Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2009
or
     
o   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 1-584
FERRO CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Ohio
(State of Corporation)
  34-0217820
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
     
1000 Lakeside Avenue
Cleveland, OH

(Address of Principal executive offices)
  44114
(Zip Code)
216-641-8580
(Telephone Number)
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 þ NO o
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 o NO o
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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
             
Large accelerated filer þ   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company o
        (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). YES o NO þ
At July 31, 2009, there were 44,950,184 shares of Ferro Common Stock, par value $1.00, outstanding.
 
 

 

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
         
 
       
  Page 3
 
       
  Page 26
 
       
  Page 38
 
       
  Page 40
 
       
 
       
  Page 41
 
       
  Page 41
 
       
  Page 41
 
       
  Page 41
 
       
  Page 42
 
       
  Page 42
 
       
  Page 42
 
       
 Exhibit 31.1
 Exhibit 31.2
 Exhibit 32.1
 Exhibit 32.2

 

2


Table of Contents

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.   Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Ferro Corporation and Consolidated Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
                                 
    Three months ended     Six months ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
    (Dollars in thousands,  
    except per share amounts)  
Net sales
  $ 399,277     $ 631,976     $ 757,086     $ 1,222,814  
Cost of sales
    334,048       513,002       636,611       994,575  
 
                       
Gross profit
    65,229       118,974       120,475       228,239  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    62,480       79,724       130,608       157,300  
Restructuring charges
    (309 )     9,031       1,089       13,238  
Other expense (income):
                               
Interest expense
    17,190       12,768       28,364       26,323  
Interest earned
    (205 )     (142 )     (473 )     (271 )
Foreign currency losses (gains), net
    1,100       650       2,929       (891 )
Miscellaneous expense, net
    321       1,554       854       2,994  
 
                       
(Loss) income before income taxes
    (15,348 )     15,389       (42,896 )     29,546  
Income tax (benefit) expense
    (4,276 )     7,188       (12,095 )     13,414  
 
                       
(Loss) income from continuing operations
    (11,072 )     8,201       (30,801 )     16,132  
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
          1,683             3,327  
(Loss) gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of income taxes
    (116 )     9       (358 )     (16 )
 
                       
Net (loss) income
    (11,188 )     9,893       (31,159 )     19,443  
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    620       528       984       938  
 
                       
Net (loss) income attributable to Ferro Corporation
    (11,808 )     9,365       (32,143 )     18,505  
Dividends on preferred stock
    (199 )     (223 )     (370 )     (450 )
 
                       
Net (loss) income attributable to Ferro Corporation common shareholders
  $ (12,007 )   $ 9,142     $ (32,513 )   $ 18,055  
 
                       
 
                               
Amounts attributable to Ferro Corporation:
                               
(Loss) income from continuing operations, net of tax
  $ (11,692 )   $ 7,673     $ (31,785 )   $ 15,194  
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax
    (116 )     1,692       (358 )     3,311  
 
                       
 
  $ (11,808 )   $ 9,365     $ (32,143 )   $ 18,505  
 
                       
 
                               
Per common share data
                               
Basic and diluted (loss) earnings attributable to Ferro Corporation common shareholders:
                               
From continuing operations
  $ (0.27 )   $ 0.17     $ (0.72 )   $ 0.34  
From discontinued operations
    0.00       0.04       (0.01 )     0.08  
 
                       
 
  $ (0.27 )   $ 0.21     $ (0.73 )   $ 0.42  
 
                       
 
                               
Cash dividends declared
  $ 0.00     $ 0.145     $ 0.01     $ 0.29  
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3


Table of Contents

Ferro Corporation and Consolidated Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
                 
    June 30,     December 31,  
    2009     2008  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
ASSETS
Current assets
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 17,492     $ 10,191  
Accounts and trade notes receivable, net
    292,617       296,423  
Inventories
    179,541       256,411  
Deposits for precious metals
    80,426        
Deferred income taxes
    18,492       19,167  
Other receivables
    47,509       58,391  
Other current assets
    9,780       8,306  
 
           
Total current assets
    645,857       648,889  
Other assets
               
Property, plant and equipment, net
    444,084       456,549  
Goodwill
    230,628       229,665  
Amortizable intangible assets, net
    11,265       11,753  
Deferred income taxes
    132,241       134,361  
Other non-current assets
    67,442       62,900  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 1,531,517     $ 1,544,117  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
               
Loans payable and current portion of long-term debt
  $ 37,979     $ 8,883  
Accounts payable
    188,172       232,113  
Income taxes
    9,310       14,361  
Accrued payrolls
    17,448       18,695  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    65,813       83,012  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    318,722       357,064  
Other liabilities
               
Long-term debt, less current portion
    612,768       561,613  
Postretirement and pension liabilities
    226,431       221,110  
Deferred income taxes
    7,524       13,011  
Other non-current liabilities
    32,148       34,047  
 
           
Total liabilities
    1,197,593       1,186,845  
Series A convertible preferred stock (approximates redemption value)
    9,660       11,548  
Shareholders’ equity
               
Ferro Corporation shareholders’ equity:
               
Common stock
    52,323       52,323  
Paid-in capital
    156,126       178,420  
Retained earnings
    368,407       401,186  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (90,114 )     (98,436 )
Common shares in treasury, at cost
    (171,938 )     (197,524 )
 
           
Total Ferro Corporation shareholders’ equity
    314,804       335,969  
Noncontrolling interests
    9,460       9,755  
 
           
Total equity
    324,264       345,724  
 
           
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 1,531,517     $ 1,544,117  
 
           
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4


Table of Contents

Ferro Corporation and Consolidated Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
                                                                 
    Ferro Corporation Shareholders              
                                            Accumulated              
                                            Other              
    Common Shares                             Comprehensive     Non-        
    in Treasury     Common     Paid-in     Retained     Income     controlling     Total  
    Shares     Amount     Stock     Capital     Earnings     (Loss) (a)     Interests     Equity  
    (In thousands, except per share data)  
Balances at December 31, 2007
    8,753     $ (202,855 )   $ 52,323     $ 166,391     $ 468,190     $ (7,765 )   $ 9,896     $ 486,180  
Net income
                                    18,505               938       19,443  
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
                                                               
Foreign currency translation adjustment
                                            21,247       284       21,531  
Postretirement benefit liability adjustments
                                            (414 )             (414 )
Raw material commodity swap adjustments
                                            455               455  
Interest rate swap adjustments
                                            606               606  
 
                                               
Total comprehensive income
                                                            41,621  
Cash dividends:
                                                               
Common
                                    (12,586 )                     (12,586 )
Preferred
                                    (450 )                     (450 )
Income tax expense
                            21                               21  
Stock-based compensation transactions
    (149 )     2,331               (444 )                             1,887  
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
                                                    (1,130 )     (1,130 )
Adjustment to initially apply FAS No. 158 as of January 1, 2008
                                    (505 )     366               (139 )
 
                                               
Balances at June 30, 2008
    8,604     $ (200,524 )   $ 52,323     $ 165,968     $ 473,154     $ 14,495     $ 9,988     $ 515,404  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Balances at December 31, 2008
    8,432     $ (197,524 )   $ 52,323     $ 178,420     $ 401,186     $ (98,436 )   $ 9,755     $ 345,724  
Net (loss) income
                                    (32,143 )             984       (31,159 )
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
                                                               
Foreign currency translation adjustment
                                            4,977       (4 )     4,973  
Postretirement benefit liability adjustments
                                            661               661  
Raw material commodity swap adjustments
                                            559               559  
Interest rate swap adjustments
                                            2,125               2,125  
 
                                               
Total comprehensive loss
                                                            (22,841 )
Cash dividends:
                                                               
Common
                                    (437 )                     (437 )
Preferred
                                    (199 )                     (199 )
Income tax expense
                            1                               1  
Stock-based compensation transactions
    (1,059 )     25,586               (22,295 )                             3,291  
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
                                                    (1,275 )     (1,275 )
 
                                               
Balances at June 30, 2009
    7,373     $ (171,938 )   $ 52,323     $ 156,126     $ 368,407     $ (90,114 )   $ 9,460     $ 324,264  
 
                                               
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5


Table of Contents

Ferro Corporation and Consolidated Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                 
    Six months ended  
    June 30,  
    2009     2008  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Cash flows from operating activities
               
Net (loss) income
  $ (31,159 )   $ 19,443  
Depreciation and amortization
    41,353       36,575  
Precious metals deposits
    (80,426 )      
Accounts and trade notes receivable
    3,743       (19,184 )
Inventories
    75,512       (41,832 )
Accounts payable
    (37,894 )     9,735  
Other changes in current assets and liabilities, net
    (15,781 )     15,672  
Other adjustments, net
    4,527       (14,057 )
 
           
Net cash (used for) provided by continuing operations
    (40,125 )     6,352  
Net cash (used for) provided by discontinued operations
    (361 )     341  
 
           
Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities
    (40,486 )     6,693  
Cash flows from investing activities
               
Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment of continuing operations
    (22,969 )     (32,997 )
Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment of discontinued operations
          (1,575 )
Proceeds from sale of assets and businesses
    72       646  
 
           
Net cash used for investing activities
    (22,897 )     (33,926 )
Cash flows from financing activities
               
Net borrowings under short-term facilities
    28,945       3,478  
Proceeds from revolving credit facility
    434,624       430,347  
Principal payments on revolving credit facility
    (384,727 )     (380,074 )
Principal payments on term loan facility
    (1,525 )     (7,927 )
Debt issue costs
    (9,367 )      
Cash dividends paid
    (636 )     (13,036 )
Other financing activities
    2,135       (4,238 )
 
           
Net cash provided by financing activities
    69,449       28,550  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    1,235       48  
 
           
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
    7,301       1,365  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    10,191       12,025  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 17,492     $ 13,390  
 
           
 
               
Cash paid during the period for:
               
Interest
  $ 25,792     $ 26,493  
Income taxes
  $ 5,635     $ 5,243  
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

6


Table of Contents

Ferro Corporation and Consolidated Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Basis of Presentation
Ferro Corporation (“Ferro,” “we,” “us” or “the Company”) prepared these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Ferro Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements and, therefore, should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the timing and amount of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses reported and disclosed. Actual amounts could differ from our estimates, resulting in changes in revenues or costs that could have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position, or cash flows. In our opinion, we made all adjustments that are necessary for a fair presentation, and those adjustments are of a normal recurring nature unless otherwise noted. Due to differing business conditions, our various initiatives, and some seasonality, the results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, are not necessarily indicative of the results expected in subsequent quarters or for the full year. We evaluated subsequent events through August 4, 2009, when the financial statements were issued.
2. Accounting Standards Adopted in the Six Months Ended June 30, 2009
On January 1, 2009, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement No. 141(R), Business Combinations, (“FAS No. 141(R)”) and FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. FAS 141(R)-1, Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise From Contingencies. These statements require more acquired assets and assumed liabilities to be measured at fair value as of the acquisition date, liabilities related to contingent consideration to be remeasured at fair value in each subsequent reporting period, and all acquisition-related costs in preacquisition periods to be expensed. We will apply these standards to any business combination beginning in 2009 and therefore, adoption of these standards did not have an effect on our consolidated financial statements.
On January 1, 2009, we adopted Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 08-7, Accounting for Defensive Intangible Assets, (“EITF No. 08-7”). This pronouncement requires us to prospectively account for an acquired defensive asset as a separate unit of accounting and assign it a useful life based on the period during which the asset would diminish in value. With our adoption of FAS No. 141(R) also on January 1, 2009, we will assign an acquired defensive asset a fair value based on what a willing market participant would pay for such an asset and amortize it over the time period that a market participant would derive cash flows from the asset. Impairment testing will be performed on defensive assets with finite lives under FASB Statement No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, and those with infinite lives under FASB Statement No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (“FAS No. 142”). We will apply this standard to any business combination or any acquisition of a defensive asset beginning in 2009 and therefore, the adoption of EITF No. 08-7 did not have an effect on our consolidated financial statements.
On January 1, 2009, we adopted FSP No. FAS 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets, (“FSP No. FAS 142-3”). This pronouncement prospectively amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under FAS No. 142. We amended our policies to establish the useful life of intangible assets considering the period of expected cash flows to be received from the intangible asset based on the expected use of the asset and our historical experience in renewing or extending similar arrangements. In the absence of that experience, we consider the assumptions that market participants would use about renewal or extension consistent with the highest and best use of the asset by market participants. Annually, we will disclose our accounting policy for costs incurred to extend or renew recognized intangible assets and the weighted-average period prior to the next renewal or extension by major intangible class. Adoption of FSP No. FAS 142-3 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
On January 1, 2009, we adopted FASB Statement No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an amendment of ARB No. 51, (“FAS No. 160”). Under this statement, noncontrolling interests (e.g., minority interests) in subsidiaries are measured initially at fair value and classified as a separate component of equity and the amount of net income attributable to noncontrolling interests is included in consolidated net income. FAS No. 160 requires entities to apply the measurement requirements prospectively and to apply the presentation and disclosure requirements retrospectively to comparative financial statements. As a result, we classified minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries of $9.5 million at June 30, 2009, and $9.8 million at December 31, 2008, in equity, and included net income attributable to minority interests of $0.6 million and $0.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and $1.0 million and $0.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, in consolidated net income.

