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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

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

                For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2005

OR

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

                For the transition period from              to             

 

Commission File Number 333-57170

 

Resolution Performance Products LLC

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

76-0607613

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization)

 

Identification Number)

 

Commission File Number 333-57170-01

 

RPP Capital Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

76-0660306

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization)

 

Identification Number)

 

1600 Smith Street, Suite 2400

Houston, Texas 77002

(888) 949-2502

(Address of principal executive offices and telephone number, including area code)

 

N/A

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants (1) have filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrants were required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes ý

 

No o

 

            Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).

Yes o

 

No ý

 

At April 29, 2005, there were 1,000,000 outstanding membership units of Resolution Performance Products LLC and 1,000 outstanding shares of common stock of RPP Capital Corporation.

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Part I.

Financial Information

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Income for the three month periods ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 (Restated)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Owner’s Deficit for the three month period ended March 31, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three month periods ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 (Restated)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

 

 

 

 

 

Part II.

Other Information

 

 

Item 5.

Other Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signatures

 

 

2



 

Item 1.  Financial Statements

 

RESOLUTION PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS LLC

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

(in millions of U. S. dollars, except for Units)

 

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

4

 

$

4

 

Receivables, less allowance of $1 and $2, respectively

 

175

 

160

 

Due from related parties

 

13

 

10

 

Prepaid and other current assets

 

7

 

6

 

Inventories, less allowance of $3 and $3, respectively

 

184

 

197

 

Deferred income taxes

 

1

 

3

 

Total current assets

 

384

 

380

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation

 

425

 

446

 

Intangible assets, at cost, less accumulated amortization

 

23

 

20

 

Investment, at cost

 

5

 

5

 

Total assets

 

$

837

 

$

851

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Owner’s Deficit

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash overdraft

 

$

5

 

$

7

 

Accounts payable-trade

 

140

 

168

 

Other payables and accruals

 

40

 

26

 

Due to related parties

 

6

 

3

 

Total current liabilities

 

191

 

204

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital lease obligation

 

1

 

1

 

Other long-term obligations

 

8

 

4

 

Deferred revenue

 

4

 

4

 

Deferred income taxes

 

29

 

29

 

Pensions and other retirement plan obligations

 

16

 

15

 

Long-term debt

 

709

 

701

 

Total liabilities

 

958

 

958

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)

 

 

 

 

 

Owner’s deficit:

 

 

 

 

 

Member interest, 1,000,000 units authorized and issued

 

102

 

102

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(193

)

(194

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(30

)

(15

)

Total owner’s deficit

 

(121

)

(107

)

Total liabilities and owner’s deficit

 

$

837

 

$

851

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

3



 

RESOLUTION PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS LLC

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)

 (in millions of U.S. dollars)

 

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

(Restated)

 

Revenues

 

$

312

 

$

222

 

Other revenues

 

1

 

1

 

Total

 

313

 

223

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase and variable product costs

 

206

 

156

 

Operating expenses

 

35

 

31

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

23

 

13

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

14

 

12

 

Research and development

 

5

 

5

 

Total

 

283

 

217

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

30

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

21

 

20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

9

 

(14

)

Income tax expense

 

8

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

1

 

$

(14

)

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

4



 

RESOLUTION PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS LLC

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OWNER’S DEFICIT (Unaudited)

 (in millions of U. S. dollars)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Member

 

Accumulated

 

Comprehensive

 

 

 

Comprehensive

 

 

 

Interest

 

Deficit

 

Loss (a)

 

Total

 

Income (loss)

 

Balance, December 31, 2004

 

$

102

 

$

(194

)

$

(15

)

$

(107

)

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

1

 

1

 

Currency translation loss, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

(15

)

(15

)

(15

)

Comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

(14

)

Balance, March 31, 2005

 

$

102

 

$

(193

)

$

(30

)

$

(121

)

 

 

 

 


(a) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 includes a $30 million and $15 million net loss for foreign currency translation, respectively.

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

5



 

RESOLUTION PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS LLC

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

 

(in millions of U. S. dollars)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

(Restated)

 

Cash flows provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

1

 

$

(14

)

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

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

14

 

12

 

Amortization of deferred finance costs

 

1

 

1

 

Deferred income taxes

 

8

 

 

Pensions and other retirement plan obligations

 

1

 

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables, net

 

(20

)

(13

)

Due from related parties

 

 

(1

)

Prepaid and other current assets

 

(1

)

1

 

Inventories

 

7

 

(8

)

Payables and accruals

 

(8

)

25

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

3

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows used for investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

(5

)

(3

)

Net cash used for investing activities

 

(5

)

(3

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows provided by financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Payments (proceeds) from cash overdrafts

 

(2

)

2

 

Increase in deferred finance costs

 

(4

)

 

Proceeds from long-term debt

 

144

 

 

Repayments of long-term debt

 

(136

)

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

2

 

2

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

2

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

4

 

49

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

4

 

$

51

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

6



 

RESOLUTION PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS LLC

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2005

 

 

1.     Organization, Formation and Basis of Presentation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the consolidated operations of Resolution Performance Products LLC (“RPP LLC”, or the “Company”), and its wholly owned subsidiaries including RPP Capital Corporation (“RPP CC”). RPP LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Resolution Performance Products Inc. (“RPPI”).

 

RPP CC is a wholly owned finance subsidiary of RPP LLC that was formed in October 2000 to co-issue the 13-1/2% Senior Subordinated Notes jointly and severally with RPP LLC.  RPP CC has nominal assets and no operations.

 

The Company is engaged in manufacturing and marketing resins in the U.S. and internationally. Resins include epoxy resins, versatic acids and derivatives. Epoxy resins are chemicals primarily used in the manufacture of coatings, adhesives, printed circuit boards, fiber reinforced plastics and construction materials.

 

Products containing epoxy resins serve a wide range of end-users, including automotive, aerospace, electrical, construction and industrial maintenance. Versatic acid and derivatives are specialty products that complement epoxy resins product offerings in the coatings, adhesives and construction industries.

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal, recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation, have been included.   For further information, refer to the Resolution Performance Products LLC Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, including the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained therein.

