UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

ý

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2005

 

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 001-32427

 


 

HUNTSMAN CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

42-1648585

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

500 Huntsman Way
Salt Lake City, Utah 84108
(801) 584-5700
(Address of principal executive offices and 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 ý  NO o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES o  NO ý

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES o  NO ý

 

On November 14, 2005, 220,451,484 shares of common stock of the registrant were outstanding.

 

 



 

HUNTSMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD

ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.

Financial Statements

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Unaudited)

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) (Unaudited)

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

ITEM 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

ITEM 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

ITEM 4.

Controls and Procedures

 

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.

Legal Proceedings

 

ITEM 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

ITEM 6.

Exhibits

 

 



 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

HUNTSMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

(In Millions, Except Share Amounts)

 

 

 

September 30,
2005

 

December 31,
2004

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

200.1

 

$

243.5

 

Restricted cash

 

 

8.9

 

Accounts and notes receivables (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $38.0 and $25.8, respectively)

 

1,403.2

 

1,586.0

 

Accounts receivable from affiliates

 

4.5

 

12.1

 

Inventories, net

 

1,335.2

 

1,253.9

 

Prepaid expenses

 

64.4

 

45.0

 

Deferred income taxes

 

12.0

 

11.9

 

Other current assets

 

44.1

 

24.9

 

Total current assets

 

3,063.5

 

3,186.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

4,693.2

 

5,150.9

 

Investment in unconsolidated affiliates

 

175.6

 

170.9

 

Intangible assets, net

 

214.2

 

245.6

 

Goodwill

 

3.3

 

3.3

 

Deferred income taxes

 

66.7

 

34.5

 

Notes receivable from affiliates

 

5.2

 

23.6

 

Other noncurrent assets

 

565.9

 

608.5

 

Total assets

 

$

8,787.6

 

$

9,423.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable, including overdraft of $17.3 and nil, respectively

 

$

999.6

 

$

970.3

 

Accounts payable to affiliates

 

8.1

 

30.6

 

Accrued liabilities

 

669.6

 

779.0

 

Deferred income taxes

 

14.0

 

10.8

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

43.9

 

37.5

 

Total current liabilities

 

1,735.2

 

1,828.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

4,396.8

 

6,221.1

 

Long-term debt to affiliate

 

 

40.9

 

Deferred income taxes

 

265.6

 

217.9

 

Other noncurrent liabilities

 

733.7

 

757.1

 

Total liabilities

 

7,131.3

 

9,065.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minority interests in common stock of consolidated subsidiaries

 

45.1

 

36.8

 

Warrants issued by consolidated subsidiary

 

 

128.7

 

Redeemable preferred members’ interest

 

 

574.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 11 and 12)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity (deficit):

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock $0.01 par value, 1,200,000,000 shares authorized, 221,200,997 issued and 220,451,484 outstanding

 

2.2

 

 

Preferred members’ interest

 

 

195.7

 

Mandatory convertible preferred stock $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 5,750,000 issued and outstanding

 

287.5

 

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

2,776.0

 

712.5

 

Unearned stock-based compensation

 

(13.7

)

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(1,444.8

)

(1,471.2

)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

4.0

 

181.0

 

Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)

 

1,611.2

 

(382.0

)

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)

 

$

8,787.6

 

$

9,423.5

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

1



 

HUNTSMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND
COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (UNAUDITED)

(In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade sales

 

$

3,114.4

 

$

2,921.0

 

$

9,691.5

 

$

8,275.5

 

Related party sales

 

7.4

 

13.8

 

119.1

 

34.1

 

Total revenues

 

3,121.8

 

2,934.8

 

9,810.6

 

8,309.6

 

Cost of goods sold

 

2,729.2

 

2,566.8

 

8,319.4

 

7,327.9

 

Gross profit

 

392.6

 

368.0

 

1,491.2

 

981.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

166.6

 

150.8

 

498.9

 

481.0

 

Research and development

 

22.1

 

22.4

 

72.0

 

71.5

 

Other operating expense (income)

 

6.1

 

(14.3

)

56.1

 

5.9

 

Restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs

 

71.3

 

43.2

 

100.5

 

202.4

 

Total operating expenses

 

266.1

 

202.1

 

727.5

 

760.8

 

Operating income

 

126.5

 

165.9

 

763.7

 

220.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

(101.1

)

(154.6

)

(341.8

)

(459.5

)

Loss on accounts receivable securitization program

 

(3.3

)

(3.7

)

(8.9

)

(10.2

)

Equity in income (loss) of investment in unconsolidated affiliates

 

1.9

 

(0.1

)

7.0

 

3.0

 

Other (expense) income

 

(43.9

)

3.1

 

(279.7

)

(0.8

)

(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest

 

(19.9

)

10.6

 

140.3

 

(246.6

)

Income tax (expense) benefit

 

(7.7

)

36.1

 

(68.8

)

25.7

 

(Loss) income from continuing operations before minority interest

 

(27.6

)

46.7

 

71.5

 

(220.9

)

Minority interest in subsidiaries’ income

 

(1.6

)

(0.2

)

(1.5

)

(1.1

)

(Loss) income from continuing operations

 

(29.2

)

46.5

 

70.0

 

(222.0

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations (including loss on disposal of $36.4 in 2005), net of tax

 

(0.6

)

(2.8

)

(43.6

)

(4.5

)

Net (loss) income

 

(29.8

)

43.7

 

26.4

 

(226.5

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock dividends

 

 

(21.9

)

(43.1

)

(65.8

)

Net (loss) income available to common stockholders

 

$

(29.8

)

$

21.8

 

$

(16.7

)

$

(292.3

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

 

$

(29.8

)

$

43.7

 

$

26.4

 

$

(226.5

)

Other comprehensive (loss) income

 

(25.4

)

8.9

 

(177.0

)

(12.0

)

Comprehensive (loss) income

 

$

(55.2

)

$

52.6

 

$

(150.6

)

$

(238.5

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted (loss) income per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income from continuing operations

 

$

(0.13

)

$

0.11

 

$

0.12

 

$

(1.31

)

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

(0.01

)

(0.01

)

(0.20

)

(0.02

)

Net (loss) income

 

$

(0.14

)

$

0.10

 

$

(0.08

)

$

(1.33

)

Weighted average shares

 

220.5

 

220.5

 

220.5

 

220.5

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

2



 

HUNTSMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(UNAUDITED)

(In Millions, Except Share Amounts)

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common
stock

 

Mandatory convertible preferred stock

 

Common
stock

 

Preferred
members’ interest

 

Mandatory
convertible
preferred stock

 

Additional
paid-in
capital

 

Unearned
stock-based
compensation

 

Accumulated
deficit

 

Accumulated other
comprehensive
income

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, January 1, 2005

 

 

 

$

 

$

195.7

 

$

 

$

712.5

 

$

 

$

(1,471.2

)

$

181.0

 

$

(382.0

)

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

26.4

 

 

 

26.4

 

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(177.0

)

(177.0

)

Issuance of common stock and mandatory convertible preferred stock

 

55,681,819

 

5,750,000

 

0.6

 

 

287.5

 

1,201.0

 

 

 

 

 

1,489.1

 

Issuance of nonvested stock awards

 

 

 

 

 

 

16.9

 

(16.9

)

 

 

 

Recognition of stock-based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.2

 

3.2

 

 

 

6.4

 

Exchange of previous common and preferred members’ interest and warrants for common stock

 

164,769,665

 

 

1.6

 

(195.7

)

 

885.5

 

 

 

 

691.4

 

Dividends declared on mandatory convertible preferred stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

(43.1

)

 

 

 

(43.1

)

Balance, September 30, 2005

 

220,451,484

 

5,750,000

 

$

2.2

 

$

 

$

287.5

 

$

2,776.0

 

$

(13.7

)

$

(1,444.8

)

$

4.0

 

$

1,611.2

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3



 

HUNTSMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

(Dollars in Millions)

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

26.4

 

$

(226.5

)

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in income of investment in unconsolidated affiliates

 

(7.0

)

(3.0

)

Depreciation and amortization

 

372.9

 

410.3

 

Noncash restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs

 

46.3

 

109.0

 

Provision for losses on accounts receivable

 

12.2

 

2.1

 

Loss on disposal of assets

 

3.3

 

1.3

 

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

 

276.4

 

1.9

 

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations

 

36.4

 

 

Noncash interest expense

 

46.0

 

118.0

 

Deferred income taxes

 

67.8

 

(55.8

)

Net unrealized loss (gain) on foreign currency transactions

 

53.7

 

(26.1

)

Other

 

(10.0

)

 

Minority interest in subsidiaries’ income

 

1.5

 

1.1

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts and notes receivable

 

212.0

 

(231.8

)

Change in receivables sold, net

 

(79.7

)

(64.9

)

Inventories

 

(109.9

)

(97.7

)

Prepaid expenses

 

26.5

 

12.2

 

Other current assets

 

(1.2

)

16.9

 

Other noncurrent assets

 

(6.9

)

(39.8

)

Accounts payable

 

(72.6

)

104.3

 

Accrued liabilities

 

(115.0

)

(2.2

)

Other noncurrent liabilities

 

(25.7

)

26.6

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

753.4

 

55.9

 

Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

(202.0

)

(145.0

)

Proceeds from sale of assets

 

5.1

 

3.3

 

Investment in unconsolidated affiliates

 

(8.0

)

(11.8

)

Acquisition of minority interests

 

 

(7.3

)

Net cash received from unconsolidated affiliates

 

5.1

 

10.1

 

Net investment in government securities, resticted as to use

 

(33.7

)

 

Advances to unconsolidated affiliates

 

 

(2.4

)

Change in restricted cash

 

8.9

 

(7.6

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(224.6

)

(160.7

)

Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Principal payments on notes payable

 

(26.1

)

 

Net (repayment) borrowings under revolving loan facilities

 

(117.1

)

70.8

 

Net repayments of overdraft and other short-term debt

 

17.3

 

(7.5

)

Proceeds from long-term debt

 

1,873.1

 

1,827.5

 

Repayment of long-term debt and notes payable

 

(3,685.1

)

(1,739.8

)

Debt issuance costs

 

(15.8

)

(25.5

)

Cost of early extinguishment of debt

 

(109.0

)

 

Other

 

11.2

 

2.7

 

Dividend paid to preferred stockholders

 

(7.2

)

 

Net proceeds from issuance of common and preferred stock

 

1,489.1

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

 

(569.6

)

128.2

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

(2.6

)

(0.2

)

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

(43.4

)

23.2

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

243.5

 

197.8

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

200.1

 

$

221.0

 

Supplemental cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for interest

 

$

368.5

 

$

372.1

 

Cash paid for income taxes

 

$

19.6

 

$

22.5

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4



 

HUNTSMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

1.                                      General

 

Certain Definitions

 

“Company,” “our,” “us” or “we” may be used to refer to Huntsman Corporation and, unless the context otherwise requires, its subsidiaries and predecessors. Any references to the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” as of a date prior to October 19, 2004 (the date of our formation) are to Huntsman Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries (including their respective predecessors). In this report, “HIH” refers to Huntsman International Holdings LLC (our 100% owned subsidiary that merged into HI on August 16, 2005) and, unless the context otherwise requires, its subsidiaries, “HI” refers to Huntsman International LLC (our 100% owned subsidiary) and, unless the context otherwise requires, its subsidiaries, “AdMat” refers to Huntsman Advanced Materials LLC (our 90.3% owned indirect subsidiary) and, unless the context otherwise requires, its subsidiaries, “HLLC” or “Huntsman LLC” refers to Huntsman LLC (our 100% owned subsidiary that merged into HI on August 16, 2005), “HMP” refers to HMP Equity Holdings Corporation (our 100% owned subsidiary that merged into us on March 17, 2005), “Vantico” refers to Vantico Group S.A. (a 100% owned subsidiary of AdMat) and, unless the context otherwise requires, its subsidiaries, “Huntsman Family Holdings” refers to Huntsman Family Holdings LLC (an owner with MatlinPatterson of HMP Equity Trust), and “MatlinPatterson” refers to MatlinPatterson Global Opportunities Partners L.P., MatlinPatterson Global Opportunities Partners (Bermuda) L.P. and MatlinPatterson Global Opportunities Partners B, L.P. (collectively, an owner with Huntsman Family Holdings of HMP Equity Trust).

 

Description of Business

 

We are among the world’s largest global manufacturers of differentiated and commodity chemical products. We manufacture a broad range of chemical products and formulations, which we market in more than 100 countries to a diversified group of consumer and industrial customers. Our products are used in a wide range of applications, including those in the adhesives, aerospace, automotive, construction products, durable and non-durable consumer products, electronics, medical, packaging, paints and coatings, power generation, refining and synthetic fiber industries. We are a leading global producer in many of our key product lines, including MDI, amines, surfactants, epoxy-based polymer formulations, maleic anhydride and titanium dioxide.

 

Company

 

We were formed in 2004 to hold, among other things, the equity interests of  HI, AdMat and Huntsman LLC. The transfer to us of the net assets of HI, AdMat and Huntsman LLC was between entities under common control and recorded at historical carrying value. Our condensed consolidated financial statements presented herein reflect the financial position, results of operations and cash flows as if HI, AdMat, Huntsman LLC and our Company were combined for all periods presented.

 

On February 16, 2005, we completed an initial public offering of 55,681,819 shares of our common stock sold by us and 13,579,546 shares of our common stock sold by a selling stockholder, in each case at a price to the public of $23 per share, and 5,750,000 shares of our 5% mandatory convertible preferred stock sold by us at a price to the public of $50 per share. Each share of preferred stock will be convertible into between approximately 1.77 and approximately 2.17 shares of our common stock, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, depending upon the trading price of our common stock prior to the third anniversary of our initial public offering. This will result in between approximately 10.2 million and approximately 12.5 million additional shares of our common stock outstanding upon conversion. See “Note 18—Net Income (Loss) per Share.”

 

The net proceeds to us from our initial public offering of common and preferred stock were approximately $1,500 million, substantially all of which has been used to repay outstanding indebtedness of certain of our subsidiaries as follows:

 

                  On February 16, 2005, we used $41.6 million of net proceeds from the offering to redeem in full the subordinated note due Horizon Ventures LLC, an affiliated entity.

 

                  On February 28, 2005, we used $1,216.7 million of net proceeds from the offering, along with $35.0 million in available cash, to redeem

 

5



 

                  all of the outstanding 15% senior secured discount notes due 2008 of HMP (the “HMP Senior Discount Notes”);

 

                  $452.3 million of the outstanding 13.375% senior discount notes due 2009 of HIH (the “HIH Senior Discount Notes”); and

 

                  $159.4 million of the outstanding 11.625% senior secured notes due 2010 of Huntsman LLC.

 

                  On February 28, 2005, we contributed to HIH the HIH Senior Subordinated Discount Notes due 2009 at an accreted value of $422.8 million.

 

                  On March 14, 2005, we used $151.7 million of net cash proceeds from the offering to redeem the remaining outstanding HIH Senior Discount Notes, $78.0 million of the outstanding 11.5% senior notes due 2012 of Huntsman LLC (the “2012 Senior Fixed Rate Notes”) and to pay $7.8 million to HMP warrant holders for a consent fee. On March 17, 2005, we used $26.8 million of the net cash proceeds from the offering to redeem an additional $24.0 million of the 2012 Senior Fixed Rate Notes.

 

In connection with the completion of our initial public offering, we consummated a reorganization transaction (the “Reorganization Transaction.”)  In the Reorganization Transaction, our predecessor, Huntsman Holdings, LLC, became our wholly owned subsidiary, and the existing beneficial holders of the common and preferred members interests of Huntsman Holdings, LLC received shares of our common stock in exchange for their interests.

 

In connection with our initial public offering and as part of the Reorganization Transaction, we exercised our rights to require that all the warrants to purchase common stock of HMP (the “HMP Warrants”) be exchanged for newly issued shares of our common stock.  Under the terms of the HMP Warrants, an aggregate of approximately 16.8 million shares of our common stock was issued in exchange for the outstanding HMP Warrants.

 

HMP Equity Trust holds approximately 59% of our common stock. Jon M. Huntsman and Peter R. Huntsman control the voting of the shares of our common stock held by HMP Equity Trust. However, the shares of our common stock held by HMP Equity Trust will not be voted in favor of certain fundamental corporate actions without the consent of MatlinPatterson, through its representatives David J. Matlin or Christopher R. Pechock, and Jon M. Huntsman and Peter R. Huntsman have agreed to cause all of the shares of our common stock held by HMP Equity Trust to be voted in favor of the election to our board of directors of two nominees designated by MatlinPatterson.

 

Recent Developments

 

U.S. Gulf Coast Storms and PO/MTBE Restart

 

Following Hurricane Katrina, we announced that none of our manufacturing facilities sustained serious structural damage and that all of our impacted facilities were up and operating with minimal disruption.

 

On September 22, 2005, prior to Hurricane Rita, we announced that we had suspended operations at our Gulf Coast facilities in Port Arthur, Port Neches, Conroe, Freeport, Chocolate Bayou and Dayton, Texas and in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Shortly after Hurricane Rita, we announced that our facilities at Conroe, Freeport, Chocolate Bayou and Dayton, Texas commenced operations and, on October 10, 2005, announced that our titanium dioxide facility at Lake Charles, Louisiana and our butadiene plant at Port Neches, Texas restarted.

 

On October 13, 2005, we announced that our major propylene oxide/MTBE unit in Port Neches, Texas (the “PO/MTBE Unit”) restarted. Unrelated to the hurricanes, on August 25, 2005, the PO/MTBE Unit was temporarily shut down for unscheduled maintenance and repairs.  We completed the maintenance and repair work prior to Hurricane Rita, but suspended the restart in response to the hurricane.

 

On October 23, 2005, we restarted our smaller olefins unit at Port Neches, Texas, allowing us to resume full production of our surfactants and amines products.  On November 4, 2005, we restarted our larger olefins unit at Port Arthur, Texas.  All of our principal operating units are now in operation.

 

6



 

Certain of our products were temporarily negatively impacted by restrictions on the availability of certain raw materials as well as logistics and transportation limitations.  In addition, certain of our suppliers and customers in the Gulf Coast region sustained damage to their operations, which temporarily impacted their ability to deliver and purchase products.

 

The U.S. Gulf Coast storms, on top of an already high cost raw material environment, have generally resulted in increases in the cost of energy and many of our key feedstocks.  In response to higher raw material and energy costs and because of improving market conditions, we have recently announced price increases in many of our products.

 

These events negatively affected our results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and likely will have a negative effect on our operations in the fourth quarter of 2005.

 

Merger of Huntsman LLC and HIH with and into HI

 

On August 16, 2005, Huntsman LLC and HIH merged with and into HI (the “Merger”).  HI is, and each of Huntsman LLC and HIH was, a direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of our Company.  We effected the Merger to simplify our consolidated group’s financing and public reporting structure, to reduce our cost of financing and to facilitate other organizational efficiencies.  As a result of the Merger, HI succeeded to the assets, rights and obligations of Huntsman LLC.  In particular, HI entered into supplemental indentures under which it assumed the obligations of Huntsman LLC under its outstanding 11.625% senior secured notes due 2010 ($296 million outstanding principal amount), the 2012 Senior Fixed Rate Notes ($198 million outstanding principal amount) and senior floating rate notes due 2011 ($100 million outstanding principal amount) (collectively, the “Former HLLC Notes”).  HI’s subsidiaries that previously guaranteed its outstanding debt securities have provided guarantees of the Former HLLC Notes, and all subsidiaries of Huntsman LLC that guaranteed the Former HLLC Notes prior to the Merger executed supplemental indentures to guarantee all of HI’s outstanding debt securities.

 

New Credit Facilities

 

On August 16, 2005, effective upon completion of the Merger, HI repaid its existing secured credit facilities (the “Former HI Credit Facilities”), Huntsman LLC’s secured credit facilities (the “Former HLLC Credit Facilities”) and a subordinated note with an aggregate principal amount of $106.6 million (the “Huntsman Specialty Subordinated Note”) with available cash on hand and the proceeds of facilities under a new senior secured credit agreement (the “New Credit Facilities”), consisting of (i) a $650 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Facility”) (of which $143 million was drawn upon completion of the Merger), (ii) a $1,730 million term loan (the “Dollar Term Facility”), and (iii) a €100 million (approximately $123.5 million) term loan (the “Euro Term Facility”).  In addition, immediately prior to the Merger, Huntsman LLC funded the redemption of its outstanding 9.5% senior subordinated notes due 2007 and its senior subordinated floating rate notes due 2007, which together had an aggregate outstanding principal amount of approximately $59 million.  The redemption of such notes was completed on September 1, 2005. In connection with the Merger and related financing, HI temporarily (through March 31, 2006) increased the capacity of its accounts receivable securitization program (the “A/R Securitization Program”) by $50 million to approximately $375 million U.S. dollar equivalents. All of the initial borrowings under the Revolving Facility were repaid a few days later with proceeds provided under the expanded A/R Securitization Program.

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

Our condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and any variable interest entities for which we are the primary beneficiary.  All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

 

Interim Financial Statements

 

Our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP” or “U.S. GAAP”) and in management’s opinion, reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the periods presented. Results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of those to be expected for the full year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes to consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.

 

7



 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain amounts in the condensed consolidated financial statements for prior periods have been reclassified to conform with the current presentation.

 

2.                                      Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Financial Interpretation No. (“FIN”) 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities.” FIN 46 addresses the requirements for business enterprises to consolidate related entities, for which they do not have controlling interests through voting or other rights, if they are determined to be the primary beneficiary as a result of variable economic interests. Transfers to a qualifying special purpose entity are not subject to this interpretation. In December 2003, the FASB issued a replacement of FIN 46 (FIN 46R) to clarify certain complexities. We were required to adopt this financial interpretation on January 1, 2005. The adoption of the standard required us to consolidate our Rubicon LLC joint venture. Rubicon LLC manufactures products, including aniline and DPA, for us and our joint venture partner.  Rubicon LLC borrows funds from us and a joint venture partner to finance capital requirements and receives reimbursement of costs incurred to operate its facilities.

 

In November 2004, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 151, “Inventory Costs—an amendment of ARB No. 43.” SFAS No. 151 requires abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material to be recognized as current-period charges. It also requires that allocation of fixed production overhead to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The requirements of the standard will be effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. We are reviewing SFAS No. 151 to determine the statement’s impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets—an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29.” SFAS No. 153 addresses the measurement of exchanges of nonmonetary assets and eliminates the exception from fair value measurement for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets in APB Opinion No. 29 and replaces it with an exception for exchanges that do not have commercial substance. SFAS No. 153 specifies that a nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. We adopted SFAS No. 153 for nonmonetary exchanges occurring after June 30, 2005.

 

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123R, “Share Based Payment.” SFAS No. 123R requires entities to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. That cost will be recognized over the period during which the employee is required to provide services in exchange for the award. This standard eliminates the alternative to use the intrinsic value method of accounting for share-based payments as previously provided in APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” We adopted SFAS No. 123R effective January 1, 2005, and have applied this standard prospectively to share-based awards issued to our employees in connection with our initial public offering. We did not have share-based awards prior to the awards issued in connection with our initial public offering.

 

In March 2005, the FASB issued FIN 47, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations.” FIN 47 clarifies the term conditional asset retirement obligation used in SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations,” and clarifies when an entity would have sufficient information to reasonably estimate the fair value of an asset retirement obligation. FIN 47 is effective no later than the end of December 2005. We are reviewing FIN 47 to determine its impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections—a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3.”  SFAS No. 154 requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements of changes in accounting principle, unless it is impracticable to determine either the period-specific effects or the cumulative effect of the change or unless specific transition provisions are proscribed in the accounting pronouncements. SFAS No. 154 does not change the accounting guidance for reporting a correction of an error in previously issued financial

 

8



 

statements or a change in accounting estimate.  SFAS No. 154 is effective for accounting changes and error corrections made after December 31, 2005. We will apply this standard prospectively.

 

In September 2005, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) reached a consensus on issue 04-13, “Accounting for Purchase and Sales of Inventory with the Same Counterparty,” that requires companies to recognize an exchange of finished goods for raw materials or work-in-process within the same line of business at fair value. All other exchanges of inventory should be reflected at the recorded amount. This consensus is effective for transactions completed after March 31, 2006.  We are evaluating the impact of this consensus to determine its impact on our results of operations.

 

3.                                      Inventories

 

Inventories consisted of the following (dollars in millions):

 

 

 

September 30,
2005

 

December 31,
2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Raw materials and supplies

 

$

410.6

 

$

332.0

 

Work in progress

 

81.4

 

91.5

 

Finished goods

 

963.9

 

922.8

 

Total

 

1,455.9

 

1,346.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIFO reserves

 

(120.7

)

(92.0

)

Lower of cost or market reserves

 

 

(0.4

)

Inventories, net

 

$

1,335.2

 

$

1,253.9

 

 

As of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, approximately 57% and 56%, respectively, of inventories were recorded using the last-in, first-out cost method.

 

In the normal course of operations, we exchange raw materials with other companies. No gains or losses are recognized on these exchanges, and the net open exchange positions are valued at our cost. The amount included in inventory under open exchange agreements payable by us at September 30, 2005 was $4.8 million (13.3 million pounds of feedstock and products). The amount included in inventory under open exchange agreements payable by us at December 31, 2004 was $5.3 million (8.7 million pounds of feedstock and products).

