudent in our international operations to diversify and otherwise to protect against these risks, including the use of foreign currency financial instruments to reduce the risk associated with changes in the value of certain foreign currencies compared to the U.S. dollar. (See the risk management discussion contained in Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk in Item 7A below and Note K of the Notes to the Companys Consolidated Financial Statements).
Item 1A. | Risk Factors |
In addition to factors described elsewhere in this report, the following are important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements. The risks described below are not the only risks we face. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations and financial results.
Negative or uncertain worldwide or regional economic conditions may adversely impact our business.
Our operations and performance are affected by worldwide and regional economic conditions. Continued uncertainty or a deterioration in the economic conditions affecting the businesses to which, or geographic areas in which, we sell products could reduce demand for our products, and we may experience pricing pressure on products and services, which could decrease our revenues and have an adverse effect on our financial condition and cash flows. In addition, during periods of economic uncertainty, our customers may temporarily pursue inventory reduction measures that exceed declines in the actual underlying demand. Our businesses are sensitive to industry capacity utilization, particularly Reinforcement Materials. As a result, pricing tends to fluctuate when capacity utilization changes occur, which could affect our financial performance.
As a chemical manufacturing company, our operations have the potential to cause environmental or other damage as well as personal injury.
The operation of a chemical manufacturing business as well as the sale and distribution of chemical products involve safety, health and environmental risks. For example, the production and/or processing of carbon black, fumed metal oxides, aerogel, activated carbon and other chemicals involve the handling, transportation, manufacture or use of certain substances or components that may be considered toxic or hazardous. Our manufacturing processes and the transportation of chemical products entail risks such as leaks, fires, explosions, toxic releases, mechanical failures or unscheduled downtime. If operational risks materialize, they could result in injury or loss of life, damage to the environment, or damage to property. In addition, the occurrence of material operating problems at our facilities due to any of these hazards may result in loss of production, which, in turn, may make it difficult for us to meet customer needs. Accordingly, these hazards and their consequences could negatively impact the Companys results of operations and cash flows, both during and after the period of operational difficulties, and could harm our reputation.
The strategic growth plan of the mercury removal products portion of our Purification Solutions business relies significantly on the enforcement of environmental laws and regulations.
The strategic growth plan for the mercury removal products and systems portion of our Purification Solutions business relies significantly upon the enforcement of environmental laws and regulations, particularly those that would require industrial facilities to reduce the quantity of air pollutants they release. In particular, we expect demand for our activated carbon products and systems to increase as coal fired utilities in the U.S. enhance their emission control systems in order to comply with the U.S. Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS), which sets forth federal mercury emission levels that will take effect in April 2015. However, because of the uncertainty associated with implementation of regulations and the potential for delays and challenges, we are unable to predict with certainty when and how MATS and other new standards will affect demand for our activated carbon products and systems.
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Our mining operations have the potential to cause safety issues, including those that could result in significant personal injury, and a disruption in our cesium mining operations could disrupt our supply of raw materials for our Specialty Fluids business.
We have underground cesium mining operations in Manitoba, Canada, and are developing an above-ground lignite mine close to our Marshall, Texas facility, which we expect will begin operations in fiscal 2015. Mining operations by their nature are activities that involve a high level of uncertainty and are often affected by risks and hazards outside of our control. These operational risks include, but are not limited to, industrial accidents; unexpected geological conditions; fall of ground accidents or structural collapses; and lower than expected ore grades or recovery rate. The failure to adequately manage these risks could result in significant personal injury, loss of life, damage to mineral properties, production facilities or mining equipment, damage to the environment, delays in or reduced production, and potential legal liabilities.
The principal raw material used by our Specialty Fluids business is pollucite (cesium ore), the vast majority of which we obtain from our mine in Manitoba, a portion of which is located under Bernic Lake. In March 2013, a fall of ground occurred in an area of the mine where there had previously been a fall of ground in 2010. Following the March 2013 fall of ground, we implemented additional safety measures and several types of monitoring devices in the mine, based on the advice of our third-party mining consultants. Since their implementation in July 2013, the monitoring devices have indicated good structural stability in the mine, and we have resumed normal mining activities with respect to the areas not affected by the fall of ground. The structural stability may be subject to change at any time, including the potential for further deterioration and flooding, even in the near term. We are assessing development alternatives that, if pursued, we believe will enable us to continue to access our pollucite reserves and expand our existing mining operations. At this stage, it is not possible to be certain of the technical feasibility or the potential cost of such project. In addition, if we proceed with this project, we expect it will take two or more years to complete, and there remains a risk of further deterioration of the mine over this period of time. Further, this project could experience unexpected cost increases or problems or delays, including delays in obtaining environmental or other government approvals. As we assess these alternatives, our existing mining operations in certain portions of the mine continue, and we are increasing our cesium ore inventory in an effort to ensure that we have sufficient raw material inventory to meet our customer needs for the foreseeable future. If we are unable to continue mining or unwilling to incur the costs associated with further developing the mine, we may be unable to obtain additional raw material for our Specialty Fluids business at an acceptable cost or at all.
Our operations are subject to extensive safety, health and environmental requirements, which could increase our costs and/or reduce our profit.
Our ongoing operations are subject to extensive federal, state, local and foreign laws, regulations, rules and ordinances relating to safety, health and environmental matters, many of which provide for substantial monetary fines and criminal sanctions for violations. These requirements include requirements to obtain and comply with various environmental-related permits for constructing any new facilities and operating all of our existing facilities. The enactment of new environmental laws and regulations and/or the more aggressive interpretation of existing requirements could require us to incur significant costs for compliance or capital improvements or limit our current or planned operations, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our earnings or cash flow. See Item 3 Legal ProceedingsEnvironmental Proceedings.
Any failure to realize benefits from acquisitions, alliances or joint ventures could adversely affect future financial results.
Attainment of our strategic plan objectives requires, in part, strategic acquisitions or joint ventures intended to complement or expand our businesses globally or add product technology that accelerates our specialization strategy, or both. The success of acquisitions of businesses, new technologies and products,
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or arrangements with third parties is not always predictable and we may not be successful in realizing our objectives as anticipated. We may not be able to integrate any acquired businesses successfully into our existing businesses, make such businesses profitable, or realize anticipated cost savings or synergies, if any, from these acquisitions, which could adversely affect our business results.
Plant capacity expansions and site development projects may be delayed and/or not achieve the expected benefits.
Our ability to complete capacity expansions and other site development projects as planned may be delayed or interrupted by the need to obtain environmental and other regulatory approvals, unexpected cost increases, availability of labor and materials, unforeseen hazards such as weather conditions, and other risks customarily associated with construction projects. Moreover, the cost of these activities could have a negative impact on the financial performance of the relevant business, and in the case of capacity expansion projects, until capacity utilization at the particular facility is sufficient to absorb the incremental costs associated with the expansion. In addition, our ability to expand capacity in emerging regions depends in part on economic and political conditions in these regions and, in some cases, on our ability to establish operations, construct additional manufacturing capacity or form strategic business alliances.
An interruption in our operations as a result of fence-line arrangements could disrupt our manufacturing operations and adversely affect our financial results.
At certain of our facilities we have fence-line arrangements with adjacent third party manufacturing operations (fence-line partners), who provide raw materials for our manufacturing operations and/or take by-products generated from our operations. Accordingly, any unplanned disruptions or curtailments in a fence-line partners production facilities that impacts their ability to supply us with raw materials or to take our manufacturing by-products could disrupt our manufacturing operations or cause us to incur increased operating costs to mitigate such disruption.
Volatility in the price of energy and raw materials could decrease our margins.
Our manufacturing processes consume significant amounts of energy and raw materials, the costs of which are subject to worldwide supply and demand as well as other factors beyond our control. Dramatic increases in such costs or decreases in the availability of raw materials at acceptable costs could have an adverse effect on our results of operations. For example, movements in the market price for crude oil typically affect carbon black feedstock costs. Significant movements in the market price for crude oil tend to create volatility in our carbon black feedstock costs, which can affect our working capital and results of operations. Certain of our carbon black supply contracts contain provisions that adjust prices to account for changes in a relevant feedstock price index. We attempt to offset the effects of increases in raw material costs through selling price increases in our non-contract sales, productivity improvements and cost reduction efforts. Success in offsetting increased raw material costs with price increases is largely influenced by competitive and economic conditions and could vary significantly depending on the segment served. Such increases may not be accepted by our customers, may not be sufficient to compensate for increased raw material and energy costs or may decrease demand for our products and our volume of sales. If we are not able to fully offset the effects of increased raw material or energy costs, it could have a significant impact on our financial results.
We are exposed to political or country risk inherent in doing business in some countries.
Sales outside of the U.S. constituted a majority of our revenues in fiscal 2013. Although much of our international business is currently in regions where the political and economic risk levels and established legal systems are similar to those in the United States, we also conduct business in countries that have less stable legal systems and financial markets, and potentially more corrupt business environments than the U.S. Our operations in some countries may be subject to the following risks: changes in the rate of
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economic growth; unsettled political or economic conditions; possible expropriation or other governmental actions; corruption by government officials and other third parties; social unrest, war, terrorist activities or other armed conflict; confiscatory taxation or other adverse tax policies; deprivation of contract rights; trade regulations affecting production, pricing and marketing of products; reduced protection of intellectual property rights; restrictions on the repatriation of income or capital; exchange controls; inflation; currency fluctuations and devaluation; the effect of global health, safety and environmental matters on economic conditions and market opportunities; and changes in financial policy and availability of credit. We have an equity method investment in Venezuela, a country that has established rigid controls over the ability of foreign companies to repatriate cash. Such exchange controls could potentially impact our ability, in both the short and long term, to recover both the cost of our investment and earnings from that investment.
A significant adverse change in a customer relationship or the failure of a customer or other third party to perform its obligations under agreements with us could harm our business or cash flows.
Our success in strengthening relationships and growing business with our largest customers and retaining their business over extended time periods could affect our future results. We have a group of key customers across our businesses that together represent a significant portion of our total net sales and operating revenues. The loss of any of our important customers, or a reduction in volumes sold to them, including because of a work stoppage or other disruption, could adversely affect our results of operations until such business is replaced or the disruption ends. Any deterioration in the financial condition of any of our customers or the industries they serve that impairs our customers ability to make payments to us also could increase our uncollectible receivables and could affect our future results and financial condition. In addition, at times we have significant receivables from a limited number of customers and other parties, which concentration increases our credit risk.
We face competition from other specialty chemical companies.
We operate in a highly competitive marketplace. Our ability to compete successfully depends in part upon our ability to maintain a superior technological capability and to continue to identify, develop and commercialize new and innovative, high value-added products for existing and future customers. Increased competition from existing or newly developed products offered by our competitors or companies whose products offer a similar functionality as our products may negatively affect demand for our products. In addition, actions by our competitors could affect our ability to maintain or raise prices, successfully enter new markets or maintain or grow our market position.
Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange and interest rates could affect our financial results.
We earn revenues, pay expenses, own assets and incur liabilities in countries using currencies other than the U.S. dollar. In fiscal 2013, we derived a majority of our revenues from sales outside the United States. Because our consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars, we must translate revenues, income and expenses, as well as assets and liabilities, into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect during or at the end of each reporting period. Therefore, increases or decreases in the value of the U.S. dollar against other currencies in countries where we operate will affect our results of operations and the value of balance sheet items denominated in foreign currencies. Due to the geographic diversity of our operations, weaknesses in some currencies might be offset by strengths in others over time. In addition, we are exposed to adverse changes in interest rates. We manage both these risks through normal operating and financing activities and, when deemed appropriate, through the use of derivative instruments as well as foreign currency debt. We cannot be certain, however, that we will be successful in reducing the risks inherent in exposures to foreign currency and interest rate fluctuations.
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There are also instances where we have direct current exposures to foreign currency movements because settlement back into a different currency is intended. These situations can have a direct impact on our cash flows.
The money we spend developing new businesses and technologies may not result in a proportional increase in our revenues or profits.
We cannot be certain that the costs we incur investing in new businesses and technologies will result in a proportional increase in revenues or profits. In addition, the timely commercialization of products that we are developing may be disrupted or delayed by manufacturing or other technical difficulties, market acceptance or insufficient market size to support a new product, competitors new products, and difficulties in moving from the experimental stage to the production stage. These disruptions or delays could affect our future business results.
Our tax rate is dependent upon a number of factors, a change in any of which could impact our future tax rates and net income.
Our future tax rates may be adversely affected by a number of factors, including the enactment of certain tax legislation being considered in the U.S.; other changes in tax laws or the interpretation of such tax laws; changes in the estimated realization of our net deferred tax assets; the jurisdictions in which profits are determined to be earned and taxed; the repatriation of non-U.S. earnings for which we have not previously provided for U.S. income and non-U.S. withholding taxes; adjustments to estimated taxes upon finalization of various tax returns; increases in expenses that are not deductible for tax purposes, including impairment of goodwill in connection with acquisitions; changes in available tax credits; and the resolution of issues arising from tax audits with various tax authorities. Losses for which no tax benefits can be recorded could materially impact our tax rate and its volatility from one quarter to another. Any significant change in our jurisdictional earnings mix or in the tax laws in those jurisdictions could impact our future tax rates and net income in those periods.
Regulations requiring a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions impact our carbon black and activated carbon operations.
Global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions impact the carbon black and activated carbon industries as carbon dioxide is emitted from those manufacturing processes. The European Commissions Emissions Trading Scheme applies to our carbon black and activated carbon facilities in Europe, and we generally expect to purchase emission credits where necessary to respond to allocation shortfalls. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to purchase emissions credits if our carbon black or activated carbon operations generate more CO2 than our allocations permit or that the cost of such credits will be acceptable to us. There are also regulatory developments in other regions and countries, including the U.S., Canada, China and Brazil, regarding greenhouse gas emission reduction programs. Those programs have not yet been defined and their potential impact on our manufacturing operations or financial results cannot be estimated at this time.
Litigation or legal proceedings could expose us to significant liabilities and thus negatively affect our financial results.
As more fully described in Item 3Legal Proceedings, we are a party to or the subject of lawsuits, claims, and proceedings, including, but not limited to, those involving environmental, and health and safety matters as well as product liability and personal injury claims relating to asbestosis, silicosis, and coal workers pneumoconiosis, and exposure to various chemicals. We are also a potentially responsible party in various environmental proceedings and remediation matters wherein substantial amounts are at issue. Adverse rulings, judgments or settlements in pending or future litigation (including liabilities associated with respirator claims) or in connection with environmental remediation activities could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in any forward-looking statements.
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Our restructuring activities and cost saving initiatives may not achieve the results we anticipate.
We have undertaken and will continue to undertake cost reduction initiatives and organizational restructurings to improve operating efficiencies, optimize our asset base and generate cost savings. We cannot be certain that we will be able to complete these initiatives as planned or that the estimated operating efficiencies or cost savings from such activities will be fully realized or maintained over time. In addition, when we close manufacturing facilities, we may not be successful in migrating our customers from those closed facilities to our other facilities.
The reduction or elimination of tariffs placed on U.S. and European imports of Chinese or other foreign activated carbon could have a material adverse effect on Purification Solutions.
Purification Solutions faces pressure and competition in its U.S. and European markets from low-priced imports of activated carbon products that are frequently sold at less than fair value in the market. If the amounts of these low-priced imports increase, especially if they are sold at less than fair value, our sales of those products could decline, which could have an adverse effect on the earnings of Purification Solutions. In addition, sales of these low-priced imports may make it more difficult for Purification Solutions to pass through raw material cost increases to its customers. U.S. and European regulatory agencies have enacted antidumping duties to limit these activities. However, the antidumping duties in the U.S. could be reduced or eliminated in the future, and the antidumping duties in the European Union may not be renewed beyond their current term. If these antidumping duties are reduced or eliminated, the volume of low-priced activated carbon imports in the U.S and the European Union could increase and, therefore, reduce demand or pricing for our products.
The continued protection of our patents, trade secrets and other proprietary intellectual property rights are important to our success.
Our patents, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights are important to our success and competitive position. We own various patents and other intellectual property rights in the U.S. and other countries covering many of our products, as well as processes and product uses. Where we believe patent protection is not appropriate or obtainable, we rely on trade secret laws and practices to protect our proprietary technology and processes, such as physical security, limited dissemination and access and confidentiality agreements with our employees, customers, consultants, business partners, potential licensees and others to protect our trade secrets and other proprietary information. However, trade secrets can be difficult to protect and the protective measures we have put in place may not prevent disclosure or unauthorized use of our proprietary information or provide an adequate remedy in the event of misappropriation or other violations of our proprietary rights. In addition, we are a licensee of various patents and intellectual property rights belonging to others in the U.S. and other countries. Because the laws and enforcement mechanisms of some countries may not allow us to protect our proprietary rights to the same extent as we are able to do in the U.S., the strength of our intellectual property rights will vary from country to country.
Irrespective of our proprietary intellectual property rights, we may be subject to claims that our products, processes or product uses infringe the intellectual property rights of others. These claims, even if they are without merit, could be expensive and time consuming to defend and if we were to lose such claims, we could be enjoined from selling our products or using our processes and/or be subject to damages, or be required to enter into licensing agreements requiring royalty payments and/or use restrictions. Licensing agreements may not be available to us, or if available, may not be available on acceptable terms.
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We may be required to impair or write off certain assets if our assumptions about future sales and profitability prove incorrect.
In analyzing the value of our inventory, property, plant and equipment, investments, goodwill and intangible assets, we have made assumptions about future sales (pricing and volume), production, costs and cash generation, and market conditions. These assumptions are based on managements best estimates and if the actual results differ significantly from these assumptions, we may not be able to realize the value of the assets recorded as of September 30, 2013, which could lead to an impairment or write-off of certain of these assets in the future. In particular, our assumptions concerning future growth of the Purification Solutions business, which had $466 million of goodwill at September 30, 2013, are highly dependent on growth in the mercury removal products portion of this business. This growth relies upon the adoption and enforcement of environmental laws and regulations, particularly those requiring U.S.-based coal fired utilities to reduce mercury emissions to comply with MATS by April 2015. A delay in the implementation of these regulations or an extension of time for compliance could negatively affect our growth assumptions.
We may be subject to information technology systems failures, network disruptions and breaches of data security.
We depend on integrated information systems to conduct our business. Information technology systems failures, including risks associated with upgrading our systems or in successfully integrating information technology and other systems in connection with the integration of businesses we acquire, network disruptions and breaches of data security could disrupt our operations by impeding our processing of transactions, our ability to protect customer or company information and our financial reporting. Our computer systems, including our back-up systems, could be damaged or interrupted by power outages, computer and telecommunications failures, computer viruses, internal or external security breaches, events such as fires, earthquakes, floods, tornadoes and hurricanes, and/or errors by our employees. Although we have taken steps to address these concerns by implementing sophisticated network security and internal control measures and back-up systems at multiple sites, there can be no assurance that a system failure or data security breach will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Natural disasters could affect our operations and financial results.
We operate facilities in areas of the world that are exposed to natural hazards, such as floods, windstorms and earthquakes. Such events could disrupt our supply of raw materials or otherwise affect production, transportation and delivery of our products or affect demand for our products.
Item 1B. | Unresolved Staff Comments |
None.