 

2.     Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

        Effective January 1, 2005, the Company elected to adopt Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123R (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment.”  Under the provisions of SFAS No. 123R, stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the value of the award and is recognized as expense over the vesting period.  As the Company is considered a nonpublic entity that used the minimum value method for pro forma disclosures under SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” the Company is required to apply the prospective transition method.  As such, the Company shall apply the statement to any new awards and to any awards modified, repurchased or cancelled after the adoption date of the statement.  The Company will continue to account for awards outstanding at January 1, 2005 using the accounting principles originally applied to those awards, Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.”  The adoption of SFAS No. 123R did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

 

        In November 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs”, to amend the guidance in Chapter 4, “Inventory Pricing, of FASB Accounting Research Bulletin No. 43, “Restatement and Revision of Accounting Research Bulletins.” SFAS No. 151 clarifies the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material (spoilage). The Statement requires that those items be recognized as current-period charges. Additionally, SFAS No. 151 requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the

 

7



 

costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. SFAS No. 151 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this Statement on its consolidated financial statements.

 

        In March 2005, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 47, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations”, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143. This Interpretation clarifies that the term “conditional asset retirement obligation” as used in FASB No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations”, refers to a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity in which the timing and (or) method of settlement are conditional on a future event that may or may not be within the control of the entity. Accordingly, an entity is required to recognize a liability for the fair value of a conditional asset retirement obligation, when incurred, if the fair value of the liability can be reasonably estimated.  The Interpretation is effective for the Company no later than the end of the fiscal year ending on December 31, 2005.   The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this Interpretation on its consolidated financial statements.

 

        Revised Presentation

 

The Company has revised its December 31, 2004 balance sheet to present certain long-term deferred tax assets and liabilities within the same tax jurisdiction on a net basis as required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 109 “Accounting for Income Taxes” (SFAS 109).  Such long-term deferred tax assets and liabilities had previously been presented on a gross basis which resulted in an overstatement of long-term assets and liabilities by approximately $60 million, which we have determined is immaterial. The following table presents the impact of the revised presentation on the unaudited consolidated balance sheet (in millions of U.S. dollars):

 

 

 

December 31, 2004

 

 

 

Amounts
previously
reported

 

Amounts As
revised

 

Unaudited consolidated balance sheets:

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

$

60

 

$

 

Total assets

 

$

911

 

$

851

 

Deferred income taxes

 

$

(89

)

(29

)

Total liabilities

 

$

(1,018

)

(958

)

Total liabilities and owner’s deficit

 

$

(911

)

$

(851

)

 

Certain revisions were made to prior year amounts in order to conform with the current year’s presentation, including cash overdrafts from operating to financing activities.

 

        Restatement

 

        As previously disclosed in Note 2 “Significant Accounting Policies - Restatement” to the consolidated financial statements contained in the Company’s 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K, amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2004 reflect adjustments in the deferred tax accounts and related valuation allowance.  These adjustments during such reporting period had no impact on cash used by operating activities, operating income, income before taxes or the Company’s ability to realize ultimately the benefits from its deferred tax assets if it generates taxable income in future periods.

 

        Accordingly, the Company has restated herein the financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2004 previously contained in the Company’s quarterly report for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and the financial statements contained in such quarterly report should no longer be relied upon.  The following table presents the impact of the restatement on the unaudited consolidated financial statements of income (in millions of U. S. dollars):

 

 

 

For the three months ended
March 31, 2004

 

 

 

Amounts
previously
reported

 

Amounts
restated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unaudited consolidated statements of income:

 

 

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

 

$

(14

)

$

(14

)

Income tax expense

 

$

1

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(15

)

$

(14

)

 

3.     Inventories of Products

 

Product inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market with cost being determined using the first-in, first-out method.  Total inventories at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 were comprised of the following (in millions of U. S. dollars):

 

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Raw materials

 

$

19

 

$

16

 

Finished products

 

155

 

171

 

Materials and supplies

 

10

 

10

 

Total

 

$

184

 

$

197

 

 

 

8



 

4.     Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Property, plant and equipment at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 consisted primarily of manufacturing assets as follows (in millions of U. S. dollars):

 

 

 

March 31, 2005

 

December 31, 2004

 

Plant and equipment

 

$

1,223

 

$

1,275

 

Office buildings

 

43

 

44

 

Other assets

 

75

 

70

 

Total

 

1,341

 

1,389

 

Less: accumulated depreciation

 

(916

)

(943

)

Net property, plant and equipment

 

$

425

 

$

446

 

 

                Substantially all current and future assets are pledged as security under the Company’s credit agreement. Expenditures for property, plant and equipment totaled $5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2005.

 

5.     Intangible Assets

 

                Intangible assets consisted of the following (in millions of U. S. dollars):

 

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Patents and trademarks

 

$

2

 

$

2

 

Deferred finance costs

 

33

 

29

 

Total

 

35

 

31

 

Less accumulated amortization

 

(12

)

(11

)

 

 

$

23

 

$

20

 

 

6.     Investments

 

Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method or cost method, are as follows as of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 (in millions of U. S. dollars):

 

Investment in Equity Affiliate

 

On October 15, 2004, the Company entered into a joint venture with RSM with a contribution of $2.5 million in cash representing a 20% interest in the Resolutions’ JV LLC.   RSM is the majority owner and managing member with an 80% interest in the joint venture.  Our investment in affiliate accounted for using the equity method, Resolutions’ JV LLC, is as follows:

 

 

 

Country of

 

Percentage

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

incorporation

 

holding

 

2005

 

2004

 

Resolutions’ JV LLC

 

U.S.

 

20%

 

$

3

 

$

3

 

 

Investment at Cost

 

Our investment in affiliate accounted for using the cost method, Japan Epoxy Resins Co., is as follows:

               

 

 

Country of

 

Percentage

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

incorporation

 

holding

 

2005

 

2004

 

Japan Epoxy Resins

 

Japan

 

10%

 

$

2

 

$

2

 

 

 

7.     Other Payables and Accruals

 

Other payables and accruals at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 consisted of the following (in millions of U. S. dollars):

 

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Interest payable

 

$

29

 

$

10

 

Insurance financing

 

1

 

3

 

Payroll related liabilities

 

6

 

6

 

Property taxes

 

3

 

5

 

Other

 

1

 

2

 

 

 

$

40

 

$

26

 

 

8.     Other Long-term Obligations

 

Other long-term obligations at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 consisted of the following (in millions of U. S. dollars):

 

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Future abandonment obligations

 

$

4

 

$

4

 

Long-term taxes payable

 

4

 

 

 

 

$

8

 

$

4

 

 

9



 

9.     Long-term Debt

 

        Long-term debt at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 consisted of the following (in millions of U. S. dollars):

 

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

13½% Senior Subordinated Notes

 

$

328

 

$

328

 

9½% Senior Second Secured Notes

 

200

 

200

 

8% Senior Secured Notes

 

140

 

140

 

Revolving Credit Facility

 

36

 

28

 

Total long-term debt

 

704

 

696

 

Net premium on 13½% Senior Subordinated Notes

 

4

 

4

 

Premium on 9½% Senior Second Secured Notes

 

1

 

1

 

 

 

$

709

 

$

701

 

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2005 and the year ended December 31, 2004, we paid $1 million and $79 million, respectively, in cash interest related to our long-term debt.  During the three months ended March 31, 2005, borrowings were $144 million and payments were $136 million under the revolving credit agreement.

