Attached files
file | filename |
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EX-31.2A - EXHIBIT 31.2A - Momentive Performance Materials Inc. | exhibit312a-2017.htm |
EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - Momentive Performance Materials Inc. | exhibit322-2017.htm |
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - Momentive Performance Materials Inc. | exhibit321-2017.htm |
EX-31.2B - EXHIBIT 31.2B - Momentive Performance Materials Inc. | exhibit312b-2017.htm |
EX-31.1B - EXHIBIT 31.1B - Momentive Performance Materials Inc. | exhibit311b-2017.htm |
EX-31.1A - EXHIBIT 31.1A - Momentive Performance Materials Inc. | exhibit311a-2017.htm |
EX-21.1 - EXHIBIT 21.1 - Momentive Performance Materials Inc. | exhibit211-2017.htm |
EX-14.1 - EXHIBIT 14.1 - Momentive Performance Materials Inc. | exhibit141-2017.htm |
EX-12.1 - EXHIBIT 12.1 - Momentive Performance Materials Inc. | exhibit121-2017.htm |
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
þ | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017
OR
o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
MPM HOLDINGS INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Commission File Number 333-201338
Delaware | 47-1756080 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
MOMENTIVE PERFORMANCE MATERIALS INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Commission File Number 333-146093
Delaware | 20-5748297 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
260 Hudson River Road Waterford, NY 12188 | (518) 233-3330 | |
(Address of principal executive offices including zip code) | (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
______________________________________________
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Act.
MPM Holdings Inc. Yes o No x
Momentive Performance Materials Inc. Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
MPM Holdings Inc. Yes o No x
Momentive Performance Materials Inc. Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
MPM Holdings Inc. Yes x No o
Momentive Performance Materials Inc. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
MPM Holdings Inc. Yes x No o
Momentive Performance Materials Inc. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
MPM Holdings Inc. x
Momentive Performance Materials Inc. x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
MPM Holdings Inc.
Large accelerated filer | o | Accelerated filer | o | |
Non-accelerated filer | x | Smaller reporting company | o | |
Emerging growth company | o |
Momentive Performance Materials Inc.
Large accelerated filer | o | Accelerated filer | o | |
Non-accelerated filer | x | Smaller reporting company | o | |
Emerging growth company | o |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
MPM Holdings Inc. o
Momentive Performance Materials Inc. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
MPM Holdings Inc. Yes o No x
Momentive Performance Materials Inc. Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.
MPM Holdings Inc. Yes x No o
Momentive Performance Materials Inc. Yes x No o
The number of shares of common stock of MPM Holdings Inc., par value $0.01 per share, outstanding as of the close of business on February 15, 2018 was 48,121,634 shares.
The number of shares of common stock of Momentive Performance Materials Inc., par value $0.01 per share, outstanding as of the close of business on February 15, 2018 was 48 shares, all of which were held by MPM Intermediate Holdings Inc.
This Form 10-K is a combined annual report being filed separately by two registrants: MPM Holdings Inc. and Momentive Performance Materials Inc.
Documents incorporated by reference: None
MPM HOLDINGS INC. AND MOMENTIVE PERFORMANCE MATERIALS INC.
INDEX
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Item 1. | |||
Item 1A. | |||
Item 1B. | |||
Item 2. | |||
Item 3. | |||
Item 4. | |||
Item 5. | |||
Item 6. | |||
Item 7. | |||
Item 7A. | |||
Item 8. | |||
Consolidated Financial Statements of MPM Holdings Inc. and Momentive Performance Materials Inc. | |||
Financial Statement Schedules: | |||
Item 9. | |||
Item 9A. | |||
Item 9B. | |||
Item 10. | |||
Item 11. | |||
Item 12. | |||
Item 13. | |||
Item 14. | |||
Item 15. | |||
Item 16. | |||
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PART I
(dollars in millions)
Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements
Certain statements in this report, including without limitation, certain statements made under Item 1, “Business,” and Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” are forward-looking statements within the meaning of and made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements related to our transformation and restructuring activities, growth and productivity initiatives, anticipated cost savings, growth, and market recovery, and competitiveness. In addition, our management may from time to time make oral forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “plan,” “estimate,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “seek” or “intend” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future events and conditions and are based on currently available financial, economic and competitive data and our current business plans. Actual results could vary materially depending on risks and uncertainties that may affect our operations, markets, services, prices and other factors as discussed in the Risk Factors section of this report and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). While we believe our assumptions are reasonable, we caution you against relying on any forward-looking statements as it is very difficult to predict the impact of known factors, and it is impossible for us to anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: a weakening of global economic and financial conditions, interruptions in the supply of or increased cost of raw materials, the impact of work stoppages and other incidents on our operations, changes in governmental regulations or interpretations thereof and related compliance and litigation costs, difficulties with the realization of cost savings in connection with transformation and strategic initiatives, including transactions with our affiliate, Hexion Inc., pricing actions by our competitors that could affect our operating margins, our ability to obtain additional financing, and the other factors listed in the Risk Factors section of this report. For a more detailed discussion of these and other risk factors, see the “Risk Factors” section of this report. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary notice. The forward-looking statements made by us speak only as of the date on which they are made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Overview
MPM Holdings Inc. (“Momentive”) is a holding company that conducts substantially all of its business through its subsidiaries. Momentive’s wholly owned subsidiary, MPM Intermediate Holdings Inc. (“Intermediate Holdings”), is a holding company for its wholly owned subsidiary, Momentive Performance Materials Inc. (“MPM”) and its subsidiaries.
As a result of MPM’s reorganization and emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy on October 24, 2014 (the “Effective Date” or the “Emergence Date”) (described below), Momentive became the indirect parent company of MPM in accordance with MPM’s plan of reorganization (the “Plan”) pursuant to MPM’s emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy on the Emergence Date. Prior to its reorganization, MPM, through a series of intermediate holding companies, was controlled by investment funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Management Holdings, L.P. (together with Apollo Global Management, LLC and subsidiaries, “Apollo”).
Momentive is one of the world’s largest producers of specialty silicones and silanes and a global leader in fused quartz and specialty ceramics products. Momentive is based in Waterford, New York and has a long track record of creating innovative products and solutions designed to meet the complex requirements of our more than 4,000 customers in over 100 countries. Our strategic network of 24 production sites and 12 R&D facilities supports our global leadership positions and facilitates our ability to serve our blue-chip customer base across a diverse array of consumer, automotive and various industrial end-markets. We have invested significantly to develop and enhance our innovative and differentiated specialty product portfolio to address the evolving demands of the markets we serve and to maintain alignment with global megatrends.
Our value-added business model focuses on technical service, combined with our global footprint and long-term customer relationships uniquely positions us as a key innovation partner to our customers. Over our 75-year operating history, which began with the invention of silicone technologies by General Electric Company (“GE”) and includes our acquisitions of the silicone-based businesses of Bayer, Toshiba and Union Carbide, we have focused on investing in and developing technology to enable high performance applications in attractive end-markets. Our silanes and specialty silicones are used as additives and formulated products that provide or enhance certain attributes of the end product. Our products have a range of attractive properties including heat and chemical resistance, lubrication, adhesion and viscosity. These properties position our specialty silicones and silanes products as critical materials in many automotive, industrial, construction, healthcare, personal care, electronic, consumer and agricultural applications. Momentive’s advanced materials are ubiquitous in daily life and are instrumental inputs in a wide range of products, including applications in consumer and personal care (e.g., cosmetics, electronic displays, and foam mattresses), automotive (e.g., headlights, paneling, and tires) and healthcare (e.g., medical tubing). The diverse molecular characteristics of specialty silicones and silanes continually lead to new applications, and as a result are increasingly being used as a substitute for other materials.