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Item 2. | Properties |
Cabots corporate headquarters are in leased office space in Boston, Massachusetts. We also own or lease office, manufacturing, storage, distribution, marketing and research and development facilities in the United States and in foreign countries. The locations of our principal manufacturing and/or administrative facilities are set forth in the table below. Unless otherwise indicated, all the properties are owned.
Location by Region |
Reinforcement Materials |
Performance Materials |
Advanced Technologies |
Purification Solutions | ||||
Americas Region |
||||||||
Alpharetta, GA*(1) |
X | X | X | X | ||||
Tuscola, IL |
X | |||||||
Canal, LA |
X | X | ||||||
Ville Platte, LA |
X | |||||||
Billerica, MA |
X | X | X | X | ||||
Haverhill, MA |
X | |||||||
Midland, MI |
X | |||||||
Albuquerque, NM (2 plants)* |
X | |||||||
Pryor, OK |
X | |||||||
Marshall, TX |
X | |||||||
Pampa, TX |
X | X | ||||||
Campana, Argentina |
X | |||||||
Maua, Brazil |
X | X | ||||||
Sao Paulo, Brazil*(1) |
X | X | X | X | ||||
Cartagena, Colombia |
X | |||||||
Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba** |
X | |||||||
Sarnia, Ontario |
X | X |
(1) | Regional shared service center |
* | Leased premises |
** | Building(s) owned by Cabot on leased land |
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Location by Region |
Reinforcement Materials |
Performance Materials |
Advanced Technologies |
Purification Solutions | ||||
EMEA Region |
||||||||
Loncin, Belgium |
X | |||||||
Leuven, Belgium*(1) |
X | X | X | X | ||||
Pepinster, Belgium |
X | |||||||
Valasske Mezirici (Valmez), Czech Republic** |
X | |||||||
Port Jerome, France** |
X | |||||||
Frankfurt, Germany* |
X | |||||||
Rheinfelden, Germany |
X | |||||||
Ravenna, Italy (2 plants) |
X | X | ||||||
Bergen, Norway* |
X | |||||||
Kristiansund, Norway* |
X | |||||||
Aberdeen, Scotland* |
X | |||||||
Schaffhausen, Switzerland* |
X | X | X | X | ||||
Botlek, The Netherlands** |
X | X | ||||||
Amersfoort, The Netherlands* |
X | |||||||
Klazienaveen, The Netherlands |
X | |||||||
Zaandam, The Netherlands |
X | |||||||
Dubai, United Arab Emirates* |
X | |||||||
Glasgow, United Kingdom |
X | |||||||
Purton, United Kingdom |
X | |||||||
Barry, Wales** |
X | |||||||
Asia Pacific Region |
||||||||
Jiangxi Province, China** |
X | |||||||
Tianjin, China** |
X | X | ||||||
Shanghai, China*(1) |
X | X | X | X | ||||
Shanghai, China** (plant) |
X | |||||||
Xingtai City, China** |
X | |||||||
Mumbai, India* |
X | X | ||||||
Cilegon, Indonesia** |
X | |||||||
Jakarta, Indonesia* |
X | X | ||||||
Merak, Indonesia |
X | |||||||
Chiba, Japan |
X | |||||||
Shimonoseki, Japan** |
X | |||||||
Tokyo, Japan* |
X | X | X | X | ||||
Port Dickson, Malaysia** |
X |
(1) | Regional shared service center |
* | Leased premises |
** | Building(s) owned by Cabot on leased land |
We conduct research and development for our various businesses primarily at facilities in Billerica, MA; Albuquerque, NM; Amersfoort, The Netherlands; Pampa, TX; Pepinster, Belgium; Frankfurt and Rheinfelden, Germany; and Shanghai, China.
Our existing manufacturing plants will generally have sufficient production capacity to meet current requirements and expected near-term growth. These plants are generally well maintained, in good operating condition and suitable and adequate for their intended use. Our administrative offices and other facilities are generally suitable and adequate for their intended purposes.
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Item 3. | Legal Proceedings |
Cabot is a party in various lawsuits and environmental proceedings wherein substantial amounts are claimed. The following is a description of the significant proceedings pending on September 30, 2013, unless otherwise specified.
Environmental Proceedings
In November 2013, Cabot entered into a Consent Decree with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) regarding Cabots three carbon black manufacturing facilities in the United States. The Consent Decree will become effective once a public comment period has expired and it has been approved by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. This settlement is related to EPAs national enforcement initiative focused on the U.S. carbon black manufacturing sector alleging non-compliance with certain regulatory and permitting requirements under The Clean Air Act, including the New Source Review (NSR) construction permitting requirements. Pursuant to this settlement, Cabot will pay a combined $975,000 civil penalty to EPA and LDEQ, and fund $450,000 in environmental mitigation projects in the three communities where the plants are located and install technology controls for sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide. We expect that the capital costs to install these controls will total approximately $85 million and will be incurred over approximately six and one-half years. In addition, Cabot has agreed to certain best management practices (BMPs) to control emissions of particulate matter at the three locations. It is expected that other carbon black manufacturers will also be required to install technology controls and agree to adopt BMPs at their U.S. facilities in connection with this initiative and are also likely to pay a civil penalty and fund mitigation projects.
In an unrelated EPA matter, in June 2012, the activated carbon facility in Marshall, Texas that Cabot acquired in its acquisition of Norit received an information request from EPA. That request focuses on historic compliance with Clean Air Act permitting and regulatory requirements, including NSR requirements. Cabot has responded to that request. It is unknown at this time what prompted this request for information and how this matter will be resolved.
In November 2013, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) issued a proposed Agreed Order to Cabot for alleged air violations at Cabots carbon black production facility in Pampa, TX. Pursuant to the Agreed Order, TCEQ is proposing an administrative penalty of approximately $570,000 to resolve the alleged violations. TCEQ had raised the allegations in a March 2013 Notice of Enforcement, without proposing any specific penalty amount at that time. Cabot responded to the Notice of Enforcement in a timely manner, including taking certain corrective actions, and believed that the matter was resolved. Cabot disagrees with TCEQs proposed Agreed Order and the proposed penalty and will be challenging them in accordance with the appropriate process.
In 1986, Cabot sold a beryllium manufacturing facility in Reading, Pennsylvania to NGK Metals, Inc. (NGK). In doing so, we agreed to share with NGK the costs of certain environmental remediation of the Reading plant site. After the sale, the EPA issued an order to NGK pursuant to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) requiring NGK to address soil and groundwater contamination at the site. Soil remediation at the site has been completed and the groundwater remediation activities are ongoing pursuant to the RCRA order. We are contributing to the costs of the groundwater remediation activities pursuant to the cost-sharing agreement with NGK. Cabot and NGK are also pursuing various legal claims against the U.S. for cost recovery and participation in future remediation activities based on the U.S.s previous involvement at the site and contractual arrangements, beginning in World War II and continuing thereafter.
We continue to perform certain sampling and remediation activities at a former pine tar manufacturing site in Gainesville, Florida that we sold in the 1960s. Those activities are pursuant to a formal Record of Decision and 1991 Consent Decree with EPA. Cabot installed a groundwater treatment
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system at the site in the early 1990s, and that system is still in operation. We have also been requested by EPA and other stakeholders to carry out various other additional work at the site, the scope of which has yet to be determined. We continue to work cooperatively with EPA, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the local authorities on this matter.
As of September 30, 2013, we had a $5 million reserve, on both a discounted and undiscounted basis, for environmental remediation costs at various sites. The operation and maintenance component of this reserve was $3 million, on both a discounted and undiscounted basis. The $5 million reserve represents our current best estimate of costs likely to be incurred for remediation based on our analysis of the extent of cleanup required, alternative cleanup methods available, the ability of other responsible parties to contribute and our interpretation of laws and regulations applicable to each of our sites.
Other Proceedings
Respirator Liabilities
We have exposure in connection with a safety respiratory products business that a subsidiary acquired from American Optical Corporation (AO) in an April 1990 asset purchase transaction. The subsidiary manufactured respirators under the AO brand and disposed of that business in July 1995. In connection with its acquisition of the business, the subsidiary agreed, in certain circumstances, to assume a portion of AOs liabilities, including costs of legal fees together with amounts paid in settlements and judgments, allocable to AO respiratory products used prior to the 1990 purchase by the Cabot subsidiary. In exchange for the subsidiarys assumption of certain of AOs respirator liabilities, AO agreed to provide to the subsidiary the benefits of: (i) AOs insurance coverage for the period prior to the 1990 acquisition and (ii) a former owners indemnity of AO holding it harmless from any liability allocable to AO respiratory products used prior to May 1982.
Generally, these respirator liabilities involve claims for personal injury, including asbestosis, silicosis and coal workers pneumoconiosis, allegedly resulting from the use of respirators that are claimed to have been negligently designed or labeled. Neither Cabot, nor its past or present subsidiaries, at any time manufactured asbestos or asbestos-containing products. At no time did this respiratory product line represent a significant portion of the respirator market.
The subsidiary transferred the business to Aearo Corporation (Aearo) in July 1995. Cabot agreed to have the subsidiary retain certain liabilities associated with exposure to asbestos and silica while using respirators prior to the 1995 transaction so long as Aearo paid, and continues to pay, Cabot an annual fee of $400,000. Aearo can discontinue payment of the fee at any time, in which case it will assume the responsibility for and indemnify Cabot against those liabilities which Cabots subsidiary had agreed to retain. We anticipate that we will continue to receive payment of the $400,000 fee from Aearo and thereby retain these liabilities for the foreseeable future. We have no liability in connection with any products manufactured by Aearo after 1995.
In addition to Cabots subsidiary and as described above, other parties are responsible for significant portions of the costs of respirator liabilities, leaving Cabots subsidiary with a portion of the liability in only some of the pending cases. These parties include Aearo, AO, AOs insurers, and another former owner and its insurers (collectively, with Cabots subsidiary, the Payor Group).
As of both September 30, 2013 and 2012, there were approximately 42,000 claimants in pending cases asserting claims against AO in connection with respiratory products. Cabot has contributed to the Payor Groups defense and settlement costs with respect to a percentage of pending claims depending on several factors, including the period of alleged product use. In order to quantify our estimated share of liability for pending and future respirator liability claims, we have engaged, through counsel, the assistance of Hamilton, Rabinovitz & Alschuler, Inc. (HR&A), a leading consulting firm in the field of tort liability valuation. The methodology used by HR&A addresses the complexities surrounding our potential liability by making assumptions about future claimants with respect to periods of asbestos, silica and coal mine dust exposure
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and respirator use. Using those and other assumptions, HR&A estimates the number of future asbestos, silica and coal mine dust claims that will be filed and the related costs that would be incurred in resolving both currently pending and future claims. On this basis, HR&A then estimates the net present value of the share of these liabilities that reflect our period of direct manufacture and our contractual obligations. Based on the HR&A estimates, we have recorded on a discounted basis an $11 million reserve ($15 million on an undiscounted basis) to cover our estimated share of liability for pending and future respirator claims. We made payments related to our respirator liability of $2 million in fiscal 2013, $2 million in fiscal 2012 and $5 million in fiscal 2011.
Our current estimate of the cost of our share of existing and future respirator liability claims is based on facts and circumstances existing at this time. Developments that could affect our estimate include, but are not limited to, (i) significant changes in the number of future claims, (ii) changes in the rate of dismissals without payment of pending silica and non-malignant asbestos claims, (iii) significant changes in the average cost of resolving claims, (iv) significant changes in the legal costs of defending these claims, (v) changes in the nature of claims received, (vi) changes in the law and procedure applicable to these claims, (vii) the financial viability of members of the Payor Group, (viii) a change in the availability of AOs insurance coverage or the indemnity provided by AOs former owner, (ix) changes in the allocation of costs among the Payor Group, and (x) a determination that the assumptions that were used to estimate our share of liability are no longer reasonable. We cannot determine the impact of these potential developments on our current estimate of our share of liability for these existing and future claims. Accordingly, the actual amount of these liabilities for existing and future claims could be different than the reserved amount. Further, if the timing of our actual payments made for respirator claims differs significantly from our estimated payment schedule, and we determine that we can no longer reasonably predict the timing of such payments, we could then be required to record the reserve amount on an undiscounted basis on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, causing an immediate impact to earnings.
Other Matters
We have various other lawsuits, claims and contingent liabilities. In our opinion, although final disposition of some or all of these other suits and claims may impact our financial statements in a particular period, they should not, in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our financial position.
Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures |
Not applicable.
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Executive Officers of the Registrant
Set forth below is certain information about Cabots executive officers. Ages are as of November 27, 2013.
Patrick M. Prevost, age 58, is President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of Cabots Board of Directors, positions he has held since joining Cabot in January 2008. Prior to joining Cabot, since October 2005, Mr. Prevost served as President, Performance Chemicals, of BASF AG, an international chemical company. Prior to that, he was responsible for BASF Corporations Chemicals and Plastics business in North America. Prior to joining BASF in 2003, he held senior management positions at BP and Amoco.
Eduardo E. Cordeiro, age 46, is Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Cordeiro joined Cabot in 1998 as Manager of Corporate Planning and served in that position until January 2000. Mr. Cordeiro was Director of Finance and Investor Relations from January 2000 to March 2002, Corporate Controller from March 2002 to July 2003, General Manager of the Fumed Metal Oxides Business from July 2003 to January 2005, General Manager of the Supermetals Business from January 2005 to May 2008, and responsible for Corporate Strategy from May 2008 until February 2009, when he became Cabots Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Cordeiro was appointed Vice President in March 2003 and Executive Vice President in March 2009.
David A. Miller, age 54, is Executive Vice President and President of Reinforcement Materials and of the Americas region. Prior to joining Cabot in September 2009, Mr. Miller held a variety of management positions in BPs chemical business in North America, Europe and Asia, including as President, Aromatics Asia, Europe and Middle East from January 2007 to July 2009, President, Global Purified Terephthalic Acid from October 2005 to January 2007, and Senior Vice President, Olefins and Derivatives China & Asia Operations (Innovene division) from January 2004 to October 2005.
Brian A. Berube, age 51, is Senior Vice President and General Counsel. Mr. Berube joined Cabot in 1994 as an attorney in Cabots law department and became Deputy General Counsel in June 2001, Business General Counsel in March 2002, and General Counsel in March 2003. Mr. Berube was appointed Vice President in March 2002 and Senior Vice President in March 2012.
Sean D. Keohane, age 46, is Senior Vice President and President of Performance Materials. Mr. Keohane joined Cabot in August 2002 as Global Marketing Director. Mr. Keohane was General Manager of the Specialty Carbons and Compounds Business from October 2003 until May 2008, when he was named General Manager of Performance Materials. He was appointed Vice President in March 2005 and Senior Vice President in March 2012. Before joining Cabot, Mr. Keohane worked for Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies, in a variety of leadership positions.
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PART II
Item 5. | Market for Registrants Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities |
Cabots common stock is listed for trading (symbol CBT) on the New York Stock Exchange. As of November 19, 2013, there were 891 holders of record of Cabots common stock. The tables below show the high and low sales price for Cabots common stock for each of the fiscal quarters ended December 31, March 31, June 30, and September 30 and the quarterly cash dividend paid on Cabots common stock for the past two fiscal years.
Stock Price and Dividend Data
Quarters Ended | ||||||||||||||||
December 31 | March 31 | June 30 | September 30 | |||||||||||||
Fiscal 2013 |
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Cash dividends per share |
$ | 0.20 | $ | 0.20 | $ | 0.20 | $ | 0.20 | ||||||||
Price range of common stock: |
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High |
$ | 40.95 | $ | 44.16 | $ | 41.38 | $ | 43.36 | ||||||||
Low |
$ | 32.57 | $ | 33.00 | $ | 32.13 | $ | 37.18 | ||||||||
Fiscal 2012 |
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Cash dividends per share |
$ | 0.18 | $ | 0.18 | $ | 0.20 | $ | 0.20 | ||||||||
Price range of common stock: |
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High |
$ | 34.35 | $ | 43.76 | $ | 44.97 | $ | 41.75 | ||||||||
Low |
$ | 22.45 | $ | 31.70 | $ | 35.11 | $ | 33.90 |
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The table below sets forth information regarding Cabots purchases of its equity securities during the quarter ended September 30, 2013:
Period |
Total Number of Shares Purchased(1) |
Average Price Paid per Share |
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs(1) |
Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs(1) |
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July 1, 2013July 31, 2013 |
| $ | | | 1,636,167 | |||||||||||
August 1, 2013August 31, 2013 |
| $ | | | 1,636,167 | |||||||||||
September 1, 2013September 30, 2013 |
| $ | | | 1,636,167 | |||||||||||
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Total |
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(1) | On May 11, 2007, we publicly announced that the Board of Directors authorized us to repurchase five million shares of our common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. On September 14, 2007, the Board of Directors increased the share repurchase authorization to 10 million shares (the 2007 Authorization). This authorization does not have a set expiration date. In the fourth quarter of 2013 we did not repurchase shares under this authorization. |
Item 6. | Selected Financial Data |
On July 31, 2012, Cabot completed the purchase of Norit NV. The operating results and ratios presented below for fiscal 2012 include two months of results of Norit NV. The September 30, 2012 balance sheet items presented below include those of Norit NV.