 

Our high level of debt may preclude us from borrowing any more funds beyond those available under the revolving credit agreement.  At March 31, 2005, there was $36 million outstanding under the revolving credit agreement and $14 million in outstanding letters of credit, of which $3 million relates to the former $75 million credit agreement.  At March 31, 2005, we had additional borrowing capacity under the revolving credit agreement of $103 million.

 

10.  Pension Plans, Other Post Retirement Benefits

 

The funded pension and unfunded other retirement obligations had the following activity (in millions of U. S. dollars):

 

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Balance at beginning of period

 

$

15

 

$

23

 

Net periodic expense accrual

 

1

 

1

 

Cash contributions

 

 

(9

)

Balance at end of period

 

$

16

 

$

15

 

 

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs

 

The following represents components of net periodic benefit costs for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 (in millions of U. S. dollars):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31, 2005

 

March 31, 2004

 

Service cost

 

$

2

 

$

1

 

Interest cost

 

2

 

2

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(3

)

(2

)

Total

 

$

1

 

$

1

 

 

10



 

11.  Transactions with Related Parties and Certain Other Parties

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2005, the Company paid Apollo Management IV, L. P. (“Apollo”) $0.188 million under the Apollo management agreement, as amended.  Under the agreement, Apollo advises the Company concerning such management matters related to proposed financial transactions, acquisitions and other senior management matters related to the business, administration and policies of the Company.  The amended agreement requires an annual fee of $0.75 million payable in equal quarterly installments of $0.188 million.  However, the terms of the management consulting agreement were amended to waive payment of the annual management fee to Apollo during 2003 only.  The Company accrued $1 million as of March 31, 2005 to pay Apollo for the waived 2003 management fees in accordance with the agreement.

 

During the second quarter of 2004, we commenced providing outsourcing services to Resolution Specialty Materials LLC (“RSM”), an affiliate of Apollo, under the Management Services Agreement (“MSA”).  For the three months ended March 31, 2005, RPP has billed or accrued $5 million related to the MSA and information technology project.  The actual expenses incurred, offset by the reimbursements from RSM, are recorded in selling, general, and administrative expenses.  Therefore, the mark-up related to these costs is included as a reduction of selling, general, and administrative expenses and has been insignificant to date.  RSM paid the Company approximately $4 million on the sales of certain products for the three months ended March 31, 2005.

 

The Company also paid approximately $1 million related to certain freight costs to Quality Distribution, Inc., an affiliate of Apollo, for the three months ended March 31, 2005.

 

The Company paid approximately $2 million related to various raw materials purchased from Borden Chemical Inc., an affiliate of Apollo, and Borden Chemical Inc. paid the Company approximately $1 million on the sales of certain products for the three months ended March 31, 2005.

 

The Company also paid approximately $1 million related to various raw materials to Sumitomo Bakelite, an affiliate of Apollo, and the Company recognized $15 million of sales of certain products to Sumitomo Bakelite and Bakelite to  for the three months ended March 31, 2005.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2005, we have continued our numerous agreements with Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies, (“Shell”), including the purchase of feedstock, site services, utilities, materials, facilities and operator type services.  There were no material changes regarding our commitments surrounding agreements with Shell during the period.  During the three months ended March 31, 2005, we have paid Shell $70 million and Shell has paid the Company $5 million.

 

In the ordinary course of business, we dispute charges arising from our numerous agreements with Shell as well as with other third party vendors.  As with other third party vendors, resolution of disputes may have a significant impact on our financial results.

 

11



 

12.  Segment Information

 

Using guidelines set forth in SFAS No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information, the Company has identified three reportable segments based on geographic and customer information: (i) U. S., (ii) Europe and Africa, and (iii) Asia Pacific and Middle East.  Management operates its business through geographic regions and is not organized nor does it prepare discreet financial information by product line within the geographic regions.

 

Selected financial data by geographic region are presented below (in millions of U. S. dollars):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pacific

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Europe

 

And

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and

 

Middle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

Africa

 

East

 

Eliminations

 

Total

 

As of and for the period ended March 31, 2005:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers

 

$

132

 

$

180

 

$

1

 

$

 

$

313

 

Intersegment revenues

 

16

 

2

 

 

(18

)

 

Operating income

 

(12

)

43

 

(1

)

 

30

 

Total assets

 

427

 

409

 

1

 

 

837

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of and for the period ended March 31, 2004:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers

 

$

97

 

$

125

 

$

1

 

$

 

$

223

 

Intersegment revenues

 

6

 

6

 

 

(12

)

 

Operating income

 

3

 

3

 

 

 

6

 

Total assets

 

454

 

321

 

1

 

 

776

 

 

 

For 2005 and 2004, sales revenues are on single billing entities in the U. S. and in the Netherlands.  Inter-segment amounts represent sales transactions within and between geographic regions.  Operating income reflected in the tables above represent amounts after intercompany eliminations.

 

13.  Income Taxes

 

               Deferred taxes result from differences between the financial and tax bases for assets and liabilities, and are adjusted for changes in tax rates and tax laws when changes are enacted. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized.   At March 31, 2005, we had net operating loss carry forwards for income tax purposes in various tax jurisdictions.  We anticipate taxable income in future years will allow us to utilize the carry forwards that have not had a valuation allowance placed against them.  It was recognized that it is more likely than not that certain carry forwards in certain tax jurisdictions will not be realized as a result of current and future taxable income.  Accordingly, the valuation allowance has been increased in the current period to reflect our expectations of lower than anticipated net deferred tax asset realization. The valuation allowance increased by $6 million to offset the increased net operating losses that were generated in the three months ended March 31, 2005.  The valuation allowance balance as of March 31, 2005 was $49 million.