Our value-added, technical service-oriented business model enables us to identify and participate in high-margin and high-growth specialty markets. We are focused on investing in our R&D capabilities, which enable us to develop new products and applications. Over the last three years, we have invested approximately $200 in R&D, dramatically upgrading our capabilities and facilities. For example, we implemented a full scale pilot line for our coatings business in Leverkusen, Germany and opened a new tire additives application development center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Our investments in strategically-located R&D centers of excellence enable us to quickly and effectively
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develop new products and maintain our technology leadership. We have long-term relationships with blue-chip customers which are leading innovations in their own industries, and work closely with their R&D teams to develop products uniquely suited to their needs.
We generate revenue in three of our segments, Performance Additives, Formulated and Basic Silicones and Quartz Technologies, using direct and indirect approaches to selling a broad base of products to our customers. We utilize technical and application support to enhance our value proposition to customers and drive penetration into attractive end-markets. We also work with original equipment manufacturers to achieve specification of our products into theirs, which results in higher pull-through demand.
Products and Markets
Our products are used in thousands of applications and are sold into diverse markets, such as industrial, building and construction, transportation, agriculture, electronics, healthcare, personal care, semiconductor and fiber optics. The diversity of our products limits our dependence on any one market or end-use. We have a history of product innovation and success in introducing new products to new markets, as evidenced by more than 3,400 patents, the majority of which relate to the development of new products and manufacturing processes.
As of December 31, 2017, we had 24 production sites strategically located around the world, which allows us to produce the substantial majority of our key products locally in the Americas, Europe and Asia. Through this network of production facilities, we serve more than 4,000 customers between our Performance Additives, Formulated and Basic Silicones, and Quartz Technologies businesses in over 100 countries worldwide. We use our global platform to deliver products to companies efficiently on a worldwide basis. Many of our customers are expanding internationally to serve developing areas in Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, India and Russia. Maintaining close proximity to our international customers allows us to serve them more quickly and efficiently and thus build strong relationships. Our customers include leading companies in their respective industries.
We believe that our scale and global reach provide significant efficiencies in our fixed and variable cost structure and that our breadth of related products provides significant operational, technological and commercial advantages. Manufacturing capacity at our internal sites and our joint venture in China is sufficient to produce the majority of one of our key intermediates, siloxane, which facilitates a cost effective operating structure and security of supply.
We believe we have created a value-added, technical service-oriented business model that enables us to target and participate in high-margin and high-growth specialty markets. These specialty markets account for the majority of our revenues and continue to be a growing part of our business.
Growth and Strategy
Momentive has a clear corporate growth strategy and significant multi-dimensional earnings growth opportunities. We are focused on the following long-term strategies:
Increase shift to high-margin specialty products. Our strategy is to expand our product offerings in high-margin specialty silicones and silanes and optimize production to accommodate strategic investments in specialty growth products as the company rationalizes exposure to lower margin products. We are actively selling fewer lower-margin basic silicone products and redeploying capital resources to grow our specialty products. Accordingly, we have deployed approximately $120 of growth capital over the last three years to exploit our rich new product pipeline in innovative market applications. Areas of investment focus include specialty silanes, automotive clear coats, optical displays and liquid silicone rubber (“LSR”). For example, construction of our recently announced approximately $30 investment in NXT* silane production capacity in Leverkusen has been completed and we expect that production will ramp up in the second half of 2018. Simultaneously, we continue to expand our IP-protected leadership position in next generation silanes for low-roll resistance tires. With these actions, we are continuing to invest strategically in our specialty growth platforms while optimizing our siloxane capacity.
Expand our global reach in faster growing regions and markets. We intend to continue to grow by expanding our sales presence and application support around the world. We are focused on growing our business by making targeted investments in emerging markets, specifically certain areas of Asia Pacific, India and Latin America. In India, we have increased sales at an average annual growth rate of 10% over the last four years.
Develop new applications and market new products. We intend to maintain industry leadership through new product development and innovation initiatives. We aim to establish new relationships with customers and third parties to create next generation solutions. In the last five years, we generated approximately 13% of our revenue from new products, including several instances in which we co-developed applications with our customers.
In addition, we will continue to invest in R&D capabilities by upgrading our technology facilities and expanding our new product offerings. In 2017, 2016, and 2015, we invested $64, $64, and $65, respectively, in R&D. In recent years, we upgraded technology facilities at our Tarrytown, New York site, implemented a full scale pilot line for our coatings business in Leverkusen, Germany and opened a new tire additives application development center in Charlotte, North Carolina, all of which further complement our network of innovation centers strategically located to support our customers globally. Through these investments, we expect to continue to drive incremental revenue and earnings growth.
Invest in high-return capital projects. We have a history of investing capital in high-ROI growth projects to expand product sets, customer penetration and increase capacity to service rapidly expanding sales. Over the last three years, we have invested approximately $120
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into growth capital projects. We constantly evaluate the highest and best use of each incremental growth capital dollar and consult with our partners to ensure we are prepared to efficiently get to market.
Continue portfolio optimization, targeted add-on acquisitions and joint ventures. We will continue to pursue acquisitions of attractive businesses and technologies that provide exposure to higher-end specialty products and services. For example, in 2017 we acquired the operating assets of Sea Lion Technology, Inc. (“Sea Lion”) to further support the silanes business. Sea Lion was a contract manufacturer that worked with Momentive to produce silane products, including NXT silane, for more than 10 years. We believe the acquisition of Sea Lion together with our expanded NXT capacity in Leverkusen will enable us to strategically leverage production assets in support of our high-growth NXT business.
We will continue to pursue other acquisitions and joint venture opportunities in the attractive specialty silicone and silane, quartz, and specialty ceramics spaces. As a leading manufacturer of performance materials we have an advantage in pursuing add-on acquisitions and joint ventures in areas that allow us to build upon our core strengths and expand our product, technology and geographic portfolio to better serve our customers. We believe we will have the opportunity to consummate acquisitions at relatively attractive valuations due to the scalability of our existing global operations and deal-related synergies.
*NXT is a trademark of Momentive Performance Materials Inc.
Identify and implement strategic cost reduction initiatives. We are committed to driving cost reductions and efficiencies throughout our global manufacturing footprint, including through implementing LEAN / Six Sigma initiatives and right sizing siloxane production. Our management team has a robust process to effectuate cost reduction plans and continuously reviews our operations to identify and evaluate further cost reduction opportunities. The team develops detailed process plans to facilitate staffing and execution, appoints a team leader and works with a steering committee to remain on track. The cost reduction plan we have put in place over the last two years is just the latest example of our ability to effectively implement such initiatives. We plan on achieving the approximately $48 in annual structural cost reduction initiatives during 2018. Cumulatively through December 31, 2017, we have achieved approximately $45 of savings under these initiatives.