 

4.                                      Restructuring, Impairment and Plant Closing Costs

 

As of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, accrued restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs by type of cost and initiative consisted of the following (dollars in millions):

 

9



 

 

 

Workforce
reductions(1)

 

Demolition and
decommissioning

 

Non-cancelable
lease costs

 

Other
restructuring
costs

 

Total(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2004

 

$

122.0

 

$

8.4

 

$

5.1

 

$

17.6

 

$

153.1

 

2005 charges for 2003 initiatives

 

7.9

 

 

2.5

 

 

10.4

 

2005 charges for 2004 initiatives

 

28.3

 

0.1

 

 

10.9

 

39.3

 

2005 charges for 2005 initiatives

 

5.3

 

 

 

1.6

 

6.9

 

Reversals of reserves no longer required

 

(1.0

)

 

(0.9

)

(0.5

)

(2.4

)

Partial reversal of AdMat Transaction opening balance sheet accrual

 

(3.7

)

(0.8

)

 

(0.8

)

(5.3

)

2005 payments for 2003 initiatives

 

(20.0

)

(0.2

)

(0.1

)

(1.1

)

(21.4

)

2005 payments for 2004 initiatives

 

(70.1

)

(0.7

)

(0.8

)

(6.0

)

(77.6

)

2005 payments for 2005 initiatives

 

(0.9

)

 

 

(0.1

)

(1.0

)

Foreign currency effect on reserve balance

 

(10.0

)

(0.1

)

(0.3

)

(2.2

)

(12.6

)

Accrued liabilities as of September 30, 2005

 

$

57.8

 

$

6.7

 

$

5.5

 

$

19.4

 

$

89.4

 

 


(1)                                  Substantially all of the positions terminated in connection with the restructuring programs were terminated under ongoing termination benefit arrangements. Accordingly, the related liabilities were accrued as a one-time charge to earnings in accordance with SFAS No. 112, “Employers’ Accounting for Postemployment Benefits.”

 

(2)                                  Accrued liabilities by initiatives were as follows (dollars in millions):

 

 

 

September 30,
2005

 

December 31,
2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2001 initiatives

 

$

2.8

 

$

2.8

 

2003 initiatives

 

33.8

 

44.8

 

2004 initiatives

 

53.2

 

99.2

 

2005 initiatives

 

5.9

 

 

Foreign currency effect on reserve balance

 

(6.3

)

6.3

 

Total

 

$

89.4

 

$

153.1

 

 

Details with respect to our reserves for restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs are provided below by segment and initiative (dollars in millions):

 

10



 

 

 

Polyurethanes

 

Advanced
Materials

 

Performance
Products

 

Pigments

 

Polymers

 

Base
Chemicals

 

Total

 

Accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2004

 

$

19.0

 

$

33.0

 

$

58.2

 

$

22.0

 

$

5.8

 

$

15.1

 

$

153.1

 

2005 charges for 2003 initiatives

 

3.7

 

 

 

6.7

 

 

 

10.4

 

2005 charges for 2004 initiatives

 

2.2

 

0.4

 

4.9

 

18.9

 

4.1

 

8.8

 

39.3

 

2005 charges for 2005 initiatives

 

 

 

1.7

 

2.7

 

 

2.5

 

6.9

 

Reversals of reserves no longer required

 

 

(1.0

)

 

(1.4

)

 

 

(2.4

)

Partial reversal of Admat Transaction opening balance sheet accrual

 

 

(5.3

)

 

 

 

 

(5.3

)

2005 payments for 2003 initiatives

 

(4.6

)

(8.6

)

(0.8

)

(7.4

)

 

 

(21.4

)

2005 payments for 2004 initiatives

 

(5.3

)

(6.7

)

(26.6

)

(18.2

)

(6.3

)

(14.5

)

(77.6

)

2005 payments for 2005 initiatives

 

 

 

(0.1

)

(0.9

)

 

 

(1.0

)

Foreign currency effect on reserve balance

 

(1.5

)

(1.7

)

(6.3

)

(2.1

)

(0.5

)

(0.5

)

(12.6

)

Accrued liabilities as of September 30, 2005

 

$

13.5

 

$

10.1

 

$

31.0

 

$

20.3

 

$

3.1

 

$

11.4

 

$

89.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion of restructuring reserve

 

$

5.2

 

$

7.0

 

$

21.3

 

$

17.6

 

$

0.7

 

$

9.9

 

$

61.7

 

Long-term portion of restructuring reserve

 

8.3

 

3.1

 

9.7

 

2.7

 

2.4

 

1.5

 

27.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Estimated additional future charges for current restructuring projects:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Estimated additional charges within one year

 

$

0.6

 

$

3.0

 

$

2.0

 

$

9.0

 

$

 

$

6.6

 

$

21.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Estimated additional charges beyond one year

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

As of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, we had reserves for restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs of $89.4 million and $153.1 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, we recorded additional net charges of $100.5 million (consisting of $54.2 million payable in cash and $46.3 million of non-cash charges) for workforce reductions, demolition and decommissioning and other restructuring costs associated with closure or curtailment of activities at our smaller, less efficient manufacturing facilities and for an impairment of long-lived assets. During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, we made cash payments against these reserves of $100.0 million.

 

As of December 31, 2004, our Polyurethanes segment reserve consisted of $19.0 million related to various restructuring programs, including the closure of our West Deptford, New Jersey site (as announced in 2004), restructuring initiatives at the Rozenburg, Netherlands site (as announced in 2003), workforce reductions throughout our Polyurethanes segment (as announced in 2003), and the closure of our Shepton Mallet, U.K. site (as announced in 2002). During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, our Polyurethanes segment recorded restructuring charges of $5.9 million related to these initiatives, all of which is payable in cash.  In addition, during the nine months ended September 30, 2005, our Polyurethanes segment made cash payments of $9.9 million. These restructuring initiatives are expected to result in additional restructuring charges of approximately $0.6 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, our Polyurethanes segment recorded restructuring charges of $32.8 million.

 

As of December 31, 2004, in our Advanced Materials segment, accrued restructuring and plant closing costs consisted of $33.0 million related to the restructuring programs implemented in association with the acquisition of our Advanced Materials business (the “AdMat Transaction”), the realignment and simplification of the commercial and technical organization and the closure of our Kaohsiung, Taiwan production facility. During the second quarter of 2005, we assessed the remaining restructuring reserves established in association with the AdMat Transaction and other 2004 initiatives and concluded that $5.3 million and $1.0 million, respectively, were no longer necessary. Accordingly, we reversed these restructuring reserves during the second quarter of 2005. The AdMat Transaction reserve reversal was recorded as a reduction to property, plant and equipment in accordance with EITF 95-3, “Recognition of Liabilities in Connection with a Purchase Business Combination.” The reversal of the restructuring reserve for the other 2004 initiatives was recorded as a credit to earnings. Also during 2005, we recorded restructuring and plant closing charges of $0.4 million for relocation and other costs and made cash payments of $15.3 million.  During the fourth quarter of 2005, our Advanced Materials segment expects to initiate additional restructuring activities to consolidate its European research and development organizations and expects to incur additional restructuring and plant closing costs of approximately $3 million.

 

As of December 31, 2004, our Performance Products segment reserve consisted of $58.2 million related to various restructuring programs across our European surfactants business, including the closure of substantially all of our Whitehaven, U.K. surfactants facility, as well as the closure of our Guelph, Ontario, St. Louis, Missouri and Austin, Texas facilities.

 

11



 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, our Performance Products segment recorded restructuring charges of $6.6 million, all of which is payable in cash, of which $4.9 million related to 2004 activities.  The additional $1.7 million relates mainly to manpower reductions in Performance Products as part of the realignment of our Jefferson County, Texas operations announced on August 30, 2005.  Our Performance Products segment made cash payments of $27.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2005. These restructuring initiatives are expected to result in additional restructuring charges of approximately $2 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, our Performance Products segment recorded restructuring charges of $41.2 million.

 

As of December 31, 2004, our Pigments segment reserve consisted of $22.0 million related to its global workforce reductions announced in 2003 and the reduction of its titanium dioxide (“TiO2”) production capacity announced in 2004. In July 2005, our Pigments and Base Chemicals segments announced that they would establish a single U.K. headquarters in Teesside, U.K. This will result in the closure of our Pigments segment’s Billingham, U.K. headquarters and the creation of a new support center for both businesses. During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, our Pigments segment recorded restructuring charges of $26.9 million related to these restructuring initiatives, all of which was payable in cash, and made cash payments of $26.5 million. These restructuring initiatives are expected to result in additional restructuring charges of approximately $9 million through 2006. During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, our Pigments segment recorded restructuring charges of $111.7 million.

 

As of December 31, 2004, our Polymers segment reserve consisted of $5.8 million related primarily to the closure of our phenol manufacturing unit in Australia and restructuring initiatives at Odessa, Texas.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, our Polymers segment recorded restructuring charges of $51.3 million, $4.1 million of which is payable in cash, and made cash payments of $6.3 million. During the third quarter of 2005, we concluded that the long-lived assets of our Australian styrenics business were impaired as a result of disappointing performance and the lack of anticipated strengthening of the styrenics market.  Accordingly, our Polymers segment recorded an impairment charge of $46.6 million during the third quarter of 2005 related to the Australian styrenics assets.  The fair value of the Australian styrenics assets was determined based on estimated market prices. During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, our Polymers segment recorded restructuring charges of $7.6 million.

 

As of December 31, 2004, our Base Chemicals segment reserve consisted of $15.1 million related primarily to workforce reductions arising from the announced change in work shift schedules and in the engineering and support functions at our Wilton and North Tees, U.K. facilities.  In July 2005, our Pigments and Base Chemicals segments announced that they would establish a single U.K. headquarters in Teesside, U.K.  In August 2005, our Base Chemicals segment announced the restructuring of its Jefferson County, Texas operations. During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, our Base Chemicals segment recorded restructuring charges of $11.3 million related to these initiatives, all of which was payable in cash, and made cash payments of $14.5 million. These restructuring initiatives are expected to result in additional restructuring charges of approximately $7 million through 2006. During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, our Base Chemicals segment recorded restructuring charges of $9.1 million.

 

12



 

5.                                      Debt

 

Outstanding debt consisted of the following (dollars in millions):

 

 

 

September 30,
2005

 

December 31,
2004

 

New Credit Facilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Term Loan B

 

$

1,800.5

 

$

 

Former HI Credit Facilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Term Loan B

 

 

1,314.1

 

Former HLLC Credit Facilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Term Loan B

 

 

715.0

 

Revolving Facility

 

 

125.0

 

2010 Secured Notes

 

293.5

 

451.1

 

2009 Senior Notes

 

455.0

 

456.0

 

2011 Senior Floating Rate Notes

 

100.0

 

100.0

 

2012 Senior Fixed Rate Notes

 

198.0

 

300.0

 

Subordinated Notes

 

1,154.6

 

1,242.0

 

HLLC Subordinated Notes

 

 

59.3

 

Huntsman Specialty Subordinated Note

 

 

101.2

 

HIH Senior Discount Notes

 

 

494.7

 

HIH Senior Subordinated Discount Notes

 

 

413.7

 

Australian Credit Facilities

 

65.7

 

59.2

 

Consolidated Chinese Splitting JV debt

 

30.6

 

10.4

 

Subordinated note - affiliate

 

 

40.9

 

Other

 

64.3

 

58.7

 

Total debt

 

4,162.2

 

5,941.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AdMat:

 

 

 

 

 

AdMat Senior Secured Notes

 

274.7

 

348.6

 

Other

 

3.8

 

1.8

 

Total AdMat debt

 

278.5

 

350.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HMP:

 

 

 

 

 

HMP Senior Discount Notes

 

 

411.9

 

Total HMP debt

 

 

411.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value adjustment of HIH debt

 

 

9.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elimination of HIH Senior Subordinated Discount Notes (owned by HMP)

 

 

(413.7

)

Total debt

 

$

4,440.7

 

$

6,299.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion

 

43.9

 

37.5

 

Long-term portion - excluding affiliate

 

4,396.8

 

6,221.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term portion - affiliate

 

 

40.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total debt

 

$

4,440.7

 

$

6,299.5

 

 

Subsidiary Debt

 

With the exception of our guarantee of certain debt of our Consolidated Chinese Splitting JV (as defined below) discussed in “—Other Debt” below, we have no direct debt or guarantee obligations.  All our debt has been incurred by our subsidiaries, and such debt is non-recourse to us and we have no contractual obligation to fund our subsidiaries respective operations.  HI and AdMat, our two principal operating subsidiaries, are separately financed and their respective debt is non-recourse to each other. The following is a discussion of the debt of our subsidiaries.

 

13



 

Credit Facilities

 

On August 16, 2005, effective upon the completion of the Merger, HI repaid the Former HI Credit Facilities, the Former HLLC Credit Facilities and the Huntsman Specialty Subordinated Note with available cash and with the proceeds of HI’s New Credit Facilities.

 

HI’s New Credit Facilities consist of (i) the $650 million Revolving Facility (of which $143 million was drawn upon completion of the Merger), (ii) the $1,730 million Dollar Term Facility (of which $1,683.5 million remains outstanding after HI made a voluntary prepayment of $46.5 million on September 19, 2005), and (iii) the €100 million (approximately $123.5 million) Euro Term Facility (of which  €97.3 million remains outstanding after HI made a voluntary prepayment of €2.7 million on September 19, 2005).  All of the initial borrowings under the Revolving Facility were repaid a few days later with proceeds received under HI’s A/R Securitization Program. The Dollar Term Loan and the Euro Term Loan each require amortization payments of 1% annually.

 

Borrowings under the Revolving Facility currently bear interest at LIBOR plus 1.75% and mature in 2010.  The Dollar Term Facility also bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.75% and matures in 2012.  The Euro Term Facility bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.00% and matures in 2012.  As of September 30, 2005, the weighted average interest rate on the New Credit Facilities was 5.4%, excluding the impact of interest rate hedges.  As of September 30, 2005, HI had $22.2 million in U.S. dollar equivalents of letters of credit issued and outstanding under the Revolving Facility.

 

HI’s obligations under the New Credit Facilities are guaranteed by substantially all of its domestic subsidiaries and certain of its foreign subsidiaries (the “HI Guarantors”), and are secured by a first priority lien (generally shared with the holders of the 2010 Secured Notes (as defined below)) on substantially all of HI’s domestic property, plant and equipment, the stock of all of HI’s material domestic subsidiaries and certain foreign subsidiaries, and pledges of intercompany notes between HI’s various subsidiaries.

 

The credit agreements governing the New Credit Facilities contain financial covenants typical for these types of agreements, including a minimum interest coverage ratio, a maximum debt-to-EBITDA ratio and a limit on capital expenditures.  The credit agreements also contain customary restrictions on HI’s ability to incur liens, incur additional debt, merge or sell assets, pay dividends, prepay other indebtedness, make investments or engage in transactions with affiliates, and other customary restrictions and default provisions.  Under the credit agreements, the maturity of the New Credit Facilities will accelerate if HI does not repay all but $100 million of any of HI’s outstanding debt securities at least three months prior to the maturity of those securities.

 

Prior to entering into the agreements governing the New Credit Facilities on August 16, 2005, the Former HI Credit Facilities consisted of a revolving loan facility of up to $375 million and a term loan B facility which consisted of a $1,082.5 million term portion and a €41.6 million term portion. The Former HLLC Credit Facilities consisted of a $350 million revolving credit facility and a $665 million term loan B facility.

 

AdMat has a revolving credit facility (the “AdMat Revolving Credit Facility”) that provides up to $60 million of borrowings and is secured by a first lien on substantially all of AdMat’s assets and those of certain of its subsidiaries. The collateral includes substantially all real property and equipment relating to AdMat’s manufacturing plants located at Bergkamen, Germany; Monthey, Switzerland; McIntosh, Alabama; and Duxford, U.K. The collateral also includes intercompany notes of certain of AdMat’s subsidiaries, and certain other assets, principally including inventory and accounts receivable. AdMat’s obligations under the AdMat Revolving Credit Facility have been guaranteed by all of its U.S. subsidiaries and certain of its non-U.S. subsidiaries (collectively, the “AdMat Guarantors”). The agent for the lenders under the AdMat Revolving Credit Facility and the trustee under the indenture governing the AdMat Senior Secured Notes (as defined below) are parties to an intercreditor agreement (the “AdMat Intercreditor Agreement”).

 

On June 17, 2005, AdMat amended the AdMat Revolving Credit Facility. This amendment included, among other things, the extension of the facility’s maturity date from June 30, 2007 to July 15, 2007, the reduction in interest rate margins and the elimination of pledges of capital stock in subsidiaries as collateral under the facility. Interest rates, at AdMat’s option, are based upon either a eurocurrency rate (LIBOR) or a base rate (prime), plus an applicable spread. The applicable spreads vary based on a pricing grid. In the case of the eurocurrency-based loans, spreads range from 1.25% to 1.5% per annum, depending on whether specified conditions have been satisfied, and, in the case of base rate loans, from 0.25% to 0.5% per annum. As of September 30, 2005, AdMat had no amounts drawn on the AdMat Revolving Credit Facility and had

 

14



 

approximately $2.6 million of letters of credit issued and outstanding under the AdMat Revolving Credit Facility. The AdMat Revolving Credit Facility allows AdMat to issue up to $20 million in letters of credit; however, the $60 million revolving credit facility is reduced dollar-for-dollar by any letters of credit outstanding. There are no scheduled debt amortization payments on the AdMat Revolving Credit Facility until its maturity date.

 

The agreement governing the AdMat Revolving Credit Facility contains customary financial covenants; covenants relating to the incurrence of debt, the purchase and sale of assets, limitations on investments and affiliate transactions; change in control provisions; events of default provisions; and acceleration provisions.

 

Secured Notes

 

On August 16, 2005, in connection with the Merger, HI entered into supplemental indentures under which it assumed the obligations of Huntsman LLC under its outstanding 11.625% senior secured notes due 2010 (the “2010 Secured Notes”). For more information, see “Note 1. General—Recent Developments—Merger of Huntsman LLC and HIH with and into HI.” As of September 30, 2005, HI had outstanding $296.0 million aggregate principal amount ($455.4 million original aggregate principal amount) of the 2010 Secured Notes, which are redeemable after October 15, 2007 at 105.813% of the principal amount thereof, declining ratably to par on and after October 15, 2009. In connection with our initial public offering of common and preferred stock, proceeds were used to redeem $159.4 million of aggregate principal amount of the 2010 Secured Notes. Interest on the 2010 Secured Notes is payable semiannually in April and October of each year. The 2010 Secured Notes are secured by a first priority lien on all collateral securing the New Credit Facilities as described above (other than capital stock of HI’s subsidiaries), shared equally with the lenders on the New Credit Facilities, subject to certain intercreditor arrangements.  The 2010 Secured Notes are guaranteed by the HI Guarantors.

 

The 2010 Secured Notes contain covenants relating to the incurrence of debt and limitations on distributions, asset sales and affiliate transactions, among other things. The indentures governing the 2010 Secured Notes also contain change of control provisions requiring us to offer to repurchase the notes upon a change of control.

 

As of September 30, 2005, AdMat had outstanding $250 million fixed rate notes due 2010 (the “AdMat Fixed Rate Notes”) and $25 million floating rate notes due 2008 ($100 million original aggregate principal amount) (the “AdMat Floating Rate Notes,” and, collectively with the AdMat Fixed Rate Notes, the “AdMat Senior Secured Notes”). The $250 million AdMat Fixed Rate Notes bear a per annum fixed rate of interest of 11%, and the AdMat Floating Rate Notes bear interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus 8.0%, subject to a floor with respect to LIBOR of 2.0%. As of September 30, 2005, the interest rate on the AdMat Floating Rate Notes was approximately 11.8%. Interest on the AdMat Floating Rate Notes resets semiannually. The AdMat Floating Rate Notes were issued with an original issue discount of 2.0%. The discount is being amortized to interest expense over the term of the AdMat Floating Rate Notes. Interest is payable on the AdMat Senior Secured Notes semiannually on January 15 and July 15 of each year.

 

The AdMat Senior Secured Notes are secured by a second lien, subject to the AdMat Intercreditor Agreement, on substantially all of the assets that secure the AdMat Revolving Credit Facility. The AdMat Senior Secured Notes effectively rank senior in right of payment to all existing and future obligations of AdMat that are unsecured or secured by liens on the collateral junior to the liens securing the AdMat Senior Secured Notes. The AdMat Senior Secured Notes are guaranteed on a senior basis by the AdMat Guarantors and are also supported by liens on substantially all of the assets of the AdMat Guarantors.

 

The AdMat Fixed Rate Notes are redeemable on or after July 15, 2007 at AdMat’s option at a price declining ratably from 105.5% to 100.0% of par value by the year 2009. At any time prior to July 15, 2007 for the AdMat Fixed Rate Notes, AdMat may redeem all or part of such notes at 100% of their principal amount, plus a “make whole” premium, as defined in the indenture. In addition, at any time prior to July 15, 2006 for the AdMat Fixed Rate Notes, AdMat may redeem up to 35% of the original aggregate principal amount of such notes at a redemption price of 111% of the principal thereof with the net cash proceeds of one or more qualified equity offerings, subject to certain conditions and limitations. The AdMat Floating Rate Notes are currently redeemable at AdMat’s option at a price declining ratably from 105.0% to 100.0% of par value by the year 2007.  During the third quarter of 2005, AdMat completed the partial redemption of $75 million in aggregate principal amount of AdMat Floating Rate Notes and paid call premiums in the amount of approximately $3.8 million. There are no scheduled debt amortization payments on the AdMat Senior Secured Notes until their maturity date.

 

The indenture governing the AdMat Senior Secured Notes contains covenants relating to the incurrence of debt and limitations on distributions, asset sales and affiliate transactions, among other things. The indenture also contains a change of control provision requiring AdMat to offer to repurchase the AdMat Senior Secured Notes upon a change of control.

 

15



 

Senior Notes

 

As of September 30, 2005, we had outstanding $450.0 million aggregate principal amount 9.875% senior notes due 2009 that were issued at a premium (the “2009 Senior Notes”). The 2009 Senior Notes are unsecured obligations. Interest on the 2009 Senior Notes is payable semiannually in March and September and these notes are redeemable after March 1, 2006 at 104.937% of the original aggregate principal amount thereof, declining ratably to par on and after March 1, 2008.

 

In connection with the Merger, on August 16, 2005, HI entered into supplemental indentures under which it assumed the obligations of Huntsman LLC under its 11.5% senior notes due 2012 (the “2012 Senior Fixed Rate Notes”) and its senior floating rate notes due 2011 (the “2011 Senior Floating Rate Notes”). For more information, see “Note 1. General—Recent Developments—Merger of Huntsman LLC and HIH with and into HI.” As of September 30, 2005, HI had outstanding $198.0 million ($300 million original aggregate principal amount) of 2012 Senior Fixed Rate Notes and $100.0 million of 2011 Senior Floating Rate Notes. In connection with our initial public offering of common and preferred stock, proceeds were used to repay $102.0 million of aggregate principal amount of the 2012 Senior Fixed Rate Notes.  Interest on the 2012 Senior Fixed Rate Notes is payable semiannually in January and July of each year.  Interest on the 2011 Senior Floating Rate Notes is at LIBOR plus 7.25 % (10.85% as of September 30, 2005) and is payable quarterly in January, April, July and October of each year. The 2012 Senior Fixed Rate Notes are redeemable after July 15, 2008 at 105.75% of the principal amount thereof, declining ratably to par on and after July 15, 2010. The 2011 Senior Floating Rate Notes are redeemable after July 15, 2006 at 104.0% of the principal amount thereof, declining ratably to par on and after July 15, 2008. At any time prior to July 15, 2007, HI may redeem up to 40% of the original aggregate principal amount of the 2012 Senior Fixed Rate Notes at a redemption price of 111.5% with proceeds of a qualified equity offering. At any time prior to July 15, 2006, we may redeem up to 40% of the original aggregate principal amount of the 2011 Senior Floating Rate Notes with the proceeds of a qualified equity offering at a redemption price equal to the par value plus LIBOR plus 7.25%. The 2009 Senior Notes, the 2011 Senior Floating Rate Notes and the 2012 Senior Fixed Rate Notes are guaranteed by the HI Guarantors.

 

The indentures governing the 2009 Senior Notes, the 2012 Senior Fixed Rate Notes and the 2011 Senior Floating Rate Notes contain covenants relating to the incurrence of debt and limitations on distributions, asset sales and affiliate transactions, among other things. The indentures governing these notes also contain change of control provisions requiring us to offer to repurchase the notes upon a change of control.

 

Subordinated Notes

 

As of September 30, 2005, HI had outstanding $175 million 7.375% senior 2015 subordinated notes and €135 million ($162.3 million) 7.5% senior 2015 subordinated notes (collectively, the “2015 Subordinated Notes”). The $175 million and €135 million 2015 Subordinated Notes are redeemable on or after January 1, 2010 at 103.688% and 103.750%, respectively, of the principal amount thereof, declining ratably to par on and after January 1, 2013. In addition, at any time prior to January 1, 2008, HI may redeem up to 40% of the original aggregate principal amount of the $175 million and €135 million 2015 Subordinated Notes at redemption prices of 107.375% and 107.5%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, respectively, with the proceeds of a qualified equity offering.

 

As of September 30, 2005, HI also had outstanding $366.1 million ($600 million original aggregate principal amount) and €372.0 million ($447.1 million) (€450 million original aggregate principal amount) 10.125% senior subordinated notes due 2009 (the “2009 Subordinated Notes” and, together with the 2015 Subordinated Notes, the “Subordinated Notes”). The 2009 Subordinated Notes are redeemable at 103.375% of the principal amount thereof, which declines ratably to par on and after July 1, 2007.

 

As of September 30, 2005, HI had outstanding a combined total of $541.1 million and €507.0 million ($609.4 million U.S. dollar equivalents) Subordinated Notes, plus $4.1 million of unamortized premium. The Subordinated Notes are unsecured and are guaranteed by the HI Guarantors.  Interest on the Subordinated Notes is payable semiannually in January and July of each year.

 

The Subordinated Notes contain covenants relating to the incurrence of debt and limitations on distributions, asset sales and affiliate transactions, among other things. The indentures governing these notes also contain change of control provisions requiring us to offer to repurchase the notes upon a change of control.

 

Immediately prior to the Merger, Huntsman LLC funded the redemption of its outstanding 9.5% senior subordinated notes due 2007 and its senior subordinated floating rate notes due 2007, which together had an aggregate outstanding

 

16



 

principal amount of approximately $59 million (the “HLLC Subordinated Notes”).  Such redemption was completed on September 1, 2005.

 

On August 16, 2005, in connection with the Merger, HI repaid, in full, the Huntsman Specialty Subordinated Note which had an aggregate principal amount of $106.6 million.

 

Senior Discount Notes

 

On June 30, 1999, HIH issued senior discount notes (“HIH Senior Discount Notes”) and senior subordinated discount notes (the “HIH Senior Subordinated Discount Notes” and, collectively with the HIH Senior Discount Notes, the “HIH Discount Notes”) to Imperial Chemical Industries PLC (“ICI”) with initial stated values of $242.7 million and $265.3 million, respectively. The HIH Discount Notes were due December 31, 2009.

