e10vq
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
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þ |
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Quarterly report pursuant to section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
For the Quarterly period ended September 30, 2007 or
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o |
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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 1-4720
WESCO FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
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DELAWARE
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95-2109453 |
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(State or Other Jurisdiction of
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(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
incorporation or organization) |
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301 East Colorado Boulevard, Suite 300, Pasadena, California
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91101-1901 |
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(Address of Principal Executives Offices)
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(Zip Code) |
626/585-6700
(Registrants Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)
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 registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer,
or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated filer in
Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filer o Accelerated Filer þ Non-Accelerated Filer o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of
the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS
DURING THE PRECEDING FIVE YEARS
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be
filed by Section 12, 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the
distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court. Yes o No þ
APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuers classes of common stock, as
of the latest practicable date. 7,119,807 as of November 1, 2007
Reference is made to Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
appearing on pages 34 and 35 of the Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2006,
filed by Wesco Financial Corporation (Wesco), for information on equity price risk and interest
rate risk at Wesco. There have been no material changes through September 30, 2007 except for the
purchase of marketable equity securities at an aggregate cost of $584.9 million during the third
quarter of 2007. As of September 30, 2007, Wescos consolidated balance sheet contained $1.76
billion of marketable equity securities.
The following table summarizes Wescos equity price risk as of September 30, 2007. It shows
the effects of a hypothetical 30% overall increase or decrease in market prices of marketable
equity securities owned by the Wesco group on total recorded market value and, after tax effect, on
Wescos shareholders equity at that date. (Amounts are in thousands.)
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September 30, 2007 |
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Increase |
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Decrease |
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Market value of marketable equity securities |
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As recorded |
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$ |
1,755,791 |
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$ |
1,755,791 |
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Hypothetical |
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2,282,528 |
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1,229,054 |
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Shareholders equity |
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As recorded |
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2,552,407 |
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2,552,407 |
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Hypothetical |
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$ |
2,894,786 |
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$ |
2,210,028 |
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The 30% hypothetical changes in market values assumed in preparing the table does not reflect
what could be considered the best- or worst-case scenarios. Indeed, actual results could be much
worse or better due both to the nature of equity markets and the concentration existing in Wescos
equity investment portfolio.
-2-
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the management
of Wesco, including Charles T. Munger (Chief Executive Officer) and Jeffrey L. Jacobson (Chief
Financial Officer), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of Wescos disclosure controls
and procedures as of December 31, 2006. Based on that evaluation, Messrs. Munger and Jacobson
concluded that the Companys disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that
information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports it files or submits under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as
specified in the rules and forms of the Securities Exchange Commission, and are effective to ensure
that information required to be disclosed by Wesco in the reports it files or submits under the
Exchange Act, as amended, is accumulated and communicated to Wescos management, including Mr.
Munger and Mr. Jacobson, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There have been no changes in Wescos internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter
ended September 30, 2007 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially
affect the internal controls over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Reference is made to Item 1A, Risk Factors, appearing on pages 15 through 18 of the Form 10-K
Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed by Wesco, for information regarding the
most significant factors affecting Wescos operations. There have been no material changes in these
factors through September 30, 2007.
Item 6. Exhibits
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31
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(a)
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Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(Chief Executive Officer) |
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31
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(b)
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Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(Chief Financial Officer) |
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32
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(a)
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Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002 (Chief Executive Officer) |
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32
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(b)
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Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002 (Chief Financial Officer) |
-3-
WESCO FINANCIAL CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)
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Sept. 30, |
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Dec. 31, |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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ASSETS
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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$ |
969,459 |
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$ |
1,257,351 |
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Investments: |
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Securities with fixed maturities |
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39,337 |
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81,861 |
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Marketable equity securities |
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1,755,791 |
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1,040,550 |
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Rental furniture |
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185,908 |
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182,846 |
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Goodwill of acquired businesses |
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266,607 |
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266,607 |
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Other assets |
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186,728 |
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141,090 |
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$ |
3,403,830 |
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$ |
2,970,305 |
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LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
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Payable for securities |
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$ |
248,147 |
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$ |
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Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses |
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Affiliated business |
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33,724 |
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29,761 |
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Unaffiliated business |
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54,353 |
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48,549 |
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Unearned insurance premiums |
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Affiliated business |
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13,854 |
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14,062 |
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Unaffiliated business |
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18,995 |
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15,298 |
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Deferred furniture rental income and security deposits |
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21,327 |
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20,440 |
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Notes payable |
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39,800 |
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38,200 |
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Income taxes payable, principally deferred |
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365,496 |
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355,399 |
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Other liabilities |
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55,727 |
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48,258 |
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851,423 |
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569,967 |
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Shareholders equity: |
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Capital stock and additional paid-in capital |
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33,324 |
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33,324 |
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Unrealized appreciation of investments, net of taxes |
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430,316 |
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344,978 |
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Retained earnings |
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2,088,767 |
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2,022,036 |
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Total shareholders equity |
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2,552,407 |
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2,400,338 |
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$ |
3,403,830 |
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$ |
2,970,305 |
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See notes beginning on page 7.