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On January 20, 2012, the Company completed the sale of its Supermetals Business. The results of its operations for all periods presented are reflected as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Years Ended September 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | ||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts and ratios) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated Net Income (Loss) |
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Net sales and other operating revenues |
$ | 3,463 | $ | 3,300 | $ | 3,102 | $ | 2,716 | $ | 2,108 | ||||||||||
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Gross profit |
636 | 648 | 558 | 510 | 217 | |||||||||||||||
Selling and administrative expenses |
299 | 285 | 249 | 241 | 205 | |||||||||||||||
Research and technical expenses |
74 | 73 | 66 | 65 | 66 | |||||||||||||||
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Income (loss) from operations(1) |
263 | 290 | 243 | 204 | (54 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net interest expense and other charges(2) |
(58 | ) | (45 | ) | (40 | ) | (38 | ) | (45 | ) | ||||||||||
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Income (loss) from continuing operations |
205 | 245 | 203 | 166 | (99 | ) | ||||||||||||||
(Provision) benefit for income taxes(3) |
(58 | ) | (55 | ) | (6 | ) | (30 | ) | 21 | |||||||||||
Equity in earnings of affiliated companies |
11 | 11 | 8 | 7 | 5 | |||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax |
2 | 205 | 53 | 26 | (2 | ) | ||||||||||||||
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Net income (loss) |
160 | 406 | 258 | 169 | (75 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax |
7 | 18 | 22 | 15 | 2 | |||||||||||||||
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Net income (loss) attributable to Cabot Corporation |
$ | 153 | $ | 388 | $ | 236 | $ | 154 | $ | (77 | ) | |||||||||
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Common Share Data |
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Diluted net income (loss) attributable to Cabot Corporation: |
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Income (loss) from continuing operations |
$ | 2.32 | $ | 2.83 | $ | 2.77 | $ | 1.94 | $ | (1.21 | ) | |||||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations |
0.04 | 3.16 | 0.80 | 0.41 | (0.04 | ) | ||||||||||||||
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Net income (loss) attributable to Cabot Corporation |
$ | 2.36 | $ | 5.99 | $ | 3.57 | $ | 2.35 | $ | (1.25 | ) | |||||||||
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Dividends |
$ | 0.80 | $ | 0.76 | $ | 0.72 | $ | 0.72 | $ | 0.72 | ||||||||||
Closing prices |
$ | 42.71 | $ | 36.57 | $ | 24.78 | $ | 32.57 | $ | 23.11 | ||||||||||
Weighted-average diluted shares outstandingmillions(4) |
64.5 | 64.2 | 65.4 | 64.3 | 62.8 | |||||||||||||||
Shares outstanding at year endmillions |
64.0 | 63.3 | 63.9 | 65.4 | 65.3 | |||||||||||||||
Consolidated Financial Position |
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Current assets |
$ | 1,495 | $ | 1,443 | $ | 1,555 | $ | 1,438 | $ | 1,200 | ||||||||||
Net property, plant, and equipment |
1,605 | 1,552 | 1,036 | 937 | 972 | |||||||||||||||
Other assets |
1,133 | 1,404 | 550 | 511 | 504 | |||||||||||||||
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Total assets |
$ | 4,233 | $ | 4,399 | $ | 3,141 | $ | 2,886 | $ | 2,676 | ||||||||||
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Current liabilities |
$ | 844 | $ | 919 | $ | 656 | $ | 539 | $ | 477 | ||||||||||
Long-term debt |
1,020 | 1,172 | 556 | 600 | 623 | |||||||||||||||
Other long-term liabilities |
286 | 369 | 313 | 330 | 339 | |||||||||||||||
Cabot Corporation stockholders equity |
1,951 | 1,813 | 1,487 | 1,302 | 1,134 | |||||||||||||||
Noncontrolling interests |
132 | 126 | 129 | 115 | 103 | |||||||||||||||
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Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
$ | 4,233 | $ | 4,399 | $ | 3,141 | $ | 2,886 | $ | 2,676 | ||||||||||
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Selected Financial Ratios |
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Adjusted return on invested capital(5) |
8 | % | 12 | % | 16 | % | 14 | % | 2 | % | ||||||||||
Net debt to capitalization ratio(6) |
36 | % | 40 | % | 20 | % | 16 | % | 22 | % |
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(1) | Income (loss) from operations includes certain items as presented in the table below: |
Years Ended September 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | ||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Global restructuring activities |
$ | (37 | ) | $ | (17 | ) | $ | (18 | ) | $ | (46 | ) | $ | (87 | ) | |||||
Environmental and legal reserves |
(1 | ) | (4 | ) | (1 | ) | (3 | ) | | |||||||||||
Reserve for respirator claims |
| (4 | ) | | (2 | ) | | |||||||||||||
Acquisition and integration related charges |
(21 | ) | (26 | ) | | | | |||||||||||||
Long-lived asset impairment |
| | | (2 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Write-down of impaired investments |
| | | | (1 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Executive transition costs |
| | | | (4 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Foreign currency gain on revaluations |
3 | | | | | |||||||||||||||
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Certain items, pre-tax |
$ | (56 | ) | $ | (51 | ) | $ | (19 | ) | $ | (53 | ) | $ | (92 | ) | |||||
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(2) | Net interest expense and other charges include foreign currency gains of $2 million for fiscal 2013 and losses of $2 million, $6 million, and $15 million for fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2009, respectively. Net interest expense and other charges for fiscal 2010 includes foreign currency gains of less than $1 million. |
(3) | The Companys effective tax rate for fiscal 2013 was 28% which includes net discrete tax charges of $3 million, composed of a $13 million foreign currency related charge, offset by $10 million of net tax benefit related to tax settlements, renewal of the U.S. research and experimentation (R&E) credit, and other miscellaneous tax items in the tax provision. The Companys effective tax rate for fiscal 2012 was a provision of 22% which includes net discrete tax benefits of $8 million from the release of a valuation allowance and $3 million from settlements and miscellaneous tax items. The Companys effective tax rate for fiscal 2011 was a provision of 3% which includes net tax benefits of $24 million from the repatriation of high taxed income, $10 million from the settlements of various tax audits, $2 million from the renewal of the R&E credit and $2 million for investment incentive tax credits recognized in China. The Companys effective tax rate for fiscal 2010 was a provision of 18% which includes net tax benefits of $15 million from the settlements of various tax audits and $2 million for investment incentive tax credits. The Companys effective tax rate for fiscal 2009 was a benefit of 21%, which includes $12 million of net tax benefits resulting from settlements of various tax audits and tax credits during the year. |
(4) | The weighted-average diluted shares outstanding for fiscal 2009 exclude approximately 4 million shares as those shares would have had an antidilutive effect due to the Companys net loss position. |
(5) | Adjusted return on invested capital (Adjusted ROIC) is a non-GAAP financial measure that management believes is useful to investors as a measure of performance and the effectiveness of our use of capital. We use Adjusted ROIC as one measure to monitor and evaluate performance. ROIC is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP and may not be defined and calculated by other companies in the same manner. Adjusted ROIC, which excludes items that management considers to be unusual and not representative of the Companys segment results, is calculated as follows: |
Numerator (four quarter rolling):
Net income (loss) attributable to Cabot Corporation
Less the after-tax impact of:
Noncontrolling interest in net income
Interest expense
Interest income
Certain items
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Denominator:
Previous four quarter average invested capital calculated as follows:
Total Cabot Corporation stockholders equity
Plus: | Noncontrolling interests equity |
Long-term debt
Current portion of long-term debt
Notes payable
Less: Cash | and cash equivalents |
Less the four quarter rolling impact of after tax certain items.
(6) | Net debt to capitalization ratio is calculated by dividing total debt (the sum of short-term and long-term debt less cash and cash equivalents) by total capitalization (the sum of Total stockholders equity plus total debt). |
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Item 7. | Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of our financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We consider an accounting estimate to be critical to the financial statements if (i) the estimate is complex in nature or requires a high degree of judgment and (ii) different estimates and assumptions were used, the results could have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and application of our policies. We base our estimates on historical experience, current conditions and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The policies that we believe are critical to the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements are presented below.
Revenue Recognition and Accounts and Notes Receivable
We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. We generally are able to ensure that products meet customer specifications prior to shipment. If we are unable to determine that the product has met the specified objective criteria prior to shipment or if title has not transferred because of sales terms, the revenue is considered unearned and is deferred until the revenue recognition criteria are met.
Shipping and handling charges related to sales transactions are recorded as sales revenue when billed to customers or included in the sales price.
The following table shows the relative size of the revenue recognized in each of the Companys reportable segments:
Years ended September 30 | ||||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||||
Reinforcement Materials |
56 | % | 63 | % | 65% | |||||||
Performance Materials |
27 | % | 28 | % | 29% | |||||||
Advanced Technologies |
7 | % | 7 | % | 6% | |||||||
Purification Solutions |
10 | % | 2 | %(1) | N/A |
(1) | Fiscal 2012 consists of two months of revenues for Purification Solutions, which we acquired on July 31, 2012. |
We derive the substantial majority of revenues from the sale of products in Reinforcement Materials and Performance Materials. Revenue from these products is typically recognized when the product is shipped and title and risk of loss have passed to the customer. We offer certain customers cash discounts and volume rebates as sales incentives. The discounts and volume rebates are recorded as a reduction in sales at the time revenue is recognized and are estimated based on historical experience and contractual obligations. We periodically review the assumptions underlying estimates of discounts and volume rebates and adjust revenues accordingly.
Revenue in Advanced Technologies, excluding the Specialty Fluids Business, is typically recognized when the product is shipped and title and risk of loss have passed to the customer. Depending on the nature of the contract with the customer, a portion of the revenue may be recognized using proportional performance. We have technology and licensing agreements with one customer that are accounted for as multiple element arrangements. Revenue is recognized ratably over the term of the agreements limited by the cumulative amounts that become due, some of which are through 2022. We recorded $9 million of royalty and technology payments in fiscal year 2013 from these agreements.
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A significant portion of the revenue in the Specialty Fluids Business, included in Advanced Technologies, arises from the rental of cesium formate. This revenue is recognized throughout the rental period based on the contracted rental terms. Customers are also billed and revenue is recognized, typically at the end of the job, for cesium formate product that is not returned. We also generate revenues from cesium formate sold outside of a rental process and revenue is recognized upon delivery of the fluid.
Revenue in Purification Solutions is typically recognized when the product is shipped and title and risk of loss have passed to the customer. For major activated carbon injection systems projects, revenue is recognized using the percentage-of-completion method.
We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts based on an assessment of the collectability of specific customer accounts, the aging of accounts receivable and other economic information on both a historical and prospective basis. Customer account balances are charged against the allowance when it is probable the receivable will not be recovered. The change from fiscal 2012 to 2013 was $3 million due to an increase in specific customer reserves. The change from fiscal 2011 to 2012 was immaterial. There is no off-balance sheet credit exposure related to customer receivable balances.
Inventory Valuation
The cost of all carbon black inventories in the U.S. is determined using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. Total U.S. inventories utilizing this cost flow assumption were valued at $24 million at September 30, 2013 and $26 million at September 30, 2012. These inventories represent 5% of total worldwide inventories at both September 30, 2013 and 2012. Had we used the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method instead of the LIFO method for such inventories, the value of those inventories would have been $55 million and $52 million higher as of September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The cost of Specialty Fluids inventories is determined using the average cost method. The cost of other U.S. and all non-U.S. inventories is determined using the FIFO method. In periods of rapidly rising or declining raw material costs, the inventory method we employ can have a significant impact on our profitability.
At certain times, we may decrease inventory levels to the point where layers of inventory recorded under the LIFO method that were purchased in preceding years are liquidated. The inventory in these layers may be valued at an amount that is different than our current costs. If there is a liquidation of an inventory layer, there may be an impact to our cost of sales and net income for that period. If the liquidated inventory is at a cost lower than our current cost, there would be a reduction in our cost of sales and an increase to our net income during the period.
During fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, inventory quantities carried on a LIFO basis were reduced, leading to liquidations of LIFO inventory quantities. These LIFO layer liquidations resulted in a decrease of cost of goods sold of $1 million and an increase in consolidated net income of $1 million ($0.01 per diluted common share) in both fiscal 2013 and 2012. No such reductions occurred in fiscal 2011.
We review inventory for both potential obsolescence and potential loss of value periodically. In this review, we make assumptions about the future demand for and market value of the inventory and based on these assumptions estimate the amount of any obsolete, unmarketable or slow moving inventory. We write down the value of our inventories by an amount equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value. Historically, such write-downs have not been significant. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management at the time of the assessment, however, additional inventory write-downs may be required, which could reduce our gross profit and our earnings.
Stock-based Compensation
We have issued restricted stock, restricted stock units, and stock options under our equity compensation plans. The fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock units is the closing price of our stock on the day of the grant. The fair value is recognized as expense over the service period, which generally represents the vesting period. The vesting of certain restricted stock units is dependent on certain performance-based criteria. We evaluate the likelihood of achievement of such performance
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objectives each quarter and record stock-based compensation based on this assessment. There are no other significant estimates involved in recording compensation costs for restricted stock units with the exception of estimates we make around the probability of forfeitures. Changes in the forfeiture assumptions could impact our earnings but would not impact our cash flows.
We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to calculate the fair value of stock options issued under our equity compensation plans. In determining the fair value of stock options, we make a variety of assumptions and estimates, including discount rates, volatility measures, expected dividends and expected option lives. Changes to such assumptions and estimates can result in different fair values and could therefore impact our earnings. Such changes would not impact our cash flows.
Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets
We record tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. Amounts paid for an acquisition are allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their fair values at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is comprised of the purchase price of business acquisitions in excess of the fair value assigned to the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but is reviewed for impairment annually, or when events or changes in the business environment indicate that the carrying value of the reporting unit may exceed its fair value. A reporting unit, for the purpose of the impairment test, is at or below the operating segment level, and constitutes a business for which discrete financial information is available and regularly reviewed by segment management. The separate businesses included within Performance Materials and Advanced Technologies are considered separate reporting units. Goodwill balances relative to these segments are recorded in the Fumed Metal Oxides reporting unit within Performance Materials and the Security Materials reporting unit within Advanced Technologies.
For the purpose of the goodwill impairment test, we first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value amount and as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. Alternatively, we may elect to proceed directly to the two-step goodwill impairment test. If an initial qualitative assessment identifies that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, an additional quantitative evaluation is performed under the two-step impairment test. If based on the quantitative evaluation the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we perform an analysis of the fair value of all assets and liabilities of the reporting unit. If the implied fair value of the reporting units goodwill is determined to be less than its carrying amount, an impairment is recognized for the difference. The fair value of a reporting unit is based on discounted estimated future cash flows. The assumptions used to estimate fair value include managements estimates of future growth rates, operating cash flows, capital expenditures, and discount rates over an estimate of the remaining operating period at the reporting unit level. Should the fair value of any of our reporting units decline because of reduced operating performance, market declines, or other indicators of impairment, or as a result of changes in the discount rate, charges for impairment may be necessary. The future growth in the Purification Solutions business, which had $466 million of goodwill at September 30, 2013, is highly dependent on the growth in the mercury removal portion of this business. This growth relies upon the adoption and enforcement of environmental laws and regulations, particularly those that would require U.S. based coal fired electrical utilities to reduce the quantity of air pollutants they release, including mercury, to comply with the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards that become effective in April 2015. The annual review is performed as of May 31.
We use assumptions and estimates in determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. The determination of the fair value of intangible assets requires the use of significant judgment with regard to (i) assumptions used in the valuation model; and (ii) determination of the intangible assets useful lives. We estimate the fair value of identifiable acquisition-related intangible assets principally based on projections of cash flows that will arise from these assets. The projected cash flows are discounted to determine the fair value of the assets at the dates of acquisition. We review definite-lived intangible assets for
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impairment when indication of potential impairment exists, such as a significant reduction in cash flows associated with the assets. Actual cash flows arising from a particular intangible asset could vary from projected cash flows which could imply different carrying values from those established at the dates of acquisition and which could result in impairment of such asset. We evaluate indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually or when events occur or circumstances change that may reduce the fair value of the asset below its carrying amount. The annual review is performed as of May 31. We may first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test or bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to performing the quantitative impairment test. The quantitative impairment test is based on discounted estimated future cash flows. The assumptions used to estimate fair value include managements estimates of future growth rates and discount rates over an estimate of the remaining operating period at the unit of accounting level. Our intangible assets are primarily comprised of trademarks, customer relationships, patented and unpatented technology and other intellectual property. Finite lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives.
Our long-lived assets primarily include property, plant and equipment, long-term investments, assets held for rent and sale. The carrying values of long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An asset impairment is recognized when the carrying value of the asset is not recoverable based on the probability-weighted undiscounted estimated future cash flows to be generated by the asset. Our estimates reflect managements assumptions about selling prices, production and sales volumes, costs and market conditions over an estimate of the remaining operating period. If an impairment is indicated, the asset is written down to fair value. If the asset does not have a readily determinable market value, a discounted cash flow model may be used to determine the fair value of the asset. The key inputs to the discounted cash flow would be the same as the undiscounted cash flow noted above, with the addition of the discount rate used. In circumstances when an asset does not have separate identifiable cash flows, an impairment charge is recorded when we no longer intend to use the asset.
To test for impairment of assets we generally use a probability-weighted estimate of the future undiscounted net cash flows of the assets over their remaining lives to determine if the value of the asset is recoverable. Long-lived assets are grouped with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which independent identifiable cash flows are determinable.
Financial Instruments
Our financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, investments, notes receivable from the sale of a business, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, short-term and long-term debt, and derivative instruments. The carrying values of our financial instruments approximate fair value with the exception of long-term debt that has not been designated as part of a fair value hedge and notes receivable from the sale of business. The non-hedged long-term debt and notes receivable from the sale of business are recorded at amortized cost. The fair values of our financial instruments are based on quoted market prices, if such prices are available. In situations where quoted market prices are not available, we rely on valuation models to derive fair value. Such valuation takes into account the ability of the financial counterparty to perform.
We use derivative financial instruments primarily for purposes of hedging exposures to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, which exist as part of our on-going business operations. We do not enter into derivative contracts for speculative purposes, nor do we hold or issue any derivative contracts for trading purposes. All derivatives are recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. Where we have a legal right to offset derivative settlements under a master netting agreement with a counterparty, derivatives with that counterparty are presented on a net basis. The changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded in either earnings or Accumulated other comprehensive income, depending on whether or not the instrument is designated as part of a hedge transaction and, if designated as part of a hedge transaction, the type of hedge transaction. The gains or
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losses on derivative instruments reported in Accumulated other comprehensive income are reclassified to earnings in the period in which earnings are affected by the underlying hedged item. The ineffective portion of all hedges is recognized in earnings during the period in which the ineffectiveness occurs.
In accordance with our risk management strategy, we may enter into certain derivative instruments that may not be designated as hedges for hedge accounting purposes. Although these derivatives are not designated as hedges, we believe that such instruments are closely correlated with the underlying exposure, thus managing the associated risk. We record in earnings the gains or losses from changes in the fair value of derivative instruments that are not designated as hedges. Cash movements associated with these instruments are presented in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows as Cash Flows from Operating Activities because the derivatives are designed to mitigate risk to our cash flow from operations. The cash flows relating to the principal of these instruments was presented in the Cash Flows from Financing Activities section of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value, including assets of our defined benefit pension plans, are classified in the fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used for valuation. Assets that are actively traded on an exchange with a quoted price are classified as Level 1. Assets and liabilities that are valued based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, or standard pricing models using observable inputs are classified as Level 2. As of September 30, 2013, we have no assets or liabilities carried at fair value that are valued using unobservable inputs and, therefore, no assets or liabilities that are classified as Level 3. The sensitivity of fair value estimates is immaterial relative to the assets and liabilities measured at fair value, as well as to our total equity, as of September 30, 2013.
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits
We maintain both defined benefit and defined contribution plans for our employees. In addition, we provide certain postretirement health care and life insurance benefits for our retired employees. Plan obligations and annual expense calculations are based on a number of key assumptions. The assumptions, which are specific for each of our U.S. and foreign plans, are related to both the assets we hold to fund our plans (where applicable) and the characteristics of the benefits that will ultimately be provided to our employees. The most significant assumptions relative to our plan assets include the anticipated rates of return on these assets. Assumptions relative to our pension obligations are more varied; they include estimated discount rates, rates of compensation increases for employees, mortality, employee turnover and other related demographic data. Projected health care and life insurance obligations also rely on the above mentioned demographic assumptions and assumptions surrounding health care cost trends. Actual results that differ from the assumptions are generally accumulated and amortized over future periods and could therefore affect the recognized expense and recorded obligation in such future periods. However, cash flow requirements may be different from the amounts of expense that are recorded in the consolidated financial statements. In fiscal 2012, we incurred curtailment and settlement gains and losses in the U.S. and foreign employee benefit plans as a result of the sale of the Supermetals Business and the freezing of two defined benefit plans in foreign affiliates. In the third quarter of fiscal 2013, we approved the freezing of our U.S. pension plans as of January 1, 2014. This resulted in the remeasurement of the plan assets and liabilities. The remeasurement decreased the net pension obligation of these plans, which is included within Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, by $19 million and increased Accumulated other comprehensive income by $13 million, net of tax. The impact to the Companys Net periodic benefit cost was immaterial.