 

Interest on the HIH Senior Discount Notes accrued at 13.375% per annum and was paid in kind. The HIH Senior Discount Notes were redeemable after July 1, 2004 at 106.688% of the principal amount thereof, declining ratably to par on and after July 1, 2007. As a result of our initial public offering, during the first quarter of 2005, HIH redeemed approximately $505.6 million of accreted value and paid call premiums of approximately $33.8 million. In order to make this redemption, HIH received contributions from us resulting from proceeds of our initial public offering in the amount of $504.4 million and received $35.0 million in dividends from HI.

 

The HIH Senior Subordinated Discount Notes accrued interest at a reset rate of 13.125% that was reset as of September 30, 2004 in accordance with the terms of the indenture. The HIH Senior Subordinated Discount Notes were held by HMP. On February 28, 2005, HMP contributed the HIH Senior Subordinated Discount Notes at an accreted value of $422.8 million to HIH in exchange for equity in HIH.

 

On May 9, 2003, HMP issued units consisting of the HMP Senior Discount Notes with an accreted value of $423.5 million and the HMP Warrants. On February 28, 2005, we used proceeds from our initial public offering of common and preferred stock to redeem in full the HMP Senior Discount Notes at an accreted value of $550.0 million, plus a redemption premium of $41.3 million.

 

Other Debt

 

HI maintains a $25 million multicurrency overdraft facility used for the working capital needs for HI’s European subsidiaries (the “European Overdraft Facility”). As of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, there were $17.3 million in U.S. dollar equivalents and nil net borrowings outstanding under the European Overdraft Facility, respectively.

 

Huntsman Polyurethanes Shanghai Ltd., one of our Chinese MDI joint ventures and our consolidated affiliate (our “Consolidated Chinese Splitting JV”), has obtained secured loans for the construction of MDI production facilities near Shanghai, China. This debt consists of various committed loans in the aggregate amount of approximately $117 million. As of September 30, 2005, our Consolidated Chinese Splitting JV had $15 million outstanding in U.S. dollar borrowings and 126 million in RMB borrowings ($15 million) under these facilities. As of September 30, 2005, the interest rate was approximately 5.0% for U.S. dollar borrowings and 5.5% for RMB borrowings. The loans are secured by substantially all the assets of the Consolidated Chinese Splitting JV and will be repaid in 16 semiannual installments beginning no later than June 30, 2007. The financing is non-recourse to HI, but is guaranteed during the construction phase by affiliates of the Consolidated Chinese Splitting JV, including us as successor to Huntsman Holdings LLC. We have guaranteed 70% of any amount due and unpaid by the Consolidated Chinese Splitting JV under the loans described above (except for the VAT Facility, which is not guaranteed).  Our guarantees remain in effect until the Consolidated Chinese Splitting JV has (i) commenced production of at least 70% of capacity for at least 30 days, and (ii) achieved a debt service cost ratio of at least 1.5:1. Our Chinese MDI joint ventures are unrestricted subsidiaries under the New Credit Facilities and under the indentures governing our outstanding notes.

 

Our Australian subsidiaries maintain credit facilities that had an aggregate outstanding balance of A$87.0 million ($65.7 million) as of September 30, 2005.  These facilities are non-recourse to us.

 

We finance certain of our insurance premiums.  As of September 30, 2005, we had $27.6 million in insurance premium financing, all of which is due in the next 12 months.

 

17



 

On February 16, 2005, Huntsman LLC paid in full a 15% note payable to an affiliated entity in the amount of $41.6 million.

 

Compliance with Covenants

 

Our management believes that we are in compliance with the covenants contained in the agreements governing the New Credit Facilities, the AdMat Credit Facilities, the A/R Securitization Program and the indentures governing our notes.

 

Maturities

 

The scheduled maturities of our debt by year as of September 30, 2005, were as follows (dollars in millions):

 

Year ending December 31:

 

 

 

 

Remainder of 2005

 

$

19.7

 

2006

 

34.1

 

2007

 

81.1

 

2008

 

45.4

 

2009

 

1,293.2

 

Later years

 

2,967.2

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

4,440.7

 

 

In connection with the repayment of indebtedness, we recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 of $41.4 million and $276.4 million, respectively.

 

6.                                      Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

 

We are exposed to market risks, such as changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and commodity pricing risks. From time to time we enter into transactions, including transactions involving derivative instruments, to manage exposures. We manage interest rate exposure through a program designed to reduce the impact of fluctuations in variable interest rates and to meet the requirements of certain financing agreements.

 

Interest Rate Hedging

 

Through our borrowing activities, we are exposed to interest rate risk. Such risk arises due to the structure of our debt portfolio, including the duration of the portfolio and the mix of fixed and floating interest rates. Actions taken to reduce interest rate risk include managing the mix and rate characteristics of various interest bearing liabilities as well as entering into interest rate swaps, collars and options.

 

As of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, we had entered into various types of interest rate contracts to manage our exposure to interest rate risk on our variable rate LIBOR-based long-term debt as indicated below (dollars in millions):

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2005

 

December 31, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notional amount

 

$

183.5

 

$

184.3

 

Fair value

 

(0.2

)

(3.2

)

Weighted average pay rate

 

4.43

%

4.44

%

Maturing

 

2005-2007

 

2005-2007

 

 

We purchase interest rate swaps to reduce the impact of changes in interest rates on our floating-rate long-term debt. Under interest rate swaps, we agree with other parties to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed-rate and floating-rate interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed notional principal amount.

 

18



 

Interest rate contracts with a fair value loss of $0.2 million and $3.2 million were recorded as a component of other noncurrent liabilities as of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively. The fair value of cash flow hedges and interest rate contracts not designated as hedges were as follows (dollars in millions):

 

 

 

September 30,
2005

 

December 31,
2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow hedges

 

$

(0.4

)

$

(2.0

)

Interest rate contracts

 

0.2

 

(1.2

)

 

The changes in the fair values of cash flow hedges and interest rate contracts not designated as hedges resulted in increases (decreases) as follows (dollars in millions):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

Cash flow hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

$

0.2

 

$

0.9

 

$

0.8

 

$

0.5

 

Other comprehensive income

 

(0.5

)

(1.2

)

(2.4

)

(4.0

)

Interest rate contracts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

$

(1.9

)

$

0.6

 

$

(1.3

)

$

(0.9

)

 

We are exposed to credit losses in the event of nonperformance by a counterparty to the derivative financial instruments. We anticipate, however, that the counterparties will be able to fully satisfy obligations under the contracts. Market risk arises from changes in interest rates.

 

Commodity Price Hedging

 

As of September 30, 2005 there were no cash flow commodity price hedging contracts recorded in other current assets, accrued liabilities or other comprehensive income. As of December 31, 2004 there was $0.1 million included in other current assets and accrued liabilities relating to cash flow commodity price hedging contracts.

 

As of September 30, 2005 there were no commodity price hedging contracts designated as fair value hedges included in the balance sheet.  As of December 31,2004 commodity price hedging contracts designated as fair value hedges are included in the balance sheet as $1.5 million increase in other current assets and $1.8 million decrease in inventory.

 

Commodity price contracts not designated as hedges as defined by SFAS No. 133 are reflected in the balance sheet as $3.5 million in other current assets and $2.3 million in accrued liabilities as of September 30, 2005, and as $5.6 million in other current assets and $1.8 million in accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2004.

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2005 and the three months ended September 30, 2004, we recorded a decrease of $1.1 million and of $0.8 million respectively, in cost of goods sold related to net gains and losses from settled contracts, net gains and losses in fair value price hedges, and the change in fair value on commodity price hedges not designated as hedges as defined in SFAS No. 133.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and the nine months ended September 30, 2004, we recorded an increase of $10.2 million and of $2.5 million, respectively, in cost of goods sold related to net gains and losses from settled contracts, net gains and losses in fair value price hedges, and the change in fair value on commodity price hedges not designated as hedges as defined in SFAS No. 133.

 

Foreign Currency Rate Hedging

 

We may enter into foreign currency derivative instruments to minimize the short-term impact of movements in foreign currency rates. These contracts are not designated as hedges for financial reporting purposes and are recorded at fair

 

19



 

value. As of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, the change in fair value and realized gains (losses) of outstanding foreign currency rate hedging contracts was not material.

 

Net Investment Hedging

 

As of September 30, 2005, excluding the cross-currency interest rate swap discussed in the following paragraph, we have designated €332.3 million of our euro-denominated debt as a hedge of our net investment in foreign operations. Currency effects on net investment hedges for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 produced a gain of $3.2 million and a loss of $9.4 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively, a gain of $49.0 million and a gain of $9.6 million in other comprehensive loss (foreign currency translation adjustments). As of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, we recorded a cumulative net loss in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of approximately $139.5 million and $188.5 million, respectively, related to these hedges.

 

HI has outstanding a cross-currency interest rate swap that requires it to pay euros and receive U.S. dollars at the maturity date of January 1, 2010. The U.S. dollar notional amount is $175 million and bears interest at a fixed rate of approximately 7.4%, payable semiannually on January 1 and July 1. The euro notional amount is approximately €132 million and bears interest at a blended fixed rate of approximately 6.6%, payable semiannually on January 1 and July 1. We have designated this cross-currency swap as a hedge of our net investment in euro-denominated operations.

 

On June 1, 2005, AdMat entered into a cross-currency interest rate swap. The cross-currency swap requires AdMat to pay euros and receive U.S. dollars on the maturity date of July 15, 2007. The U.S. dollar notional amount is $31.3 million and bears interest at a fixed rate of 11.0%, payable semiannually on January 15 and July 15. The euro notional amount is €25.0 million and bears interest at a fixed rate of approximately 9.4%, payable semiannually on January 15 and July 15. As of September 30, 2005, the swap was not designated as a hedge for reporting purposes and was recorded at fair value. As of September 30, 2005, an asset of $1.0 million was recorded in other noncurrent assets, with a corresponding decrease in other operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.

 

7.                                      Securitization of Accounts Receivable

 

Under our A/R Securitization Program, we grant an undivided interest in certain of our trade receivables to a qualified off-balance sheet entity (the “Receivables Trust”) at a discount. This undivided interest serves as security for the issuance of commercial paper and medium-term notes by the Receivables Trust.

 

As of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, the Receivables Trust had approximately $193.8 million and $208.4 million, respectively, in U.S. dollar equivalents in medium-term notes outstanding and approximately $94.3 million in U.S. dollar equivalents and nil, respectively in commercial paper outstanding. The medium-term notes have a scheduled maturity date of September 15, 2006 with the scheduled amortization period commencing June 30, 2005. Our commercial paper facility has a maturity date of June 30, 2007 and provides for the issuance of both euro- and U.S. dollar-denominated commercial paper up to a U.S. dollar equivalent of $125 million.  In connection with the Merger and the related financing, we temporarily (through March 31, 2006) increased our commercial paper facility from $125 million to $175 million.

 

As of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, our retained interest in receivables (including servicing assets) subject to the program was approximately $217.5 million and $327.6 million, respectively. The value of the retained interest is subject to credit and interest rate risk. For the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, new sales of accounts receivable sold into the program totaled approximately $4,245.3 million and $3,669.1 million, respectively, and cash collections from receivables sold into the program that were reinvested totaled $4,238.3 million and $3,635.5 million, respectively. Servicing fees received during the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 were approximately $4.6 million and $4.0 million, respectively.

 

We incur losses on the A/R Securitization Program for the discount on receivables sold into the program and fees and expenses associated with the program. We also retain responsibility for the economic gains and losses on forward contracts mandated by the terms of the program to hedge the currency exposures on the collateral supporting the off-balance sheet debt issued. Gains and losses on forward contracts included as a component of the loss on the A/R Securitization Program were nil and a loss of $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. As of each of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, the fair value of the open forward currency contracts was nil.

 

The key economic assumptions used in valuing the residual interest are presented below:

 

20



 

 

 

September 30, 2005

 

Weighted average life (in months)

 

Approx. 1.5

 

Credit losses (annual rate)

 

Less than 1%

 

Discount rate (weighted average life)

 

Less than 1%

 

 

A 10% and 20% adverse change in any of the key economic assumptions would not have a material impact on the fair value of the retained interest. Total receivables over 60 days past due as of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 were $14.9 million and $12.1 million, respectively.

 

8.                                      Employee Benefit Plans

 

Components of the net periodic benefit costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 were as follows (dollars in millions):

 

 

 

Defined Benefit Plans
Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Other Postretirement
Benefit Plans
Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

Service cost

 

$

19.5

 

$

15.5

 

$

1.2

 

$

0.9

 

Interest cost

 

32.0

 

27.7

 

2.0

 

1.9

 

Expected return on assets

 

(36.1

)

(28.0

)

 

 

Amortization of transition obligation

 

0.7

 

0.4

 

 

 

Amortization of prior service cost

 

(1.0

)

0.4

 

(0.5

)

(0.4

)

Amortization of actuarial loss

 

8.8

 

5.8

 

0.9

 

0.8

 

Net periodic benefit cost

 

$

23.9

 

$

21.8

 

$

3.6

 

$

3.2

 

 

 

 

Defined Benefit Plans
Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

Other Postretirement
Benefit Plans
Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

Service cost

 

$

58.7

 

$

46.7

 

$

2.8

 

$

2.6

 

Interest cost

 

93.8

 

83.1

 

5.8

 

5.6

 

Expected return on assets

 

(102.9

)

(83.9

)

 

 

Amortization of transition obligation

 

1.3

 

1.2

 

 

 

Amortization of prior service cost

 

(4.0

)

1.1

 

(1.5

)

(1.2

)

Amortization of actuarial loss

 

23.8

 

17.1

 

2.7

 

2.5

 

Net periodic benefit cost

 

$

70.7

 

$

65.3

 

$

9.8

 

$

9.5

 

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, we made contributions to our pension plans of $44.7 million and $25.8 million, respectively.

 

During the fourth quarter of 2005, we expect to accelerate the date for actuarial measurement of our pension and postretirement benefit obligations from December 31 to November 30. We believe the one-month acceleration of the measurement date is a preferred change as it improves internal control procedures by allowing more time to review the completeness and accuracy of the actuarial benefit obligation measurements. The effect of the change in measurement date on the respective obligations and assets of the plans is not expected to have a material cumulative effect on annual expense or accrued benefit costs.

 

9.                                      Dividends on Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock

 

In connection with the initial public offering of our 5% mandatory convertible preferred stock on February 16, 2005, we declared all dividends that will be payable on such preferred stock from the issuance through the mandatory conversion date,

 

21



 

which is February 16, 2008. Accordingly, we recorded dividends payable of $43.1 million and a corresponding charge to net income available to common stockholders during the nine months ended September 30, 2005. We expect to pay dividends in cash on February 16, May 16, August 16 and November 16 of each year prior to February 16, 2008. Under certain circumstances, we may not be allowed to pay dividends in cash. If this were to occur, any unpaid dividend would be payable in shares of common stock on February 16, 2008.

 

10.                               Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

 

The components of other comprehensive (loss) income were as follows (dollars in millions):

 

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive
income

 

Other comprehensive (loss)
income

 

Other comprehensive (loss)
income

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred tax of $14.0 and $18.3 as of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively

 

$

104.9

 

$

304.0

 

$

(26.8

)

$

9.0

 

$

(199.1

)

$

(20.6

)

Unrealized gain (loss) on nonqualified plan investments

 

0.8

 

0.9

 

 

(0.1

)

(0.1

)

 

Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments

 

18.3

 

(5.2

)

2.1

 

1.1

 

23.5

 

8.9

 

Unrealized gain (loss) on securities

 

0.7

 

2.0

 

(0.7

)

(1.1

)

(1.3

)

(0.3

)

Minimum pension liability, net of deferred tax benefit of $20.5 and $14.2 as of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively

 

(122.1

)

(117.1

)

 

 

(5.0

)

 

Minimum pension liability of unconsolidated affiliates

 

1.4

 

(3.6

)

 

 

5.0

 

 

Total

 

$

4.0

 

$

181.0

 

$

(25.4

)

$

8.9

 

$

(177.0

)

$

(12.0

)

 

Items of other comprehensive (loss) income of our Company and our consolidated affiliates have been recorded net of tax, with the exception of the foreign currency translation adjustments related to subsidiaries with earnings permanently reinvested. The tax effect is determined based upon the jurisdiction where the income or loss was recognized and is net of valuation allowances that have been recorded.

 

11.                               Commitments and Contingencies

 

Legal Matters

 

Certain claims have been filed against us relating to discoloration of unplasticized polyvinyl chloride products allegedly caused by our titanium dioxide (“Discoloration Claims”). Substantially all of the titanium dioxide that is the subject of these claims was manufactured prior to our acquisition of our titanium dioxide business from ICI in 1999. Net of amounts we have received from insurers and pursuant to contracts of indemnity, we have paid approximately $15.8 million in costs and settlement amounts for Discoloration Claims as of September 30, 2005.

 

The following table presents information about the number of Discoloration Claims for the period indicated. Claims include all claims for which service has been received by us, and each such claim represents a plaintiff who is pursuing a claim against us.

 

 

 

Nine months ended
September 30, 2005

 

Claims filed during period

 

0

 

Claims resolved during period

 

1

 

Claims unresolved at end of period

 

2

 

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, we settled a claim for approximately $0.9 million, all of which is indemnified and for which we have been reimbursed. The two Discoloration Claims unresolved as of September 30, 2005 asserted aggregate damages of approximately $63.8 million. A liability has been accrued for these claims. Based on our understanding of the merits of these claims and our rights under contracts of indemnity and insurance, we do not believe that the net impact on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity will be material.

 

While additional Discoloration Claims may be made in the future, we cannot reasonably estimate the amount of loss related to such claims. Although we may incur additional costs as a result of future claims (including settlement costs), based

 

22



 

on our history with Discoloration Claims to date, the fact that substantially all of the titanium dioxide that has been the subject of these Discoloration Claims was manufactured and sold more than five years ago, and the fact that we have rights under contract to indemnity, including from ICI, we do not believe that any unasserted possible Discoloration Claims, if any, will have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity. Based on this conclusion and our inability to reasonably estimate our expected costs with respect to these unasserted possible claims, we have made no accruals in our financial statements as of September 30, 2005 for costs associated with unasserted possible Discoloration Claims, if any.

 

Certain insurers have denied coverage with respect to certain Discoloration Claims. We brought suit against these insurers to recover the amounts we believe are due to us. The court found in favor of the insurers. That decision was appealed to the Court of Appeal, which also found in favor of the insurers. We do not intend to apply for leave to appeal to the House of Lords.  We do not believe that the net impact on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity of our inability to recover these amounts will be material.

 

Vantico concluded that certain of the products of its former Electronics division may have infringed patents owned by Taiyo and it entered into a license agreement in October 2001 with Taiyo to obtain the right to use the Taiyo patents. This license agreement required payment of approximately $4.2 million in back royalties and agreement to pay periodic royalties for future use. We believe that Ciba Specialty Chemicals Holdings Inc. (“Ciba”) is liable under the indemnity provisions of certain agreements in connection with the leveraged buy-out transaction in 2000 involving Ciba and Vantico for certain payments made under the license agreement and related costs and expenses, and we initiated an arbitration proceeding against Ciba. In July 2004, we entered into a settlement agreement with Ciba with respect to this matter. In general, the settlement agreement provided that Ciba would pay us $11.1 million in 2004. We received additional consideration in the form of modifications to certain operating agreements between us and Ciba. In August 2004, we received payment of the $11.1 million settlement.

 

We have been a party to various lawsuits brought by persons alleging personal injuries and/or property damage based upon alleged exposure to toxic air emissions. For example, since June 2003, a number of lawsuits have been filed in state district court in Jefferson County, Texas against several local chemical plants and refineries, including our subsidiary, Huntsman Petrochemical Corporation. Generally, these lawsuits have alleged that the refineries and chemical plants located in the vicinity of the plaintiffs’ homes discharged chemicals into the air that interfere with use and enjoyment of property and cause health problems and/or property damages. None of these lawsuits have included the amount of damages being sought. The following table presents information about the number of claims asserting damages based upon alleged exposure to toxic air emissions for the period indicated. Claims include all claims for which service has been received by us, and each such claim represents a plaintiff who is pursuing a claim against us.

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2005

 

Claims filed during period

 

2,104

 

Claims resolved during period

 

2,988

 

Claims unresolved at end of period

 

0

 

 

All claims filed as of September 30, 2005 have been resolved through dismissal and/or settlement.

 

In addition, we have been named as a “premises defendant” in a number of asbestos exposure cases, typically a claim by a non-employee of exposure to asbestos while at a facility. These cases typically involve multiple plaintiffs bringing actions against multiple defendants, and the complaint does not indicate which plaintiffs are making claims against which defendants, where or how the alleged injuries occurred, or what injuries each plaintiff claims. These facts, which are central to any estimate of probable loss, can be learned only through discovery.

 

Where the alleged exposure occurred prior to our ownership or operation of the relevant “premises,” the prior owners and operators generally have contractually agreed to retain liability for, and to indemnify us against, asbestos exposure claims. This indemnification is not subject to any time or dollar amount limitations. Upon service of a complaint in one of these cases, we tender it to the prior owner or operator. None of the complaints in these cases state the amount of damages being sought. The prior owner or operator accepts responsibility for the conduct of the defense of the cases and payment of any amounts due to the claimants. In our ten-year experience with tendering these cases, we have not made any payment with respect to any tendered asbestos cases. We believe that the prior owners or operators have the intention and ability to continue to honor their indemnities, although we cannot assure you that they will continue to do so or that we will not be liable for these cases if they do not.

 

23



 

The following table presents for the period indicated certain information about cases for which service has been received that we have tendered to the prior owner or operator, all of which have been accepted.

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2005

 

Tendered during period

 

107

 

Resolved during period

 

67

 

Unresolved at end of period

 

438

 

 

We have never made any payments with respect to these cases. As of September 30, 2005, we had an accrued liability of $12.5 million relating to these cases and a corresponding receivable of $12.5 million relating to our indemnity protection with respect to these cases. We cannot assure you that our liability will not exceed our accruals or that our liability associated with these cases would not be material to our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

 

Certain cases in which we are a “premises defendant” are not subject to indemnification by prior owners or operators. The following table presents for the period indicated certain information about these cases. Cases include all cases for which service has been received by us.

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2005

 

Filed during period

 

47

 

Resolved during period

 

8

 

Unresolved at end of period

 

68

 

 

We paid gross settlement costs for asbestos exposure cases that are not subject to indemnification of approximately $20,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2005.

 

As of September 30, 2005, we had an accrued liability of $1.2 million relating to these cases. We cannot assure you that our liability will not exceed our accruals or that our liability associated with these cases would not be material to our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

 

We are a party to various other proceedings instituted by private plaintiffs, governmental authorities, and others arising under provisions of applicable laws, including various environmental, products liability and other laws. Except as otherwise disclosed in this report, we do not believe that the outcome of any of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. See “Note 12—Environmental, Health and Safety Matters.”

 

Guarantee

 

In 2003, HI entered into two related joint venture agreements to build MDI production facilities near Shanghai, China. HI’s Unconsolidated Chinese Manufacturing JV with BASF AG and three Chinese chemical companies will build three plants to manufacture MNB, aniline and crude MDI. HI effectively owns 35% of the Unconsolidated Chinese Manufacturing JV. HI’s Consolidated Chinese Splitting JV with Shanghai Chlor-Alkali Chemical Company, Ltd. will build a plant to manufacture pure MDI, polymeric MDI and MDI variants. HI owns 70% of the Consolidated Chinese Splitting JV.

 

In connection with the formation of the Consolidated Chinese Splitting JV and the procurement of financing for the Consolidated Chinese Splitting JV, we have guaranteed the construction loans of the Consolidated Chinese Splitting JV during the construction period.  The Consolidated Chinese Splitting JV is our consolidated subsidiary.  See “Note 5—Debt.” If the Consolidated Chinese Splitting JV were to default on its payments during the construction period, we would be required to make payments to the banks and ownership of the constructed assets would revert to us. The maximum potential amount of future payments that we could be required to make under this guarantee is approximately $80 million.

 

The Unconsolidated Chinese Manufacturing JV is not our consolidated subsidiary. The Unconsolidated Chinese Manufacturing JV obtained various committed loans in the aggregate amount of approximately $224 million in U.S. dollar equivalents. As of September 30, 2005, there were $55.0 million outstanding in U.S. dollar borrowings and 500 million in outstanding RMB ($61.8 million) borrowings under these facilities. The interest rate on these facilities is LIBOR plus 0.48% for U.S. dollar borrowings and 90% of the Peoples Bank of China rate for RMB borrowings. The loans are secured by substantially

 

24



 

all the assets of the Unconsolidated Chinese Manufacturing JV and will be paid in 16 semiannual installments, beginning no later than June 30, 2007. We unconditionally guarantee 35% of any amounts due and unpaid by the Unconsolidated Chinese Manufacturing JV under the loans described above (except for a VAT facility of approximately $1.5 million which is not guaranteed). We have calculated the fair value of the guarantee in accordance with FIN 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Other,” and we have determined the fair value to be insignificant. The MDI production facility is expected to be operational in 2006 and the construction period guarantee is expected to terminate within one year thereafter. Our guarantee remains in effect until the Unconsolidated Chinese Manufacturing JV has commenced production of at least 70% of capacity for at least 30 days and achieved a debt service coverage ratio of at least 1:1.

 

12.                               Environmental, Health and Safety Matters

 

General

 

We are subject to extensive federal, state, local and foreign laws, regulations, rules and ordinances relating to pollution, protection of the environment and the generation, storage, handling, transportation, treatment, disposal and remediation of hazardous substances and waste materials. In the ordinary course of business, we are subject to frequent environmental inspections and monitoring and occasional investigations by governmental enforcement authorities. In addition, our production facilities require operating permits that are subject to renewal, modification and, in certain circumstances, revocation. Actual or alleged violations of environmental laws or permit requirements could result in restrictions or prohibitions on plant operations, substantial civil or criminal sanctions, as well as, under some environmental laws, the assessment of strict liability and/or joint and several liability. Moreover, changes in environmental regulations could inhibit or interrupt our operations, or require us to modify our facilities or operations. Accordingly, environmental or regulatory matters may cause us to incur significant unanticipated losses, costs or liabilities.