-4-
WESCO FINANCIAL CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF
INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS
(Dollar amounts in thousands except for amounts per share)
(Unaudited)
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Three Months Ended |
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Nine Months Ended |
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Sept. 30, |
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Sept. 30, |
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Sept. 30, |
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Sept. 30, |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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Revenues: |
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Furniture rentals |
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$ |
84,063 |
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$ |
83,323 |
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$ |
249,839 |
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$ |
246,019 |
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Sales and service revenues |
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33,895 |
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35,745 |
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100,369 |
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107,972 |
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Insurance premiums earned |
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Affiliated business |
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8,790 |
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7,069 |
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23,863 |
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20,565 |
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Unaffiliated business |
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4,490 |
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8,804 |
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16,235 |
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23,839 |
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Dividend and interest income |
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24,461 |
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22,071 |
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70,403 |
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61,582 |
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Other |
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965 |
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941 |
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2,892 |
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2,774 |
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156,664 |
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157,953 |
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463,601 |
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462,751 |
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Costs and expenses: |
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Cost of products and services sold |
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37,036 |
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39,519 |
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109,421 |
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117,180 |
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Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses |
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Affiliated business |
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5,961 |
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3,708 |
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13,409 |
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8,443 |
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Unaffiliated business |
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4,693 |
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6,540 |
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6,572 |
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14,982 |
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Insurance underwriting expenses |
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Affiliated business |
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2,116 |
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1,976 |
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5,309 |
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4,941 |
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Unaffiliated business |
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1,404 |
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3,280 |
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6,148 |
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7,123 |
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Selling, general and administrative expenses |
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69,040 |
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67,073 |
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209,662 |
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201,067 |
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Interest expense |
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641 |
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775 |
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1,828 |
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2,033 |
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120,891 |
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122,871 |
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352,349 |
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355,769 |
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Income before income taxes |
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35,773 |
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35,082 |
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111,252 |
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106,982 |
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Income taxes |
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11,376 |
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11,569 |
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36,511 |
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36,307 |
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Net income |
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24,397 |
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23,513 |
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74,741 |
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70,675 |
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Retained earnings beginning of period |
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2,067,040 |
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1,982,362 |
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2,022,036 |
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1,940,398 |
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Cash dividends declared and paid |
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(2,670 |
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(2,599 |
) |
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(8,010 |
) |
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(7,797 |
) |
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Retained earnings end of period |
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$ |
2,088,767 |
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$ |
2,003,276 |
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$ |
2,088,767 |
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$ |
2,003,276 |
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Amounts per capital share based on 7,119,807 shares
outstanding throughout each period: |
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Net income |
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$ |
3.43 |
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$ |
3.31 |
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$ |
10.50 |
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$ |
9.93 |
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Cash dividends |
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$ |
.375 |
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$ |
.365 |
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$ |
1.125 |
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$ |
1.095 |
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See notes beginning on page 7.
-5-
WESCO FINANCIAL CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)
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Nine Months Ended |
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Sept. 30, |
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Sept. 30, |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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Cash flows from operating activities, net |
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$ |
48,017 |
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$ |
89,541 |
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Cash flows from investing activities: |
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Maturities and redemptions of securities
with fixed maturities |
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47,549 |
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|
28,390 |
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Purchases of equity securities |
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(336,801 |
) |
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(18,855 |
) |
Purchases of securities with fixed maturities |
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(3,889 |
) |
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(21,691 |
) |
Purchases of rental furniture |
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(63,150 |
) |
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(72,501 |
) |
Sales of rental furniture |
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|
47,695 |
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|
53,569 |
|
Additions to condominium construction in process |
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(18,523 |
) |
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|
(9,269 |
) |
Other, net |
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(2,380 |
) |
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(2,137 |
) |
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Net cash flows from investing activities |
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(329,499 |
) |
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(42,494 |
) |
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Cash flows from financing activities: |
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Net increase in line of credit borrowings |
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1,600 |
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|
7,900 |
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Payment of cash dividends |
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(8,010 |
) |
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(7,797 |
) |
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Net cash flows from financing activities |
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(6,410 |
) |
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|
103 |
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Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
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(287,892 |
) |
|
|
47,150 |
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Cash and cash equivalents beginning of period |
|
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1,257,351 |
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|
1,194,113 |
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Cash and cash equivalents end of period |
|
$ |
969,459 |
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|
$ |
1,241,263 |
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Supplementary information: |
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Interest paid during period |
|
$ |
1,777 |
|
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$ |
1,642 |
|
Income taxes paid, net, during period |
|
|
72,348 |
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|
27,020 |
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See notes beginning on page 7.
-6-
WESCO FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar amounts in thousands except for amounts per share)
(Unaudited)
Note 1.
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of which these notes are an integral
part include the accounts of Wesco Financial Corporation (Wesco) and its subsidiaries. In
managements opinion, such statements reflect all adjustments (all of them of a normal recurring
nature) necessary to a fair statement of interim results in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America.
Reference is made to the notes to Wescos consolidated financial statements appearing on pages
46 through 58 of its 2006 Form 10-K Annual Report for other information deemed generally applicable
to the condensed consolidated financial statements. In particular, Wescos significant accounting
policies and practices are set forth in Note 1 on pages 46 through 48.
In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the FASB) issued Interpretation No.
