As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 3, 2004
Registration No. 333-
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
CELANESE CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of Incorporation) |
2673
(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) |
98-042076
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
1601 West LBJ Freeway
Dallas, TX 75234-6034
+1-972-443-4000
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrants' principal executive offices)
Secretary
550 U.S. Highway 202/206
Bedminster, NJ 07921-1590
(908) 901-4500
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
With copies to:
Edward P. Tolley III, Esq. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP 425 Lexington Avenuee New York, New York 10017-3954 (212) 455-2000 |
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Richard D. Truesdell, Jr., Esq. Davis Polk & Wardwell 450 Lexington Avenue New York, New York 10017 (212) 450-4000 |
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement is declared effective.
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are being offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box. o
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, please check the following box. o
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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Title of Each Class of Securities to be Registered
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Proposed Maximum
Aggregate Offering Price(1) |
Amount of Registration Fee
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Common stock, par value $.01 per share | $750,000,000 | $95,025 | |||
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Preferred Stock Purchase Rights(2) | | | |||
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Total | $750,000,000 | $95,025 | |||
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The registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until this Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell securities and we are not soliciting offers to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
PROSPECTUS (Subject to Completion)
Issued
Shares
Celanese Corporation
COMMON STOCK
Celanese Corporation is offering shares of its common stock. We intend to use approximately $ the proceeds from the sale of the shares being sold by us in this offering to pay a dividend to our stockholders existing prior to this offering. We intend to use the remaining proceeds from the sale of the shares being sold by us in this offering to repay certain of our indebtedness and for other general corporate purposes. This is our initial public offering and no public market currently exists for our shares. We anticipate that the initial public offering price will be between $ and $ per share.
We intend to list the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol " ."
Investing in the common stock involves risks. See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 11.
PRICE $ A SHARE
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Price to
Public |
Underwriting
Discounts and Commissions |
Proceeds to
Celanese Corporation |
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Per Share | $ | $ | $ | ||||||
Total | $ | $ | $ |
We have granted the underwriters the right to purchase up to an additional shares to cover over-allotments. We intend to use the net proceeds from any shares sold pursuant to the underwriters' over-allotment option to pay an additional dividend to our stockholders existing prior to this offering.
The Securities and Exchange Commission and state securities regulators have not approved or disapproved these securities, or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
expects to deliver the shares to purchasers on , 2004.
, 2004
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Page
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Basis of Presentation |
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ii |
Market and Industry Data and Forecasts |
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iii |
Prospectus Summary |
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1 |
Risk Factors |
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11 |
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements |
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28 |
Special Note Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures |
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30 |
The Transactions |
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33 |
The Recent Restructuring |
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39 |
Use of Proceeds |
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41 |
Dividend Policy |
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41 |
Capitalization |
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42 |
Dilution |
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44 |
Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information |
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46 |
Selected Historical Financial Data |
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57 |
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
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62 |
Industry Overview |
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117 |
Business |
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122 |
Management |
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155 |
Principal Stockholders and Beneficial Owners |
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158 |
Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions |
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160 |
Description of Indebtedness |
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163 |
Description of Capital Stock |
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172 |
Shares Eligible for Future Sale |
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179 |
Certain United States Federal Income and Estate Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders |
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181 |
Underwriters |
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184 |
Validity of the Shares |
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188 |
Experts |
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188 |
Where You Can Find Additional Information |
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188 |
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements |
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F-1 |
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. None of the Issuer nor its subsidiaries has authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained in this prospectus. The prospectus may be used only for the purposes for which it has been published and no person has been authorized to give any information not contained in this prospectus. If you receive any other information, you should not rely on it. The Issuer is not making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted.
Until , 2004 (25 days after the date of this prospectus), all dealers that buy, sell or trade our common stock, whether or not participating in this offer, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the dealers' obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.
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In this prospectus, the term "the Issuer" refers to Celanese Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and not its subsidiaries and the terms "we," "our" and "us" refer to the Issuer and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. The term "BCP Crystal" refers to our subsidiary BCP Crystal US Holdings Corp., and not its subsidiaries. The term "Purchaser" refers to our subsidiary, Celanese Europe Holding GmbH & Co. KG, formerly known as BCP Crystal Acquisition GmbH & Co. KG, a German limited partnership ( Kommanditgesellschaft, KG ), and not its subsidiaries, except where otherwise indicated. Unless we specifically state otherwise, references to "pro forma" give effect, in the manner described under "Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information" and the notes thereto, to (i) the Transactions and the Recent Restructuring (each as defined in this prospectus) and (ii) this offering and the use of proceeds.
Pursuant to a voluntary tender offer commenced in February 2004, the Purchaser, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Issuer, in April 2004 acquired approximately 84.3% of the ordinary shares of Celanese AG (the "Celanese Shares") outstanding as of June 30, 2004. All references in this prospectus to the outstanding ordinary shares of Celanese AG exclude treasury shares. As of June 30, 2004, the Issuer's indirect ownership of approximately 84.3% of the outstanding Celanese Shares would equate to approximately 75.9% of the issued Celanese Shares (including treasury shares). Pursuant to a mandatory offer commenced in September 2004 and continuing as of the date of this prospectus, the Purchaser acquired additional Celanese Shares. As a result of these acquisitions, partially offset by the issuance of additional shares of Celanese AG as a result of the exercise of options issued under the Celanese AG stock option plan, as of the date of this prospectus, we own approximately 84% of the outstanding Celanese Shares.
The Issuer is a recently-formed company which does not have, apart from the financing of the Transactions (as defined in this prospectus), any independent external operations other than through the indirect ownership of the Celanese businesses. The Issuer's unaudited consolidated financial statements as of and for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and the unaudited consolidated financial statements of Celanese AG for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and the six months ended June 30, 2003 (together, the "Interim Consolidated Financial Statements"), are included elsewhere in this prospectus. For accounting purposes, the Issuer and its consolidated subsidiaries are referred to as the "Successor." See notes 2 and 4 to the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the basis of presentation and accounting policies of the Successor.
Celanese AG is incorporated as a stock corporation ( Aktiengesellschaft, AG ) organized under the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany. As used in this prospectus, the term "Celanese" refers to Celanese AG and Celanese Americas Corporation, their consolidated subsidiaries, their non-consolidated subsidiaries, joint ventures and other investments, except that with respect to shareholder and similar matters where the context indicates, "Celanese" refers to Celanese AG. For accounting purposes, "Celanese" or "Predecessor" refers to Celanese AG and its majority owned subsidiaries over which Celanese AG exercises control, as well as special purpose entities which are variable interest entities where Celanese is deemed the primary beneficiary. See note 3 to the consolidated financial statements of Celanese as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 and for each of the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 contained in this prospectus (the "Celanese Consolidated Financial Statements").
The Celanese Consolidated Financial Statements included in this prospectus were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") for all periods presented. The Celanese Consolidated Financial Statements reflect, for the periods indicated, the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the businesses transferred to Celanese from Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft, also referred to as Hoechst in this prospectus, in a demerger that became effective on October 22, 1999, adjusted for acquisitions and divestitures. The Celanese
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Consolidated Financial Statements and other financial information included in this prospectus, unless otherwise specified, have been presented to separately show the effects of discontinued operations.
Celanese AG is a foreign private issuer and previously filed its consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2003 on Form 20-F. In accordance with German law, the reporting currency of the Celanese AG consolidated financial statements is the euro. As a result of the Purchaser's acquisition of voting control of Celanese, the financial statements of Celanese contained in this prospectus are reported in U.S. dollars to be consistent with our reporting requirements. For Celanese AG's reporting requirements, the euro continues to be the reporting currency.
In the preparation of other information included in this prospectus, euro amounts have been translated into U.S. dollars at the applicable historical rate in effect on the date of the relevant event/period. For purposes of pro forma and prospective information, euro amounts have been translated into U.S. dollars using the rate in effect on June 30, 2004. Our inclusion of this information is not meant to suggest that the euro amounts actually represent such dollar amounts or that such amounts could have been converted into U.S. dollars at any particular rate, if at all.
MARKET AND INDUSTRY DATA AND FORECASTS
This prospectus includes industry data and forecasts that the Issuer has prepared based, in part, upon industry data and forecasts obtained from industry publications and surveys and internal company surveys. Third-party industry publications and surveys and forecasts generally state that the information contained therein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but there can be no assurance as to the accuracy or completeness of included information. In this prospectus, the terms "SRI Handbook," "CMAI Methanol Analysis," "Nexant Chem Study 2003," "Nexant Chem Study 2002" and "Tecnon Orbichem Survey" refer to the SRI International Chemical Economics Handbook , CMAI 2002-2003 World Methanol Analysis, Nexant Chem Systems September 2003 PERP Acetic Acid Study , Nexant Chem Systems February 2002 Vinyl Acetate Study and Tecnon Orbichem Acetic Acid and Vinyl Acetate World Survey September 2003 report, respectively. The statements regarding Celanese's market position in this prospectus are based on information derived from the SRI Handbook, CMAI Methanol Analysis, Tecnon Orbichem Survey, Nexant Chem Study 2002 and Nexant Chem Study 2003.
AO Plus, BuyTiconaDirect, CelActiv, Celanex®, Celcon®, Celstran®, Celvolit®, Compel®, GUR®, Hoecat®, Hostaform®, Impet®, Impet-HI®, Mowilith®, Nutrinova® DHA, Riteflex®, Sunett®, Topas®, Vandar®, VAntage, Vectra®, Vectran® and certain other products and services named in this prospectus are registered trademarks and service marks of Celanese. Fortron® is a registered trademark of Fortron Industries, a joint venture of Celanese.
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This summary highlights selected information in this prospectus, but it may not contain all of the information that you should consider before deciding to invest in our common stock. You should read this entire prospectus carefully, including the "Risk Factors" section and the financial statements, which are included elsewhere in this prospectus.
See "Market and Industry Data and Forecasts" on page iii for the sources of our leadership statements below.
We are an integrated global producer of value-added industrial chemicals and have #1 or #2 market positions worldwide in products comprising the majority of our sales. We are also the world's largest producer of acetyl products, including acetic acid, vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), and polyacetals (POM) and a leading global producer of high-performance engineered polymers used in consumer and industrial products and designed to meet highly technical customer requirements. Our operations are located in North America, Europe and Asia, including substantial joint ventures in China. We believe we are one of the lowest-cost producers of key building block chemicals in the acetyls chain, such as acetic acid and VAM, due to our economies of scale, operating efficiencies and proprietary production technologies.
Our pro forma net sales were approximately $4.6 billion for the year ended December 31, 2003 and approximately $2.47 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2004. See "Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information."
We have a large and diverse global customer base consisting principally of major companies in a broad array of industries. In 2003, 39% of our net sales were to customers located in North America, 40% to customers in Europe and 21% to customers in Asia, Australia and the rest of the world.
Segment Overview
We operate through four business segments: Chemical Products, Technical Polymers Ticona, Acetate Products and Performance Products. The table below illustrates each segment's net sales to external customers for the year ended December 31, 2003, as well as each segment's major products and end use markets.
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Chemical Products
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Technical
Polymers Ticona |
Acetate Products(2)
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Performance Products
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2003 Net Sales(1) |
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$2,968 million |
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$762 million |
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$655 million |
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$169 million |
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Major Products |
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Acetic acid Vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) Polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) Emulsions Acetic anhydride Acetate esters Carboxylic acids Methanol |
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Polyacetal (POM) UHMW-PE (GUR) Liquid crystal polymers (Vectra) Polyphenylene sulfide Fortron) |
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Acetate tow Sunett sweetener |
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Acetate filament Sorbates |
Major End-Use Markets |
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Paints Coatings Adhesives Lubricants Detergents |
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Fuel system components Conveyor belts Electronics Seat belt mechanisms |
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Filter products Textiles |
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Beverages Confections Baked goods Dairy products |
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Chemical Products
Our Chemical Products segment produces and supplies acetyl products, including acetic acid, acetate esters, vinyl acetate monomer, polyvinyl alcohol, and emulsions. We are a leading global producer of acetic acid, the world's largest producer of vinyl acetate monomer and the largest North American producer of methanol, the major raw material used for the production of acetic acid. We are also the largest polyvinyl alcohol producer in North America.
Technical Polymers Ticona
Our Technical Polymers Ticona segment develops, produces and supplies a broad portfolio of high performance technical polymers for use in automotive and electronics products and in other consumer and industrial applications, often replacing metal or glass. Together with our 45%-owned joint venture Polyplastics Co.Ltd ("Polyplastics"), our 50%-owned joint venture Korea Engineering Plastics Company Ltd., and Fortron Industries, our 50-50 joint venture with Kureha Chemicals Industry of Japan, we are a leading participant in the global technical polymers business.
Acetate Products
Our Acetate Products segment primarily produces and supplies acetate tow, which is used in the production of filter products and acetate filament, which is used in the apparel and home furnishing industries. We are one of the world's leading producers of acetate tow and acetate filament, including production by our joint ventures in China. In October 2004, we announced plans to consolidate our acetate flake and tow manufacturing by early 2007 and to exit the acetate filament business by mid-2005. This restructuring is being implemented to increase efficiency, reduce over-capacities in certain manufacturing areas, and to focus on products and markets that provide long-term value.
Performance Products
The Performance Products segment operates under the trade name of Nutrinova and produces and sells a high intensity sweetener and food protection ingredients, such as sorbates, for the food, beverage and pharmaceuticals industries.
Competitive Strengths
We have benefited from a number of competitive strengths, including the following:
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Business Strategies
We are focused on increasing operating cash flows, profitability, return on investment and shareholder value, which we believe can be achieved through the following business strategies:
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As used in this prospectus, the term "Transactions" means, collectively, the Tender Offer, the Original Financing, the Refinancing and the Senior Discount Notes Offering described under "The Transactions" elsewhere in this prospectus.
Pursuant to the Tender Offer, in April 2004 the Purchaser, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Issuer, acquired, at a price of €32.50 per share, a total of 41,588,227 Celanese Shares, representing approximately 84.3% of the Celanese Shares outstanding as of June 30, 2004. Pursuant to a mandatory offer commenced in September 2004 and continuing as of the date of this prospectus, the Purchaser acquired additional Celanese Shares. As a result of these acquisitions, partially offset by the issuance of additional shares of Celanese AG as a result of the exercise of options issued under the Celanese AG stock option plan, as of the date of this prospectus, we own approximately 84% of the outstanding Celanese Shares.
We recently completed an internal restructuring of certain of our operations. See "The Recent Restructuring."
In October 2004, we announced plans to implement a strategic restructuring of our acetate business to increase the efficiency, reduce overcapacity in certain areas and to focus on products and markets that provide long-term value. As part of this restructuring, we plan to discontinue acetate filament production by mid-2005 and to consolidate our acetate flake and tow operations at three locations, instead of five. The restructuring is expected to result in significant severance costs, asset retirement obligations and impairment charges. Sales of acetate filament were $118 million in 2003.
On October 27, 2004 we agreed to acquire Acetex Corporation, a Canadian corporation, for approximately $261 million and the assumption by us of debt owed by Acetex, valued at approximately $231 million. Acetex has two primary businesses: the Acetyls Business and the Specialty Polymers and Films Business. The Acetyls business produces acetic acid, polyvinyl alcohol and vinyl acetate monomer. The Specialty Polymers and Films Business produces specialty polymers (used in the manufacture of a variety of plastics products, including packaging and laminating products, auto parts, adhesives and medical products) as well as products for the agricultural, horticultural and construction industries. Acetex will be operated as part of our chemicals business. Closing of the acquisition is conditioned upon Acetex shareholder approval, regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. In connection with the funding of this acquisition we expect to amend the senior credit facilities and to borrow approximately $500 million under the amended senior credit facilities.
Our principal executive offices are located at 1601 West LBJ Freeway, Dallas, TX 75234-6034 and our main telephone number is +1-972-443-4000.
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Common stock offered | shares | |
Common stock to be outstanding after this offering | shares (including shares that will be dividended to the Original Stockholders assuming the underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment option) | |
Over-allotment option | shares | |
Use of proceeds | We estimate that the net proceeds from this offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses, will be approximately $ million. We intend to use (1) approximately $ million of the net proceeds from this offering to pay a dividend to Blackstone Capital Partners (Cayman) Ltd. 1, Blackstone Capital Partners (Cayman) Ltd. 2, Blackstone Capital Partners (Cayman) Ltd. 3 and BA Capital Investors Sidecar Fund, L.P. (collectively, the "Original Stockholders"), our stockholders existing prior to this offering, that will be declared prior to the consummation of the offering, and (2) approximately $ million of the net proceeds from this offering to repay a portion of the senior discount notes of our subsidiaries. See "Use of Proceeds." | |
Dividend Policy | Immediately prior to the consummation of the offering, we intend to declare a dividend of $ million, which will be paid to the Original Stockholders, out of the net proceeds of this offering. Other than this dividend to the Original Stockholders and any dividend with the proceeds from the underwriters' over-allotment option, we do not intend to pay any cash dividends on our common stock going forward, and instead intend to retain earnings, if any, for future operations and expansion. See "Dividend Policy." | |
Proposed New York Stock Exchange symbol |
Unless we specifically state otherwise, all information in this prospectus:
Investing in our common stock involves substantial risk. You should carefully consider all the information in this prospectus prior to investing in our common stock. In particular, we urge you to consider carefully the factors set forth under the heading "Risk Factors."
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SUMMARY HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA
The balance sheet data shown below for 2002 and 2003, and the statements of operations and cash flow data for 2001, 2002 and 2003, all of which are set forth below, are derived from the audited Celanese Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus and should be read in conjunction with those financial statements and the notes thereto. The balance sheet data for 2001 are unaudited and have been derived from, and translated into U.S. dollars based on, Celanese's historical euro audited financial statements.
The summary historical financial data for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and the three months ended March 31, 2004 have been derived from the unaudited consolidated financial statements of Celanese, which have been prepared on a basis consistent with the audited consolidated financial statements of Celanese as of and for the year ended December 31, 2003. The summary historical financial data as of and for the three months ended June 30, 2004 have been derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of management, such unaudited financial data reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for those periods. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year or any future period. The unaudited consolidated financial information as of June 30, 2004 and for each of the three months ended March 31, 2004 and June 30, 2004 and the six months ended June 30, 2003 is included elsewhere in this prospectus.
The following summary unaudited pro forma financial data have been prepared to give pro forma effect to the Transactions, the Recent Restructuring, this offering and the use of proceeds, as if they had occurred on January 1, 2003, in the case of our unaudited pro forma statements of operations data, and on June 30, 2004, in the case of our unaudited pro forma balance sheet data. The pro forma financial data are for informational purposes only and should not be considered indicative of actual results that would have been achieved had the Transactions, the Recent Restructuring, this offering and the use of proceeds actually been consummated on the dates indicated and do not purport to indicate balance sheet data or results of operations as of any future date or for any future period. You should read the following data in conjunction with "The Transactions," "The Recent Restructuring," "Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the Celanese Consolidated Financial Statements and the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
As of June 30, 2004, the Purchaser, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Issuer, owned approximately 84.3% of the Celanese Shares then outstanding. The Issuer is a recently-formed company which, apart from the financing of the Transactions, does not have any independent external operations other than through the indirect ownership of Celanese's business. Accordingly, financial and other information of Celanese is presented in this prospectus. This prospectus presents the financial information relating to Celanese under the caption "Predecessor" and the information relating to us under the caption "Successor." See "The Transactions."