 

7


Table of Contents

On January 1, 2009, we adopted FASB Statement No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities — an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133. This Statement requires enhanced disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities and encourages, but does not require, comparative disclosures for earlier periods at initial adoption. The additional disclosures about our derivative and hedging activities did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
On January 1, 2009, we adopted FSP No. APB 14-1, Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement), (“FSP No. APB 14-1”). This pronouncement specifies that issuers of such instruments should separately account for the liability and equity components in a manner that will reflect the entity’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate when interest cost is recognized in subsequent periods. FSP No. APB 14-1 is to be applied retrospectively. As a result, the carrying value of the liability component of the 6.50% Convertible Senior Notes was reduced by $17.4 million and $19.0 million at June 30, 2009, and December 31, 2008, respectively. Related deferred tax liabilities were increased by $7.0 million and $7.0 million, paid-in capital was increased by $12.4 million and $12.4 million and retained earnings was decreased by $1.7 million and $0.7 million at June 30, 2009, and December 31, 2008, respectively. Loss from continuing operations was increased by $0.5 million and 1.0 million, net loss was increased by $0.5 million and $1.0 million, and basic and diluted loss per share was increased by $0.01 and $0.02 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively.
On January 1, 2009, we adopted EITF Issue No. 07-5, Determining Whether an Instrument (or an Embedded Feature) Is Indexed to an Entity’s Own Stock, (“EITF No. 07-5”), which supersedes EITF No. 01-6, The Meaning of ‘Indexed to a Company’s Own Stock.’ FASB Statement No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, (“FAS No. 133”) specifies that a contract issued or held by a company that is both indexed to its own stock and classified in stockholders’ equity is not considered a derivative instrument for purposes of applying FAS No. 133. EITF No. 07-5 provides further guidance in requiring that both an instrument’s contingency exercise provisions and its settlement provisions be evaluated for determining whether the instrument (or embedded feature) is indexed solely to an entity’s own stock. Adoption of EITF No. 07-5 did not change the conclusions we reached in the adoption of FSP No. APB 14-1and, therefore, did not have an effect on our consolidated financial statements.
On January 1, 2009, we adopted EITF Issue No. 08-6, Equity Method Investment Accounting Considerations, (“EITF No. 08-6”). This pronouncement changes the way we account for equity method investments. Among other things, it requires us to determine the initial carrying value of an equity method investment by applying the cost accumulation model and to account for share issuances by the investee as a proportionate sale of its investment. EITF No. 08-6 is to be applied prospectively, and its adoption did not have an effect on our consolidated financial statements.
On January 1, 2009, we adopted FSP No. FAS 132(R)-1, Employers’ Disclosures About Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets. This pronouncement requires for annual periods more detailed disclosures about employers’ plan assets, including employers’ investment strategies, major categories of plan assets, concentrations of risk within plan assets, and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets. Other than for some additional disclosures in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, adoption of this FASB Staff Position will not have an effect on our consolidated financial statements.
On January 1, 2009, we adopted the provisions of FASB Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, for all nonrecurring fair value measurements of nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, which had been delayed by FSP No. FAS 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157. Adoption of these provisions had no effect on our consolidated financial statements.
On January 1, 2009, we adopted FSP No. EITF 03-6-1, Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities. This pronouncement establishes that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends are participating securities and shall be included in the computation of earnings per share under the two-class method. Adoption of this FASB Staff Position did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

 

8


Table of Contents

On January 1, 2009, we early adopted FSP No. FAS 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly, (“FSP No. FAS 157-4”). This pronouncement provides guidance on (1) estimating the fair value of an asset or liability when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased and (2) identifying transactions that are not orderly. FSP No. FAS 157-4 requires entities to disclose in interim and annual periods the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value. Adoption of this FASB Staff Position did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
On January 1, 2009, we early adopted FSP No. FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments. This pronouncement expands the fair value disclosures for financial instruments to interim periods for publicly traded entities. It also requires disclosure of the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments and any changes of the methods and significant assumptions from prior periods. Adoption of this FASB Staff Position did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
On January 1, 2009, we early adopted FSP No. FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments. This pronouncement modifies the existing other-than-temporary impairment model for investments in debt securities and amends disclosure provisions for investments in debt and equity securities. Adoption of this FASB Staff Position did not have an effect on our consolidated financial statements.
On April 1, 2009, we adopted FASB Statement No. 165, Subsequent Events, (“FAS No. 165”). This statement establishes principles and requirements for management’s evaluation of events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date for potential recognition or disclosure, the circumstances under which those events or transactions are recognized, and the related disclosures. The adoption of FAS No. 165 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
3. Newly Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 166, Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets — an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140, (“FAS No. 166”). This pronouncement amends the guidance in Statement No. 140 for derecognition of transferred financial assets. FAS No. 166 is effective for financial asset transfers occurring after the beginning of our fiscal year that begins January 1, 2010. Early adoption of FAS No. 166 is prohibited. We are in the process of evaluating the impact that the adoption of FAS No. 166 may have on our consolidated financial statements.
In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R), (“FAS No. 167”). This pronouncement amends the consolidation guidance that applies to variable interest entities (“VIEs”). FAS No. 167 is effective for our fiscal year that begins January 1, 2010, and early adoption is prohibited. We are in the process of evaluating the impact that the adoption of FAS No. 167 may have on our consolidated financial statements.
In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 168, The FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles — a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162, (“FAS No. 168”). This pronouncement identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. FAS No. 168 is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods beginning with our third quarter in 2009. We do not expect the adoption of FAS No. 168 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

9


Table of Contents

4. Inventories
Inventories consisted of the following:
                 
    June 30,     December 31,  
    2009     2008  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Raw materials
  $ 53,241     $ 82,837  
Work in process
    36,692       43,224  
Finished goods
    89,608       130,350  
 
           
Total
  $ 179,541     $ 256,411  
 
           
In the production of some of our products, we use precious metals, some of which we obtain from financial institutions under consignment agreements with terms of one year or less. The financial institutions retain ownership of the precious metals and charge us fees based on the amounts we consign. These fees were $1.2 million and $1.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and $2.5 million and $2.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and were charged to cost of sales. We had on hand $88.1 million at June 30, 2009, and $104.2 million at December 31, 2008, of precious metals, measured at fair value based on market prices for identical assets, owned by participants in our precious metals program.
5. Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $622.1 million at June 30, 2009, and $579.8 million at December 31, 2008. Unpaid capital expenditure liabilities, representing noncash investing activities, were $9.3 million at June 30, 2009, and $12.5 million at June 30, 2008.
6. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
A summary of goodwill activity follows:
         
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Balance at December 31, 2008
  $ 229,665  
Currency translation adjustments
    963  
 
     
Balance at June 30, 2009
  $ 230,628  
 
     
Details of amortizable intangible assets follow:
                 
    June 30,     December 31,  
    2009     2008  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Patents
  $ 5,775     $ 5,775  
Other
    14,489       14,451  
 
           
Total gross amortizable intangible assets
    20,264       20,226  
Accumulated amortization
    (8,999 )     (8,473 )
 
           
Amortizable intangible assets, net
  $ 11,265     $ 11,753  
 
           
Amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets was $0.3 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and $0.5 million and $0.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Aggregate amortization expense for intangible assets is expected to be $0.9 million annually in the years 2009 through 2013.

 

10


Table of Contents

We test goodwill for impairment annually using October 31st as our annual assessment date, primarily due to the timing of our annual budgeting process, or more frequently if we believe indicators of impairment exist. FASB Statement No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, requires an assessment consisting of two steps. In the first step, we test goodwill for impairment by comparing the fair value of each reporting unit that has goodwill against its carrying value, including the allocation of certain corporate assets and liabilities. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we perform a second step to measure impairment. The step two analyses were not completed prior to the issuance of our December 31, 2008 financial statements. We recorded estimates in 2008, and no adjustment to these estimates was necessary upon completion of the step two analyses in 2009.
We estimate the fair values of all reporting units using the weighted average of both the income approach and the market approach, which we believe provides a reasonable estimate of a reporting unit’s fair value. The income approach uses projected cash flows attributable to the reporting unit over the useful life and discounted to its present value. The market approach estimates a price reasonably expected to be realized from the sale of similar businesses. Factors considered in both of these approaches included projections of our future operating results, anticipated future cash flows, comparable marketplace data adjusted for our industry grouping, and the cost of capital.
The significant decrease in the market price of the Company’s common stock at the end of February 2009 signaled that there was an indicator of impairment. We compared the carrying value of all reporting units that have goodwill against their fair values and determined that all fair values exceeded the respective carrying values. We believe that the factors leading to the overall decline in market capitalization were primarily attributable to Ferro Corporation and unrelated to our reporting units.
7. Financing and Long-term Debt
Loans payable and current portion of long-term debt consisted of the following:
                 
    June 30,     December 31,  
    2009     2008  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Loans payable to banks
  $ 8,122     $ 4,754  
Accounts receivable asset securitization program
    25,420        
Current portion of long-term debt
    4,437       4,129  
 
           
Total
  $ 37,979     $ 8,883  
 
           
Long-term debt consisted of the following:
                 
    June 30,     December 31,  
    2009     2008  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
$172.5 million 6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, net of unamortized discounts
  $ 155,133     $ 153,451  
Revolving credit facility
    161,700       111,803  
Term loan facility
    290,973       292,498  
Capitalized lease obligations
    6,697       6,447  
Other notes
    2,702       1,543  
 
           
 
    617,205       565,742  
Less current portion
    (4,437 )     (4,129 )
 
           
Total
  $ 612,768     $ 561,613  
 
           

 

11


Table of Contents

6.50% Convertible Senior Notes
In 2008, Ferro issued $172.5 million of 6.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2013 (the “Convertible Notes”). The proceeds from the offering, along with available cash, including borrowings under Ferro’s revolving credit facility, were used to purchase all of Ferro’s outstanding 9 1/8% Senior Notes due 2009. The Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 6.5% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears on February 15th and August 15th of each year, beginning on February 15, 2009. The Convertible Notes mature on August 15, 2013. Under certain circumstances, holders of the Convertible Notes may convert their notes prior to maturity.
The initial base conversion rate is 30.9253, equivalent to an initial base conversion price of $32.34 per share of our common stock. If the price of our common stock at conversion exceeds the base conversion price, the base conversion rate is increased by an additional number of shares. The base conversion rate and the additional number of shares are adjusted in certain events. Upon conversion of Convertible Notes, we will pay the conversion value in cash up to the aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Notes being converted and in shares of our common stock, for the remainder, if any. Upon a fundamental change, holders may require us to repurchase Convertible Notes for cash equal to the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Convertible Notes are unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment with any other unsecured, unsubordinated obligations.
We separately account for the liability and equity components of the Convertible Notes in a manner that will reflect our nonconvertible debt borrowing rate when interest cost is recognized in subsequent periods. The effective interest rate on the liability component is 9.5%. For the three months ended June 30, 2009, contractual interest was $2.8 million and amortization of the liability discount was $0.9 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, contractual interest was $5.6 million and amortization of the liability discount was $1.7 million. At June 30, 2009, the remaining period over which the liability discount will be amortized was 4.1 years. The unamortized liability discount was $17.4 million at June 30, 2009, and $19.0 million at December 31, 2008. The carrying amount of the equity component was $12.4 million at June 30, 2009, and $12.4 million at December 31, 2008.
Revolving Credit and Term Loan Facilities
In 2006, we entered into an agreement with a group of lenders for a $700 million credit facility, consisting of a multi-currency senior revolving credit facility and a senior term loan facility, which replaced a former revolving credit facility that would have expired later that year. In 2007, we cancelled the unused portion of the term loan facility and amended the credit facility (the “2007 Amended Credit Facility”) primarily to increase the size of the revolving credit facility, reduce interest rates, and increase operating flexibility. On March 11, 2009, we amended the 2007 Amended Credit Facility (the “2009 Amended Credit Facility”) primarily to provide additional operating flexibility and to change pricing to more accurately reflect current market interest rates. The amendment was filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. The primary effects of the 2009 Amended Credit Facility were to:
    Increase the interest rates and commitment fees payable thereunder pursuant to a grid structure based on our leverage ratio,
    Increase the maximum permitted quarterly leverage ratio and decrease the minimum permitted quarterly fixed charge coverage ratio,
    Add a minimum cumulative EBITDA requirement for each quarter in 2009,
    Restrict the Company’s ability to engage in acquisitions and make investments,
    Limit the amount of cash and cash equivalent collateral the Company is permitted to deliver to participants in our precious metals program to secure our obligations arising under the precious metals consignment agreements,
    Require additional financial reporting by the Company to the lenders,
    Increase the amount of the annual excess cash flow required to be used to repay term loans,
    Require application of the net proceeds of certain dispositions, but excluding the first $20 million of such net proceeds, to be applied to repay debt outstanding under the revolving credit facility and term loans and to permanently reduce availability under the revolving loan facility on a dollar for dollar basis, provided that we are not required to reduce the commitments under the revolving credit facility to below $150 million,