Self-Insurance Reserves
We are partially self-insured for certain third-party liabilities globally, as well as workers compensation and employee medical benefits in the United States. The third-party and workers compensation liabilities are managed through a wholly-owned insurance captive and the related liabilities are included in the consolidated financial statements. The employee medical obligations are managed by a third-party provider and the related liabilities are included in the consolidated financial statements. To limit our potential liabilities for these risks in the U.S., however, we purchase insurance from third-parties
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that provides individual and aggregate stop loss protection. The aggregate self-insured liability in fiscal 2013 for combined U.S. third party liabilities and U.S. workers compensation is $6 million, and the retention for medical costs in the United States is at most $225,000 per person per annum. We have accrued amounts equal to the actuarially determined future liabilities. We determine the actuarial assumptions in collaboration with third-party actuaries, based on historical information along with certain assumptions about future events. Changes in assumptions for such matters as legal actions, medical costs and changes in actual experience could cause these estimates to change and impact our earnings and cash flows.
Asset Retirement Obligations
We account for asset retirement obligations by estimating incremental costs for special handling, removal and disposal costs of materials that may or will give rise to conditional asset retirement obligations (AROs) and then discount the expected costs back to the current year using a credit adjusted risk-free rate. ARO liabilities and costs are recognized when the timing and/or settlement can be reasonably estimated. If it is unclear when, or if, an ARO will be triggered, we use probability weightings for possible timing scenarios to determine the amounts that should be recognized in our financial statements.
The estimation of AROs is subject to a number of inherent uncertainties including: (a) the timing of when any ARO may be incurred, (b) the ability to accurately identify and reasonably estimate the costs of all materials that may require special handling or treatment, (c) the ability to assess the relative probability of different scenarios that could give rise to an ARO, and (d) other factors outside our control, including changes in regulations, costs and interest rates.
AROs have not been recognized for certain of our facilities because either the present value of the obligation cannot be reasonably estimated due to an indeterminable facility life or we do not have a legal obligation associated with the retirement of those facilities. In most circumstances where AROs have been recorded, the anticipated cash outflows will likely take place far into the future. Accordingly, actual costs and the timing of such costs may vary significantly from our estimates, which may, in turn, impact our earnings. In general, however, when such estimates change, the impact is spread over future years and thus the impact on any individual year is unlikely to be material.
Litigation and Contingencies
We are involved in litigation in the ordinary course of business, including personal injury and environmental litigation. After consultation with counsel, as appropriate, we accrue a liability for litigation when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The estimated reserves are recorded based on our best estimate of the liability associated with such matters or the low end of the estimated range of liability if we are unable to identify a better estimate within that range. Our best estimate is determined through the evaluation of various information, including claims, settlement offers, demands by government agencies, estimates performed by independent third parties, identification of other responsible parties and an assessment of their ability to contribute, and our prior experience. Litigation is highly uncertain and there is always the possibility of an unusual result in any particular case that may reduce our earnings and cash flows.
The most significant reserves that we have established are for environmental remediation and respirator litigation claims. The amount accrued for environmental matters reflects our assumptions about remediation requirements at the contaminated sites, the nature of the remedies, the outcome of discussions with regulatory agencies and other potentially responsible parties at multi-party sites, and the number and financial viability of other potentially responsible parties. A portion of the reserve for environmental matters is recognized on a discounted basis, which requires the use of an estimated discount rate and estimates of future cash flows associated with the liability. These liabilities can be affected by the availability of new information, changes in the assumptions on which the accruals are based, unanticipated government enforcement action or changes in applicable government laws and regulations, which could result in higher or lower costs.
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Our current estimate of the cost of our share of existing and future respirator liability claims is based on facts and circumstances existing at this time and the amount accrued is recognized on a discounted basis. Developments that could affect our estimate include, but are not limited to, (i) significant changes in the number of future claims, (ii) changes in the rate of dismissals without payment of pending silica and non-malignant asbestos claims, (iii) significant changes in the average cost of resolving claims, (iv) significant changes in the legal costs of defending these claims, (v) changes in the nature of claims received, (vi) changes in the law and procedure applicable to these claims, (vii) the financial viability of other parties which contribute to the settlement of respirator claims, (viii) a change in the availability of insurance coverage maintained by the entity from which we acquired the safety respirators products business or the indemnity provided by its former owner, (ix) changes in the allocation of costs among the various parties paying legal and settlement costs, and (x) a determination that the assumptions that were used to estimate our share of liability are no longer reasonable. We cannot determine the impact of these potential developments on our current estimate of our share of liability for these existing and future claims. Accordingly, the actual amount of these liabilities for existing and future claims could be different than the reserved amount. Further, if the timing of our actual payments made for respirator claims differs significantly from our estimated payment schedule, and we determine that we can no longer reasonably predict the timing of such payments, we could then be required to record the reserve amount on an undiscounted basis on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, causing an immediate impact to earnings.
Income Taxes
Our business operations are global in nature, and we are subject to taxes in numerous jurisdictions. Tax laws and tax rates vary substantially in these jurisdictions and are subject to change based on the political and economic climate in those countries. We file our tax returns in accordance with our interpretations of each jurisdictions tax laws.
Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide provision for income taxes and recording the related tax assets and liabilities. In the ordinary course of our business, there are operational decisions, transactions, facts and circumstances, and calculations which make the ultimate tax determination uncertain. Furthermore, our tax positions are periodically subject to challenge by taxing authorities throughout the world. We have recorded reserves for taxes and associated interest and penalties that may become payable in future years as a result of audits by tax authorities. Any significant impact as a result of changes in underlying facts, law, tax rates, tax audit, or review could lead to adjustments to our income tax expense, our effective tax rate, and/or our cash flow.
We record benefits for uncertain tax positions based on an assessment of whether the position is more likely than not to be sustained by the taxing authorities. If this threshold is not met, no tax benefit of the uncertain tax position is recognized. If the threshold is met, the tax benefit that is recognized is the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. This analysis presumes the taxing authorities full knowledge of the positions taken and all relevant facts, but does not consider the time value of money. We also accrue for interest and penalties on these uncertain tax positions and include such charges in the income tax provision in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Additionally, we have established valuation allowances against a variety of deferred tax assets, including net operating loss carry-forwards, foreign tax credits, and other income tax credits. Valuation allowances take into consideration our ability to use these deferred tax assets and reduce the value of such items to the amount that is deemed more likely than not to be recoverable. Our ability to utilize these deferred tax assets is dependent on achieving our forecast of future taxable operating income over an extended period of time. We review our forecast in relation to actual results and expected trends on a quarterly basis. Failure to achieve our operating income targets may change our assessment regarding the recoverability of our net deferred tax assets and such change could result in a valuation allowance being recorded against some or all of our net deferred tax assets. An increase in a valuation allowance would
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result in additional income tax expense, while a release of valuation allowances in periods when these tax attributes become realizable would reduce our income tax expense.
Highly Inflationary Environments
We monitor the currencies of countries in which we operate in order to determine if the country should be considered a highly inflationary environment. If and when a currency is determined to be highly inflationary (cumulative inflation of approximately 100 percent or more over a 3-year period), the functional currency of the affected operation would be changed to our reporting currency, the U.S. dollar. Due to cumulative inflation in Venezuela over a three-year period exceeding 100%, the functional currency of our Venezuelan operating entity is the U.S. dollar.
Restructuring Activities
Our consolidated financial statements detail specific charges relating to restructuring activities as well as the actual spending that has occurred against the resulting accruals. Our restructuring charges are estimates based on our preliminary assessments of (i) severance and other employee benefits to be granted to employees, which are based on known benefit formulas and identified job grades, (ii) costs to vacate certain facilities and (iii) asset impairments. Because these accruals are estimates, they are subject to change as a result of subsequent information that may come to our attention while executing the restructuring plans. These changes in estimates would then be reflected in our consolidated financial statements.
Significant Accounting Policies
We have other significant accounting policies that are discussed in Note A of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 below. Certain of these policies include the use of estimates, but do not meet the definition of critical because they generally do not require estimates or judgments that are as difficult or subjective to measure. However, these policies are important to an understanding of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Results of Operations
Definition of Terms and Non-GAAP Financial Measures
When discussing our results of operations, we use several terms as described below.
The term product mix refers to the various types and grades, or mix, of products sold in a particular business or segment during the period, and the positive or negative impact of that mix on the revenue or profitability of the business or segment.
The term LIFO includes two factors: (i) the impact of current inventory costs being recognized immediately in cost of sales under a last-in first-out method, compared to the older costs that would have been included in cost of sales under a first-in first-out method (cost of sales impact); and (ii) the impact of reductions in inventory quantities, causing historical inventory costs to flow through COGS (liquidation impact).
The discussion under the heading Provision for Income Taxes and Reconciliation of Effective Tax Rate to Operating Tax Rate includes a discussion of our effective tax rate and our operating tax rate and includes a reconciliation of the two rates. Our operating tax rate is a non-GAAP financial measure and should not be considered as an alternative to our effective tax rate, the most comparable GAAP financial measure. In calculating our operating tax rate, we exclude discrete tax items, which include: i) unusual or infrequent items such as a significant release of a valuation allowance, ii) items related to uncertain tax positions such as the tax impact of audit settlements, interest on tax reserves, and the release of tax reserves from the expiration of statutes of limitations, and iii) other discrete tax items, such as the tax
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impact of legislative changes and, on a quarterly basis, the timing of losses in certain jurisdictions and the cumulative rate adjustment, if applicable. We also exclude the tax impact of certain items, as defined below in the discussion of Total segment EBIT, on both operating income and the tax provision. Our definition of the operating tax rate may not be comparable to the definition used by other companies. Management believes that the non-GAAP financial measure is useful supplemental information because it helps our investors compare our tax rate year to year on a consistent basis and understand what our tax rate on current operations would be without the impact of these items which we do not believe are reflective of the underlying business results.
Total segment EBIT is a non-GAAP performance measure, and should not be considered an alternative for Income from continuing operations before taxes, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. In calculating Total segment EBIT, we make certain adjustments such as excluding certain items, meaning items that management does not consider representative of our fundamental segment results, as well as items that are not allocated to our business segments, such as interest expense and other corporate costs. Our Chief Operating Decision Maker uses segment EBIT to evaluate the operating results of each segment and to allocate resources to the segments. We believe Total segment EBIT provides useful supplemental information for our investors as it is an important indicator of the Companys operational strength and performance. Investors should consider the limitations associated with this non-GAAP measure, including the potential lack of comparability of this measure from one company to another. A reconciliation of Total segment EBIT to Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliated companies is provided in Note T of our consolidated financial statements.
Cabot is organized into four reportable business segments: Reinforcement Materials, Performance Materials, Advanced Technologies and Purification Solutions. Cabot is also organized for operational purposes into three geographic regions: the Americas; Europe, Middle East and Africa; and Asia Pacific. Discussions of all periods reflect these structures.
Our analysis of financial condition and operating results should be read with our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Unless a calendar year is specified, all references to years in this discussion are to our fiscal years ended September 30.
On July 31, 2012, we purchased all of the issued and outstanding shares of Norit N.V. (Norit), the business of which we renamed and report as Purification Solutions. Our results for the twelve month period ended September 30, 2012 include two months of results for Purification Solutions.
Drivers of Demand and Key Factors Affecting Profitability
Drivers of demand and key factors affecting our profitability differ by segment. In Reinforcement Materials, demand is influenced on a long term basis primarily by: i) the number of vehicle miles driven globally; ii) the number of original equipment and replacement tires produced; and iii) the number of automotive builds. Over the past several years, operating results have been driven by a number of factors, including: i) increases or decreases in sales volumes; ii) changes in raw material costs and our ability to obtain sales price increases for our products commensurate with increases in raw material costs; iii) changes in pricing and product mix; iv) global and regional capacity utilization; v) fixed cost savings achieved through restructuring and other cost saving activities; vi) the growth of our volumes and market position in emerging economies; and vii) capacity management and technology investments, including the impact of energy utilization and yield improvement technologies at our manufacturing facilities.
In Performance Materials, longer term demand is driven primarily by the construction and infrastructure, automotive, electronics and consumer products industries. In recent years, operating results in Performance Materials have been driven by: i) increases or decreases in sales volumes; ii) our ability to deliver differentiated products that drive enhanced performance in customers applications; iii) our ability to obtain value pricing for this differentiation; and iv) the cost of new capacity.
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In Advanced Technologies, drivers of demand are specific to the various businesses. In the Inkjet Colorants Business, demand has been driven by a relative increase of printer platforms using our pigments at both new and existing customers and the broader adoption of inkjet technology in office and commercial printing applications. Demand in the Aerogel Business has been driven by the adoption of aerogel products for oil and gas, daylighting and insulation for building, construction and industrial applications. In the Security Materials Business, demand has been driven principally by the number of security taggant applications incorporating our unique and proprietary particles. In the Elastomer Composites Business, operating results have been influenced by royalties and technology payments related to our patented technology that is used in tire applications. In our Specialty Fluids Business, demand for cesium formate is primarily driven by the level of drilling activity for high pressure oil and gas wells and by the petroleum industrys acceptance of our product as a drilling and completion fluid for this application. Operating results in Advanced Technologies have been influenced by: i) the rate at which we commercialize new technology; ii) our ability to select the highest value opportunities and work with lead users in the appropriate markets; iii) our ability to appropriately size the overall cost platform for the opportunities; iv) the timing of royalty and technology payments in our Elastomer Composites Business; and v) the size, type and duration of drilling jobs in our Specialty Fluids Business.
In Purification Solutions, longer term demand is driven primarily by the demand for activated carbon based solutions for water, gas and air, pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, catalysts and other chemical applications. Operating results in Purification Solutions have been influenced by i) changes in pricing and product mix; ii) industry capacity utilization; iii) the amount of coal-based power generation utilized in the U.S.; and iv) changes in volume in the various applications previously noted.
Overview of Results for Fiscal 2013
During fiscal 2013, profitability decreased compared to fiscal 2012 driven by lower unit margins that resulted from price decreases and a less favorable product mix, and lower volumes.
Fiscal 2013 compared to Fiscal 2012 and Fiscal 2012 compared to Fiscal 2011Consolidated
Net Sales and other operating revenue and Gross Profit
Years ended September 30 | ||||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||||
(Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||
Net sales and other operating revenues |
$ | 3,463 | $ | 3,300 | $ | 3,102 | ||||||
Gross profit |
$ | 636 | $ | 648 | $ | 558 |
The $163 million increase in net sales from fiscal 2012 to fiscal 2013 was due primarily to the addition of Purification Solutions (approximately $287). The improvement was partially offset by lower prices and a less favorable product mix (combined $50 million), the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($50 million), and lower volumes ($29 million). The $198 million increase in net sales from fiscal 2011 to fiscal 2012 was driven primarily by higher prices and a favorable product mix (combined $270 million) and the addition of two months of Purification Solutions sales (approximately $61 million) partially offset by lower volumes ($71 million) and the unfavorable effect of foreign currency translation ($56 million).
Gross profit decreased by $12 million in fiscal 2013 when compared to fiscal 2012 driven by lower unit margins that resulted from price decreases and a less favorable product mix, and lower volumes. Gross profit increased by $90 million in fiscal 2012 when compared to fiscal 2011 principally due to higher unit margins driven by the implementation of strategic value pricing and product mix initiatives and benefits from the investments in energy centers and yield technology that more than offset higher raw material costs.
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Selling and Administrative Expenses
Years Ended September 30 | ||||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||||
(Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||
Selling and administrative expenses |
$ | 299 | $ | 285 | $ | 249 |
Selling and administrative expenses increased by $14 million in fiscal 2013 when compared to fiscal 2012. The comparative increase was principally driven by the addition of Purification Solutions and restructuring-related charges. Selling and administrative expenses increased by $36 million in fiscal 2012 when compared to fiscal 2011. The comparative increase is principally due to higher professional fees and other costs related to the acquisition and integration of Norit ($17 million), the inclusion of two months of Purification Solutions operating results ($5 million), an increase in environmental and legal reserves ($7 million), including for respirator claims, and spending to support growth across our business.
Research and Technical Expenses
Years Ended September 30 | ||||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||||
(Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||
Research and technical expenses |
$ | 74 | $ | 73 | $ | 66 |
Research and technical expenses increased $1 million in fiscal 2013 when compared to fiscal 2012 due to higher expenses related to the addition of Purification Solutions and restructuring-related charges. Research and technical expenses increased $7 million in fiscal 2012 when compared to fiscal 2011 due to fees for a new technology licensing agreement ($3 million), the inclusion of two months of Purification Solutions operating results ($1 million) and higher spending to support business initiatives.
Interest and Dividend Income
Years Ended September 30 | ||||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||||
(Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||
Interest and dividend income |
$ | 5 | $ | 4 | $ | 2 |
Interest and dividend income increased $1 million in fiscal 2013 when compared to fiscal 2012 due to higher interest earned on cash balances. Interest and dividend income increased $2 million in fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011 primarily due to interest income related to the notes receivable for the sale of the Supermetals business.
Interest Expense
Years Ended September 30 | ||||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||||
(Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||
Interest expense |
$ | 62 | $ | 46 | $ | 39 |
Interest expense increased $16 million in fiscal 2013 as compared to fiscal 2012 and increased $7 million in fiscal 2012 as compared to fiscal 2011. The increase in both periods was due to a higher debt balance as a result of the financing of the Norit acquisition, which was partially offset by lower interest expense related to the use of commercial paper in fiscal 2013.
Other Expense
Years Ended September 30 | ||||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||||
(Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||
Other expense |
$ | 1 | $ | 3 | $ | 3 |
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Other expense balances are driven by foreign currency movements, including gains or losses on foreign currency transactions and the remeasurement of our foreign currency denominated debt and related derivatives. Other expense decreased by $2 million in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012 due to a favorable comparison of foreign currency movements. Other expense in fiscal 2012 was consistent with fiscal 2011.
Provision for Income Taxes and Reconciliation of Effective Tax Rate to Operating Tax Rate
Years Ended September 30 | ||||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||||
(Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||
Provision for income taxes |
$ | 58 | $ | 55 | $ | 6 | ||||||
Effective tax rate |
28 | % | 22 | % | 3 | % | ||||||
Impact of discrete tax items: |
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Unusual or infrequent items |
(3 | %) | 3 | % | 12 | % | ||||||
Items related to uncertain tax positions |
2 | % | 1 | % | 7 | % | ||||||
Other discrete tax items |
1 | % | | 1 | % | |||||||
Impact of certain items |
(2 | %) | (1 | %) | (1 | %) | ||||||
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Operating tax rate |
26 | % | 25 | % | 22 | % |
The provision for income taxes was $58 million for fiscal 2013, resulting in an effective tax rate of 28%. The increase in the effective tax rate for fiscal 2013 is due to a change in our geographic mix of earnings and an increase in losses from jurisdictions for which no benefit can be recognized. This amount included net discrete charges of $3 million composed of $13 million foreign currency related charge, offset by $10 million of net tax benefit related to tax settlements, renewal of the U.S. research and experimentation credit, and other miscellaneous tax items in the tax provision. The operating tax rate for fiscal 2013 was 26%.