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Balance Sheet Data (at the end of the period) (2001 unaudited): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Trade working capital(8) | $ | 499 | $ | 599 | $ | 641 | $ | 715 | $ | 738 | $ | 738 | ||||||||||||||
Total assets | 6,232 | 6,417 | 6,814 | 6,613 | 6,940 | 6,769 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total debt | 775 | 644 | 637 | 587 | 2,400 | 2,986 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Mandatorily redeemable preferred stock(9) | | | | | 200 | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Shareholders' equity | 1,954 | 2,096 | 2,582 | 2,622 | 494 | 264 |
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EBITDA is calculated and reconciled to net earnings (loss) as follows (unaudited):
The unusual items listed above exclude adjustments to reserves, principally environmental reserves and loss reserves at the captive insurance entities, made in the ordinary course of business resulting from changes in estimates based on favorable trends in environmental remediation and actuarial revaluations. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
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An investment in our common stock involves risks. You should carefully consider the risks described below, together with the other information in this prospectus, before deciding to purchase any common stock.
Risks Related to the Acquisition of Celanese
If the Domination Agreement ceases to be operative, the Issuer's managerial control over Celanese AG is limited.
As of the date of this prospectus, we own 100% of the outstanding shares of Celanese Americas Corporation ("CAC") and approximately 84% of the outstanding shares of Celanese AG. Our access to cash flows of, and our control of, Celanese AG is subject to the continuing effectiveness of the Domination Agreement. See "The TransactionsPost-Tender Offer EventsDomination and Profit and Loss Transfer Agreement."
The Domination Agreement is subject to legal challenges instituted by dissenting shareholders. Minority shareholders have filed nine actions against Celanese AG in the Frankfurt District Court ( Landgericht ), seeking, among other things, to set aside the shareholder resolutions passed at the extraordinary general meeting held on July 30 and 31, 2004 based, among other things, on the alleged violation of procedural requirements and information rights of the shareholders, to declare the Domination Agreement and the change in the fiscal year void and to prohibit Celanese AG from performing its obligations under the Domination Agreement. Pursuant to German law, the time period for the filing of such challenges has expired. Further, two additional minority shareholders have joined the proceedings via third party intervention in support of the plaintiffs. The Purchaser has joined the proceedings via third party intervention in support of Celanese AG. In addition, a German court could revoke the registration of the Domination Agreement in the commercial register. On August 2, 2004, two minority shareholders instituted public register proceedings with the Königstein Local Court ( Amtsgericht ) and the Frankfurt District Court, both with a view to have the registration of the Domination Agreement in the Commercial Register deleted ( Amtslöschungsverfahren ). See "BusinessLegal Proceedings."
If the Domination Agreement ceases to be operative, the Purchaser's ability, and thus our ability to control the board of management decisions of Celanese AG, will be significantly limited by German law. As a result, we may not be able to ensure that our strategy for the operation of our business can be fully implemented. In addition, our access to the operating cash flow of Celanese AG in order to fund payment requirements on our indebtedness will be limited, which could have a material adverse effect on the value of our common stock.
If the Domination Agreement ceases to be operative, certain actions taken under the Domination Agreement might have to be reversed.
If legal challenges of the Domination Agreement by dissenting shareholders of Celanese AG are successful, some or all actions taken under the Domination Agreement, including the Recent Restructuring, may be required to be reversed and the Purchaser may be required to compensate Celanese AG for damages caused by such actions. Any such event could have a material adverse effect on our ability to make payments on our indebtedness and on the value of our common stock.
Minority shareholders may interfere with Celanese AG's future actions, which may prevent us from causing Celanese AG to take actions which may have beneficial effects for our shareholders.
The Purchaser currently owns approximately 84% of the Celanese Shares. Shareholders unrelated to us hold the remainder of the outstanding Celanese Shares. German law provides certain rights to minority shareholders, which could have the effect of delaying, or interfering with, corporate actions
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(including those requiring shareholder approval), such as the potential application for revocation of admission of the Celanese Shares to the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, the squeeze-out and the potential conversion of Celanese AG from its current legal form of a stock corporation into a limited partnership ( Kommanditgesellschaft, KG ) or a limited liability company ( Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung, GmbH ) in accordance with the provisions of the German Transformation Act ( Umwandlungsgesetz, UmwG ). Minority shareholders may be able to delay or prevent the implementation of Celanese AG's corporate actions irrespective of the size of their shareholding. Any challenge by minority shareholders to the validity of a corporate action may be subject to judicial resolution that may substantially delay or hinder the implementation of such action. Such delays of, or interferences with, corporate actions as well as related litigation may limit our access to Celanese AG's cash flows and make it difficult or impossible for us to take or implement corporate actions which may be desirable in view of our operating or financial requirements, including actions which may have beneficial effects for our common stockholders.
Celanese AG's board of management may refuse to comply with instructions given by the Purchaser pursuant to the Domination Agreement, which may prevent us from causing Celanese AG to take actions which may have beneficial effects for our shareholders.
Under the Domination Agreement, the Purchaser is entitled to give instructions directly to the board of management of Celanese AG, including, but not limited to, instructions that are disadvantageous to Celanese AG, as long as such disadvantageous instructions benefit the Purchaser or the companies affiliated with either the Purchaser or Celanese AG. Celanese AG's board of management is required to comply with any such instruction, unless, at the time when such instruction is given, (i) it is, in the opinion of the board of management of Celanese AG, obviously not in the interests of the Purchaser or the companies affiliated with either the Purchaser or Celanese AG, (ii) in the event of a disadvantageous instruction, the negative consequences to Celanese AG are disproportionate to the benefits to the Purchaser or the companies affiliated with either the Purchaser or Celanese AG, (iii) compliance with the instruction would violate legal or statutory restrictions, (iv) compliance with the instruction would endanger the existence of Celanese AG or (v) it is doubtful whether the Purchaser will be able to fully compensate Celanese AG, as required by the Domination Agreement, for its annual loss ( Jahresfehlbetrag ) incurred during the fiscal year in which such instruction is given. The board of management of Celanese AG remains ultimately responsible for making the executive decisions for Celanese AG and the Purchaser, despite the Domination Agreement, is not entitled to act on behalf of, and has no power to legally bind, Celanese AG. The Celanese AG board of management may delay the implementation of, or refuse to implement, any of the Purchaser's instructions despite its general obligation to follow such instructions (with the exceptions mentioned above). Such delays of, or interferences with, compliance with the Purchaser's instructions by the board of management of Celanese AG may make it difficult or impossible for the Purchaser to implement corporate actions which may be desirable in view of our operating or financial requirements, including actions which may have beneficial effects for our common stockholders.
The Purchaser will be required to ensure that Celanese AG pays a guaranteed fixed annual payment to the minority shareholders of Celanese AG, which may reduce the funds the Purchaser can otherwise make available to us.
As long as the Purchaser does not own 100% of the outstanding Celanese Shares, the Domination Agreement requires, among other things, the Purchaser to ensure that Celanese AG makes a gross guaranteed fixed annual payment ( Ausgleich ) to minority shareholders of €3.27 per Celanese share less certain corporate taxes in lieu of any future dividend. Taking into account the circumstances and the tax rates at the time of the entering into of the Domination Agreement, the net guaranteed fixed annual payment is €2.89 per share for a full fiscal year. As of October 29, 2004, there were 7,951,482 Celanese Shares held by minority shareholders. The net guaranteed fixed annual payment may, depending on applicable corporate tax rates, in the future be higher, lower or the same as €2.89. The amount of this
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guaranteed fixed annual payment was calculated in accordance with applicable German law. The amount of the payment is currently under review in special award proceedings ( Spruchverfahren ). See "BusinessLegal Proceedings." Such guaranteed fixed annual payments will be required regardless of whether the actual distributable profits per share of Celanese AG are higher, equal to, or lower than the amount of the guaranteed fixed annual payment per share. The guaranteed fixed annual payment will be payable for so long as there are minority shareholders of Celanese AG and the Domination Agreement remains in place. No dividends for the period after effectiveness of the Domination Agreement, other than the guaranteed fixed annual payment effectively paid by the Purchaser, are expected to be paid by Celanese AG. These requirements may reduce the funds the Purchaser can make available to the Issuer and its subsidiaries and, accordingly, diminish our ability to make payments, on our respective indebtedness. See "The TransactionsPost-Tender Offer EventsDomination and Profit and Loss Transfer Agreement."
The amounts of the fair cash compensation and of the guaranteed fixed annual payment offered under the Domination Agreement may be increased, which may further reduce the funds the Purchaser can otherwise make available to us.
As of the date of this prospectus, several minority shareholders of Celanese AG have initiated special award proceedings ( Spruchverfahren ) seeking the court's review of the amounts of the fair cash compensation ( Abfindung ) and of the guaranteed fixed annual payment ( Ausgleich ) offered under the Domination Agreement. So far, pleadings by several minority shareholders have been served on the Purchaser. As a result of these proceedings, the amounts of the fair cash compensation ( Abfindung ) and of the guaranteed fixed annual payment ( Ausgleich ) could be increased by the court. Any such increase may be substantial. All minority shareholders including those who have already received the fair cash compensation would be entitled to claim the respective higher amounts. This may reduce the funds the Purchaser can make available to the Issuer and its subsidiaries and, accordingly, diminish our ability to make payments on our indebtedness. See "BusinessLegal Proceedings."
The Purchaser may be required to compensate Celanese AG for annual losses, which may reduce the funds the Purchaser can otherwise make available to the Issuer.
Under the Domination Agreement, the Purchaser is required, among other things, to compensate Celanese AG for any annual loss incurred, determined in accordance with German accounting requirements, by Celanese AG at the end of the fiscal year in which the loss was incurred. This obligation to compensate Celanese AG for annual losses will apply during the entire term of the Domination Agreement. If Celanese AG incurs losses during any period of the operative term of the Domination Agreement and if such losses lead to an annual loss of Celanese AG at the end of any given fiscal year during the term of the Domination Agreement, the Purchaser will be obligated to make a corresponding cash payment to Celanese AG to the extent that the respective annual loss is not fully compensated for by the dissolution of profit reserves ( Gewinnrücklagen ) accrued at the level of Celanese AG during the term of the Domination Agreement. The Purchaser may be able to reduce or avoid cash payments to Celanese AG by off-setting against such loss compensation claims by Celanese AG any valuable counterclaims against Celanese AG that the Purchaser may have. If the Purchaser was obligated to make cash payments to Celanese AG to cover an annual loss, we may not have sufficient funds to make payments on our indebtedness when due and, unless the Purchaser is able to obtain funds from a source other than annual profits of Celanese AG, the Purchaser may not be able to satisfy its obligation to fund such shortfall. See "The TransactionsPost-Tender Offer EventsDomination and Profit and Loss Transfer Agreement."
Two of our subsidiaries have agreed to guarantee the Purchaser's obligation under the Domination Agreement, which may diminish our ability to make payments on our indebtedness.
Our subsidiaries, BCP Caylux Holdings Luxembourg S.C.A. and BCP Crystal, have each agreed to provide the Purchaser with financing to strengthen the Purchaser's ability to fulfill its obligations under,
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or in connection with, the Domination Agreement and to ensure that the Purchaser will perform all of its obligations under, or in connection with, the Domination Agreement when such obligations become due, including, without limitation, the obligations to make a guaranteed fixed annual payment to the outstanding minority shareholders, to offer to acquire all outstanding Celanese Shares from the minority shareholders in return for payment of fair cash consideration and to compensate Celanese AG for any annual loss incurred by Celanese AG during the term of the Domination Agreement. If BCP Caylux Holdings Luxembourg S.C.A. and/or BCP Crystal are obligated to make payments under such guarantees or other security to the Purchaser and/or the minority shareholders, we may not have sufficient funds for payments on our indebtedness when due.
Even if the minority shareholders' challenges to the Domination Agreement are unsuccessful and the Domination Agreement continues to be operative, we may not be able to receive distributions from Celanese AG sufficient to pay our obligations.
Even if the minority shareholders' challenges to the Domination Agreement are unsuccessful and the Domination Agreement continues to be operative, we are limited in the amount of distributions we may receive in any year from Celanese AG. Under German law, the amount of distributions to the Purchaser will be determined based on the amount of unappropriated earnings generated during the term of the Domination Agreement as shown in the unconsolidated annual financial statements of Celanese AG, prepared in accordance with German accounting principles and as adopted and approved by resolutions of the Celanese AG board of management and supervisory board, which financial statements may be different from Celanese's consolidated financial statements under U.S. GAAP. Our share of these earnings, if any, may not be in amounts and at times sufficient to allow us to pay our indebtedness as it becomes due, which could have a material adverse effect on the value of the common stock.
Certain of our subsidiaries must rely on payments from their own subsidiaries to fund payments on their indebtedness. Such funds may not be available in certain circumstances.
Our subsidiaries, BCP Crystal and Crystal US Holdings 3 L.L.C. ("Crystal LLC"), are holding companies and all of their operations are conducted through their subsidiaries. Therefore, they depend on the cash flow of their subsidiaries, including Celanese, to meet their obligations, including obligations of approximately $2.6 billion (after giving effect to the Transactions, the Recent Restructuring and this offering, including the application of the estimated net proceeds therefrom) of our indebtedness. If the Domination Agreement ceases to be operative, such subsidiaries may be unable to meet their obligations under such indebtedness. Although the Domination Agreement became operative on October 1, 2004, it is subject to legal challenges instituted by dissenting shareholders. In August 2004, minority shareholders filed nine actions against Celanese AG in the Frankfurt District Court ( Landgericht ) seeking, among other things, to set aside the shareholder resolutions passed at the extraordinary general meeting held on July 30 and 31, 2004 based, among other things, on the alleged violation of procedural requirements and information rights of the shareholders, to declare the Domination Agreement and the change in the fiscal year void and to prohibit Celanese AG from performing its obligations under the Domination Agreement. Pursuant to German law, the time period for the filing of such challenges has expired. Further, two additional minority shareholders have joined the proceedings via third party intervention in support of the plaintiffs. The Purchaser has joined the proceedings via third party intervention to support Celanese AG. In addition, a German court could revoke the registration of the Domination Agreement in the commercial register. On August 2, 2004, two minority shareholders instituted public register proceedings with the Königstein Local Court ( Amtsgericht ) and the Frankfurt District Court, both with a view to have the registration of the Domination Agreement in the Commercial Register deleted ( Amtslöschungsverfahren ).
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The ability of the subsidiaries of BCP Crystal and Crystal LLC to make distributions to BCP Crystal and Crystal LLC by way of dividends, interest, return on investments, or other payments (including loans) or distributions is subject to various restrictions, including restrictions imposed by the senior credit facilities and indentures governing their indebtedness, and future debt may also limit or prohibit such payments. In addition, the ability of the subsidiaries to make such payments may be limited by relevant provisions of German and other applicable laws.
Risks Related to Our Indebtedness
Our high level of indebtedness could diminish our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations, limit our ability to react to changes in the economy or the chemicals industry and prevent us from meeting obligations under our indebtedness.
We are highly leveraged. On a pro forma basis as of June 30, 2004 after giving effect to the Transactions, the Recent Restructuring and this offering, including the application of the estimated net proceeds therefrom, our total debt would have been $2,986 million. See "Capitalization" for additional information.
Our substantial debt could have important consequences for you, including:
Despite our current high leverage, we and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantially more debt. This could further exacerbate the risks of our high leverage.
We may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. The terms of our existing debt do not fully prohibit us from doing so. The revolving credit facilities provide commitments of up to $608 million. As of October 28, 2004, there were no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facilities and availability of $414 million (taking into account letters of credit issued under the revolving credit facilities). In addition, upon the occurrence of certain events, we may request an increase to the existing term loan facility in an amount not to exceed $175 million in the aggregate, subject to receipt of commitments by existing term loan lenders or other financial institutions reasonably acceptable to the administrative agent. If new debt is added to our current debt levels, the related risks that we now face could intensify.
We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service our indebtedness, and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy obligations under our indebtedness, which may not be successful.
Our ability to satisfy our cash needs depends on cash on hand, receipt of additional capital, including possible additional borrowings, and receipt of cash from our subsidiaries by way of
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distributions, advances or cash payments. On a pro forma basis at June 30, 2004, giving pro forma effect to this offering and the use of proceeds as described under "Use of Proceeds," we had $2,982 million of total indebtedness. Debt service requirements consist of principal repayments aggregating $202 million in the next five years and $2,907 million thereafter (including $127 million of accreted value on the senior discount notes) and annual cash interest payments in excess of $200 million in each of the next five years. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsLiquidity and Capital ResourcesContractual Obligations."
Our ability to make scheduled payments on or to refinance our debt obligations depends on the financial condition and operating performance of our subsidiaries, which is subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business and other factors beyond our control. We may not be able to maintain a level of cash flows from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness.
If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell assets (including the Celanese Shares), seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. In the absence of such operating results and resources, we could face substantial liquidity problems and might be required to dispose of material assets or operations to meet our debt service and other obligations. The senior credit facilities and the indentures governing our indebtedness restrict our ability to dispose of assets and use the proceeds from the disposition. We may not be able to consummate those dispositions or to obtain the proceeds which we could realize from them and these proceeds may not be adequate to meet any debt service obligations then due.
Restrictive covenants in our debt instruments may limit our ability to engage in certain transactions and may diminish our ability to make payments on our indebtedness.
The senior credit facilities, the floating rate term loan and the indentures governing our indebtedness contain various covenants that limit our ability to engage in specified types of transactions. These covenants limit the ability of Crystal LLC, BCP Crystal and their restricted subsidiaries to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness or issue preferred stock, pay dividends on or make other distributions on or repurchase their capital stock or make other restricted payments, make investments, and sell certain assets.
In addition, the senior credit facilities contain covenants that require Celanese Holdings LLC ("Celanese Holdings") to maintain specified financial ratios and satisfy other financial condition tests. Celanese Holdings' ability to meet those financial ratios and tests can be affected by events beyond its control, and it may not be able to meet those tests at all. A breach of any of these covenants could result in a default under the senior credit facilities. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the senior credit facilities, the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under the senior credit facilities to be immediately due and payable and terminate all commitments to extend further credit. If Celanese Holdings were unable to repay those amounts, the lenders under the senior credit facilities could proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure that indebtedness. Celanese Holdings has pledged a significant portion of its assets as collateral under the senior credit facilities. If the lenders under the senior credit facilities accelerate the repayment of borrowings, Celanese Holdings may not have sufficient assets to repay the senior credit facilities and its other indebtedness, which could have a material adverse effect on the value of our common stock.
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The terms of the senior credit facilities prohibit BCP Crystal and its subsidiaries from paying dividends or otherwise transferring their assets to us.
Our operations are conducted through our subsidiaries and our ability to pay dividends is dependent on the earnings and the distribution of funds from our subsidiaries. However, the terms of the senior credit facilities prohibit BCP Crystal and its subsidiaries from paying dividends or otherwise transferring their assets to us. Accordingly, under the terms of the senior credit facilities, BCP Crystal and its subsidiaries may not make dividends to us to enable us to pay dividends on our common stock.
Risks Related to Our Business
We are an international company and are exposed to general economic, political and regulatory conditions and risks in the countries in which we have significant operations.
We operate in the global market and have customers in many countries. We have major facilities located in North America, Europe and Asia, including facilities in Germany, China, Japan, Korea and Saudi Arabia operated through joint ventures. Our principal customers are similarly global in scope, and the prices of our most significant products are typically world market prices. Consequently, our business and financial results are affected directly and indirectly by world economic, political and regulatory conditions.