 

The increase in expense is primarily related to an increase in income before taxes in foreign jurisdictions and the incremental increase in a long-term tax payable.

 

Our legal and tax structure reflects the global nature of our business.  Management performs a review of its global tax positions on an annual basis and reserves amounts for potential tax contingencies.  We establish the reserves based upon management’s assessment of exposure associated with permanent tax differences, tax credits and interest expense applied to temporary difference adjustments.  Significant judgment is required in determining

 

12



 

accruals for potential tax contingencies.  In the ordinary course of a global business, there are many transactions for which the ultimate tax outcome is uncertain.  Based on the reviews by management and the result of discussions and resolutions of proposed adjustments with certain tax authorities, including judicial procedures as appropriate, and the closure of tax years subject to tax audit, reserves are adjusted as necessary.  The Netherlands tax authority is currently examining Resolution Holdings B.V.’s tax returns for the years 2000 to 2002.  Net operating losses carried back during this period of time resulted in $18 million of tax refunds in the fourth quarter of 2003.  The Netherlands tax authority has not issued a formal notice of deficiency and the Company will aggressively contest any proposed adjustments.  Although the final resolution of any proposed adjustments is uncertain and may involve unsettled areas of the law, based on currently available information, the Company has provided for the best estimate of the probable tax liability for such matters.  In the prior year and the current period, this has resulted in a reduction to the recorded amount of net operating losses to reflect the best estimate of the amount of net operating loss carryforwards the Company believes will ultimately be sustained.  While the final resolution of these matters may result in tax assets and liabilities which are significantly higher or lower than the recorded amounts, management currently believes that the expected resolution will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity.  However, an unfavorable resolution could have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or cash flows in the quarter in which an adjustment is recorded or the tax is due or paid.

 

See Note 2 “Recent Accounting Pronouncements-Revised Presentation” above for a discussion on the revised balance sheet classification for long-term deferred tax assets and liabilities.

 

14.  Commitments and Contingencies

 

                In the ordinary course of business, the Company is subject to various laws and regulations and, from time to time, litigation.  In the opinion of management, compliance with existing laws and regulations will not materially affect the financial position or results of operations of the Company.  Management is not aware of any material pending actions against the Company.

 

                As mentioned above, our business is subject to various federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations which govern environmental health and safety (“EHS”) related matters. Compliance with these laws and regulations requires substantial continuing financial commitments and planning. Moreover, the laws and regulations directly affect how we operate our business.   The financial commitments consist of environmental costs for normal day to day operations, voluntary and mandatory matters as well as remediation issues.

 

                As of March 31, 2005, the Company has assessed that an environmental remediation liability accrual is not needed based on the current available facts, present laws and regulations, and current technology.  This assessment is based on the lack of evidence of any claims or possible claims against us from the closing date of the recapitalization.  For environmental conditions that existed prior to November 2000, the Company’s environmental remediation liability is influenced by agreements associated with the transactions whereby Shell generally will indemnify us for environmental damages associated with environmental conditions that occurred or existed before the closing date of the recapitalization, subject to certain limitations. In addition, management believes that the Company maintains adequate insurance coverage, subject to deductibles, for environmental remediation activities.

 

15.  Supplemental Cash Flow Information

 

                The Company translates its foreign subsidiaries’ financial statements for consolidation in accordance with SFAS 52 (Foreign Currency Translation), using the current rate method.   As a result, the statement of cash flows is affected by the non-cash foreign currency translation adjustments that are pervasive in the consolidated balance sheet.  The statement of cash flows has been adjusted to exclude the non-cash effects of the foreign currency translation adjustments.

 

16.  Other Revenue

 

In 2002, the Company entered into a BPA technology license agreement wherein the Company granted a non-exclusive license to a third party to use RPP LLC’s technology to construct, operate and maintain and/or repair one licensed plant for the manufacture of BPA.  In addition to the grant to use the license, the Company will also provide technical assistance in the design, engineering, procurement, training, commissioning and/or start-up of the licensed plant.  Revenues from the sale of the BPA technology license and related support services have been and will be recognized using the percentage of completion method.   For the three months ended March 31, 2005, $0.5 million has been recognized as Other Revenues related to the sale of the BPA technology license.

 

13



 

In May 2002, the Company entered into an exclusive and irrevocable option with a third party to execute a long-term supply contract, wherein the Company received $4.2 million.  In June 2002, the Company executed a calcium chloride supply agreement with the third party for fifteen years.  Revenues from the sale of the option will be recognized on a straight line basis over fifteen years consistent with the duration of the supply agreement.   For the three months ended March 31, 2005, $0.07 million has been recognized as Other Revenues related to the sale of the option.

 

17.  Deferred Revenue

 

                Deferred revenue includes the unamortized balance related to the sale of the BPA technology license and the sale of the exclusive and irrevocable option to execute a long-term supply contract. As of March 31, 2005, the balance included in Deferred Revenue for the sale of the BPA technology license and the sale of the option was $0.136 million and $4 million, respectively.

 

18.  Subsequent Event

 

                As announced on April 25, 2005, as of April 22, 2005, the parent of RPPI, RPP Holdings LLC, entered into an agreement with Borden Chemical, Inc. (“Borden Chemical”) and its affiliates and with affiliates of RSM pursuant to which we and RSM will be combined with Borden Chemical. We, RSM and Borden Chemical are each controlled by Apollo Management L.P. Upon consummation of the combinations, Borden Chemical will change its name to Hexion Specialty Chemicals, Inc. Completion of the combinations is subject to customary closing conditions and we, Borden Chemical and RSM will continue to operate independently until those conditions are met.  We expect the combinations to close in the second quarter of 2005.

 

14



 

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and other items in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contain forward-looking statements and information that are based on management’s beliefs, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management.  When used in this document, the words “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  Although management believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable; it can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct.  These statements are subject to certain risks; uncertainties and assumptions..  Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 

You should read “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in conjunction with the corresponding sections and the Company’s audited consolidated and combined financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004.