48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (FIN
48), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty of income tax positions taken or expected to
be taken in income tax returns when it is more likely than not that an examination of a companys
tax returns will result in the assessment of additional taxes. FIN 48 requires the recognition in
the financial statements of the impact of the tax position based on the technical merits of the
position, as well as expanded disclosure, if applicable, in the notes to the companys financial
statements. In connection with the implementation of FIN 48, a company is required to adjust its
opening retained earnings balance for the aggregate impact of the uncertain tax positions that
existed as of that date. Wescos implementation of the provisions of FIN 48 as of the beginning of
2007 had no material impact on the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.
Wesco and its subsidiaries join with Berkshire Hathaway Inc., (Berkshire), Wescos ultimate
parent company, in the filing of consolidated federal income tax returns. Wescos consolidated
Federal income tax return liabilities have been settled with the Internal Revenue Service (the
IRS) through 1998. The IRS has completed its audit of the tax returns for the years 1999 through
2001 and has proposed adjustments to increase the tax liabilities related to Wesco. The examination
is in the IRS appeals process. The IRS has also completed its audit of the tax returns for the
years 2002 through 2004. Wesco management does not believe that the ultimate outcome of Federal
income tax audits will materially affect Wescos consolidated financial statements.
Wescos management does not believe that any accounting pronouncements issued by the Financial
Accounting Standards Board or other applicable authorities that are required to be adopted after
September 30, 2007 are likely to have a material effect on Wescos consolidated financial
statements.
-7-
Note 2.
The following table sets forth Wescos consolidated comprehensive income for the three- and
nine-month periods ended September 30, 2007 and 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Net income |
|
$ |
24,397 |
|
|
$ |
23,513 |
|
|
$ |
74,741 |
|
|
$ |
70,675 |
|
Increase in unrealized appreciation of investments,
net of income tax effect of $41,551, $24,977, $44,955 and $29,567 |
|
|
78,038 |
|
|
|
46,097 |
|
|
|
85,338 |
|
|
|
54,391 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income |
|
$ |
102,435 |
|
|
$ |
69,610 |
|
|
$ |
160,079 |
|
|
$ |
125,066 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note 3.
Following is a summary of securities with fixed maturities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
Dec. 31, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Amortized cost |
|
$ |
37,718 |
|
|
$ |
81,243 |
|
Gross unrealized gains |
|
|
1,619 |
|
|
|
633 |
|
Gross unrealized losses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(15 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value |
|
$ |
39,337 |
|
|
$ |
81,861 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Following is a summary of marketable equity securities (all common stocks):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
Dec. 31, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Total cost |
|
$ |
1,095,952 |
|
|
$ |
511,004 |
|
Gross unrealized gains |
|
|
659,839 |
|
|
|
529,546 |
|
Gross unrealized losses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value |
|
$ |
1,755,791 |
|
|
$ |
1,040,550 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dollar amounts in thousands except for amounts per share
-8-
Note 4.
Federal and state environmental agencies have made claims relating to alleged contamination of
soil and groundwater with trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene against Precision Brand Products
(PBP), whose results, like those of its parent, Precision Steel, are included in Wescos
industrial segment, and various other businesses situated in an industrial park in Downers Grove,
Illinois. PBP, along with the other businesses, have been negotiating remedial actions with various
governmental entities.
PBP, Precision Steel, and other parties were also named in several civil lawsuits relating to
the foregoing matter. Each of these civil lawsuits was recently settled with the plaintiffs for
amounts that are not material to Wesco.
Muniz v. Precision Brand Products, Inc., et. al., was a class action in the U.S.
District Court for the Northern District of Illinois alleging diminution of property values. It
was settled in the first quarter of 2007 for a total of $15,750. PBPs share of that amount was
$1,812.
Bendik v. Precision Brand Products, Inc. and Precision Steel Warehouse, Inc. was a
state court claim in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois in which the plaintiff alleged that
exposure to contaminants allegedly released by PBP and Precision Steel caused her to contract
cancer. The case was settled in the third quarter of 2007 for $2,662. PBPs and Precision Steels
share of that amount was $600.
Pote v. Precision Brand Products, Inc. and Precision Steel Warehouse, Inc. was a
wrongful death action brought in the same court as the Bendik matter alleging that soil and
groundwater contaminants from the industrial park were responsible for Mr. Potes death. The case
was settled in the second quarter of 2007 for $1,250. PBPs and Precision Steels share of that
amount was $77.
PBP and Precision Steel are in various stages of negotiations with their insurers, who
undertook the cost of their defenses and agreed to indemnify them within the policy limits in
connection with these matters, but have reserved their rights retroactively to decline coverage and
receive reimbursement of amounts paid.
Included in other liabilities on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet is
$1,087 as of September 30, 2007, representing the remaining unpaid balance as of that date,
resulting from provisions previously recorded by PBP, representing PBPs estimated share of costs
of remediation agreed to with governmental entities and other parties, and related expenses, as
well as estimated costs and expenses associated with matters discussed above (the allowance for
environmental costs). Management anticipates that additional provisions may be required with
respect to the Federal and state claims summarized above, in addition to the previously recorded
amount included in the allowance for environmental costs. However, as of September 30, 2007, it was
not possible to reasonably estimate the amount, if any, of additional costs or a range of costs
that may be required in connection with these matters, or any related benefit from insurance
indemnification. Although it is not expected that the ultimate impact of such future costs will be
material in relation to Wescos shareholders equity, the effect on industrial segment and
consolidated net income in any given period could be material.