Conditions such as the uncertainties associated with war, terrorist activities, epidemics, pandemics or political instability in any of the countries in which we operate could affect us by causing delays or losses in the supply or delivery of raw materials and products as well as increased security costs, insurance premiums and other expenses. These conditions could also result in or lengthen economic recession in the United States, Europe, Asia or elsewhere. Moreover, changes in laws or regulations, such as unexpected changes in regulatory requirements (including import or export licensing requirements), or changes in the reporting requirements of United States, German or European Union governmental agencies, could increase the cost of doing business in these regions. Any of these conditions may have an effect on our business and financial results as a whole and may result in volatile current and future prices for our securities, including the common stock.
Cyclicality in the industrial chemicals industry has in the past and may in the future result in reduced operating margins or in operating losses.
Consumption of the basic chemicals that we manufacture, in particular those in acetyl products, such as methanol, formaldehyde, acetic acid and vinyl acetate monomer, has increased significantly over the past 30 years. Despite this growth in consumption, producers have experienced alternating periods of inadequate capacity and excess capacity for these products. Periods of inadequate capacity, including some due to raw material shortages, have usually resulted in increased selling prices and operating margins. This has often been followed by periods of capacity additions, which have resulted in declining capacity utilization rates, selling prices and operating margins.
We expect that these cyclical trends in selling prices and operating margins relating to capacity shortfalls and additions will likely persist in the future, principally due to the continuing combined impact of five factors:
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We believe that the basic chemicals industry, particularly in the commodity chemicals manufactured by our Chemical Products segment, is currently characterized by overcapacity, and that there may be further capacity additions in the next few years.
The length and depth of product and industry business cycles of our markets, particularly in the automotive, electrical, construction and textile industries, may result in reduced operating margins or in operating losses.
Some of the markets in which our customers participate, such as the automotive, electrical, construction and textile industries, are cyclical in nature, thus posing a risk to us which is beyond our control. These markets are highly competitive, to a large extent driven by end-use markets, and may experience overcapacity, all of which may affect demand for and pricing of our products.
We are subject to risks associated with the increased volatility in raw materials prices and the availability of key raw materials.
We purchase significant amounts of natural gas, ethylene, butane, and propylene from third parties for use in our production of basic chemicals in the Chemical Products segment, principally methanol, formaldehyde, acetic acid, vinyl acetate monomer, as well as oxo products. We use a portion of our output of these chemicals, in turn, as inputs in the production of further products in all our segments. We also purchase significant amounts of cellulose or wood pulp for use in our production of cellulose acetate in the Acetate Products segment. We purchase significant amounts of natural gas, electricity, coal and fuel oil to supply the energy required in our production processes.
Prices of natural gas, oil and other hydrocarbons have increased dramatically in 2004. To the extent this trend continues and we are unable to pass through these price increases to our customers, our operating profit and results of operations may be less favorable than expected.
We are exposed to any volatility in the prices of our raw materials and energy. Although we have agreements providing for the supply of natural gas, ethylene, propylene, wood pulp, electricity, coal and fuel oil, the contractual prices for these raw materials and energy vary with market conditions and may be highly volatile. Factors which have caused volatility in our raw material prices in the past and which may do so in the future include:
We strive to improve profit margins of many of our products through price increases when warranted and accepted by the market; however, our operating margins may decrease if we cannot pass on increased raw material prices to customers, or we may not be able to capture the benefit of raw material price declines if raw material prices fall to levels below those at which we are committed to purchase under forward purchase contracts. Even in periods during which raw material prices decline,
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we may suffer decreasing operating profit margins if raw material price reductions occur at a slower rate than decreases in the selling prices of our products.
A substantial portion of our products and raw materials are commodities whose prices fluctuate as market supply/demand fundamentals change. We manage our exposure through the use of derivative instruments and forward purchase contracts for commodity price hedging, entering into long-term supply agreements, and multi-year purchasing and sales agreements. Our policy, for the majority of our natural gas and butane requirements, allows entering into supply agreements and forward purchase or cash-settled swap contracts, generally for up to 24 months. During the first six months of 2004, we did not enter into any forward contracts for our butane requirements and, for natural gas, had positions covering about 35% of our North American Chemical Products segment requirements primarily as a result of forward contracts entered into in 2003. In the future, we may modify our practice of purchasing a portion of our commodity requirements forward, and consider utilizing a variety of other raw material hedging instruments in addition to forward purchase contracts in accordance with changes in market conditions. As these forward contracts expire, we may be exposed to future price fluctuations if the forward purchase contracts are not replaced, or if we elect to replace them, we may have to do so at higher costs. Although we seek to offset increases in raw material prices with corresponding increases in the prices of our products, we may not be able to do so, and there may be periods when such product price increases lag behind raw material cost increases.
We have a policy of maintaining, when available, multiple sources of supply for raw materials. However, some of our individual plants may have single sources of supply for some of their raw materials, such as carbon monoxide and acetaldehyde. We may not be able to obtain sufficient raw materials due to unforeseen developments that would cause an interruption in supply. Even if we have multiple sources of supply for a raw material, these sources may not make up for the loss of a major supplier. Nor can there be any guarantee that profitability will not be affected should we be required to qualify additional sources of supply in the event of the loss of a sole or a major supplier.
Failure to develop new products and production technologies or to implement productivity and cost reduction initiatives successfully may harm our competitive position.
Our operating results, especially in our Performance Products and Technical Polymers Ticona segments, depend significantly on the development of commercially viable new products, product grades and applications, as well as production technologies. If we are unsuccessful in developing new products, applications and production processes in the future, our competitive position and operating results will be negatively affected. Likewise, we have undertaken and are continuing to undertake initiatives in all segments to improve productivity and performance and to generate cost savings. These initiatives may not be completed or beneficial or the estimated cost savings from such activities may not be realized.
Frankfurt airport expansion could require us to reduce production capacity of, limit expansion potential of, or incur relocation costs for our Kelsterbach plant which would lead to significant additional costs.
The Frankfurt airport's expansion plans include the construction of an additional runway. One of the three sites under consideration, the northwest option, would be located in close proximity to our Kelsterbach production plant. The construction of this particular runway could have a negative effect on the plant's current production capacity and future development. While the government of the state of Hesse and the owner of the Frankfurt airport promote the expansion of the northwest option, it is uncertain whether this option is in accordance with applicable laws. Although the government of the state of Hesse expects the plan approval for the airport expansion in 2007 and the start of operations in 2009-2010, neither the final outcome of this matter nor its timing can be predicted at this time.
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Environmental regulations and other obligations relating to environmental matters could subject us to liability for fines, clean-ups and other damages, require us to incur significant costs to modify our operations and increase our manufacturing and delivery costs.
Costs related to our compliance with environmental laws concerning, and potential obligations with respect to, contaminated sites may have a significant negative impact on our operating results. These include obligations related to sites currently or formerly owned or operated by us, or where waste from our operations was disposed. We also have obligations related to the indemnity agreement contained in the demerger and transfer agreement between Celanese and Hoechst, also referred to as the demerger agreement, for environmental matters arising out of certain divestitures that took place prior to the demerger. Our accruals for environmental remediation obligations, $159 million as of December 31, 2003, may be insufficient if the assumptions underlying those accruals prove incorrect or if we are held responsible for currently undiscovered contamination. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsCritical Accounting Policies and EstimatesEnvironment Liabilities," notes 23 and 24 to the Celanese Consolidated Financial Statements and note 12 to the Issuer Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.
Our operations are subject to extensive international, national, state, local, and other supranational laws and regulations that govern environmental and health and safety matters. We incur substantial capital and other costs to comply with these requirements. If we violate them, we can be held liable for substantial fines and other sanctions, including limitations on our operations as a result of changes to or revocations of environmental permits involved. Stricter environmental, safety and health laws, regulations and enforcement policies could result in substantial costs and liabilities to us or limitations on our operations and could subject our handling, manufacture, use, reuse or disposal of substances or pollutants to more rigorous scrutiny than at present. Consequently, compliance with these laws could result in significant capital expenditures as well as other costs and liabilities and our business and operating results may be less favorable than expected. For example, various regulations in the United States, including the Miscellaneous Organic National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) regulations, and various approaches to regulating boilers and incinerators, including the NESHAPs for Industrial/Commercial/Institutional Boilers and Process Heaters, will impose additional requirements on our operations. Although some of these rules have been finalized, a significant portion of the NESHAPs for Industrial/Commercial/Institutional Boilers and Process Heaters regulation that provides for a low risk alternative method of compliance for hydrogen chloride emissions has been challenged in a federal court. We cannot predict the outcome of this challenge, which could if successful significantly increase our cost to comply with this regulation. If the challenge is successful, our compliance costs could be substantial. As another example, recent European Union regulations will require a trading system for carbon dioxide emissions to be in place by January 1, 2005. This regulation will affect our power plants at the Kelsterbach, Oberhausen and Lanaken sites, as well as power plants operated by InfraServ entities. The InfraServ entities may be required to purchase carbon dioxide credits, which could result in increased operating costs, or may be required to develop additional cost-effective methods to reduce carbon dioxide emissions further, which could result in increased capital expenditures.
We are also involved in several claims, lawsuits and administrative proceedings relating to environmental matters. An adverse outcome in any of them may negatively affect our earnings and cash flows in a particular reporting period.
Changes in environmental, health and safety regulatory requirements could lead to a decrease in demand for our products.
New or revised governmental regulations relating to health, safety and the environment may also affect demand for our products.
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Pursuant to the European Union regulation on Risk Assessment of Existing Chemicals, the European Chemicals Bureau of the European Commission has been conducting risk assessments on approximately 140 major chemicals. Some of the chemicals initially being evaluated include vinyl acetate monomer or VAM, which we produce. These risk assessments entail a multi-stage process to determine to what extent the European Commission should classify the chemical as a carcinogen and, if so, whether this classification and related labeling requirements should apply only to finished products that contain specified threshold concentrations of a particular chemical. In the case of VAM, a final ruling is not expected until the end of 2004. We and other VAM producers are participating in this process with detailed scientific analyses supporting the industry's position that VAM is not a probable human carcinogen and that labeling of final products should not be required. If labeling is required, then it should depend on relatively high parts per million of residual VAM in these end products. We cannot predict the outcome or effect of any final ruling.
Several recent studies have investigated possible links between formaldehyde exposure and various end points including leukemia. The International Agency for Research on Cancer or IARC recently reclassified formaldehyde from Group 2A (probable human carcinogen) to Group 1 (known human carcinogen) based on studies linking formaldehyde exposure to nasopharyngeal cancer, a rare cancer in humans. IARC also concluded that there is insufficient evidence for a causal association between leukemia and occupational exposure to formaldehyde, although it also characterized evidence for such an association as strong. The results of IARC's review will be examined by government agencies with responsibility for setting worker and environmental exposure standards and labeling requirements. We are a producer of formaldehyde and plastics derived from formaldehyde. We are participating together with other producers and users in the evaluations of these findings. We cannot predict the final effect of IARC's reclassification.
Other recent initiatives will potentially require toxicological testing and risk assessments of a wide variety of chemicals, including chemicals used or produced by us. These initiatives include the Voluntary Children's Chemical Evaluation Program and High Production Volume Chemical Initiative in the United States, as well as various European Commission programs, such as the new European Environment and Health Strategy, commonly known as SCALE, as well as the Proposal for the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals or REACH. REACH, which the European Commission proposed in October 2003, will establish a system to register and evaluate chemicals manufactured in, or imported to, the European Union. Depending on the final ruling, additional testing, documentation and risk assessments will occur for the chemical industry. This will affect European producers of chemicals as well as all chemical companies worldwide that export to member states of the European Union. The final ruling has not yet been decided.
The above-mentioned assessments in the United States and Europe may result in heightened concerns about the chemicals involved, and in additional requirements being placed on the production, handling, labeling or use of the subject chemicals. Such concerns and additional requirements could increase the cost incurred by our customers to use our chemical products and otherwise limit the use of these products, which could lead to a decrease in demand for these products.
Our production facilities handle the processing of some volatile and hazardous materials that subject it to operating risks that could have a negative effect on its operating results.
Our operations are subject to operating risks associated with chemical manufacturing, including the related storage and transportation of raw materials, products and wastes. These hazards include, among other things:
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These operating risks can cause personal injury, property damage and environmental contamination, and may result in the shutdown of affected facilities and the imposition of civil or criminal penalties. The occurrence of any of these events may disrupt production and have a negative effect on the productivity and profitability of a particular manufacturing facility and our operating results and cash flows.
We maintain property, business interruption and casualty insurance which we believe is in accordance with customary industry practices, but we cannot predict whether this insurance will be adequate to fully cover all potential hazards incidental to our business.
Our significant non-U.S. operations expose us to global exchange rate fluctuations that could impact our profitability.
We are exposed to market risk through commercial and financial operations. Our market risk consists principally of exposure to fluctuations in currency exchange and interest rates.
As we conduct a significant portion of our operations outside the United States, fluctuations in currencies of other countries, especially the euro, may materially affect our operating results. For example, changes in currency exchange rates may affect:
We use financial instruments to hedge our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations. More than 90% of outstanding foreign currency contracts are used to hedge the foreign currency denominated intercompany net receivables. The net notional amounts under such foreign currency contracts outstanding at December 31, 2003 were $765 million. The hedging activity of foreign currency denominated intercompany net receivables resulted in a cash inflow of approximately $180 million in 2003. These positive effects may not be indicative of future effects.
A substantial portion of our net sales is denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. In our consolidated financial statements, we translate our local currency financial results into U.S. dollars based on average exchange rates prevailing during a reporting period or the exchange rate at the end of that period. During times of a strengthening U.S. dollar, at a constant level of business, our reported international sales, earnings, assets and liabilities will be reduced because the local currency will translate into fewer U.S. dollars. We estimate that the translation effects of changes in the value of other currencies against the U.S. dollar increased net sales by approximately 3% for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and the year ended December 31, 2003 and increased net sales by approximately 2% in 2002. We estimate that the translation effects of changes in the value of other currencies against the U.S. dollar decreased total assets by 1% for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and increased total assets by approximately 5% in 2003.
In addition to currency translation risks, we incur a currency transaction risk whenever one of our operating subsidiaries enters into either a purchase or a sales transaction using a different currency from the currency in which we receive revenues. Given the volatility of exchange rates, we may not be able to manage our currency transaction and/or translation risks effectively, or volatility in currency exchange rates may expose our financial condition or results of operations to a significant additional risk. Since a significant portion of our indebtedness is and will be denominated in U.S. dollars, a strengthening of the U.S. dollar could make it more difficult for us to repay our indebtedness.
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Significant changes in pension fund investment performance or assumptions relating to pension costs may have a material effect on the valuation of pension obligations, the funded status of pension plans, and our pension cost.
Our funding policy for pension plans is to accumulate plan assets that, over the long run, will approximate the present value of projected benefit obligations. Our pension cost is materially affected by the discount rate used to measure pension obligations, the level of plan assets available to fund those obligations at the measurement date and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. Significant changes in investment performance or a change in the portfolio mix of invested assets can result in corresponding increases and decreases in the valuation of plan assets, particularly equity securities, or in a change of the expected rate of return on plan assets. A change in the discount rate would result in a significant increase or decrease in the valuation of pension obligations, affecting the reported funded status of our pension plans as well as the net periodic pension cost in the following fiscal years. Similarly, changes in the expected return on plan assets can result in significant changes in the net periodic pension cost of the following fiscal years.
We have preliminarily recorded a significant amount of goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets, and we may never realize the full value of our intangible assets.
In connection with the Transactions, we have recorded a significant amount of goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill and other net identifiable intangible assets were approximately $856 million as of June 30, 2004, or 12% of our total assets based on preliminary purchase accounting. Goodwill and net identifiable intangible assets are recorded at fair value on the date of acquisition and, in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, will be reviewed at least annually for impairment. Impairment may result from, among other things, deterioration in our performance, adverse market conditions, adverse changes in applicable laws or regulations, including changes that restrict the activities of or affect the products and services sold by our business, and a variety of other factors. The amount of any quantified impairment must be expensed immediately as a charge to results of operations. Depending on future circumstances, it is possible that we may never realize the full value of our intangible assets. Any future determination of impairment of a significant portion of goodwill or other identifiable intangible assets would have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Celanese may be required to make payments to Hoechst.
Under its 1999 demerger agreement with Hoechst, Celanese agreed to indemnify Hoechst for environmental liabilities that Hoechst may incur with respect to Celanese's German production sites, which were transferred from Hoechst to Celanese in connection with the demerger. Celanese also has an obligation to indemnify Hoechst against liabilities for environmental damages or contamination arising under certain divestiture agreements entered into by Hoechst prior to the demerger. As the indemnification obligations depend on the occurrence of unpredictable future events, the costs associated with them are not yet determinable and may materially affect operating results.
Celanese's obligation to indemnify Hoechst against liabilities for environmental contamination in connection with the divestiture agreements is subject to the following thresholds (translated into U.S. dollars using the December 31, 2003 exchange rate):
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Celanese has made payments through December 31, 2003 of $35 million for environmental contamination liabilities in connection with the divestiture agreements, and may be required to make additional payments in the future. As of December 31, 2003, we have reserves of approximately $53 million for this contingency, and may be required to record additional reserves in the future.
Also, Celanese has undertaken in the demerger agreement to indemnify Hoechst to the extent that Hoechst is required to discharge liabilities, including tax liabilities, in relation to assets included in the demerger, where such liabilities have not been demerged due to transfer or other restrictions. Celanese has not made any payments to Hoechst in 2004 and did not make any payments in either 2003 or 2002 in connection with this indemnity.
Under the demerger agreement, Celanese will also be responsible, directly or indirectly, for all of Hoechst's obligations to past employees of businesses that were demerged to Celanese. Under the demerger agreement, Hoechst agreed to indemnify Celanese from liabilities (other than liabilities for environmental contamination) stemming from the agreements governing the divestiture of Hoechst's polyester businesses, which were demerged to Celanese, insofar as such liabilities relate to the European part of that business. Hoechst has also agreed to bear 80 percent of the financial obligations arising in connection with the government investigation and litigation associated with the sorbates industry for price fixing described in "BusinessLegal ProceedingsSorbates Antitrust Actions" and note 23 to the Celanese Consolidated Financial Statements and note 12 to the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements, and Celanese has agreed to bear the remaining 20 percent.
Our variable rate indebtedness subjects us to interest rate risk, which could cause our debt service obligations to increase significantly and affect our operating results.
Certain of our borrowings, primarily borrowings under the senior credit facilities, are at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. If interest rates increase, which we expect to occur, our debt service obligations on the variable rate indebtedness would increase even though the amount borrowed remained the same, and our net income and cash available for servicing our indebtedness would decrease. On a pro forma basis as of June 30, 2004, we had $1,047 million of variable rate debt. A 1% increase in interest rates would increase annual interest expense by approximately $10 million.
We may enter into interest rate swap agreements to reduce the exposure of interest rate risk inherent in our debt portfolio. We have, in the past, used swaps for hedging purposes only.
Because our Sponsor controls us and will continue to control us after this offering, the influence of our public shareholders over significant corporate actions will be limited, and conflicts of interest between our Sponsor and us or you could arise in the future.