The provision for income taxes was $55 million for fiscal 2012, resulting in an effective tax rate of 22%. This amount included net discrete tax benefits of $8 million from the release of a Cabot state tax valuation allowance as a result of the Norit acquisition and from settlements and miscellaneous tax items. The operating tax rate for fiscal 2012 was 25%.
The provision for income taxes was $6 million for fiscal 2011, resulting in an effective tax rate of 3%. This amount included discrete tax benefits of $38 million comprised of: i) $24 million related to the repatriation of high tax income in response to changes in U.S. tax legislation; ii) $10 million from audit settlements; iii) $2 million from the recognition of investment tax credits in China; and iv) $2 million from the renewal of the U.S. research and experimentation credit. The operating tax rate for fiscal 2011 was 22%.
Our anticipated operating tax rate for fiscal 2014 is between 26% and 28%. The IRS has not yet commenced the audit of our 2007 and later tax years and certain Cabot subsidiaries are under audit in a number of jurisdictions outside of the U.S. It is possible that some of these audits will be resolved in fiscal 2014 and could impact our anticipated effective tax rate. We have filed our tax returns in accordance with the tax laws in each jurisdiction and maintain tax reserves for uncertain tax positions.
In September 2013, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service released final regulations relating to guidance on applying tax rules to amounts paid to acquire, produce or improve tangible personal property as well as rules for materials and supplies. Cabot does not anticipate that these regulations will have a material impact on the Companys consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial position.
Equity in Earnings of Affiliated Companies and Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, net of tax
Years Ended September 30 | ||||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||||
(Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||
Equity in earnings of affiliated companies, net of tax |
$ | 11 | $ | 11 | $ | 8 | ||||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax |
$ | 7 | $ | 18 | $ | 22 |
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Equity in earnings of affiliated companies, net of tax, in fiscal 2013 is consistent with fiscal 2012. Equity in earnings of affiliated companies, net of tax, increased $3 million in fiscal 2012 as compared to fiscal 2011 as earnings from our affiliates improved.
For fiscal 2013, net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax, decreased $11 million due to charges associated with our restructuring in Malaysia and lower profitability of our joint ventures in China. For fiscal 2012, net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax, decreased $4 million as compared to fiscal 2011. The decrease was due to a decrease in profitability of our joint ventures in Malaysia, China and Indonesia.
Income from Discontinued Operations, net of tax
During the second quarter of fiscal 2012, we divested our Supermetals Business and, accordingly, for all periods we have classified the income or loss from the Supermetals Business as Income from discontinued operations, net of tax. Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, decreased $203 million in fiscal 2013 when compared to fiscal 2012 because we recognized the gain on the sale of the business in fiscal 2012 and no longer operated the business in fiscal 2013. Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, increased $152 million in fiscal 2012 when compared to fiscal 2011 driven by the gain on the sale of the Supermetals Business.
Net Income Attributable to Cabot Corporation
In fiscal 2013, we reported net income of $153 million ($2.36 per diluted common share). This is compared to net income of $388 million ($5.99 per diluted common share) in fiscal 2012 and net income of $236 million ($3.57 per diluted common share) in fiscal 2011.
Fiscal 2013 compared to Fiscal 2012 and Fiscal 2012 compared to Fiscal 2011By Business Segment
Total segment EBIT, certain items, other unallocated items and Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliated companies for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 are set forth in the table below. The details of certain items and other unallocated items are shown below and in Note T of our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Years Ended September 30 | ||||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||||
(Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||
Total segment EBIT |
$ | 384 | $ | 409 | $ | 354 | ||||||
Certain items |
(56 | ) | (51 | ) | (19 | ) | ||||||
Other unallocated items |
(123 | ) | (113 | ) | (132 | ) | ||||||
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Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliated companies |
$ | 205 | $ | 245 | $ | 203 | ||||||
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In fiscal 2013, total segment EBIT decreased by $25 million when compared to fiscal 2012. The decrease was principally driven by lower volumes ($8 million), lower unit margins ($8 million) that resulted from price decreases and a less favorable product mix, and the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($7 million).
In fiscal 2012, total segment EBIT increased by $55 million when compared to fiscal 2011. The increase was principally driven by higher unit margins ($94 million) driven by the implementation of strategic value pricing and product mix initiatives and benefits from the investments in energy centers and yield technology that more than offset higher raw material costs, the inclusion of two months of Purification Solutions operating results ($5 million), and the favorable effect of foreign currency translation ($11 million). The results were partially offset by lower volumes ($8 million) in Reinforcement Materials
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and higher fixed costs from the startup of new capacity in Reinforcement Materials and Performance Materials and spending to support our growth initiatives ($51 million combined).
Certain Items:
Details of the certain items for fiscal 2013, 2012, and 2011 are as follows:
Years Ended September 30 | ||||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||||
(Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||
Global restructuring activities |
$ | (37 | ) | $ | (17 | ) | $ | (18 | ) | |||
Acquisition and integration-related charges |
(21 | ) | (26 | ) | | |||||||
Environmental and legal reserves |
(1 | ) | (4 | ) | (1 | ) | ||||||
Reserve for respirator claims |
| (4 | ) | | ||||||||
Foreign currency gain on revaluations |
3 | | | |||||||||
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Total certain items, pre-tax |
$ | (56 | ) | $ | (51 | ) | $ | (19 | ) | |||
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Tax-related certain items |
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Tax impact of certain items |
$ | 10 | $ | 9 | $ | 3 | ||||||
Tax impact of certain foreign exchange (losses) gains |
(12 | ) | 1 | | ||||||||
Tax impact of non-deductible interest expense |
| (2 | ) | | ||||||||
Discrete tax items |
11 | 11 | 39 | |||||||||
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Total tax-related certain items |
9 | 19 | 42 | |||||||||
Total certain items after tax |
$ | (47 | ) | $ | (32 | ) | $ | 23 | ||||
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Certain items for fiscal 2013 include charges related to restructuring initiatives, acquisition and integration-related charges and tax certain items. Details of restructuring activities are included in Note O of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Acquisition and integration-related charges include legal and professional fees, the incremental value of inventory as a result of purchase accounting adjustments, and other expenses related to the completion of the acquisition and the integration of Norit. Tax certain items include discrete tax items, which are unusual and infrequent and the tax impact of certain foreign exchange (losses) gains.
Other Unallocated Items:
Years Ended September 30 | ||||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||||
(Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||
Interest expense |
$ | (62 | ) | $ | (46 | ) | $ | (39 | ) | |||
Equity in earnings of affiliated companies, net of tax |
(11 | ) | (11 | ) | (8 | ) | ||||||
Unallocated corporate costs |
(49 | ) | (56 | ) | (53 | ) | ||||||
General unallocated expense |
(1 | ) | | (32 | ) | |||||||
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Total other unallocated items |
$ | (123 | ) | $ | (113 | ) | $ | (132 | ) | |||
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Other unallocated items include Interest expense, Equity in earnings of affiliated companies, Unallocated corporate costs, and General unallocated expense. The balances of unallocated corporate costs are primarily comprised of expenditures related to managing a public company that are not allocated to the segments and corporate business development costs related to new technology efforts. The balances of General unallocated expense primarily include foreign currency transaction gains (losses), interest income, dividend income, the elimination of profit related to unearned revenue, and the COGS impact of LIFO accounting.
In fiscal 2013, costs from total other unallocated items increased by $10 million when compared to fiscal 2012. The increase was primarily driven by a $16 million increase in Interest expense due to a higher
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debt balance as a result of the financing of the Norit acquisition. The increase was partially offset by a $7 million decrease in Unallocated corporate costs due to lower expenses related to incentive compensation.
In fiscal 2012, costs from total other unallocated items decreased by $19 million when compared to fiscal 2011. The decrease was primarily driven by a $32 million decrease in General unallocated expense due to i) the COGS impact of LIFO accounting from changes in carbon black raw material costs that resulted in a favorable comparison ($18 million); ii) the favorable comparison of foreign exchange currency transactions ($4 million); iii) the absence in fiscal 2012 of certain corporate pension and currency charges that occurred in fiscal 2011 ($2 million); and (iv) the impact of a change in the net worth tax in Colombia in fiscal 2011 that did not repeat in fiscal 2012 ($3 million). These decreases were partially offset by an increase in Unallocated corporate costs driven by fees for a new technology licensing agreement ($3 million).
Reinforcement Materials
Sales and EBIT for Reinforcement Materials for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
Years Ended September 30 | ||||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||||
(Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||
Reinforcement Materials Sales |
$ | 1,902 | $ | 2,019 | $ | 1,952 | ||||||
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Reinforcement Materials EBIT |
$ | 188 | $ | 227 | $ | 183 | ||||||
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In fiscal 2013, sales in Reinforcement Materials decreased by $117 million when compared to fiscal 2012. The decrease was principally driven by a less favorable price and product mix (combined $54 million), the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($41 million), and 1% lower volumes ($23 million). In fiscal 2012, sales in Reinforcement Materials increased by $67 million when compared to fiscal 2011. The increase was principally driven by higher prices and a favorable product mix (combined $225 million), partially offset by 6% lower volumes ($123 million) and the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($35 million).
In fiscal 2013, Reinforcement Materials EBIT decreased by $39 million when compared to fiscal 2012 driven principally by lower unit margins ($27 million) that resulted from lower prices and a less favorable product mix, lower volumes ($7 million), and higher fixed manufacturing costs ($7 million) primarily from higher utility costs. In fiscal 2012, Reinforcement Materials EBIT increased by $44 million when compared to fiscal 2011 driven principally by higher unit margins ($91 million), with higher pricing and a favorable product mix more than offsetting higher raw material costs, and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation ($10 million). The impact of higher unit margins more than offset lower volumes ($39 million) and the effect of higher fixed manufacturing costs ($17 million).
Performance Materials
Sales and EBIT for Performance Materials for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
Years Ended September 30 | ||||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||||
(Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||
Specialty Carbons and Compounds Sales |
$ | 622 | $ | 664 | $ | 626 | ||||||
Fumed Metal Oxides Sales |
282 | 250 | 254 | |||||||||
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Performance Materials Sales |
$ | 904 | $ | 914 | $ | 880 | ||||||
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Performance Materials EBIT |
$ | 132 | $ | 128 | $ | 140 | ||||||
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In fiscal 2013, sales in Performance Materials decreased $10 million when compared to fiscal 2012 due to a less favorable price and product mix (combined $9 million). During fiscal 2013, volumes in
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Specialty Carbons and Compounds decreased by 5% and volumes in Fumed Metal Oxides increased by 14%. In fiscal 2012, sales in Performance Materials increased $34 million when compared to fiscal 2011 due to higher prices and a favorable product mix (combined $34 million), and the impact of higher volumes ($23 million), partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($22 million). During fiscal 2012, volumes in Specialty Carbons and Compounds increased by 3% and volumes in Fumed Metal Oxides increased by 2%.
In fiscal 2013, EBIT in Performance Materials was $4 million higher when compared to fiscal 2012 due to higher volumes ($11 million) driven by an increase in Fumed Metal Oxides. The higher volumes were partially offset by a less favorable price and product mix (combined $2 million) and higher costs associated with the reduction of inventory levels ($8 million). In fiscal 2012, EBIT in Performance Materials was $12 million lower when compared to fiscal 2011 driven by higher fixed manufacturing costs from new capacity in China and higher segment management costs ($23 million combined). This decrease was partially offset by higher volumes ($10 million) and improved unit margins ($2 million) from higher pricing and a favorable product mix that more than offset higher raw material costs.
Advanced Technologies
Sales and EBIT for Advanced Technologies for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
Years Ended September 30 | ||||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||||
(Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||
Inkjet Colorants |
$ | 64 | $ | 66 | $ | 65 | ||||||
Aerogel |
21 | 18 | 24 | |||||||||
Security Materials |
7 | 9 | 11 | |||||||||
Elastomer Composites |
29 | 23 | 17 | |||||||||
Specialty Fluids |
101 | 94 | 69 | |||||||||
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Advanced Technologies Sales |
$ | 222 | $ | 210 | $ | 186 | ||||||
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Advanced Technologies EBIT |
$ | 68 | $ | 49 | $ | 31 | ||||||
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Sales in Advanced Technologies increased by $12 million in fiscal 2013 when compared to fiscal 2012. The increase is primarily due to higher pricing and a favorable product mix ($15 million) partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency translation ($3 million). Higher royalties and technology payments in the Elastomer Composites Business offset lower volumes in the segment. Sales in Advanced Technologies increased by $24 million in fiscal 2012 when compared to fiscal 2011. The increase is primarily due to higher volumes and higher pricing in the Specialty Fluids Business.
EBIT in Advanced Technologies increased by $19 million in fiscal 2013 when compared to fiscal 2012. The increase was driven by cost savings from restructuring activities in the segment ($10 million) and higher royalties and technology payments in the Elastomer Composites Business ($9 million). Higher prices and a favorable product mix were largely offset by lower volumes. EBIT in Advanced Technologies increased by $18 million in fiscal 2012 when compared to fiscal 2011. The increase was driven by higher volumes ($21 million) in the Specialty Fluids, Inkjet Colorants and Elastomer Composites Businesses partially offset by lower volumes in the Aerogel Business. Higher fixed manufacturing costs in the Elastomer Composites Business and from new capacity in the Inkjet Colorants Business ($4 million) partially offset the higher volumes.
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Purification Solutions
Sales and EBIT for Purification Solutions for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
Years Ended September 30 | ||||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||||
(Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||
Purification Solutions Sales |
$ | 348 | $ | 61 | $ | N/A | ||||||
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Purification Solutions EBIT |
$ | (4 | ) | $ | 5 | $ | N/A | |||||
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The acquisition of Norit was completed on July 31, 2012. Sales in Purification Solutions increased by $287 million in fiscal 2013 when compared to fiscal 2012 because our results for the twelve month period ended September 30, 2012 included two months of results.
EBIT in Purification Solutions decreased by $9 million in fiscal 2013 when compared to fiscal 2012. During fiscal 2013, the business has experienced lower volumes and pricing in the gas and air purification end market. In addition, the segment has incurred higher costs associated with plant unit outages, the reduction of inventory levels and the allocation of certain functional and indirect costs.
Cash Flows and Liquidity
Overview
Our liquidity position, as measured by cash and cash equivalents plus borrowing availability, decreased by $77 million during fiscal 2013. The decrease was attributable to cash used to pay down debt partially offset by cash provided by lower working capital. At September 30, 2013, we had cash and cash equivalents of $95 million, and current availability under our revolving credit agreement of approximately $508 million. Our revolving credit agreement contains affirmative, negative and financial covenants and events of default customary for financings of this type. The financial covenants in the revolving credit agreement include interest coverage, debt-to-EBITDA and subsidiary debt to total capitalization ratios. As of September 30, 2013, we were in compliance with all applicable covenants.
We generally manage our cash and debt on a global basis to provide for working capital requirements as needed by region or site. Cash and debt are generally denominated in the local currency of the subsidiary holding the assets or liabilities, except where there are operational cash flow reasons to hold non-functional currency or debt. As of September 30, 2013, our U.S. dollar cash and cash equivalent holdings by region were: Asia Pacific $36 million, Europe $28 million, and the Americas $31 million, which included $5 million in the U.S.
In January 2013, we initiated a commercial paper program allowing us to issue notes of various tenors up to 364 days. To date the interest on these notes has been lower than the interest that we would have paid on our borrowings under our revolving credit agreement. The commercial paper program is backed by our committed revolving credit facility, and the aggregate borrowings under both the commercial paper program and revolving credit agreement cannot exceed the $750 million limit on the revolving credit agreement.
We completed the acquisition of the remaining 60 percent common stock equity of our Mexican carbon black manufacturing joint venture, NHUMO, S.A.P.I. de C.V. on November 15, 2013. At the closing, we paid approximately $80 million in cash and received approximately $14 million in cash as a special cash dividend from NHUMO.
We anticipate sufficient liquidity from (i) cash on hand; (ii) cash flows from operating activities; and (iii) cash available from our revolving credit agreement and our commercial paper program to meet our operational and capital investment needs and financial obligations for the foreseeable future. Our liquidity derived from cash flows from operations is, to a large degree, predicated on our ability to collect our receivables in a timely manner, the cost of our raw materials, and our ability to manage inventory levels.
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Discontinued Operations
Our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows have been presented to include discontinued operations with continuing operations. Therefore, unless noted otherwise, the following discussion of our cash flows and liquidity position include both continuing and discontinued operations.
In January 2012, we completed the sale of our Supermetals Business, which we classified as discontinued operations beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 when we entered into the sale and purchase agreement for its sale. In connection with the sale, we received $175 million on the closing date and notes for additional minimum consideration totaling approximately $277 million payable at various dates through the second quarter of fiscal 2014. Through September 30, 2013, we have received $62 million under the notes.
The following discussion of the changes in our cash balance refers to the various sections of our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Cash generated by operating activities, which consists of net income adjusted for the various non-cash items included in income, changes in working capital and changes in certain other balance sheet accounts, totaled $419 million in fiscal 2013. Operating activities provided $415 million and $195 million in fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Cash generated from operating activities in fiscal 2013 was driven primarily by net income of $160 million plus $190 million of depreciation and amortization and a decrease in working capital. The increase in fiscal 2013 depreciation and amortization when compared to fiscal 2012 was driven primarily by higher amortization of intangible assets related to the fiscal 2012 acquisition of Norit. Our fiscal 2013 working capital decrease when compared to fiscal 2012 was primarily driven by lower Accounts receivable and lower Inventories partially offset by lower Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
Cash generated from operating activities in fiscal 2012 was driven primarily by net income of $406 million plus $154 million of depreciation and amortization and a decrease in working capital. Our fiscal 2012 working capital decrease when compared to fiscal 2011 was primarily driven by higher Accounts payable and accrued liabilities partially offset by higher Inventories.
Cash generated from operating activities in fiscal 2011 was driven primarily by net income of $258 million plus $142 million of depreciation and amortization and $19 million of non-cash compensation, partially offset by a net increase in working capital. Our working capital increase in fiscal 2011 was driven principally by higher pricing and raw material costs when compared to fiscal 2010 and is comprised of higher Accounts receivable and Inventories, offset by an increase in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities. Despite increased revenue, operating cash flows decreased in fiscal 2011 as a result of the corresponding growth of Inventories, Accounts receivable, and Accounts payable.
In addition to the working capital movements noted above, the following other elements of operations have had a bearing on operating cash flows:
RestructuringsAs of September 30, 2013, we had $10 million of total restructuring costs in accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheet related to our global restructuring activities. We made cash payments of $11 million during fiscal 2013 related to these restructuring plans. We expect to make cash payments related to these restructuring activities of approximately $20 million in fiscal 2014 and thereafter (which includes the $10 million already accrued in the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2013). We may receive cash in the future from the sale of certain assets and land relating to restructured sites, which is not included in these amounts.
Environmental Reserves and Litigation MattersWe have recorded a $5 million reserve on both a discounted and undiscounted basis as of September 30, 2013 for environmental remediation costs at
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various sites. These sites are primarily associated with businesses divested in prior years. We anticipate that the expenditures at these sites will be made over a number of years, and will not be concentrated in any one year. Additionally, as of September 30, 2013 we have recorded an $11 million reserve on a discounted basis ($15 million on an undiscounted basis) for respirator claims. These expenditures will be incurred over many years. We also have other litigation costs arising in the ordinary course of business.