 

Environmental, Health and Safety Systems

 

We are committed to achieving and maintaining compliance with all applicable environmental, health and safety (“EHS”) legal requirements, and we have developed policies and management systems that are intended to identify the multitude of EHS legal requirements applicable to our operations, enhance compliance with applicable legal requirements, ensure the safety of our employees, contractors, community neighbors and customers and minimize the production and emission of wastes and other pollutants. Although EHS legal requirements are constantly changing and are frequently difficult to comply with, these EHS management systems are designed to assist us in our compliance goals while also fostering efficiency and improvement and minimizing overall risk to us.

 

EHS Capital Expenditures

 

We may incur future costs for capital improvements and general compliance under EHS laws, including costs to acquire, maintain and repair pollution control equipment. For the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, our capital expenditures for EHS matters totaled $24.2 million and $36.9 million, respectively. Since capital expenditures for these matters are subject to evolving regulatory requirements and depend, in part, on the timing, promulgation and enforcement of specific requirements, we cannot provide assurance that our recent expenditures will be indicative of future amounts required under EHS laws.

 

Governmental Enforcement Proceedings

 

On occasion, we receive notices of violation, enforcement and other complaints from regulatory agencies alleging non-compliance with applicable EHS law. By way of example, we are aware of the individual matters set out below, which we believe to be the most significant presently pending matters and unasserted claims. Although we may incur costs or penalties in connection with the governmental proceedings discussed below, based on currently available information and our past experience, we believe that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

 

In May 2003, the State of Texas settled an air enforcement case with us relating to our Port Arthur plant. Under the settlement, we are required to pay a civil penalty of $7.5 million over more than four years, undertake environmental monitoring projects totaling about $1.5 million in costs, and pay $0.4 million in attorney’s fees to the Texas Attorney General. As of September 30, 2005, we have paid $3.5 million toward the penalty and $0.4 million for the attorney’s fees. The monitoring projects are underway and on schedule. We do not anticipate that this settlement will have a material adverse

 

25



 

effect on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

 

Beginning in the third quarter of 2004 and extending through August 2005, we have received approximately eight separate notifications from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (“TCEQ”) for alleged violations related to air emissions at our Port Neches or our Port Arthur plant. These alleged violations primarily relate to specific upset emissions, emissions from cooling towers, or flare operations occurring at particular times and at particular operating units during 2004 and 2005. These notices of violation appear to be part of a larger enforcement initiative by the TCEQ regional office focused on upset emissions at chemical and refining industry plants located within the Beaumont/Port Arthur region. TCEQ has made individual proposals to us to resolve five of the notices of alleged violation for approximately $0.1 million each. TCEQ has also made a proposal to resolve one of the remaining notices, addressing upset emissions at Port Neches, for $0.2 million. TCEQ has not made a penalty proposal for two other notices. Final resolution of these matters is subject to negotiation between us and TCEQ. We do not believe that the resolution of these matters will result in the imposition of costs material to our results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

 

By letter dated September 13, 2005, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (the “TNPCB”) issued an Order in follow-up to a Show Cause notice dated June 30, 2005, requiring a manufacturing facility of Petro Araldite Private Limited, a subsidiary of Huntsman Advanced Materials in Chennai, India, to close for one week and to submit an action plan and timeline to reduce chemical oxygen demand in its wastewater effluent.  The facility complied with the order and has submitted an action plan to the TNPCB, which has been accepted pending installation of assets to remedy the issue.  If the TNPCB believes the plan is insufficient, it has the power to take further enforcement action, including shutting down the facility for a longer period or permanently, initiating criminal sanctions or imposing fines.  We do not believe that the resolution of this matter will have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

 

See Note 11 “Commitments and Contingencies—Legal Matters” for a discussion of environmental lawsuits brought by private party plaintiffs.

 

Remediation Liabilities

 

We have incurred, and we may in the future incur, liability to investigate and clean up waste or contamination at our current or former facilities or facilities operated by third parties at which we may have disposed of waste or other materials. Similarly, we may incur costs for the cleanup of wastes that were disposed of prior to the purchase of our businesses. Under some circumstances, the scope of our liability may extend to damages to natural resources. Specifically, under the U.S. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (“CERCLA”), and similar state laws, a current or former owner or operator of real property may be liable for remediation costs regardless of whether the release or disposal of hazardous substances was in compliance with law at the time it occurred, and a current owner or operator may be liable regardless of whether it owned or operated the facility at the time of the release. In addition, under the U.S. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended (“RCRA”), and similar state laws, we may be required to remediate contamination originating from our properties as a condition to our hazardous waste permit. For example, our Odessa, Port Arthur, and Port Neches facilities in Texas are the subject of ongoing remediation requirements under RCRA authority. In many cases, our potential liability arising from historical contamination is based on operations and other events occurring prior to our ownership of the relevant facility. In these situations, we frequently obtained an indemnity agreement from the prior owner addressing remediation liabilities arising from preclosing conditions. We have successfully exercised our rights under these contractual covenants for a number of sites, and where applicable, mitigated our ultimate remediation liability. We cannot assure you, however, that all of such matters will be subject to indemnity or that our existing indemnities will be sufficient to cover our liabilities for such matters.

 

Some of our manufacturing sites have an extended history of industrial chemical manufacturing and use, including on-site waste disposal. We are aware of soil, groundwater and surface water contamination from past operations at some of our sites, and we may find contamination at other sites in the future. For example, we are aware that there is significant contamination, largely related to a landfill and lagoons, at our McIntosh, Alabama plant site. Further, soil and groundwater contamination have been identified at our plants in Duxford, U.K. and Monthey, Switzerland. Pursuant to certain agreements with respect to these Advanced Materials sites, we expect that Ciba will have primary financial responsibility for such matters, although we may be required to contribute to the costs of remediation in certain instances, and we believe that Ciba has the intention and ability to honor these agreements. Based on available information and the indemnification rights we believe are likely to be available, we believe that the costs to investigate and remediate known contamination will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, and therefore we have made no accrual for such liabilities as of September 30, 2005. However, if such indemnities are unavailable or do not fully cover the costs of investigation and remediation or we are required to contribute to such costs, and if such costs are material, then such expenditures may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. At the current time, we are unable to estimate the full cost, exclusive of indemnification benefits, to remediate known contamination sites.

 

26



 

We have been notified by third parties of claims against us or our subsidiaries for cleanup liabilities at approximately 12 former facilities and other third party sites, including but not limited to sites listed under CERCLA. Based on current information and past experience at other CERCLA sites, we do not expect any of these third party claims to result in a material liability to us.

 

One of these sites, the North Maybe Canyon CERCLA site, includes an abandoned phosphorous mine located in a U.S. National Forest in Idaho. The North Maybe Canyon mine may have been operated by one of our predecessors for approximately two out of the eight years (1964 to 1972) during which it held mining leases in the area. In 2004, we received from the Forest Service a notice of potential liability for the mine under CERCLA. According to information from the U.S. government, North Maybe Canyon was actively mined for a total of about 20 years. The current owner, NuWest Industries, Inc., a subsidiary of Agrium, Inc., operated the mine for at least six of those years. Under an administrative order with the Forest Service and other governmental agencies, NuWest is currently undertaking an investigation of the site, with a specific focus on the release of selenium contaminated surface water into streams in the area. By letter dated May 27, 2005, the Forest Service put us (as well as NuWest and Wells Cargo, Inc.) on notice that it is demanding payment of its incurred costs in the amount of $0.1 million. The letter also indicated that the Forest Service wishes to initiate negotiations on a response action at the site with the objective of putting a Consent Decree in place obligating NuWest, Wells Cargo and us to conduct and fund that action. We are currently investigating the factual issues concerning anticipated allocation and response action issues. We have initiated contact with the Forest Service and the other potentially responsible persons (“PRPs”) to determine whether to pursue negotiations. We do not currently have sufficient information to estimate actual remediation costs or our actual liability, if any, for investigation and cleanup of the North Maybe Canyon site.

 

Environmental Reserves

 

We have established financial reserves relating to anticipated environmental cleanup obligations, site reclamation and closure costs and known penalties. Liabilities are recorded when potential liabilities are either known or considered probable and can be reasonably estimated. Our liability estimates are based upon available facts, existing technology and past experience. On a consolidated basis, we have accrued approximately $27 million and $35 million for environmental liabilities as of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively. Of these amounts, approximately $7.5 million and $8 million are classified as accrued liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively, and approximately $19.5 million and $27 million are classified as other noncurrent liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively. In certain cases, our remediation liabilities are payable over periods of up to 30 years. We may incur losses for environmental remediation in excess of the amounts accrued; however, we are not able to estimate the amount or range of such potential excess.

 

Regulatory Developments

 

Under the European Union (“EU”) Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive (“IPPC”), EU member governments are to adopt rules and implement a cross media (air, water and waste) environmental permitting program for individual facilities. While the EU countries are at varying stages in their respective implementation of the IPPC permit program, we have submitted all necessary IPPC permit applications required to date, and in some cases received completed permits from the applicable government agency. We expect to submit all other IPPC applications and related documents on a timely basis as the various countries implement the IPPC permit program. Although we do not know with certainty what each IPPC permit will require, we believe, based upon our experience with the permits received to date, that the costs of compliance with the IPPC permit program will not be material to our results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

 

In October 2003, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a new EU regulatory framework for chemicals. Under this proposed new system called “REACH” (Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals), companies that manufacture or import more than one ton of a chemical substance per year would be required to register such manufacture or

 

27



 

import in a central database. The REACH initiative, as proposed, would require risk assessment of chemicals, preparations (e.g., soaps and paints) and articles (e.g., consumer products) before those materials could be manufactured or imported into EU countries. Where warranted by a risk assessment, hazardous substances would require authorizations for their use. This regulation could impose risk control strategies that would require capital expenditures by us. As proposed, REACH would take effect in three primary stages over the eleven years following the final effective date (assuming final approval). The impacts of REACH on the chemical industry and on us are unclear at this time because the parameters of the program are still being actively debated.

 

MTBE Developments

 

We produce MTBE, an oxygenate that is blended with gasoline to reduce vehicle air emissions and to enhance the octane rating of gasoline. Existing or future litigation or legislative initiatives restricting the use of MTBE in gasoline may subject us or our products to environmental liability or materially adversely affect our sales and costs. The use of MTBE is controversial in the U.S. and elsewhere and may be substantially curtailed or eliminated in the future by legislation or regulatory action. For example, about 16 states, including California, New York and Connecticut, have adopted rules that prohibit or restrict the use of MTBE in gasoline sold in those states. The 16 states account for a substantial portion of the “pre-ban” U.S. MTBE market. Additional phase-outs or other future regulation of MTBE may result in a significant reduction in demand for our MTBE, a material loss in revenues or material increase in compliance costs or expenditures.

 

We currently market approximately 95% of our MTBE to customers located in the U.S. for use as a gasoline additive. If the use of MTBE in gasoline in the U.S. is further curtailed or eliminated in the future, although we can make no assurances, we believe that we will be able to export MTBE to Europe, Asia or South America, although this may produce a lower level of cash flow than the sale of MTBE in the U.S. We may also elect to use all or a portion of our precursor TBA to produce saleable products other than MTBE. If we opt to produce products other than MTBE, necessary modifications to our facilities will require us to make significant capital expenditures and the sale of such other products may produce a lower level of cash flow than the sale of MTBE. In addition, the Energy Policy Act of 2005 was signed into law in August 2005. The new law will likely have an adverse impact on our MTBE business in the U.S., since it mandates increased use of renewable fuels and eliminates the oxygenate requirement for reformulated gasoline established by the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. Although the extent of the potential impact of the new law is still unclear, a significant loss in demand for our MTBE could result in a material loss in revenues or material costs or expenditures.

 

A number of lawsuits have been filed, primarily against gasoline manufacturers, marketers and distributors, by persons seeking to recover damages allegedly arising from the presence of MTBE in groundwater. While we have not been named as a defendant in any litigation concerning the environmental effects of MTBE, we cannot provide assurances that we will not be involved in any such litigation or that such litigation will not have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

13.                               Other Operating Expense (Income)

 

Other operating expense (income) consisted of the following (dollars in millions):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

Foreign exchange (gains) losses

 

$

(3.0

)

$

(19.3

)

$

35.6

 

$

(23.6

)

Legal and contract settlements, net

 

 

(11.0

)

 

6.1

 

Bad debts

 

6.0

 

1.6

 

12.2

 

9.5

 

Other, net

 

3.1

 

14.4

 

8.3

 

13.9

 

Total other operating expense (income)

 

$

6.1

 

$

(14.3

)

$

56.1

 

$

5.9

 

 

14.                               Other (Expense) Income

 

Other (expense) income consisted of the following (dollars in millions):

 

28



 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

(Loss) gain on early extinguishment of debt

 

$

(41.4

)

$

2.3

 

$

(276.4

)

$

(1.9

)

Other, net

 

(2.5

)

0.8

 

(3.3

)

1.1

 

Total other (expense) income

 

$

(43.9

)

$

3.1

 

$

(279.7

)

$

(0.8

)

 

15.                               Stock-Based Compensation Plans

 

We have one stock-based compensation plan, described below. The compensation cost for that plan was $2.6 million and $6.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, respectively. The total income tax benefit recognized in the statement of operations for stock-based compensation arrangements was nil for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005. No compensation cost was recorded for stock-based compensation plans prior to January 1, 2005.

 

Under the Huntsman Stock Incentive Plan (the “Stock Incentive Plan”), a plan approved by shareholders, we may grant non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, phantom stock, performance awards and other stock-based awards to our employees, directors and consultants and to employees and consultants of our subsidiaries, provided that incentive stock options may be granted solely to employees. The terms of the grants are fixed at the grant date. As of September 30, 2005, we were authorized to grant up to 21,590,909 shares under the Stock Incentive Plan. Option awards have a maximum contractual term of 10 years and generally must have an exercise price at least equal to the market price of our common stock on the date the option award is granted. Stock-based awards generally vest over a three-year period.

 

The fair value of each stock option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model that uses the assumptions noted in the following table. Expected volatilities are based on implied volatilities from traded options on the stock of comparable companies and other factors. The expected term of options granted is estimated based on the contractual term of the instruments and employees’ expected exercise and post-vesting employment termination behavior. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.

 

 

 

Three months
ended
September 30, 2005

 

Three months
ended
September 30, 2004

 

Nine months
ended
September 30, 2005

 

Nine months
ended
September 30, 2004

 

Dividend yield

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

0.0

%

N/A

 

Expected volatility

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

22.4

%

N/A

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

3.9

%

N/A

 

Expected life of stock options granted during the period

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

6.6 years

 

N/A

 

 


N/A—not applicable

 

A summary of stock option activity under the Stock Incentive Plan as of September 30, 2005 and changes during the nine months then ended is presented below:

 

Stock Options

 

Option Awards

 

Shares
(000)

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(Years)

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
($000)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2005

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

2,377

 

22.99

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited/Expired

 

(98

)

23.00

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at September 30, 2005

 

2,279

 

$

22.99

 

9.37

 

$

 

Exercisable at September 30, 2005

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

29



 

The weighted-average grant-date fair value of stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2005 was $7.59 per option. No option awards were granted during the three months ended September 30, 2005 nor in periods prior to January 1, 2005. No option awards were exercised during either the three or nine months ended September 30, 2005.

 

A summary of the status of our nonvested shares as of September 30, 2005, and changes during the nine months then ended is presented below:

 

Nonvested shares

 

 

 

Shares
(000)

 

Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value

 

Nonvested at January 1, 2005

 

 

$

 

Granted

 

784

 

22.99

 

Vested

 

 

 

Forfeited/Expired

 

(14

)

23.00

 

Nonvested at September 30, 2005

 

770

 

$

22.99

 

 

As of September 30, 2005, there was $13.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share compensation arrangements granted under the Stock Incentive Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.4 years. No shares vested during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2005.

 

16.                               Income Taxes

 

Income tax expense was $7.7 million and $68.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, respectively, and income tax benefit was $36.1 million and $25.7 million for the same periods in 2004, respectively.  Our tax obligations are affected by the mix of income and losses in the tax jurisdictions in which we operate.

 

Our effective income tax rate was (39)% and 49% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 as compared to (341)% and 10% for the same periods in 2004.  Excluding the impact of the loss on early extinguishment of debt of $41.4 million and $276.4 million and excluding the impact of the impairment of Australia styrenics assets of $46.6 million, which were not benefited for tax purposes because of valuation allowances on deferred tax assets, our adjusted effective income tax rates would have been 11% and 15% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, respectively.  This adjusted effective tax rate of 15% is lower than the U.S. statutory rate of 35% significantly due to our mix of earnings occurring in tax jurisdictions where no tax expense is provided due to the release of valuation allowances.

 

We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial and tax reporting purposes. We evaluate deferred tax assets to determine whether it is more likely than not that they will be realized.  Valuation allowances have been established against the entire U.S. and a material portion of the non-U.S. deferred tax assets due to the uncertainty of realization.  Valuation allowances are reviewed each period on a tax jurisdiction by tax jurisdiction basis to analyze whether there is sufficient positive or negative evidence to support a change in judgment about the realizability of the related deferred tax asset.

 

17.                               Discontinued Operations

 

On July 6, 2005, we sold our toluene di-isocyanate (“TDI”) business to BASF. The sale involved the transfer of our TDI customer list and sales contracts. We further agreed to discontinue the use of our remaining TDI assets, including our Geismar, Louisiana TDI manufacturing equipment. TDI has been accounted for as a discontinued operation under SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” Accordingly, the following results of TDI have been presented as discontinued operations in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations (dollars in millions):

 

30



 

 

 

Three Months
Ended
September 30,
2005

 

Three Months
Ended
September 30,
2004

 

Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
2005

 

Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

1.0

 

$

11.9

 

$

24.4

 

$

48.1

 

Costs and expenses

 

(1.6

)

(14.7

)

(31.6

)

(52.6

)

Loss on disposal

 

 

 

(36.4

)

 

Operating loss

 

(0.6

)

(2.8

)

(43.6

)

(4.5

)

Income tax expense

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

$

(0.6

)

$

(2.8

)

$

(43.6

)

$

(4.5

)

 

The loss on disposal of $36.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 includes an impairment of long-lived assets.  We expect to incur approximately $2 million of additional costs related to the TDI transaction by the end of the second quarter of 2006. The TDI business is reported in our Polyurethanes operating segment in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

18.                               Net Income (Loss) per Share

 

Basic income (loss) per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income (loss) per share reflects potential dilution and is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period, increased by the number of additional shares that would have been outstanding if the potential dilutive units had been exercised or converted.

 

In connection with our Reorganization Transaction and initial public offering of common stock on February 16, 2005, we issued 203,604,545 shares of common stock. On March 14, 2005, we issued 16,846,939 shares of common stock in exchange for the HMP Warrants. Also on February 16, 2005, we issued 5,750,000 shares of 5% mandatory convertible preferred stock. This preferred stock is convertible into between 10,162,550 shares and 12,499,925 shares of our common stock, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, depending on the average market price of our common stock over the 20 trading-day period ending on the third trading day prior to conversion. In addition, we issued stock options, nonvested stock and phantom stock in connection with the initial public offering of common stock.  See “Note 15—Stock-Based Compensation Plans.” All share and per share data reflected in these consolidated financial statements have been retroactively restated to give effect to the shares issued in connection with the Reorganization Transaction, the initial public offering of common stock and the shares issued in connection with the exchange of the HMP Warrants on March 14, 2005, as if such shares had been issued at the beginning of the period.

 

31



 

Basic and diluted income (loss) per share is calculated as follows (in millions, except share amounts):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

Basic and diluted (loss) income from continuing operations available to common stockholders (numerator):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income from continuing operations

 

$

(29.2

)

$

46.5

 

$

70.0

 

$

(222.0

)

Preferred stock dividends

 

 

(21.9

)

(43.1

)

(65.8

)

Income (loss) from continuing operations available to common stockholders

 

$

(29.2

)

$

24.6

 

$

26.9

 

$

(287.8

)

Basic and diluted net (loss) income available to common stockholders (numerator):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

 

$

(29.8

)

$

43.7

 

$

26.4

 

$

(226.5

)

Preferred stock dividends

 

 

(21.9

)

(43.1

)

(65.8

)

Net (loss) income available to common stockholders

 

$

(29.8

)

$

21.8

 

$

(16.7

)

$

(292.3

)

Shares (denominator):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding

 

220,451,484

 

220,451,484

 

220,451,484

 

220,451,484

 

Dilutive securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock conversion

 

 

 

 

 

Stock-based awards

 

 

 

 

 

Total dilutive shares outstanding assuming conversion

 

220,451,484

 

220,451,484

 

220,451,484

 

220,451,484

 

 

Additional stock-based awards of 2,312,501 shares, and 1,982,514 shares of stock were outstanding during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, respectively. In addition, the preferred stock would have converted into 12,499,925 shares of common stock for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005.  However, these stock-based awards and preferred stock conversion were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would be anti-dilutive.

 

19.          Operating Segment Information

 

We report our operations through six operating segments:  Polyurethanes, Advanced Materials, Performance Products, Pigments, Polymers and Base Chemicals.

 

The major products of each reportable operating segment are as follows:

 

32



 

Segment

 

Products

Polyurethanes

 

MDI, TPU, polyols, aniline, PO and MTBE

 

 

 

Advanced Materials

 

Epoxy resin compounds, cross-linkers, matting agents, curing agents, epoxy, acrylic and polyurethane-based adhesives and tooling resins and sterolithography tooling resins

 

 

 

Performance Products

 

Amines, surfactants, linear alkylbenzene, maleic anhydride, other performance chemicals, glycols, and technology licenses

 

 

 

Pigments

 

Titanium dioxide

 

 

 

Polymers

 

Ethylene (produced at the Odessa, Texas facilities primarily for internal use), polyethylene, polypropylene, expandable polystyrene, styrene and other polymers

 

 

 

Base Chemicals

 

Olefins (primarily ethylene and propylene), butadiene, MTBE, benzene, cyclohexane and paraxylene

 

Sales between segments are generally recognized at external market prices and are eliminated in consolidation. We use EBITDA to measure the financial performance of our global business units and for reporting the results of our operating segments. This measure includes all operating items relating to the businesses. The EBITDA of operating segments excludes items that principally apply to our company as a whole. The revenues and EBITDA for each of our reportable operating segments are as follows (dollars in millions):

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30,

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

Net Sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Polyurethanes

 

$

835.3

 

$

732.0

 

$

2,609.9

 

$

2,069.3

 

Advanced Materials

 

289.4

 

294.1

 

911.5

 

866.4

 

Performance Products

 

462.4

 

493.7

 

1,517.4

 

1,399.7

 

Pigments

 

256.6

 

261.6

 

787.5

 

794.7

 

Polymers

 

427.6

 

380.9

 

1,249.3

 

1,019.6

 

Base Chemicals

 

1,046.5

 

985.5

 

3,344.4

 

2,755.8

 

Eliminations

 

(196.0

)

(213.0

)

(609.4

)

(595.9

)

Total

 

$

3,121.8

 

$

2,934.8

 

$

9,810.6

 

$

8,309.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment EBITDA (1):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Polyurethanes

 

$

193.7

 

$

97.9

 

$

535.0

 

$

270.7

 

Advanced Materials (2)

 

41.3

 

49.1

 

135.5

 

119.4

 

Performance Products

 

25.5

 

31.5

 

158.0

 

82.9

 

Pigments

 

22.6

 

22.2

 

86.5

 

(53.6

)

Polymers

 

(5.8

)

26.5

 

71.6

 

45.6

 

Base Chemicals

 

8.9

 

70.3

 

252.0

 

204.8

 

Corporate and other (3)

 

(83.8

)

(4.3

)

(428.7

)

(52.2

)

Total

 

$

202.4

 

$

293.2

 

$

809.9

 

$

617.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment EBITDA (1)

 

$

202.4

 

$

293.2

 

$

809.9

 

$

617.6

 

Interest expense, net

 

(101.1

)

(154.6

)

(341.8

)

(459.5

)

Income tax (expense) benefit

 

(7.7

)

36.1

 

(68.8

)

25.7

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

(123.4

)

(131.0

)

(372.9

)

(410.3

)

Net (loss) income

 

$

(29.8

)

$

43.7

 

$

26.4

 

$

(226.5

)

 


(1)                                  Segment EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) before interest, income tax and depreciation and amortization.

 

(2)                                  Beginning in the second quarter of 2005, we began reporting foreign exchange gains or losses and allocated corporate overhead relating to the Advanced Materials segment in Corporate and other in order to be consistent with the EBITDA presentation of our other segments. All prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current presentation.

 

(3)                                  EBITDA from corporate and other items includes unallocated corporate overhead, loss on early extinguishment of debt, loss on sale of accounts receivable, foreign exchange gains or losses and other non-operating income (expense).

 

33



 

ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Forward-looking Statements

 

Some of the statements contained in this report are forward-looking in nature. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “anticipates” or “intends” or the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy. You are cautioned that our business and operations are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, and, consequently, our actual results may materially differ from those projected by any forward-looking statements. Some of the risks and uncertainties are discussed below in “—Cautionary Statement for Forward-Looking Information” and elsewhere in this report.

 

Certain Defined Terms

 

“Company,” “our,” “us” or “we” may be used to refer to Huntsman Corporation and, unless the context otherwise requires, its subsidiaries and predecessors. Any references to the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” as of a date prior to October 19, 2004 (the date of our formation) are to Huntsman Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries (including their respective predecessors). In this report, “HIH” refers to Huntsman International Holdings LLC (our 100% owned subsidiary that merged into HI on August 16, 2005) and, unless the context otherwise requires, its subsidiaries, “HI” refers to Huntsman International LLC (our 100% owned subsidiary) and, unless the context otherwise requires, its subsidiaries, “AdMat” refers to Huntsman Advanced Materials LLC (our 90.3% owned indirect subsidiary) and, unless the context otherwise requires, its subsidiaries, “HLLC” or “Huntsman LLC” refers to Huntsman LLC (our 100% owned subsidiary that merged into HI on August 16, 2005), “HMP” refers to HMP Equity Holdings Corporation, “Vantico” refers to Vantico Group S.A. (a 100% owned subsidiary of AdMat) and, unless the context otherwise requires, its subsidiaries, “Huntsman Family Holdings” refers to Huntsman Family Holdings LLC (an owner with MatlinPatterson of HMP Equity Trust), and “MatlinPatterson” refers to MatlinPatterson Global Opportunities Partners L.P., MatlinPatterson Global Opportunities Partners (Bermuda) L.P. and MatlinPatterson Global Opportunities Partners B, L.P. (collectively, an owner with Huntsman Family Holdings of HMP Equity Trust).