After the consummation of this offering, our Sponsor (as defined in this prospectus) will beneficially own approximately % of our common stock, or approximately % of our common stock if the underwriters exercise in full their over-allotment option to purchase additional shares. As a result, our Sponsor has control over our decisions to enter into any corporate transaction and will have the ability to prevent any transaction that requires the approval of equityholders regardless of whether or not other equityholders or noteholders believe that any such transactions are in their own best interests. For example, our Sponsor could cause us to make acquisitions that increase our indebtedness or sell revenue-generating assets. Additionally, our Sponsor is in the business of making investments in companies and may from time to time acquire and hold interests in businesses that compete directly or indirectly with us. Our Sponsor may also pursue acquisition opportunities that may be complementary to our business, and as a result, those acquisition opportunities may not be available to us. So long as our Sponsor continues to own a significant amount of our equity, even if
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such amount is less than 50%, it will continue to be able to significantly influence or effectively control our decisions.
We are a "controlled company" within the meaning of The New York Stock Exchange rules and, as a result, are exempt from certain corporate governance requirements.
Upon completion of this offering, our Sponsor will continue to control a majority of our outstanding common stock. As a result, we are a "controlled company" within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance standards. Under the New York Stock Exchange rules, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by another company is a "controlled company" and need not comply with certain requirements, including (1) the requirement that a majority of the board of directors consist of independent directors, (2) the requirement that the nominating committee be composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee's purpose and responsibilities, (3) the requirement that the compensation committee be composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee's purpose and responsibilities and (4) the requirement for an annual performance evaluation of the nominating/corporate governance and compensation committees. Following this offering, we intend to utilize these exemptions. As a result, we will not have a majority of independent directors nor will our nominating and compensation committees consist entirely of independent directors. Accordingly, you will not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all of the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance requirements.
Our future success will depend in part on our ability to protect our intellectual property rights, and our inability to enforce these rights could reduce our ability to maintain our market position and our margins.
We attach great importance to patents, trademarks, copyrights and product designs in order to protect our investment in research and development, manufacturing and marketing. Our policy is to seek the widest possible protection for significant product and process developments in its major markets. Patents may cover products, processes, intermediate products and product uses. Protection for individual products extends for varying periods in accordance with the date of patent application filing and the legal life of patents in the various countries. The protection afforded, which may also vary from country to country, depends upon the type of patent and its scope of coverage. Our continued growth strategy may bring us to regions of the world where intellectual property protection may be limited and difficult to enforce. We are currently pursuing a number of matters relating to the infringement of our acetic acid patents. If these efforts are unsuccessful, our revenues, results of operations and cash flows in the Chemical Products segment may be adversely affected. Some of our earlier acetic acid patents will expire in 2007; other patents covering acetic acid are presently pending.
As patents expire, the products and processes described and claimed in those patents become generally available for use by the public. Our European and U.S. patents for making Sunett, an important product in our Performance Products segment, expire in 2005, which will reduce our ability to realize revenues from making Sunett due to increased competition and potential limitations and will result in our results of operations and cash flows relating to the product being less favorable than today.
We also seek to register trademarks extensively as a means of protecting the brand names of our products, which brand names become more important once the corresponding patents have expired. If we are not successful in protecting our trademark rights, our revenues, results of operations and cash flows may be adversely affected.
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Risks Related to this Offering
There is no existing market for our common stock, and we do not know if one will develop to provide you with adequate liquidity.
There has not been a public market for the Issuer's common stock. We cannot predict the extent to which investor interest in our company will lead to the development of a trading market on The New York Stock Exchange or otherwise or how liquid that market might become. The initial public offering price for the shares will be determined by negotiations between us and the representative of the underwriters and may not be indicative of prices that will prevail in the open market following this offering.
Future sales of our shares could depress the market price of our common stock.
The market price of our common stock could decline as a result of sales of a large number of shares of common stock in the market after the offering or the perception that such sales could occur. These sales, or the possibility that these sales may occur, also might make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and at a price that we deem appropriate.
We, our executive officers and directors and the Original Stockholders have agreed with the underwriters not to sell, dispose of or hedge any shares of our common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of our common stock, subject to specified exceptions, during the period from the date of this prospectus continuing through the date that is 180 days after the date of this prospectus, except with the prior written consent of .
After this offering, we will have approximately million shares of common stock outstanding. Of those shares, the approximately million shares we are offering will be freely tradeable. The approximately million shares that were outstanding immediately prior to this offering will be eligible for resale from time to time after the expiration of the 180-day lock-up period, subject to contractual and Securities Act restrictions. None of those shares may be currently resold under Rule 144(k) without regard to volume limitations and approximately million shares may be sold subject to the volume, manner of sale and other conditions of Rule 144. After the expiration of the 180-day lock-up period, the Original Stockholders, which collectively beneficially own million shares, will have the ability to cause us to register the resale of their shares.
The market price of our common stock may be volatile, which could cause the value of your investment to decline.
Securities markets worldwide experience significant price and volume fluctuations. This market volatility, as well as general economic, market or political conditions, could reduce the market price of the common stock in spite of our operating performance. In addition, our operating results could be below the expectations of public market analysts and investors, and in response, the market price of our common stock could decrease significantly. You may be unable to resell your shares of our common stock at or above the initial public offering price.
The book value of shares of common stock purchased in the offering will be immediately diluted.
Investors who purchase common stock in the offering will suffer immediate dilution of $ per share in the pro forma net tangible book value per share after giving effect to the contemplated use of proceeds from this offering. See "Dilution."
Provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, as well as our shareholders' rights plan may discourage a takeover attempt.
Provisions contained in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if doing so might be beneficial to our shareholders. Provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws impose various procedural and other requirements, which could
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make it more difficult for shareholders to effect certain corporate actions. For example, our certificate of incorporation authorizes our board of directors to determine the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of unissued series of preferred stock, without any vote or action by our shareholders. Thus, our board of directors can authorize and issue shares of preferred stock with voting or conversion rights that could adversely affect the voting or other rights of holders of our common stock. These rights may have the effect of delaying or deterring a change of control of our company. In addition, a change of control of our company may be delayed or deterred as a result of our having three classes of directors or as a result of the shareholders' rights plan expected to be adopted by our board of directors prior to the consummation of this offering. These provisions could limit the price that certain investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock. See "Description of Capital Stock."
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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains certain forward-looking statements and information relating to us that are based on the beliefs of our management as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, us. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about our strategies, plans, objectives, expectations, intentions, expenditures, and assumptions and other statements contained in this prospectus that are not historical facts. When used in this document, words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan" and "project" and similar expressions, as they relate to us are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current views with respect to future events, are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate.
Many factors could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, among other things:
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Many of these factors are macroeconomic in nature and are, therefore, beyond our control. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results, performance or achievements may vary materially from those described in this prospectus as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended, planned or projected. We neither intend nor assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates.
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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
The body of generally accepted accounting principles is commonly referred to as "GAAP." For this purpose, a non-GAAP financial measure is generally defined by the SEC as one that purports to measure historical or future financial performance, financial position or cash flows but excludes or includes amounts that would not be so adjusted in the most comparable U.S. GAAP measure. From time to time we disclose non-GAAP financial measures, primarily EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, as defined below. The non-GAAP financial measures described in this prospectus should not be viewed in isolation and are not a substitute for GAAP measures of earnings and cash flows.
EBITDA
EBITDA is defined as earnings (loss) from continuing operations, plus interest expense net of interest income, income taxes and depreciation and amortization.
Management uses EBITDA as a basis for measuring performance:
Management believes EBITDA is helpful in highlighting trends on an overall basis and in the business segments because EBITDA excludes the results of decisions that are outside the control of operating management and can differ significantly from company to company depending on long-term strategic decisions regarding capital structure, the tax jurisdictions in which the company operates and capital investments. In addition, EBITDA provides more comparability between the historical results of Celanese AG and our results which reflect purchase accounting and the new capital structure.
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA, as defined in our indentures and senior credit facilities, differs from EBITDA, as defined above. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA further adjusted to exclude unusual items, non-cash items and other adjustments specifically required in calculating covenant compliance
Management uses Adjusted EBITDA, on a consolidated basis, to evaluate liquidity and financial flexibility, which is particularly important given our leverage. This measure forms the basis for certain financial covenants in our long-term debt that could impact our ability to incur additional indebtedness and make restricted payments. If Adjusted EBITDA were to decline below certain levels, covenants that are based on Adjusted EBITDA, including the interest coverage ratio and fixed charge coverage ratio covenants, could result in, among other things, a default or mandatory prepayment under the senior credit facilities or the inability to pay dividends. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsLiquidity and Capital ResourcesCovenants."
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Limitations
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA have limitations as analytical tools, and should not be considered in isolation, or as substitutes for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. An investor or potential investor may find any one or all of these items important in evaluating performance, results of operations, financial position and liquidity. Some of these limitations are:
Management compensates for the limitations of using non-GAAP financial measures by using them to supplement GAAP results to provide a more complete understanding of the factors and trends affecting the business than GAAP results alone. Management also uses other metrics to evaluate capital structure, tax planning and capital investment decisions. For example, 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. Management also uses trade working capital to evaluate its investment in receivables and inventory, net of payables.
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are also presented because management believes such measures are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of issuers. Management believes that EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA provide useful information for comparing companies in the same industry and across different industries. For example:
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production), which can result in considerable variability in depreciation and amortization expense between companies.
Investors or potential investors should not rely on EBITDA or Adjusted EBITDA as a substitute for any GAAP financial measure. In addition, calculations of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA contained in this prospectus may or may not be consistent with that of other companies. We strongly urge investors or potential investors to review the reconciliations of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA contained in this prospectus, including the related explanations, the limitations of these exclusions described above, and the other financial information contained in this prospectus. We also strongly urge investors or potential investors not to rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business.
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As used in this prospectus, the term "Transactions" means, collectively, the Tender Offer, the Original Financing, the Refinancing and the Senior Discount Notes Offering described below. Our current ownership structure is summarized on page 39.
The Tender Offer and the Original Financing
Pursuant to the Tender Offer, in April 2004 the Purchaser, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Issuer, acquired, at a price of €32.50 per share, a total of 41,588,227 Celanese Shares, representing approximately 84.3% of the Celanese Shares outstanding as of June 30, 2004.
In addition, as a part of the Tender Offer, the Purchaser agreed to refinance certain existing debt of Celanese, pre-fund certain pension obligations of Celanese, pre-fund certain contingencies and certain obligations of Celanese linked to the value of the Celanese Shares, such as the payment of fair cash compensation under the Domination Agreement for the remaining Celanese Shares, and payment obligations related to outstanding stock appreciation rights, stock options and interest payments, provide additional funds for working capital and other general corporate purposes, and pay related fees and expenses. The sources and uses of funds used in connection with the Tender Offer and the Original Financing are set forth in the table below. See "Description of Indebtedness" for a description of the senior credit facilities.
Sources
|
Uses
|
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(in millions)
|
(in millions)
|
||||||||
Revolving Credit Facilities(1) | $ | | Aggregate Tender Offer Price(5) | $ | 1,624 | ||||
Term Loan Facility | 608 | Pension Contribution(6) | 463 | ||||||
Senior Subordinated Bridge Loan Facilities(2) | 1,565 | Refinancing of Existing Debt(7) | 175 | ||||||
Preferred Shares(3) | 200 | Available Cash(8) | 555 | ||||||
Cash Equity Investments(4) | 650 | Estimated Fees and Expenses | 206 | ||||||
|
|
||||||||
Total Sources | $ | 3,023 | Total Uses | $ | 3,023 | ||||
|
|
The Refinancing
BCP Caylux Holdings Luxembourg S.C.A. used the proceeds from its offerings of $1,225 million and €200 million principal amount of the senior subordinated notes in June and July 2004, together
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with available cash and borrowings under a $350 million senior secured floating rate term loan to repay its two senior subordinated bridge loan facilities, plus accrued interest, to redeem the Preferred Shares and to pay related fees and expenses. See "Description of Indebtedness" for a description of the senior subordinated notes and the floating rate term loan.
Sources
|
Uses
|
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(in millions)
|
(in millions)
|
||||||||
Senior Subordinated Notes (1) | $ | 1,475 | Refinancing of Senior Subordinated Bridge Loan Facilities (2) | $ | 1,594 | ||||
Floating Rate Term Loan | 350 | Redemption of Preferred Shares | 227 | ||||||
Available Cash | 47 | Estimated Fees and Expenses | 51 | ||||||
|
|
||||||||
Total Sources | $ | 1,872 | Total Uses | $ | 1,872 | ||||
|
|
Senior Discount Notes Offering
In September 2004, Crystal US Holdings 3 L.L.C. ("Crystal LLC") and Crystal US Sub 3 Corp., a subsidiary of Crystal LLC, issued $853 million aggregate principal amount at maturity of their Senior Discount Notes due 2014. The issuers of the senior discount notes used the net proceeds of $500 million from the offering to make a return of capital distribution to the Issuer, which in turn made a distribution to the Original Stockholders, and to pay fees and expenses. Until October 1, 2009, interest on the senior discount notes will accrue in the form of an increase in the accreted value of such notes. See "Description of IndebtednessSenior Discount Notes due 2014."
Post-Tender Offer Events
After the completion of the Tender Offer and the Original Financing, we or our affiliates entered into or intend to pursue some or all of the following:
Delisting. The Celanese Shares were delisted from the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") on June 2, 2004. Celanese AG may also apply to revoke the admission of the Celanese Shares to the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, which would require, among other things, a resolution at the shareholders' meeting of Celanese AG with the majority of the votes cast in favor of such resolution. If the Celanese Shares were to be delisted from both the NYSE and from the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, the Purchaser or Celanese AG would have to offer the then outstanding minority shareholders of Celanese AG fair cash compensation in exchange for their Celanese Shares determined as described below.
Domination and Profit and Loss Transfer Agreement. On June 22, 2004, the Purchaser entered into a domination and profit and loss transfer agreement ( Beherrschungs- und Gewinnabführungsvertrag ) with Celanese AG (the "Domination Agreement"), pursuant to which Celanese AG agreed to submit itself to the direction of, and to transfer its entire profits to, the Purchaser and the Purchaser agreed to compensate Celanese AG for any annual losses ( Jahresfehlbetrag ) incurred during the term of the Domination Agreement. The Domination Agreement and a related change to Celanese AG's fiscal year were submitted to a shareholder vote and approved at an extraordinary general meeting held on July 30-31, 2004. The Domination Agreement was registered in the commercial register on August 2, 2004 and became operative on October 1, 2004. The Domination Agreement is subject to legal challenges instituted by dissenting shareholders. Minority shareholders have filed nine actions against Celanese AG in the Frankfurt District Court ( Landgericht ), seeking, among other things, to set aside the shareholder resolutions passed at the extraordinary general meeting held on July 30 and 31, 2004 based, among other things, on the alleged violation of procedural requirements and information rights
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of the shareholders, to declare the Domination Agreement and the change in the fiscal year void and to prohibit Celanese AG from performing its obligations under the Domination Agreement. In addition, a German court could revoke the registration of the Domination Agreement in the commercial register. On August 2, 2004, two minority shareholders instituted public register proceedings with the Königstein Local Court ( Amtsgericht ) and the Frankfurt District Court, both with a view to have the registration of the Domination Agreement in the Commercial Register deleted ( Amtslöschungsverfahren ). See "BusinessLegal Proceedings."
Pursuant to the Domination Agreement, the entire annual statutory profits of Celanese AG, if any, less any loss carried forward from the previous fiscal year, less any amount to be allocated to the statutory capital reserve ( gesetzliche Rücklage ) and less any amount to be allocated to other profit reserves ( andere Gewinnrücklagen ) upon approval by the Purchaser, will be transferred to the Purchaser. If, however, during any fiscal year during the operative term of the Domination Agreement, Celanese AG incurs an annual loss ( Jahresfehlbetrag ), the Purchaser would have to pay to Celanese AG an amount equal to such loss to the extent that the respective annual loss is not fully compensated for by dissolving other profit reserves ( andere Gewinnrücklagen ) accrued at Celanese AG since the date on which the Domination Agreement became operative ( Verlustausgleichspflicht ). Such payment obligation would accrue at the end of any fiscal year of Celanese AG in which an annual loss was incurred and such accrual would be independent from the adoption of the financial statements. In the event that profits of Celanese AG (including distributable profit reserves accrued and carried forward during the term of the Domination Agreement) or valuable counterclaims by the Purchaser against Celanese AG, which can be off-set against loss compensation claims by Celanese AG, are not sufficient to cover such annual loss, the Purchaser will be required to compensate Celanese AG for any such shortfall by making a cash payment equal to the amount of such shortfall. In such event, the Purchaser may not have sufficient funds to distribute to us for payment of our obligations and, unless the Purchaser is able to obtain funds from a source other than annual profits of Celanese AG, the Purchaser may not be able to satisfy its obligation to fund such shortfall. BCP Caylux Holdings Luxembourg S.C.A. and BCP Crystal have each agreed to provide the Purchaser with financing to further strengthen the Purchaser's ability to be in a position at all times to fulfill all of its obligations when they become due under, or in connection with, the Domination Agreement and to ensure that the Purchaser will perform all of its obligations under, or in connection with, the Domination Agreement when such obligations become due, including, without limitation, the obligations to pay a guaranteed fixed annual payment to the outstanding minority shareholders of Celanese AG, to offer to acquire all outstanding Celanese Shares from the minority shareholders in return for payment of fair cash consideration and to compensate Celanese AG for any annual loss incurred by Celanese AG during the term of the Domination Agreement. If BCP Caylux Holdings Luxembourg S.C.A. and/or BCP Crystal are obligated to make payments under such guarantees or other security to the Purchaser and/or the minority shareholders, we may not have sufficient funds to make payments on our debt or to make funds available to the Issuer.
As a consequence of entering into the Domination Agreement, § 305(1) of the German Stock Corporation Act ( Aktiengesetz ) requires that, upon the Domination Agreement becoming operative, the Purchaser must at the request of each remaining minority shareholder of Celanese AG, acquire such shareholders' registered ordinary shares of Celanese AG in exchange for payment of "fair cash compensation" ( angemessene Barabfindung ). As required under § 305(3) sentence 3 of the German Stock Corporation Act, the Purchaser will pay to all minority shareholders who tender into such offer and whose shares are paid for after the day following the date the Domination Agreement becomes operative, interest on the offer price from such day until the day preceding the date of settlement at a rate of 2% per annum plus the base rate (as defined in § 247 of the German Civil Code ( BGB )) per annum prevailing from time to time, as reduced by any guaranteed dividend payments. The mandatory offer required pursuant to § 305(1) of the German Stock Corporation Act is not a voluntary public takeover offer or any other offer under the German Securities Acquisition and Takeover Act ( Wertpapiererwerbs-und Übernahmegesetz ) or a takeover or tender offer under any other applicable German law. However, it
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may be considered a tender offer under applicable laws of the United States of America. Therefore, in order to comply with applicable U.S. securities laws, the Purchaser commenced an offer on September 2, 2004, which is continuing as of the date of this prospectus. The terms of this offer are set forth in the offer document, dated September 2, 2004, which was filed with the SEC under cover of Schedule TO on the same day. As of October 29, 2004, pursuant to this offer the Purchaser had acquired an additional 521,103 Celanese Shares. On October 29, 2004, the closing price of the Celanese Shares on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange was €44.84. At the fair cash compensation offer price of €41.92 per share required by the Domination Agreement for all Celanese Shares outstanding as of June 30, 2004 not already owned by the Purchaser, the total amount of funds necessary to purchase such remaining outstanding Celanese Shares would be €324 million ($394 million), plus accrued interest from October 2, 2004. The Purchaser expects to use a significant portion of its available cash to pay for any of the remaining outstanding Celanese Shares that it may acquire. In addition, if Celanese AG delists the Celanese Shares from the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, the Purchaser effects a squeeze-out or Celanese AG is converted into a limited partnership or a limited liability company, as described below, the Purchaser and/or Celanese AG must in each case make another offer to the then remaining minority shareholders of Celanese AG of fair cash compensation in exchange for their Celanese Shares or, in the case of a conversion, in exchange for their equity interest in the entity that results from the conversion. The €41.92 per share fair cash compensation, plus interest, required to be offered to minority shareholders in connection with the Domination Agreement is greater than the Tender Offer price. The amount of fair cash compensation is currently under review in special award proceedings ( Spruchverfahren ). The amount of fair cash compensation per share to be offered upon the occurrence of any other such event may be equal to, higher or lower than, the Tender Offer price or the fair cash compensation of €41.92, plus interest, offered pursuant to the Domination Agreement.