Dollar amounts in thousands except for amounts per share
-9-
Note 5.
Following is condensed consolidated financial information for Wesco, by business segment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Insurance segment: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
$ |
37,444 |
|
|
$ |
37,686 |
|
|
$ |
109,660 |
|
|
$ |
105,233 |
|
Net income |
|
|
16,832 |
|
|
|
15,529 |
|
|
|
54,910 |
|
|
|
48,058 |
|
Assets at end of period |
|
|
2,776,257 |
|
|
|
2,295,562 |
|
|
|
2,776,257 |
|
|
|
2,295,562 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Furniture rental segment: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
$ |
102,522 |
|
|
$ |
103,307 |
|
|
$ |
303,044 |
|
|
$ |
304,945 |
|
Net income |
|
|
7,368 |
|
|
|
7,645 |
|
|
|
18,904 |
|
|
|
21,281 |
|
Assets at end of period |
|
|
255,950 |
|
|
|
265,551 |
|
|
|
255,950 |
|
|
|
265,551 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Industrial segment: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
$ |
15,436 |
|
|
$ |
15,771 |
|
|
$ |
47,164 |
|
|
$ |
49,056 |
|
Net income |
|
|
176 |
|
|
|
270 |
|
|
|
911 |
|
|
|
1,209 |
|
Assets at end of period |
|
|
23,572 |
|
|
|
19,452 |
|
|
|
23,572 |
|
|
|
19,452 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill of acquired businesses (included in assets) |
|
$ |
266,607 |
|
|
$ |
266,607 |
|
|
$ |
266,607 |
|
|
$ |
266,607 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other items unrelated to business segments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
$ |
1,262 |
|
|
$ |
1,189 |
|
|
$ |
3,733 |
|
|
$ |
3,517 |
|
Net income |
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
69 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
127 |
|
Assets at end of period |
|
|
81,444 |
|
|
|
58,121 |
|
|
|
81,444 |
|
|
|
58,121 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated totals: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
$ |
156,664 |
|
|
$ |
157,953 |
|
|
$ |
463,601 |
|
|
$ |
462,751 |
|
Net income |
|
|
24,397 |
|
|
|
23,513 |
|
|
|
74,741 |
|
|
|
70,675 |
|
Assets at end of period |
|
|
3,403,830 |
|
|
|
2,905,293 |
|
|
|
3,403,830 |
|
|
|
2,905,293 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dollar amounts in thousands except for amounts per share
-10-
WESCO FINANCIAL CORPORATION
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Reference is made to Item 7, Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations appearing on pages 22 through 36 of the Form 10-K Annual Report filed by
Wesco Financial Corporation (Wesco) for the year 2006 for information deemed generally
appropriate to an understanding of the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.
The information set forth in the following paragraphs updates such discussion. Further, in
reviewing the following paragraphs, attention is directed to the accompanying unaudited condensed
consolidated financial statements.
OVERVIEW
Financial Condition
Wesco continues to have a strong consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2007, with
relatively little debt and no hedging. Liquidity, which has traditionally been high, has been
higher than usual for the past several years due principally to sales, maturities and redemptions
of fixed-maturity investments, and reinvestment of the proceeds, mainly in cash equivalents pending
redeployment. In the third quarter of 2007, $585 million was invested in marketable equity
securities. Of that amount, $248 million is reflected on the condensed consolidated balance sheet
as a liability for securities purchased. The Companys consolidated balance sheet also reflects
marketable equity securities of $1.756 billion as of September 30, 2007, versus $1.041 billion as
of December 31, 2006, stated at fair value.
Results of Operations
Consolidated after-tax earnings improved for the third quarter and first nine months of 2007
from the figures reported for the 2006 periods as a result of increased investment income of the
insurance businesses, partially offset by several factors, including, increased operating
expenses of the furniture rental business, as the Companys CORT Business Services Corporation
subsidiary expands and redirects the marketing of its rental relocation services from targeting
individuals to targeting corporate clients, and decreased underwriting income of the insurance
businesses.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Wescos shareholders equity at September 30, 2007 was $2.55 billion ($358 per share), up from
$2.40 billion ($337 per share) at December 31, 2006. Shareholders equity included $430 million at
September 30, 2007, and $345 million at December 31, 2006, representing appreciation in market
value of investments, which is credited directly to shareholders equity, net of taxes, without
being reflected in earnings. Because unrealized appreciation is recorded using market quotations,
gains or losses ultimately realized upon sale of investments could differ substantially from
recorded unrealized appreciation.
-11-
Wescos consolidated cash and cash equivalents, held principally by its insurance businesses,
amounted to $970 million at September 30, 2007, versus $1.26 billion held at December 31, 2006.
Included in the September figure was $248 million, paid for securities purchased, early in October.