Industry and Competitors
We compete with a variety of companies, including large global chemical companies and small specialty chemical companies, in each of our product lines. The principal factors of competition in our industry include product quality, customer service and breadth of product offerings, product innovation, manufacturing efficiency, distribution and price.
Our Businesses
The following paragraphs discuss our reportable segments, their corresponding major product lines and the primary end-use applications of our key products as of December 31, 2017.
Performance Additives
2017 Net Sales: $900
Our Performance Additives segment is one of the leading manufacturers of urethane additives, silicone fluids and silanes. Our liquid additives are key ingredients in our customers’ products and are used to improve or enable the performance characteristics and processability of a variety of products across different end-markets including automotive, personal care, agriculture, consumer and construction. Our silicone fluids, silanes, and urethane additives product lines are developed using a range of raw material inputs and generally use less siloxane than Formulated and Basic Silicone products.
Products
Our portfolio consists of technology driven, proprietary products that enable high performance applications:
• | Urethane additives product lines— Urethane additives include silicone stabilizers and tertiary amine catalysts, as well as organic-based foam property modifiers. Our products are essential ingredients in polyurethane foam processing, controlling the internal structure of the material to optimize properties such as the insulation performance of rigid foams in construction applications, the firmness and breathability of a foam mattress or the rebound and cushioning in a running shoe. |
• | Specialty fluids product lines— Specialty silicone fluids are liquid polymeric materials that act like chains and can vary in lengths to create liquids that are very thick and barely flow or relatively thin and flow like water. Silicone fluids are used in personal care products as an additive in shampoos and conditioners to improve the look and feel of hair. Silicone fluids are also used in a variety of industrial applications, including the production and refining of crude oil, to reduce the formation of foam or separate water from oil. |
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• | Silanes product lines— Silanes are a group of additives that act as connectors or coupling agents. Our cross-linking agents form a three-dimensional network of siloxane bonds between constituents, which facilitates resistance to water or chemical intrusion, high temperatures, abrasion or other common deteriorating conditions, without compromising other important product features such as ductility. Examples include applications that enable stronger adhesion of rust-proof coatings to metal structures in construction and clear coat paints to automotive coatings. Our NXT silane product line connects silica-based fillers to the tire tread rubber, improving compound viscosity and resilience and maintaining dynamic properties at low temperatures, while simultaneously reducing mixing steps in the manufacturing process. Our NXT silane is uniquely positioned as a cost-effective patented solution that helps tire manufacturers meet U.S. and European green tire standards. We estimate the potential demand for NXT silane products in automobiles is approximately $1 billion and we estimate that we are approximately 10% penetrated into the opportunity. |
End-Markets and Applications
The physical properties of performance additives make them versatile products with broad commercial applications. In the automotive industry, performance additives are used to improve bonding performance of clear coat paints and improve compound viscosity and resilience of tire tread rubber. In the personal care industry, performance additives are used in consumer goods such as hair care and shaving products, antiperspirants and deodorants, cosmetics and shower and bath products. In the consumer goods industry, performance additives are used in the production of foam used in mattresses and running shoes, among other applications. We believe that such a broad range of commercial uses not only helps to maintain a steady demand for our products in industries that are less vulnerable to economic cycles, but also allows for continuous innovation leading into new applications for our products in high-growth industries.
Formulated and Basic Silicones
2017 Net Sales: $1,229
Our Formulated and Basic Silicones segment produces coatings, electronic materials, elastomers, sealants, and basic silicone fluids focused on automotive, consumer goods, construction, electronics and healthcare end-markets. Our products enable key design features, such as extended product life, wear resistance, biocompatibility and weight reduction. Our sealants, electronic materials and coatings product lines are generally applied to our customers’ products, in the form of a high-tech coating or adhesive, while our elastomers product lines are fashioned into parts by extruding or molding them in items such as gaskets or tubing. Formulated silicones product offerings are typically used to seal, protect or adhere, and often perform multiple functions at once.
Formulated silicones products, including coatings, electronic materials, elastomers and sealants, differ from basic silicones products in that they contain less siloxane and in final form end up as non-flowing rubber or gel type materials. Basic silicones products contain higher levels of siloxane than formulated silicones products and are typically formulated into our customers’ product.
Products
Our portfolio consists of five product families:
• | Coatings product lines — Our silicone-based coatings offer UV, thermal, chemical, solvent and abrasion resistance, as well as improved adhesion to substrates for applications from automotive glazing, headlights and trim, to sensitive electronic components, tapes and labels. Our hard coat products replace traditional glass and metal applications in cars, thereby providing significant weight reduction in automotive applications. |
• | Electronic materials product lines — Our thermal conductive adhesives have high thermal conductivity and can augment flow control across different substrates, while protecting from high impact and thermal shocks. These products can be used in a range of consumer electronics applications, as well as in critical aerospace and aviation applications with high temperature and stress resistance. In flat-panel displays, our hardcoat products provide protection and extend the exterior durability of plastics, while our ultra-clear liquid silicone rubber delivers high transmittance, low cure shrinkage, good elasticity and high stability in light emitting diodes (“LEDs”). |
• | Elastomers product lines — Our chemically inert heat-cured elastomers have excellent mechanical properties for extrusion, molding and calendaring. Our low-viscosity, pumpable LSR can promote easier injection molding of complex articles. Our Ultra Clear LSRs provide heat and UV resistance without sacrificing optical clarity and are molded into lenses or light guides for automotive or other applications. Elastomers are also used as gasket material to seal and protect systems in under-hood applications in automotive and in appliances. Our LSR products, including medical tubing, enable cost-efficient, high-quality end-products for our customers in various applications across automotive, consumer goods, healthcare and electronics. |
• | Sealants product lines — Our construction sealants are used in some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers to adhere and seal the windows into the frames on the sides of the building. Momentive is the exclusive global licensee of GE-branded silicone products, which are used in a wide range of construction and consumer applications. |
• | Basic silicones product lines — Basic silicones, comprised of silicone-based cyclic or linear polymers, were the earliest materials developed by the industry. They are still utilized in a wide range of applications, including industrial lubricants and additives in personal and home care products. Basic silicones are a core input into our other formulated products. |
End-Markets and Applications
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The physical properties of formulated and basic silicones make them versatile products with broad commercial applications. In the transportation industry, silicones are used in a variety of original equipment manufacturer and aftermarket applications. In the electronics industry, silicones’ tolerance to high temperatures give them a considerable advantage relative to other traditional materials in a variety of computer and electronic manufacturing applications. In the healthcare industry, silicones are used in medical equipment, as well as in surgeries and other general medical procedures. In the building and construction industry, silicone sealants and caulks are used to seal expansion and control joints in pre-cast exterior concrete panels and metal curtain walls, as well as in siding, window and door perimeters. We believe that such a broad range of commercial uses not only helps to maintain a steady demand for our products in industries that are less vulnerable to economic cycles, but also allows for continuous innovation leading into new applications for our products in high-growth industries.