Any minority shareholder who elects not to sell its shares to the Purchaser will be entitled to remain a shareholder of Celanese AG and to receive a gross guaranteed fixed annual payment on its shares ( Ausgleich ) of €3.27 per Celanese Share less certain corporate taxes in lieu of any future dividend. Taking into account the circumstances and the tax rates at the time of entering into the Domination Agreement, the net guaranteed fixed annual payment is €2.89 per share for a full fiscal year. The net guaranteed fixed annual payment may, depending on applicable corporate tax rates, in the future be higher, lower or the same as €2.89 in lieu of any future dividends determined as described below under "Determination of the Amount to be Paid to the Minority Shareholders."
As described in "Risk Factors," due to legal challenges, there is no assurance that the Domination Agreement will remain operative in its current form. If the Domination Agreement ceases to be operative, the Purchaser cannot directly give instructions to the Celanese AG board of management. However, irrespective of whether a domination agreement is in place between the Purchaser and Celanese AG, under German law Celanese AG is effectively controlled by the Purchaser because of the Purchaser's 84% ownership of the Celanese Shares. The Purchaser has the ability, through a variety of means, to utilize its controlling rights to, among other things, (1) ultimately cause a domination agreement to become operative; (2) use its ability, through its 84% voting power at any shareholders' meetings of Celanese AG, to elect the shareholder representatives on the supervisory board and to thereby effectively control the appointment and removal of the members of the Celanese AG board of management; and (3) effect all decisions that a majority shareholder is permitted to make under German law. The controlling rights of the Purchaser constitute a controlling financial interest for accounting purposes and result in the Purchaser being required to consolidate Celanese AG as of the date of acquisition.
Change in Fiscal Year. At the extraordinary general meeting on July 30 and 31, 2004, Celanese AG shareholders also approved a change of Celanese AG's fiscal year and a corresponding change of Celanese AG's statutes in order to take advantage of the consolidated tax filing status. Therefore, from September 30, 2004 onwards, Celanese AG's fiscal year will begin on October 1 and end on
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September 30 of the following year. A short fiscal year ran from January 1, 2004 to September 30, 2004. The Issuer's fiscal year runs from January 1 to December 31.
Subsequent Purchases of Celanese Shares. The Purchaser may from time to time purchase or be required to purchase any or all of the outstanding Celanese Shares not owned by it in market transactions or otherwise. The Purchaser's decision to pursue such subsequent voluntary purchases will depend on, among other factors, the then-prevailing market prices and any negotiated terms with minority shareholders. If the Purchaser purchases Celanese Shares in an individually negotiated purchase not over the stock exchange, and before the first anniversary of the publication of the final results of the Tender Offer for consideration higher than the Tender Offer price, it will be required to make additional compensating payments to sellers of Celanese Shares in the Tender Offer.
Squeeze-out and Conversion. If the Purchaser acquires Celanese Shares representing 95% or more of the registered ordinary share capital (excluding treasury shares) of Celanese AG, the Purchaser intends to require, as permitted under German law, the transfer to the Purchaser of the Celanese Shares owned by the then-outstanding minority shareholders of Celanese AG in exchange for fair cash compensation (the "Squeeze-out"), determined as described below under "Determination of the Amount to be Paid to the Minority Shareholders." As an alternative to the Squeeze-out, the Purchaser might also consider converting Celanese AG from its current legal form of a stock corporation ( Aktiengesellschaft, AG ) into either a limited partnership ( Kommanditgesellschaft, KG ) or a limited liability company ( Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung, GmbH ) in accordance with the provisions of the German Transformation Act ( Umwandlungsgesetz, UmwG ). Such conversion would be subject to approval by the affirmative vote of at least 75% of the share capital of Celanese AG. The conversion would allow the Purchaser to take advantage of a more efficient governance structure as legal requirements applicable to GmbHs and KGs are in many respects less onerous than those applicable to AGs. As a result of such conversion, the Celanese Shares will be automatically delisted from the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. However, if the Purchaser completely delists the Celanese Shares from the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, effects a squeeze-out or converts Celanese AG into a limited partnership or a limited liability company, the Purchaser and/or Celanese AG must in each case offer the then remaining minority shareholders of Celanese AG fair cash compensation, as described below, in exchange for their Celanese Shares or, in the case of a conversion, in exchange for their equity interest in the entity that results from the conversion. The amount of the fair cash compensation per share may be equal to, higher or lower than the Tender Offer price or the fair cash compensation offered pursuant to the Domination Agreement.
Determination of the Amount to be Paid to the Minority Shareholders. The amount to be paid to the minority shareholders as fair cash compensation in exchange for their Celanese Shares in connection with the Domination Agreement becoming operative, the delisting from the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, or a squeeze-out or, in the case of a conversion, in exchange for their equity interest in the entity resulting from such conversion, has been (in the case of the amount payable in connection with the Domination Agreement) or will be (in each other case) determined on the basis of the fair value of the enterprise of Celanese AG, determined by Celanese AG and/or the Purchaser in accordance with applicable German legal requirements, as of the date of the applicable resolution of Celanese AG's shareholders' meeting, and, except in the case of a delisting from the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, examined by one or more duly qualified auditors chosen and appointed by the court. The amount of the guaranteed fixed annual payment in connection with the Domination Agreement becoming effective to minority shareholders who elect not to sell their Celanese Shares to the Purchaser but to remain a shareholder of Celanese AG was determined by the Purchaser and Celanese AG in accordance with applicable German law, on the basis of the hypothetical projected earnings of Celanese AG assuming a full distribution of profits. The gross guaranteed fixed annual payment of €3.27 per share may be equal to, higher or lower than the actual otherwise distributable profits per share of Celanese AG. The €41.92 per share fair cash compensation, plus interest, offered to minority shareholders in connection
37
with the Domination Agreement is greater than the Tender Offer price. The amount of cash compensation per share to be offered to minority shareholders in connection with any delisting from the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, Squeeze-out or conversion, as applicable, may be equal to, higher or lower than, the Tender Offer price or the fair cash compensation of €41.92, plus interest, offered pursuant to the Domination Agreement. Furthermore, each of the guaranteed fixed annual payment and the fair cash compensation is subject to review by the court in award proceedings ( Spruchverfahren ) which have been instituted by several dissenting shareholders. If as a result of such award proceedings, the court increases the amount of the guaranteed fixed annual payment and/or the fair cash consideration, or if such increase is agreed between the parties in a court settlement, payments already made to minority shareholders pursuant to the offer required by the Domination Agreement would have to be increased accordingly with retroactive effect.
Dividend. At the annual shareholders' meeting on June 15, 2004, Celanese AG shareholders approved payment of a dividend on the Celanese Shares for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 of €0.12 per share. The Purchaser expects that no dividend on the Celanese Shares for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2004 will be paid to Celanese AG's shareholders. As part of the preparation of the financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2004, Celanese AG conducted a valuation of its assets, which resulted in a further non-cash impairment charge to the value of CAC as of September 30, 2004. The size of this charge will prevent Celanese AG from declaring a dividend to its shareholders for the short fiscal year 2004. Any minority shareholder of Celanese AG who elects not to sell its shares to the Purchaser in connection with the offer to the minority shareholders will be entitled to remain a shareholder of Celanese AG and to receive the guaranteed fixed annual payment on its shares, in lieu of any future dividends. The amount of the guaranteed fixed annual payment to be paid to any minority shareholder who elects to retain its Celanese Shares was based on an analysis of the fair enterprise value of Celanese as of the date of the relevant shareholders' meeting assuming a full distribution of profits. The gross guaranteed fixed annual payment is €3.27 per Celanese Share less certain corporate taxes. See "Domination and Profit and Loss Transfer Agreement."
Any delisting from the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, squeeze-out or conversion would require approval by the shareholders of Celanese AG. While it is to be expected that in each case, the Purchaser will have the requisite majority in such meeting to assure approval of such measures, minority shareholders, irrespective of the size of their shareholding, may, within one month from the date of any such shareholder resolution, file an action with the court to have such resolution set aside. While such action would only be successful if the resolution was passed in violation of applicable laws and cannot be based on the unfairness of the amount to be paid to the minority shareholders, a shareholder action may substantially delay the implementation of the challenged shareholder resolution pending final resolution of the action. If such action proved to be successful, the action could prevent the implementation of a delisting, Squeeze-out or conversion. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that any of the steps described above can be implemented timely or at all.
The SponsorThe Blackstone Group
Certain affiliates of The Blackstone Group ("Blackstone" or the "Sponsor") and other co-investors indirectly own 100% of the outstanding ordinary shares of the Issuer. Blackstone is a leading investment and advisory firm founded in 1985, with offices in New York, London and Hamburg. Blackstone manages the largest institutional private equity fund ever raised, a $6.5 billion fund raised in 2002. Since it began private equity investing in 1987, Blackstone has raised more than $14 billion in five funds and has invested in approximately 70 companies. In addition to private equity investments, Blackstone's core businesses include real estate investments, corporate debt investments, asset management, merger and acquisition advisory services, and restructuring and reorganization advisory services.
38
In OctoberNovember 2004, we completed an internal restructuring pursuant to which the Purchaser effected, by giving a corresponding instruction under the Domination Agreement, the transfer of all of the shares of CAC from Celanese Holding GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of Celanese AG, to BCP Caylux Holdings Luxembourg S.C.A. ("BCP Caylux") which resulted in BCP Caylux owning 100% of the equity of CAC and, indirectly, all of its assets, including subsidiary stock.
Following the transfer of CAC to BCP Caylux, (1) BCP Crystal Holdings Ltd. 2 contributed substantially all of its assets and liabilities (including all outstanding capital stock of BCP Caylux) to BCP Crystal, in exchange for all of the outstanding capital stock of BCP Crystal; (2) BCP Crystal assumed substantially all obligations of BCP Caylux, including all rights and obligations of BCP Caylux under the senior credit facilities, the floating rate term loan and the senior subordinated notes; (3) BCP Caylux transferred certain assets, including its equity ownership interest in CAC, to BCP Crystal; (4) BCP Crystal Holdings Ltd. 2 was reorganized as a Delaware limited liability company and changed its name to Celanese Holdings LLC (such reorganized entity, "Celanese Holdings"); and (5) Blackstone Crystal Holdings Capital Partners (Cayman) IV Ltd. was reorganized as a Delaware corporation and changed its name to Celanese Corporation. BCP Crystal, at its discretion, may subsequently cause the liquidation of BCP Caylux.
As a result of these transactions, BCP Crystal holds 100% of CAC's equity and, indirectly, all equity owned by CAC in its subsidiaries. In addition, BCP Crystal holds, indirectly, all of the Celanese Shares held by the Purchaser.
Corporate Structure
The chart below summarizes our current ownership structure.
39
40
We estimate that the net proceeds from the sale of the shares of common stock being offered hereby, after deducting underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses, will be approximately $ million. We intend to use (1) approximately $ million to pay a dividend to the Original Stockholders that will be declared prior to the consummation of this offering and (2) approximately $ million to repay a portion of the senior discount notes.
We intend to use the proceeds from any shares sold pursuant to the underwriters' over-allotment option to pay an additional dividend to the Original Stockholders.
For a description of the rate, the maturity and the use of proceeds from the senior discount notes, see "The Transactions" and "Description of IndebtednessSenior Discount Notes Due 2014."
Immediately prior to the consummation of this offering, we intend to declare three dividends, which will be payable to the Original Stockholders, our only stockholders, immediately prior to this offering on the record date to be set for these dividends.
Other than the dividends to the Original Stockholders described above, we do not intend to pay any cash dividends on our common stock going forward and instead intend to retain earnings, if any, for future operations and debt reduction.
The amounts available to us to pay cash dividends will be restricted by our subsidiaries' debt agreements. Under the terms of the senior credit facilities, neither BCP Crystal nor its subsidiaries may pay dividends or otherwise transfer their assets to us. The indentures governing the senior subordinated notes and the senior discount notes also limit the ability of BCP Crystal, Crystal LLC and their respective subsidiaries to pay dividends. Any decision to declare and pay dividends in the future will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on, among other things, our results of operations, cash requirements, financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant.
Under the Domination Agreement, any minority shareholder of Celanese AG who elects not to sell its shares to the Purchaser will be entitled to remain a shareholder of Celanese AG and to receive a gross guaranteed fixed annual payment on their shares ( Ausgleich ) of €3.27 per Celanese Share less certain corporate taxes to be paid by Celanese AG in lieu of any future dividend. See "The TransactionsPost-Tender Offer EventsDomination and Profit and Loss Transfer Agreement."
41
The following table sets forth our capitalization as of June 30, 2004 (1) on an actual basis, (2) on an as adjusted basis to reflect the offering of $225 million of senior subordinated notes and the offering of $853 million aggregate principal amount at maturity of the senior discount notes described in "The Transactions" section above and the Recent Restructuring and (3) on a further adjusted basis to reflect:
You should read the information in this table in conjunction with our financial statements and the notes to those statements appearing elsewhere in this prospectus and "Selected Historical Financial Data," "Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
|
As of June 30, 2004
|
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Actual
|
As Adjusted for the
Transactions and Recent Restructuring(1) |
As Adjusted for the
Offering |
||||||||
|
(in millions except share data)
|
||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents(2) | $ | 716 | $ | 524 | $ | 524 | |||||
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total debt: | |||||||||||
Senior credit facilities: | |||||||||||
Revolving credit facilities(3) | $ | | $ | | |||||||
Term loan facility | 389 | 608 | |||||||||
Floating rate term loan | 350 | 350 | |||||||||
Senior subordinated notes(4) | 1,243 | 1,474 | |||||||||
Senior discount notes | | 513 | |||||||||
Assumed debt | 418 | 358 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total debt | 2,400 | 3,303 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||
Mandatorily redeemable preferred stock | 200 | | |||||||||
Minority interest(1) | 420 | 420 | |||||||||
Shareholders' equity | |||||||||||
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 5,000,000 shares authorized, actual and shares authorized, as adjusted, 650,494 shares issued and outstanding, actual and shares issued and outstanding, as adjusted | | | |||||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 642 | 142 | |||||||||
Accumulated deficit | (125 | ) | (164 | ) | |||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss) | (23 | ) | (23 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total shareholders' equity (deficit) | 494 | (45 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total capitalization | $ | 3,514 | $ | 3,678 | $ | ||||||
|
|
|
42
information, we have assumed that we acquire only 84.3% of the outstanding Celanese Shares. See "Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information."
43
Dilution is the amount by which the offering price paid by the purchasers of the common stock to be sold in this offering will exceed the net tangible book value per share of common stock after the offering. The net tangible book value per share presented below is equal to the amount of our total tangible assets (total assets less intangible assets) less total liabilities as of June 30, 2004, divided by the number of shares of our common stock that would have been held by the Original Stockholders had (1) the for one stock split we expect to effect prior to the consummation of this offering been made and (2) the stock dividend of shares of our common stock that we expect to issue to the Original Stockholders shortly after the expiration of the underwriters' over-allotment option, assuming no exercise of that option been made as of June 30, 2004. As of June 30, 2004, we had a net tangible book deficit of $380 million, or $ per share on the basis described above. On a pro forma basis, after giving effect to:
our pro forma net tangible book value as of June 30, 2004 would have been a deficit of $ million, or $ per share of common stock. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value (or a decrease in net tangible book deficit) of $ per share to the Original Stockholders and an immediate dilution in net tangible book value of $ per share to new investors.
The following table illustrates this dilution on a per share basis:
Assumed initial public offering price per share | $ | |||||
Net tangible book deficit per share at June 30, 2004 | $ | |||||
Increase in net tangible book value per share attributable to new investors | ||||||
|
||||||
Pro forma net tangible book deficit per share after the offering | ||||||
|
||||||
Dilution per share to new investors | $ | |||||
|
We will reduce the number of shares that we will issue to the Original Stockholders in the stock dividend described in clause (2) above by the number of shares sold to the underwriters pursuant to their option to purchase additional shares. We will also pay the Original Stockholders a cash dividend equal to all net proceeds we receive from any such sale to the underwriters. As a result, our pro forma net tangible book value will not be affected by the underwriters' exercise of their over-allotment option.
44
The following table summarizes, on the same pro forma basis as of June 30, 2004, the total number of shares of common stock purchased from us (including shares that will be issued to the Original Stockholders immediately prior to the consummation of the offering and the stock dividend described in clause (2) above), the total consideration paid to us and the average price per share paid by Original Stockholders and by new investors purchasing shares in this offering:
|
Shares Purchased
|
Total Consideration
|
|
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Average Price
Per Share |
||||||||||
|
Number
|
Percent
|
Amount
|
Percent
|
|||||||
Original Stockholders(1) | |||||||||||
New investors | |||||||||||
Total |
45
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following unaudited pro forma financial information is based on the audited and unaudited consolidated financial statements and other unaudited financial information of Celanese and us appearing elsewhere in this prospectus as adjusted to illustrate the estimated pro forma effects of the Transactions and the Recent Restructuring (including the preliminary application of purchase accounting) and this offering. We are a recently-formed company which does not have, apart from financing the Transactions and this offering, any independent external operations other than through the indirect ownership of the Celanese businesses. As of June 30, 2004, we indirectly owned approximately 84.3% of the Celanese Shares then outstanding. While we intend to acquire the remaining outstanding shares, there is no assurance that it will be able to do so. If we do acquire more shares, our balance sheet will reflect lower cash and minority interests and our statements of operations will reflect lower minority interest expense for the percentage of Celanese Shares that we acquire. For purposes of this unaudited pro forma financial information, we have assumed that we acquire only 84.3% of the Celanese Shares outstanding as of June 30, 2004. See note (e) to the pro forma balance sheet. The unaudited pro forma financial information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of Celanese and of the Issuer and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus, including "Basis of Presentation," "The Transactions" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
The unaudited pro forma balance sheet gives effect to the offering of $225 million of senior subordinated notes and the senior discount notes offering described in "The Transactions" section above, the Recent Restructuring and this offering and the use of proceeds as if they had occurred on June 30, 2004. The unaudited pro forma statements of operations data give effect to the Transactions, the Recent Restructuring and this offering, as if they had occurred on January 1, 2003.
The unaudited pro forma adjustments are based upon available information and certain assumptions that we believe are reasonable. However, as of the date of this prospectus, we have not completed the valuation studies necessary to estimate the fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed and the related allocation of purchase price, nor have we identified all of the adjustments that may be necessary to conform Celanese's historical accounting policies to ours.