 

Overview

 

        As a manufacturer and global supplier of epoxy resins and associated products, our results of operations have been negatively impacted by external factors such as high energy costs and variable demand.  High energy costs such as the increasing price of crude oil and related petrochemical products and the higher cost of natural gas have translated into significant increases in our raw material costs. The slow economic recovery in 2002 and 2003 resulted in soft demand for our products and therefore continued overcapacity in the industry.   Excess capacity had limited our ability to raise prices on most of our products.  During 2004 and continuing through the three months ended March 31, 2005, we have seen a strengthening of demand for our products and as a result, we have been successful in raising prices on virtually all products, although raw material costs have also increased.  As a result, our gross profit margins improved during the second half of 2004 and for the three months ended March 31, 2005.

 

        Our liquidity and capital resources have been negatively impacted by our high level of debt.  To provide financial flexibility in January 2005, we refinanced our bank credit facility with a new credit agreement that provides up to $150 million of borrowing capacity.  At March 31, 2005, we had long-term debt outstanding of $709 million.

 

        For a detailed discussion of our results of operations, liquidity and capital resources, see the captions below under “—Results of Operations” and “—Liquidity and Capital Resources”.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States requires us to use our judgment to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain amounts reported in our financial statements.  As additional information becomes available, these estimates and assumptions are subject to change and thus impact amounts reported in the future.  Critical accounting polices are those accounting policies that involve judgment and uncertainties affecting the application of those policies and the likelihood that materially different amounts would be reported under different conditions or using differing assumptions.   We periodically update our estimates used in the preparation of the financial statements based on our latest assessment of the current and projected business and general economic environment.  There have been no significant changes to the Company’s critical accounting policies during the three months ended March 31, 2005, except for the adoption of SFAS No. 123R “Share-Based Payment”.  The application of this accounting principle requires the use of numerous assumptions and estimates including discount rates, volatility and expected life.  Changes in these assumptions could increase or decrease the expense and liabilities related to these awards currently and in the future.

 

15



 

Results of Operations

 

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, information derived from the Company’s consolidated statements of operations, expressed as a percentage of revenues. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2004 have been restated to reflect the revision discussed under the heading “Recent Accounting Pronouncements-Restatement” in Note 2 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this filing.

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

(Restated)

 

Revenues

 

100

%

100

%

Cost and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase and variable product costs

 

66

 

70

 

Operating expenses

 

11

 

14

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

7

 

6

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

4

 

5

 

Research and development

 

2

 

2

 

Total

 

90

 

97

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

10

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

7

 

9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

3

 

(6

)

Income tax expense

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

 

(6

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

EBITDA (1)

 

14

%

8

%


(1)           EBITDA represents income (loss) before income taxes, interest expense, net, and depreciation and amortization.  EBITDA is presented because it is used by investors to analyze and compare operating performance, which includes a company’s ability to service and/or incur debt.  In addition, management focuses on EBITDA and adjustments to EBITDA because they are used as internal performance measures.  However, EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income, cash flows or other income or cash flow data prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) or as a measure of a company’s profitability or liquidity.  EBITDA is not calculated under GAAP and therefore is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.  For a reconciliation of EBITDA to net income (loss), see page 18.

 

The following is a discussion of significant financial statement items related to our consolidated statements of operations.    See note 12 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements for segment information.

 

    Revenues

 

          Our revenues are primarily generated through the sale of our three main product lines: (1) epoxy resins, (2) versatic acids and derivatives, and (3) sales of BPA to third parties. In addition, we sell small amounts of ECH to third parties. Revenues have historically been driven by volumes, market prices and foreign currency fluctuations. Revenues also include other income derived primarily from royalty income and commission income.

 

    Other revenues

 

          Other revenues consist of the sale of a BPA technology license and related support services.

 

16



 

    Purchases and Variable Product Costs

 

Purchases and variable product costs are primarily comprised of feedstock costs. Feedstock costs are driven primarily by market conditions and exchange rates as volumes are generally consistent year over year. The significant feedstocks for which we are highly sensitive to the market prices are phenol, acetone, propylene and chlorine. We purchase chlorine, a primary raw material for ECH, under long-term supply contracts with third parties which provide us with producer-like economics by allowing us to buy this raw material at a margin above production cost and thereby lower our manufacturing costs. We also purchase propylene, the other primary raw material for ECH, under long-term supply agreements with Shell that are based on market price less negotiated volume discounts. We purchase phenol and acetone, the primary raw materials for BPA, under supply contracts with Shell and other third parties that are based on discounted market prices and input-cost formulae. Because we are co-located with Shell at several of our facilities, our transportation and logistics costs for certain raw materials which Shell provides to us are also reduced. Variable manufacturing costs, which are primarily utilities, are also a significant component of this line item. Purchases and variable costs are reduced by the sale of by-products generated during the manufacturing process, primarily hydrochloric acid.

 

    Operating Expenses

 

Operating expenses represent the costs associated with the non-variable operations of our manufacturing facilities. Included in operating costs are personnel related costs, manufacturing overhead,  maintenance, turnaround costs and environmental costs. Depreciation relating to manufacturing assets is included within depreciation and amortization.

 

    Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses are comprised primarily of costs associated with non-manufacturing, non-research and development operations, including management, accounting, treasury, information technology, marketing and sales, and legal. This includes costs associated with health, safety and environmental activities.

 

    Depreciation and Amortization

 

Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. Estimated useful lives for plant and equipment, office buildings, tanks and pipelines are twenty years and range from three to ten years for other assets. Amortization is computed on a straight-line basis for intangibles such as patents.

 

    Research and Development Expenses

 

Research and development expenses are costs associated with product or customer specific initiatives and costs associated with projects that seek improvements in manufacturing processes. Primarily all of our research and development expenses are generated in one of our three research facilities.

 

    Interest Expense, net

 

Interest expense, net consists of interest expense with respect to borrowings under our credit agreement and the existing notes, offset by interest income from short-term cash investments. Interest expense also includes amortization of deferred financing costs and amortization of the premium and discount for the senior subordinated notes issued in 2003, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

 

Income Tax Expense

 

        The Company is organized as a limited liability company and is therefore not subject to U. S. income tax.  Income tax information presented, however, includes U. S. income taxes attributed to the Company’s operations that are the responsibility of the Company’s sole-owner, RPPI.

 

17



 

First Quarter of 2005 and 2004 Compared

 

Revenues

 

Revenues increased by $90 million, or 40%, to $313 million compared to the prior year quarter. The increase in revenues is a result of increased average prices, partially offset by decreased volume.  Overall average prices increased by 43% from the prior year period, however, excluding the impact of a weaker dollar on our Euro-related sales, overall average prices increased 40%.  Overall volumes decreased by 1% from the prior year period.  The $90 million increase in revenues consists of $93 million increase in prices and $3 million decrease in volumes.