 

12


Table of Contents

    Eliminate our ability to request an increase of $50 million in the revolving credit facility,
    Add provisions governing the obligations of the Company and the lenders if one or more lenders under the revolving credit facility fails to satisfy its funding obligations or otherwise becomes a defaulting lender, and
    Restrict our ability to make payments with respect to our capital securities. The 2009 Amended Credit Facility effectively prohibits us from paying dividends on our preferred and common stock beginning in the second quarter of 2009.
The 2009 Amended Credit Facility currently includes a $300.0 million revolving credit facility, which matures in 2011. We had $131.4 million at June 30, 2009, and $180.0 million at December 31, 2008, available under the revolving credit facility, after reductions for standby letters of credit secured by this facility. At June 30, 2009, the 2009 Amended Credit Facility also included a term loan facility with an outstanding principal balance of $291.0 million, which matures in 2012. We make periodic principal payments on the term loans. We are required to make minimum quarterly principal payments of $0.8 million from July 2009 to July 2011. During the last year of the loan’s life, we are required to repay the remaining balance of the term loans in four quarterly installments. Currently, those last four payments will be $71.0 million each. In addition to the minimum quarterly payments, each April we may be required to make an additional principal payment. The amount of this additional payment is dependent on the Company’s leverage and certain cash flow metrics. Any additional payment that is required reduces, on a dollar-for-dollar basis, the amount due in the last four quarterly payments. We were not required to make an additional principal payment in April 2009.
The interest rates under the 2009 Amended Credit Facility are the sum of (A) either (1) LIBOR or (2) the higher of the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5%, the Prime Rate, or LIBOR plus 1.0% and (B) for the revolving credit facility, a variable margin based on the Company’s leverage, or for the term loan facility, a fixed margin. As part of the 2007 amendments, $175 million of borrowings under the term loan facility were restricted to using three-month LIBOR in determining their interest rates. This change was made in connection with interest rate swap agreements executed in 2007. These swap agreements effectively fixed the interest rate through June 2011 on $150 million of borrowings under the term loan facility. At June 30, 2009, the average interest rate for revolving credit borrowings was 5.8%, and the effective interest rate for term loan borrowings after adjusting for the interest rate swaps was 9.2%. At December 31, 2008, the average interest rate was 2.6% for revolving credit borrowings and 6.5% for term loan borrowings.
We are subject to a number of restrictive covenants under our credit facilities, which could affect our flexibility to fund ongoing operations and strategic initiatives, and, if we are unable to maintain compliance with such covenants, could lead to significant challenges in meeting our liquidity requirements. Continued weak economic conditions could impact our financial performance, making it more challenging to comply with the financial covenants. At June 30, 2009, we were in compliance with the covenants of the 2009 Amended Credit Facility.
Receivable Sales Programs
We have several programs to sell, on an ongoing basis, pools of our trade accounts receivable. These programs accelerate cash collections at favorable financing costs and help us manage the Company’s liquidity requirements. The costs associated with these programs were $0.5 million and $1.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and $0.8 million and $3.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and are reported as interest expense.
We have an asset securitization program for substantially all of Ferro’s U.S. trade accounts receivable. This program accelerates cash collections at favorable financing costs and helps us manage the Company’s liquidity requirements. In June 2009, we replaced the prior program with a new program that expires in June 2010 and reduced the program’s size from $75 million to $50 million.
We legally sell these trade accounts receivable to Ferro Finance Corporation (“FFC”), which finances its acquisition of trade receivable assets by selling undivided variable percentage interests in the receivables to certain purchasers under the program. Advances by the purchasers are secured by, and repaid through collections on, the receivables owned by FFC. FFC and the purchasers have no recourse to Ferro’s other assets for failure of payment of the receivables as a result of the lack of creditworthiness or financial inability to pay of the related obligor. FFC is a wholly-owned subsidiary, which until December 2008 was a qualified special purpose entity (“QSPE”) and, therefore, was not consolidated. In December 2008, FFC ceased to meet the requirements of a QSPE and is included in our consolidated financial statements. As a result, this program is now accounted for as an on balance sheet arrangement.

 

13


Table of Contents

Ferro’s consolidated balance sheet includes outstanding trade accounts receivable legally transferred to FFC of $87.6 million at June 30, 2009, and $90.3 million at December 31, 2008, and short-term debt from advances by the purchasers for their interests in those receivables of $25.4 million at June 30, 2009, and $-0- at December 31, 2008. After reductions for non-qualifying receivables, availability under the program was $-0- at June 30, 2009, and $56.8 million at December 31, 2008.
Activity from this program for the six months ended June 30, 2008, when this program was accounted for as an off balance sheet arrangement, is detailed below:
         
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Trade accounts receivable sold to FFC
  $ 549,362  
Cash proceeds from FFC
    550,369  
Trade accounts receivable collected and remitted to FFC and the conduits
    529,991  
Servicing fees from FFC
    262  
In addition, we maintain several international programs to sell trade accounts receivable to financial institutions. The commitments supporting these programs can be withdrawn at any time and totaled $69.5 million at June 30, 2009, and $81.7 million at December 31, 2008. The amount of outstanding receivables sold under the international programs was $19.7 million at June 30, 2009, and $30.5 million at December 31, 2008. Ferro had received net proceeds under the international programs of $16.3 million at June 30, 2009, and $16.7 million at December 31, 2008, for outstanding receivables. Based on available and qualifying receivables, availability under these programs was $-0- at June 30, 2009, and $26.4 million at December 31, 2008. Ferro provides normal collection and administration services for the trade accounts receivable sold to certain financial institutions. Servicing fees are not material.
Activity from these programs for the six months ended June 30 is detailed below:
                 
    2009     2008  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Trade accounts receivable sold to financial institutions
  $ 55,714     $ 134,069  
Cash proceeds from financial institutions
    65,855       128,921  
Trade accounts receivable collected and remitted to financial institutions for programs where we provide collection and administrative services
    19,267       42,431  
8. Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts of the following assets and liabilities meeting the definition of a financial instrument approximate their fair values due to the short period to maturity of the instruments:
    Cash and cash equivalents;
    Notes receivable;
    Deposits;
    Miscellaneous receivables; and
    Short-term loans payable to banks.

 

14


Table of Contents

Long-term Debt
The following financial instruments are measured at fair value for disclosure purposes. The carrying values of these instruments may or may not be their fair values.
                                 
    June 30, 2009     December 31, 2008  
    Carrying     Fair     Carrying     Fair  
    Amount     Value     Amount     Value  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
$172.5 million 6.50% Convertible Senior Notes
  $ 155,133     $ 85,574     $ 153,451     $ 84,725  
Revolving credit facility
    161,700       119,249       111,803       88,757  
Term loan facility
    290,973       195,791       292,498       225,731  
Other notes
    2,702       1,707       1,543       975  
The fair values of the Convertible Notes are based on a third party’s estimated bid price. The fair values of the revolving credit facility, the term loan facility, and the other long-term notes are based on the present value of expected future cash flows and assumptions about current interest rates and the creditworthiness of the Company that market participants would use in pricing the debt.
Derivative Instruments
All derivative instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities at fair value. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) into earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings. For derivatives that are not designated as hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative is recognized in current earnings.
Interest rate swaps. To reduce our exposure to interest rate changes on variable-rate debt, we entered into interest rate swap agreements in 2007. These swaps effectively converted $150 million of our variable-rate term loan facility to a fixed rate. These swaps are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges. The fair value of these swaps is based on the present value of expected future cash flows, which reflects assumptions about current interest rates and the creditworthiness of the Company that market participants would use in pricing the swaps. The interest rate swaps were moved to Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy as of the beginning of the second quarter of 2009 because the assumption about the creditworthiness of the Company was not an observable market-based input nor an unobservable input that could be corroborated by market data for sufficiently similar financial instruments. We based our assumption about the creditworthiness of the Company on the assumption implicit in the bid price of our Convertible Notes, adjusted by us for differences between these financial instruments in their conversion, security and liquidity features. The estimated net amount of existing losses at June 30, 2009, that is expected to be recognized in earnings within the next twelve months is $4.2 million
Foreign currency forward contracts. We manage foreign currency risks principally by entering into forward contracts to mitigate the impact of currency fluctuations on transactions. These forward contracts are not formally designated as hedges. The fair value of these contracts is based on market prices for comparable contracts. We had foreign currency forward contracts with a notional amount of $186.2 million at June 30, 2009, and $156.8 million at December 31, 2008.
Raw material commodity swaps. We reduce our exposure to changes in the pricing of certain raw material commodities principally using swap arrangements that allow us to fix the price of a portion of these commodities that will be purchased during the next twelve months. These swaps are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges. The fair value of these swaps is based on market prices for comparable contracts. We had raw material commodity swap arrangements for 150 metric tons of base metals at June 30, 2009, and 330 metric tons at December 31, 2008. The estimated net amount of existing gains at June 30, 2009, that is expected to be recognized in earnings within the next twelve months is not material.
Precious metals forward contracts. We enter into forward purchase arrangements with precious metals suppliers to completely cover the value of fixed price sales contracts for products with precious metal content. Some of these agreements, with purchase commitments totaling $14.9 million at June 30, 2009, and $5.5 million at December 31, 2008, are designated as normal purchase contracts and are not considered to be derivatives. The remaining precious metal contracts are considered to be derivatives, but are not formally designated as hedges. The fair value of these precious metal derivatives is based on market prices for comparable contracts. We had forward contract derivatives for 32 troy ounces of precious metals at June 30, 2009, and 129 troy ounces at December 31, 2008.

 

15


Table of Contents

The following table presents the fair value of derivative instruments on our consolidated balance sheets:
                         
    June 30,     December 31,        
    2009     2008     Balance Sheet Location  
    (Dollars in thousands)        
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
                       
Asset derivatives:
                       
Raw material commodity swaps
  $ 24     $     Other receivables
 
                   
Liability derivatives:
                       
Interest rate swaps
  $ (9,425 )   $ (12,724 )   Other non-current liabilities
Raw material commodity swaps
          (576 )   Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
 
                   
Total fair value
  $ (9,425 )   $ (13,300 )        
 
                   
 
                       
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
                       
Asset derivatives:
                       
Foreign currency forward contracts
  $ 74     $ 1,621     Other receivables
Foreign currency forward contracts
    473       230     Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Precious metals forward contracts
    4       8     Other receivables
 
                   
Total fair value
  $ 551     $ 1,859          
 
                   
 
                       
Liability derivatives:
                       
Foreign currency forward contracts
  $     $ (1,140 )   Other receivables
Foreign currency forward contracts
    (1,963 )     (807 )   Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
 
                   
Total fair value
  $ (1,963 )   $ (1,947 )        
 
                   

 

16


Table of Contents

The inputs to the valuation techniques used to measure fair value are classified into the following categories:
Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
The carrying amount, fair value, and classification within the fair value hierarchy of these financial instruments were as follows:
                                         
    June 30, 2009     December 31,  
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total     2008  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Assets
                                       
Foreign currency forward contracts
  $     $ 74     $     $ 74       480  
Raw material commodity swaps
          24             24        
Precious metals forward contracts
          4             4       8  
 
                             
Total fair value
  $     $ 102     $     $ 102     $ 488  
 
                             
 
                                       
Liabilities
                                       
Interest rate swaps
  $     $       (9,425 )   $ (9,425 )   $ (12,724 )
Foreign currency forward contracts
          (1,490 )           (1,490 )     (576 )
Raw material commodity swaps
                            (576 )
 
                             
Total fair value
  $     $ (1,490 )   $ (9,425 )   $ (10,915 )   $ (13,876 )
 
                             
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the financial instruments in Level 3 is as follows:
         
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Balance at March 31, 2009
  $  
Total gains included in other comprehensive income
    1,025  
Settlements
    1,644  
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
    (12,094 )
 
     
Balance at June 30, 2009
  $ (9,425 )
 
     

 