Wescos consolidated borrowings totaled $39.8 million at September 30, 2007 versus $38.2
million at December 31, 2006. The increase in borrowings related to a revolving credit facility
used in the furniture rental business. In addition to the recorded debt, the liability for unpaid
losses and loss adjustment expenses of Wescos insurance businesses totaled $88.1 million at
September 30, 2007, versus $78.3 million at December 31, 2006. In addition to this recorded debt,
Wesco and its subsidiaries have operating lease and other contractual obligations which, at
September 30, 2007, were essentially unchanged from the $147.4 million included in the table of
off-balance sheet arrangements and contractual obligations appearing on page 32 of its Form 10-K
Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2006.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Wescos reportable business segments are organized in a manner that reflects how Wescos top
management views those business activities. Wescos management views insurance businesses as
possessing two distinct operations underwriting and investing, and believes that underwriting
gain or loss is an important measure of their financial performance. Underwriting gain or loss
represents the simple arithmetic difference between the following line items appearing on the
consolidated statement of income: (1) insurance premiums earned, less (2) insurance losses and loss
adjustment expenses, and insurance underwriting expenses. Managements goal is to generate
underwriting gains over the long term. Underwriting results are evaluated without allocation of
investment income.
The condensed consolidated income statement appearing on page 5 has been prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Revenues, including realized
net investment gains, if any, are followed by costs and expenses, and a provision for income taxes,
to arrive at net income. The following summary sets forth the after-tax contribution to GAAP net
income of each business segment insurance, furniture rental and industrial as well as
activities not considered related to such segments. Realized net investment gains, if any, are
excluded from segment activities, consistent with the way Wescos management views the business
operations. (Amounts are in thousands, all after income tax effect.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Insurance segment: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underwriting gain (loss) |
|
$ |
(581 |
) |
|
$ |
240 |
|
|
$ |
5,629 |
|
|
$ |
5,795 |
|
Investment income |
|
|
17,413 |
|
|
|
15,289 |
|
|
|
49,281 |
|
|
|
42,263 |
|
Furniture rental segment |
|
|
7,368 |
|
|
|
7,645 |
|
|
|
18,904 |
|
|
|
21,281 |
|
Industrial segment |
|
|
176 |
|
|
|
270 |
|
|
|
911 |
|
|
|
1,209 |
|
Nonsegment items |
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
69 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
127 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated net income |
|
$ |
24,397 |
|
|
$ |
23,513 |
|
|
$ |
74,741 |
|
|
$ |
70,675 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-12-
Insurance Segment
The insurance segment is comprised of Wesco-Financial Insurance Company (Wes-FIC) and The
Kansas Bankers Surety Company (KBS). Their operations are conducted or supervised by wholly owned
subsidiaries of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Berkshire), Wescos ultimate parent company. Following
is a summary of the results of segment operations, which represents the combination of underwriting
results with dividend and interest income. (Amounts are in thousands.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Insurance premiums written |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reinsurance |
|
$ |
9,787 |
|
|
$ |
12,904 |
|
|
$ |
26,849 |
|
|
$ |
28,424 |
|
Primary |
|
|
4,354 |
|
|
|
4,319 |
|
|
|
14,382 |
|
|
|
14,860 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
14,141 |
|
|
$ |
17,223 |
|
|
$ |
41,231 |
|
|
$ |
43,284 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Insurance premiums earned |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reinsurance |
|
$ |
8,406 |
|
|
$ |
10,688 |
|
|
$ |
25,610 |
|
|
$ |
28,581 |
|
Primary |
|
|
4,874 |
|
|
|
5,185 |
|
|
|
14,488 |
|
|
|
15,823 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
13,280 |
|
|
|
15,873 |
|
|
|
40,098 |
|
|
|
44,404 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Insurance losses, loss adjustment expenses and
underwriting expenses |
|
|
14,174 |
|
|
|
15,504 |
|
|
|
31,438 |
|
|
|
35,489 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underwriting gain (loss), before income taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reinsurance |
|
|
(1,419 |
) |
|
|
(694 |
) |
|
|
1,731 |
|
|
|
3,992 |
|
Primary |
|
|
525 |
|
|
|
1,063 |
|
|
|
6,929 |
|
|
|
4,923 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
(894 |
) |
|
|
369 |
|
|
|
8,660 |
|
|
|
8,915 |
|
Income taxes |
|
|
(313 |
) |
|
|
129 |
|
|
|
3,031 |
|
|
|
3,120 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underwriting gain (loss) |
|
$ |
(581 |
) |
|
$ |
240 |
|
|
$ |
5,629 |
|
|
$ |
5,795 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At September 30, 2007, in-force reinsurance business consisted of the participation in three
pools of aviation-related risks: hull and liability pools, each to the extent of 16.67%, and a
workers compensation pool to the extent of 5%. In 2006, in-force reinsurance consisted of
participation in the same pools of aviation-related risks, with the participation in the hull and
liability pools at the 12.5% level. Wes-FICs reinsurance activities have fluctuated from period to
period as participations in reinsurance contracts have become available both through insurance
subsidiaries of Berkshire, and otherwise.