 

Overview

 

We are among the world’s largest global manufacturers of differentiated and commodity chemical products. We manufacture a broad range of chemical products and formulations, which we market in more than 100 countries to a diversified group of consumer and industrial customers. Our products are used in a wide range of applications, including those in the adhesives, aerospace, automotive, construction products, durable and non-durable consumer products, electronics, medical, packaging, paints and coatings, power generation, refining and synthetic fiber industries. We are a leading global producer in many of our key product lines, including MDI, amines, surfactants, epoxy-based polymer formulations, maleic anhydride and titanium dioxide. We operate manufacturing facilities located around the world. Our businesses benefit from significant vertical integration, large production scale and proprietary manufacturing technologies, which allow us to maintain a low-cost position. We had revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 of $9,810.6 million and $8,309.6 million, respectively.

 

Our business is organized around our six operating and reporting segments: Polyurethanes, Advanced Materials, Performance Products, Pigments, Polymers and Base Chemicals. These segments can be divided into two broad categories: differentiated and commodity. Our Polyurethanes, Advanced Materials and Performance Products segments produce differentiated products, and our Pigments, Polymers and Base Chemicals segments produce commodity chemicals. Among our commodity products, our Pigments business, while cyclical, is influenced largely by seasonal demand patterns in the coatings industry. Certain products in our Polymers segment also follow different trends than petrochemical commodities as a result of our niche marketing strategy for such products that focuses on supplying customized formulations. Nevertheless, each of our six operating segments is impacted to some degree by economic conditions, prices of raw materials and global supply and demand pressures.

 

Growth in our Polyurethanes and Advanced Materials segments has been driven by the continued substitution of our products for other materials across a broad range of applications as well as the level of global economic activity. Historically, demand for many of these products has grown at rates in excess of gross domestic product (“GDP”) growth.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, the profitability of our Polyurethanes and Advanced Materials segments improved due to strong demand in several of our key industrial end markets. This has allowed us to increase selling

 

34



 

prices, which has more than offset increases in the cost of our primary raw materials, including benzene, natural gas, propylene and chlorine.

 

The global PO market is influenced by supply and demand imbalances. PO demand is largely driven by growth in the polyurethane industry, and, as a result, growth rates for PO have generally exceeded GDP growth rates. As a co-product of our PO manufacturing process, we also produce MTBE. MTBE is an oxygenate that is blended with gasoline to reduce harmful vehicle emissions and to enhance the octane rating of gasoline. See “—Environmental, Health and Safety Matters—MTBE Developments” below for more information on the legal and regulatory developments that may curtail or eliminate the use of MTBE in gasoline in the U.S.

 

In our Performance Products segment, demand for our performance specialties has generally grown at rates in excess of GDP growth rates as overall demand is significantly influenced by new product and application development. Overall demand for most of our performance intermediates has generally been stable. On average, maleic anhydride demand grows at a slightly higher rate than GDP; however, given its dependence on the construction market, maleic anhydride growth rates can be cyclical.

 

Historically, demand for titanium dioxide pigments has grown at rates approximately equal to global GDP growth. Pigment prices have historically reflected industry-wide operating rates but have typically lagged behind movements in these rates by up to twelve months due to the effects of product stocking and destocking by customers and producers, contract arrangements and seasonality. The industry experiences some seasonality in its sales because sales of paints, the largest end use for titanium dioxide, generally peak during the spring and summer months in the northern hemisphere. This results in greater sales volumes in the second and third quarters of the year.

 

The profitability of our Polymers and Base Chemicals segments historically has been cyclical in nature. Down cycles typically result from significant capacity additions, weak demand resulting from soft economic conditions and may also be significantly impacted by high crude oil and natural gas-based raw material costs. The profitability of our Polymers and Base Chemicals segments increased during 2004 and during the first quarter of 2005, but declined during the three months ended September 30, 2005, as average selling prices and profit margins fell in most of our product lines and raw material costs increased.

 

Recent Developments

 

U.S. Gulf Coast Storms and PO/MTBE Restart

 

Following Hurricane Katrina, we announced that none of our manufacturing facilities sustained serious structural damage and that all of our impacted facilities were up and operating with minimal disruption.

 

On September 22, 2005, prior to Hurricane Rita, we announced that we had suspended operations at our Gulf Coast facilities in Port Arthur, Conroe, Freeport, Chocolate Bayou and Dayton, Texas and in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Shortly after Hurricane Rita, we announced that our facilities at Conroe, Freeport, Chocolate Bayou and Dayton, Texas commenced operations and, on October 10, 2005, announced that our titanium dioxide facility at Lake Charles, Louisiana and our butadiene plant at Port Neches, Texas restarted.

 

On October 13, 2005, we announced that our major propylene oxide/MTBE unit in Port Neches, Texas (the “PO/MTBE Unit”) restarted. Unrelated to the hurricanes, on August 25, 2005, the PO/MTBE Unit was temporarily shut down for unscheduled maintenance and repairs.  We completed the maintenance and repair work prior to Hurricane Rita, but suspended the restart in response to the hurricane.  We estimate that the unplanned maintenance at our PO/MTBE unit negatively impacted our third quarter 2005 EBITDA by approximately $32 million.

 

On October 23, 2005, we restarted our smaller olefins unit at Port Neches, Texas, allowing us to resume full production of our surfactants and amines products.  On November 4, 2005, we restarted our larger olefins unit at Port Arthur, Texas.  All of our principal operating units are now in operation.

 

Certain of our products were temporarily negatively impacted by restrictions on the availability of certain raw materials as well as logistics and transportation limitations.  In addition, certain of our suppliers and customers in the Gulf Coast region sustained damage to their operations, which temporarily impacted their ability to deliver and purchase products.

 

35



 

The U.S. Gulf Coast storms, on top of an already high cost raw material environment, have generally resulted in increases in the cost of energy and many of our key feedstocks.  Because of higher raw material and energy costs and in response to increasingly tighter supplies in certain markets, we have recently announced price increases in many of our primary products. We estimate the negative impact of  the U.S. Gulf Coast storms on our third quarter 2005 EBITDA was approximately $27 million.

 

While we cannot yet determine the full effect on our operations going forward, we estimate that the negative impact of the U.S. Gulf Coast storms on our fourth quarter 2005 EBITDA will be approximately $130 million.

 

Merger of Huntsman LLC and HIH with and into HI

 

On August 16, 2005, Huntsman LLC and HIH merged with and into HI.  HI is, and each of Huntsman LLC and HIH was, a direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of our Company.  We effected the Merger to simplify our consolidated group’s financing and public reporting structure, to reduce our cost of financing and to facilitate other organizational efficiencies.  As a result of the Merger, HI succeeded to the assets, rights and obligations of Huntsman LLC.  In particular, HI entered into supplemental indentures under which it assumed the obligations of Huntsman LLC under its outstanding 11.625% senior secured notes due 2010 ($296 million outstanding principal amount), 11.5% senior notes due 2012 ($198 million outstanding principal amount) and senior floating rate notes due 2011 ($100 million outstanding principal amount) (collectively, the “Former HLLC Notes”).  HI’s subsidiaries that previously guaranteed its outstanding debt securities have provided guarantees of the Former HLLC Notes, and all subsidiaries of Huntsman LLC that guaranteed the Former HLLC Notes prior to the Merger executed supplemental indentures to guarantee all of HI’s outstanding debt securities.

 

New Credit Facilities

 

On August 16, 2005, effective upon completion of the Merger, HI repaid its existing secured credit facilities (the “Former HI Credit Facilities”), Huntsman LLC’s secured credit facilities (the “Former HLLC Credit Facilities”) and a subordinated note with an aggregate principal amount of $106.6 million (the “Huntsman Specialty Subordinated Note”) with available cash on hand and the proceeds of facilities under a new senior secured credit agreement (the “New Credit Facilities”), consisting of (i) a $650 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Facility”) (of which $143 million was drawn upon completion of the Merger), (ii) a $1,730 million term loan (the “Dollar Term Facility”), and (iii) a €100 million (approximately $123.5 million) term loan (the “Euro Term Facility”).  In addition, immediately prior to the Merger, Huntsman LLC funded the redemption of its outstanding 9.5% senior subordinated notes due 2007 and its senior subordinated floating rate notes due 2007, which together had an aggregate outstanding principal amount of approximately $59 million.  The redemption of such notes was completed on September 1, 2005. In connection with the Merger and related financing, HI temporarily (through March 31, 2006) increased the capacity of its accounts receivable securitization program (the “A/R Securitization Program”) by $50 million to approximately $375 million U.S. dollar equivalents. All of the initial borrowings under the Revolving Facility were repaid a few days later with proceeds provided under the expanded A/R Securitization Program.

 

36



 

Results of Operations

 

The following sets forth the unaudited condensed consolidated results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 (dollars in millions):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Percent

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

Percent

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Change

 

2005

 

2004

 

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

3,121.8

 

$

2,934.8

 

6

%

$

9,810.6

 

$

8,309.6

 

18

%

Cost of goods sold

 

2,729.2

 

2,566.8

 

6

%

8,319.4

 

7,327.9

 

14

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

392.6

 

368.0

 

7

%

1,491.2

 

981.7

 

52

%

Operating expenses

 

194.8

 

158.9

 

23

%

627.0

 

558.4

 

12

%

Restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs

 

71.3

 

43.2

 

65

%

100.5

 

202.4

 

(50

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

126.5

 

165.9

 

(24

)%

763.7

 

220.9

 

246

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

(101.1

)

(154.6

)

(35

)%

(341.8

)

(459.5

)

(26

)%

Loss on sale of accounts receivable

 

(3.3

)

(3.7

)

(11

)%

(8.9

)

(10.2

)

(13

)%

Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates

 

1.9

 

(0.1

)

NM

 

7.0

 

3.0

 

133

%

Other (expense) income

 

(43.9

)

3.1

 

NM

 

(279.7

)

(0.8

)

NM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest

 

(19.9

)

10.6

 

NM

 

140.3

 

(246.6

)

NM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax (expense) benefit

 

(7.7

)

36.1

 

NM

 

(68.8

)

25.7

 

NM

 

Minority interests in subsidiaries’ income

 

(1.6

)

(0.2

)

700

%

(1.5

)

(1.1

)

36

%

Loss from discontinued operations, net

 

(0.6

)

(2.8

)

(79

)%

(43.6

)

(4.5

)

NM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

 

(29.8

)

43.7

 

NM

 

26.4

 

(226.5

)

NM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

101.1

 

154.6

 

(35

)%

341.8

 

459.5

 

(26

)%

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

7.7

 

(36.1

)

NM

 

68.8

 

(25.7

)

NM

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

123.4

 

131.0

 

(6

)%

372.9

 

410.3

 

(9

)%

EBITDA(1)

 

$

202.4

 

$

293.2

 

(31

)%

$

809.9

 

$

617.6

 

31

%

 


NM—Not meaningful

 

Included in EBITDA are the following items of (expense) income (dollars in millions):

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30,

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

(Loss) gain on early extinguishment of debt

 

$

(41.4

)

$

2.3

 

$

(276.4

)

$

(1.9

)

Legal and contract settlement expense, net

 

 

11.0

 

 

(6.1

)

Loss on sale of accounts receivable

 

(3.3

)

(3.7

)

(8.9

)

(10.2

)

Loss on discontinued operations

 

(0.6

)

(2.8

)

(43.6

)

(4.5

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Polyurethanes

 

(0.9

)

(9.9

)

(5.0

)

(32.8

)

Advanced Materials

 

 

 

0.6

 

 

Performance Products

 

(5.3

)

(20.3

)

(6.6

)

(41.2

)

Pigments

 

(9.6

)

(3.6

)

(26.9

)

(111.7

)

Polymers

 

(48.4

)

(2.5

)

(51.3

)

(7.6

)

Base Chemicals

 

(7.1

)

(6.9

)

(11.3

)

(9.1

)

Total restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs

 

(71.3

)

(43.2

)

(100.5

)

(202.4

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

(116.6

)

$

(36.4

)

$

(429.4

)

$

(225.1

)

 


(1)                                  EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. We believe that EBITDA enhances an investor’s understanding of our financial performance and our ability to satisfy principal and interest obligations with respect to our indebtedness. However, EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or viewed as a substitute for net income, cash flow from operations or other measures of performance as defined by generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (“GAAP”). Moreover, EBITDA as used herein is not necessarily comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies due to potential inconsistencies in the method of calculation. Our management uses EBITDA to assess financial performance and debt service capabilities. In assessing financial

 

37



 

performance, our management reviews EBITDA as a general indicator of economic performance compared to prior periods. Because EBITDA excludes interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, EBITDA provides an indicator of general economic performance that is not affected by debt restructurings, fluctuations in interest rates or effective tax rates, or levels of depreciation and amortization. Accordingly, our management believes this type of measurement is useful for comparing general operating performance from period to period and making certain related management decisions. EBITDA is also used by securities analysts, lenders and others in their evaluation of different companies because it excludes certain items that can vary widely across different industries or among companies within the same industry. For example, interest expense can be highly dependent on a company’s capital structure, debt levels and credit ratings. Therefore, the impact of interest expense on earnings can vary significantly among companies. In addition, the tax positions of companies can vary because of their differing abilities to take advantage of tax benefits and because of the tax policies of the various jurisdictions in which they operate. As a result, effective tax rates and tax expense can vary considerably among companies. Finally, companies employ productive assets of different ages and utilize different methods of acquiring and depreciating such assets. This can result in considerable variability in the relative costs of productive assets and the depreciation and amortization expense among companies. Our management also believes that our investors use EBITDA as a measure of our ability to service indebtedness as well as to fund capital expenditures and working capital requirements. Nevertheless, our management recognizes that there are material limitations associated with the use of EBITDA in the evaluation of our Company as compared to net income, which reflects overall financial performance, including the effects of interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA excludes interest expense. Because we have borrowed money in order to finance our operations, interest expense is a necessary element of our costs and ability to generate revenue. Therefore, any measure that excludes interest expense has material limitations. EBITDA also excludes taxes. Because the payment of taxes is a necessary element of our operations, any measure that excludes tax expense has material limitations. Finally, EBITDA excludes depreciation and amortization expense. Because we use capital assets, depreciation and amortization expense is a necessary element of our costs and ability to generate revenue. Therefore, any measure that excludes depreciation and amortization expense has material limitations. Our management compensates for the limitations of using EBITDA by using it to supplement GAAP results to provide a more complete understanding of the factors and trends affecting the business than GAAP results alone. Our management also uses other metrics to evaluate capital structure, tax planning and capital investment decisions. For example, our management uses credit ratings and net debt ratios to evaluate capital structure, effective tax rate by jurisdiction to evaluate tax planning, and payback period and internal rate of return to evaluate capital investments. Our management also uses trade working capital to evaluate its investment in accounts receivable and inventory, net of accounts payable.

 

We believe that net income (loss) is the performance measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP that is most directly comparable to EBITDA and that cash provided by operating activities is the liquidity measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP that is most directly comparable to EBITDA. The following table reconciles EBITDA to our net income (loss) and to our net cash provided by operations (dollars in millions):

 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

Percent

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EBITDA

 

$

809.9

 

$

617.6

 

31

%

Depreciation and amortization

 

(372.9

)

(410.3

)

(9

)%

Interest expense, net

 

(341.8

)

(459.5

)

(26

)%

Income tax (expense) benefit

 

(68.8

)

25.7

 

NM

 

Net income (loss)

 

26.4

 

(226.5

)

NM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

372.9

 

410.3

 

(9

)%

Non-cash restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs

 

46.3

 

109.0

 

(58

)%

Non-cash interest (including interest on affiliate debt)

 

46.0

 

118.0

 

(61

)%

Deferred income tax

 

67.8

 

(55.8

)

NM

 

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

 

276.4

 

1.9

 

NM

 

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations

 

36.4

 

 

NM

 

Unrealized losses (gains) on foreign currency transactions

 

53.7

 

(26.1

)

NM

 

Other, net

 

 

1.5

 

(100

)%

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

 

(172.5

)

(276.4

)

(38

)%

Net cash provided by operating activites

 

$

753.4

 

$

55.9

 

NM

 

 


NM—Not Meaningful

 

38



 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2005 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2004

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2005, we had a net loss of $29.8 million on revenues of $3,121.8 million compared to net income of $43.7 million on revenues of $2,934.8 million for the same period in 2004. The increase of $73.5 million in net loss was the result of the following items:

 

                  Revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2005 increased by $187.0 million, or 6%, from the same period in 2004 due principally to higher average selling prices in the Polyurethanes, Polymers and Base Chemicals segments. For further information regarding our changes in selling prices and sales volumes from the prior period, see the discussion by operating segment below.

 

                  Gross profit for the three months ended September 30, 2005 increased by $24.6 million, or 7%, from the same period in 2004. This increase in gross profit was mainly due to higher margins in our Polyurethanes, Advanced Materials and Polymers segments as average selling prices in these segments increased more than raw material and energy costs, offset somewhat by lower margins in our Performance Products and Base Chemicals segments as raw materials and energy costs increased more than average selling prices.

 

                  Operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2005 increased by $35.9 million, or 23%, from the same period in 2004, primarily due to $16.3 million of lower foreign currency transaction gains and a reduction of $11.0 million in legal and contract settlement gains.

 

                  Restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs for the three months ended September 30, 2005 increased to $71.3 million from $43.2 million in the 2004 period. For further discussion of restructuring activities, see “—Restructuring, Impairment and Plant Closing Costs” below.

 

                  Net interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2005 decreased by $53.5 million, or 35%, from the same period in 2004 primarily due to lower average debt balances resulting from the repayment of debt from the proceeds of our initial public offering on February 16, 2005 and operating cash flows, and from lower average interest rates despite higher underlying LIBOR rates on variable rate borrowings.

 

                  Other expense for the three months ended September 30, 2005 was $43.9 million as compared to other income of $3.1 million for the same period in 2004.  The increase in other expense of $47.0 million was due primarily to a $43.7 million increase in loss on early extinguishment of debt.

 

                  Income tax expense increased by $43.8 million to an expense of $7.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005 as compared to a benefit of $36.1 million for the same period in 2004.  Our tax obligations are affected by the mix of income and losses in the tax jurisdictions in which we operate.  The change in income tax expense reflects changes in our mix of income and losses, as well as non-recurring benefits recognized in the prior year.  Our effective income tax rate was (39)% for the three months ended September 30, 2005 as compared to (341)% for the same period in 2004.  Excluding the impact of the loss on early extinguishment of debt of $41.4 million and the impairment of Australia styrenics assets of $46.6 million which were not benefited for tax purposes because of valuation allowances on deferred tax assets, our adjusted effective income tax rate would have been 11% for the three months ended September 30, 2005. This adjusted effective tax rate of 11% is lower than the U.S. statutory rate of 35% significantly due to our mix of earnings occurring in tax jurisdictions where no tax expense is provided due to the release of valuation allowances.

 

                  The loss from discontinued operations represents the operating results of our TDI business that was sold on July 6, 2005.

 

The following table sets forth the revenues and segment EBITDA for each of our operating segments (dollars in millions):

 

39



 

 

 

Three months ended September 30,

 

Percent

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Change

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Polyurethanes

 

$

835.3

 

$

732.0

 

14

%

Advanced Materials

 

289.4

 

294.1

 

(2

)%

Performance Products

 

462.4

 

493.7

 

(6

)%

Pigments

 

256.6

 

261.6

 

(2

)%

Polymers

 

427.6

 

380.9

 

12

%

Base Chemicals

 

1,046.5

 

985.5

 

6

%

Eliminations

 

(196.0

)

(213.0

)

(8

)%

Total

 

$

3,121.8

 

$

2,934.8

 

6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment EBITDA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Polyurethanes

 

$

193.7

 

$

97.9

 

98

%

Advanced Materials

 

41.3

 

49.1

 

(16

)%

Performance Products

 

25.5

 

31.5

 

(19

)%

Pigments

 

22.6

 

22.2

 

2

%

Polymers

 

(5.8

)

26.5

 

NM

 

Base Chemicals

 

8.9

 

70.3

 

(87

)%

Corporate and other

 

(83.8

)

(4.3

)

NM

 

Total

 

$

202.4

 

$

293.2

 

(31

)%

 


NM—Not meaningful

 

Polyurethanes

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2005, Polyurethanes segment revenues increased by $103.3 million, or 14%, as compared to the same period in 2004, primarily as a result of increased MDI revenues. MDI revenues increased 8% as a result of 26% higher average selling prices, partially offset by 14% lower MDI sales volumes. The increase in MDI average selling prices was due primarily to improved market conditions, strong growth in higher value applications, and also to respond to higher raw material and energy costs. MDI sales volumes were lower due to some customer destocking and the effects of unplanned outages related to the U.S. Gulf Coast storms.  MTBE average selling prices increased by 69% due primarily to strong demand and tight supplies, while MTBE volumes decreased by 26% due to loss of production related to an unplanned maintenance outage.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2005, Polyurethanes segment EBITDA increased by $95.8 million, or 98%, as compared to the same period in 2004. Segment EBITDA increased primarily as a result of higher contribution margins, as average selling prices more than offset increases in raw material and energy costs. In addition, our Polyurethanes segment recorded restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs of $0.9 million in the three months ended September 30, 2005 as compared to $9.9 million in the same period in 2004. For further discussion of restructuring activities, see  “—Restructuring, Impairment and Plant Closing Costs” below. During the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, our Polyurethanes segment included a loss from our discontinued TDI business of $0.6 million and $2.8 million, respectively.

 

Advanced Materials

 

Advanced Materials revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2005 decreased by $4.7 million, or 2%, as compared to the same period in 2004, primarily attributable to an 11% decrease in sales volumes, partially offset by a 10% increase in average selling prices. Our ongoing portfolio re-alignment activities resulted in higher sales volumes in some of our markets, which were more than offset by lower sales volumes of basic epoxy resins in the coatings, construction and adhesives markets and reduced volumes of electronic laminates products. Average selling prices were higher due to price increase initiatives in certain markets in response to higher raw material costs and due to higher value product mix.

 

Advanced Materials segment EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2005 decreased by $7.8 million or 16%, as compared to segment EBITDA for the same period in 2004. The reduction in segment EBITDA resulted primarily from a reduction of $11.0 million in legal and contract settlement gains, offset by improved margins resulting from increased sales

 

40



 

volumes of higher margin adhesives, power and design and composite engineering applications which more than offset higher raw material costs.

 

Performance Products

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2005, Performance Products revenues decreased by $31.3 million, or 6%, as compared to the same period in 2004, primarily as a result of lower sales volumes, offset somewhat by higher average selling prices for all major products lines except ethylene glycol. Overall, average selling prices increased by 14% in response to higher raw material and energy costs. Sales volumes declined by 18% principally due to the combination of lower sales of glycols and certain surfactants, continued weak market conditions for LAB, and loss of production volume in the U.S. related to the Gulf Coast storms and the unplanned outage at our PO facility.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2005, Performance Products segment EBITDA decreased by $6.0 million, or 19%, as compared to the same period in 2004, resulting primarily from lower sales volumes and higher raw materials and energy costs, partially offset by higher average selling prices, reductions in operating expenses and lower restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs. During the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, our Performance Products segment recorded restructuring and plant closing charges of $5.3 million and $20.3 million, respectively. For further discussion of restructuring activities, see “—Restructuring, Impairment and Plant Closing Costs” below.

 

Pigments

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2005, Pigments revenues decreased by $5.0 million, or 2%, as compared to the same period in 2004, resulting principally from a 6% reduction in sales volumes, offset in part by a 5% increase in average selling prices. Sales volumes were lower due primarily to the restructuring of our Grimsby, U.K. facility during the second half of 2004 and due to lower customer demand, particularly in Europe. Average selling prices increased in all regions and benefited from price increase initiatives implemented during the second half of 2004 and early 2005.

 

Pigments segment EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2005 of $22.6 million remained relatively unchanged as compared to $22.2 million for the same period in 2004. During the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, our Pigments segment recorded restructuring and plant closing charges of $9.6 million and $3.6 million, respectively. For further discussion of restructuring activities, see “—Restructuring, Impairment and Plant Closing Costs” below.

 

Polymers

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2005, Polymers revenues increased by $46.7 million, or 12%, as compared to the same period in 2004, due mainly to 14% higher average selling prices. Average selling prices were higher primarily due to tighter market conditions and in response to higher raw material and energy costs. Sales volumes decreased by 1%.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2005, Polymers segment EBITDA decreased by $32.3 million to a loss of $5.8 million from earnings of $26.5 million for the same period in 2004. During the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, our Polymers segment recorded restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs of $48.4 million and $2.5 million, respectively. For further discussion of restructuring activities, see “—Restructuring, Impairment and Plant Closing Costs” below.  This decrease in EBITDA resulted from higher restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs, partially offset by higher contribution margins, as average selling prices increased more than raw material and energy costs.

 

Base Chemicals

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2005, Base Chemicals revenues increased by $61.0 million, or 6%, as compared to the same period in 2004. This increase was due mainly to a 13% increase in average selling prices, partially offset by a 6% decrease in sales volumes. Higher average selling prices were primarily due to improved market conditions and in response to higher raw material and energy costs. Sales volume decreases were driven by a loss of production volume in the U.S. related to the Gulf Coast storms.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2005, Base Chemicals segment EBITDA decreased by $61.4 million, or 87%, as compared to the same period in 2004. The decrease in segment EBITDA was due primarily to lower contribution margins, as increases in raw material and energy costs more than offset higher average selling prices, particularly in Europe.

 

41



 

The increase in raw materials and energy costs during 2005 were caused principally by decreased supplies of materials and energy sources related to the Gulf Coast storms.  During the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, our Base Chemicals segment recorded restructuring charges of $7.1 million and $6.9 million, respectively. For further discussion of restructuring activities, see “—Restructuring, Impairment and Plant Closing Costs” below.