Quartz Technologies
2017 Net Sales: $202
Our Quartz Technologies segment is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of fused quartz and non-oxide based ceramic powders and shapes. Fused quartz products are manufactured from quartz sand and are used in processes requiring extreme temperature and high purity. Momentive’s high-purity fused quartz materials are used for a diverse range of applications in which optical clarity, design flexibility and durability in extreme environments are critical, such as semiconductor, lighting, healthcare and aerospace. Our product line includes tubing, rods and other solid shapes, as well as fused quartz crucibles for growing single crystal silicon. Our Quartz Technologies segment’s products are the material solution for silicon chip semiconductor manufacturing.
We have recently expanded into the primary pharmaceutical packaging market, producing fused quartz vials used for safely packaging, transporting and storing sensitive liquid-based parenteral drug formulations. Our Quartz Technologies segment has developed a new, state-of-the-art process to mass-produce fused quartz vials, which we are in the process of commercializing under the PurQ brand. Quartz vials are 99.995% pure SiO2, a level of purity which not only ensures unparalleled chemical durability, but also ensures exceptional inertness which can minimize a drug formulation’s physical interaction with the vial surface, resulting in superior liquid drug stability.
Products
Our Quartz Technologies business’ products are used as a superior substitute for glass. On a microscopic level, normal glass is filled with impurities, bubbles and other flaws. For this reason, applications that require transparency and a high level of purity or stress-resistance (such as process equipment for semiconductor manufacturing or lamp lenses for high intensity video projectors) require the use of quartz. A significant driver of our Quartz Technologies volumes derives from semiconductor chip manufacturers adding to or adjusting their manufacturing lines for newly developed products. The manufacture of quartz products for use in the production of semiconductors generated approximately 74% of our Quartz Technologies business’ revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to 72% and 71% in 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Raw Material Purchases
Overall, in 2017, we purchased approximately $1.1 billion of raw materials. Many of the raw materials we use to manufacture our products are available from more than one source, and are readily available in the open market. As discussed above, we currently purchase under short-term, one-year or multi-year contracts and in the spot market so as to ensure competitive pricing and adequate supply.
Performance Additives and Formulated and Basic Silicones
• | Silicon Metal— Silicon metal is an inorganic material that is not derived from petrochemicals and represents approximately 9% of our 2017 raw materials purchases. Major silicon metal suppliers include Ferroglobe PLC, Elkem ASA, Lao Silicon Ltd., CBC Co. Ltd., and other smaller vendors located around the world. We currently purchase silicon metal under short-term, one-year or multi-year contracts and in the spot market. We typically purchase silicon metal under formal contracts in the United States and in the spot market in Asia Pacific. |
• | Siloxane— Siloxane is a key intermediate required to produce silicone polymers. We are one of two producers in the silicones market with global siloxane production capacity. We produce siloxane for our internal use in Waterford, New York and Ohta, Japan and source siloxane from our joint venture in Jiande, China and third parties. We also source siloxane under a purchase and sale agreement with Asia Silicones Monomer Limited (“ASM”) and from time to time, we enter into supply agreements with other third parties to take advantage of favorable pricing and minimize our costs. |
• | Methanol— Methanol is a key raw material for the production of methyl chloride, which is used to produce chlorosilanes. Major methanol suppliers include Itochu Chemical Forontier Corporation, CBC Co. Ltd., Southern Chemical Corporation, and Mitsubishi Gas Chemicals. We typically enter into quarterly or annual contracts for methanol. |
Quartz Technologies
Naturally occurring quartz sand is the key raw material for many of the products manufactured by our Quartz Technologies business, which is currently available from a limited number of suppliers. While we also use quartz sand from several global sand suppliers, one of our suppliers, a major producer of natural quartz sand, controls a significant portion of the market for this sand. In December 2017, we entered into a purchase agreement with this supplier, which expires on December 31, 2021.
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Marketing, Customers and Seasonality
We market an extensive product line to meet a wide variety of customer needs. We focus on customers who are, or have the potential to be, leaders in their industries and have growth objectives that support our own growth objectives. In addition, we focus on customers who value our service-oriented business model. This approach includes high-quality, reliable products backed by local sales support and technical expertise. An important component of our strategy is to utilize our broad product capabilities to win high-end specialty business from our customers. These customers value these capabilities and, as a result, we are able to become a supplier of choice, given our relationship and ability to develop solutions to meet their precise needs.
In 2017, our largest customer accounted for less than 4% of our net sales, and our top twenty customers accounted for approximately 23% of our net sales. Neither our overall Company nor any of our businesses depends on any single customer or a particular group of customers; therefore, the loss of any single customer would not have a material adverse effect on any of our businesses or the Company as a whole.
We do not experience significant seasonality of demand, although sales have historically been slightly higher during the second and fourth quarters due to increased industrial activity. Seasonality trends, however, have been skewed in recent years primarily due to volatile global economic conditions.
Research and Development
Research and development expenses include wages and benefits for research personnel, including engineers and chemists; payments to consultants and outside testing services; costs of supplies and chemicals used in in-house laboratories; and costs of research and development facilities. Our research and development efforts focus on the development of new applications for our existing products and technological advances that we hope will lead to new products. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we spent $64, $64 and $65, respectively, on research and development.
Intellectual Property
We own, license or have rights to approximately 3,400 patents and approximately 170 trademarks registered in a variety of countries, along with various patent and trademark applications and technology licenses around the world. These patents will expire between 2018 and 2035. Our rights under such patents and licenses are a significant strategic asset in the conduct of our business. Patents, patent applications, trademarks and trademark applications relating to our Velvesil, Silwet, Silsoft, Tospearl, SPUR+ and NXT brands, technologies and products are considered material to our business.
Solely for convenience, the trademarks, service marks and tradenames referred to in this report are without the “®” and “TM” symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that we will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights or the rights of the applicable licensors to these trademarks, service marks and tradenames.
Industry Regulatory Matters
Domestic and international laws regulate the production and marketing of chemical substances. Although almost every country has its own legal procedure for registration and import, laws and regulations in the European Union, the United States, and China are the most significant to our business. These laws typically prohibit the import or manufacture of chemical substances unless the substances are registered or are on the country’s chemical inventory list, such as the European inventory of existing commercial chemical substances and the U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act inventory. Chemicals that are on one or more of these lists can usually be registered and imported without requiring additional testing in countries that do not have such lists, although additional administrative hurdles may exist. Under such laws, countries may also require toxicity testing to be conducted on chemicals in order to register them or may place restrictions on the import, manufacture and/or use of a chemical.
The European Commission enacted a regulatory system in 2006 known as REACH, which requires manufacturers, importers and consumers of certain chemicals to register these chemicals and evaluate their potential impact on human health and the environment. As REACH matures, significant market restrictions could be imposed on the current and future uses of chemical products that we use as raw materials, or that we sell as finished products in the European Union. Other countries may also enact similar regulations. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business—Future chemical regulatory actions may decrease our profitability.”
Environmental Regulations
In the European Union and other jurisdictions committed to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, there is an increasing likelihood that our manufacturing sites will be affected in some way over the next few years by taxation of greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, although the Trump administration announced in June 2017 its intent to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement, numerous cities and businesses and several states, including California and New York, have made their own commitments towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and further enactment of federal climate change legislation in the United States is a possibility for the future. While only a small number of our sites are currently affected by existing greenhouse gas regulations, and none have experienced or anticipate significant cost increases as a result, it is likely that greenhouse gas emission restrictions will increase over time. Potential consequences of such restrictions include increases in energy costs above the level of general inflation, as well as direct compliance costs. Currently, however, it is not possible to estimate the likely financial impact of potential future regulation on any of our sites.