17


Table of Contents

The following table presents the effect of derivative instruments on our consolidated financial performance for the six months ended June 30:
                                         
                    Amount of Gain (Loss)        
    Amount of Gain (Loss)     Reclassified from AOCI     Location of Gain (Loss)  
    Recognized in OCI     into Income     Reclassified from  
    2009     2008     2009     2008     AOCI into Income  
    (Dollars in thousands)          
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:
                                       
Interest rate swaps
  $ 119     $ (418 )   $ (3,180 )   $ (1,359 )   Interest expense
Raw material commodity swaps
    10       (954 )     (1,114 )     (1,729 )   Cost of sales
 
                             
Total
  $ 129     $ (1,372 )   $ (4,294 )   $ (3,088 )        
 
                               
                         
    Amount of Gain (Loss)        
    Recognized in Income     Location of Gain (Loss)  
    2009     2008     in Income  
    (Dollars in thousands)          
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
                       
Foreign currency forward contracts
  $ (4,089 )   $ (2,414 )   Foreign currency gains (losses)
Precious metals forward contracts
    13       1,592     Cost of sales
Precious metals forward contracts
    (4 )     (743 )   Miscellaneous income (expense), net
 
                   
Total
  $ (4,080 )   $ (1,565 )      
 
                 
9. Income Taxes
Income tax benefit for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was $12.1 million or 28.2% of pre-tax loss compared with $13.4 million or 45.4% of pre-tax income in the prior-year six months ended June 2008. The primary reason for the decrease in the effective tax rate was a reduction to the benefit realized in certain foreign jurisdictions for current net operating losses that have been offset by a full valuation allowance.
The Company has recorded deferred tax assets of $21.1 million for foreign net operating loss carryforwards and $40.4 million in credit carryforwards. While some of these assets have an indefinite expiration date, others will expire in varying amounts between 2011 and 2028. Realization of these assets is dependent on generating sufficient future taxable income and tax liabilities to offset the loss and credit carryforwards. Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that all of these deferred tax assets will be utilized. The amount of these deferred tax assets considered realizable, however, could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable income are reduced.
The Company conducts business globally, and, as a result, the U.S. parent company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. In the normal course of business, the U.S. parent company and its subsidiaries are subject to examination by taxing authorities throughout the world. With few exceptions, we are not subject to federal, state, local or non-U.S. income tax examinations for years before 2000.
10. Contingent Liabilities
As previously disclosed, in February 2003, we produced documents in connection with an investigation by the United States Department of Justice into possible antitrust violations in the heat stabilizer industry. In April 2006, we were notified by the Department of Justice that the Government had closed its investigation. Before closing its investigation, the Department of Justice took no action against the Company or any of its current or former employees. In 2003, the Company was named as a defendant in several lawsuits alleging civil damages and requesting injunctive relief relating to the conduct the Government was investigating, and, in June 2008, the Company was named in four more indirect purchaser lawsuits related to an existing lawsuit in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. In July 2007, we entered into a definitive written settlement agreement in the class action lawsuit involving direct purchasers. The settlement agreement was approved by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania in December 2007. Although the Company decided to bring this matter to a close through settlement, the Company did not admit to any of the alleged violations and continues to deny any wrongdoing. The Company is vigorously defending the remaining six civil actions alleging antitrust violations in the heat stabilizer industry. These actions are in their early stages; therefore, we cannot determine the outcomes of these lawsuits at this time. In December 2006, we filed a lawsuit against the former owner of our heat stabilizer business seeking indemnification for the defense of these lawsuits and any resulting payments by the Company. In April 2008, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio dismissed our lawsuit, and we have appealed the court’s decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

 

18


Table of Contents

There are various other lawsuits and claims pending against the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. In our opinion, the ultimate liabilities, if any, and expenses resulting from such lawsuits and claims will not materially affect the consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows of the Company.
The Company had bank guarantees and standby letters of credit issued by financial institutions, which totaled $13.4 million at June 30, 2009, and $13.9 million at December 31, 2008. These agreements primarily relate to Ferro’s insurance programs and foreign tax payments. If the Company fails to perform its obligations, the guarantees and letters of credit may be drawn down by their holders, and we would be liable to the financial institutions for the amounts drawn.
11. Retirement Benefits
Information concerning net periodic benefit costs of our U.S. pension plans (including our unfunded nonqualified plans), non-U.S. pension plans, and postretirement health care and life insurance benefit plans for the three months ended June 30 is as follows:
                                                 
    U.S. Pension Plans     Non-U.S. Pension Plans     Other Benefit Plans  
    2009     2008     2009     2008     2009     2008  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Components of net periodic cost:
                                               
Service cost
  $ 8     $ 50     $ 1,045     $ 1,557     $ 3     $ 16  
Interest cost
    5,236       5,177       2,612       3,040       720       731  
Expected return on plan assets
    (3,864 )     (5,663 )     (1,751 )     (2,203 )            
Amortization of prior service cost
    25       25       (101 )     25       (437 )     (411 )
Net amortization and deferral
    3,845       624       260       55              
 
                                   
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 5,250     $ 213     $ 2,065     $ 2,474     $ 286     $ 336  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Information concerning net periodic benefit costs of our U.S. pension plans (including our unfunded nonqualified plans), non-U.S. pension plans, and postretirement health care and life insurance benefit plans for the six months ended June 30 is as follows:
                                                 
    U.S. Pension Plans     Non-U.S. Pension Plans     Other Benefit Plans  
    2009     2008     2009     2008     2009     2008  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Components of net periodic cost:
                                               
Service cost
  $ 15     $ 100     $ 2,048     $ 3,058     $ 7     $ 32  
Interest cost
    10,472       10,354       5,096       5,979       1,439       1,462  
Expected return on plan assets
    (7,727 )     (11,326 )     (3,413 )     (4,336 )            
Amortization of prior service cost
    49       50       (198 )     49       (874 )     (822 )
Net amortization and deferral
    7,690       1,248       506       112              
 
                                   
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 10,499     $ 426     $ 4,039     $ 4,862     $ 572     $ 672  
 
                                   

 

19


Table of Contents

The change in net periodic cost is due primarily to higher amortization of actuarial losses, which increased substantially last year from the decline in the valuation of plan investments in the global capital markets. In addition, our expected return on plan assets in 2009 is based on their lower valuation at December 31, 2008.
12. Stock-Based Compensation
The following table contains the total stock-based compensation expense recorded in selling, general and administrative expense for the six months ended June 30:
                 
    2009     2008  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Stock options
  $ 1,023     $ 1,087  
Performance shares
    35       (178 )
Deferred stock units
    247       267  
Restricted shares
    288       172  
 
           
Total
  $ 1,593     $ 1,348  
 
           
The following table contains information regarding the stock-based compensation as of and for the six-month period ended June 30, 2009:
                                 
                    Aggregate        
            Weighted-     Grant Date     Remaining  
    Number of     Average Fair     Fair Value of     Service or  
    Shares or     Value per     Shares or     Performance  
    Units Granted     Share or Unit     Units Granted     Period  
                    (Dollars in        
                    thousands)     (In years)  
Stock options
    676,700     $ 0.49     $ 335       3.7  
Deferred stock units
    34,200       1.33       45       0.6  
Restricted shares
    142,100       1.37       194       2.7  
The stock-based compensation transaction in shareholders’ equity consisted of the following for the six months ended June 30, 2009:
                         
    Common Shares        
    in Treasury     Paid-in  
    Shares     Amount     Capital  
    (In thousands)  
Stock options
        $     $ 1,023  
Performance shares, net
    167       (499 )     344  
Deferred stock units
    (34 )     835       (588 )
Directors’ deferred compensation
          (684 )     684  
Preferred stock conversions
    (1,057 )     23,063       (21,175 )
Restricted shares
    (135 )     2,871       (2,583 )
 
                 
Total
    (1,059 )   $ 25,586     $ (22,295 )
 
                 

 

20


Table of Contents

13. Restructuring and Cost Reduction Programs
During 2009, we continued several restructuring programs across a number of our business segments with the objectives of leveraging our global scale, realigning and lowering our cost structure and optimizing capacity utilization. The programs are primarily associated with North America and Europe. Management continues to evaluate our business, and therefore, there may be supplemental provisions for new plan initiatives as well as changes in estimates to amounts previously recorded, as payments are made or actions are completed.
To date, we have made substantial progress on the restructuring activities, including exiting manufacturing facilities and eliminating positions, which resulted in total restructuring charges of $4.8 million and $13.7 million incurred in the first half of 2009 and 2008, respectively, of which $3.7 million and $0.5 million, respectively, were recorded in cost of sales as it relates to accelerated depreciation of assets to be disposed of and the remaining $1.1 million and $13.2 million, respectively, are included in restructuring charges on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The following restructuring programs had significant activities in the first half of 2009:
Restructuring Program in Rotterdam, Netherlands
In 2008, we discontinued porcelain enamel manufacturing and closed the manufacturing facility in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and consolidated production at other European facilities. This consolidation resulted in the reduction of 84 employees. Charges incurred through 2008 amounted to $26.5 million. In the second quarter of 2009, a full environmental investigation of the facility was conducted, and the result of the investigation significantly reduced our assessment of potential environmental liability by $3.7 million from the amount previously recorded in restructuring charges in 2007. This reduction in environmental reserve contributed to a $3.3 million net credit to restructuring charges at this facility in the first half of 2009. Included in property, plant and equipment is $0.8 million of assets classified as held for sale representing the building located on this Rotterdam site.
Restructuring Program in Limoges, France
In January 2009, we initiated additional restructuring activities within our Inorganic Specialties operations in Europe. We plan to discontinue smelting, milling and other manufacturing operations in Limoges, France. These activities will be consolidated at other Company facilities in St. Dizier, France; Frankfurt, Germany; and Almazora, Spain. In addition, all sales, technical service and research and development activities currently being done in Limoges will be transferred to St. Dizier and Frankfurt. The restructuring action is expected to be substantially completed at the end of 2010. When the restructuring is completed, the Limoges site will be closed.
As a result of these restructuring actions, we expect to eliminate approximately 125 employee positions. We expect to record pre-tax charges of approximately $29 million related to the actions over the next seven quarters, although the exact timing of the charges cannot be determined at this time. The expected charges include approximately $18 million in cash costs for employee termination, approximately $7 million in site cleanup and other costs, and approximately $4 million of non-cash asset write-offs.
As of June 30, 2009, the Limoges restructuring resulted in a workforce reduction of 25 employees, and we incurred costs of $3.4 million, primarily for employee severance costs.
Restructuring Program in Nules, Spain
In June 2009, as part of our frits and glazes restructuring program, we initiated additional restructuring activities at our Inorganic Specialty operation in Nules, Spain. We have discontinued the production of frits and glazes at this site. The production has been consolidated at our facility in Almazora, Spain. As a result of the restructuring actions, we expect to eliminate 35 positions. We expect to record pre-tax charges of approximately $5.7 million. As of June 30, 2009, the restructuring activity resulted in a workforce reduction of seven employees, and the associated severance costs incurred were not material. In addition, we incurred approximately $3.3 million in accelerated depreciation included in cost of sales.

 

21


Table of Contents

Restructuring Program in Penn Yan, New York
In April 2009, we initiated additional restructuring activities within our Electronic Materials operation in Penn Yan, New York. The program is associated with planned elimination of some Multi-Layer Ceramic Capacitor (“MLCC”) research and test capability in Penn Yan. As of June 30, 2009, the Penn Yan restructuring resulted in a workforce reduction of 13 employees, and we incurred costs of $0.4 million, primarily for employee severance costs.
Other Restructuring Programs
There had been no significant change in several other restructuring programs initiated in the prior years. In the first half of 2009, the charges from these programs totaled $0.6 million, primarily for additional severance costs and other costs.
We have summarized the activities and accruals related to our restructuring and cost reduction programs below:
                         
    Employee              
    Termination     Other        
    Benefits     Costs     Total  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Balance at December 31, 2008
  $ 1,206     $ 5,102     $ 6,308  
Restructuring charges
    3,657       (2,568 )     1,089  
Cash payments
    (4,473 )     (1,172 )     (5,645 )
Currency translation adjustment
    (73 )     163       90  
Non-cash items
    5             5  
 
                 
Balance at June 30, 2009
  $ 322     $ 1,525     $ 1,847  
 
                 
We expect to make cash payments to settle the remaining liability for employee termination benefits and other costs primarily over the next twelve months, except where legal or contractual restrictions prevent us from doing so.
14. Discontinued Operations
In the fourth quarter of 2008, we sold our Fine Chemicals business. The following operations of the Fine Chemicals business for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, were removed from continuing operations and included in discontinued operations in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations.
                 