The unaudited pro forma statements of operations data do not reflect certain one-time charges that we recorded or will record following the closing of the Transactions and this offering. These one-time charges include (1) an approximately $50 million non-cash charge for the manufacturing profit added to inventory under purchase accounting, (2) the one-time costs related to the replacement of a portion of the Original Financing which was charged to expense in the three months ended June 30, 2004, (3) $18 million write-off of deferred financing fees and $21 million of prepayment premium associated with the July 2004 redemption of our mandatorily redeemable preferred stock described in "The Transactions" section above and (4) $8 million write-off of deferred financing fees and $33 million of premium associated with the redemption of a portion of our senior discount notes with a portion of the proceeds of this offering. Additionally, the unaudited pro forma financial information does not reflect the effects of final purchase price allocation, for example, changes to amortization and depreciation, which could be material. See note (e) to the pro forma statements of operations data for a sensitivity analysis of depreciation and amortization.
The unaudited pro forma financial information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to represent or be indicative of the consolidated results of operations or financial position that we would have reported had the Transactions been completed as of the dates presented, and should not be taken as representative of our future consolidated results of operations or financial position.
46
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA BALANCE SHEET
AS OF JUNE 30, 2004
|
Historical
|
Transactions
and Recent Restructuring Adjustments |
Offering
Adjustments |
Pro Forma(e)
|
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(In millions)
|
|||||||||||
Assets | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 716 | $ | (192 | )(a) | $ | | $ | 524 | |||
Trade receivables, netthird party and affiliates | 787 | | | 787 | ||||||||
Other receivables | 592 | | | 592 | ||||||||
Inventories | 513 | | | 513 | ||||||||
Deferred income taxes | 61 | | | 61 | ||||||||
Other assets | 23 | | | 23 | ||||||||
Assets of discontinued operations | 14 | | | 14 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total current assets | 2,706 | (192 | ) | | 2,514 | |||||||
Investments |
|
|
559 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
559 |
Property, plant and equipment, net | 1,624 | | | 1,624 | ||||||||
Deferred income taxes | 529 | 16 | (b) | | 545 | |||||||
Other assets | 666 | (11 | )(b)(c) | (8 | )(d) | 647 | ||||||
Intangible assets, net | 856 | 24 | (b) | | 880 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total assets | $ | 6,940 | $ | (163 | ) | $ | (8 | ) | $ | 6,769 | ||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debtthird party and affiliates | $ | 173 | $ | (56 | )(a) | | $ | 117 | ||||
Trade payablesthird party and affiliates | 562 | | | 562 | ||||||||
Other current liabilities | 736 | (5 | )(c) | | 731 | |||||||
Deferred income taxes | 10 | | | 10 | ||||||||
Income taxes payable | 312 | | | 312 | ||||||||
Liabilities of discontinued operations | 14 | | | 14 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total current liabilities | 1,807 | (61 | ) | | 1,746 | |||||||
Long-term debt |
|
|
984 |
|
|
215 |
(a)(c) |
|
|
|
|
1,199 |
Senior subordinated notes | 1,243 | 231 | (c) | | 1,474 | |||||||
Senior discount notes | | 513 | (c) | (317 | )(d) | 196 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes | 94 | | | 94 | ||||||||
Benefit obligations | 1,240 | (322 | )(a)(b) | | 918 | |||||||
Other liabilities | 458 | | | 458 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total liabilities | 5,826 | 576 | (317 | ) | 6,085 | |||||||
Mandatorily redeemable preferred stock |
|
|
200 |
|
|
(200 |
)(c) |
|
|
|
|
|
Minority interests | 420 | | | 420 | ||||||||
Commitment and contingencies (f) | | | | | ||||||||
Total shareholders' equity | 494 | (539 | )(c) | 309 | (d) | 264 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $ | 6,940 | $ | (163 | ) | $ | (8 | ) | $ | 6,769 | ||
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma balance sheet.
47
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA BALANCE SHEET
|
(in millions)
|
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
Additional term loan borrowing(1) | $ | 219 | ||
Additional pension contribution(2) | (358 | ) | ||
Repayment of Celanese debt(3) | (58 | ) | ||
Cash from additional notes offering(4) | 5 | |||
|
||||
$ | (192 | ) | ||
|
|
(in millions)
|
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
Increase in employee benefits and other liabilities | $ | (36 | ) | |
Increase in deferred tax assets | 16 | |||
Decrease in other assets | (6 | ) | ||
Decrease in long-term debt | 2 | |||
Increase in goodwill | 24 | |||
|
||||
$ | | |||
|
48
|
(in millions)
|
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
Proceeds from senior discount notes | $ | 513 | ||
Proceeds from senior subordinated notes(1) | 232 | |||
Distribution to owners | (500 | ) | ||
Redemption of preferred stock(2) | (227 | ) | ||
Fees and expenses(3) | (13 | ) | ||
|
||||
Excess cash | $ | 5 | ||
|
|
(in millions)
|
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
Gross proceeds from the issuance of new shares | $ | 750 | ||
Estimated fees and expenses | (45 | ) | ||
Distribution to owners | (355 | ) | ||
Redemption of senior discount notes(1) | (350 | ) | ||
|
||||
$ | | |||
|
49
$394 million plus interest. If we acquire these shares, cash and minority interest will decrease and the assets acquired and liabilities assumed will be adjusted to full fair value, as follows:
|
(in millions)
|
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
Cash paid to acquire minority shares | $ | (394 | ) | |
Increase in goodwill | 6 | |||
Increase in employee benefits and other liabilities | (1 | ) | ||
Reduction of minority interests | 389 | |||
|
||||
$ | | |||
|
We are in the process of finalizing the accounting for the transfer of CAC net assets including the allocation of historical goodwill between CAC and Celanese AG, which will be done on a relative fair value basis. Accordingly, the minority interest amount has not been finalized.
50
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2004
|
Predecessor
|
Successor
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Transactions
and Recent Restructuring Adjustments |
|
|
||||||||||||||
|
Three Months
Ended March 31, 2004 |
Three Months
Ended June 30, 2004 |
Offering
Adjustments |
Pro Forma
|
|||||||||||||
|
(in millions, except per share data)
|
||||||||||||||||
Statement of Operations Data: | |||||||||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 1,243 | $ | 1,229 | $ | | $ | | $ | 2,472 | |||||||
Cost of sales | (1,002 | ) | (1,058 | ) | 61 | (a) | | (1,999 | ) | ||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | (137 | ) | (125 | ) | 9 | (a) | | (253 | ) | ||||||||
Research and development expenses | (23 | ) | (22 | ) | 1 | (a) | | (44 | ) | ||||||||
Special charges: | |||||||||||||||||
Insurance recoveries associated with plumbing cases | | 3 | | | 3 | ||||||||||||
Other special charges, net | (28 | ) | (2 | ) | 19 | (a) | | (11 | ) | ||||||||
Foreign exchange gain (loss) | | | | | | ||||||||||||
Gain (loss) on disposition of assets | (1 | ) | | | | (1 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Operating profit | 52 | 25 | 90 | | 167 | ||||||||||||
Equity in net earnings of affiliates | 12 | 18 | | | 30 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense | (6 | ) | (130 | ) | (12 | )(b) | 18 | (f) | (130 | ) | |||||||
Interest and other income, net | 22 | (17 | ) | | | 5 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax and minority interests | 80 | (104 | ) | 78 | 18 | 72 | |||||||||||
Income tax (provision) benefit | (25 | ) | (10 | ) | (44 | )(c) | | (79 | ) | ||||||||
Minority interests | | (10 | ) | (16 | )(d) | | (26 | ) | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before nonrecurring charges directly attributable to the transactions(e) | $ | 55 | $ | (124 | ) | $ | 18 | $ | 18 | $ | (33 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Data(g) | |||||||||||||||||
Earnings per share | $ | ||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||
Weighted average shares | |||||||||||||||||
|
See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma statement of operations data.
51
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003
|
Predecessor
Historical |
Transactions and
Recent Restructurings Adjustments |
Offering
Adjustments |
Pro Forma
|
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(in millions)
|
|||||||||||||
Statement of Operations Data: | ||||||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 4,603 | $ | | $ | | $ | 4,603 | ||||||
Cost of sales |
|
|
(3,883 |
) |
|
25 |
(a) |
|
|
|
|
(3,858 |
) |
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses | (510 | ) | 18 | (a) | | (492 | ) | |||||||
Research and development expenses | (89 | ) | 1 | (a) | | (88 | ) | |||||||
Special charges: | ||||||||||||||
Insurance recoveries associated with plumbing cases | 107 | | | 107 | ||||||||||
Sorbates antitrust matters | (95 | ) | | | (95 | ) | ||||||||
Other special charges, net | (17 | ) | | | (17 | ) | ||||||||
Foreign exchange gain (loss) | (4 | ) | | | (4 | ) | ||||||||
Gain (loss) on disposition of assets | 6 | | | 6 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Operating profit (loss) | 118 | 44 | | 162 | ||||||||||
Equity in net earnings of affiliates |
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35 |
|
|
Interest expense | (49 | ) | (232 | )(b) | 34 | (f) | (247 | ) | ||||||
Interest and other income, net | 99 | | | 99 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax and minority interest | 203 | (188 | ) | 34 | 49 | |||||||||
Income tax (provision) benefit |
|
|
(60 |
) |
|
48 |
(c) |
|
|
|
|
(12 |
) |
|
Minority interests | | (6 | )(d) | | (6 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before nonrecurring charges directly attributable to the transactions (e) | $ | 143 | $ | (146 | ) | $ | 34 | $ | 31 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Data(g) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per share | $ | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
Weighted average shares | ||||||||||||||
|
See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma statement of operations data.
52
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA
|
Year Ended
December 31, 2003 |
Six Months
Ended June 30, 2004 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(in millions)
|
||||||
Purchase accounting for pensions / OPEB(1) | $ | 11 | $ | 7 | |||
Impact of additional pension contribution(2) | 37 | 16 | |||||
Manufacturing profit included in cost of sales(3) | | 49 | |||||
Depreciation and amortization(4) | | | |||||
Investment banking fees(5) | | 18 | |||||
Stock option exposure(6) | 6 | 1 | |||||
Acquisition reserves(7) | | 2 | |||||
Sponsor monitoring fee(8) | (10 | ) | (3 | ) | |||
|
|
||||||
Total | $ | 44 | $ | 90 | |||
|
|
53
These adjustments are allocated as follows:
|
Year Ended
December 31, 2003 |
Six Months
Ended June 30, 2004 |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(in millions)
|
|||||
Cost of sales | $ | 25 | $ | 61 | ||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 18 | 9 | ||||
Research and development expenses | 1 | 1 | ||||
Other special charges, net | | 19 | ||||
|
|
|||||
$ | 44 | $ | 90 | |||
|
|
|
Year Ended
December 31, 2003 |
Six Months
Ended June 30, 2004 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(in millions)
|
||||||
Revolving credit facilities(1) | $ | | $ | | |||
Term loan(2) | 25 | 13 | |||||
Floating rate term loan(3) | 18 | 9 | |||||
Senior subordinated notesdollar tranche(4) | 118 | 59 | |||||
Senior subordinated noteseuro tranche(5) | 25 | 13 | |||||
Assumed debt(6) | 19 | 13 | |||||
Commitment and facility fees(7) | 9 | 4 | |||||
|
|
||||||
Total cash interest expense | 214 | 111 | |||||
Senior discount notes(8) | 55 | 30 | |||||
Amortization of capitalized debt issuance costs(9) | 13 | 7 | |||||
Amortization of premium on notes(10) | (1 | ) | | ||||
|
|
||||||
Total pro forma interest expense | 281 | 148 | |||||
Less historical interest expense | (49 | ) | (136 | ) | |||
|
|
||||||
Net adjustment to interest expense | $ | 232 | $ | 12 | |||
|
|
54
Interest Rate Sensitivity
A 1/8% change in interest rates would have the following effect on pro forma interest expense:
|
Year Ended December 31, 2003
|
Six Months Ended June 30, 2004
|
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(in millions)
|
|||||
Term loan | $ | 0.8 | $ | 0.4 | ||
Floating rate term loan | 0.4 | 0.2 | ||||
|
|
|||||
Total | $ | 1.2 | $ | 0.6 | ||
|
|
The pro forma adjustments reflect preliminary estimates of the purchase price allocation, which will change upon finalization of appraisals and other valuation studies that we have arranged to obtain. The pro forma statements of operations do not include any fair value adjustments for property, plant and equipment, or other intangible assets since the appraisal process for these assets is not expected to be completed until the fourth quarter of 2004. Ultimately, a portion of the purchase price may be allocated to these assets and the amounts may be significant. Any
55
additional purchase price allocated to property, plant and equipment or other intangible assets with finite lives would result in additional depreciation and amortization expense which is not included in the pro forma statements of operations.
For purposes of preparing the pro forma financial information, we have obtained preliminary ranges of value and estimated useful lives for property, plant and equipment from the independent valuation firm. However, we have not yet been able to validate the inputs and assumptions used by the valuation firm, and therefore these estimates should be considered preliminary. Actual purchase accounting may differ significantly, therefore we have provided below a sensitivity analysis of the high and low and of the range of possible outcomes based on the best information we currently have.
We have received a preliminary estimate of values for property, plant and equipment of $1,716 million to $2,073 million and preliminary estimated remaining useful lives as follows: 4 to 12 years for land improvements, 11 to 21 years for buildings and improvements, 7 to 13 years for machinery and equipment and 1 to 7 years for transportation equipment, furnishings, fixtures and other office equipment. When the valuation is finalized, assuming that the final results are within the ranges provided, annual depreciation expense, at 100% for CAC (as a result of the Recent Restructuring) and at 84.3% for the rest of Celanese, would be $137 million to $224 million (assuming the low end of the range of value) and $166 million to $273 million (assuming the high end of the range of value), compared to historical depreciation expense of $278 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 and $138 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004.
Offering Adjustments
Unaudited pro forma basic and diluted earnings per share have been calculated in accordance with the SEC rules for initial public offerings. These rules require that the weighted average share calculation give retroactive effect to any changes in our capital structure as well as the number of shares whose sale proceeds will be used to repay any debt as reflected in the pro forma adjustments. Therefore, pro forma weighted average shares for purposes of the unaudited pro forma basic earnings per share calculation, adjusted for the for 1 stock split to be effected prior to the offering, are comprised of approximately million shares of our common stock outstanding prior to this offering plus million shares of our common stock being offered hereby.
56
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
The balance sheet data shown below for 2002 and 2003, and the statements of operations and cash flow data for 2001, 2002 and 2003, all of which are set forth below, are derived from the Celanese Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus and should be read in conjunction with those financial statements and the notes thereto. The statement of operations data for 1999 and 2000 and the balance sheet data for 1999 through 2001, all of which are set forth below, are unaudited and have been derived from, and translated into U.S. Dollars based on, Celanese's historical euro audited financial statements and the underlying accounting records.
The summary historical financial data for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and the six months ended June 30, 2003 have been derived from the unaudited consolidated financial statements of Celanese, which have been prepared on a basis consistent with the audited consolidated financial statements of Celanese as of and for the year ended December 31, 2003. The summary historical financial data as of and for the three months ended June 30, 2004 have been derived from our unaudited consolidated financial information. In the opinion of management, such unaudited financial data reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for those periods. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year or any future period. The unaudited consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2004 and for each of the three months ended June 30, 2004 and March 31, 2004 and for the six months ended June 30, 2003 is included elsewhere in this prospectus. This prospectus presents the financial information relating to Celanese under the caption "Predecessor" and the information relating to the Issuer under the caption "Successor."
As of the date of this prospectus, the Purchaser, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Issuer, owns approximately 84% of the outstanding Celanese Shares. The Issuer is a recently formed company which, apart from the financing of the Transactions, does not have any independent external operations other than through the indirect ownership of the Celanese businesses. Accordingly, financial and other information of Celanese is presented in this prospectus for periods through March 31, 2004 and financial and other information of the Issuer is presented as of and for the three months ended June 30, 2004.
57
|
Predecessor
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Successor
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Six Months Ended June 30, 2003
|
Three Months Ended March 31, 2004
|
Three Months Ended June 30, 2004
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
|
1999(1)
|
2000
|
2001
|
2002
|
2003
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
(unaudited)
|
(unaudited)
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
(in millions, except for share and per share data)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Statement of Operations Data: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 3,957 | $ | 4,120 | $ | 3,970 | $ | 3,836 | $ | 4,603 | $ | 2,305 | $ | 1,243 | $ | 1,229 | ||||||||||
Cost of sales | (3,276 | ) | (3,403 | ) | (3,409 | ) | (3,171 | ) | (3,883 | ) | (1,915 | ) | (1,002 | ) | (1,058 | ) | ||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | (579 | ) | (497 | ) | (489 | ) | (446 | ) | (510 | ) | (238 | ) | (137 | ) | (125 | ) | ||||||||||
Research and development expenses | (68 | ) | (75 | ) | (74 | ) | (65 | ) | (89 | ) | (43 | ) | (23 | ) | (22 | ) | ||||||||||
Special charges(2): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Insurance recoveries associated with plumbing cases | (140 | ) | 18 | 28 | | 107 | 102 | | 3 | |||||||||||||||||
Sorbates antitrust matters | (79 | ) | | | | (95 | ) | (11 | ) | | | |||||||||||||||
Restructuring, impairment and other special charges, net | (353 | ) | (36 | ) | (444 | ) | 5 | (17 | ) | (1 | ) | (28 | ) | (2 | ) | |||||||||||
Foreign exchange gain (loss) | (13 | ) | 5 | 1 | 3 | (4 | ) | (2 | ) | | | |||||||||||||||
Gain (loss) on disposition of assets | 3 | 1 | | 11 | 6 | | (1 | ) | | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Operating profit (loss) | (548 | ) | 133 | (417 | ) | 173 | 118 | 197 | 52 | 25 | ||||||||||||||||
Equity in net earnings of affiliates | 7 | 18 | 12 | 21 | 35 | 19 | 12 | 18 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | (115 | ) | (68 | ) | (72 | ) | (55 | ) | (49 | ) | (24 | ) | (6 | ) | (130 | ) | ||||||||||
Interest and other income (expense), net(3) | 9 | 102 | 58 | 45 | 99 | 68 | 22 | (17 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Income tax benefit (provision) | 95 | (100 | ) | 106 | (61 | ) | (60 | ) | (86 | ) | (25 | ) | (10 | ) | ||||||||||||
Minority interests | 7 | | | | | | | (10 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations | (545 | ) | 85 | (313 | ) | 123 | 143 | 174 | 55 | (124 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations | 321 | 1 | (52 | ) | 27 | 6 | (8 | ) | 23 | (1 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles, net of income tax | | | | 18 | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | | | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) | $ | (224 | ) | $ | 86 | $ | (365 | ) | $ | 168 | $ | 148 | $ | 165 | $ | 78 | $ | (125 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Earnings per share | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings (loss) per common sharebasic: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Continuing operations | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Discontinued operations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average sharesbasic | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings (loss) per common sharediluted: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Continuing operations | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Discontinued operations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average sharesdiluted |
58
|
Predecessor
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Successor
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Six Months Ended June 30, 2003
|
Three Months Ended March 31, 2004
|
Three Months Ended June 30, 2004
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
1999(1)
|
2000
|
2001
|
2002
|
2003
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
(unaudited)
|
(unaudited)
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
(in millions, except for share and per share data)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Financial Data: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
EBITDA (unaudited)(4) | N/A | N/A | $ | (42 | ) | $ | 468 | $ | 502 | $ | 399 | $ | 153 | $ | 80 | ||||||||||
Unusual items included in EBITDA (unaudited)(5) | N/A | N/A | 440 | 16 | 113 | (97 | ) | 37 | 45 | ||||||||||||||||
Other non-cash charges (income) included in EBITDA (unaudited)(6) | N/A | N/A | 21 | 97 | 24 | 16 | 13 | 47 | |||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 306 | 308 | 326 | 247 | 294 | 144 | 72 | 71 | |||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures | 254 | 185 | 191 | 203 | 211 | 83 | 44 | 50 | |||||||||||||||||
Dividends paid per share(7) | | $ | 0.10 | $ | 0.35 | | $ | 0.48 | | | | ||||||||||||||
Statement of Cash Flows Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing operations: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating activities | N/A | N/A | $ | 462 | $ | 363 | $ | 401 | $ | 73 | $ | (107 | ) | $ | (107 | ) | |||||||||
Investing activities | N/A | N/A | (105 | ) | (139 | ) | (275 | ) | (102 | ) | 96 | (1,649 | ) | ||||||||||||
Financing activities | N/A | N/A | (337 | ) | (150 | ) | (108 | ) | (46 | ) | (43 | ) | 2,498 | ||||||||||||
Balance Sheet Data (at the end of period) (1999, 2000, and 2001 unaudited): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade working capital(8) | $ | N/A | $ | N/A | $ | 499 | $ | 599 | $ | 641 | $ | 715 | $ | 738 | |||||||||||
Total assets | 7,821 | 7,138 | 6,232 | 6,417 | 6,814 | 6,613 | 6,940 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total debt | 952 | 1,084 | 775 | 644 | 637 | 587 | 2,400 | ||||||||||||||||||
Mandatorily redeemable preferred stock(9) | | | | | | | | 200 | |||||||||||||||||
Shareholders' equity | 2,879 | 2,644 | 1,954 | 2,096 | 2,582 | 2,622 | 494 |
Additionally, EBITDA is not intended to be a measure of free cash flow for management's discretionary use, as it does not consider certain cash requirements such as interest payments, tax payments and debt service requirements. The amounts shown for EBITDA as presented in this prospectus differ from the amounts calculated under the definition of EBITDA
59
used in our debt instruments. The definition of EBITDA used in our debt instruments is further adjusted for certain cash and non-cash charges and is used to determine compliance with financial covenants and our ability to engage in certain activities such as incurring additional debt and making certain payments. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsLiquidity and Capital ResourcesContractual ObligationsCovenants."