 

Purchases and Variable Product Costs

 

Purchases and variable product costs increased by $50 million, or 32%, to $206 million.  This increase was largely driven by higher prices for feedstocks due to the increasing price of crude oil and related petrochemical products, the higher cost of natural gas, partially offset by lower sales volume.  The $50 million increase in purchases and variable products costs consists of a $52 million increase in raw material prices and a $2 million decrease in sales volumes.

 

Operating Expenses

 

                Operating expenses increased by $4 million, or 13%, to $35 million.  The increase is primarily due to increased salary and wages, certain utilities operations assumed from Shell, higher maintenance costs, increased turnaround activity and foreign currency impact.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

                Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $10 million, or 77%, to $23 million. The increase is primarily a result of the increased incentive compensation of $4 million, which includes the waived Apollo management fees and the Board of Managers fees, legal costs related to the previously disclosed Formosa litigation, professional fees related to the planned merger with Borden Chemical Inc. and RSM and foreign currency impact.

 

                        Depreciation and Amortization

 

                Depreciation and amortization increased by $2 million, or 17%, to $14 million.  The increase is primarily attributable to the abandonment and write-off of the idle Cardura plant in the Netherlands.

 

Operating Income

 

                Operating income increased by $24 million to $30 million. The increase was primarily due to the increase in revenues, partially offset by increases in purchase and variable product costs, operating expenses, depreciation and amortization, and selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

        Interest expense, net

 

                Interest expense, net increased by $1 million, or 5%, to $21 million.  The increase is primarily due to $1 million charge related to the write-off of deferred finance costs for the $75 million bank credit facility refinanced in January 2005.

 

Income (Loss) before Income Taxes

 

                Income (loss) before income taxes increased by $23 million to $9 million income in 2005.  The increase is due to increased operating income, partially offset by the increase in interest expense, net.

 

        Income Tax Expense (Restated)

 

               Income tax expense increased by $8 million to $8 million expense in 2005.  The increase in expense is primarily related to an increase in income before taxes in foreign jurisdictions and the incremental increase in a long-term tax payable.

 

18



 

 

Net Income (Loss) (Restated)

 

                Net income (loss) increased by $15 million to $1 million income in 2005. The increase was due to increased income before income taxes, partially offset by increased income tax expense.

 

EBITDA (Restated)

 

                EBITDA increased by $26 million to $44 million. The increase was primarily due to the increase in revenues, partially offset by increases in purchase and variable product costs, operating expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

        EBITDA is presented because it is used by investors to analyze and compare operating performance, which includes a company’s ability to service and/or incur debt.  In addition, management focuses on EBITDA because it is used as an internal performance measure.  However, EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income, cash flows or other income or cash flow data prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) or as a measure of a company’s profitability or liquidity.  EBITDA is not calculated under GAAP and therefore is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.  The following table reconciles the differences between net income (loss), as determined under GAAP and EBITDA (in millions of U. S. dollars).

 

 

 

 

For the quarter ended March 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004 (Restated)

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

1

 

$

(14

)

Income tax expense

 

8

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

21

 

20

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

14

 

12

 

EBITDA

 

$

44

 

$

18

 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

        General

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2005, our operating cash flow was less than our working capital needs.  Based on our current level of operations and anticipated sales growth and cost savings, management believes that our cash flow from operations, together with existing cash and cash equivalents on hand and future borrowings under our revolving credit agreement, if necessary, will be sufficient to fund our working capital needs, expenditures for property, plant and equipment and debt service obligations, although no assurance can be given in this regard.  Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $47 million compared to the balance at March 31, 2004.  Our working capital requirements principally include accounts receivable, product and raw materials inventory, labor, equipment and debt service costs. We expect to continue to finance our operations through net cash provided by operating activities, existing cash and cash equivalents on hand, and borrowings under our revolving credit facility and, to the extent needed, sales of assets. As a result of our high level of debt, we will have to continue to generate significant cash flows through operating activities, borrowings and asset sales to meet our current debt service requirements. For a discussion of factors affecting our operating cash flows, see “Outlook for 2005” below.

 

Our high level of debt may preclude us from borrowing any more funds beyond those available under the revolving credit agreement. Based on our current level of operations and anticipated growth, management believes that our cash flow from operations, together with existing cash and cash equivalents on hand and future borrowings under our revolving credit facility, if necessary, will be sufficient to fund our working capital needs and expenditures for property, plant and equipment and debt service obligations, although no assurance can be given in this regard.

 

19



 

Credit Agreement

 

On January 24, 2005, RPP LLC and RPP CC entered into a $150 million revolving credit facility pursuant to a credit agreement among Resolution Performance Products Inc.,  Resolution Europe B.V., the other credit parties party thereto, General Electric Capital Corporation, GE Leveraged Loans Limited and the other lenders party thereto (the “Credit Agreement”).  The proceeds of the initial loans under the Credit Agreement were used to refinance indebtedness under the former $75 million Credit Agreement.

 

The Credit Agreement currently provides for the extension of revolving loans to RPP LLC (and any other entity approved to be a US borrower) of up to $100 million in aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding (“U.S. Credit Facility”), and for the extension of revolving loans to Resolution Europe B.V. (and any other entity approved to be a Netherlands borrower) of up to the Euro equivalent of $50 million in aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding (“Netherlands Credit Facility”).  At March 31, 2005, there was $36 million outstanding under the revolving credit agreement and $14 million in outstanding letters of credit, of which $3 million relates to the former $75 million Credit Agreement.  Loans under the U.S. Credit Facility and the Netherlands Credit Facility may be used for, among other things, working capital and general corporate purposes of RPP LLC and its direct and indirect subsidiaries (including, without limitation, Resolution Europe B.V.), including, without limitation, certain permitted acquisitions.  The U.S. Credit Facility includes a sub-limit for letters of credit in an amount not to exceed $30 million.  The Netherlands Credit Facility includes a sub-limit for letters of credit in an amount not to exceed the Euro equivalent of $10 million.  The extension of revolving loans under the U.S. Credit Facility and the Netherlands Credit Facility terminates on June 24, 2009.