The following table represents the estimated future undiscounted payments related to our environmental and respirator reserves.
Future Payments by Fiscal Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | Thereafter | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Environmental |
$ | 2 | $ | 1 | $ | 1 | $ | | $ | | $ | 1 | $ | 5 | ||||||||||||||
Litigationrespirator |
2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 15 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Total |
$ | 4 | $ | 3 | $ | 2 | $ | 1 | $ | 1 | $ | 9 | $ | 20 | ||||||||||||||
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Cash Flows from Investing Activities
In fiscal 2013, investing activities consumed $227 million of cash and were primarily driven by capital expenditures of $264 million partially offset by cash received from the notes receivable from the sale of the Supermetals business ($40 million in total, comprised of $39 million of principal and $1 million of interest). For fiscal 2012, cash flows from investing activities were primarily driven by cash paid for the acquisition of Norit ($1.1 billion) and capital expenditures ($281 million). Partially offsetting these decreases were proceeds from the sale of our divested Supermetals business and payments on notes relating to the sale (totaling $204 million).
Capital expenditures totaled $264 million, $281 million and $230 million in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. In each of these years, expenditures were primarily related to expansion of our manufacturing footprint in the Asia Pacific region, sustaining and compliance capital projects at our operating facilities, investments in energy recovery technology, and capital spending required for process technology and product differentiation projects.
Capital expenditures for fiscal 2014 are expected to be between $200 million and $250 million. Our planned capital spending program for fiscal 2014 is primarily for sustaining and compliance capital projects at our operating facilities, investments in energy related projects, and site-development initiatives.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Financing activities consumed $206 million of cash in fiscal 2013 compared to providing $606 million of cash in fiscal 2012 and consuming $72 million in fiscal 2011. During fiscal 2013, we received net inflows of $241 million from our commercial paper program, and used the majority of the proceeds to repay $189 million on our revolving credit agreement. In fiscal 2013, our overall debt balance decreased by $123 million primarily driven by cash generated from operations which was used to repay short term debt offset by dividend payments to our stockholders of $51 million. Long term debt of $175 million with an interest rate of 5.25% matured during fiscal 2013, and was repaid using our commercial paper program. In addition, derivatives related to this debt were settled at the time of maturity and consumed $31 million of cash. As of September 30, 2013 the outstanding balance under our commercial paper program had a weighted average interest rate of 0.32%. In fiscal 2012, our overall debt balance increased by $693 million primarily relating to financing our acquisition of Norit. The cash provided by this financing was partially offset by cash used to purchase shares of our common stock on the open market of $36 million and to make dividend payments to our stockholders of $49 million. In fiscal 2011, financing cash flows were primarily driven by changes in debt levels and dividend payments. In addition, in fiscal 2011 we repurchased approximately 1.6 million shares of our common stock on the open market for a purchase price totaling $59 million.
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Notes receivable for the sale of the Supermetals business of $215 million are due by March 31, 2014.
Debt
The following table provides a summary of our outstanding debt:
September 30 | ||||||||
2013 | 2012 | |||||||
(Dollars in millions) | ||||||||
Notes payable |
$ | 264 | $ | 62 | ||||
Variable rate debt |
47 | 200 | ||||||
Interest rate swapsfixed to variable(1) |
| 2 | ||||||
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Total variable rate debt |
311 | 264 | ||||||
Fixed rate debt, net of discount |
971 | 1,143 | ||||||
Interest rate swapsfixed to variable(1) |
| (2 | ) | |||||
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Total fixed rate debt |
971 | 1,141 | ||||||
Unamortized bond discounts |
(2 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||
Capital leases |
18 | 16 | ||||||
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Total debt |
$ | 1,298 | $ | 1,419 | ||||
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(1) | The face value of debt swapped from fixed rate to variable rate using interest rate swaps is presented above in order to view our effective fixed and variable debt balances. |
In fiscal 2013 the decrease in our net debt balance was primarily driven by the repayment of short-term debt from cash generated from operations. In January 2013, we initiated a commercial paper program. The majority of proceeds raised were used to repay borrowings under our revolving credit agreement, which had a balance of $189 million, included within Long-term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2012. The outstanding balance of commercial paper of $241 million as of September 30, 2013 is included within the Notes payable caption on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In fiscal 2012, our net debt balance increased by $693 million, primarily to finance the purchase of Norit. In fiscal 2011, net proceeds from certain short term financing arrangements totaled $56 million, offset by long-term debt repayments of $21 million. We had $508 million of availability under our credit agreement at September 30, 2013.
Our long-term total debt, of which $14 million is current, matures at various times as presented in Note I. The weighted-average interest rate on our fixed rate long-term debt was 4.06% as of September 30, 2013. The weighted-average interest rate on variable interest rate long-term debt was 6.58% as of September 30, 2013.
At September 30, 2013, we have provided standby letters of credit and bank guarantees totaling $10 million, which expire throughout fiscal 2014.
Share repurchases
During fiscal 2012, we repurchased approximately 1.1 million shares of our common stock on the open market for an aggregate purchase price of $36 million. We did not make any repurchases on the open market in fiscal 2013. As of September 30, 2013, we had approximately 1.6 million shares available for repurchase under the Board of Directors share repurchase authorization.
Dividend payments
In fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, we paid cash dividends on our common stock of $0.80, $0.76 and $0.72 per share, respectively. These cash dividend payments totaled $51 million in fiscal 2013, $49 million in fiscal 2012, and $47 million in fiscal 2011.
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Venezuela
We own 49% of an operating affiliate in Venezuela, which is accounted for as an equity affiliate, through wholly owned subsidiaries that carry the investment and receive its dividends. As of September 30, 2013, these subsidiaries carried the operating affiliate investment of $25 million and held 20 million bolivars ($3 million) in cash.
In February 2013, the Venezuelan government announced a devaluation of the bolivar from 4.3 bolivars to the U.S. dollar (B/$) to 6.3 B/$. Accordingly, we remeasured the bolivar denominated monetary accounts in our wholly owned subsidiaries at the new rate, resulting in the recognition of a $2 million loss in the second quarter of fiscal 2013 through other expense within the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In fiscal 2013, we recognized a tax benefit of $1 million from a reduction in the deferred tax liability due to the impact of the devaluation of the bolivar on unremitted earnings. The operating affiliate recognized a $1 million loss during fiscal year 2013 as a result of the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities in bolivars and a charge of $1 million from the tax impact of the currency devaluation mainly on U.S. dollar and Euro denominated cash and receivable balances. Our share of these combined losses was approximately $1 million, which was included within the Equity in earnings of affiliated companies, net of tax line of the Consolidated Statements of Operations for fiscal year 2013.
As a result of the currency devaluation, we performed an impairment analysis on our equity investment in Venezuela during the second quarter of fiscal 2013 using the discounted cash flow model to determine its fair value. We determined that there was no impairment to the carrying value of our equity investment. We continue to closely monitor developments in Venezuela and their potential impact on the recoverability of our equity affiliate investment.
During fiscal 2013 and 2012, the operating affiliate declared dividends of 15 million bolivars ($3 million) and 27 million bolivars ($6 million), respectively, to our wholly owned subsidiaries, which were paid in U.S. dollars and repatriated.
The Venezuelan bolivars held by our wholly owned subsidiaries may only be exchanged for foreign currencies through certain Venezuelan government controlled channels. The channels available are the Venezuelan central bank (CADIVI), and Venezuelan government and government-backed bond offerings. The bond offerings use a bidding process, where companies and individuals requiring U.S. dollars place a request for a fixed sum, and CADIVI then determines how to allocate the pool of U.S. dollars in that issuance. We closely monitor our ability to convert our bolivar holdings into U.S. dollars, as we intend to convert substantially all bolivars held by our wholly owned subsidiaries in Venezuela to U.S. dollars as soon as practical. Any future change in the CADIVI official rate or opening of additional parallel markets could lead us to change the exchange rate and result in gains or losses on the bolivar denominated assets held by our wholly owned subsidiaries and operating affiliate.
Employee Benefit Plans
As of September 30, 2013 we had a consolidated pension obligation, net of the fair value of plan assets, of $151 million, comprised of $79 million for pension benefit plan liabilities and $72 million for postretirement benefit plan liabilities.
The $79 million of unfunded pension benefit plan liabilities is derived as follows:
U.S. | Foreign | Total | ||||||||||
(Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||
Fair Value of Plan Assets |
$ | 155 | $ | 375 | $ | 530 | ||||||
Benefit Obligation |
(170 | ) | (439 | ) | (609 | ) | ||||||
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Unfunded Status |
$ | (15 | ) | $ | (64 | ) | $ | (79 | ) | |||
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52
In fiscal 2013, we made cash contributions totaling approximately $11 million to our foreign pension benefit plans and less than $1 million to a U.S. pension plan. For fiscal 2014, we expect to make cash contributions of $3 million to a U.S. pension plan and approximately $13 million to our foreign pension plans.
The $72 million of unfunded postretirement benefit plan liabilities is comprised of $55 million for our U.S. and $17 million for our foreign postretirement benefit plans. These postretirement benefit plans provide certain health care and life insurance benefits for retired employees. Typical of such plans, our postretirement plans are unfunded and, therefore, have no plan assets. We fund these plans as claims or insurance premiums come due. In fiscal 2013, we paid postretirement benefits of $5 million under our U.S. postretirement plans and less than $1 million under our foreign postretirement plans. For fiscal 2014, we expect to make benefit payments of approximately $5 million under our U.S. postretirement plans and $1 million under our foreign postretirement plans.
Off-balance sheet arrangements
We had no material transactions that meet the definition of an off-balance sheet arrangement.
Contractual Obligations
The following table sets forth our long-term contractual obligations, excluding those attributable to our discontinued operations, which are described in greater detail in Note R in the notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements. Variable interest is based on the variable debt outstanding and prevailing variable interest rates as of September 30, 2013, and the table includes the impact of our interest rate swaps that change fixed rates to floating rates.
Payments Due by Fiscal Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | Thereafter | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Contractual Obligations(1) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase commitments |
$ | 398 | $ | 347 | $ | 270 | $ | 219 | $ | 213 | $ | 3,037 | $ | 4,484 | ||||||||||||||
Long-term debt(2) |
12 | 30 | 11 | 300 | 262 | 403 | 1,018 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Capital lease obligations |
2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 11 | 18 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed interest on long-term debt |
39 | 39 | 39 | 24 | 19 | 60 | 220 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Variable interest on long-term debt |
3 | 2 | | | | | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Operating leases |
22 | 18 | 14 | 9 | 8 | 29 | 100 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Total |
$ | 476 | $ | 438 | $ | 335 | $ | 553 | $ | 503 | $ | 3,540 | $ | 5,845 | ||||||||||||||
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(1) | We are unable to estimate the timing of potential future payments related to our accrual for uncertain tax positions in the amount of $34 million at September 30, 2013. |
(2) | Payment of long-term debt excludes settlements of cross currency swaps. |
Purchase commitments
We have entered into long-term, volume-based purchase agreements primarily for the purchase of raw materials and natural gas with various key suppliers in Reinforcement Materials, Performance Materials, and Purification Solutions. Under certain of these agreements the quantity of material being purchased is fixed, but the price we pay changes as market prices change. For purposes of the table above, current purchase prices have been used to quantify total commitments.
Capital Leases
We have capital lease obligations primarily for certain equipment and buildings. These obligations are payable over the next 18 years.
53
Operating Leases
We have operating leases primarily comprised of leases for transportation vehicles, warehouse facilities, office space, and machinery and equipment.
Item 7A. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk |
We are exposed to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates because we finance certain operations through long- and short-term borrowings and denominate our transactions in a variety of foreign currencies. Changes in these rates may have an impact on future cash flows and earnings. We manage these risks through normal operating and financing activities and, when deemed appropriate, through the use of derivative financial instruments.
We have policies governing our use of derivative instruments, and we do not enter into financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
By using derivative instruments, we are subject to credit and market risk. The derivative instruments are recorded to our balance sheet at fair market value and reflect the asset or (liability) position as of September 30, 2013. If a counterparty fails to fulfill its performance obligations under a derivative contract, our exposure will equal the fair value of the derivative. Generally, when the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, the counterparty owes Cabot, thus creating a payment risk for Cabot. We minimize counterparty credit (or repayment) risk by entering into these transactions with major financial institutions of investment grade credit rating. As of September 30, 2013, the counterparties with which we have executed derivatives carried a Standard and Poors credit rating between A- and AA-, inclusive. Our exposure to market risk is not hedged in a manner that completely eliminates the effects of changing market conditions on earnings or cash flow.
Foreign Currency Risk
Our international operations are subject to certain risks, including currency exchange rate fluctuations and government actions. Foreign currency exposures also relate to assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies other than the functional currency of a given subsidiary as well as the risk that currency fluctuations could affect the dollar value of future cash flows generated in foreign currencies. Accordingly, we use short-term forward contracts to minimize the exposure to foreign currency risk. At September 30, 2013, we had $11 million in net notional foreign currency contracts, which were denominated in the British pound sterling, Chinese renminbi, Czech koruna, and Indian rupee. These forwards had a fair value of less than $1 million as of September 30, 2013.
In certain situations where we have a long-term commitment denominated in a foreign currency we may enter into appropriate financial instruments in accordance with our risk management policy to hedge future cash flow exposures.
54
Item 8. | Financial Statements and Supplementary Data |
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Description |
Page | |||||
(1) |
56 | |||||
(2) |
57 | |||||
(3) |
58 | |||||
(4) |
60 | |||||
(5) |
61 | |||||
(6) |
64 | |||||
(7) |
116 |
55
CABOT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Years Ended September 30 | ||||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||||
(In millions, except per share amounts) | ||||||||||||
Net sales and other operating revenues |
$ | 3,463 | $ | 3,300 | $ | 3,102 | ||||||
Cost of sales |
2,827 | 2,652 | 2,544 | |||||||||
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Gross profit |
636 | 648 | 558 | |||||||||
Selling and administrative expenses |
299 | 285 | 249 | |||||||||
Research and technical expenses |
74 | 73 | 66 | |||||||||
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Income from operations |
263 | 290 | 243 | |||||||||
Interest and dividend income |
5 | 4 | 2 | |||||||||
Interest expense |
(62 | ) | (46 | ) | (39 | ) | ||||||
Other expense |
(1 | ) | (3 | ) | (3 | ) | ||||||
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Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliated companies |
205 | 245 | 203 | |||||||||
Provision for income taxes |
(58 | ) | (55 | ) | (6 | ) | ||||||
Equity in earnings of affiliated companies, net of tax of $6, $5 and $5 |
11 | 11 | 8 | |||||||||
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Income from continuing operations |
158 | 201 | 205 | |||||||||
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax of $(4), $116 and $29 |
2 | 205 | 53 | |||||||||
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Net income |
160 | 406 | 258 | |||||||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax of $5, $7 and $4 |
7 | 18 | 22 | |||||||||
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Net income attributable to Cabot Corporation |
$ | 153 | $ | 388 | $ | 236 | ||||||
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Weighted-average common shares outstanding, in millions: |
||||||||||||
Basic |
63.8 | 63.4 | 64.6 | |||||||||
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Diluted |
64.5 | 64.2 | 65.4 | |||||||||
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Income per common share: |
||||||||||||
Basic: |
||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations attributable to Cabot Corporation |
$ | 2.34 | $ | 2.87 | $ | 2.80 | ||||||
Income from discontinued operations |
0.04 | 3.20 | 0.82 | |||||||||
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Net income attributable to Cabot Corporation |
$ | 2.38 | $ | 6.07 | $ | 3.62 | ||||||
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Diluted: |
||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations attributable to Cabot Corporation |
$ | 2.32 | $ | 2.83 | $ | 2.77 | ||||||
Income from discontinued operations |
0.04 | 3.16 | 0.80 | |||||||||
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Net income attributable to Cabot Corporation |
$ | 2.36 | $ | 5.99 | $ | 3.57 | ||||||
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Dividends per common share |
$ | 0.80 | $ | 0.76 | $ | 0.72 | ||||||
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
56
CABOT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Years Ended September 30 | ||||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||||
(In millions) | ||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 160 | $ | 406 | $ | 258 | ||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax |
||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $(12), $2, $3 |
(10 | ) | 3 | 22 | ||||||||
Adjustments to pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of tax of $13, $(9), $ - |
22 | (17 | ) | | ||||||||
Net change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of tax of $1, |
2 | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||||
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|
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Other comprehensive income (loss) |
14 | (15 | ) | 21 | ||||||||
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Comprehensive income |
174 | 391 | 279 | |||||||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax of $5, $7, $4 |
7 | 18 | 22 | |||||||||
Noncontrolling interests foreign currency translation adjustment |
3 | (1 | ) | 3 | ||||||||
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Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests |
10 | 17 | 25 | |||||||||
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Comprehensive income attributable to Cabot Corporation |
$ | 164 | $ | 374 | $ | 254 | ||||||
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|
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
57
CABOT CORPORATION
ASSETS
September 30 | ||||||||
2013 | 2012 | |||||||
(In millions, except share and per share amounts) |
||||||||
Current assets: |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 95 | $ | 120 | ||||
Accounts and notes receivable, net of reserve for doubtful accounts of $8 and $5 |
634 | 687 | ||||||
Inventories |
458 | 533 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
58 | 62 | ||||||
Notes receivable from sale of business |
214 | 9 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes |
36 | 32 | ||||||
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|
|||||
Total current assets |
1,495 | 1,443 | ||||||
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|||||
Property, plant and equipment |
3,676 | 3,511 | ||||||
Accumulated depreciation and amortization |
(2,071 | ) | (1,959 | ) | ||||
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Net property, plant and equipment |
1,605 | 1,552 | ||||||
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Goodwill |
504 | 480 | ||||||
Equity affiliates |
119 | 115 | ||||||
Intangible assets, net |
310 | 330 | ||||||
Assets held for rent |
49 | 46 | ||||||
Notes receivable from sale of business |
| 242 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes |
68 | 94 | ||||||
Other assets |
83 | 97 | ||||||
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|
|||||
Total assets |
$ | 4,233 | $ | 4,399 | ||||
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|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
58
CABOT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
September 30 | ||||||||
2013 | 2012 | |||||||
(In millions, except share and per share amounts) |
||||||||
Current liabilities: |
||||||||
Notes payable |
$ | 264 | $ | 62 | ||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
534 | 606 | ||||||
Income taxes payable |
30 | 59 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes |
2 | 7 | ||||||
Current portion of long-term debt |
14 | 185 | ||||||
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Total current liabilities |
844 | 919 | ||||||
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|
|||||
Long-term debt |
1,020 | 1,172 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes |
21 | 55 | ||||||
Other liabilities |
265 | 314 | ||||||
Commitments and contingencies (Note R) |
||||||||
Stockholders equity: |
||||||||
Preferred stock: |
||||||||
Authorized: 2,000,000 shares of $1 par value |
||||||||
Issued and Outstanding: None and none |
| | ||||||
Common stock: |
||||||||
Authorized: 200,000,000 shares of $1 par value |
||||||||
Issued: 64,223,985 and 63,600,928 shares |
||||||||
Outstanding: 63,970,502 and 63,347,362 shares |
64 | 64 | ||||||
Less cost of 253,483 and 253,565 shares of common treasury stock |
(8 | ) | (8 | ) | ||||
Additional paid-in capital |
39 | 20 | ||||||
Retained earnings |
1,755 | 1,653 | ||||||
Deferred employee benefits |
(2 | ) | (8 | ) | ||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
103 | 92 | ||||||
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|
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Total Cabot Corporation stockholders equity |
1,951 | 1,813 | ||||||
Noncontrolling interests |
132 | 126 | ||||||
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|
|||||
Total stockholders equity |
2,083 | 1,939 | ||||||
|
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|
|||||
Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
$ | 4,233 | $ | 4,399 | ||||
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
59
CABOT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Years Ended September 30 | ||||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||||
(In millions) | ||||||||||||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities: |
||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 160 | $ | 406 | $ | 258 | ||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities: |
||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
190 | 154 | 142 | |||||||||
Impairment of assets |
16 | 2 | 2 | |||||||||
Deferred tax provision |
(9 | ) | (6 | ) | (25 | ) | ||||||
Gain on sale of business, net of tax |
| (191 | ) | | ||||||||
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment |
2 | 1 | 2 | |||||||||
Equity in earnings of affiliated companies |
(11 | ) | (11 | ) | (8 | ) | ||||||
Non-cash compensation |
16 | 18 | 19 | |||||||||
Other non-cash charges (income), net |
| 3 | (3 | ) | ||||||||
Changes in assets and liabilities: |
||||||||||||
Accounts and notes receivable |
34 | 6 | (111 | ) | ||||||||
Inventories |
64 | (30 | ) | (79 | ) | |||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
5 | 26 | (17 | ) | ||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
(18 | ) | 100 | 23 | ||||||||
Income taxes payable |
(29 | ) | (13 | ) | 1 | |||||||
Other liabilities |
(11 | ) | (38 | ) | (12 | ) | ||||||
Cash dividends received from equity affiliates |
8 | 6 | 4 | |||||||||
Other |
2 | (18 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||||
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Cash provided by operating activities |
419 | 415 | 195 | |||||||||
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Cash Flows from Investing Activities: |
||||||||||||
Additions to property, plant and equipment |
(264 | ) | (281 | ) | (230 | ) | ||||||
Proceeds from sale of business |
| 181 | | |||||||||
Receipts from notes receivable from sale of business |
39 | 23 | | |||||||||
Investment in equity affiliate |
| | (2 | ) | ||||||||
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired |
| (1,104 | ) | | ||||||||
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment |
| 2 | 6 | |||||||||
Increase in assets held for rent |
(2 | ) | (1 | ) | (6 | ) | ||||||
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Cash used in investing activities |
(227 | ) | (1,180 | ) | (232 | ) | ||||||
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Cash Flows from Financing Activities: |
||||||||||||
Borrowings under financing arrangements |
6 | 84 | 71 | |||||||||
Repayments under financing arrangements |
(33 | ) | (88 | ) | (45 | ) | ||||||
Proceeds from issuance of commercial paper, net |
241 | | | |||||||||
Proceeds from long-term debt, net of issuance costs |
117 | 911 | | |||||||||
Repayments of long-term debt |
(442 | ) | (172 | ) | (21 | ) | ||||||
(Decrease) increase in notes payable, net |
(12 | ) | (42 | ) | 30 | |||||||
Settlement of derivatives |
(31 | ) | | | ||||||||
Proceeds from cash contributions received from noncontrolling stockholders |
13 | 4 | | |||||||||
Purchases of common stock |
(6 | ) | (36 | ) | (59 | ) | ||||||
Proceeds from sales of common stock |
9 | 10 | 11 | |||||||||
Cash dividends paid to noncontrolling interests |
(17 | ) | (16 | ) | (12 | ) | ||||||
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders |
(51 | ) | (49 | ) | (47 | ) | ||||||
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Cash (used in) provided by financing activities |
(206 | ) | 606 | (72 | ) | |||||||
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|
|||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash |
(11 | ) | (7 | ) | 8 | |||||||
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|||||||
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents |
(25 | ) | (166 | ) | (101 | ) | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
120 | 286 | 387 | |||||||||
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Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
$ | 95 | $ | 120 | $ | 286 | ||||||
|
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Income taxes paid |
$ | 84 | $ | 73 | $ | 64 | ||||||
Interest paid |
51 | 39 | 34 | |||||||||
Non-cash additions to property, plant and equipment |
| 4 |
|
14 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
60
CABOT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
Years Ended September 30
(In millions, except shares in thousands)
2011 | Common Stock, Net of Treasury Stock |
Additional Paid-in Capital |
Retained Earnings |
Deferred Employee Benefits |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income |
Total
Cabot Corporation Stockholders Equity |
Non- controlling Interests |
Total Stockholders Equity |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Cost | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2010 |
65,370 | $ | 63 | $ | 46 | $ | 1,125 | $ | (20 | ) | $ | 88 | $ | 1,302 | $ | 115 | $ | 1,417 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to Cabot Corporation |
236 | 236 | 236 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Income attributable to non-controlling interests |
22 | 22 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Other comprehensive income |
18 | 18 | 3 | 21 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Noncontrolling interestdividends |
(11 | ) | (11 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders |
(47 | ) | (47 | ) | (47 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of stock under employee compensation plans, net of forfeitures |
294 | 1 | 7 | 8 | 8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of share-based compensation |
17 | 17 | 17 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase and retirement of common and treasury stock |
(1,803 | ) | (1 | ) | (58 | ) | (59 | ) | (59 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Principal payment by Employee Stock Ownership Plan under guaranteed loan |
6 | 6 | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Notes receivable for restricted stock-payments |
6 | 6 | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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|
|||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2011 |
63,861 | $ | 63 | $ | 18 | $ | 1,314 | $ | (14 | ) | $ | 106 | $ | 1,487 | $ | 129 | $ | 1,616 | ||||||||||||||||||
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
61
CABOT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
Years Ended September 30
(In millions, except shares in thousands)
2012 | Common Stock, Net of Treasury Stock |
Additional Paid-in Capital |
Retained Earnings |
Deferred Employee Benefits |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income |
Total
Cabot Corporation Stockholders Equity |
Non- controlling Interests |
Total Stockholders Equity |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Cost | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2011 |
63,861 | $ | 63 | $ | 18 | $ | 1,314 | $ | (14 | ) | $ | 106 | $ | 1,487 | $ | 129 | $ | 1,616 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to Cabot Corporation |
388 | 388 | 388 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Income attributable to non-controlling interests |
18 | 18 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Other comprehensive income |
(14 | ) | (14 | ) | (1 | ) | (15 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Noncontrolling interestother |
4 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Noncontrolling interestdividends |
(24 | ) | (24 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders |
(49 | ) | (49 | ) | (49 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of stock under employee compensation plans, net of forfeitures |
611 | 2 | 13 | 15 | 15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of share-based compensation |
15 | 15 | 15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase and retirement of common and treasury stock |
(1,124 | ) | (9 | ) | (27 | ) | (36 | ) | (36 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Principal payment by Employee Stock Ownership Plan under guaranteed loan |
6 | 6 | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Notes receivable for restricted stock-payments |
1 | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Balance at September 30, 2012 |
63,348 | $ | 56 | $ | 20 | $ | 1,653 | $ | (8 | ) | $ | 92 | $ | 1,813 | $ | 126 | $ | 1,939 | ||||||||||||||||||
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
62
CABOT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
Years Ended September 30
(In millions, except shares in thousands)
2013 | Common Stock, Net of Treasury Stock |
Additional Paid-in Capital |
Retained Earnings |
Deferred Employee Benefits |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income |
Total
Cabot Corporation Stockholders Equity |
Non- controlling Interests |
Total Stockholders Equity |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Cost | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2012 |
63,348 | $ | 56 | $ | 20 | $ | 1,653 | $ | (8 | ) | $ | 92 | $ | 1,813 | $ | 126 | $ | 1,939 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to Cabot Corporation |
153 | 153 | 153 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Income attributable to non-controlling interests |
7 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total other comprehensive income |
11 | 11 | 3 | 14 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Contribution from noncontrolling interests |
13 | 13 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Noncontrolling interestdividends |
(17 | ) | (17 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders |
(51 | ) | (51 | ) | (51 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of stock under employee compensation plans, net of forfeitures |
784 | 12 | 12 | 12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of share-based compensation |
13 | 13 | 13 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase and retirement of common and treasury stock |
(161 | ) | (6 | ) | (6 | ) | (6 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Principal payment by Employee Stock Ownership Plan under guaranteed loan |
6 | 6 | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Balance at September 30, 2013 |
63,971 | $ | 56 | $ | 39 | $ | 1,755 | $ | (2 | ) | $ | 103 | $ | 1,951 | $ | 132 | $ | 2,083 | ||||||||||||||||||
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
63
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note A. Significant Accounting Policies
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The significant accounting policies of Cabot Corporation (Cabot or the Company) are described below.
On January 20, 2012, the Company completed the sale of its Supermetals Business. The applicable results of its operations for all periods presented are reflected as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Unless otherwise indicated, all disclosures and amounts in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements relate to the Companys continuing operations.
On July 31, 2012, the Company completed the acquisition of Norit N.V. (Norit). The financial position, results of operations and cash flows of Norit are included in the Consolidated Financial Statements from the date of acquisition.
Certain amounts in prior years Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and the Consolidated Balance Sheets have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Cabot and its wholly-owned subsidiaries and majority-owned and controlled U.S. and non-U.S. subsidiaries. Additionally, Cabot considers consolidation of entities over which control is achieved through means other than voting rights, of which there were none in the periods presented. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at date of acquisition. Cabot continually assesses the liquidity of cash and cash equivalents and, as of September 30, 2013, has determined that they are readily convertible to cash.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The cost of all carbon black inventories in the U.S. is determined using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. The cost of Specialty Fluids inventories, which are classified as assets held for rent, is determined using the average cost method. The cost of other U.S. and non-U.S. inventories is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.
Cabot reviews inventory for both potential obsolescence and potential declines in anticipated selling prices. In this review, the Company makes assumptions about the future demand for and market value of the inventory, and based on these assumptions estimates the amount of any obsolete, unmarketable, slow moving or overvalued inventory. Cabot writes down the value of these inventories by an amount equal to the difference between the cost of the inventory and its estimated market value.
Investments
The Company has investments in equity affiliates and marketable securities. As circumstances warrant, all investments are subject to periodic impairment reviews. Unless consolidation is required, investments in equity affiliates, where Cabot generally owns between 20% and 50% of the affiliate, are accounted for using the equity method. Cabot records its share of the equity affiliates results of operations based on its percentage of ownership of the affiliate. Dividends received from equity affiliates are a return on investment and are recorded as a reduction to the equity investment value. At September 30, 2013 and 2012, Cabot had equity affiliate investments of $119 million and $115 million, respectively. Dividends declared from these investments were $8 million, $6 million and $5 million in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
64
All investments in marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale and are recorded at fair value with the corresponding unrealized holding gains or losses, net of taxes, recorded as a separate component of other comprehensive income within stockholders equity. Unrealized losses that are determined to be other-than-temporary, based on current and expected market conditions, are recognized in earnings. The fair value of marketable securities is determined based on quoted market prices at the balance sheet dates. The cost of marketable securities sold is determined by the specific identification method. The Companys investment in marketable securities was immaterial as of both September 30, 2013 and 2012.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives. The depreciable lives for buildings, machinery and equipment, and other fixed assets are twenty to twenty-five years, ten to twenty-five years, and three to twenty-five years, respectively. The cost and accumulated depreciation for property, plant and equipment sold, retired, or otherwise disposed of are removed from the Consolidated Balance Sheets and resulting gains or losses are included in earnings in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expenses as incurred. Expenditures for major renewals and betterments, which significantly extend the useful lives of existing plant and equipment, are capitalized and depreciated.
In the third quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company changed the estimated depreciable lives of certain machinery and equipment from ten to twenty-five years to reflect the Companys experience. The change was accounted for as a change in estimate. Based on the asset base at the time of the change, the Company expects the change will increase Income from continuing operations by $9 million ($0.14 per diluted common share) over a twelve month period. The change increased Income from continuing operations by $4 million ($0.06 per diluted common share) in fiscal 2013.
Cabot capitalizes interest costs when they are part of the historical cost of acquiring and constructing certain assets that require a period of time to prepare for their intended use. During fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, Cabot capitalized $5 million, $4 million and $2 million of interest costs, respectively. These amounts will be amortized over the life of the related assets.
Intangible Assets and Goodwill
The Company records tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. Amounts paid for an acquisition are allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their fair values at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is comprised of the purchase price of business acquisitions in excess of the fair value assigned to the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but is reviewed for impairment annually, or when events or changes in the business environment indicate that the carrying value of the reporting unit may exceed its fair value. A reporting unit, for the purpose of the impairment test, is at or below the operating segment level, and constitutes a business for which discrete financial information is available and regularly reviewed by segment management. The separate businesses included within Performance Materials and Advanced Technologies are considered separate reporting units. Goodwill balances relative to these segments are recorded in the Fumed Metal Oxides reporting unit within Performance Materials and the Security Materials reporting unit within Advanced Technologies.
The Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value amount and as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. Alternatively, the Company may elect to proceed directly to the two-step goodwill impairment test. If an initial qualitative assessment identifies that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, an
65
additional quantitative evaluation is performed under the two-step impairment test. If based on the quantitative evaluation the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Company performs an analysis of the fair value of all assets and liabilities of the reporting unit. If the implied fair value of the reporting units goodwill is determined to be less than its carrying amount, an impairment is recognized for the difference. The fair value of a reporting unit is based on discounted estimated future cash flows. The assumptions used to estimate fair value include managements estimates of future growth rates, operating cash flows, capital expenditures, and discount rates over an estimate of the remaining operating period at the reporting unit level. Should the fair value of any of our reporting units decline because of reduced operating performance, market declines, or other indicators of impairment, or as a result of changes in the discount rate, charges for impairment may be necessary. The future growth in the Purification Solutions business, which had $466 million of goodwill at September 30, 2013, is highly dependent on the growth in the mercury removal portion of this business. This growth relies upon the adoption and enforcement of environmental laws and regulations, particularly those that would require U.S. based coal fired electrical utilities to reduce the quantity of air pollutants they release, including mercury, to comply with the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards that become effective in April 2015. The annual review is performed as of May 31.
The Company uses assumptions and estimates in determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. The determination of the fair value of intangible assets requires the use of significant judgment with regard to (i) assumptions used in the valuation model; and (ii) determination of the intangible assets useful lives. The Company estimates the fair value of identifiable acquisition-related intangible assets principally based on projections of cash flows that will arise from these assets. The projected cash flows are discounted to determine the fair value of the assets at the dates of acquisition. The Company reviews definite-lived intangible assets for impairment when indication of potential impairment exists, such as a significant reduction in cash flows associated with the assets. Actual cash flows arising from a particular intangible asset could vary from projected cash flows which could imply different carrying values from those established at the dates of acquisition and which could result in impairment of such asset. The Company evaluates indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually or when events occur or circumstances change that may reduce the fair value of the asset below its carrying amount. The annual review is performed as of May 31. The Company may first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test or bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to performing the quantitative impairment test. The quantitative impairment test is based on discounted estimated future cash flows. The assumptions used to estimate fair value include managements estimates of future growth rates and discount rates over an estimate of the remaining operating period at the unit of accounting level. The Companys intangible assets are primarily comprised of trademarks, customer relationships, patented and unpatented technology and other intellectual property. Finite lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives.
Assets Held for Rent
Assets held for rent represent Specialty Fluids cesium formate product that is available to customers in the normal course of business. Assets held for rent are stated at average cost.
Asset Retirement Obligations
Cabot estimates incremental costs for special handling, removal and disposal of materials that may or will give rise to conditional asset retirement obligations (ARO) and then discounts the expected costs back to the current year using a credit adjusted risk free rate. Cabot recognizes ARO liabilities and costs when the timing and/or settlement can be reasonably estimated. The ARO reserves were $16 million and $18 million at September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. In fiscal 2012, the Company assumed asset retirement obligations of $10 million in the acquisition of Norit and made changes to its cash flow
66
estimates for its other ARO resulting in an additional liability of $1 million. In fiscal 2013, ARO liabilities were reduced by $2 million mainly due to changes made to the Companys cash flow timing estimates.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Cabots long-lived assets primarily include property, plant and equipment, long-term investments, assets held for rent and sale. The carrying values of long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An asset impairment is recognized when the carrying value of the asset is not recoverable based on the probability-weighted undiscounted estimated future cash flows to be generated by the asset. Cabots estimates reflect managements assumptions about selling prices, production and sales volumes, costs and market conditions over an estimate of the remaining operating period. If an impairment is indicated, the asset is written down to fair value. If the asset does not have a readily determinable market value, a discounted cash flow model may be used to determine the fair value of the asset. The key inputs to the discounted cash flow would be the same as the undiscounted cash flow noted above, with the addition of the discount rate used. In circumstances when an asset does not have separate identifiable cash flows, an impairment charge is recorded when Cabot no longer intends to use the asset.
To test for impairment of assets we generally use a probability-weighted estimate of the future undiscounted net cash flows of the assets over their remaining lives to determine if the value of the asset is recoverable. Long-lived assets are grouped with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which independent identifiable cash flows are determinable.
Foreign Currency Translation
The functional currency of the majority of Cabots foreign subsidiaries is the local currency in which the subsidiary operates. Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates. Income and expense items are translated at average monthly exchange rates during the year. Unrealized currency translation adjustments are included as a separate component of Accumulated other comprehensive income within stockholders equity.
Realized and unrealized foreign currency gains and losses arising from transactions denominated in currencies other than the subsidiarys functional currency are reflected in earnings with the exception of (i) intercompany transactions considered to be of a long-term investment nature; and (ii) foreign currency borrowings designated as net investment hedges. Gains or losses arising from these transactions are included as a component of other comprehensive income. In fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, net foreign currency transaction gains of $2 million, losses of $2 million, and losses of $6 million, respectively, are included in Other expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as part of continuing operations.
Financial Instruments
Cabots financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, investments, notes receivable from the sale of a business, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, short-term and long-term debt, and derivative instruments. The carrying values of Cabots financial instruments approximate fair value with the exception of long-term debt that has not been designated as part of a fair value hedge and note receivable from the sale of a business (refer to Note J). The non-hedged long-term debt is recorded at amortized cost. The fair values of the Companys financial instruments are based on quoted market prices, if such prices are available. In situations where quoted market prices are not available, the Company relies on valuation models to derive fair value. Such valuation takes into account the ability of the financial counterparty to perform.
Cabot uses derivative financial instruments primarily for purposes of hedging exposures to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, which exist as part of its on-going business operations. Cabot does not enter into derivative contracts for speculative purposes, nor does it
67
hold or issue any derivative contracts for trading purposes. All derivatives are recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. Where Cabot has a legal right to offset derivative settlements under a master netting agreement with a counterparty, derivatives with that counterparty are presented on a net basis. The changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded in either earnings or Accumulated other comprehensive income, depending on whether or not the instrument is designated as part of a hedge transaction and, if designated as part of a hedge transaction, the type of hedge transaction. The gains or losses on derivative instruments reported in Accumulated other comprehensive income are reclassified to earnings in the period in which earnings are affected by the underlying hedged item. The ineffective portion of all hedges is recognized in earnings during the period in which the ineffectiveness occurs.