EBITDA is calculated and reconciled to net earnings (loss) in the table below (unaudited):
|
Predecessor
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, 2004
|
Successor
|
|||||||||||||
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
Six Months Ended June 30, 2003
|
|||||||||||||||||
|
Three Months
Ended June 30, 2004 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
2001
|
2002
|
2003
|
||||||||||||||||
|
(in millions)
|
||||||||||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) | $ | (365 | ) | $ | 168 | $ | 148 | $ | 165 | $ | 78 | $ | (125 | ) | |||||
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations | 52 | (27 | ) | (6 | ) | 8 | (23 | ) | 1 | ||||||||||
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles | | (18 | ) | 1 | 1 | | | ||||||||||||
Interest expense | 72 | 55 | 49 | 24 | 6 | 130 | |||||||||||||
Interest income | (21 | ) | (18 | ) | (44 | ) | (29 | ) | (5 | ) | (7 | ) | |||||||
Income tax (benefit) provision | (106 | ) | 61 | 60 | 86 | 25 | 10 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 326 | 247 | 294 | 144 | 72 | 71 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
EBITDA | $ | (42 | ) | $ | 468 | $ | 502 | $ | 399 | $ | 153 | $ | 80 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Predecessor
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, 2004
|
Successor
|
|||||||||||||
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
Six Months Ended June 30, 2003
|
|||||||||||||||||
|
Three Months
Ended June 30, 2004 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
2001
|
2002
|
2003
|
||||||||||||||||
|
(in millions)
|
||||||||||||||||||
Stock appreciation rights (income) expense (a) | $ | 10 | $ | 3 | $ | 59 | $ | 4 | $ | | $ | 1 | |||||||
Special charges (b) | 416 | (5 | ) | 5 | (90 | ) | 28 | (1 | ) | ||||||||||
Other restructuring charges (c) | | | 26 | | 10 | 5 | |||||||||||||
Other (income) expenses (d) | 9 | 12 | 5 | (19 | ) | (3 | ) | 31 | |||||||||||
Other unusual items (e) | 5 | 6 | 18 | 8 | 2 | 9 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
$ | 440 | $ | 16 | $ | 113 | $ | (97 | ) | $ | 37 | $ | 45 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
The unusual items listed above exclude adjustments to reserves, principally environmental reserves and loss reserves at the captive insurance entities, made in the ordinary course of business resulting from changes in estimates based on favorable trends in environmental remediation and actuarial revaluations. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
60
|
Predecessor
|
Successor
|
|||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
Six Months
Ended June 30, 2003 |
Three Months
Ended March 31, 2004 |
Three Months
Ended June 30, 2004 |
|||||||||||||||
|
2001
|
2002
|
2003
|
||||||||||||||||
|
(in millions)
|
||||||||||||||||||
Amortization included in pension and OPEB expense (a) | $ | 10 | $ | 15 | $ | 28 | $ | 13 | $ | 8 | $ | 1 | |||||||
Adjustment to equity earnings (b) | 11 | 79 | (12 | ) | (2 | ) | 4 | (12 | ) | ||||||||||
Other non-cash charges (income) (c) | | 3 | 8 | 5 | 1 | | |||||||||||||
Purchase accounting for inventories (d) | | | | | | 49 | |||||||||||||
Minority interests, net of dividends (e) | | | | | | 9 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
$ | 21 | $ | 97 | $ | 24 | $ | 16 | $ | 13 | $ | 47 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Predecessor
|
Successor
|
||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
March 31,
2004 |
June 30,
2004 |
||||||||||||||
|
2001
|
2002
|
2003
|
|||||||||||||
|
(in millions)
|
|||||||||||||||
Trade receivables, net | $ | 536 | $ | 666 | $ | 722 | $ | 798 | $ | 787 | ||||||
Inventories | 483 | 505 | 509 | 516 | 513 | |||||||||||
Trade payables | (520 | ) | (572 | ) | (590 | ) | (599 | ) | (562 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
$ | 499 | $ | 599 | $ | 641 | $ | 715 | $ | 738 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
61
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations covers periods prior and subsequent to the Transactions. Accordingly, unless otherwise noted, the discussion and analysis of historical periods do not reflect the significant impact that the Transactions have had and will have on the Issuer, including increased leverage and liquidity requirements. In addition, the statements in the discussion and analysis regarding industry outlook, expectations regarding the performance of Celanese's business and the other non-historical statements in the discussion and analysis are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties described in "Risk Factors." Actual results may differ materially from those contained in or implied by any forward-looking statements. You should read the following discussion together with the sections entitled "Risk Factors," "Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information," "Selected Historical Financial Data" and the Celanese Consolidated Financial Statements and the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto which were prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The results as of June 30, 2004 and for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and the three months ended March 31 and June 30, 2004 have not been audited and should not be taken as an indication of the results of operations to be reported for any subsequent period or for the full fiscal year. References to the six months ended June 30, 2004 represent the three months ended March 31, 2004 plus the three months ended June 30, 2004.
Basis of Presentation
Impact of the Transactions
On April 6, 2004, pursuant to the Tender Offer, the Purchaser, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Issuer, acquired approximately 84.3% of Celanese Shares outstanding as of June 30, 2004. The ordinary shares were acquired at a price of €32.50 per share or an aggregate purchase price of $1,624 million.
In addition, as part of the Tender Offer, the Purchaser agreed to refinance certain existing debt of Celanese, pre-fund pension obligations of Celanese, pre-fund certain contingencies and certain obligations of Celanese linked to the value of the Celanese Shares, such as the payment of fair cash compensation under the Domination Agreement for the remaining outstanding shares of Celanese and payment obligations related to outstanding stock appreciation rights, stock options and interest payments, provide additional funds for working capital and other general corporate purposes, and pay related fees and expenses.
The funds used in connection with the Transactions were provided by equity investments from the Original Stockholders; term loans of approximately $608 million and senior subordinated bridge loan facilities of $1,565 million. The senior subordinated bridge loan facilities have since been refinanced by the senior subordinated notes and the floating rate term loan. As a result of the financing, our interest expense currently is, and will continue to be, higher than it was prior to the Transactions.
The Issuer accounted for the acquisition of Celanese using the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, the acquisition of Celanese resulted in a new basis of accounting. The purchase price was allocated based on current estimates of the fair value of the underlying assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Actuaries have been retained to assist in the determination of a fair value of our pension and post retirement obligations and valuation appraisals are being performed to determine the fair values of property, plant and equipment, investment in affiliates and intangible assets acquired, including trade names, trademarks, developed technology and customer relationships. The Issuer has recorded certain preliminary estimates of the fair value of the net assets acquired; however, the final
62
valuations are not yet complete. Thus, the Issuer has not yet completed its allocation of the purchase price and will make further adjustments to the preliminary allocations in subsequent periods. The Issuer expects to finalize its valuations and complete its purchase accounting in the fourth quarter of 2004. The excess of the total purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired at closing has been allocated to goodwill, and this indefinite lived asset is subject to annual impairment review. Goodwill in the transaction, based on the preliminary allocation of the purchase price, totaled $827 million. (see note 3 in the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements).
In conjunction with the acquisition, we are in the process of formulating a plan to exit or restructure certain activities. We have not completed this analysis, but have recorded initial liabilities as of June 30, 2004 of $10 million, primarily for employee severance and related costs in connection with a preliminary plan to exit or restructure certain activities. These initial activities are expected to be completed during 2005. In October 2004, we announced plans to consolidate our acetate flake and tow operations and to exit the filament business. The Issuer also expects to finalize any further plans to exit or restructure activities in 2004, at which time additional liabilities related to these plans may be recorded.
Successor
SuccessorRepresents the Issuer's unaudited consolidated financial position as of June 30, 2004 and its unaudited consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the three months ended June 30, 2004. These consolidated financial statements reflect the preliminary application of purchase accounting, described above, relating to the Transactions.
Predecessor
PredecessorRepresents Celanese's audited consolidated financial position as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the consolidated results of its operations and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2003 and the unaudited consolidated results of its operations and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and the six months ended June 30, 2003. These consolidated financial statements relate to periods prior to the Transactions and present Celanese's historical basis of accounting without the application of purchase accounting related to the acquisition of Celanese.
In the fourth quarter of 2003, Celanese realigned its business segments to reflect a change of how Celanese manages the business and assesses performance. This change resulted from recent transactions, including divestitures and the formation of a joint venture. A new segment, Chemical Products, has been introduced and consists primarily of the former Acetyl Products and Chemical Intermediates segments. In addition, legacy pension and other postretirement benefit costs associated with previously divested Hoechst businesses are reflected as part of Other Activities. Historically, these costs were allocated to the business segments. Prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Major Events In 2004
During the second quarter of 2004, Celanese changed its inventory valuation method of accounting for its U.S. subsidiaries from last-in first-out ("LIFO") to first-in first-out ("FIFO"). This change will more closely represent the physical flow of goods resulting in ending inventory which will better represent the current cost of the inventory and the costs in income will more closely match the flow of goods. The FIFO method is now used to determine cost for all inventories of Celanese except for stores and supplies, which are generally valued using the average cost method. Information throughout this prospectus has been restated for all periods presented to reflect this change.
63
In response to greater demand for Ticona's technical polymers, Celanese announced two projects to expand manufacturing capacity. Ticona plans to increase production of polyacetal in North America by about 20%, raising total capacity to 102,000 tons per year at our Bishop, Texas facility by the end of 2004. Fortron Industries, a joint venture of Ticona and Kureha Chemicals Industries, plans to increase the capacity of its Fortron polyphenylene sulfide plant in Wilmington, North Carolina, by 25% by the end of 2005.
In October-November 2004, we completed an internal restructuring. See "The TransactionsThe Recent Restructuring." In October 2004, we announced plans to consolidate our acetate flake and tow manufacturing and to exit the acetate filament business. The restructuring is being implemented to increase efficiency, reduce overcapacity and to focus on products and markets that provide long-term value.
Major Events In 2003
In 2003, Celanese took major steps to enhance the value of its businesses, invest in new production capacity in growth areas, reduce costs and increase productivity.
Optimizing the Portfolio
Investing in Growth Areas
Reducing Costs and Increasing Productivity
64
Major Events in 2002
Enhancing the Value of Celanese's Portfolio
Continuing Internal Growth Activities
Additional Highlights:
65
Financial Highlights
|
Predecessor
|
Successor
|
Combined
|
||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
Six Months
Ended June 30, 2003 |
Three Months
Ended March 31, 2004 |
Three Months
Ended June 30, 2004 |
Six Months
Ended June 30, 2004 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
2001
|
2002
|
2003
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
(unaudited)
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
(in millions)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Statement of Operations Data: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 3,970 | $ | 3,836 | $ | 4,603 | $ | 2,305 | $ | 1,243 | $ | 1,229 | $ | 2,472 | |||||||||
Cost of sales | (3,409 | ) | (3,171 | ) | (3,883 | ) | (1,915 | ) | (1,002 | ) | (1,058 | ) | (2,060 | ) | |||||||||
Special charges | (416 | ) | 5 | (5 | ) | 90 | (28 | ) | 1 | (27 | ) | ||||||||||||
Operating profit (loss) | (417 | ) | 173 | 118 | 197 | 52 | 25 | 77 | |||||||||||||||
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax and minority interests | (419 | ) | 184 | 203 | 260 | 80 | (104 | ) | (24 | ) | |||||||||||||
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations | (313 | ) | 123 | 143 | 174 | 55 | (124 | ) | (69 | ) | |||||||||||||
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations | (52 | ) | 27 | 6 | (8 | ) | 23 | (1 | ) | 22 | |||||||||||||
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles | | 18 | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | | | | ||||||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) | (365 | ) | 168 | 148 | 165 | 78 | (125 | ) | (47 | ) |
|
Predecessor
|
|
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Successor
|
||||||||||||
|
As of December 31,
|
||||||||||||
|
As of
June 30, 2003 |
||||||||||||
|
2001
|
2002
|
2003
|
||||||||||
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|||||||||
|
(in millions)
|
||||||||||||
Other Balance Sheet Data: | |||||||||||||
Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debtthird party and affiliates | $ | 235 | $ | 204 | $ | 148 | $ | 173 | |||||
Plus: Long-term debt | 540 | 440 | 489 | 2,227 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
Total debt | 775 | 644 | 637 | 2,400 | |||||||||
Less: Cash and cash equivalents | 43 | 124 | 148 | 716 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
Net debt | $ | 732 | $ | 520 | $ | 489 | $ | 1,684 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
Predecessor
|
Successor
|
Combined
|
||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
Six Months
Ended June 30, 2003 |
Three Months
Ended March 31, 2004 |
Three Months
Ended June 30, 2004 |
Six Months
Ended June 30, 2004 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
2001
|
2002
|
2003
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
(unaudited)
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
(in millions, except percentages)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Data: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | $ | 326 | $ | 247 | $ | 294 | $ | 144 | $ | 72 | $ | 71 | $ | 143 | |||||||||
Operating margin(1) | (10.5 | )% | 4.5 | % | 2.6 | % | 8.5 | % | 4.2 | % | 2.0% | 3.1% | |||||||||||
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax and minority interest as a percentage of net sales | (10.6 | )% | 4.8 | % | 4.4 | % | 11.3 | % | 6.4 | % | (8.5 | )% | (1.0 | )% |
66
OverviewSix Months Ended June 30, 2004 Compared with Six Months Ended June 30, 2003
Strong volume growth was experienced in all business segments in the first six months of 2004. The Chemical Products segment benefited from increased demand in Asia, especially China, while the Technical Polymers Ticona segment grew on new applications in the automotive, electrical/electronics, household goods, and medical markets and increased demand in both North America and Europe. The performance of our Ticona affiliates also reflected these improved business conditions. The overall economic environment, however, remains challenging due to higher raw material and energy costs, as well as some weaker pricing compared to the same period last year.
Net sales in the first six months of 2004 rose 8% to $2,472 million compared to the same period in 2003 mainly on higher volumes in all business segments and favorable currency effects, which were partially offset by changes in the composition of the Chemical Products segment and lower pricing.
Operating profit declined to $77 million from $197 million in the prior year mainly due to significantly higher insurance recoveries of $102 million associated with the plumbing cases in the 2003 period. Higher raw material and energy costs as well as purchase accounting inventory adjustments of $49 million also contributed to the decrease in operating profit in 2004. Operating profit benefited from higher volumes and the absence of a loss from the European oxo business, which was transferred to a joint venture in the fourth quarter of 2003.
Earnings from continuing operations before tax and minority interests decreased mainly due to lower operating profit and higher interest expense, resulting from fees of $71 million associated with the senior subordinated bridge loan facilities as well as higher debt levels resulting from the Transactions. As of June 30, 2004, net debt rose to $1,684 million from $489 million at December 31, 2003.
Investments in affiliates continued to perform well and contribute to profitability. Equity in net earnings of affiliates rose by $11 million to $30 million in the first six months of 2004 compared to the same period last year. Dividends from investments accounted for under the cost method increased slightly to $21 million compared to $20 million for the same period in the prior year.
Overview2003 Compared with 2002
In a global business environment characterized by higher raw material and energy costs and modest growth, Celanese achieved full year 2003 net earnings of $148 million compared to net earnings of $168 million for 2002. Earnings from continuing operations increased to $143 million in 2003 compared to $123 million in 2002. Earnings from continuing operations excludes the results of the nylon and the majority of the acrylates businesses, which were divested on December 31, 2003 and February 1, 2004, respectively, and are included in earnings (loss) from discontinued operations. Net sales increased to $4.6 billion in 2003 from $3.8 billion in 2002 due to price and volume increases and favorable currency movements.
Earnings from continuing operations before tax and minority interests increased to $203 million in 2003 compared to $184 million in 2002. This increase was primarily due to higher pricing, particularly in the Chemical Products segment, increased volumes in all segments, cost reductions, productivity improvements and favorable currency movements. Additional favorable adjustments included greater earnings from affiliates, mainly in Asia, increased interest and income from insurance companies and the demutualization of an insurance provider, as well as the addition of the emulsions business acquired at the end of 2002. Also affecting earnings from continuing operations before tax and minority interests was income of $107 million from insurance recoveries and $95 million of expense associated with antitrust matters in the Sorbates industry as discussed below in "Special Charges." These increases were mainly offset by higher costs for raw materials and energy and increased expense for stock appreciation rights.
67
Significant items affecting earnings from continuing operations before tax and minority interests from 2002 to 2003 were approximately:
Although Celanese recorded special charges of only $5 million, special charges significantly affected the operating results of the Technical Polymers Ticona and Performance Products segments in 2003. Ticona's operating profit benefited from income of $107 million from insurance recoveries related to the plumbing cases. The insurance recoveries more than offset special charges related to Ticona's organizational redesign efforts and the closing of a facility in the United Kingdom. The operating profit of the Performance Products' segment was burdened by $95 million in special charges relating to a European Commission decision to fine Hoechst €99 million ($115 million) for antitrust matters in the sorbates industry that occurred prior to the demerger.