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Our policy is to strive to operate our plants in a manner that protects the environment and the health and safety of our employees, customers and communities. We have implemented company-wide environmental, health and safety policies and practices managed by our Environmental, Health and Safety, or EH&S department, and overseen by the Environment, Health and Safety Committee of the Board of Directors. Our EH&S department has the responsibility to monitor and enforce the compliance of our operations worldwide with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations. This responsibility is executed via training, communication of environmental, health and safety policies, formulation of relevant policies and standards, environmental, health and safety audits and incident response planning and implementation. Our environmental, health and safety policies and practices include management systems and procedures relating to emissions to air, water and other media, waste generation, process safety management, handling, storage and disposal of hazardous substances, worker health and safety requirements, emergency planning and response and product stewardship.
We and our operations involve the use, handling, processing, storage, transportation and disposal of hazardous materials and are subject to extensive environmental, health and safety regulation at the federal, state, local and international level. Our production facilities require operating permits that are subject to renewal or modification. Violations of environmental, health or safety laws or permits may result in, among other things, restrictions being imposed on operating activities, substantial fines, penalties, damages or other costs. In addition, statutes such as CERCLA and comparable state and foreign laws impose strict, joint and several liability for investigating and remediating spills and other releases of hazardous materials, substances and wastes at current and former facilities and at third-party disposal sites. Other laws permit individuals to seek recovery of damages for alleged personal injury or property damage due to exposure to hazardous substances and conditions at or from our facilities or to hazardous substances otherwise owned, sold or controlled by us. Therefore, we may incur liabilities in the future, and these liabilities may result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Although our environmental, health and safety policies and practices are designed to ensure compliance with international, federal, state and local laws and environmental, health and safety regulations, future developments and increasingly stringent regulation could require us to make additional unforeseen environmental, health and safety expenditures, which expenditures could be material.
We expect to incur future costs for capital improvements and general compliance under environmental, health and safety laws, including costs to acquire, maintain and repair pollution control equipment. In 2017, we incurred capital expenditures of approximately $24 on an aggregate basis to comply with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations and to make other environmental, health and safety improvements. We estimate that our capital expenditures in 2018 for environmental, health and safety improvements at our facilities will be approximately $16. This estimate is based on current regulations and other requirements, but it is possible that a material amount of capital expenditures, in addition to those we currently anticipate, could be necessary if these regulations or other requirements or other facts change.
Employees
As of December 31, 2017, we had approximately 5,200 employees. Approximately 43% of our employees are members of a labor union or have collective bargaining agreements. The new contract involving the Local 81359 and Local 81380 unions in our Waterford, New York site and Local 84707 union in our Willoughby, Ohio site was ratified by union membership in February 2017 and is effective until June 2019.
Where You Can Find More Information
The public may read and copy any materials that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. In addition, our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to these reports are available free of charge to the public through our internet website at www.momentive.com under “Investor Relations - SEC Filings”.
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Item 1A. Risk Factors
Following are our principal risks. These factors may or may not occur, and we cannot express a view on the likelihood that any of these may occur. Other factors may exist that we do not consider significant based on information that is currently available or that we are not currently able to anticipate. Any of the following risks could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations and prospects.
Risks Related to Our Business
If global economic conditions weaken or deteriorate, it will negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Global economic and financial market conditions, including severe market disruptions and the potential for a significant and prolonged global economic downturn, have impacted or could continue to impact our business operations in a number of ways including, but not limited to, the following:
• | reduced demand in key customer end-markets, such as automotive, which accounted for approximately 20% of our revenues in 2017, consumer goods, personal care, construction, electronics, oil and gas and healthcare; |
• | payment delays by customers and reduced demand for our products caused by customer insolvencies and/or the inability of customers to obtain adequate financing to maintain operations. This situation could cause customers to terminate existing purchase orders and reduce the volume of products they purchase from us and further impact our customers’ ability to pay our receivables, requiring us to assume additional credit risk related to these receivables or limit our ability to collect receivables from that customer; |
• | insolvency of suppliers or the failure of suppliers to meet their commitments resulting in product delays; |
• | more onerous credit and commercial terms from our suppliers such as shortening the required payment period for outstanding accounts receivable or reducing or eliminating the amount of trade credit available to us; and |
• | potential delays in accessing our senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility (“ABL Facility”) (described in Item 7 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K) or obtaining new credit facilities on terms we deem commercially reasonable or at all, and the potential inability of one or more of the financial institutions included in our ABL Facility to fulfill their funding obligations. Should a bank in our ABL Facility be unable to fund a future draw request, we could find it difficult to replace that bank in the facility. |
Global economic conditions may weaken or deteriorate. In such event, we may become subject to the negative effects described above and our liquidity, as well as our ability to maintain compliance with the financial maintenance covenants, if in effect, in the ABL Facility could be significantly affected. See “-Risks Related to Our Indebtedness--We may be unable to generate sufficient cash flows from operations to meet our consolidated debt service payments.” In April 2014, we sought protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code following our inability to restructure or refinance our significant indebtedness in light of the confluence of several negative economic and other factors, including the flat sales volumes, steep inflation in the cost of materials and significant price pressure stemming from an increase in overall global supply. A recurrence of such economic factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition and may jeopardize our ability to service our debt obligations.
Weakening economic conditions may also cause us to defer needed capital expenditures, reduce research and development or other spending, defer costs to achieve productivity and synergy programs, sell assets or incur additional borrowings which may not be available or may only be available on terms significantly less advantageous than our current credit terms and could result in a wide-ranging and prolonged impact on general business conditions, thereby negatively impacting our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, if the global economic environment deteriorates or remains slow for an extended period of time, the fair value of our reporting units could be more adversely affected than we estimated in our analysis of reporting unit fair values at the Emergence Date of October 24, 2014. This could result in goodwill or other asset impairments, which could negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Fluctuations in direct or indirect raw material costs could have an adverse impact on our business.
The prices of our direct and indirect raw materials have been, and we expect them to continue to be, volatile. If the cost of direct or indirect raw materials increases significantly and we are unable to offset the increased costs with higher selling prices, our profitability will decline. Increases in prices for our products could also hurt our ability to remain both competitive and profitable in the markets in which we compete.
The terms of some of our materials contracts limit our ability to purchase raw materials at favorable spot market prices. In addition, some of our customer contracts have fixed prices for a certain term, and as a result, we may not be able to pass on raw material price increases to our customers immediately, if at all. Due to differences in timing of the pricing trigger points between our sales and purchase contracts, there is often a “lead-lag” impact that can negatively impact our margins in the short term in periods of rising raw material prices and positively impact them in the short term in periods of falling raw material prices. Future raw material prices and transportation costs may be impacted by new laws or regulations, suppliers’ allocations to other purchasers, changes in our supplier manufacturing processes as some of our products are byproducts of these processes, interruptions in production by suppliers, natural disasters, volatility in the price of crude oil and related petrochemical products and changes in exchange rates.