    Three     Six  
    months ended  
    June 30, 2008  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Net sales
  $ 18,420     $ 34,838  
Cost of sales
    14,010       26,374  
 
           
Gross profit
    4,410       8,464  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    1,467       2,548  
Other expense:
               
Interest expense
    446       920  
 
           
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes
    2,497       4,996  
Income tax expense
    814       1,669  
 
           
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
  $ 1,683     $ 3,327  
 
           

 

22


Table of Contents

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations consists of adjustments to the gross proceeds, net assets sold or transaction costs related to the sale of the Fine Chemicals business and residual legal and environmental costs directly related to the Powder Coatings, Petroleum Additives and Specialty Ceramics businesses, which were sold in 2002 and 2003.
                                 
    Three months ended     Six months ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Loss (income) on disposal of discontinued operations before income tax benefit (expense)
  $ 189     $ (15 )   $ 582     $ 26  
Income tax benefit (expense)
    73       (6 )     224       10  
 
                       
Loss (income) on disposal of discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit (expense)
  $ 116     $ (9 )   $ 358     $ 16  
 
                       
We have continuing environmental remediation obligations that are related to these divestitures, and we had accrued $3.0 million at June 30, 2009, and $3.0 million at December 31, 2008, for these matters.
15. Per Share Amounts from Continuing Operations
Details of the calculation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share are shown below:
                                 
    Three months ended     Six months ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
    (In thousands,
except per share amounts)
 
Basic (loss) earnings per share computation:
                               
Net (loss) income attributable to Ferro Corporation common shareholders
  $ (12,007 )   $ 9,142     $ (32,513 )   $ 18,055  
Adjustment for loss (income) from discontinued operations
    116       (1,692 )     358       (3,311 )
 
                       
 
  $ (11,891 )   $ 7,450     $ (32,155 )   $ 14,744  
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
    44,701       43,622       44,533       43,639  
 
                               
Basic (loss) earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to Ferro Corporation common shareholders
  $ (0.27 )   $ 0.17     $ (0.72 )   $ 0.34  
 
                       
 
                               
Diluted (loss) earnings per share computation:
                               
Net (loss) income attributable to Ferro Corporation common shareholders
  $ (12,007 )   $ 9,142     $ (32,513 )   $ 18,055  
Adjustment for loss (income) from discontinued operations
    116       (1,692 )     358       (3,311 )
Plus: Convertible preferred stock
                       
 
                       
 
  $ (11,891 )   $ 7,450     $ (32,155 )   $ 14,744  
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
    44,701       43,622       44,533       43,639  
Assumed exercise of stock options
                       
Assumed satisfaction of deferred stock unit conditions
          11             7  
Assumed conversion of convertible notes
                       
Assumed conversion of convertible preferred stock
                       
 
                       
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding
    44,701       43,633       44,533       43,646  
 
                       
 
                               
Diluted (loss) earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to Ferro Corporation common shareholders
  $ (0.27 )   $ 0.17     $ (0.72 )   $ 0.34  
 
                       

 

23


Table of Contents

16. Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The components of comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:
                                 
    Three months ended     Six months ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Net (loss) income
  $ (11,188 )   $ 9,893     $ (31,159 )   $ 19,443  
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
                             
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    22,637       25       4,973       21,531  
Postretirement benefit liability adjustments
    (1,156 )     (38 )     661       (414 )
Raw material commodity swap adjustments
    135       (393 )     559       455  
Interest rate swap adjustments
    1,719       3,209       2,125       606  
 
                       
Comprehensive income
    12,147       12,696       (22,841 )     41,621  
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    592       836       980       1,222  
 
                       
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Ferro Corporation
  $ 11,555     $ 11,860     $ (23,821 )   $ 40,399  
 
                       
17. Reporting for Segments
The Company has six reportable segments: Performance Coatings, Electronic Materials, Color and Glass Performance Materials, Polymer Additives, Specialty Plastics and Pharmaceuticals. We have combined our Tile Coating Systems and Porcelain Enamel business units into one reportable segment, Performance Coatings, because of their similar economic and operating characteristics.
The accounting policies of our segments are consistent with those described for our consolidated financial statements in the summary of significant accounting policies contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. We measure segment income for internal reporting purposes as income from continuing operations before unallocated corporate expenses, impairment charges, restructuring charges, other expense (income) items, such as interest expense, and income tax expense. Unallocated corporate expenses primarily consist of corporate employment costs and professional services.
Net sales to external customers by segment are presented in the table below. Sales between segments were not material.
                                 
    Three months ended     Six months ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Performance Coatings
  $ 117,333     $ 178,504     $ 225,921     $ 339,296  
Electronic Materials
    100,570       156,202       183,059       297,195  
Color and Glass Performance Materials
    76,350       130,230       143,766       259,070  
Polymer Additives
    62,998       98,715       122,445       191,026  
Specialty Plastics
    36,934       63,609       71,793       125,402  
Pharmaceuticals
    5,092       4,716       10,102       10,825  
 
                       
Total net sales
  $ 399,277     $ 631,976     $ 757,086     $ 1,222,814  
 
                       

 

24


Table of Contents

Below are each segment’s income (loss) and reconciliations to income before taxes from continuing operations:
                                 
    Three months ended     Six months ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Performance Coatings
  $ 6,225     $ 12,785     $ 5,626     $ 22,265  
Electronic Materials
    6,387       17,683       8,804       26,432  
Color and Glass Performance Materials
    2,223       15,547       (232 )     30,983  
Polymer Additives
    1,588       4,599       3,477       7,318  
Specialty Plastics
    2,709       3,237       4,171       4,724  
Pharmaceuticals
    214       (1,679 )     327       (457 )
 
                       
Total segment income
    19,346       52,172       22,173       91,265  
Unallocated corporate expenses
    16,597       12,922       32,306       20,326  
Restructuring charges
    (309 )     9,031       1,089       13,238  
Interest expense
    17,190       12,768       28,364       26,323  
Other expense, net
    1,216       2,062       3,310       1,832  
 
                       
Income before income taxes from continuing operations
  $ (15,348 )   $ 15,389     $ (42,896 )   $ 29,546  
 
                       
We sell our products throughout the world, and we attribute sales to countries based on the country where we generate the customer invoice. We have detailed net sales by geographic region in the table below:
                                 
    Three months ended     Six months ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
United States
  $ 180,963     $ 265,362     $ 351,017     $ 506,495  
Spain
    62,905       108,295       122,216       199,894  
Other international
    155,409       258,319       283,853       516,425  
 
                       
Total net sales
  $ 399,277     $ 631,976     $ 757,086     $ 1,222,814  
 
                       

 

25


Table of Contents

Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Overview
Weak customer demand continued in the 2009 second quarter as a result of the decline in worldwide economic activity that intensified in the final months of 2008. Weak end-market demand contributed to our customers’ decisions to reduce inventory, which contributed to the decline in our sales compared with the second quarter of 2008.
Net sales declined by 37 percent in the three months ended June 30, 2009, compared with the prior-year period. Sales declined in all segments except Pharmaceuticals and all regions reflecting the global economic downturn. The primary driver of the sales decline was lower sales volume, including reduced sales of precious metals. Lower sales of precious metals contributed approximately 6 percentage points to the overall net sales decline. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates were responsible for an additional approximately 3 percentage points of the sales decline. Product mix and product prices had a slightly negative net effect on sales compared with the second quarter of 2008.
The cost of raw materials declined in the quarter, in aggregate, compared with raw material costs in the prior-year period. Changes in product prices offset much of the benefit of lower raw material costs.
Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expense declined as a result of actions to reduce staffing and lower discretionary spending that were taken in response to lower customer demand for our products. An increase in pension expense partially offset the overall reduction in SG&A expense.
Restructuring provided a net benefit during the quarter as a result of a reduction in an environmental reserve related to a closed manufacturing site in Europe. Partially offsetting this benefit were charges for a number of ongoing restructuring initiatives, including the rationalization of our European manufacturing operations. These initiatives are being undertaken in order to lower manufacturing costs and adjust our manufacturing resources to the decline in customer demand.
Interest expense increased in the second quarter of 2009 compared with the second quarter of 2008 as a result of higher average borrowing. As a result of an amendment to our credit facilities that was signed in March 2009, the interest rates on our term loans and borrowings under our revolving credit facility have increased, contributing to the increase in interest expense.
We recorded a loss from continuing operations in the 2009 second quarter as a result of lower net sales and the corresponding decline in gross profit. Offsetting a portion of the decline in gross profit were lower SG&A expense and reduced restructuring charges. Also contributing to the loss was an increase in interest expense during the 2009 second quarter.
During 2008, we sold our Fine Chemicals business, which was previously part of our Other Businesses segment. The results from Fine Chemicals are now included in discontinued operations for all periods.
Outlook
Economic activity around the world continued to be weak through the first half of 2009 as reflected in sharply lower customer demand for our products. Demand remains significantly less than prior-year periods, particularly from customers serving markets related to construction, automobiles and appliances. Reductions in inventory, made by companies throughout the supply chain, have contributed to the decline in demand for our products, although this inventory destocking appears to be abating.
We expect the weak worldwide economic conditions to continue for the next several quarters. Our ability to forecast future financial results is limited due to the volatility of worldwide economic drivers, the effects of difficult credit markets on our customers and the uncertain timing of a recovery in end-market demand.
Factors that could adversely affect our future financial performance are described under the heading “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

 

26


Table of Contents

Results of Operations
Comparison of the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008
                                 
    Three months ended              
    June 30,              
    2009     2008     $ Change     % Change  
    (Dollars in thousands,        
    except per share amounts)        
Net sales
  $ 399,277     $ 631,976     $ (232,699 )     (36.8 %)
Cost of sales
    334,048       513,002       (178,954 )     (34.9 %)
 
                         
Gross profit
    65,229       118,974       (53,745 )     (45.2 %)
Gross profit percentage
    16.3 %     18.8 %                
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    62,480       79,724       (17,244 )     (21.6 %)
Restructuring charges
    (309 )     9,031       (9,340 )     (103.4 %)
Other expense (income):
                               
Interest expense
    17,190       12,768       4,422       34.6 %
Interest earned
    (205 )     (142 )     (63 )     44.4 %
Foreign currency losses, net
    1,100       650       450       69.2 %
Miscellaneous expense, net
    321       1,554       (1,233 )     (79.3 %)
 
                         
(Loss) income before income taxes
    (15,348 )     15,389       (30,737 )     (199.7 %)
Income tax (benefit) expense
    (4,276 )     7,188       (11,464 )     (159.5 %)
 
                         
(Loss) income from continuing operations
    (11,072 )     8,201       (19,273 )     (235.0 %)
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of income tax
    (116 )     1,692       (1,808 )     (106.9 %)
 
                         
Net (loss) income
  $ (11,188 )   $ 9,893     $ (21,081 )     (213.1 %)
 
                         
 
                               
Diluted (loss) earnings per share
  $ (0.27 )   $ 0.21     $ (0.48 )     (228.6 %)
 
                       
Net sales in the three months ended June 30, 2009, declined primarily as a result of lower sales volume due to the current global economic downturn. The volume decline included reduced sales of precious metals. Lower precious metals sales contributed approximately 6 percentage points to the overall sales decline. In addition, changes in foreign currency exchange rates were responsible for approximately 3 percentage points of the sales decline. Sales declined in all segments, except Pharmaceuticals, and in all regions.
Gross profit was lower in the 2009 second quarter as a result of the decline in net sales. Reduced cost of sales resulting from cost reduction initiatives, including staffing reductions, plant closures and restructuring initiatives, partially offset the decline in gross profit. Raw material costs declined compared with the 2008 second quarter. The benefit from lower raw material costs was largely offset by lower product prices. Charges primarily related to manufacturing rationalization activities reduced the 2009 second quarter gross profit by approximately $3.7 million. Gross profit was reduced by $1.4 million in the second quarter of 2008 as a result of asset write-offs and costs related to manufacturing rationalization activities.
Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expense declined by $17.2 million compared with the second quarter of 2008. SG&A as a percent of sales increased to 15.6% from 12.6% in the prior-year period due to the decline in net sales in the 2009 second quarter. SG&A expense declined as a result of expense reduction efforts taken in response to weak customer demand. The expense reductions included reduced staffing, lower incentive compensation expense, reduced discretionary spending and a furlough program for salaried employees. Partially offsetting these declines was an approximate $5.0 million increase in pension expense. SG&A expense in the 2009 second quarter included charges of $3.0 million primarily related to expense reduction initiatives and manufacturing rationalization related charges. The 2008 second-quarter SG&A expense included charges of $2.4 million primarily related to corporate development activities, asset write-offs and employee severance expenses.