 

Corporate and Other

 

Corporate and other items includes unallocated corporate overhead, foreign exchange gains and losses, loss on the sale of accounts receivable, losses on the early extinguishment of debt, other non-operating income and expense and minority interest in subsidiaries’ (income) loss. For the three months ended September 30, 2005, EBITDA from corporate and other items decreased by $79.5 million to a loss of $83.8 million from a loss of $4.3 million for the same period in 2004. The decrease in 2005 EBITDA resulted primarily from a $43.7 million increase in loss on early extinguishment of debt, a $16.6 million increase in unallocated foreign currency transaction losses and an $11.0 million decrease in net legal and contract settlement credits.

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, we had net income of $26.4 million on revenues of $9,810.6 million compared to a net loss of $226.5 million on revenues of $8,309.6 million for the same period in 2004. The improvement of $252.9 million in net income was the result of the following items:

 

                  Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 increased by $1,501.0 million, or 18%, from the same period in 2004 due principally to higher average selling prices in all of our operating segments except Pigments. For further information regarding changes in selling prices and sales volumes from the prior period, see the discussion by operating segment below.

 

                  Gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 increased by $509.5 million, or 52%, from the same period in 2004. This increase in gross profit, which occurred in all our segments, was mainly due to higher margins as average selling prices increased more than raw material and energy costs in the 2005 period as compared to the 2004 period.

 

                  Operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 increased by $68.6 million, or 12%, from the same period in 2004, primarily due to higher foreign currency transaction losses of $59.2 million.

 

                  Restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 decreased to $100.5 million from $202.4 million in the 2004 period. For further discussion of restructuring activities, see “—Restructuring, Impairment and Plant Closing Costs” below.

 

                  Net interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 decreased by $117.7 million, or 26%, from the same period in 2004 primarily due to lower average debt balances resulting from the repayment of debt from the proceeds of our initial public offering on February 16, 2005 and operating cash flows, and from lower average interest rates despite higher underlying LIBOR rates on variable rate borrowings.

 

                  Other expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 increased by $278.9 million to $279.7 million from $0.8 million for the same period of 2004.  The increase was due primarily to a $274.5 million increase in loss on early extinguishment of debt.

 

                  Income tax expense increased by $94.5 million to $68.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 as compared to a benefit of $25.7 million for the same period in 2004.  Our tax obligations are affected by the mix of income and losses in the tax jurisdictions in which we operate.  The change in income tax expense reflects changes in our mix of income and losses, as well as non-recurring benefits recognized in the prior year.  Our effective income tax rate was 49% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 as compared to 10% for the same period in 2004.  Excluding the impact of the loss on early extinguishment of debt of $276.4 million and the impairment of Australia styrenics assets of $46.6 million which were not benefited for tax purposes because of valuation allowances on deferred tax assets, our adjusted effective income tax rate would have been 15% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.  This adjusted effective tax rate of 15% is lower than the U.S. statutory rate of 35% significantly due to our mix of earnings occurring in tax jurisdictions where no tax expense is provided due to the release of valuation allowances.

 

42



 

                  The loss from discontinued operations represents the operating results of our TDI business. The loss from discontinued operations of $43.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 includes a loss on disposal of $36.4 million recorded in the second quarter of 2005.

 

The following table sets forth the revenues and segment EBITDA for each of our operating segments (dollars in millions):

 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

Percent

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Polyurethanes

 

$

2,609.9

 

$

2,069.3

 

26

%

Advanced Materials

 

911.5

 

866.4

 

5

%

Performance Products

 

1,517.4

 

1,399.7

 

8

%

Pigments

 

787.5

 

794.7

 

(1

)%

Polymers

 

1,249.3

 

1,019.6

 

23

%

Base Chemicals

 

3,344.4

 

2,755.8

 

21

%

Eliminations

 

(609.4

)

(595.9

)

2

%

Total

 

$

9,810.6

 

$

8,309.6

 

18

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment EBITDA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Polyurethanes

 

$

535.0

 

$

270.7

 

98

%

Advanced Materials

 

135.5

 

119.4

 

13

%

Performance Products

 

158.0

 

82.9

 

91

%

Pigments

 

86.5

 

(53.6

)

NM

 

Polymers

 

71.6

 

45.6

 

57

%

Base Chemicals

 

252.0

 

204.8

 

23

%

Corporate and other

 

(428.7

)

(52.2

)

721

%

Total

 

$

809.9

 

$

617.6

 

31

%

 


NM—Not meaningful

 

Polyurethanes

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, Polyurethanes segment revenues increased by $540.6 million, or 26%, as compared to the same period in 2004, primarily as a result of increased MDI revenues. MDI revenues increased 30% as a result of 37% higher average selling prices. The increase in MDI prices was due primarily to improved market conditions, stronger growth in higher value applications, and to respond to higher raw material and energy costs. MDI sales volumes were 5% lower principally due to some customer destocking and the effects of unplanned outages related the U.S. Gulf Coast storms.  MTBE average selling prices were 39% higher on a strong demand and tight supplies in the market.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, Polyurethanes segment EBITDA increased by $264.3 million, or 98%, as compared to the same period in 2004. Segment EBITDA increased primarily as a result of higher contribution margins, as average selling prices more than offset increases in raw material and energy costs. In addition, our Polyurethanes segment recorded restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs of $5.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2005 as compared to $32.8 million in the same period in 2004. For further discussion of restructuring activities, see “—Restructuring, Impairment and Plant Closing Costs” below. During the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, our Polyurethanes segment recorded a loss from discontinued operations of its TDI business of $43.6 million and $4.5 million, respectively.

 

43



 

Advanced Materials

 

Advanced Materials revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 increased by $45.1 million, or 5%, as compared to the same period in 2004, primarily attributable to a 10% increase in average selling prices, with sales volumes down 5%. Average selling prices were higher due to price increase initiatives in certain markets in response to higher raw material costs and due to higher value product mix. Our ongoing portfolio re-alignment activities resulted in higher sales volumes in some of our markets, which were more than offset by lower sales volumes of basic epoxy resins in the coatings, construction and adhesives markets and reduced volumes of electronic laminates products.

 

Advanced Materials segment EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 increased by $16.1 million, or 13%, as compared to the same period in 2004. Segment EBITDA improved on higher revenues and an improved product mix, resulting from increased sales volumes of higher margin adhesives, and power and design applications and composite engineering applications. These improvements more than offset higher raw material costs and a reduction of $8.7 million in legal and contract settlement gains.

 

Performance Products

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, Performance Products revenues increased by $117.7 million, or 8%, as compared to the same period in 2004 primarily as a result of higher average selling prices for all major product lines, offset somewhat by lower sales volumes in certain product lines. Overall, average selling prices increased by 20% in response to higher raw material and energy costs, improved market conditions and the strength of the major European currencies versus the U.S. dollar. Sales volumes declined by 10% principally due to the combination of lower sales of glycols and certain surfactants, continued weak market conditions for LAB, and loss of production volume in the U.S. related to the Gulf Coast storms and the unplanned outage at our PO facility.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, Performance Products segment EBITDA increased by $75.1 million, or 91%, as compared to the same period in 2004, resulting primarily from higher margins, as average selling prices increased more than raw material and energy costs, and from lower restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs. During the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, the Performance Products segment recorded restructuring and plant closing charges of $6.6 million and $41.2 million, respectively. For further discussion of restructuring activities, see  “—Restructuring, Impairment and Plant Closing Costs” below.

 

Pigments

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, Pigments revenues decreased by $7.2 million, or 1%, as compared to the same period in 2004, resulting principally from a 10% reduction in sales volumes, offset in part by a 10% increase in average selling prices. Sales volumes were lower due to the restructuring of our Grimsby, U.K. and Umbogintwini, South Africa facilities during 2004 and due to lower end-use demand, particularly in Europe. Average selling prices increased in all regions and benefited from price increase initiatives implemented during the second half of 2004 and early 2005.

 

Pigments segment EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 increased by $140.1 million to income of $86.5 million from a loss of $53.6 million for the same period in 2004. During the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, our Pigments segment recorded restructuring and plant closing charges of $26.9 million and $111.7 million, respectively. For further discussion of restructuring activities, see “—Restructuring, Impairment and Plant Closing Costs” below. This increase in segment EBITDA was due to the combination of lower restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs, lower operating costs and higher margins during the 2005 period.

 

Polymers

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, Polymers revenues increased by $229.7 million, or 23%, as compared to the same period in 2004, due mainly to 25% higher average selling prices. Average selling prices were higher primarily due to tighter market conditions and in response to higher raw material and energy costs. Sales volumes decreased by 2%.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, Polymers segment EBITDA increased by $26.0 million, or 57%, as compared  to the same period in 2004. This increase in segment EBITDA resulted from higher contribution margins, as average selling prices increased more than raw material and energy costs, and was partially offset in part by higher restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs. During the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, our Polymers

 

44



 

segment recorded restructuring, impairment and plant closing charges of $51.3 million and $7.6 million, respectively. For further discussion of restructuring activities, see “—Restructuring, Impairment and Plant Closing Costs” below.

 

Base Chemicals

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, Base Chemicals revenues increased by $588.6 million, or 21%, as compared to the same period in 2004. This increase was due mainly to a 26% increase in average selling prices, partially offset by a 2% decrease in sales volumes. Higher average selling prices were primarily due to improved market conditions and in response to higher raw material and energy costs. Sales volume decreases were driven by lower internal consumption due to planned maintenance outages at certain of our downstream derivative business units and by a loss of production volume in the U.S. related to the Gulf Coast storms.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, Base Chemicals segment EBITDA increased by $47.2 million, or 23%, as compared to the same period in 2004.  This increase in segment EBITDA is due primarily to higher contribution margins, as higher average selling prices more than offset increases in raw material and energy costs. The increase in raw materials and energy costs during 2005 were caused principally by decreased supplies of materials and energy sources related to the U.S. Gulf Coast storms.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, our Base Chemicals segment recorded restructuring charges of $11.3 million and $9.1 million, respectively. For further discussion of restructuring activities, see “—Restructuring, Impairment and Plant Closing Costs” below.

 

Corporate and Other

 

Corporate and other items includes unallocated corporate overhead, foreign exchange gains and losses, loss on the sale of accounts receivable, losses on the early extinguishment of debt, other non-operating income and expense and minority interest in subsidiaries’ (income) loss. For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, EBITDA from corporate and other items decreased by $376.5 million to a loss of $428.7 million from a loss of $52.2 million for the same period in 2004. The decrease in 2005 period EBITDA resulted primarily from a $274.5 million increase in losses on early extinguishment of debt and a $55.8 million increase in unallocated foreign currency transaction losses.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Cash

 

Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 was $753.4 million and $55.9 million, respectively. The increase in cash provided by operations was primarily attributable to an improvement in net income of $252.9 million. In addition, there were favorable variances in adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operations, including $274.5 million in loss on early extinguishment of debt, deferred income taxes of $123.6 million, net unrealized gains and losses on foreign currency transactions of $79.8 million, $36.4 million in loss on disposal of discontinued operations and $103.9 million of favorable changes in operating assets and liabilities.  These favorable variances were partially offset by unfavorable variances of $62.7 million in non-cash restructuring, impairments and plant closing costs, $37.4 million in depreciation and amortization expense and $72.0 million in non-cash interest.

 

Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 was $224.6 million and $160.7 million, respectively. The variance was largely attributable to higher capital expenditures of $57.0 million resulting partly from increased capital expenditures in our Consolidated Chinese Splitting JV (as defined below) and our LDPE facility being constructed at Wilton, UK. In addition, in connection with our initial public offering of the 5% mandatory convertible preferred stock on February 16, 2005, we prefunded our dividends through the mandatory conversion date of February 16, 2008 with investments in government securities of $40.9 million. As reflected in “financing activities,” we used approximately $7.2 million of these government securities to pay dividends during the nine months ended September 30, 2005.

 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2005 was ($569.6) million as compared to $128.2 million in the comparable period in 2004. This increase in net cash used in financing activities is mainly a result of voluntary net repayments of debt during the nine months ended September 30, 2005 of approximately $1,937.9 million. Furthermore, as a result of our initial public offering of common and preferred stock in the first quarter of 2005, we received $1,489.1 million of net proceeds.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, approximately $3.8 million and $109.0 million, respectively, was used to pay premiums associated with repayment of indebtedness.

 

45



 

Changes in Financial Condition

 

The following information summarizes our working capital position as of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 (dollars in millions):

 

 

 

September 30,
2005

 

December 31,
2004

 

Increase
(Decrease)

 

Percent
Change

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

200.1

 

$

243.5

 

$

(43.4

)

(18

)%

Restricted cash

 

 

8.9

 

(8.9

)

NM

 

Accounts and notes receivables, net

 

1,407.7

 

1,598.1

 

(190.4

)

(12

)%

Inventories, net

 

1,335.2

 

1,253.9

 

81.3

 

6

%

Prepaid expenses

 

64.4

 

45.0

 

19.4

 

43

%

Deferred income taxes

 

12.0

 

11.9

 

0.1

 

1

%

Other current assets

 

44.1

 

24.9

 

19.2

 

77

%

Total current assets

 

3,063.5

 

3,186.2

 

(122.7

)

(4

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

1,007.7

 

1,000.9

 

6.8

 

1

%

Accrued liabilities

 

669.6

 

779.0

 

(109.4

)

(14

)%

Deferred income taxes

 

14.0

 

10.8

 

3.2

 

30

%

Current portion of long-term debt

 

43.9

 

37.5

 

6.4

 

17

%

Total current liabilities

 

1,735.2

 

1,828.2

 

(93.0

)

(5

)%

Working capital

 

$

1,328.3

 

$

1,358.0

 

$

(29.7

)

(2

)%

 


NM—Not meaningful

 

From December 31, 2004 to September 30, 2005, our working capital decreased by $29.7 million as a result of the net impact of the following significant changes:

 

                  The decrease in cash and cash equivalents balances of $43.4 million resulted from the matters identified in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows contained in our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.

 

                  The decrease in accounts and notes receivable, net of $190.4 million was due principally to increased proceeds under HI’s A/R Securitization Program of approximately $79.7 million and a decrease in European currency rates.

 

                  The increase in inventories, net of $81.3 million was a result of higher raw materials and energy costs, partially offset by a decrease in European currency rates.

 

                  The increase in prepaid expenses of $19.4 million resulted primarily from an increase in prepaid insurance.

 

                  Other current assets increased by $19.2 million related principally to net investments in government securities used to pre-fund the dividend payment on mandatory convertible preferred stock.

 

                  Accrued liabilities decreased by $109.4 million due primarily to lower payroll, interest and restructuring accruals.

 

46



 

Debt and Liquidity

 

Subsidiary Debt

 

With the exception of our guarantee of certain debt of our Consolidated Chinese Splitting JV discussed in “—Other Debt” below, we have no direct debt or guarantee obligations.  All our debt has been incurred by our subsidiaries, and such debt is non-recourse to us and we have no contractual obligation to fund our subsidiaries respective operations.  HI and AdMat, our two principal operating subsidiaries, are separately financed and their respective debt is non-recourse to each other. The following is a discussion of the debt and liquidity of our subsidiaries.

 

Credit Facilities

 

On August 16, 2005, effective upon the completion of the Merger, HI repaid the Former HI Credit Facilities, the Former HLLC Credit Facilities and the Huntsman Specialty Subordinated Note with available cash and with the proceeds of HI’s New Credit Facilities.

 

HI’s New Credit Facilities consist of (i) the $650 million Revolving Facility (of which $143 million was drawn upon completion of the Merger), (ii) the $1,730 million Dollar Term Facility (of which $1,683.5 million remains outstanding after HI made a voluntary prepayment of $46.5 million on September 19, 2005), and (iii) the €100 million (approximately $123.5 million) Euro Term Facility (of which  €97.3 million remains outstanding after HI made a voluntary prepayment of €2.7 million on September 19, 2005).  All of the initial borrowings under the Revolving Facility were repaid a few days later with proceeds received under HI’s A/R Securitization Program. The Dollar Term Loan and the Euro Term Loan each require amortization payments of 1% annually.

 

Borrowings under the Revolving Facility currently bear interest at LIBOR plus 1.75% and mature in 2010.  The Dollar Term Facility also bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.75% and matures in 2012.  The Euro Term Facility bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.00% and matures in 2012.  As of September 30, 2005, the weighted average interest rate on the New Credit Facilities was 5.4%, excluding the impact of interest rate hedges.  As of September 30, 2005, HI had $22.2 million in U.S. dollar equivalents of letters of credit issued and outstanding under the Revolving Facility.

 

HI’s obligations under the New Credit Facilities are guaranteed by substantially all of its domestic subsidiaries and certain of its foreign subsidiaries (the “HI Guarantors”), and are secured by a first priority lien (generally shared with the holders of the 2010 Secured Notes (as defined below)) on substantially all of HI’s domestic property, plant and equipment, the stock of all of HI’s material domestic subsidiaries and certain foreign subsidiaries, and pledges of intercompany notes between HI’s various subsidiaries.

 

The credit agreements governing the New Credit Facilities contain financial covenants typical for these types of agreements, including a minimum interest coverage ratio, a maximum debt-to-EBITDA ratio and a limit on capital expenditures.  The credit agreements also contain customary restrictions on HI’s ability to incur liens, incur additional debt, merge or sell assets, pay dividends, prepay other indebtedness, make investments or engage in transactions with affiliates, and other customary restrictions and default provisions.  Under the credit agreements, the maturity of the New Credit Facilities will accelerate if HI does not repay all but $100 million of any of HI’s outstanding debt securities at least three months prior to the maturity of those securities.

 

Prior to entering into the agreements governing the New Credit Facilities on August 16, 2005, the Former HI Credit Facilities consisted of a revolving loan facility of up to $375 million and a term loan B facility which consisted of a $1,082.5 million term portion and a €41.6 million term portion. The Former HLLC Credit Facilities consisted of a $350 million revolving credit facility and a $665 million term loan B facility.

 

AdMat has a revolving credit facility (the “AdMat Revolving Credit Facility”) that provides up to $60 million of borrowings and is secured by a first lien on substantially all of AdMat’s assets and those of certain of its subsidiaries. The collateral includes substantially all real property and equipment relating to AdMat’s manufacturing plants located at Bergkamen, Germany; Monthey, Switzerland; McIntosh, Alabama; and Duxford, U.K. The collateral also includes intercompany notes of certain of AdMat’s subsidiaries, and certain other assets, principally including inventory and accounts receivable. AdMat’s obligations under the AdMat Revolving Credit Facility have been guaranteed by all of its U.S. subsidiaries and certain of its non-U.S. subsidiaries (collectively, the “AdMat Guarantors”). The agent for the lenders under the AdMat Revolving Credit Facility and the trustee under the indenture governing the AdMat Senior Secured Notes (as

 

47



 

defined below) are parties to an intercreditor agreement (the “AdMat Intercreditor Agreement”).

 

On June 17, 2005, AdMat amended the AdMat Revolving Credit Facility. This amendment included, among other things, the extension of the facility’s maturity date from June 30, 2007 to July 15, 2007, the reduction in interest rate margins and the elimination of pledges of capital stock in subsidiaries as collateral under the facility. Interest rates, at AdMat’s option, are based upon either a eurocurrency rate (LIBOR) or a base rate (prime), plus an applicable spread. The applicable spreads vary based on a pricing grid. In the case of the eurocurrency-based loans, spreads range from 1.25% to 1.5% per annum, depending on whether specified conditions have been satisfied, and, in the case of base rate loans, from 0.25% to 0.5% per annum. As of September 30, 2005, AdMat had no amounts drawn on the AdMat Revolving Credit Facility and had approximately $2.6 million of letters of credit issued and outstanding under the AdMat Revolving Credit Facility. The AdMat Revolving Credit Facility allows AdMat to issue up to $20 million in letters of credit; however, the $60 million revolving credit facility is reduced dollar-for-dollar by any letters of credit outstanding. There are no scheduled debt amortization payments on the AdMat Revolving Credit Facility until its maturity date.

 

The agreement governing the AdMat Revolving Credit Facility contains customary financial covenants; covenants relating to the incurrence of debt, the purchase and sale of assets, limitations on investments and affiliate transactions; change in control provisions; events of default provisions; and acceleration provisions.

 

Secured Notes

 

On August 16, 2005, in connection with the Merger, HI entered into supplemental indentures under which it assumed the obligations of Huntsman LLC under its outstanding 11.625% senior secured notes due 2010 (the “2010 Secured Notes”). For more information, see “Note 1. General—Recent Developments—Merger of Huntsman LLC and HIH with and into HI.” As of September 30, 2005, HI had outstanding $296.0 million aggregate principal amount ($455.4 million original aggregate principal amount) of the 2010 Secured Notes, which are redeemable after October 15, 2007 at 105.813% of the principal amount thereof, declining ratably to par on and after October 15, 2009. In connection with our initial public offering of common and preferred stock, proceeds were used to redeem $159.4 million of aggregate principal amount of the 2010 Secured Notes. Interest on the 2010 Secured Notes is payable semiannually in April and October of each year. The 2010 Secured Notes are secured by a first priority lien on all collateral securing the New Credit Facilities as described above (other than capital stock of HI’s subsidiaries), shared equally with the lenders on the New Credit Facilities, subject to certain intercreditor arrangements.

 

The 2010 Secured Notes contain covenants relating to the incurrence of debt and limitations on distributions, asset sales and affiliate transactions, among other things. The indentures governing the 2010 Secured Notes also contain change of control provisions requiring us to offer to repurchase the notes upon a change of control.

 

As of September 30, 2005, AdMat had outstanding $250 million fixed rate notes due 2010 (the “AdMat Fixed Rate Notes”) and $25 million floating rate notes due 2008 ($100 million original aggregate principal amount) (the “AdMat Floating Rate Notes,” and, collectively with the AdMat Fixed Rate Notes, the “AdMat Senior Secured Notes”). The $250 million AdMat Fixed Rate Notes bear a per annum fixed rate of interest of 11%, and the AdMat Floating Rate Notes bear interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus 8.0%, subject to a floor with respect to LIBOR of 2.0%. As of September 30, 2005, the interest rate on the AdMat Floating Rate Notes was approximately 11.8%. Interest on the AdMat Floating Rate Notes resets semiannually. The AdMat Floating Rate Notes were issued with an original issue discount of 2.0%. The discount is being amortized to interest expense over the term of the AdMat Floating Rate Notes. Interest is payable on the AdMat Senior Secured Notes semiannually on January 15 and July 15 of each year.

 

The AdMat Senior Secured Notes are secured by a second lien, subject to the AdMat Intercreditor Agreement, on substantially all of the assets that secure the AdMat Revolving Credit Facility. The AdMat Senior Secured Notes effectively rank senior in right of payment to all existing and future obligations of AdMat that are unsecured or secured by liens on the collateral junior to the liens securing the AdMat Senior Secured Notes. The AdMat Senior Secured Notes are guaranteed on a senior basis by the AdMat Guarantors and are also supported by liens on substantially all of the assets of the AdMat Guarantors.

 

The AdMat Fixed Rate Notes are redeemable on or after July 15, 2007 at AdMat’s option at a price declining ratably from 105.5% to 100.0% of par value by the year 2009. At any time prior to July 15, 2007 for the AdMat Fixed Rate Notes, AdMat may redeem all or part of such notes at 100% of their principal amount, plus a “make whole” premium, as defined in the indenture. In addition, at any time prior to July 15, 2006 for the AdMat Fixed Rate Notes, AdMat may redeem up to 35% of the original aggregate principal amount of such notes at a redemption price of 111% of the principal thereof with the net cash proceeds of one or more qualified equity offerings, subject to certain conditions and limitations. The AdMat Floating Rate Notes

 

48



 

are currently redeemable at AdMat’s option at a price declining ratably from 105.0% to 100.0% of par value by the year 2007.  During the third quarter of 2005, AdMat completed the partial redemption of $75 million in aggregate principal amount of AdMat Floating Rate Notes and paid call premiums in the amount of approximately $3.8 million. There are no scheduled debt amortization payments on the AdMat Senior Secured Notes until their maturity date.

 

The indenture governing the AdMat Senior Secured Notes contains covenants relating to the incurrence of debt and limitations on distributions, asset sales and affiliate transactions, among other things. The indenture also contains a change of control provision requiring AdMat to offer to repurchase the AdMat Senior Secured Notes upon a change of control.

 

Senior Notes

 

As of September 30, 2005, we had outstanding $450.0 million aggregate principal amount 9.875% senior notes due 2009 that were issued at a premium (the “2009 Senior Notes”). The 2009 Senior Notes are unsecured obligations. Interest on the 2009 Senior Notes is payable semiannually in March and September and these notes are redeemable after March 1, 2006 at 104.937% of the original aggregate principal amount thereof, declining ratably to par on and after March 1, 2008.

 

In connection with the Merger, on August 16, 2005, HI entered into supplemental indentures under which it assumed the obligations of Huntsman LLC under its 11.5% senior notes due 2012 (the “2012 Senior Fixed Rate Notes”) and its senior floating rate notes due 2011 (the “2011 Senior Floating Rate Notes”). For more information, see “Note 1. General—Recent Developments—Merger of Huntsman LLC and HIH with and into HI.” As of September 30, 2005, HI had outstanding $198.0 million ($300 million original aggregate principal amount) of 2012 Senior Fixed Rate Notes and $100.0 million of 2011 Senior Floating Rate Notes. In connection with our initial public offering of common and preferred stock, proceeds were used to repay $102.0 million of aggregate principal amount of the 2012 Senior Fixed Rate Notes.  Interest on the 2012 Senior Fixed Rate Notes is payable semiannually in January and July of each year.  Interest on the 2011 Senior Floating Rate Notes is at LIBOR plus 7.25 % (10.85% as of September 30, 2005) and is payable quarterly in January, April, July and October of each year. The 2012 Senior Fixed Rate Notes are redeemable after July 15, 2008 at 105.75% of the principal amount thereof, declining ratably to par on and after July 15, 2010. The 2011 Senior Floating Rate Notes are redeemable after July 15, 2006 at 104.0% of the principal amount thereof, declining ratably to par on and after July 15, 2008. At any time prior to July 15, 2007, HI may redeem up to 40% of the original aggregate principal amount of the 2012 Senior Fixed Rate Notes at a redemption price of 111.5% with proceeds of a qualified equity offering. At any time prior to July 15, 2006, we may redeem up to 40% of the original aggregate principal amount of the 2011 Senior Floating Rate Notes with the proceeds of a qualified equity offering at a redemption price equal to the par value plus LIBOR plus 7.25%.