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An inadequate supply of direct or indirect raw materials and intermediate products could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Our manufacturing operations require adequate supplies of raw materials and intermediate products on a timely basis. The loss of a key source or a delay in shipments could have a material adverse effect on our business. Raw material availability may be subject to curtailment or change due to, among other things:
• | new or existing laws or regulations; |
• | suppliers’ allocations to other purchasers; |
• | interruptions in production by suppliers; and |
• | natural disasters. |
Many of our raw materials and intermediate products are available in the quantities we require from a limited number of suppliers.
For example, our Formulated and Basic Silicones business is highly dependent upon access to silicon metal, a key raw material, and siloxane, an intermediate product that is derived from silicon metal. In North America, there is only one significant qualified silicon metal supplier, which in December 2015 completed a business combination with a significant European based silicon metal supplier. In addition, silicon metal producers face a number of regulations that affect the supply or price of silicon metal in some or all of the jurisdictions in which we operate. For example, significant anti-dumping duties of up to 139.5% imposed by the U.S. Department of Commerce (the “DOC”) and the International Trade Commission (the “ITC”) against producers of silicon metal in China and Russia effectively block the sale by all or most producers in these jurisdictions to U.S. purchasers, which restricts the supply of silicon metal and results in increased prices.
On October 4, 2017, the DOC issued affirmative preliminary determinations in the anti-dumping duty investigation on silicon metal, finding that imports of silicon metal from Australia, Brazil and Norway were sold at a price less than fair value. The DOC has instructed U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect cash deposits from importers of silicon metal from Australia (20.79%), Brazil (56.78% to 134.92%) and Norway (3.74%). The DOC was scheduled expected to make its final anti-dumping determination on February 16, 2018. In August 2017, the DOC published the preliminary countervailing duties rates for silicon metal from Australia (16.23%), Brazil (3.69% to 52.07%) and Kazakhstan (120%). The ITC is also investigating whether there is material injury or threat of material injury to the domestic industry by reason of the dumped or subsidized imports from Australia, Brazil, Kazakhstan and Norway and is expected to make a determination as to whether there is material injury or threat to the domestic market by April 3, 2018. We currently purchase silicon metal under multi-year, one-year or short-term contracts and in the spot market. We typically purchase silicon metal under formal contracts for our United States’ operations from suppliers in the United States and for our Asia Pacific operations in the spot market from suppliers in Asia Pacific. Some of our formal contracts have pricing mechanisms tied to global silicon metal indices. Imposition of antidumping or countervailing duties in connection with the foregoing investigations could lead to higher duties on such imports. Issuance of relevant final orders imposing duties, if any, are scheduled for April 10, 2018.
Our Performance Additives and Formulated and Basic Silicones businesses also rely heavily on siloxane and related intermediate products. Our manufacturing capacity at our internal sites and at our joint venture in China is sufficient to meet the substantial majority of our current siloxane requirements. We also source a portion of our requirements from Asia Silicones Monomer Limited (“ASM”) under an existing long-term purchase and sale agreement. In addition, from time to time we enter into supply agreements with other third parties to take advantage of favorable pricing and minimize our cost. There are also a limited number of third-party siloxane providers, and the supply of siloxane may be limited from time to time. In addition, regulation of siloxane producers can also affect the supply of siloxane due to a few precedents in the past. For example, from May 2009 until May 2014, antidumping duties were imposed by China on siloxane from Thailand and South Korea.
Should any of our key suppliers fail to deliver these or other raw materials or intermediate products to us or no longer supply us, we may be unable to purchase these materials in necessary quantities, which could adversely affect our volumes, or may not be able to purchase them at prices that would allow us to remain competitive. During the past several years, certain of our suppliers have experienced force majeure events rendering them unable to deliver all, or a portion of, the contracted-for raw materials. On these occasions, we were forced to purchase replacement raw materials in the open market at significantly higher costs or place our customers on an allocation of our products. In addition, we cannot predict whether new regulations or restrictions may be imposed in the future on silicon metal, siloxane or other key materials, which may result in reduced supply or further increases in prices. We cannot assure investors that we will be able to renew our current materials contracts or enter into replacement contracts on commercially acceptable terms, or at all. Fluctuations in the price of these or other raw materials or intermediate products, the loss of a key source of supply or any delay in the supply could result in a material adverse effect on our business.
Our production facilities are subject to significant operating hazards which could cause environmental contamination, personal injury and loss of life, and severe damage to, or destruction of, property and equipment.
Our production facilities are subject to significant operating hazards associated with the manufacturing, handling, use, storage and transportation of chemical materials and products, including human exposure to hazardous substances, pipeline, storage tank and equipment leaks and ruptures, explosions, fires, inclement weather and natural disasters, mechanical failures, unscheduled downtime, transportation interruptions, remedial complications, chemical spills, discharges or releases of toxic or hazardous substances or gases and other environmental risks. Additionally, a number of our operations are adjacent to operations of independent entities that engage in hazardous and potentially dangerous activities. Our operations or adjacent operations could result in personal injury or loss of life, severe damage to or destruction of property or equipment, environmental damage or a loss of the use of all or a portion of one of our key manufacturing facilities. Such events at our facilities or adjacent third-party facilities could have a material adverse effect on our business or operations.
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We may incur losses beyond the limits or coverage of our insurance policies for liabilities that are associated with these hazards. In addition, various kinds of insurance for companies in the chemical industry have not been available on commercially acceptable terms, or, in some cases, have been unavailable altogether. In the future, we may not be able to obtain coverage at current levels or at all, and our premiums may increase significantly on coverage that we maintain.
Environmental obligations and liabilities could have a substantial negative impact on our financial condition, cash flows and profitability.
We and our operations involve the manufacture, use, handling, processing, storage, transportation and disposal of hazardous materials and are subject to extensive and complex U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. supra-national, national, provincial and local environmental, health and safety laws and regulations. These environmental laws and regulations include those that govern the discharge of pollutants into the air and water, the generation, use, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of, and exposure to, hazardous materials and wastes, the cleanup of contaminated sites, occupational health and safety and those requiring permits, licenses or other government approvals for specified operations or activities. Our products are also subject to a variety of international, national, regional, state, local and provincial requirements and restrictions applicable to the manufacture, import, export, registration, labeling or subsequent use of such products. In addition, we are required to maintain, and may be required to obtain in the future, environmental, health and safety permits, licenses or government approvals to continue current operations at most of our manufacturing and research facilities throughout the world.
Compliance with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, and maintenance of permits, can be costly and complex, and we have incurred and will continue to incur costs, including capital expenditures and costs associated with the issuance and maintenance of letters of credit, to comply with these requirements. In 2017, we incurred capital expenditures of approximately $24 to comply with environmental laws and regulations and to make other environmental improvements, and we expect to incur capital expenditures of approximately $16 in 2018. If we do not comply with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, or maintain our permits, we could incur substantial costs, including fines and civil or criminal sanctions, third party property or natural resource damage or personal injury claims or costs associated with upgrades to our facilities or changes in our manufacturing processes in order to achieve and maintain compliance, and may also be required to halt permitted activities or operations until any necessary permits can be obtained or complied with. In addition, future developments or increasingly stringent regulations could require us to make additional unforeseen environmental expenditures, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Actual and alleged environmental violations have been identified at our facility in Waterford, New York. In May of 2017, we entered into a settlement with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (the “NYSDEC”), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the “USEPA”) and the U.S. Department of Justice in connection with their respective investigations of that facility’s past compliance with certain applicable environmental requirements, including certain requirements governing the operation of the facility’s hazardous waste incinerators, under which we paid approximately $1. In addition, we are currently cooperating with the NYSDEC in its investigation of that facility’s compliance with certain applicable environmental requirements as identified in an administrative complaint filed by the NYSDEC in May 2017. Resolution of such enforcement action will likely require payment of a monetary penalty and/or the imposition of other civil sanctions.