 

27


Table of Contents

Restructuring activities resulted in a net benefit of $0.3 million in the 2009 second quarter. The benefit was the result of a $3.7 million reduction in an environmental reserve related to a closed manufacturing site in Europe. This benefit was largely offset by restructuring charges primarily related to manufacturing rationalization activities in Europe. Restructuring charges were $9.0 million in the second quarter of 2008.
Interest expense increased because of higher average borrowings and increased interest rates resulting from an amendment to our credit facilities that was signed in March 2009.
Net foreign currency transaction losses were $1.1 million in the 2009 second quarter compared with losses of $0.6 million in the prior-year period. We manage currency translation risks in a wide variety of foreign currencies principally by entering into forward contracts to mitigate the impact of currency fluctuations on transactions arising from international trade. The carrying values of these contracts are adjusted to market value and the resulting gains and losses are charged to income or expense in the period.
The income tax benefit for the 2009 second quarter was $4.3 million or 27.9% of the loss before income taxes, compared with income tax expense of $7.2 million or 46.7% of pre-tax income in the prior-year period. The primary reason for the decrease in the effective tax rate was a reduction to the benefit realized for current net operating losses that have been offset by a full valuation allowance.
The 2009 second quarter loss from operations was the result of lower net sales and the consequent reduction in gross profit, as well as higher interest expense. Reduced SG&A expense and reduced restructuring charges helped to reduce the loss from operations.
During 2008, we sold the Fine Chemicals business, which was previously part of our Other Businesses segment. As a consequence of the sale, the results from Fine Chemicals are now included in discontinued operations for all periods.
                                 
    Three months ended              
    June 30,              
    2009     2008     $ Change     % Change  
    (Dollars in thousands)        
Segment Sales
                               
Performance Coatings
  $ 117,333     $ 178,504     $ (61,171 )     (34.3 %)
Electronic Materials
    100,570       156,202       (55,632 )     (35.6 %)
Color & Glass Performance Materials
    76,350       130,230       (53,880 )     (41.4 %)
Polymer Additives
    62,998       98,715       (35,717 )     (36.2 %)
Specialty Plastics
    36,934       63,609       (26,675 )     (41.9 %)
Pharmaceuticals
    5,092       4,716       376       8.0 %
 
                         
Total segment sales
  $ 399,277     $ 631,976     $ (232,699 )     (36.8 %)
 
                         
 
                               
Segment Operating Income (Loss)
                               
Performance Coatings
  $ 6,225     $ 12,785     $ (6,560 )     (51.3 %)
Electronic Materials
    6,387       17,683       (11,296 )     (63.9 %)
Color & Glass Performance Materials
    2,223       15,547       (13,324 )     (85.7 %)
Polymer Additives
    1,588       4,599       (3,011 )     (65.5 %)
Specialty Plastics
    2,709       3,237       (528 )     (16.3 %)
Pharmaceuticals
    214       (1,679 )     1,893       (112.7 %)
 
                         
Total segment operating income
  $ 19,346     $ 52,172     $ (32,826 )     (62.9 %)
 
                         
Performance Coatings Segment Results. Sales declined in Performance Coatings as a result of lower volumes of tile coating and porcelain enamel products. Unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates also contributed to the sales decline. Sales were lower in all regions, but declined most sharply in Europe. Operating income declined primarily as a result of the negative effects of lower sales volume, partially offset by reductions in selling general and administrative expense.

 

28


Table of Contents

Electronic Materials Segment Results. Sales declined in Electronic Materials as a result of lower sales volume, particularly related to reduced demand for dielectric materials sold to Asian customers. Excess channel inventory related to capacitor products that customers manufacture using our dielectric products continued into the second quarter and resulted in extended customer plant shutdowns and reduced demand for our products. The decline in Electronic Materials sales also was the result of reduced sales of precious metals. Costs of precious metals are generally passed through to customers with minimal gross profit contribution. Operating income declined primarily due to the negative effects of lower manufacturing volumes, partially offset by reduced selling, general and administrative expense.
Color and Glass Performance Materials Segment Results. Sales in Color and Glass Performance Materials declined as a result of lower sales volume, unfavorable product prices and mix, and unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates. All regions contributed to the sales decline. Operating income declined primarily due to the lower sales volumes, partially offset by lower selling, general and administrative expenses and lower raw material costs.
Polymer Additives Segment Results. Sales declined in Polymer Additives primarily as a result of lower sales volume, and to a lesser extent, reduced product prices. Sales declined in Europe and the United States, the primary markets for these products. Operating profit declined from the prior-year period as a result of the negative effects of lower sales volume, partially offset by reduced selling, general and administrative expense and lower raw material costs.
Specialty Plastics Segment Results. Sales declined in Specialty Plastics as a result of lower sales volume in the United States and Europe. Operating income declined as a result of the effects of lower sales volumes, partially offset by lower manufacturing spending and reduced selling, general and administrative expense.
Pharmaceuticals Segment Results. Sales increased primarily as a result of improved product mix. The improved product mix was also reflected in the operating income for the quarter, compared with a loss in the prior-year period. Results related to our Fine Chemicals business, which had previously been combined with the results from our Pharmaceutical business and reported as “Other Businesses,” are now reported as discontinued operations following the sale of the Fine Chemicals business in 2008.
                                 
    Three months ended              
    June 30,              
    2009     2008     $ Change     % Change  
    (Dollars in thousands)        
Geographic Revenues
                               
United States
  $ 180,963     $ 265,362     $ (84,399 )     (31.8 %)
International
    218,314       366,614       (148,300 )     (40.5 %)
 
                         
Total
  $ 399,277     $ 631,976     $ (232,699 )     (36.8 %)
 
                         
Sales declined in all regions due to lower sales volumes resulting from the worldwide economic downturn and the resulting reduction in customer demand. Also contributing to the sales decline were reduced sales of precious metals and unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

 

29


Table of Contents

Comparison of the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008
                                 
    Six months ended              
    June 30,              
    2009     2008     $ Change     % Change  
    (Dollars in thousands,        
    except per share amounts)        
Net sales
  $ 757,086     $ 1,222,814     $ (465,728 )     (38.1 %)
Cost of sales
    636,611       994,575       (357,964 )     (36.0 %)
 
                         
Gross profit
    120,475       228,239       (107,764 )     (47.2 %)
Gross profit percentage
    15.9 %     18.7 %                
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    130,608       157,300       (26,692 )     (17.0 %)
Restructuring charges
    1,089       13,238       (12,149 )     (91.8 %)
Other expense (income):
                               
Interest expense
    28,364       26,323       2,041       7.8 %
Interest earned
    (473 )     (271 )     (202 )     74.5 %
Foreign currency losses (gains), net
    2,929       (891 )     3,820       (428.7 %)
Miscellaneous expense, net
    854       2,994       (2,140 )     (71.5 %)
 
                         
(Loss) income before income taxes
    (42,896 )     29,546       (72,442 )     (245.2 %)
Income tax (benefit) expense
    (12,095 )     13,414       (25,509 )     (190.2 %)
 
                         
(Loss) income from continuing operations
    (30,801 )     16,132       (46,933 )     (290.9 %)
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of income tax
    (358 )     3,311       (3,669 )     (110.8 %)
 
                         
Net (loss) income
  $ (31,159 )   $ 19,443     $ (50,602 )     (260.3 %)
 
                         
 
                               
Diluted (loss) earnings per share
  $ (0.73 )   $ 0.42     $ (1.15 )     (273.8 %)
 
                         
Net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2009, declined by 38 percent compared with the first half of 2008 primarily as a result of reduced sales volume as our customers responded to the worldwide economic downturn. Reduced sales of precious metals contributed approximately 7 percentage points to the overall sales decline. In addition, changes in foreign currency exchange rates were responsible for approximately 4 percentage points of the sales decline. Sales declined in all segments and in all regions.
Gross profit declined in the first half of 2009 compared with the prior-year period, primarily as a result of lower sales volume. Reduced cost of sales resulting from cost reduction initiatives including staffing reductions, plant closures and restructuring actions, partially offset the decline in gross profit. Raw material costs also declined compared with the first half of 2008; however, the benefit from lower raw material costs was partially offset by lower product prices. Gross profit for the 2009 first half was reduced by charges of $3.7 million primarily related to accelerated depreciation and other costs of manufacturing rationalization activities. Gross profit in the first half of 2008 was reduced by charges of $1.6 million primarily related to asset write-offs and manufacturing rationalization activities. Also, first-half 2008 gross profit was reduced by costs of approximately $3.3 million to clean up an accidental discharge of product into the wastewater treatment facility at our Bridgeport, New Jersey, manufacturing location.
Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expense declined by $26.7 million in the first six months of 2009, compared with the prior-year period. The decline in SG&A expense was driven by expense reduction efforts including reduced staffing, lower incentive compensation expense and containment of discretionary spending. Partially offsetting these reductions was an increase of approximately $9.8 million in pension expense that resulted from a reduction in the value of pension assets in 2008 and higher health care expenses. SG&A expense for the first half of 2009 included charges of $4.3 million primarily related to expense reduction initiatives and manufacturing rationalization related charges. The 2008 first-half SG&A expense included net charges of $1.9 million primarily related to charges for corporate development activities, asset write-offs and employee severance expenses, partially offset by benefits from litigation settlements and insurance proceeds.

 

30


Table of Contents

Restructuring charges of $1.1 million were recorded in the first half of 2009, a decline from restructuring charges of $13.2 million in the first half of 2008. During the first six months of 2009, we recorded a benefit of approximately $3.7 million resulting from a reduction of an environmental reserve related to a closed manufacturing site in Europe. Offsetting this benefit were charges primarily related to manufacturing rationalization activities in our Performance Coatings and Color and Glass Performance Materials segments.
Interest expense increased in the first six months of 2009 compared with the prior-year period due to higher average borrowings and increased interest rates resulting from an amendment to our credit facilities that was signed in March 2009.
Net foreign currency transaction losses were $2.9 million in the 2009 first half compared with gains of $0.9 million in the prior-year period. We manage currency translation risks in a wide variety of foreign currencies principally by entering into forward contracts to mitigate the impact of currency fluctuations on transactions arising from international trade. The carrying values of these contracts are adjusted to market value and the resulting gains and losses are charged to income or expense in the period.
The income tax benefit for the 2009 first half was $12.1 million or 28.2% of the loss before income taxes, compared with income tax expense of $13.4 million or 45.4% of pre-tax income in the prior-year period. The primary reason for the decrease in the effective tax rate was a reduction to the benefit realized for current net operating losses that have been offset by a full valuation allowance.
The loss from operation in the first six months of 2009 was the result of reduced sales volume and the related reduction in gross profit, partially offset by reduced SG&A expense and lower restructuring charges.
During 2008, we sold the Fine Chemicals business, which was previously part of our Other Businesses segment. The results from Fine Chemicals are now included in discontinued operations for all periods.
                                 
    Six months ended              
    June 30,              
    2009     2008     $ Change     % Change  
    (Dollars in thousands)        
Segment Sales
                               
Performance Coatings
  $ 225,921     $ 339,296     $ (113,375 )     (33.4 %)
Electronic Materials
    183,059       297,195       (114,136 )     (38.4 %)
Color & Glass Performance Materials
    143,766       259,070       (115,304 )     (44.5 %)
Polymer Additives
    122,445       191,026       (68,581 )     (35.9 %)
Specialty Plastics
    71,793       125,402       (53,609 )     (42.7 %)
Pharmaceuticals
    10,102       10,825       (723 )     (6.7 %)
 
                         
Total segment sales
  $ 757,086     $ 1,222,814     $ (465,728 )     (38.1 %)
 
                         
 
                               
Segment Operating Income (Loss)
                               
Performance Coatings
  $ 5,626     $ 22,265     $ (16,639 )     (74.7 %)
Electronic Materials
    8,804       26,432       (17,628 )     (66.7 %)
Color & Glass Performance Materials
    (232 )     30,983       (31,215 )     (100.7 %)
Polymer Additives
    3,477       7,318       (3,841 )     (52.5 %)
Specialty Plastics
    4,171       4,724       (553 )     (11.7 %)
Pharmaceuticals
    327       (457 )     784       (171.6 %)
 
                         
Total segment operating income
  $ 22,173     $ 91,265     $ (69,092 )     (75.7 %)
 
                         
Performance Coatings Segment Results. Sales declined in Performance Coatings as a result of lower volumes of tile coating and porcelain enamel products. Unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates also contributed to the sales decline. Sales were lower in all regions, with the sharpest decline in Europe. Operating income declined primarily as a result of the negative effects of lower sales volume, partially offset by reductions in selling general and administrative expense and lower manufacturing costs.