In accordance with Cabots risk management strategy, the Company may enter into certain derivative instruments that may not be designated as hedges for hedge accounting purposes. Although these derivatives are not designated as hedges, the Company believes that such instruments are closely correlated with the underlying exposure, thus managing the associated risk. The Company records in earnings the gains or losses from changes in the fair value of derivative instruments that are not designated as hedges. Cash movements associated with these instruments are presented in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows as Cash Flows from Operating Activities because the derivatives are designed to mitigate risk to the Companys cash flow from operations. The cash flows related to the principal of these instruments are presented in the Cash Flows from Financing Activities section of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
Revenue Recognition
Cabot recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Cabot generally is able to ensure that products meet customer specifications prior to shipment. If the Company is unable to determine that the product has met the specified objective criteria prior to shipment or if title has not transferred because of sales terms, the revenue is considered unearned and is deferred until the revenue recognition criteria are met.
Shipping and handling charges related to sales transactions are recorded as sales revenue when billed to customers or included in the sales price.
The following table shows the relative size of the revenue recognized in each of the Companys reportable segments:
Years ended September 30 | ||||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||||
Reinforcement Materials |
56 | % | 63 | % | 65% | |||||||
Performance Materials |
27 | % | 28 | % | 29% | |||||||
Advanced Technologies |
7 | % | 7 | % | 6% | |||||||
Purification Solutions |
10 | % | 2 | %(1) | N/A |
(1) | Fiscal 2012 includes two months of revenue for Purification Solutions, which the Company acquired on July 31, 2012. |
Cabot derives the substantial majority of its revenues from the sale of products in Reinforcement Materials and Performance Materials. Revenue from these products is typically recognized when the product is shipped and title and risk of loss have passed to the customer. The Company offers certain of its customers cash discounts and volume rebates as sales incentives. The discounts and volume rebates are recorded as a reduction in sales at the time revenue is recognized and are estimated based on historical experience and contractual obligations. Cabot periodically reviews the assumptions underlying its estimates of discounts and volume rebates and adjusts its revenues accordingly.
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Revenue in Advanced Technologies, excluding the Specialty Fluids Business, is typically recognized when the product is shipped and title and risk of loss have passed to the customer. Depending on the nature of the contract with the customer, a portion of the revenue may be recognized using proportional performance. The Company has technology and licensing agreements with one customer that are accounted for as multiple element arrangements. Revenue is recognized ratably over the term of the agreements limited by the cumulative amounts that become due, some of which are through 2022. The Company recorded $9 million of royalty and technology payments in fiscal year 2013 from these agreements.
A significant portion of the revenue in the Specialty Fluids Business, included in Advanced Technologies, arises from the rental of cesium formate. This revenue is recognized throughout the rental period based on the contracted rental terms. Customers are also billed and revenue is recognized, typically at the end of the job, for cesium formate product that is not returned. The Company also generates revenues from cesium formate sold outside of a rental process and revenue is recognized upon delivery of the fluid.
Revenue in Purification Solutions is typically recognized when the product is shipped and title and risk of loss have passed to the customer. For major activated carbon injection systems projects, revenue is recognized using the percentage-of-completion method.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales consists of cost of raw and packaging materials, direct manufacturing costs, depreciation, internal transfer costs, inspection costs, inbound and outbound freight and shipping and handling costs, plant purchasing and receiving costs and other overhead expense necessary to manufacture the products.
Accounts and Notes Receivable
Trade receivables are recorded at the invoiced amount and generally do not bear interest. Trade receivables in China may at certain times be settled with the receipt of bank issued non-interest bearing notes, which represent the Companys notes receivable balance. These notes totaled 148 million Chinese Renminbi (RMB) ($24 million) and 155 million RMB ($24 million) as of September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and are included in accounts and notes receivable. Cabot periodically sells a portion of the trade receivables in China at a discount and such sales are accounted for as asset sales. The Company does not have any continuing involvement with the notes after the sale. The difference between the proceeds from the sale and the carrying value of the receivables is recognized as a loss on the sale of receivables and is included in Other expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. During fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded charges of $4 million, $2 million, and less than $1 million, respectively, for the sale of these receivables.
Cabot maintains allowances for doubtful accounts based on an assessment of the collectability of specific customer accounts, the aging of accounts receivable and other economic information on both a historical and prospective basis. Customer account balances are charged against the allowance when it is probable the receivable will not be recovered. The change from fiscal 2012 to 2013 was $3 million due to an increase in specific customer reserves. The change from fiscal 2011 to 2012 was immaterial. There is no off-balance sheet credit exposure related to customer receivable balances.
Notes receivable from sale of business
The Companys Notes receivable from sale of business are derived from the sale of the Supermetals Business to Global Advanced Metals Pty Ltd., an Australian company (GAM) as discussed in Note D. The Notes are carried at amortized cost and the carrying value was $214 and $252 million at September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The outstanding amount due and payable under these Notes on March 31, 2014 is $215 million. The Notes are subject to an impairment assessment and impairment is recorded if,
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based on current information, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due from the borrower in accordance with the terms of the Notes. No impairment was recorded as of September 30, 2013 and 2012.
Stock-based Compensation
Cabot recognizes compensation expense for stock-based awards granted to employees using the fair value method. Under the fair value recognition provisions, stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the service period, which generally represents the vesting period, and includes an estimate of the awards that will be forfeited, and an estimate of what level of performance the Company will achieve for Cabots performance-based stock awards. Cabot calculates the fair value of its stock options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock units is determined using the closing price of Cabot stock on the day of the grant.
Selling and Administrative Expenses
Selling and administrative expenses consist of salaries and fringe benefits of sales and office personnel, general office expenses and other expenses not directly related to manufacturing operations.
Research and Technical Expenses
Research and technical expenses include salaries, equipment and material expenditures, and contractor fees and are expensed as incurred.
Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes are determined based on the estimated future tax effects of differences between financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that realization of those assets is considered to be more likely than not.
A valuation allowance is established for deferred taxes when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Provisions are made for the U.S. income tax liability and additional non-U.S. taxes on the undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries, except for amounts Cabot has designated to be indefinitely reinvested.
Cabot records benefits for uncertain tax positions based on an assessment of whether the position is more likely than not to be sustained by the taxing authorities. If this threshold is not met, no tax benefit of the uncertain tax position is recognized. If the threshold is met, the tax benefit that is recognized is the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. This analysis presumes the taxing authorities full knowledge of the positions taken and all relevant facts, but does not consider the time value of money. The Company also accrues for interest and penalties on its uncertain tax positions and includes such charges in its income tax provision in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Accumulated other comprehensive income, which is included as a component of stockholders equity, includes unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale marketable securities and derivative instruments, currency translation adjustments in foreign subsidiaries, translation adjustments on foreign equity securities and minimum pension liability adjustments.
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Accumulated other comprehensive items in the accompanying balance sheet consist of the following items net of tax:
Year ended September 30 |
Year ended September 30 |
|||||||
2013 | 2012 | |||||||
(In millions) | (In millions) | |||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment at beginning of year |
$ | 167 | $ | 163 | ||||
Net foreign currency translation adjustments |
(13 | ) | 4 | |||||
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Balance at end of year |
$ | 154 | $ | 167 | ||||
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Unrealized gain on investments and derivative instruments at beginning of year |
| $ | 1 | |||||
Net unrealized gains |
2 | (1 | ) | |||||
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Balance at end of year |
$ | 2 | $ | | ||||
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Pension and other postretirement benefit plans at beginning of year |
(75 | ) | $ | (58 | ) | |||
Net change in pension and other postretirement benefit plans |
22 | (17 | ) | |||||
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Balance at end of year |
$ | (53 | ) | $ | (75 | ) | ||
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Total accumulated other comprehensive income |
$ | 103 | $ | 92 | ||||
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Environmental Costs
Cabot accrues environmental costs when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. When a single liability amount cannot be reasonably estimated, but a range can be reasonably estimated, Cabot accrues the amount that reflects the best estimate within that range or the low end of the range if no estimate within the range is better. The amount accrued reflects Cabots assumptions about remediation requirements at the contaminated site, the nature of the remedy, the outcome of discussions with regulatory agencies and other potentially responsible parties at multi-party sites, and the number and financial viability of other potentially responsible parties. Cabot discounts certain of its long-term environmental liabilities to reflect the time value of money if the amount of the liability and the amount and timing of cash payments for the liability are fixed and reliably determinable. The liability will be discounted at a rate that will produce an amount at which the liability theoretically could be settled in an arms length transaction with a third party. This discounted rate may not exceed the risk-free rate for maturities comparable to those of the liability. Cabot does not reduce its estimated liability for possible recoveries from insurance carriers. Proceeds from insurance carriers are recorded when realized by either the receipt of cash or a contractual agreement.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Note B. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In the first quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company adopted guidance that resulted in the addition of separate, consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
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Note C. Acquisitions
Acquisition of Norit
On July 31, 2012, Cabot acquired all the issued and outstanding shares of Norit N.V. (Norit) for approximately $1.1 billion in cash. Norit develops, manufactures and sells activated carbon products and related delivery systems used in a range of applications, including air and water purification, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals and catalysts. The results of Norits operations are reported under the Purification Solutions reportable segment.
As of June 2013, the Company completed the valuation of its assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The allocation of the purchase price is based on the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of July 31, 2012. During fiscal 2013, the Company recorded certain measurement period adjustments which are presented in the table below. The measurement period adjustments and the related tax impact were immaterial to the Companys consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, the effects have not been retrospectively applied. The following table presents the components and allocation of the purchase price, including the measurement period adjustments:
At Acquisition Date (As reported at September 30, 2012) |
Measurement Period Adjustments |
At Acquisition Date (As adjusted at September 30, 2013) |
||||||||||
(Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||
Current assets |
$ | 207 | $ | (4 | ) | $ | 203 | |||||
Property, plant and equipment |
385 | (14 | ) | 371 | ||||||||
Other non-current assets |
72 | 4 | 76 | |||||||||
Intangible assets |
325 | (8 | ) | 317 | ||||||||
Goodwill |
432 | 22 | 454 | |||||||||
Current liabilities |
(98 | ) | | (98 | ) | |||||||
Deferred non-current tax liabilities |
(176 | ) | 4 | (172 | ) | |||||||
Other non-current liabilities |
(34 | ) | (4 | ) | (38 | ) | ||||||
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Total purchase price |
$ | 1,113 | $ | | $ | 1,113 | ||||||
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As part of the purchase price allocation, the Company determined that the separately identifiable intangible assets were customer relationships, developed technology, and trademarks in the amounts of $110 million, $150 million, and $57 million, respectively. Customer relationships and developed technology are being amortized over a weighted average period of 18 years and 20 years, respectively. Trademarks are considered to have an indefinite life and will be tested for impairment annually or when events or changes in the business environment indicate that the carrying value of the intangible assets may exceed their fair value.
The determination of the fair value of intangible assets acquired required the use of significant judgment with regard to (i) assumptions used in the valuation model; and (ii) determination of the intangible assets useful lives. The Company estimated the fair value of identifiable acquisition-related intangible assets principally based on projections of cash flows that will arise from these assets. The projected cash flows were discounted to determine the fair value of the assets at the date of acquisition.
The fair value of the assets acquired includes trade receivables of $46 million. The Company did not acquire any other class of receivable when it acquired Norit.
The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the tangible net assets and intangible assets acquired was recorded as goodwill. The goodwill recognized is attributable to the expected growth and operating synergies that the Company expects to realize from this acquisition. Goodwill from the acquisition will not be deductible for tax purposes.
The following table provides pro forma net sales and earnings for fiscal 2012, as if Norit had been acquired on October 1, 2011. The unaudited pro forma results reflect certain adjustments related to the
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acquisition, such as increased depreciation and amortization expense on assets acquired from Norit resulting from recording the fair value of assets acquired, the impact of acquisition financing with the related tax effects. The pro forma results do not include any synergies or other effects of the planned integration of Norit. Accordingly, such pro forma amounts are not necessarily indicative of the results that actually would have occurred had the acquisition been completed on October 1, 2011, nor are they indicative of the future operating results of the combined company.
Year ended September 30 |
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2012 (unaudited) |
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(in millions) | ||||
Net sales |
$ | 3,585 | ||
Income from continuing operations |
209 |
Acquisition of Nhumo
In June 2013, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement with Grupo Kuo S.A.B. de C.V. (KUO) to purchase the remaining 60 percent common stock equity of its Mexican carbon black manufacturing joint venture, Nhumo, S.A.P.I. de C.V. (NHUMO). On November 15, 2013, the Company completed the acquisition and paid KUO approximately $80 million in cash. In addition, NHUMO issued $25 million of redeemable preferred stock to KUO. The preferred stock will accumulate dividends at 6% annually, which will be payable annually, and will be redeemable at the option of KUO or the Company on the fifth anniversary of the closing for $25 million. The Companys preexisting interest in NHUMO will be re-measured to its fair value at the date of acquisition and a gain will be recorded if the fair value is greater than the carrying amount.
Note D. Discontinued Operations
In January 2012, the Company sold its Supermetals Business to Global Advanced Metals Pty Ltd., an Australian company (GAM), for $452 million, including cash consideration of $175 million received on the closing date and notes receivable (GAM Notes) totaling $277 million payable at various dates through March 2014. In addition, the Company is entitled to receive quarterly cash payments in each calendar quarter that the GAM Notes are outstanding in an amount equal to 50% of cumulative year to date adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (Adjusted EBITDA) of the sold business for the relevant calendar quarter. A minimum payment of $11.5 million was guaranteed in the first year after the sale regardless of the Adjusted EBITDA generated and is included in the $277 million total of GAM Notes. The carrying value of the GAM Notes at September 30, 2013 is $214 million, which is presented as Notes receivable from sale of business on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. These Notes are secured by liens on the property and assets of the sold business and guaranteed by the GAM Corporate Group. The Notes are included in Current assets as they are due no later than March 31, 2014. Through September 30, 2013, Cabot received payments of $62 million under the GAM Notes.
The after-tax gain from discontinued operations of $2 million for fiscal 2013 primarily relates to tax adjustments of $4 million partially off-set by $2 million of loss from the settlement of pension liabilities of the disposed business. Discontinued Operations, net of tax in fiscal 2012 includes the after-tax gain on the sale of the Supermetals Business of $191 million. Discontinued Operations, net of tax in fiscal 2012 and 2011 also include results of the Supermetal Business prior to sale. The operating results of the Supermetals Business prior to the sale and the gain on the sale of the business are reported within Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
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The following table summarizes the results from discontinued operations:
Years Ended September 30 | ||||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||||
(Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||
Net sales and other operating revenues |
$ | | $ | 46 | $ | 201 | ||||||
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Income from operations before income taxes |
| 21 | 84 | |||||||||
Provision for income taxes on operations |
| (7 | ) | (31 | ) | |||||||
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Income from operations, net of tax |
$ | | $ | 14 | $ | 53 | ||||||
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(Loss) Gain on sale of discontinued operations |
(2 | ) | 300 | | ||||||||
Benefit from (Provision for) income taxes on gain (loss) on sale |
4 | (109 | ) | | ||||||||
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Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax |
2 | 191 | | |||||||||
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Income from discontinued operations, net of tax |
$ | 2 | $ | 205 | $ | 53 | ||||||
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Discontinued OperationsOther
In addition to the divesture of its Supermetals Business, the Company also has classified certain settlements associated with other businesses divested as part of Income from discontinued operations, net of tax in its Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2013 and 2011. These settlements resulted in gains of less than $1 million in fiscal 2013 and losses of less than $1 million in fiscal 2011. No such charges were recorded in fiscal 2012.
In connection with the sale of the Supermetals Business, the Company and GAM entered into a tantalum ore supply agreement under which the Company agreed to sell to GAM all of the tantalum ore mined at the Companys mine in Manitoba, Canada, subject to a maximum amount, for a three-year period commencing in calendar year 2013. In March 2013, the Company and GAM agreed to terminate the agreement and the Company expects to ship the remaining tantalum ore inventory it has on hand to GAM by the end of calendar 2013. Revenues, costs and expenses from this agreement for the year ended September 30, 2013 are included in continuing operations of the Specialty Fluids Business.
Note E. Inventories
Inventories, net of LIFO, obsolete, unmarketable and slow moving reserves, are as follows:
September 30 | ||||||||
2013 | 2012 | |||||||
(Dollars in millions) | ||||||||
Raw materials |
$ | 102 | $ | 131 | ||||
Work in process |
2 | 5 | ||||||
Finished goods |
310 | 351 | ||||||
Other |
44 | 46 | ||||||
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Total |
$ | 458 | $ | 533 | ||||
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Inventories valued under the LIFO method comprised approximately 5% of total inventories at September 30, 2013 and 2012. At September 30, 2013 and 2012, the LIFO reserve was $55 million and $52 million, respectively. Other inventory is comprised of certain spare parts and supplies.
During fiscal 2013 and 2012, inventory quantities carried on a LIFO basis were reduced at the Companys U.S. carbon black sites. These reductions led to liquidations of LIFO inventory quantities and resulted in a decrease of cost of goods sold of $1 million and an increase in consolidated net income of $1 million ($0.01 per diluted common share) in both fiscal 2013 and 2012. No such reductions occurred in fiscal 2011.
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Cabot reviews inventory for both potential obsolescence and potential loss of value periodically. In this review, Cabot makes assumptions about the future demand for and market value of the inventory and, based on these assumptions, estimates the amount of obsolete, unmarketable or slow moving inventory. The inventory reserves were $15 million at both September 30, 2013 and 2012.
Note F. Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment is summarized as follows:
September 30 | ||||||||
2013 | 2012 | |||||||
(Dollars in millions) | ||||||||
Land and land improvements |
$ | 138 | $ | 167 | ||||
Buildings |
511 | 495 | ||||||
Machinery and equipment |
2,511 | 2,379 | ||||||
Other |
238 | 226 | ||||||
Construction in progress |
278 | 244 | ||||||
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Total property, plant and equipment |
3,676 | 3,511 | ||||||
Less: accumulated depreciation |
(2,071 | ) | (1,959 | ) | ||||
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Net property, plant and equipment |
$ | 1,605 | $ | 1,552 | ||||
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Depreciation expense was $176 million, $153 million and $138 million for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Note G. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Cabot had goodwill balances of $504 million and $480 million at September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The carrying amount of goodwill attributable to each reportable segment with goodwill balances and the changes in those balances during the years ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
Reinforcement Materials |
Performance Materials |
Advanced Technologies |
Purification Solutions |
Total | ||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2011 |
$ | 27 | $ | 11 | $ | 2 | $ | | $ | 40 | ||||||||||
Goodwill acquired |
| | | 432 | 432 | |||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
1 | | | 7 | 8 | |||||||||||||||
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Balance at September 30, 2012 |
28 | 11 | 2 | 439 | 480 | |||||||||||||||
Measurement period adjustments(1) |
| | | 22 | 22 | |||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
(3 | ) | |