 

Borrowings by RPP LLC under the U.S. Credit Facility denominated in dollars accrue interest at either a U.S. index rate or the eurodollar rate plus, in each case, a margin ranging from 1.00% to 2.50%, depending on RPP LLC’s consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, as calculated under the Credit Agreement and determined on a quarterly basis.  Borrowings by RPP LLC under the U.S. Credit Facility denominated in Euros accrue interest at the euro rate plus a margin ranging from 2.00% to 2.50% depending on RPP LLC’s consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, as calculated under the Credit Agreement and determined on a quarterly basis.  Borrowings by Resolution Europe B.V. under the Netherlands Credit Facility accrue interest at the euro rate plus associated costs or a euro base rate plus, in each case, a margin ranging from 2.00% to 2.50% depending on RPP LLC’s consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, as calculated under the Credit Agreement and determined on a quarterly basis.

 

Interest period elections generally range from one to six months for eurodollar and euro rate loans.  With respect to eurodollar loans and euro rate loans, interest is payable at the end of each interest period or, for interest periods longer than three months, at least every three months.  With respect to euro base rate loans and US index rate loans, interest is payable monthly on the last business day of each month.  Calculation of all interest is based on the actual number of days elapsed in a year comprising 360 days.  For each drawn letter of credit, we are required to pay a per annum fee equal to the margin over the eurodollar rate for the revolving credit facility, plus administrative charges (including a 0.125% per annum issuing fee).  In addition, RPP LLC will pay a commitment fee of 0.75% per annum of the average daily balance of the unused portion of the U.S. Credit Facility, payable monthly in arrears, if less than half of the total commitments under the U.S. Credit Facility are utilized, or 0.50% per annum if greater than or equal to half of such total commitments are utilized.  Resolution Europe B.V. will pay a commitment fee of 0.75% per annum of the average daily balance of the unused portion of the Netherlands Credit Facility, payable monthly in arrears, if less than half of the total commitments under the Netherlands Credit Facility are utilized, and 0.50% per annum if greater than or equal to half of such total commitments are utilized.

 

The amount of availability for borrowings and letters of credit under the U.S. Credit Facility is limited to the sum (the “U.S. Borrowing Base”) of (1) 85% of the net book value of RPP LLC’s receivables, (2) the lesser of 65% of the book value of RPP LLC’s inventory consisting of raw materials and finished goods and 85% of the net orderly liquidation value of such inventory, and (3) the lesser of 100% of the net orderly liquidation value of RPP LLC’s U.S. plant, property and equipment and $25 million (less amortization), which U.S. Borrowing Base RPP LLC will be required to report on a monthly basis.  If the utilization under the U.S. Credit Facility exceeds the most recently reported U.S. Borrowing Base, RPP LLC must repay outstanding borrowings and/or cash collateralize letters of credit in the amount equal to such excess.

 

The amount of availability for borrowings and letters of credit under the Netherlands Credit Facility is limited to the sum (the “Netherlands Borrowing Base”) of (1) 85% of the net book value of Resolution Europe B.V.’s

 

20



 

receivables originating from customers located in Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Finland, France, the UK, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, Slovakia and the U.S. and (2) 65% of the net book value of Resolution Europe B.V.’s receivables originating from customers located in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Romania, Singapore, Slovenia and Taiwan, which Netherlands Borrowing Base Resolution Europe B.V. will be required to report on a monthly basis.  If the utilization under the Netherlands Credit Facility exceeds the most recently reported Netherlands Borrowing Base, Resolution Europe B.V. must repay outstanding borrowings and/or cash collateralize letters of credit in the amount equal to such excess.

 

The loans under the U.S. Credit Facility are guaranteed by RPPI, RPP CC and all of RPPI’s existing and future direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries other than RPP LLC (the “U.S. Guarantors”).  The loans under the U.S. Credit Facility are secured by a security interest in substantially all of RPP LLC’s and the U.S. Guarantors’ properties and assets, including a pledge of all capital stock and notes owned by them and their subsidiaries; provided that no more than 65% of the voting stock of their first-tier foreign subsidiaries is required to be pledged in respect of such loans under the U.S. Credit Facility.  As part of the security for the U.S. Credit Facility, the lenders have control agreements over the bank accounts into which RPP LLC’s customers remit payment.  Loans incurred under the Netherlands Credit Facility are guaranteed by Resolution Holdings B.V. and all of its existing and future direct and indirect material foreign subsidiaries other than Resolution Europe B.V. (the “Non-U.S. Guarantors”), subject to exceptions and restrictions.  The obligations of Resolution Europe B.V. and the Non-U.S. Guarantors are secured by a security interest in substantially all of the properties and assets owned by Resolution Europe B.V. and the Non-U.S. Guarantors, including by a pledge of all capital stock and notes owned by such entities.  As part of the security for the Netherlands Credit Facility, the lenders maintain bank accounts into which Resolution Europe B.V.’s  customers remit payment.  Such receipts are transferred to Resolution Europe B.V. once any outstanding revolver balances are repaid.  The Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants and events of default.

 

Cash Flows

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2005, we generated net cash provided by operating activities of $3 million, used cash in investing activities of $5 million and provided cash by financing activities of $2 million. Investing activities primarily consisted of expenditures for property, plant and equipment.  For the quarter ended March 31, 2004, we generated net cash provided by operating activities of $3 million, used cash in investing activities of $3 million and provided cash by financing activities of $2 million.  Investing activities primarily consisted of expenditures for property, plant and equipment.

 

Our management uses EBITDA as an internal performance measure rather than a measure of our liquidity. Our cash flow from operations has been significantly different than our EBITDA. For example, for the three months ended March 31, 2005, our EBITDA was $44 million, but our cash flow from operations was $3 million and our interest expense, net, was $21 million and capital expenditures were $5 million.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

Expenditures for property, plant and equipment totaled $5 million and $3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.  The $5 million spent in 2005 was for operational projects.

 

Because we have an established infrastructure in place, our capital expenditures are generally not for the building of new plants but for their maintenance, mandatory environmental projects, occasional incremental expansion or cost reduction/efficiency improvement where justified by the expected return on investment.  We expect our capital expenditures for 2005 to be approximately $47 million.

 

Outlook for Remainder of 2005

 

We have experienced an improvement in supply/demand fundamentals in the markets we serve and expect to see continued improvement for the remainder of 2005.  However, raw material volatility could continue because of, among other things, political instability in the Middle East or supply disruptions elsewhere and increased global energy demand. There can be no assurances that (a) any global recovery will continue for the remainder of 2005, (b)

 

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we will be able to realize margins we have historically achieved as feedstock costs decline, or (c) our feedstock costs will not rise faster than our product prices and, therefore reduce our margins.