 

31


Table of Contents

Electronic Materials Segment Results. Sales declined in Electronic Materials as a result of lower sales volume, particularly related to reduced demand for dielectric materials sold to Asian customers. Excess channel inventory related to capacitor products that customers manufacture using our dielectric products during the first six months of 2009 resulted in extended customer plant shutdowns and reduced demand for our products. The decline in Electronic Materials sales also was the result of reduced sales of precious metals. Sales of precious metals fluctuate with our product sales volume and the price of the precious metals, as costs of precious metals are generally passed through to customers with minimal gross profit contribution. Operating income declined primarily due to the negative effects of lower manufacturing volumes, partially offset by reduced selling, general and administrative expense.
Color and Glass Performance Materials Segment Results. Sales in Color and Glass Performance Materials declined as a result of lower sales volume, unfavorable product prices and mix, and unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates. All regions contributed to the sales decline. Operating income declined primarily due to the lower sales volumes, partially offset by lower selling, general and administrative expenses and lower manufacturing costs.
Polymer Additives Segment Results. Sales declined in Polymer Additives primarily as a result of lower sales volume, and to a lesser extent, reduced product prices. Sales declined in Europe and the United States, the primary markets for these products. Operating profit declined from the prior-year period as a result of the negative effects of lower sales volume, partially offset by lower manufacturing spending and reduced selling, general and administrative expense.
Specialty Plastics Segment Results. Sales declined in Specialty Plastics as a result of lower sales volume in the United States and Europe. Operating income declined as a result of the effects of lower sales volumes, partially offset by lower manufacturing spending and reduced selling, general and administrative expense.
Pharmaceuticals Segment Results. Sales declined slightly in the six-month period primarily as a result of a less favorable product mix. An operating profit was recorded during the first half of 2009, compared with a loss in the prior-year period, primarily due to the benefits of an improved product mix in the second quarter. Results related to our Fine Chemicals business, which had previously been combined with the results from our Pharmaceutical business and reported as “Other Businesses,” are now reported as discontinued operations following the sale of the Fine Chemicals business in 2008.
                                 
    Six months ended              
    June 30,              
    2009     2008     $ Change     % Change  
    (Dollars in thousands)        
Geographic Revenues
                               
United States
  $ 351,017     $ 506,495     $ (155,478 )     (30.7 %)
International
    406,069       716,319       (310,250 )     (43.3 %)
 
                         
Total
  $ 757,086     $ 1,222,814     $ (465,728 )     (38.1 %)
 
                         
Sales declined in all regions due to lower sales volumes resulting from the worldwide economic downturn and the resulting reduction in customer demand. Also contributing to the sales decline were reduced sales of precious metals and unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

 

32


Table of Contents

Summary of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008
                                 
    Six months ended              
    June 30,              
    2009     2008     $ Change     % Change  
    (Dollars in thousands)        
Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities
  $ (40,486 )   $ 6,693     $ (47,179 )     (704.9 %)
Net cash used for investing activities
    (22,897 )     (33,926 )     11,029       (32.5 %)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
    69,449       28,550       40,899       143.3 %
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    1,235       48       1,187       2,472.9 %
 
                         
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
  $ 7,301     $ 1,365     $ 5,936       434.9 %
 
                         
Cash flows from operating activities decreased by $47.2 million in the first half of 2009 compared with the prior-year period. In the first half of 2009, we funded $80.4 million of deposits required by financial institutions under our precious metals program. Cash flows from operating activities were also affected by the $50.6 million decrease in net income. Partially offsetting these effects was an increase of $117.3 million in cash provided by changes in inventory levels.
Within investing activities, we reduced capital expenditures to $23.0 million in the first half of 2009 from $33.0 million in the first half of 2008.
Cash flows from financing activities increased by $40.9 million, of which $31.5 million related to borrowing activity. The first half of 2009 also included $9.4 million of debt issuance costs related to an amendment of our revolving credit and term loan facility and a new domestic accounts receivable asset securitization program, while the first half of 2008 included higher dividend payments of $12.4 million
Capital Resources and Liquidity
6.50% Convertible Senior Notes
In 2008, Ferro issued $172.5 million of 6.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2013 (the “Convertible Notes”). The proceeds from the offering, along with available cash, including borrowings under Ferro’s revolving credit facility, were used to purchase all of Ferro’s outstanding 9 1/8% Senior Notes due 2009. The Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 6.5% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year, beginning on February 15, 2009. The Convertible Notes mature on August 15, 2013. We separately account for the liability and equity components of the Convertible Notes in a manner that will reflect our nonconvertible debt borrowing rate when interest cost is recognized in subsequent periods. The effective interest rate on the liability component is 9.5%. At June 30, 2009, we were in compliance with the covenants under the Convertible Notes’ indenture.
Revolving Credit and Term Loan Facility
In 2006, we entered into an agreement with a group of lenders for a $700 million credit facility, consisting of a multi-currency senior revolving credit facility and a senior term loan facility, which replaced a former revolving credit facility that would have expired later that year. In 2007, we cancelled the unused portion of the term loan facility and amended the credit facility (the “2007 Amended Credit Facility”) primarily to increase the size of the revolving credit facility, reduce interest rates, and increase operating flexibility. On March 11, 2009, we amended the 2007 Amended Credit Facility (the “2009 Amended Credit Facility”) primarily to provide additional operating flexibility and to change pricing to more accurately reflect current market interest rates. The amendment was filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. The primary effects of the 2009 Amended Credit Facility were to:
  Increase the interest rates and commitment fees payable thereunder pursuant to a grid structure based on our leverage ratio,
  Increase the maximum permitted quarterly leverage ratio and decrease the minimum permitted quarterly fixed charge coverage ratio,

33


Table of Contents

  Add a minimum cumulative EBITDA requirement for each quarter in 2009,
  Restrict the Company’s ability to engage in acquisitions and make investments,
  Limit the amount of cash and cash equivalent collateral the Company is permitted to deliver to participants in our precious metals program to secure our obligations arising under the precious metals consignment agreements,
  Require additional financial reporting by the Company to the lenders,
  Increase the amount of the annual excess cash flow required to be used to repay term loans,
  Require application of the net proceeds of certain dispositions, but excluding the first $20 million of such net proceeds, to be applied to repay debt outstanding under the revolving credit facility and term loans and to permanently reduce availability under the revolving loan facility on a dollar for dollar basis, provided that we are not required to reduce the commitments under the revolving credit facility to below $150 million,
  Eliminate our ability to request an increase of $50 million in the revolving credit facility,
  Add provisions governing the obligations of the Company and the lenders if one or more lenders under the revolving credit facility fails to satisfy its funding obligations or otherwise becomes a defaulting lender, and
  Restrict our ability to make payments with respect to our capital securities. The 2009 Amended Credit Facility effectively prohibits us from paying dividends on our preferred and common stock beginning in the second quarter of 2009.
The 2009 Amended Credit Facility currently includes a $300.0 million revolving credit facility, which matures in 2011. At June 30, 2009, we had borrowed $161.7 million of the revolver and had $131.4 million available, after reductions for standby letters of credit secured by this facility. At December 31, 2008, we had borrowed $111.8 million of the revolver and had $180.0 million available. The increase in borrowings under our revolver was driven by our decision, as discussed below, to cash collateralize certain precious metals consignment agreements.
At June 30, 2009, the 2009 Amended Credit Facility also included a term loan facility with an outstanding principal balance of $291.0 million, which matures in 2012. We make periodic principal payments on the term loans. We are required to make minimum quarterly principal payments of $0.8 million from July 2009 to July 2011. During the last year of the loan’s life, we are required to repay the remaining balance of the term loans in four quarterly installments. Currently, those last four payments will be $71.0 million each. In addition to the minimum quarterly payments, each April we may be required to make an additional principal payment. The amount of this additional payment is dependent on the Company’s leverage and certain cash flow metrics. Any additional payment that is required reduces, on a dollar-for-dollar basis, the amount due in the last four quarterly payments. We were not required to make an additional principal payment in April 2009.
We are subject to a number of restrictive covenants under our credit facilities, which could affect our flexibility to fund ongoing operations and strategic initiatives, and, if we are unable to maintain compliance with such covenants, could lead to significant challenges in meeting our liquidity requirements. This risk factor is described in more detail in “Risk Factors” under Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. Continued weak economic conditions could impact our financial performance, making it more challenging to comply with the financial covenants. At June 30, 2009, we were in compliance with the covenants of the 2009 Amended Credit Facility.

 

34


Table of Contents

Domestic Receivable Sales Program
We have an asset securitization program for substantially all of Ferro’s U.S. trade accounts receivable. This program accelerates cash collections at favorable financing costs and helps us manage the Company’s liquidity requirements. In June 2009, we replaced the prior program with a new program that expires in June 2010 and reduced the program’s size from $75 million to $50 million.
We legally sell these trade accounts receivable to Ferro Finance Corporation (“FFC”), which finances its acquisition of trade receivable assets by selling undivided variable percentage interests in the receivables to certain purchasers under the program. Advances by the purchasers are secured by, and repaid through collections on, the receivables owned by FFC. FFC and the purchasers have no recourse to Ferro’s other assets for failure of payment of the receivables as a result of the lack of creditworthiness or financial inability to pay of the related obligor. FFC is a wholly-owned subsidiary, which until December 2008 was a qualified special purpose entity (“QSPE”) and, therefore, was not consolidated. In December 2008, FFC ceased to meet the requirements of a QSPE and is included in our consolidated financial statements. As a result, this program is now accounted for as an on balance sheet arrangement.
At June 30, 2009, Ferro’s consolidated balance sheet includes outstanding trade accounts receivable legally transferred to FFC of $87.6 million and short-term debt from advances by the purchasers for their interests in those receivables of $25.4 million. After reductions for non-qualifying receivables, there was no additional availability under the program at June 30, 2009.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
International Receivable Sales Programs. We maintain several international programs to sell trade accounts receivable. At June 30, 2009, the commitments supporting these programs, which can be withdrawn at any time, totaled $69.5 million, the amount of outstanding receivables sold under these programs was $19.7 million, and Ferro had received net proceeds under these programs of $16.3 million for outstanding receivables. Based on available and qualifying receivables, there was no additional availability under these programs at June 30, 2009.
Consignment and Customer Arrangements for Precious Metals. In the production of some of our products, we use precious metals, primarily silver for Electronic Materials products and gold for Color and Glass Performance Materials products. We obtain most precious metals from financial institutions under consignment agreements (generally referred to as our precious metals program). The financial institutions retain ownership of the precious metals and charge us fees based on the amounts we consign. These fees were $1.2 million and $2.5 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively. At June 30, 2009, we had on hand $88.1 million of precious metals, measured at fair value, owned by participants in our precious metals program. We also process precious metals owned by our customers.
The consignment agreements involve short-term commitments that typically mature within 30 to 180 days of each transaction and are typically renewed on an ongoing basis. As a result, the Company relies on the continued willingness of financial institutions to participate in these arrangements to maintain this source of liquidity. During the first half of 2009, participants in our precious metals program required Ferro to deliver cash collateral to secure Ferro’s obligations arising under the consignment agreements. At June 30, 2009, Ferro had delivered $80.4 million in cash collateral, representing 91% of the value of precious metals under consignment, to induce those financial institutions to continue participating in Ferro’s precious metals program.
If participants in our precious metals program require cash collateral to secure our obligations, Ferro may choose to provide such collateral or purchase the precious metal outright as an alternative to continuing the consignment arrangements. This would require us to borrow under our revolving credit facility or raise funds from other financing sources. Such borrowings would reduce our liquidity and increase our borrowing costs. The 2009 Amended Credit Facility prohibits Ferro from delivering cash and cash equivalent collateral in excess of $120 million to participants in our precious metals program. Accordingly, Ferro would be required to purchase precious metals outright if these participants were unwilling to deliver metals in quantities sufficient to meet the Company’s operating requirements without exceeding the cash collateral limits set forth in the credit facility. Ferro is pursuing a variety of initiatives intended to reduce the amount of precious metals required to support our manufacturing operations and reduce our dependence on consignment agreements.