Segment net sales in 2003 increased 21% compared to 2002 due to the inclusion of the emulsions business acquired at year-end 2002 (+8%), favorable currency effects (+5%) and higher pricing (+5%) and volumes (+4%). These increases were partly offset by the transfer of the European oxo business to a joint venture in the fourth quarter 2003 (-1%). Operating profit declined by 32% to $118 million in 2003 compared to $173 million in 2002. This decline reflected increased raw material and energy costs, as well as higher expense for stock appreciation rights and special charges discussed below. These factors outweighed increased pricing in the Chemical Products and Acetate Products segments, higher volumes in all segments, particularly in Technical Polymers Ticona and Performance Products, cost reductions, productivity improvements, increased income from the captive insurance companies and the addition of the emulsions business.
In the Chemical Products segment, the contribution from the emulsions business, favorable currency movements and cost reductions were outweighed by higher energy costs and an increase in stock appreciation rights expense. Overall in 2003, increased selling prices offset higher raw material costs, although pricing outpaced raw material costs in the first half of the year and lagged in the second half. In Acetate Products, increased pricing and volumes as well as productivity gains only partially offset higher raw material and energy prices. Increased demand led to volume improvements in the Ticona segment on the development of new applications and entry into new markets, partially offset by organizational redesign costs. Volume increases for Performance Products' Sunett sweetener were offset by lower pricing for Sunett and sorbates.
Celanese reduced its net debt by 6% to $489 million as of December 31, 2003 compared to $520 million as of December 31, 2002. The decrease primarily represents the net repayment of $68 million of debt offset by the addition of $38 million of debt related to the consolidation of a variable interest entity under FIN 46. Trade working capital increased to $641 million at December 31, 2003 from $599 million at December 31, 2002. This increase is primarily related to favorable foreign currency effects as lower payables more than the offset the reduction in inventory resulting from the high levels at the end of 2002, resulting from advance purchases of wood pulp in the Acetate Products segment, a key raw material, caused by the shutdown of a major supplier. Operating cash flow benefited by $180 million relating to the effects of hedging of currency exposure on intercompany funding of operations in U.S. dollars, compared to approximately $95 million in 2002. Benefit
68
obligations decreased by $106 million to $1,165 million in 2003 from $1,271 million primarily due to an increase in the fair value of plan assets, contributions, payments and a plan amendment related to the U.S. postretirement medical plan. These factors were partially offset by the effects of a decrease in the discount rate.
In 2003, Celanese took major steps to concentrate on its core businesses. In September, Celanese reached an agreement to sell its acrylates business to Dow. The transaction was completed on February 1, 2004. On October 1, European Oxo GmbH, Celanese's oxo chemicals joint venture with Degussa, began operations. The joint venture is expected to enable the businesses to compete more effectively in an oversupplied industry.
Celanese streamlined its manufacturing operations and administrative functions, mainly in the Chemical Products and Ticona segments, and, as a result, recorded termination benefit expenses of $26 million in cost of sales, primarily in the fourth quarter 2003. Celanese also continued its use of Six Sigma, a powerful tool to increase efficiency and generate additional revenue.
During 2003, Ticona started a redesign of its operations. These efforts resulted in special charges of $12 million related to termination benefit expenses.
Overview2002 Compared with 2001
In a global business environment characterized by slow and uneven growth, net earnings increased significantly to $168 million in 2002 from a loss of $365 million in the prior year. The increase reflected lower special charges, lower raw material and energy costs, lower amortization expense due to the adoption of SFAS No. 142, savings from restructuring and operational excellence initiatives, improved capacity utilization rates in the Chemical Products segment, and an increase in demand in the Technical Polymers Ticona segment. Additionally, net earnings benefited from a cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles of $18 million, net of income tax, and positive effects from earnings from discontinued operations of $27 million. These effects were partially offset by lower pricing in most segments. Operating cash flow remained strong, though below the prior year's level, as trade working capital increased slightly compared to year-end 2001. 2002 capital expenditures were at similar levels to the previous year.
Segment sales declined 3% as higher volumes (+2%) and favorable currency effects could not offset lower pricing (-7%). Volumes increased in Ticona, on modest demand improvement from the automotive and other end-use industries, especially in Europe. In Performance Products, volumes of Nutrinova's high intensity sweetener, Sunett, continued to grow. In Chemical Products, increased demand and temporarily tight supply conditions during the second half of 2002 led to improved capacity utilization rates. Although overall selling prices were lower year on year in the Chemical Products segment, acetyl pricing rose steadily. Profitability in the Acetate Products segment declined as lower volumes in all products, mainly in filament, offset higher tow pricing and cost savings from restructuring efforts.
Celanese reduced its net debt by 29% from $732 million as of December 31, 2001 to $520 million as of December 31, 2002. The reduction was due to debt repayment resulting from a continuing high level of cash from operations and net proceeds of $106 million for the net assets of divested businesses and the receipt of $80 million for the repayment of borrowings from a divested business, combined with the effects of currency movements of approximately $190 million. Operating cash flow declined from $462 million in 2001 to $363 million in 2002, as 2001 operating cash flow reflected the benefits of a substantial reduction in trade working capital compared to 2000. Trade working capital in 2002 increased slightly compared to year-end 2001 levels.
Celanese had capital expenditures of $203 million in 2002, compared to $191 million in 2001. Major projects included the completion of a new 30,000 tons per year plant to produce GUR ultra-high
69
molecular weight polyethylene in Bishop, Texas. The plant began supplying customers in the fourth quarter of 2002. Celanese also completed the 6,000 tons per year expansion of capacity for Vectra liquid crystal polymers in Shelby, North Carolina. In addition, Celanese began construction in 2002 of a new plant for synthesis gas, an important raw material for the production of oxo and specialty chemicals, at its Oberhausen, Germany site.
The Focus and Forward restructuring initiatives, started in 2001, generated estimated savings of approximately $95 million in 2002. In connection with these restructuring programs, most of the approximate 1,500 positions identified had been eliminated by December 31, 2002. Celanese's company-wide operational excellence efforts, including Six Sigma, continued to contribute to profitability.
In 2002, Celanese made further progress in enhancing the value of its portfolio. Celanese acquired the European emulsions and worldwide emulsion powders businesses of Clariant AG, Switzerland in December 2002 valued at $154 million, including the assumption of related liabilities. Net of purchase price adjustments of $2 million and the assumption of liabilities of $21 million, Celanese paid $131 million of cash for the net assets of the business in 2002. In 2003, the purchase price adjustments related to the acquisition were finalized, which resulted in Celanese making an additional payment of $7 million. The acquisition of the emulsion businesses extends Celanese's acetyls value chain into higher value businesses. Additionally, Celanese divested the Trespaphan OPP films business of the Performance Products segment in December 2002 for $214 million, which included $115 million in cash, the repayment of $80 million in intercompany debt that Trespaphan owed Celanese and a purchase price adjustment for liabilities assumed by the buyer of $19 million.
Celanese took a major step to address performance issues within the former Chemical Intermediates segment in 2002. Celanese signed an agreement with Degussa, Germany to form a 50/50 joint venture for their European oxo activities. In addition, Celanese divested its global allylamines and U.S. alkylamines business at the end of 2002.
Selected Data by Business SegmentSix Months Ended June 30, 2004 Compared with Six Months Ended June 30, 2003
|
Predecessor
|
Successor
|
|
|
||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Combined
|
|
||||||||||||||
|
|
Three
Months Ended March 31, 2004 |
Three
Months Ended June 30, 2004 |
|
||||||||||||
|
Six Months
Ended June 30, 2003 |
Six Months
Ended June 30, 2004 |
Six Months
Change in % |
|||||||||||||
|
(in millions, except percentages, unaudited)
|
|||||||||||||||
Net Sales | ||||||||||||||||
Chemical Products | $ | 1,535 | $ | 818 | $ | 808 | $ | 1,626 | 6 | |||||||
Acetate Products | 315 | 172 | 173 | 345 | 10 | |||||||||||
Technical Polymers Ticona | 390 | 227 | 220 | 447 | 15 | |||||||||||
Performance Products | 88 | 44 | 45 | 89 | 1 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
Segment Total | $ | 2,328 | $ | 1,261 | $ | 1,246 | $ | 2,507 | 8 | |||||||
Other Activities | 23 | 11 | 11 | 22 | (4 | ) | ||||||||||
Intersegment Eliminations | (46 | ) | (29 | ) | (28 | ) | (57 | ) | 24 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
Total Net Sales | $ | 2,305 | $ | 1,243 | $ | 1,229 | $ | 2,472 | 7 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
70
|
Predecessor
|
Successor
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Combined
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
|
Three
Months Ended March 31, 2004 |
Three
Months Ended June 30, 2004 |
|
|||||||||||||
|
Six Months
Ended June 30, 2003 |
Six Months
Ended June 30, 2004 |
Six Months
Change in % |
||||||||||||||
|
(in millions, except percentages, unaudited)
|
||||||||||||||||
Special Charges |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chemical Products | $ | 1 | $ | (1 | ) | $ | (1 | ) | $ | (2 | ) | >100 | |||||
Acetate Products | | | | | | ||||||||||||
Technical Polymers Ticona | |||||||||||||||||
Plumbing insurance recoveries | 102 | | 3 | 3 | >100 | ||||||||||||
Other activities | (2 | ) | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | (2 | ) | |||||||||
Performance Products | |||||||||||||||||
Sorbates antitrust matters | (11 | ) | | | | >100 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Segment Total | 90 | (2 | ) | 1 | (1 | ) | >100 | ||||||||||
Other Activities | | (26 | ) | | (26 | ) | n.m. | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Total Special Charges | $ | 90 | $ | (28 | ) | $ | 1 | $ | (27 | ) | >100 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Operating Profit (Loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chemical Products | $ | 98 | $ | 65 | $ | 36 | $ | 101 | 3 | ||||||||
Acetate Products | 8 | 9 | 10 | 19 | >100 | ||||||||||||
Technical Polymers Ticona | 130 | 31 | 11 | 42 | (68 | ) | |||||||||||
Performance Products | 14 | 11 | 2 | 13 | (7 | ) | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Segment Total | 250 | 116 | 59 | 175 | (30 | ) | |||||||||||
Other Activities | (53 | ) | (64 | ) | (34 | ) | (98 | ) | 85 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Total Operating Profit | $ | 197 | $ | 52 | $ | 25 | $ | 77 | (61 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Tax and Minority Interests |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chemical Products | $ | 113 | $ | 72 | $ | 34 | $ | 106 | $ | (6 | ) | ||||||
Acetate Products | 13 | 9 | 14 | 23 | 77 | ||||||||||||
Technical Polymers Ticona | 162 | 45 | 26 | 71 | (56 | ) | |||||||||||
Performance Products | 14 | 11 | 1 | 12 | (14 | ) | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Segment Total | 302 | 137 | 75 | 212 | (30 | ) | |||||||||||
Other Activities | (42 | ) | (57 | ) | (179 | ) | (236 | ) | >100 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Total Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Tax and Minority Interests | $ | 260 | $ | 80 | $ | (104 | ) | $ | (24 | ) | >100 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Stock Appreciation Rights |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chemical Products | $ | (1 | ) | $ | | $ | | $ | | >100 | |||||||
Acetate Products | | | | | | ||||||||||||
Technical Polymers Ticona | (1 | ) | | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | | |||||||||
Performance Products | | | | | | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Segment Total | (2 | ) | | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | (50 | ) | ||||||||
Other Activities | (2 | ) | | | | >100 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Total Stock Appreciation Rights | $ | (4 | ) | $ | | $ | (1 | ) | $ | (1 | ) | (75 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
71
|
Predecessor
|
Successor
|
|
|
||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Combined
|
|
||||||||||||||
|
|
Three
Months Ended March 31, 2004 |
Three
Months Ended June 30, 2004 |
|
||||||||||||
|
Six Months
Ended June 30, 2003 |
Six Months
Ended June 30, 2004 |
Six Months
Change in % |
|||||||||||||
|
(in millions, except percentages, unaudited)
|
|||||||||||||||
Depreciation and Amortization | ||||||||||||||||
Chemical Products | $ | 79 | $ | 39 | $ | 38 | $ | 77 | (3 | ) | ||||||
Acetate Products | 28 | 13 | 14 | 27 | (4 | ) | ||||||||||
Technical Polymers Ticona | 29 | 16 | 15 | 31 | 7 | |||||||||||
Performance Products | 4 | 2 | 2 | $ | 4 | | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
Segment Total | 140 | 70 | 69 | 139 | (1 | ) | ||||||||||
Other Activities | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 | >100 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
Total Depreciation and Amortization | $ | 144 | $ | 72 | $ | 71 | $ | 143 | (1 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
Factors Affecting Six Month 2004 Segment Sales
|
Volume
|
Price
|
Currency
|
Other
|
Total
|
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chemical Products | 7 | % | | % | 5 | % | (6 | )% | 6 | % | ||
Acetate Products | 9 | 1 | | | 10 | |||||||
Technical Polymers Ticona | 13 | (4 | ) | 6 | | 15 | ||||||
Performance Products | 8 | (15 | ) | 8 | | 1 | ||||||
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Segment Total | 8 | % | (1 | )% | 5 | % | (4 | )% | 8 | % | ||
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Summary by Business SegmentSix Months Ended June 30, 2004 Compared with Six Months Ended June 30, 2003
Chemical Products
|
Predecessor
|
Successor
|
Combined
|
|
|
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---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Three
Months Ended March 31, 2004 |
Three
Months Ended June 30, 2004 |
|
Six Months
|
|||||||||||||
|
Six Months
Ended June 30, 2003 |
Six Months
Ended June 30, 2004 |
||||||||||||||||
|
Change
in $ |
Change
in % |
||||||||||||||||
|
|
(in millions, except percentages, unaudited)
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 1,535 | $ | 818 | $ | 808 | $ | 1,626 | 91 | 6 | % | |||||||
Net sales variance: | ||||||||||||||||||
Volume | 7 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Currency | 5 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Other | (6 | )% | ||||||||||||||||
Operating profit | 98 | 65 | 36 | 101 | 3 | 3 | % | |||||||||||
Operating margin | 6.4 | % | 7.9 | % | 4.5 | % | 6.2 | % | ||||||||||
Special charges | 1 | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | (2 | ) | (3 | ) | >100 | % | |||||||
Earnings from continuing operations before tax and minority interests | 113 | 72 | 34 | 106 | (7 | ) | (6 | )% | ||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 79 | 39 | 38 | 77 | (2 | ) | (3 | )% |
72
Chemical Products' net sales increased by 6% to $1,626 million in the first half of 2004 compared to the same period last year as increased volumes (+7%) and favorable currency changes (+5%) were partially offset by changes in the composition of the segment (-6%). Pricing remained flat.
The changes in the composition of the segment result from the transfer of the European oxo business into a joint venture in the fourth quarter of 2003 (-4%) and changes in the structure of the business under which certain acrylates products, which were formerly sold into the merchant market, are now being sold under a contract manufacturing agreement (-2%). The margin realized under the contract manufacturing agreement is reported in net sales.
Volumes rose for major chemical products, particularly vinyl acetate monomer, which increased due to stronger overall demand and a competitor outage in Europe. Acetic acid volumes increased in Asia, particularly in China, while volumes for emulsions were higher in Europe.
Overall pricing remained flat, as the increase in vinyl acetate monomer pricing, which followed rising costs for raw materials, especially ethylene, was offset by lower pricing, mainly for methanol in North America.
Operating profit increased to $101 million compared to $98 million in the first half of 2003. Higher volumes and the absence of a loss from the European oxo business more than offset increased raw material costs, lower commission income in a procurement subsidiary, higher spending associated with productivity initiatives, and increased energy costs. Included in operating profit for the first six months of 2004 is $15 million of a non-cash charge for the manufacturing profit added to inventory under purchase accounting which was charged to cost of sales as the inventory was sold in the first quarter after closing.
Earnings from continuing operations before tax and minority interests decreased to $106 million compared to $113 million in the first half of 2003. Earnings declined mainly due to lower dividends from a Saudi Arabian investment and an equity loss from the European oxo joint venture partially offset by higher operating profit.
Operating profit as a percentage of sales decreased to 6.2% from 6.4% in the same period a year ago.
Acetate Products
|
Predecessor
|
Successor
|
Combined
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Three
Months Ended March 31, 2004 |
Three
Months Ended June 30, 2004 |
|
Six Months
|
||||||||||||||
|
Six Months
Ended June 30, 2003 |
Six Months
Ended June 30, 2004 |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Change
in $ |
Change
in % |
|||||||||||||||||
|
|
(in millions, except percentages, unaudited)
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 315 | $ | 172 | $ | 173 | $ | 345 | $ | 30 | 10 | % | |||||||
Net sales variance: | |||||||||||||||||||
Volume | 9 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Price | 1 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Operating profit | 8 | 9 | 10 | 19 | 11 | >100 | % | ||||||||||||
Operating margin | 2.5 | % | 5.2 | % | 5.8 | % | 5.5 | % | |||||||||||
Special charges | | | | | |||||||||||||||
Earnings from continuing operations before tax and minority interests | 13 | 9 | 14 | 23 | 10 | 77 | % | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 28 | 13 | 14 | 27 | (1 | ) | (4 | )% |
73
Acetate Products' net sales in the first six months of 2004 increased 10% to $345 million compared to the first six months of 2003 due to higher volumes (+9%) and increased pricing (+1).
Volumes grew on higher tow demand in Asia, which was partly offset by lower filament sales, primarily in Mexico, and lower flake demand. Average pricing rose due to higher pricing for tow.
Operating profit rose to $19 million from $8 million in the same period last year on higher volumes, productivity gains, and increased average pricing. These gains more than offset higher raw material and energy costs, office relocation expenses, and higher manufacturing costs in Europe and Canada resulting from the strengthening of the euro and Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar. Included in operating profit for the first six months of 2004 is $4 million of a non-cash charge for the manufacturing profit added to inventory under purchase accounting which was charged to cost of sales as the inventory was sold in the first quarter after closing.
Operating profit as a percentage of sales increased to 5.5% compared to 2.5% in the same period last year.
Earnings from continuing operations before tax and minority interests also improved to $23 million for the first six months of 2004 from $13 million in the same period a year ago primarily due to higher operating profit.
Technical Polymers Ticona
|
Predecessor
|
Successor
|
Combined
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Three
Months Ended March 31, 2004 |
Three
Months Ended June 30, 2004 |
|
Six Months
|
||||||||||||||
|
Six Months
Ended June 30, 2003 |
Six Months
Ended June 30, 2004 |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Change
in $ |
Change
in % |
|||||||||||||||||
|
|
(in millions, except percentages, unaudited)
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 390 | $ | 227 | $ | 220 | $ | 447 | $ | 57 | 15 | % | |||||||
Net sales variance: | |||||||||||||||||||
Volume | 13 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Price | (4 | )% | |||||||||||||||||
Currency | 6 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Operating profit | 130 | 31 | 11 | 42 | (88 | ) | (68 | )% | |||||||||||
Operating margin | 33.3 | % | 13.7 | % | 5.0 | % | 9.4 | % | |||||||||||
Special charges | 100 | (1 | ) | 2 | 1 | (99 | ) | (99 | )% | ||||||||||
Earnings from continuing operations before tax and minority interests | 162 | 45 | 26 | 71 | (91 | ) | (56 | )% | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 29 | 16 | 15 | 31 | 2 | 7 | % |
Net sales for Ticona in the first six months of 2004 increased by 15% to $447 million compared to the same period last year. Strong volume increases (+13%) and