The nature of Wes-FICs participation in the aviation-related reinsurance contracts requires
that estimates be made not only as to losses and expenses incurred, but also as to premiums
written, due to a time lag in reporting by the ceding pools. Reinsurance premiums written for the
2007 periods decreased by $3.1 million (24.2%) for the third quarter, and $1.6 million (5.5%) for
the first nine months, from the comparable figures reported for the corresponding 2006 periods.
These results occurred despite the 33.3% increase in the percentage by which Wes-FIC has
participated in the hull and liability pools during 2007. As competition has intensified in the
aviation market, the pools have experienced greater pricing pressure, and have continued to
exercise underwriting discipline by not writing policies where pricing was deemed inadequate with
respect to the risks assumed.
-13-
Earned reinsurance premiums decreased $2.3 million (21.4%) for the third quarter of 2007, and
$3.0 million (10.4%) for the first nine months, as compared with premiums earned for the
corresponding periods of 2006. Premiums are amortized into income ratably over the coverage period,
and, therefore, there is often a difference in the relative fluctuation in written versus earned
premiums from period to period.
Written primary insurance premiums increased $35 thousand (0.8%) for the third quarter of
2007, but decreased $0.5 million (3.2%) for the first nine months, from the corresponding 2006
amounts. KBS has experienced intensified price competition during approximately the past two
years, and has reacted through the exercise of underwriting discipline. It does not write business
when pricing is deemed inadequate with respect to risks assumed.
Earned primary insurance premiums decreased $0.3 million (6.0%) for the third quarter of 2007,
and $1.3 million (8.4%) for the first nine months, from those of the corresponding 2006 periods.
Not only has there been an increase in KBSs cost of reinsurance, but premiums are amortized into
income ratably over the coverage period, and, therefore, there is often a difference in the
relative fluctuation in written versus earned premiums from period to period.
Management believes that underwriting gain or loss is an important measure of financial
performance of insurance companies. The sum of insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses, and
underwriting expenses, divided by premiums, gives the combined ratio. A combined ratio of less
than 100% connotes an underwriting profit and a combined ratio of greater than 100% connotes an
underwriting loss. The ratio is figured on a pre-tax basis.
Underwriting results of Wescos insurance segment have generally been favorable, but have
fluctuated from period to period for various reasons, including competitiveness of pricing in terms
of premiums charged for risks assumed, and volatility of losses incurred. The pre-tax underwriting
loss from reinsurance activities increased by $0.7 million for the third quarter of 2007 from that
of the corresponding 2006 quarter. For the first nine months, the pre-tax underwriting gain from
reinsurance activities decreased by $2.3 million from the corresponding 2006 figure. The combined
ratios from reinsurance activities were 116.8% and 106.5% for the third quarters of 2007 and 2006,
and 93.2 % and 86.2 % for the respective nine-month periods. These underwriting results reflect not
only higher levels of claims recorded in the third quarters of each year, but also the detrimental
effects caused by the softening of premium rates and, for the 2007 periods, the higher level of
participation in the hull and liability contracts. It should be noted that the profitability of a
reinsurance or insurance arrangement is better assessed after all losses and expenses have been
realized, perhaps many years after the coverage period, rather than for any given quarterly
reporting period.
Combined ratios from primary insurance were 89.2% and 79.5% for the third quarters of 2007 and
2006, and 79.5% and 68.9% for the respective nine-month periods. The combined ratio for the first
nine months of 2007 reflects favorable reserve development of $0.9 million, net, recorded in the
second quarter. That figure was attributable to $1.9 million of favorable development following a
court decision relating to a loss recorded in 2005, partially offset by unfavorable development of
$1.0 million relating to a claim originally reported to KBS in 2003.
-14-
Wescos insurers retain most of their business and cede modest amounts of business to
reinsurers; consequently, underwriting results may be volatile. Instead of paying reinsurers large
amounts to minimize risks associated with significant losses, management accepts volatility in
underwriting results provided the prospects of long-term underwriting profitability remain
favorable.
Following is a summary of investment income produced by Wescos insurance segment (in
thousands of dollars).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Investment income, before taxes |
|
$ |
24,163 |
|
|
$ |
21,813 |
|
|
$ |
69,561 |
|
|
$ |
60,829 |
|
Income taxes |
|
|
6,750 |
|
|
|
6,524 |
|
|
|
20,280 |
|
|
|
18,566 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment income, after taxes |
|
$ |
17,413 |
|
|
$ |
15,289 |
|
|
$ |
49,281 |
|
|
$ |
42,263 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment income of the insurance segment comprises dividends and interest earned principally
from the investment of shareholder capital (including reinvested earnings) as well as float
(principally premiums received before payment of related claims and expenses).
Pre-tax investment income increased $2.4 million (10.8%) for the third quarter of 2007, from
the corresponding 2006 figure, principally as a result of increased dividend income. Pre-tax
investment income increased $8.7 million (14.4%) for the first nine months of 2007, reflecting
mainly increased interest earned on short-term investments during the first half of 2007, due
principally to higher interest rates earned on short-term investments, as well as increased
dividend income for the nine-month period.
The income tax provisions, expressed as percentages of pre-tax investment income, shown in the
foregoing table, amounted to 27.9% and 29.9% for the third quarters of 2007 and 2006, and 29.2%
and 30.5% for the respective nine-month periods. These fluctuations reflect the relation of
dividend income, which is substantially exempt from income taxes, to interest income, which is
fully taxable.