We are currently conducting investigations and/or cleanup of known or potential contamination at several of our facilities. In connection with our creation on December 3, 2006, through the acquisition of certain assets, liabilities and subsidiaries of GE that comprised GE Advanced Materials, an operating unit within the Industrial Segment of GE, by Momentive Performance Materials Holdings Inc. (the parent company of MPM prior to its emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy) and its subsidiaries (the “GE Advanced Materials Acquisition”), GE has agreed to indemnify us for liabilities associated with contamination at former properties and with third-party waste disposal sites. GE has also agreed that if we suffer any losses that are the subject of an indemnification obligation under a third party contract with respect to which GE is an indemnitee, GE will pursue such indemnification on our behalf and provide us with any benefits received.
While we do not anticipate material costs in excess of current reserves and/or available indemnification relating to known or potential environmental contamination, the discovery of additional contamination or the imposition of more stringent cleanup requirements, could require us to make significant expenditures in excess of such reserves and/or indemnification. In addition, we cannot assure you that GE will continue to indemnify us for such liabilities.
Environmental, health and safety requirements change frequently and have tended to become more stringent over time. We cannot predict what environmental, health and safety laws and regulations or permit requirements will be enacted or amended in the future, how existing or future laws or regulations will be interpreted or enforced or the impact of such laws, regulations or permits on future production expenditures, operations, supply chain or sales. Our costs of compliance with current and future environmental, health and safety requirements could be material. Such future requirements include legislation designed to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other substances associated with climate change (“greenhouse gases”). The European Union has enacted greenhouse gas emissions legislation, and continues to expand the scope of such legislation. The USEPA has promulgated regulations applicable to projects involving greenhouse gas emissions above a certain threshold, and the United States and certain states within the United States have enacted, or are considering, limitations on greenhouse gas emissions. These requirements to limit greenhouse gas emissions could significantly increase our energy costs, and may also require us to incur material capital costs to modify our manufacturing facilities.
In addition, we are subject to liability associated with releases of hazardous substances in soil, groundwater and elsewhere at a number of sites. These include sites that we formerly owned, leased or operated and sites where hazardous wastes and other substances from our current and former facilities and operations have been sent, treated, stored or disposed of, as well as sites that we currently own, lease or operate. Depending upon the circumstances, our liability may be strict, joint and several, meaning that we may be held responsible for more than our
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proportionate share, or even all, of the liability involved regardless of our fault or whether we were aware of the conditions giving rise to the liability. Environmental conditions at these sites can lead to environmental cleanup liability and claims against us for personal injury or wrongful death, property and natural resource damages, as well as to claims and obligations for the investigation and cleanup of environmental conditions. The extent of any of these liabilities is difficult to predict, but in the aggregate such liabilities could be material.
We have been notified that we are or may be responsible for environmental remediation at certain sites in the United States. As the result of our former, current or future operations or properties, there may be additional environmental remediation or restoration liabilities or claims of personal injury by employees or members of the public due to exposure or alleged exposure to hazardous materials in connection with our operations, properties or products. Sites sold by us in past years may have significant site closure or remediation costs and our share, if any, may be unknown to us at this time. These environmental liabilities or obligations, or any that may arise or become known to us in the future, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and profitability.
In addition, in the normal course of our business, we are required to provide financial assurances for contingent future costs associated with certain hazardous waste management, post-closure and remedial activities. Pursuant to financial assurance requirements set forth in state hazardous waste permit regulations applicable to our manufacturing facilities in Waterford, New York and Sistersville, West Virginia, we have provided letters of credit in the following amounts: approximately $44 for closure and post-closure care and accidental occurrences at the Waterford and the Sistersville facilities. A renewal of our Waterford facility’s hazardous waste permit was issued by the NYSDEC, which required us to provide approximately $27 in financial assurances for our Waterford facility. The renewal permit also requires a re-evaluation of the financial assurance amount within the next three years. One or more of our facilities may also in the future be subject to additional financial assurance requirements imposed by governmental authorities, including the USEPA. In this regard, in January 2017, the USEPA identified chemical manufacturing as an industry for which it plans to develop, as necessary, proposed regulations identifying appropriate financial assurance requirements pursuant to §108(b) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (“CERCLA”). Any increase in financial assurances required for our facilities in connection with environmental, health and safety laws or regulations or the maintenance of permits would likely increase our costs and could also materially impact our financial condition. For example, to the extent we issue letters of credit under our ABL Facility to satisfy any financial assurance requirements, we would incur fees for the issuance and maintenance of these letters of credit and the amount of borrowings that would otherwise be available to us under such facility would be reduced.
Future chemical regulatory actions may decrease our profitability.
Several governmental entities have enacted, are considering or may consider in the future, regulations that may impact our ability to sell certain chemical products in certain geographic areas. In December 2006, the European Union enacted a regulation known as Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (“REACH”). This regulation requires manufacturers, importers and consumers of certain chemicals manufactured in, or imported into, the European Union to register such chemicals and evaluate their potential impacts on human health and the environment. The implementing agency is currently in the process of determining if any chemicals should be further tested, regulated, restricted or banned from use in the European Union. Other countries have implemented, or are considering implementation of, similar chemical regulatory programs. When fully implemented, REACH and other similar regulatory programs may result in significant adverse market impacts on the affected chemical products. If we fail to comply with REACH or other similar laws and regulations, we may be subject to bans, sanctions, penalties or other enforcement actions, including fines, injunctions, recalls or seizures, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, cash flows and profitability.
We cannot at this time estimate the impact of these regulations on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and profitability but it could be material. The European Union is conducting ongoing reviews of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (“D4”) and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (“D5”) each of which are chemical substances we manufacture and are utilized as key ingredients in many of our products and by the silicone industry. In January, 2018 the European Union adopted a proposal by the United Kingdom to limit the levels of D4 and D5 in personal care products that are intended to be washed off. The European Commission has also recently directed the European Chemicals Agency to develop a proposal restricting the use of D4, D5 and dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (“D6”) in leave on personal care products. Additionally, Competent Authorities in Germany have completed a Risk Management Option Analysis (RMOA) on D4 and D5 and have proposed to designate D4 and D5 as a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) without intention for Annex XIV listing (Authorization). The USEPA has also stated that they are reviewing the potential environmental risks posed by D4 to determine whether regulatory measures are warranted. Finally, in March 2016 and March 2017, the European Union Directorate General for Environment (“DG Environment”) proposed to the European Commission that D4 be nominated as a persistent organic pollutant pursuant to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (the “Stockholm Convention”). This proposal was not acted upon by the European Commission, but continues to be evaluated by the DG Environment. The Stockholm Convention is an international treaty aimed at eliminating or minimizing the release of organic chemicals that are toxic, resistant to degradation in the environment, and transported and deposited far from the point of release. We and other silicone industry members have entered into a consent order with the USEPA to conduct certain studies to obtain relevant data, the results of which were submitted to the USEPA in September 2017. Regulation of our products containing such substances by the European Union, Canada, the United States or parties to the Stockholm Convention would likely reduce our sales within the respective jurisdiction and possibly in other geographic areas as well. These reductions in sales could be material depending upon the extent of any such additional regulations.