 

We believe that, assuming continued global growth, demand for epoxy resins will continue to improve in 2005 from 2004 levels, as described above.  Also, we have announced and implemented significant increases of epoxy resins prices during the second half of 2004 and the first quarter of 2005 in North America, Europe and Asia.  We believe that our actions taken in 2004 to implement monthly pricing mechanisms in most product lines will improve our ability to react to changing market conditions in 2005, such as changes in raw material prices or changes in supply/demand fundamentals.

 

There can be no assurances that (i) demand for our products will increase for the remainder of 2005 or (ii) the announced price increases by us or our competitors will be accepted by our customers or that we will not lose any significant customers or volumes in the future as a result of these price increases.

 

        Environmental, Health and Safety

 

Our business is subject to various federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations which govern environmental health and safety (“EHS”) related matters. Compliance with these laws and regulations requires substantial continuing financial commitments and planning. Moreover, the laws and regulations directly affect how we operate our business. The financial commitments consist of environmental costs for normal day to day operations, voluntary and mandatory matters as well as remediation issues.

 

We accrue for environmental liabilities when the liability is probable and the costs are reasonably estimable.  As of March 31, 2005, we have assessed that an environmental remediation liability accrual is not needed based on the current available facts, present laws and regulations, and current technology.  This assessment is based on the lack of evidence of any claims or possible claims against us from the closing date of the recapitalization.  For environmental conditions that existed prior to the closing date, our environmental remediation liability is influenced by agreements associated with the transactions whereby Shell generally will indemnify us for environmental damages associated with environmental conditions that occurred or existed before the closing date of the recapitalization, subject to certain limitations. In addition, for incidents occurring after the closing date of the recapitalization transaction, management believes that we maintain adequate insurance coverage, subject to deductibles, for environmental remediation activities.

 

        Effects of Currency Fluctuations

 

We conduct operations in countries around the world. Therefore, our results of operations are subject to both currency transaction risk and currency translation risk. We incur currency transaction risk whenever we enter into either a purchase or sales transaction using a currency other than the local currency of the transacting entity. With respect to currency translation risk, our financial condition and results of operations are measured and recorded in the relevant domestic currency and then translated into U.S. dollars for inclusion in our unaudited consolidated financial statements. Exchange rates between these currencies and U.S. dollars in recent years have fluctuated significantly and may do so in the future. The majority of our revenues and costs are denominated in U.S. dollars, with Euro-related currencies also being significant. For the three months ended March 31, 2005, 58% of our total revenues and 49% of our total expenses were from companies incorporated outside the United States. For the three months ended March 31, 2004, 57% of our total revenues and 57% of our total expenses were from companies incorporated outside the United States.  A substantial amount of assets and liabilities outside the United States are denominated in the Euro. The average exchange rate of the U. S. dollar to the Euro was approximately 1.311 and 1.249 for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.  Historically, we have not undertaken hedging strategies to minimize the effect of currency fluctuations. Significant changes in the value of the Euro relative to the U.S. dollar could also have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations and our ability to meet interest and principal payments on Euro-denominated debt, including certain borrowings under the Credit Agreement, and U.S. dollar denominated debt, including the notes and certain borrowings under the Credit Agreement.

 

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Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

We are engaged in manufacturing and marketing resins in the U. S. and internationally.  As a result, we are exposed to certain market risks that include financial instruments such as foreign currency, short-term investments, trade receivables, and long-term debt.  We do not enter into derivative instruments for trading purposes.

 

Item 4.    Controls and Procedures

 

               As of the end of the period covered by this report, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our “disclosure controls and procedures” (“Disclosure Controls”).  This evaluation (“Controls Evaluation”) was done under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”).

 

                Our management, including the CEO and CFO, does not expect that our Disclosure Controls or our “internal controls over financial reporting” (“Internal Controls”) will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constrai nts, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.  ; Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

 

                Based upon the Controls Evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of March 31, 2005 at the reasonable assurance level, because of the material weakness described below.  In light of the material weakness described below, the Company performed additional analysis and other post-closing procedures to ensure our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  Accordingly, management believes that the financial statements included in this report fairly present, in all material respects, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.

 

As of March 31, 2005, we did not maintain effective controls over the valuation and completeness of our deferred income tax assets and liabilities (including the associated valuation allowance) and the income tax provision because we did not have accounting personnel with sufficient knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles related to income tax accounting and reporting.   Specifically, we did not have effective controls over the preparation and review of the valuation allowance and related to deferred tax assets to ensure accuracy and completeness.  This control deficiency resulted in the restatement of our financial statements for 2003 and the interim periods in 2004 to correct errors in the Company’s accounting for a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets.  The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Standard No. 2, An Audit of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting in Conjunction with an Audit of Financial Statements states that a restatement of financial statements should be regarded as a strong indicator that a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting exists.  Consistent with this standard, management has concluded that this control deficiency constitutes a material weakness.  A material weakness is a control deficiency, or combination of control deficiencies, that results in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected.

 

              In order to remediate this material weakness, we have identified and will begin implementing actions to improve the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting related to our income tax accounting.  In connection with this effort, we plan to strengthen the resources in our income tax accounting function, implement greater senior level financial officer review of the income tax balance sheet accounts and related journal entries, and engage a third party specialist to assist our personnel conducting

 

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comprehensive and detailed reviews of our tax reporting and accounting, in particular with respect to developing more effective  processes for establishing and monitoring deferred income taxes and related valuation allowances.

 

Part II.  OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 5.  Other Information

 

Item 6.  Exhibits

 

 

(a)

 

Exhibits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31.1

 

CFO Section 302 certification

 

 

31.2

 

CEO Section 302 certification

 

 

32

 

CEO and CFO Section 906 certification

 

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SIGNATURES

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

 

 

RESOLUTION PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS LLC

 

 

 

 

Date: May 16, 2005

 

By: 

/s/ David S. Graziosi

 

 

 

 

David S. Graziosi, Executive Vice President

 

 

 

and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RPP CAPITAL CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

Date: May 16, 2005

 

By: 

/s/ David S. Graziosi

 

 

 

 

David S. Graziosi, Executive Vice President

 

 

 

and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

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