Management continues to seek to invest cash balances in the purchase of businesses and in
long-term equity holdings.
-15-
Furniture Rental Segment
The furniture rental segment consists of CORT Business Services Corporation (CORT).
Following is a summary of segment operating results. (Amounts are in thousands.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Furniture rentals |
|
$ |
84,063 |
|
|
$ |
83,323 |
|
|
$ |
249,839 |
|
|
$ |
246,019 |
|
Furniture sales |
|
|
16,253 |
|
|
|
17,920 |
|
|
|
47,695 |
|
|
|
53,569 |
|
Service fees |
|
|
2,206 |
|
|
|
2,064 |
|
|
|
5,510 |
|
|
|
5,357 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues |
|
|
102,522 |
|
|
|
103,307 |
|
|
|
303,044 |
|
|
|
304,945 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of rentals, sales and fees |
|
|
23,917 |
|
|
|
26,225 |
|
|
|
69,878 |
|
|
|
76,817 |
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
|
|
66,016 |
|
|
|
64,059 |
|
|
|
200,421 |
|
|
|
191,057 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
641 |
|
|
|
775 |
|
|
|
1,828 |
|
|
|
2,033 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
90,574 |
|
|
|
91,059 |
|
|
|
272,127 |
|
|
|
269,907 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes |
|
|
11,948 |
|
|
|
12,248 |
|
|
|
30,917 |
|
|
|
35,038 |
|
Income taxes |
|
|
4,580 |
|
|
|
4,603 |
|
|
|
12,013 |
|
|
|
13,757 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment net income |
|
$ |
7,368 |
|
|
$ |
7,645 |
|
|
$ |
18,904 |
|
|
$ |
21,281 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Furniture rental revenues for the third quarter of 2007 increased $0.7 million (0.9%) from
those of the third quarter of 2006, and for the first nine months of 2007, by $3.8 million (1.6%)
from those of the first nine months of 2006. Excluding $8.5 million and $7.3 million of rental
revenues from trade shows and from locations not in operation throughout each of the three-month
periods, and $31.1 million and $25.9 million of similar revenues for each of the nine-month
periods, rental revenues were relatively unchanged from those of the third quarter and nine-month
periods of last year. The number of furniture leases outstanding at the end of the third quarter of
2007 was 4.9% lower than at the end of the third quarter of 2006. The decrease in the number of
outstanding leases continues a trend that developed late in 2006, believed to be due principally to
non-renewals of leases generated in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, increased
interest rates and energy prices, and customer uncertainty as to future economic conditions.
Despite the continued decline in the number of furniture leases outstanding, the furniture rental
revenues have grown due mainly to an increase in tradeshow demand and improved pricing.
Furniture sales revenues for the third quarter of 2007 decreased $1.7 million (9.3%) from
those of the third quarter of 2006, and for the first nine months of 2007, by $5.9 million (11.0%)
from those of the first nine months of 2006. The decreases are believed to be attributed
principally to the continued softening of the housing market and higher energy prices that have
contributed to an industry-wide decline in retail furniture sales.
Service fees for the third quarter and first nine months of 2007 were relatively unchanged
from those reported for the third quarter and first nine months of 2006. Traditionally, the
furniture segment has concentrated the marketing efforts of its relocation services towards
individual residential customers. Late last year, CORT began a new initiative to expand the variety
of its relocation services, and it redirected the thrust of this activity towards providing these
services to corporate relocation departments for their relocating employees in need of temporary or
longer-term housing. Management is hopeful that the expansion of facilities and personnel devoted
to the relocation service as well as the change in focus of its
relocation activities will result in profitable long-term revenue growth.
-16-
Cost of rentals, sales and fees amounted to 23.3% and 23.1% of revenues for the third quarter
and first nine months of 2007, versus 25.4% and 25.2% for the corresponding periods of 2006. The
decrease in costs as a percentage of revenues was due principally to a shift in revenue mix, with a
larger percentage of revenue coming from furniture rental, which has a higher margin than furniture
sales.
Selling, general, administrative and interest expenses (operating expenses) for the third
quarter of 2007 increased $1.8 million (2.8%) from those reported for the third quarter of 2006,
and $9.2 million (4.7%) from those reported for the first nine months of 2006. The increase in
operating expenses in 2007 was due principally to an increase in personnel devoted to the rental
relocation service as CORT redirects its marketing efforts to target corporate clients, and other
related expenses.
Operating expenses as a percentage of revenues increased from 62.8% for the third quarter and
63.3% for the first nine months of 2006, to 65.0% for the third quarter and 66.7% for the first
nine months of 2007. The increases were principally attributable to the increased operating
expenses and the softness of retail revenues.
Income before income taxes for the furniture rental segment amounted to $11.9 million for the
third quarter and $30.9 million for the first nine months of 2007, versus $12.2 million for the
third quarter and $35.0 million for the first nine months of 2006. The 2.5% decrease in pre-tax
operating results for the third quarter, and 11.8% decrease for the first nine months of 2007, were
principally attributable to the significant increases in personnel-related expenses, offset
somewhat by increased gross profits resulting from changes in revenue mix.