 

The indentures governing the 2009 Senior Notes, the 2012 Senior Fixed Rate Notes and the 2011 Senior Floating Rate Notes contain covenants relating to the incurrence of debt and limitations on distributions, asset sales and affiliate transactions, among other things. The indentures governing these notes also contain change of control provisions requiring us to offer to repurchase the notes upon a change of control.

 

Subordinated Notes

 

As of September 30, 2005, HI had outstanding $175 million 7.375% senior 2015 subordinated notes and €135 million ($162.3 million) 7.5% senior 2015 subordinated notes (collectively, the “2015 Subordinated Notes”). The $175 million and €135 million 2015 Subordinated Notes are redeemable on or after January 1, 2010 at 103.688% and 103.750%, respectively, of the principal amount thereof, declining ratably to par on and after January 1, 2013. In addition, at any time prior to January 1, 2008, HI may redeem up to 40% of the original aggregate principal amount of the $175 million and €135 million  2015 Subordinated Notes at redemption prices of 107.375% and 107.5%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, respectively, with the proceeds of a qualified equity offering.

As of September 30, 2005, HI also had outstanding $366.1 million ($600 million original aggregate principal amount) and €372.0 million ($447.1 million) (€450 million original aggregate principal amount) 10.125% senior subordinated notes due 2009 (the “2009 Subordinated Notes” and, together with the 2015 Subordinated Notes, the “Subordinated Notes”). The 2009 Subordinated Notes are redeemable at 103.375% of the principal amount thereof, which declines ratably to par on and after July 1, 2007.

 

As of September 30, 2005, HI had outstanding a combined total of $541.1 million and €507.0 million ($609.4 million U.S. dollar equivalents) Subordinated Notes, plus $4.1 million of unamortized premium. The Subordinated Notes are unsecured and interest is payable semiannually in January and July of each year.

 

49



 

The Subordinated Notes contain covenants relating to the incurrence of debt and limitations on distributions, asset sales and affiliate transactions, among other things. The indentures governing these notes also contain change of control provisions requiring us to offer to repurchase the notes upon a change of control.

 

Immediately prior to the Merger, Huntsman LLC funded the redemption of its outstanding 9.5% senior subordinated notes due 2007 and its senior subordinated floating rate notes due 2007, which together had an aggregate outstanding principal amount of approximately $59 million.  Such redemption was completed on September 1, 2005.

 

On August 16, 2005, in connection with the Merger, HI repaid, in full, the Huntsman Specialty Subordinated Note which had an aggregate principal amount of $106.6 million.

 

Senior Discount Notes

 

On June 30, 1999, HIH issued senior discount notes (“HIH Senior Discount Notes”) and senior subordinated discount notes (the “HIH Senior Subordinated Discount Notes” and, collectively with the HIH Senior Discount Notes, the “HIH Discount Notes”) to Imperial Chemical Industries PLC (“ICI”) with initial stated values of $242.7 million and $265.3 million, respectively. The HIH Discount Notes were due December 31, 2009.

 

Interest on the HIH Senior Discount Notes accrued at 13.375% per annum and was paid in kind. The HIH Senior Discount Notes were redeemable after July 1, 2004 at 106.688% of the principal amount thereof, declining ratably to par on and after July 1, 2007. As a result of our initial public offering, during the first quarter of 2005, HIH redeemed approximately $505.6 million of accreted value and paid call premiums of approximately $33.8 million. In order to make this redemption, HIH received contributions from us resulting from proceeds of our initial public offering in the amount of $504.4 million and received $35.0 million in dividends from HI.

 

The HIH Senior Subordinated Discount Notes accrued interest at a reset rate of 13.125% that was reset as of September 30, 2004 in accordance with the terms of the indenture. The HIH Senior Subordinated Discount Notes were held by HMP. On February 28, 2005, HMP contributed the HIH Senior Subordinated Discount Notes at an accreted value of $422.8 million to HIH in exchange for equity in HIH.

 

On May 9, 2003, HMP issued units consisting of 15% senior secured discount notes due 2008 (the “HMP Senior Discount Notes”) with an accreted value of $423.5 million and warrants to purchase common stock of HMP. On February 28, 2005, we used proceeds from our initial public offering of common and preferred stock to redeem in full the HMP Senior Discount Notes at an accreted value of $550.0 million, plus a redemption premium of $41.3 million.

 

Other Debt

 

HI maintains a $25 million multicurrency overdraft facility used for the working capital needs for HI’s European subsidiaries (the “European Overdraft Facility”). As of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, there were $17.3 million in U.S. dollar equivalents and nil net borrowings outstanding under the European Overdraft Facility, respectively.

 

Huntsman Polyurethanes Shanghai Ltd., one of our Chinese MDI joint ventures and our consolidated affiliate (our “Consolidated Chinese Splitting JV”), has obtained secured loans for the construction of MDI production facilities near Shanghai, China. This debt consists of various committed loans in the aggregate amount of approximately $117 million. As of September 30, 2005, our Consolidated Chinese Splitting JV had $15 million outstanding in U.S. dollar borrowings and 126 million in RMB borrowings ($15 million) under these facilities. As of September 30, 2005, the interest rate was approximately 5.0% for U.S. dollar borrowings and 5.5% for RMB borrowings. The loans are secured by substantially all the assets of the Consolidated Chinese Splitting JV and will be repaid in 16 semiannual installments beginning no later than June 30, 2007. The financing is non-recourse to HI, but is guaranteed during the construction phase by affiliates of the Consolidated Chinese Splitting JV, including us as successor to Huntsman Holdings LLC. We have guaranteed 70% of any amount due and unpaid by the Consolidated Chinese Splitting JV under the loans described above (except for the VAT Facility, which is not guaranteed).  Our guarantees remain in effect until the Consolidated Chinese Splitting JV has (i) commenced production of at least 70% of capacity for at least 30 days, and (ii) achieved a debt service cost ratio of at least 1.5:1. Our Chinese MDI joint ventures are unrestricted subsidiaries under the New Credit Facilities and under the indentures governing our outstanding notes.

 

Our Australian subsidiaries maintain credit facilities that had an aggregate outstanding balance of A$87.0 million ($65.7 million) as of September 30, 2005.  These facilities are non-recourse to us.

 

50



 

We finance certain of our insurance premiums.  As of September 30, 2005, we had $27.6 million in insurance premium financing, all of which is due in the next 12 months.

 

On February 16, 2005, Huntsman LLC paid in full a 15% note payable to an affiliated entity in the amount of $41.6 million.

 

Receivables Securitization

 

For information concerning our A/R Securitization Program, see “—Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements—Receivables Securitization” below.

 

Short-Term and Long-Term Liquidity

 

We depend upon our credit facilities and other debt instruments to provide liquidity for our operations and working capital needs. As of September 30, 2005, we had approximately $974 million of combined cash and combined unused borrowing capacity, consisting of approximately $854 million attributable to HI and approximately $108 million attributable to AdMat.

 

We believe our current liquidity, together with funds generated by our businesses, is sufficient to meet the short-term and long-term needs of our businesses, including funding operations, making capital expenditures and servicing our debt obligations in the ordinary course.

 

Compliance with Covenants

 

Our management believes that we are in compliance with the covenants contained in the agreements governing the New Credit Facilities, the AdMat Credit Facilities, the A/R Securitization Program and the indentures governing our notes.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

Receivables Securitization

 

Under our A/R Securitization Program, we grant an undivided interest in certain of our trade receivables to a qualified off-balance sheet entity (the “Receivables Trust”) at a discount. This undivided interest serves as security for the issuance of commercial paper and medium-term notes by the Receivables Trust.

 

As of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, the Receivables Trust had approximately $193.8 million and $208.4 million, respectively, in U.S. dollar equivalents in medium-term notes outstanding and approximately $94.3 million in U.S. dollar equivalents and nil, respectively in commercial paper outstanding. The medium-term notes have a scheduled maturity date of September 15, 2006 with the scheduled amortization period commencing June 30, 2005. Our commercial paper facility has a maturity date of June 30, 2007 and provides for the issuance of both euro- and U.S. dollar-denominated commercial paper up to a U.S. dollar equivalent of $125 million.  In connection with the Merger and the related financing, we temporarily (through March 31, 2006) increased our commercial paper facility from $125 million to $175 million.

 

As of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, our retained interest in receivables (including servicing assets) subject to the program was approximately $217.5 million and $327.6 million, respectively. The value of the retained interest is subject to credit and interest rate risk. For the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, new sales of accounts receivable sold into the program totaled approximately $4,245.3 million and $3,669.1 million, respectively, and cash collections from receivables sold into the program that were reinvested totaled $4,238.3 million and $3,635.5 million, respectively. Servicing fees received during the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 were approximately $4.6 million and $4.0 million, respectively.

 

We incur losses on the A/R Securitization Program for the discount on receivables sold into the program and fees and expenses associated with the program. We also retain responsibility for the economic gains and losses on forward contracts mandated by the terms of the program to hedge the currency exposures on the collateral supporting the off-balance sheet debt issued. Gains and losses on forward contracts included as a component of the loss on the A/R Securitization Program were nil and a loss of $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. As of each of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, the fair value of the open forward currency contracts was nil.

 

51



 

The key economic assumptions used in valuing the residual interest are presented below:

 

 

 

September 30, 2005

 

Weighted average life (in months)

 

Approx. 1.5

 

Credit losses (annual rate)

 

Less than 1%

 

Discount rate (weighted average life)

 

Less than 1 %

 

 

A 10% and 20% adverse change in any of the key economic assumptions would not have a material impact on the fair value of the retained interest. Total receivables over 60 days past due as of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 were $14.9 million and $12.1 million, respectively.

 

Financing of Chinese MDI Facilities

 

In 2003, HI entered into two related joint venture agreements to build MDI production facilities near Shanghai, China. HI’s Unconsolidated Chinese Manufacturing JV with BASF AG and three Chinese chemical companies will build three plants to manufacture MNB, aniline and crude MDI. HI effectively owns 35% of the Unconsolidated Chinese Manufacturing JV. HI’s Consolidated Chinese Splitting JV and Shanghai Chlor-Alkali Chemical Company, Ltd. will build a plant to manufacture pure MDI, polymeric MDI and MDI variants. HI owns 70% of the Consolidated Chinese Splitting JV.

 

On September 19, 2003, the joint ventures obtained secured financing for the construction of the production facilities. The Consolidated Chinese Splitting JV is our consolidated subsidiary, and the details of its financing are described in “—Debt and Liquidity—Other Debt” above. The Unconsolidated Chinese Manufacturing JV is not our consolidated subsidiary. The Unconsolidated Chinese Manufacturing JV obtained various committed loans in the aggregate amount of approximately $224 million in U.S. dollar equivalents. As of September 30, 2005, there were $55.0 million outstanding in U.S. dollar borrowings and 500.0 million in outstanding RMB ($61.8 million) borrowings under these facilities. The interest rate on these facilities is LIBOR plus 0.48% for U.S. dollar borrowings and 90% of the Peoples Bank of China rate for RMB borrowings. The loans are secured by substantially all the assets of the Unconsolidated Chinese Manufacturing JV and will be paid in 16 semiannual installments, beginning not later than June 30, 2007. We, as successor to Huntsman Holdings, unconditionally guarantee 35% of any amounts due and unpaid by the Unconsolidated Chinese Manufacturing JV under the loans described above (except for a VAT facility of approximately $1.5 million which is not guaranteed). Our guarantee remains in effect until the Unconsolidated Chinese Manufacturing JV has commenced production of at least 70% of capacity for at least 30 days and achieved a debt service coverage ratio of at least 1:1.

 

Restructuring, Impairment and Plant Closing Costs

 

As of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, accrued restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs by type of cost and initiative consisted of the following (dollars in millions):

 

 

 

Workforce
reductions(1)

 

Demolition and
decommissioning

 

Non-cancelable
lease costs

 

Other
restructuring
costs

 

Total(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2004

 

$

122.0

 

$

8.4

 

$

5.1

 

$

17.6

 

$

153.1

 

2005 charges for 2003 initiatives

 

7.9

 

 

2.5

 

 

10.4

 

2005 charges for 2004 initiatives

 

28.3

 

0.1

 

 

10.9

 

39.3

 

2005 charges for 2005 initiatives

 

5.3

 

 

 

1.6

 

6.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reversals of reserves no longer required

 

(1.0

)

 

(0.9

)

(0.5

)

(2.4

)

Partial reversal of AdMat Transaction opening balance sheet accrual

 

(3.7

)

(0.8

)

 

(0.8

)

(5.3

)

2005 payments for 2003 initiatives

 

(20.0

)

(0.2

)

(0.1

)

(1.1

)

(21.4

)

2005 payments for 2004 initiatives

 

(70.1

)

(0.7

)

(0.8

)

(6.0

)

(77.6

)

2005 payments for 2005 initiatives

 

(0.9

)

 

 

(0.1

)

(1.0

)

Foreign currency effect on reserve balance

 

(10.0

)

(0.1

)

(0.3

)

(2.2

)

(12.6

)

Accrued liabilities as of September 30, 2005

 

$

57.8

 

$

6.7

 

$

5.5

 

$

19.4

 

$

89.4

 

 

52



 


(1)                                  Substantially all of the positions terminated in connection with the restructuring programs were terminated under ongoing termination benefit arrangements. Accordingly, the related liabilities were accrued as a one-time charge to earnings in accordance with SFAS No. 112, “Employers’ Accounting for Postemployment Benefits.”

 

(2)                                  Accrued liabilities by initiatives were as follows (dollars in millions):

 

 

 

September 30,
2005

 

December 31,
2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2001 initiatives

 

$

2.8

 

$

2.8

 

2003 initiatives

 

33.8

 

44.8

 

2004 initiatives

 

53.2

 

99.2

 

2005 initiatives

 

5.9

 

 

Foreign currency effect on reserve balance

 

(6.3

)

6.3

 

Total

 

$

89.4

 

$

153.1

 

 

Details with respect to our reserves for restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs are provided below by segment and initiative (dollars in millions):

 

 

 

Polyurethanes

 

Advanced
Materials

 

Performance
Products

 

Pigments

 

Polymers

 

Base
Chemicals

 

Total

 

Accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2004

 

$

19.0

 

$

33.0

 

$

58.2

 

$

22.0

 

$

5.8

 

$

15.1

 

$

153.1

 

2005 charges for 2003 initiatives

 

3.7

 

 

 

6.7

 

 

 

10.4

 

2005 charges for 2004 initiatives

 

2.2

 

0.4

 

4.9

 

18.9

 

4.1

 

8.8

 

39.3

 

2005 charges for 2005 initiatives

 

 

 

1.7

 

2.7

 

 

2.5

 

6.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reversals of reserves no longer required

 

 

(1.0

)

 

(1.4

)

 

 

(2.4

)

Partial reversal of Admat Transaction opening balance sheet accrual

 

 

(5.3

)

 

 

 

 

(5.3

)

2005 payments for 2003 initiatives

 

(4.6

)

(8.6

)

(0.8

)

(7.4

)

 

 

(21.4

)

2005 payments for 2004 initiatives

 

(5.3

)

(6.7

)

(26.6

)

(18.2

)

(6.3

)

(14.5

)

(77.6

)

2005 payments for 2005 initiatives

 

 

 

(0.1

)

(0.9

)

 

 

(1.0

)

Foreign currency effect on reserve balance

 

(1.5

)

(1.7

)

(6.3

)

(2.1

)

(0.5

)

(0.5

)

(12.6

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued liabilities as of September 30, 2005

 

$

13.5

 

$

10.1

 

$

31.0

 

$

20.3

 

$

3.1

 

$

11.4

 

$

89.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion of restructuring reserve

 

$

5.2

 

$

7.0

 

$

21.3

 

$

17.6

 

$

0.7

 

$

9.9

 

$

61.7

 

Long-term portion of restructuring reserve

 

8.3

 

3.1

 

9.7

 

2.7

 

2.4

 

1.5

 

27.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Estimated additional future charges for current restructuring projects:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Estimated additional charges within one year

 

$

0.6

 

$

3.0

 

$

2.0

 

$

9.0

 

$

 

$

6.6

 

$

21.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Estimated additional charges beyond one year

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

As of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, we had reserves for restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs of $89.4 million and $153.1 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, we recorded additional net charges of $100.5 million (consisting of $54.2 million payable in cash and $46.3 million of non-cash charges) for workforce reductions, demolition and decommissioning and other restructuring costs associated with closure or curtailment of activities at our smaller, less efficient manufacturing facilities and for an impairment of long-lived assets. During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, we made cash payments against these reserves of $100.0 million.

 

As of December 31, 2004, our Polyurethanes segment reserve consisted of $19.0 million related to various restructuring programs, including the closure of our West Deptford, New Jersey site (as announced in 2004), restructuring initiatives at the Rozenburg, Netherlands site (as announced in 2003), workforce reductions throughout our Polyurethanes segment (as announced in 2003), and the closure of our Shepton Mallet, U.K. site (as announced in 2002). During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, our Polyurethanes segment recorded restructuring charges of $5.9 million related to these initiatives, all of which is payable in cash.  In addition, during the nine months ended September 30, 2005, our Polyurethanes segment made cash payments of $9.9 million. These restructuring initiatives are expected to result in additional restructuring charges of approximately

 

53



 

$0.6 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2004 our Polyurethanes segment recorded restructuring charges of $32.8 million.

 

As of December 31, 2004, in our Advanced Materials segment, accrued restructuring and plant closing costs consisted of $33.0 million related to the restructuring programs implemented in association with the acquisition of our Advanced Materials business (the “AdMat Transaction”), the realignment and simplification of the commercial and technical organization and the closure of our Kaohsiung, Taiwan production facility. During the second quarter of 2005, we assessed the remaining restructuring reserves established in association with the AdMat Transaction and other 2004 initiatives and concluded that $5.3 million and $1.0 million, respectively, were no longer necessary. Accordingly, we reversed these restructuring reserves during the second quarter of 2005. The AdMat Transaction reserve reversal was recorded as a reduction to property, plant and equipment in accordance with EITF 95-3, “Recognition of Liabilities in Connection with a Purchase Business Combination.” The reversal of the restructuring reserve for the other 2004 initiatives was recorded as a credit to earnings. Also during 2005, we recorded restructuring and plant closing charges of $0.4 million for relocation and other costs and made cash payments of $15.3 million.  During the fourth quarter of 2005, our Advanced Materials segment expects to initiate additional restructuring activities to consolidate its European research and development organizations and expects to incur additional restructuring and plant closing costs of approximately $3 million.

 

As of December 31, 2004, our Performance Products segment reserve consisted of $58.2 million related to various restructuring programs across our European surfactants business, including the closure of substantially all of our Whitehaven, U.K. surfactants facility, as well as the closure of our Guelph, Ontario, St. Louis, Missouri and Austin, Texas facilities. During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, our Performance Products segment recorded restructuring charges of $6.6 million, all of which is payable in cash, of which $4.9 million related to 2004 activities.  The additional $1.7 million relates mainly to manpower reductions in Performance Products as part of the realignment of our Jefferson County, Texas operations announced on August 30, 2005.  Our Performance Products segment made cash payments of $27.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2005. These restructuring initiatives are expected to result in additional restructuring charges of approximately $2 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, our Performance Products segment recorded restructuring charges of $41.2 million.

 

As of December 31, 2004, our Pigments segment reserve consisted of $22.0 million related to its global workforce reductions announced in 2003 and the reduction of its titanium dioxide (“TiO2”) production capacity announced in 2004. In July 2005, our Pigments and Base Chemicals segments announced that they would establish a single U.K. headquarters in Teesside, U.K. This will result in the closure of our Pigments segment’s Billingham, U.K. headquarters and the creation of a new support center for both businesses. During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, our Pigments segment recorded restructuring charges of $26.9 million related to these restructuring initiatives, all of which was payable in cash, and made cash payments of $26.5 million. These restructuring initiatives are expected to result in additional restructuring charges of approximately $9 million through 2006. During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, our Pigments segment recorded restructuring charges of $111.7 million.

 

As of December 31, 2004, our Polymers segment reserve consisted of $5.8 million related primarily to the closure of our phenol manufacturing unit in Australia and restructuring initiatives at Odessa, Texas.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, our Polymers segment recorded restructuring charges of $51.3 million, $4.1 million of which is payable in cash, and made cash payments of $6.3 million. During the third quarter of 2005, we concluded that the long-lived assets of our Australian styrenics business were impaired as a result of disappointing performance and the lack of anticipated strengthening of the styrenics market.  Accordingly, our Polymers segment recorded an impairment charge of $46.6 million during the third quarter of 2005 related to the Australian styrenics assets.  The fair value of the Australian styrenics assets was determined based on estimated market prices. During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, our Polymers segment recorded restructuring charges of $7.6 million.

 

As of December 31, 2004, our Base Chemicals segment reserve consisted of $15.1 million related primarily to workforce reductions arising from the announced change in work shift schedules and in the engineering and support functions at our Wilton and North Tees, U.K. facilities.  In July 2005, our Pigments and Base Chemicals segments announced that they would establish a single U.K. headquarters in Teesside, U.K.  In August 2005, our Base Chemicals segment announced the restructuring of its Jefferson County, Texas operations. During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, our Base Chemicals segment recorded restructuring charges of $11.3 million related to these initiatives, all of which was payable in cash, and made cash payments of $14.5 million. These restructuring initiatives are expected to result in additional restructuring charges of approximately $7 million through 2006. During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, our Base Chemicals segment recorded restructuring charges of $9.1 million.

 

54



 

Capital Expenditures

 

Capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 were $202.0 million and $145.0 million, respectively.

 

During 2005, we expect to spend approximately $350 million on capital projects, including capital expenditures of approximately $40 million on our LDPE facility at Wilton, U.K., and approximately $60 million in capital expenditures associated with our Consolidated Chinese Splitting JV.

 

Of the $60 million of capital expenditures expected in our Consolidated Chinese Splitting JV, we have funded approximately $8 million as equity and the remaining funding of the Consolidated Chinese Splitting JV’s capital expenditures will be financed through equity investments by the other joint venture partners and loans from local Chinese lenders. During 2005, we invested, as equity, approximately $8 million in the Unconsolidated Chinese Manufacturing JV. We expect that our total equity investment in the Chinese joint ventures will be approximately $85 million, of which approximately $42 million will be in the Unconsolidated Chinese Manufacturing JV and approximately $43 million in the Consolidated Chinese Splitting JV. We expect that the total project capital expenditures by the Consolidated Chinese Splitting JV will be approximately $125 million, of which approximately $43 million will be funded from our equity investment and the remainder from equity investments by joint venture partners and loans from local Chinese lenders. We expect completion of our spending on the Chinese MDI joint ventures in 2006. Our Chinese MDI joint ventures are unrestricted subsidiaries under the New Credit Facilities and under the indentures governing our outstanding notes.

 

We believe that the cost position of our Wilton, U.K. olefins facility uniquely positions it to be the site of a polyethylene production facility. While we export approximately one-third of our ethylene production each year to continental Europe, incurring significant shipping and handling costs, the U.K. annually imports approximately 1.9 billion pounds of polyethylene. We believe this provides an opportunity to capitalize on the low-cost operating environment and extensive petrochemical infrastructure and logistics at Wilton, as supported by a feasibility study that was conducted with respect to the construction of a world-scale LDPE facility at our Wilton site. The LDPE facility will have the capacity to produce approximately 900 million pounds of LDPE annually and is estimated to cost approximately $300 million to construct, net of any grant proceeds obtained. HI has been awarded a grant of £16.5 million (approximately $30 million) from the U.K. government’s Department of Trade and Industry to finance a portion of the construction of the LDPE facility. We expect construction of the LDPE facility to be complete in late 2007. During 2005, we expect to spend approximately $40 million in capital expenditures associated with the LDPE facility at Wilton, U.K.

 

Based upon our 2006 Budgets, we expect to spend approximately $550 million in 2006 which includes approximately $200 million associated with our LDPE Facility at Wilton, U.K.

 

We expect to finance our capital expenditure commitments through a combination of our financing arrangements and cash flow from operations.

 

Other Investing Activities

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, we received $5.1 million and $10.1 million, respectively, in distributions from Louisiana Pigments. During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, we invested $1.8 million in Rubicon LLC to fund our proportionate share of capital expenditures.

 

Environmental, Health and Safety Matters

 

General

 

We are subject to extensive federal, state, local and foreign laws, regulations, rules and ordinances relating to pollution, protection of the environment and the generation, storage, handling, transportation, treatment, disposal and remediation of hazardous substances and waste materials. In the ordinary course of business, we are subject to frequent environmental inspections and monitoring and occasional investigations by governmental enforcement authorities. In addition, our production facilities require operating permits that are subject to renewal, modification and, in certain circumstances, revocation. Actual or alleged violations of environmental laws or permit requirements could result in restrictions or prohibitions on plant operations, substantial civil or criminal sanctions, as well as, under some environmental laws, the assessment of strict liability and/or joint and several liability. Moreover, changes in environmental regulations could inhibit or interrupt our operations, or require us to modify our facilities or operations. Accordingly, environmental or

 

55



 

regulatory matters may cause us to incur significant unanticipated losses, costs or liabilities.

 

Environmental, Health and Safety Systems

 

We are committed to achieving and maintaining compliance with all applicable environmental, health and safety (“EHS”) legal requirements, and we have developed policies and management systems that are intended to identify the multitude of EHS legal requirements applicable to our operations, enhance compliance with applicable legal requirements, ensure the safety of our employees, contractors, community neighbors and customers and minimize the production and emission of wastes and other pollutants. Although EHS legal requirements are constantly changing and are frequently difficult to comply with, these EHS management systems are designed to assist us in our compliance goals while also fostering efficiency and improvement and minimizing overall risk to us.

 

EHS Capital Expenditures

 

We may incur future costs for capital improvements and general compliance under EHS laws, including costs to acquire, maintain and repair pollution control equipment. For the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, our capital expenditures for EHS matters totaled $24.2 million and $36.9 million, respectively. Since capital expenditures for these matters are subject to evolving regulatory requirements and depend, in part, on the timing, promulgation and enforcement of specific requirements, we cannot provide assurance that our recent expenditures will be indicative of future amounts required under EHS laws.