 

35


Table of Contents

Bank Guarantees and Standby Letters of Credit. At June 30, 2009, the Company and its subsidiaries had bank guarantees and standby letters of credit issued by financial institutions, which totaled $13.4 million. These agreements primarily relate to Ferro’s insurance programs and foreign tax payments.
Other Financing Arrangements
We maintain other lines of credit to provide global flexibility for Ferro’s short-term liquidity requirements. These facilities are uncommitted lines for our international operations and totaled $24.6 million at June 30, 2009. The unused portions of these lines provided $15.9 million of additional liquidity at June 30, 2009.
Liquidity Requirement
Our liquidity requirements primarily include debt service, purchase commitments, working capital requirements, capital investments, and postretirement obligations. We expect to meet these requirements through cash provided by operating activities and availability under existing or replacement credit facilities or other financing arrangements. Ferro’s access to liquidity, level of debt and debt service requirements could have important consequences to its business operations and uses of cash flows.
Recent difficulties experienced in global capital markets could affect the ability or willingness of counterparties to perform under our various lines of credit, receivable sales programs, forward contracts, and precious metal lease programs. These counterparties are major, reputable, multinational institutions, all having investment-grade credit ratings except for one, which is not rated. Accordingly, we do not anticipate counterparty default. However, an interruption in access to external financing could adversely affect our business prospects and financial condition.
We assess on an ongoing basis our portfolio of businesses, as well as our financial and capital structure, to ensure that we have sufficient capital and liquidity to meet our strategic objectives. As part of this process, from time to time we evaluate the possible divestiture of businesses that are not critical to our core strategic objectives and, where appropriate, pursue the sale of such businesses. We also evaluate and pursue acquisition opportunities that we believe will enhance our strategic position. We generally announce publicly divestiture and acquisition transactions only when we have entered into definitive agreements relating to those transactions.
Critical Accounting Policies and Their Application
There are no material changes to our critical accounting policies described in “Critical Accounting Policies” within Item 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
Newly Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 166, Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets — an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140, (“FAS No. 166”). This pronouncement amends the guidance in Statement No. 140 for derecognition of transferred financial assets. FAS No. 166 is effective for financial asset transfers occurring after the beginning of our fiscal year that begins January 1, 2010. Early adoption of FAS No. 166 is prohibited. We are in the process of evaluating the impact that the adoption of FAS No. 166 may have on our consolidated financial statements.
In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R), (“FAS No. 167”). This pronouncement amends the consolidation guidance that applies to variable interest entities (“VIEs”). FAS No. 167 is effective for our fiscal year that begins January 1, 2010, and early adoption is prohibited. We are in the process of evaluating the impact that the adoption of FAS No. 167 may have on our consolidated financial statements.

 

36


Table of Contents

In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 168, The FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles — a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162, (“FAS No. 168”). This pronouncement identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. FAS No. 168 is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods beginning with our third quarter in 2009. We do not expect the adoption of FAS No. 168 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Risk Factors
Certain statements contained here and in future filings with the SEC reflect the Company’s expectations with respect to future performance and constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are subject to a variety of uncertainties, unknown risks and other factors concerning the Company’s operations and business environment, which are difficult to predict and are beyond the control of the Company. Factors that could adversely affect our future financial performance are described under the heading “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

 

37


Table of Contents

Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The primary objective of the following information is to provide forward-looking quantitative and qualitative information about our exposure to instruments that are sensitive to fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, and costs of raw materials and energy.
Our exposure to interest rate risk arises from our debt portfolio. We manage this risk by controlling the mix of fixed versus variable-rate debt after considering the interest rate environment and expected future cash flows. To reduce our exposure to interest rate changes on variable-rate debt, we entered into interest rate swap agreements. These swaps effectively convert a portion of our variable-rate debt to a fixed rate. Our objective is to limit variability in earnings, cash flows and overall borrowing costs caused by changes in interest rates, while preserving operating flexibility.
We operate internationally and enter into transactions denominated in foreign currencies. These transactions expose us to gains and losses arising from exchange rate movements between the dates foreign currencies are recorded and the dates they are settled. We manage this risk by entering into forward currency contracts that offset these gains and losses.
We are also subject to cost changes with respect to our raw materials and energy purchases. We attempt to mitigate raw materials cost increases through product development, price increases, and other productivity improvements. We hedge a portion of our exposure to changes in the pricing of certain raw material commodities through swap arrangements that allow us to fix the pricing of the commodities for future purchases. We also enter into forward purchase arrangements with precious metals suppliers to completely cover the value of the precious metals content of fixed price sales contracts. Most of these precious metals agreements, with purchase commitments totaling $14.9 million at June 30, 2009, are designated as normal purchase contracts and are not marked to market. In addition, we purchase portions of our natural gas and electricity requirements under fixed price contracts to reduce the volatility of these costs. These energy contracts are designated as normal purchase contracts, are not marked to market, and had purchase commitments totaling $14.7 million at June 30, 2009.

 

38


Table of Contents

The notional amounts, net carrying amounts of assets (liabilities), and fair values associated with our exposure to these market risks and sensitivity analyses about potential gains (losses) resulting from hypothetical changes in market rates are presented below:
                 
    June 30,     December 31,  
    2009     2008  
    (Dollars in thousands,  
    except as noted)  
Variable-rate debt and utilization of accounts receivable sales programs:
               
Change in annual interest expense from 1% change in interest rates
  $ 3,525     $ 2,742  
Fixed-rate debt:
               
Carrying amount
  $ 157,836     $ 154,995  
Fair value
  $ 87,281     $ 85,700  
Change in fair value from 1% increase in interest rate
  $ (2,582 )   $ (2,877 )
Change in fair value from 1% decrease in interest rate
  $ 2,683     $ 3,003  
Interest rate swaps:
               
Notional amount
  $ 150,000     $ 150,000  
Carrying amount and fair value
  $ (9,425 )   $ (12,724 )
Change in fair value from 1% increase in interest rate
  $ 2,379     $ 3,322  
Change in fair value from 1% decrease in interest rate
  $ (2,419 )   $ (3,401 )
Foreign currency forward contracts:
               
Notional amount
  $ 186,183     $ 156,840  
Carrying amount and fair value
  $ (1,416 )   $ (96 )
Change in fair value from 10% appreciation of U.S. dollar
  $ 4,115     $ 2,523  
Change in fair value from 10% depreciation of U.S. dollar
  $ (5,029 )   $ (3,084 )
Raw material commodity swaps:
               
Notional amount (in metric tons of base metals)
    150       330  
Carrying amount and fair value
  $ 24     $ (576 )
Change in fair value from 10% change in forward prices
  $ 23     $ 71  
Precious metals forward contracts:
               
Notional amount (in troy ounces)
    32       129  
Carrying amount and fair value
  $ 4     $ 8  
Change in fair value from 10% change in forward prices
  $ 3     $ 11  

 

39


Table of Contents

Item 4.   Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Ferro is committed to maintaining disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in its Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to its management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
As required by Rule 13a-15(b) of the Exchange Act, Ferro has carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including its Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures. The evaluation examined those disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2009, the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, management concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2009.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
During the second quarter of 2009, there were no changes in our internal controls or in other factors that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

 

40


Table of Contents

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.   Legal Proceedings
As previously disclosed, in February 2003, we produced documents in connection with an investigation by the United States Department of Justice into possible antitrust violations in the heat stabilizer industry. In April 2006, we were notified by the Department of Justice that the Government had closed its investigation. Before closing its investigation, the Department of Justice took no action against the Company or any of its current or former employees. In 2003, the Company was named as a defendant in several lawsuits alleging civil damages and requesting injunctive relief relating to the conduct the Government was investigating, and, in June 2008, the Company was named in four more indirect purchaser lawsuits related to an existing lawsuit in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. In July 2007, we entered into a definitive written settlement agreement in the class action lawsuit involving direct purchasers. The settlement agreement was approved by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania in December 2007. Although the Company decided to bring this matter to a close through settlement, the Company did not admit to any of the alleged violations and continues to deny any wrongdoing. The Company is vigorously defending the remaining six civil actions alleging antitrust violations in the heat stabilizer industry. These actions are in their early stages; therefore, we cannot determine the outcomes of these lawsuits at this time. In December 2006, we filed a lawsuit against the former owner of our heat stabilizer business seeking indemnification for the defense of these lawsuits and any resulting payments by the Company. In April 2008, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio dismissed our lawsuit, and we have appealed the court’s decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
As previously disclosed, for the year ended December 31, 2007, we submitted deviation reports required by the Title V air emission permit issued under the New Jersey Air Pollution Control Act (the “Title V Air Permit”), which contained numerous deviations from the standards required by the Title V Air Permit at our South Plainfield, New Jersey, facility. While no penalty has been assessed at this time, we are in the process of negotiating an administrative consent order and a compliance schedule to settle these issues with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (“NJDEP”). We cannot determine the outcome of these settlement negotiations at this time.
There are various other lawsuits and claims pending against the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. In our opinion, the ultimate liabilities, if any, will not materially affect the consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows of the Company.
Item 1A.   Risk Factors
There were no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
As previously disclosed, our 2009 Amended Credit Facility effectively prohibits us from paying dividends on our preferred and common stock beginning in the second quarter of 2009.
Item 3.   Defaults Upon Senior Securities
As previously disclosed, our 2009 Amended Credit Facility effectively prohibits us from paying dividends on our preferred and common stock beginning in the second quarter of 2009. Consequently, we are currently in arrears in the payment of dividends on our Series A ESOP Convertible Preferred Stock. As of the date of filing of this Form 10-Q, the total arrearage in payment of dividends on the convertible preferred stock was $171,000.

 

41


Table of Contents

Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
At the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on April 24, 2009, there were a total of 38,786,625 shares of common stock represented either in person or by proxy. The shareholders elected three Directors to the Ferro Corporation Board of Directors, Jennie S. Hwang, Ph.D., James F. Kirsch and William J. Sharp, to serve on the Board until the annual meeting in the year 2012. The results of the voting for Directors were as follows:
                 
    For     Withheld Authority  
Jennie S. Hwang, Ph.D.
    35,058,752       3,727,872  
James F. Kirsch
    34,773,576       4,013,048  
William J. Sharp
    26,222,578       12,564,046  
The terms of office for Michael H. Bulkin, Sandra Austin Crayton, Richard J. Hipple, William B. Lawrence, Michael F. Mee, Perry W. Premdas, and Dennis W. Sullivan continued after the meeting.
In addition, the shareholders also approved the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte &Touche LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2009. The results of the voting for this proposal were as follows: For — 36,324,218, Against — 2,396,896, and Abstain — 65,511.
Item 5.   Other Information
Not applicable.
Item 6.   Exhibits
The exhibits listed in the attached Exhibit Index are the exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K.

 

42


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
         
  FERRO CORPORATION
(Registrant)  
 
     
Date: August 4, 2009    
     
  /s/ James F. Kirsch    
  James F. Kirsch   
  Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer) 
 
 
Date: August 4, 2009     
     
  /s/ Sallie B. Bailey    
  Sallie B. Bailey   
  Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer) 
 

 

43


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX
The following exhibits are filed with this report or are incorporated here by reference to a prior filing in accordance with Rule 12b-32 under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.
Exhibit:
3   Articles of incorporation and by-laws
3.1   Eleventh Amended Articles of Incorporation. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.1 to Ferro Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, filed March 5, 2008, which Exhibit is incorporated here by reference.)
3.2   Certificate of Amendment to the Eleventh Amended Articles of Incorporation of Ferro Corporation filed with the Ohio Secretary of State on December 29, 1994. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.2 to Ferro Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, filed March 5, 2008, which Exhibit is incorporated here by reference.)
3.3   Certificate of Amendment to the Eleventh Amended Articles of Incorporation of Ferro Corporation filed with the Ohio Secretary of State on June 23, 1998. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.3 to Ferro Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, filed March 5, 2008, which Exhibit is incorporated here by reference.)
3.4   Ferro Corporation Code of Regulations. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.4 to Ferro Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, filed March 5, 2008, which Exhibit is incorporated here by reference.)
4   Instruments defining rights of security holders, including indentures
4.1   Senior Indenture, dated as of March 5, 2008, by and between Ferro Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.5 to Ferro Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, filed March 5, 2008, which Exhibit is incorporated here by reference.)
4.2   First Supplemental Indenture, dated August 19, 2008, by and between Ferro Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association (with Form of 6.50% Convertible Senior Note due 2013). (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.2 to Ferro Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 19, 2008, which Exhibit is incorporated here by reference.)
 
    The Company agrees, upon request, to furnish to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission a copy of any instrument authorizing long-term debt that does not authorize debt in excess of 10% of the total assets of the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
10   Material Contracts.
10.1   Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 2, 2009, among Ferro Corporation, Ferro Color & Glass Corporation and Ferro Pfanstiehl Laboratories, Inc. (Reference is made to Exhibit 10.1 to Ferro Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed June 3, 2009, which Exhibit is incorporated here by reference.)
10.2   Purchase and Contribution Agreement, dated as of June 2, 2009, between Ferro Corporation and Ferro Finance Corporation. (Reference is made to Exhibit 10.2 to Ferro Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed June 3, 2009, which Exhibit is incorporated here by reference.)
10.3   Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 2, 2009, among Ferro Finance Corporation, Ferro Corporation, as collection agent, certain purchasers from time to time party thereto and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as agent. (Reference is made to Exhibit 10.3 to Ferro Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed June 3, 2009, which Exhibit is incorporated here by reference.)
31.1   Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a).
31.2   Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a).
32.1   Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350.
32.2   Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350.

 

44