Industrial Segment
Following is a summary of the results of operations of the industrial segment, which consists
of the businesses of Precision Steel Warehouse, Inc. and its subsidiaries. (Amounts are in
thousands.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Revenues |
|
$ |
15,436 |
|
|
$ |
15,771 |
|
|
$ |
47,164 |
|
|
$ |
49,056 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes |
|
$ |
281 |
|
|
$ |
449 |
|
|
$ |
1,512 |
|
|
$ |
1,859 |
|
Income taxes |
|
|
105 |
|
|
|
179 |
|
|
|
601 |
|
|
|
650 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment net income |
|
$ |
176 |
|
|
$ |
270 |
|
|
$ |
911 |
|
|
$ |
1,209 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reference is made to pages 29 and 30 of Wescos 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K for
information about Wescos industrial segment, including the challenges affecting the domestic steel
service industry since approximately 2000.
Industrial segment revenues decreased $0.3 million (2.1%) for the third quarter of 2007, and
$1.9 million (3.9%) for the first nine months, as compared with revenues of the corresponding 2006
periods. In the first quarter of 2006, Precision Steels Precision Brand Products subsidiary made
an extraordinarily
large sale of toolroom supplies to a single customer. Excluding that transaction, industrial
segment
-17-
revenues decreased $1.0 million (2.1%) for the first nine months of 2007 from those of the
corresponding 2006 period. Sales volume, in terms of pounds sold, decreased 12.7% for the third
quarter of 2007, and 17.1% for the first nine months, from sales volume of the corresponding 2006
periods. The relative stability of revenues for the current periods, as compared with those of the
corresponding periods last year, has been attributable principally to ongoing increases,
approximating 19%, in average selling prices per pound over the past eighteen months.
As explained in Note 4 to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements,
Precision Steel and a subsidiary are involved in an environmental matter, the ultimate cost of
which is difficult to estimate. Segment operating results for the first nine months of 2006
reflect a charge for estimated costs relating to this matter of $0.8 million ($0.5 million, after
taxes), recorded in the second quarter. No similar costs were incurred in the 2007 periods.
Income before income taxes of the industrial segment decreased $0.2 million for the third
quarter of 2007, and $0.3 million for the first nine months, from the corresponding 2006 figures.
Excluding the aforementioned litigation-related expense recorded in the second quarter of 2006,
income before income taxes of the industrial segment decreased $1.1 million for the first nine
months of 2007, from the pre-tax figure for last years first nine months. The decreases in pre-tax
and net income for the 2007 periods resulted principally from the decreases in gross profit as a
percentage of revenues, from 15.7% for the third quarter and 17.7% for the first nine months of
2006, to 15.0% and 16.2% for the corresponding periods of 2007, and, for the 9-month period, to the
absence in 2007 of a very large sale of toolroom supplies as occurred in the first quarter of 2006.
* * * * *
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS AND CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
Reference is made to page 32 of Item 7, Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations, of the Form 10-K Annual Report filed by Wesco for the year
ended December 31, 2006, for a table summarizing the contractual obligations associated with
ongoing business activities of Wesco and its subsidiaries, some of which are off-balance sheet, and
involve cash payments in periods after yearend 2006. At September 30, 2007, there have been no
material changes in contractual obligations, including off-balance sheet arrangements, of Wesco or
its subsidiaries from those reported as of December 31, 2006.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND PRACTICES
Reference is made to pages 32 to 34 of Item 7, Managements Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations, of the Form 10-K Annual Report filed by Wesco for
the year ended December 31, 2006 for the accounting policies and practices considered by Wescos
management to be critical to its determination of consolidated financial position and results of
operations, as well as to Note 1 to Wescos consolidated financial statements appearing on pages 46
through 48 thereof for a description of the significant policies and practices followed by Wesco
(including those deemed critical) in preparing its consolidated financial statements. There have
been no changes in significant policies and practices through September 30, 2007.
-18-
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain representations of management stated in this report or elsewhere constitute
forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995, as contrasted with statements of historical fact. Forward-looking statements include
statements which are predictive in nature, or which depend upon or refer to future events or
conditions, or which include words such as expects, anticipates, intends, plans, believes,
estimates, may, or could, or which involve hypothetical events. Forward-looking statements are
based on information currently available and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that
could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those characterized as being likely
or possible to occur. Such statements should be considered judgments only, not guarantees, and
Wescos management assumes no duty, nor has it any specific intention, to update them.
Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in
forward-looking statements due to a number of factors. The principal important risk factors that
could cause Wescos actual performance and future events and actions to differ materially from
those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to,
changes in market prices of Wescos significant equity investments, the occurrence of one or more
catastrophic events such as acts of terrorism, hurricanes, or other events that cause losses
insured by Wescos insurance subsidiaries, changes in insurance laws or regulations, changes in
income tax laws or regulations, and changes in general economic and market factors that affect the
prices of investment securities or the industries in which Wesco and its affiliates do business.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
WESCO FINANCIAL CORPORATION
|
|
Date: November 2, 2007 |
By: |
/s/ Jeffrey L. Jacobson
|
|
|
|
Jeffrey L. Jacobson |
|
|
|
Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer) |
|
|
-19-