 

Governmental Enforcement Proceedings

 

On occasion, we receive notices of violation, enforcement and other complaints from regulatory agencies alleging non-compliance with applicable EHS law. By way of example, we are aware of the individual matters set out below, which we believe to be the most significant presently pending matters and unasserted claims. Although we may incur costs or penalties in connection with the governmental proceedings discussed below, based on currently available information and our past experience, we believe that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

 

In May 2003, the State of Texas settled an air enforcement case with us relating to our Port Arthur plant. Under the settlement, we are required to pay a civil penalty of $7.5 million over more than four years, undertake environmental monitoring projects totaling about $1.5 million in costs, and pay $0.4 million in attorney’s fees to the Texas Attorney General. As of September 30, 2005, we have paid $3.5 million toward the penalty and $0.4 million for the attorney’s fees. The monitoring projects are underway and on schedule. We do not anticipate that this settlement will have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

 

Beginning in the third quarter of 2004 and extending through August 2005, we have received approximately eight separate notifications from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (“TCEQ”) for alleged violations related to air emissions at our Port Neches or our Port Arthur plant. These alleged violations primarily relate to specific upset emissions, emissions from cooling towers, or flare operations occurring at particular times and at particular operating units during 2004 and 2005. These notices of violation appear to be part of a larger enforcement initiative by the TCEQ regional office focused on upset emissions at chemical and refining industry plants located within the Beaumont/Port Arthur region. TCEQ has made individual proposals to us to resolve five of the notices of alleged violation for approximately $0.1 million each. TCEQ has also made a proposal to resolve one of the remaining notices, addressing upset emissions at Port Neches, for $0.2 million. TCEQ has not made a penalty proposal for two other notices. Final resolution of these matters is subject to negotiation between us and TCEQ. We do not believe that the resolution of these matters will result in the imposition of costs material to our results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

 

By letter dated September 13, 2005, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (the “TNPCB”) issued an Order in follow-up to a Show Cause notice dated June 30, 2005, requiring a manufacturing facility of Petro Araldite Private Limited, a subsidiary of Huntsman Advanced Materials in Chennai, India, to close for one week and to submit an action plan and timeline to reduce chemical oxygen demand in its wastewater effluent.  The facility complied with the order and has submitted an action plan to the TNPCB, which has been accepted pending installation of assets to remedy the issue.  If the TNPCB believes the plan is insufficient, it has the power to take further enforcement action, including shutting down the facility for a longer period or permanently, initiating criminal sanctions or imposing fines.  We do not believe that the resolution of this matter will have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

 

See Note 11 “Commitments and Contingencies—Legal Matters” to our Condensed Consolidated Financial

 

56



 

Statements (Unaudited) for a discussion of environmental lawsuits brought by private party plaintiffs.

 

Remediation Liabilities

 

We have incurred, and we may in the future incur, liability to investigate and clean up waste or contamination at our current or former facilities or facilities operated by third parties at which we may have disposed of waste or other materials. Similarly, we may incur costs for the cleanup of wastes that were disposed of prior to the purchase of our businesses. Under some circumstances, the scope of our liability may extend to damages to natural resources. Specifically, under the U.S. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (“CERCLA”), and similar state laws, a current or former owner or operator of real property may be liable for remediation costs regardless of whether the release or disposal of hazardous substances was in compliance with law at the time it occurred, and a current owner or operator may be liable regardless of whether it owned or operated the facility at the time of the release. In addition, under the U.S. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended (“RCRA”), and similar state laws, we may be required to remediate contamination originating from our properties as a condition to our hazardous waste permit. For example, our Odessa, Port Arthur, and Port Neches facilities in Texas are the subject of ongoing remediation requirements under RCRA authority. In many cases, our potential liability arising from historical contamination is based on operations and other events occurring prior to our ownership of the relevant facility. In these situations, we frequently obtained an indemnity agreement from the prior owner addressing remediation liabilities arising from preclosing conditions. We have successfully exercised our rights under these contractual covenants for a number of sites, and where applicable, mitigated our ultimate remediation liability. We cannot assure you, however, that all of such matters will be subject to indemnity or that our existing indemnities will be sufficient to cover our liabilities for such matters.

 

Some of our manufacturing sites have an extended history of industrial chemical manufacturing and use, including on-site waste disposal. We are aware of soil, groundwater and surface water contamination from past operations at some of our sites, and we may find contamination at other sites in the future. For example, we are aware that there is significant contamination, largely related to a landfill and lagoons, at our McIntosh, Alabama plant site. Further, soil and groundwater contamination have been identified at our plants in Duxford, U.K. and Monthey, Switzerland. Pursuant to certain agreements with respect to these Advanced Materials sites, we expect that Ciba will have primary financial responsibility for such matters, although we may be required to contribute to the costs of remediation in certain instances, and we believe that Ciba has the intention and ability to honor these agreements. Based on available information and the indemnification rights we believe are likely to be available, we believe that the costs to investigate and remediate known contamination will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, and therefore we have made no accrual for such liabilities as of September 30, 2005. However, if such indemnities are unavailable or do not fully cover the costs of investigation and remediation or we are required to contribute to such costs, and if such costs are material, then such expenditures may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. At the current time, we are unable to estimate the full cost, exclusive of indemnification benefits, to remediate known contamination sites.

 

We have been notified by third parties of claims against us or our subsidiaries for cleanup liabilities at approximately 12 former facilities and other third party sites, including but not limited to sites listed under CERCLA. Based on current information and past experience at other CERCLA sites, we do not expect any of these third party claims to result in material liability to us.

 

One of these sites, the North Maybe Canyon CERCLA site, includes an abandoned phosphorous mine located in a U.S. National Forest in Idaho. The North Maybe Canyon mine may have been operated by one of our predecessors for approximately two out of the eight years (1964 to 1972) during which it held mining leases in the area. In 2004, we received from the Forest Service a notice of potential liability for the mine under CERCLA. According to information from the U.S. government, North Maybe Canyon was actively mined for a total of about 20 years. The current owner, NuWest Industries, Inc., a subsidiary of Agrium, Inc., operated the mine for at least six of those years. Under an administrative order with the Forest Service and other governmental agencies, NuWest is currently undertaking an investigation of the site, with a specific focus on the release of selenium contaminated surface water into streams in the area. By letter dated May 27, 2005, the Forest Service put us (as well as NuWest and Wells Cargo, Inc.) on notice that it is demanding payment of its incurred costs in the amount of $0.1 million. The letter also indicated that the Forest Service wishes to initiate negotiations on a response action at the site with the objective of putting a Consent Decree in place obligating NuWest, Wells Cargo and us to conduct and fund that action. We are currently investigating the factual issues concerning anticipated allocation and response action issues. We have initiated contact with the Forest Service and the other potentially responsible persons (“PRPs”) to determine whether to pursue negotiations. We do not currently have sufficient information to estimate actual remediation costs or our actual liability, if any, for investigation and cleanup of the North Maybe Canyon site.

 

57



 

Environmental Reserves

 

We have established financial reserves relating to anticipated environmental cleanup obligations, site reclamation and closure costs and known penalties. Liabilities are recorded when potential liabilities are either known or considered probable and can be reasonably estimated. Our liability estimates are based upon available facts, existing technology and past experience. On a consolidated basis, we have accrued approximately $27 million and $35 million for environmental liabilities as of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively. Of these amounts, approximately $7.5 million and $8 million are classified as accrued liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively, and approximately $19.5 million and $27 million are classified as other noncurrent liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively. In certain cases, our remediation liabilities are payable over periods of up to 30 years. We may incur losses for environmental remediation in excess of the amounts accrued; however, we are not able to estimate the amount or range of such potential excess.

 

Regulatory Developments

 

Under the European Union (“EU”) Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive (“IPPC”), EU member governments are to adopt rules and implement a cross media (air, water and waste) environmental permitting program for individual facilities. While the EU countries are at varying stages in their respective implementation of the IPPC permit program, we have submitted all necessary IPPC permit applications required to date, and in some cases received completed permits from the applicable government agency. We expect to submit all other IPPC applications and related documents on a timely basis as the various countries implement the IPPC permit program. Although we do not know with certainty what each IPPC permit will require, we believe, based upon our experience with the permits received to date, that the costs of compliance with the IPPC permit program will not be material to our results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

 

In October 2003, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a new EU regulatory framework for chemicals. Under this proposed new system called “REACH” (Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals), companies that manufacture or import more than one ton of a chemical substance per year would be required to register such manufacture or import in a central database. The REACH initiative, as proposed, would require risk assessment of chemicals, preparations (e.g., soaps and paints) and articles (e.g., consumer products) before those materials could be manufactured or imported into EU countries. Where warranted by a risk assessment, hazardous substances would require authorizations for their use. This regulation could impose risk control strategies that would require capital expenditures by us. As proposed, REACH would take effect in three primary stages over the eleven years following the final effective date (assuming final approval). The impacts of REACH on the chemical industry and on us are unclear at this time because the parameters of the program are still being actively debated.

 

MTBE Developments

 

We produce MTBE, an oxygenate that is blended with gasoline to reduce vehicle air emissions and to enhance the octane rating of gasoline. Existing or future litigation or legislative initiatives restricting the use of MTBE in gasoline may subject us or our products to environmental liability or materially adversely affect our sales and costs. The use of MTBE is controversial in the U.S. and elsewhere and may be substantially curtailed or eliminated in the future by legislation or regulatory action. For example, about 16 states, including California, New York and Connecticut, have adopted rules that prohibit or restrict the use of MTBE in gasoline sold in those states. The 16 states account for a substantial portion of the “pre-ban” U.S. MTBE market. Additional phase-outs or other future regulation of MTBE may result in a significant reduction in demand for our MTBE, a material loss in revenues or material increase in compliance costs or expenditures.

 

We currently market approximately 95% of our MTBE to customers located in the U.S. for use as a gasoline additive. If the use of MTBE in gasoline in the U.S. is further curtailed or eliminated in the future, although we can make no assurances, we believe that we will be able to export MTBE to Europe, Asia or South America, although this may produce a

 

58



 

lower level of cash flow than the sale of MTBE in the U.S. We may also elect to use all or a portion of our precursor TBA to produce saleable products other than MTBE. If we opt to produce products other than MTBE, necessary modifications to our facilities will require us to make significant capital expenditures and the sale of such other products may produce a lower level of cash flow than the sale of MTBE. In addition, the Energy Policy Act of 2005 was signed into law in August 2005. The new law will likely have an adverse impact on our MTBE business in the U.S., since it mandates increased use of renewable fuels and eliminates the oxygenate requirement for reformulated gasoline established by the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. Although the extent of the potential impact of the new law is still unclear, a significant loss in demand for our MTBE could result in a material loss in revenues or material costs or expenditures.

 

A number of lawsuits have been filed, primarily against gasoline manufacturers, marketers and distributors, by persons seeking to recover damages allegedly arising from the presence of MTBE in groundwater. While we have not been named as a defendant in any litigation concerning the environmental effects of MTBE, we cannot provide assurances that we will not be involved in any such litigation or that such litigation will not have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

See Note 2 “Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements” to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) for a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

There have been no changes in the third quarter of 2005 with respect to our critical accounting policies as presented in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2004 included in our 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Cautionary Statement for Forward-Looking Information

 

Certain information set forth in this report contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning our plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events, future revenues or performance, capital expenditures, financing needs, plans or intentions relating to acquisitions and other information that is not historical information. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “anticipates,” or “intends” or the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy. We may also make additional forward-looking statements from time to time. All such subsequent forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, by us or on our behalf, are also expressly qualified by these cautionary statements.

 

All forward-looking statements, including without limitation, management’s examination of historical operating trends, are based upon our current expectations and various assumptions. Our expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith and we believe there is a reasonable basis for them, but, there can be no assurance that management’s expectations, beliefs and projections will result or be achieved. All forward-looking statements apply only as of the date made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements which may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 

There are a number of risks and uncertainties, including those discussed elsewhere in this report, that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in or contemplated by this report. Any forward-looking statements should be considered in light of all such factors and the risks specified in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

We are exposed to market risk, including changes in currency exchange rates, interest rates and certain commodity prices. To manage the volatility relating to these exposures, from time to time, we enter into various derivative transactions. We hold and issue derivative financial instruments for economic hedging purposes only.

 

59



 

Currency Exchange Rates

 

Our cash flows and earnings are subject to fluctuations due to exchange rate variation. Our sales prices are typically denominated in euros or U.S. dollars. From time to time, we may enter into foreign currency derivative instruments to minimize the short-term impact of movements in foreign currency rates. Short-term exposures to changing foreign currency exchange rates at our subsidiaries are generally netted where practicable. Remaining exposures may be managed from time to time through financial market transactions, principally through the purchase of spot or forward foreign exchange contracts (generally with maturities of nine months or less). We do not hedge our currency exposures in a manner that would entirely eliminate the effect of changes in exchange rates on our cash flows and earnings. Our A/R Securitization Program in certain circumstances requires that we enter into forward foreign currency hedges intended to hedge currency exposures. As of September 30, 2005, our outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts were not material.

 

A significant portion of our debt is denominated in euros. We also finance certain of our non-U.S. subsidiaries with intercompany loans that are, in some cases, denominated in currencies other than the entities’ functional currency. We attempt to manage the net foreign currency exposure created by this debt through various means, including cross-currency swaps, the designation of certain intercompany loans as Permanent Loans (as defined below) and the designation of debt and swaps as hedges.

 

HI has an outstanding cross-currency interest rate swap of fixed rate debt. HI entered into this swap with several financial institutions in order to more effectively hedge its overall underlying euro long-term net asset and euro cash flow exposures. In this transaction, HI agreed to swap $175 million of 7.375% fixed rate debt for €132.4 million of 6.63% fixed rate debt. As a result, HI will pay fixed rate interest at an annual rate of 6.63% on €132.4 million of principal and will receive fixed rate interest at an annual rate of 7.375% on $175 million of principal through January 1, 2010. At maturity on January 1, 2010, HI is required to pay principal of €132.4 million and will receive principal of $175 million. Interest installments are paid semiannually on January 1 and July 1 of each year beginning July 1, 2005 through maturity. The swap is classified as a net investment hedge under U.S. GAAP.

 

AdMat also has an outstanding cross-currency interest rate swap of fixed rate debt.  AdMat entered into this swap with a financial institution to more effectively hedge its overall underlying euro long-term net asset and euro cash flow exposures. In this transaction, AdMat agreed to swap $31.3 million of 11.0% fixed rate debt for €25.0 million of 9.4% fixed rate debt. As a result, AdMat will pay fixed rate interest at an annual rate of 9.4% on €25.0 million of principal and will receive fixed rate interest of 11.0% on $31.3 million of principal through July 15, 2007. At maturity, July 15, 2007, AdMat is required to pay principal of €25.0 million and will receive principal of $31.3 million. Interest installments are paid semiannually on January 15 and July 15 of each year, beginning July 15, 2005 through maturity. The swap is not designated as a hedge for reporting purposes under U.S. GAAP.

 

Foreign currency transaction gains and losses on intercompany loans that are expected to be repaid in the foreseeable future are recorded in earnings. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses on intercompany loans that are not expected to be repaid in the foreseeable future (as so designated by us, “Permanent Loans”) are recorded in other comprehensive income. From time to time, we review such designation of intercompany loans, and, during the nine months ended September 30, 2005, we have increased the amount of our Permanent Loans.  We believe this will result in less volatility reported in foreign currency gains and losses reflected in earnings.

 

In addition, from time to time, we review our non-U.S. dollar denominated debt and swaps to determine the appropriate amounts designated as hedges.  As of September 30, 2005, excluding the cross-currency interest rate swaps discussed above, we have designated €332.3 million of our euro-denominated debt as a hedge of our net investments.

 

Interest Rates

 

Through our borrowing activities, we are exposed to interest rate risk. Such risk arises due to the structure of our debt portfolio, including the duration of the portfolio and the mix of fixed and floating interest rates. Actions taken to reduce interest rate risk include managing the mix and rate characteristics of various interest bearing liabilities as well as entering into interest rate derivatives.

 

As of September 30, 2005, we had entered into various types of interest rate derivatives to manage our interest rate risk on our long-term debt as indicated below (dollars in millions):

 

60



 

 

 

September 30, 2005

 

December 31, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notional value

 

$

183.5

 

$

184.3

 

Fair value

 

(0.2

)

(3.2

)

Weighted average pay rate

 

4.43

%

4.44

%

Maturing

 

2005-2007

 

2005-2007

 

 

We purchase interest rate swaps to reduce the impact of changes in interest rates on our floating-rate long-term debt. Under interest rate swaps, we agree with other parties to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed-rate and floating-rate interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed notional principal amount.

 

As of September 30, 2005, the estimated value of our consolidated debt was approximately $4.6 billion and the weighted average interest rate of our combined borrowings was approximately 8.1%. As of September 30, 2005, we had combined outstanding variable rate borrowings at HI and AdMat of approximately $2.1 billion. The weighted average interest rate of these borrowings was approximately 5.8%. This weighted average rate does not consider the effects of interest rate hedging activities. Assuming a 1.0% increase in interest rates, without giving effect to interest rate hedges, the effect on the annual interest expense would be an increase of approximately $21 million. This increase would be reduced by approximately $2 million on an annualized basis, as a result of the effects of the interest rate swap transactions described above.

 

Commodity Prices

 

Our exposure to changing commodity prices is somewhat limited since the majority of our raw materials are acquired at posted or market related prices, and sales prices for finished products are generally at market related prices which are largely set on a monthly or quarterly basis in line with industry practice. In order to reduce overall raw material cost volatility, from time to time we enter into various commodity contracts to hedge our purchase of commodity products. We do not hedge our commodity exposure in a manner that would eliminate the effects of changes in commodity prices on our cash flows and earnings. At September 30, 2005, we had in place forward purchase and sales contracts for 35,000 tonnes of naphtha and other hydrocarbons, which do not qualify for hedge accounting.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) as of September 30, 2005. Based on this evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that, as of September 30, 2005, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective, in that they ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms, and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

No changes to our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2005 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). We have engaged Ernst & Young LLP to assist our management in its documentation and evaluation of our internal controls in preparation for the periodic management evaluations and annual auditor attestation reports regarding the effectiveness of our “internal control over financial reporting” that will be required when the SEC’s rules under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 become applicable to us beginning with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2006 to be filed in the first quarter of 2007. We cannot give any assurance, however, that our internal controls over financial reporting will be effective when Section 404 becomes applicable to us. Ineffective internal controls over financial reporting could cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information and could result in a lower trading price for our securities.

 

61



 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

See Note 11 “Commitments and Contingencies—Legal Matters” and Note 12 “Environmental, Health and Safety Matters” to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited), which are incorporated herein by reference, for a discussion of legal proceedings.

 

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

We held our annual meeting of stockholders on November 2, 2005. The first item of business was the election of four Class I directors. The votes were tabulated as follows: 182,450,091 votes were cast for Jon M. Huntsman and 14,865,782 votes were withheld; 187,378,038 votes were cast for Marsha J. Evans and 9,937,835 votes were withheld; 187,072,190 votes were cast for David J. Matlin and 10,243,683 votes were withheld; and 187,075,490 votes were cast for Christopher R. Pechock and 10,240,383 votes were withheld. The second item of business was a proposal to ratify the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2005. The votes were tabulated as follows: 196,791,357 were cast for, 385,679 were cast against, and 138,837 abstained.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

4.1

 

Supplemental indenture dated August 16, 2005 to indenture dated as of June 30, 1999, as amended, by and among HI, the guarantors named therein, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (as successor by consolidation to Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association), as trustee, relating to HI’s dollar and euro denominated 10 1/8% senior subordinated notes due 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to HI’s current report on Form 8-K filed August 22, 2005).

 

 

 

4.2

 

Supplemental indenture dated August 16, 2005 to indenture dated as of March 13, 2001, as amended, by and among HI, the guarantors named therein, and The Bank of New York, as trustee, relating to HI’s euro denominated 10 1/8% senior subordinated notes due 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to HI’s current report on Form 8-K filed August 22, 2005).

 

 

 

4.3

 

Supplemental indenture dated August 16, 2005 to indenture dated as of March 21, 2002 by and among HI, the guarantors named therein, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (as successor by consolidation to Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association), as trustee,  relating to HI’s 9 7/8% senior notes due 2009  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to HI’s current report on Form 8-K filed August 22, 2005).

 

 

 

4.4

 

Supplemental indenture dated August 16, 2005 to indenture dated as of December 17, 2004 by and among HI, the guarantors named therein, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (as successor by consolidation to Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association), as trustee, relating to HI’s dollar denominated 7 3/8% senior subordinated notes due 2015 and euro denominated 7 1/2% senior subordinated notes due 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to HI’s current report on Form 8-K filed August 22, 2005).

 

 

 

4.5

 

Indenture dated as of September 30, 2003, as supplemented by supplement dated July 13, 2005 and by supplement dated August 16, 2005, by and among HI (as successor to HLLC), the guarantors named therein, and HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as trustee, relating to HI’s 11 5/8% senior secured notes due 2010, originally issued by HLLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibits 4.5 through 4.7 to HI’s current report on Form 8-K filed August 22, 2005).

 

 

 

4.6

 

Indenture dated as of June 22, 2004, as supplemented by supplement dated July 11, 2005 and by supplement dated August 16, 2005, by and among HI (as successor to HLLC), the guarantors named therein, and HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as trustee, relating to HI’s 11 1/2% senior notes due 2012 and senior floating rate notes due 2011, originally issued by HLLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 through 4.10 to HI’s current report on Form 8-K filed August 22, 2005).

 

 

 

10.1

 

Credit Agreement dated August 16, 2005 among HI, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch as Administrative Agent and the other financial institutions named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to HI’s current report on Form 8-K filed August 22, 2005).

 

 

 

10.2

 

Intercreditor Agreement dated August 16, 2005 among Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch as collateral agent and administrative agent under the above referenced credit agreement, and HSBC Bank USA, National Association as trustee under the indenture governing HI’s 11 5/8% senior secured notes (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to HI’s current report on Form 8-K filed August 22, 2005).

 

 

 

10.3

 

Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Pooling Agreement, dated August 16, 2005, among Huntsman Receivables France LLC, Huntsman (Europe), BVBA and J.P. Morgan Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to HI’s current report on Form 8-K filed August 22, 2005).

 

 

 

10.4

 

Fourth Amendment to 2000-1 Supplement, dated August 16, 2005, among Huntsman Receivables Finance LLC, Huntsman (Europe), BVBA and J.P. Morgan (Ireland) Plc (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to HI’s current report on Form 8-K filed on August 22, 2005).

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

62



 

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

32.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

32.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

63



 

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.

 

Dated: November 14, 2005

 

 

HUNTSMAN CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ J. KIMO ESPLIN

 

 

J. Kimo Esplin
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Authorized Signatory and Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ L. RUSSELL HEALY

 

 

L. Russell Healy
Vice President and Controller
(Authorized Signatory and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

64



 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

4.1

 

Supplemental indenture dated August 16, 2005 to indenture dated as of June 30, 1999, as amended, by and among HI, the guarantors named therein, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (as successor by consolidation to Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association), as trustee, relating to HI’s dollar and euro denominated 10 1/8% senior subordinated notes due 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to HI’s current report on Form 8-K filed August 22, 2005).

 

 

 

4.2

 

Supplemental indenture dated August 16, 2005 to indenture dated as of March 13, 2001, as amended, by and among HI, the guarantors named therein, and The Bank of New York, as trustee, relating to HI’s euro denominated 10 1/8% senior subordinated notes due 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to HI’s current report on Form 8-K filed August 22, 2005).

 

 

 

4.3

 

Supplemental indenture dated August 16, 2005 to indenture dated as of March 21, 2002 by and among HI, the guarantors named therein, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (as successor by consolidation to Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association), as trustee,  relating to HI’s 9 7/8% senior notes due 2009  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to HI’s current report on Form 8-K filed August 22, 2005).

 

 

 

4.4

 

Supplemental indenture dated August 16, 2005 to indenture dated as of December 17, 2004 by and among HI, the guarantors named therein, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (as successor by consolidation to Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association), as trustee, relating to HI’s dollar denominated 7 3/8% senior subordinated notes due 2015 and euro denominated 7 1/2% senior subordinated notes due 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to HI’s current report on Form 8-K filed August 22, 2005).

 

 

 

4.5

 

Indenture dated as of September 30, 2003, as supplemented by supplement dated July 13, 2005 and by supplement dated August 16, 2005, by and among HI (as successor to HLLC), the guarantors named therein, and HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as trustee, relating to HI’s 11 5/8% senior secured notes due 2010, originally issued by HLLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibits 4.5 through 4.7 to HI’s current report on Form 8-K filed August 22, 2005).

 

 

 

4.6

 

Indenture dated as of June 22, 2004, as supplemented by supplement dated July 11, 2005 and by supplement dated August 16, 2005, by and among HI (as successor to HLLC), the guarantors named therein, and HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as trustee, relating to HI’s 11 1/2% senior notes due 2012 and senior floating rate notes due 2011, originally issued by HLLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 through 4.10 to HI’s current report on Form 8-K filed August 22, 2005).

 

 

 

10.1

 

Credit Agreement dated August 16, 2005 among HI, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch as Administrative Agent and the other financial institutions named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to HI’s current report on Form 8-K filed August 22, 2005).

 

 

 

10.2

 

Intercreditor Agreement dated August 16, 2005 among Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch as collateral agent and administrative agent under the above referenced credit agreement, and HSBC Bank USA, National Association as trustee under the indenture governing HI’s 11 5/8% senior secured notes (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to HI’s current report on Form 8-K filed August 22, 2005).

 

 

 

10.3

 

Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Pooling Agreement, dated August 16, 2005, among Huntsman Receivables France LLC, Huntsman (Europe), BVBA and J.P. Morgan Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to HI’s current report on Form 8-K filed August 22, 2005).

 

 

 

10.4

 

Fourth Amendment to 2000-1 Supplement, dated August 16, 2005, among Huntsman Receivables Finance LLC, Huntsman (Europe), BVBA and J.P. Morgan (Ireland) Plc (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to HI’s current report on Form 8-K filed on August 22, 2005).

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

32.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

32.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

65