We participate with other companies in trade associations and regularly contribute to the research and study of the safety and environmental impact of our products and raw materials. These programs are part of a program to review the environmental impacts, safety and efficacy of our products. In addition, government and academic institutions periodically conduct research on potential environmental and health concerns posed by various chemical substances, including substances we manufacture and sell. These research results are periodically reviewed by state, national and international regulatory agencies and potential customers. Such research could result in future regulations restricting the manufacture or use of our products, liability for adverse environmental or health effects linked to our products and/or de-selection of our products
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for specific applications. These restrictions, liability and product de-selection could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and/or liquidity.
Scientists periodically conduct studies on the potential human health and environmental impacts of chemicals, including products we manufacture and sell. Also, nongovernmental advocacy organizations and individuals periodically issue public statements alleging human health and environmental impacts of chemicals, including products we manufacture and sell. Based upon such studies or public statements, our customers may elect to discontinue the purchase and use of our products, even in the absence of any government regulation. Such actions could significantly decrease the demand for our products and, accordingly, have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and profitability.
Because we manufacture and use materials that are known to be hazardous, we are subject to, or affected by, certain product and manufacturing regulations, for which compliance can be costly and time consuming. In addition, we may be subject to personal injury or product liability claims as a result of human exposure to such hazardous materials.
We produce hazardous chemicals which subject us to regulation by many U.S. and non-U.S. national, supra-national, state and local governmental authorities. In some circumstances, these authorities must review and, in some cases approve, our products and/or manufacturing processes and facilities before we may manufacture and sell some of these chemicals. To be able to manufacture and sell certain new chemical products, we may be required, among other things, to demonstrate to the relevant authority that the product does not pose an unreasonable risk during its intended uses and/or that we are capable of manufacturing the product in compliance with current regulations. The process of seeking any necessary approvals can be costly, time consuming and subject to unanticipated and significant delays. Approvals may not be granted to us on a timely basis, or at all. Any delay in obtaining, or any failure to obtain or maintain, these approvals would adversely affect our ability to introduce new products and to generate revenue from those products. New laws and regulations may be introduced in the future that could result in additional compliance costs, bans on product sales or use, seizures, confiscation, recall or monetary fines, any of which could prevent or inhibit the development, distribution or sale of our products and could increase our customers’ efforts to find less hazardous substitutes for our products. We are subject to ongoing reviews of our products and manufacturing processes.
Products we have made or used could be the focus of legal claims based upon allegations of harm to human health. We cannot predict the outcome of suits and claims, and an unfavorable outcome in these litigation matters could exceed reserves or have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and/or profitability and cause our reputation to decline.
We are subject to claims from our customers and their employees, environmental action groups and neighbors living near our production facilities.
We produce and use hazardous chemicals that require appropriate procedures and care to be used in handling them or in using them to manufacture other products. As a result of the hazardous nature of some of the products we produce and use, we may face claims relating to incidents that involve our customers’ improper handling, storage and use of our products. Additionally, we may face lawsuits alleging personal injury or property damage by neighbors living near our production facilities. These lawsuits could result in substantial damage awards against us, which in turn could encourage additional lawsuits and could cause us to incur significant legal fees to defend such lawsuits, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and/or profitability. In addition, the activities of environmental action groups could result in litigation or damage to our reputation.
We are subject to certain risks related to litigation filed by or against us, and adverse results may harm our business.
We cannot predict with certainty the cost of defense, of prosecution or of the ultimate outcome of litigation and other proceedings filed by or against us, including penalties or other civil or criminal sanctions, or remedies or damage awards, and adverse results in any litigation and other proceedings may materially harm our business. Litigation and other proceedings may include, but are not limited to, actions relating to intellectual property, international trade, commercial arrangements, product liability, toxic exposure, environmental, health and safety, joint venture agreements, labor and employment or other harms resulting from the actions of individuals or entities outside of our control. In the case of intellectual property litigation and proceedings, adverse outcomes could include the cancellation, invalidation or other loss of material intellectual property rights used in our business and injunctions prohibiting our use of business processes or technology that are subject to third-party patents or other third-party intellectual property rights. Any loss, denial or reduction in scope of any of our material intellectual property may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and/or profitability. In addition, litigation based on environmental matters or exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace or based upon the use of our products could result in significant liability for us, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and/or profitability.
We remain subject to litigation relating to the Chapter 11 proceedings.
In connection with the bankruptcy cases, the following appeals were filed relating to the confirmation of the Plan.
Make-Whole. In 2014, BOKF, NA, as trustee (“First Lien Trustee”) for our previously issued 8.875% First-Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2020 (the “Old First Lien Notes”), and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee for our previously issued 10% Senior Secured Notes due 2020 (the “Old Secured Notes”) (“1.5 Lien Trustee” and together with the First Lien Trustee, the “Appellants”) jointly appealed to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (the “District Court”) seeking reversal of the Bankruptcy Court of the Southern District of New York’s (the “Bankruptcy Court”) determinations that Momentive Performance Materials Holdings Inc. and certain of
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its domestic subsidiaries (the “Debtors”) were not required to compensate holders of the Old First Lien Notes and Old Secured Notes for any prepayment premiums (the “Make-Whole Determination”).
Interest rate. The Appellants also appealed to the District Court seeking reversal of the Bankruptcy Court’s determination that the interest rates on the 3.88% First Lien Notes due 2021 (the “First Lien Notes”) and the 4.69% Second Lien Notes due 2022 (the “Second Lien Notes”) provided to holders of the Old First Lien Notes and Old Secured Notes under the Plan was proper and in accordance with the Bankruptcy Code (the “Interest Rate Determination”).
In May 2015, the District Court dismissed both of Appellants’ appeals and affirmed the Bankruptcy Court’s rulings. The Appellants appealed the District Court’s decision to dismiss to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (the “Second Circuit”).
On October 20, 2017, Second Circuit affirmed the Make-Whole Determination. In November 2017, the Appellants requested a rehearing en banc by the Second Circuit with respect to the Make-Whole Determination (the “En Banc Request”). On December 11, 2017, the Second Circuit issued an order denying the En Banc Request and upheld the Company's position that no make-whole payments were due.
On October 20, 2017, the Second Circuit reversed the Interest Rate Determination and remanded the issue to the Bankruptcy Court for further proceedings (the “Remand”). The Second Circuit held that, on remand, the Bankruptcy Court should assess whether an efficient market rate can be ascertained, and, if so, apply it to the First Lien Notes and Second Lien Notes. On December 22, 2017, the Second Circuit issued its mandate remanding the Interest Rate Determination to the Bankruptcy Court. No further proceedings have yet been held in the Bankruptcy Court regarding the Interest Rate Determination.
We cannot predict with certainty whether Appellants may file a petition of certiorari with the Supreme Court of the United States (the “Supreme Court”) with respect to the Make-Whole Determination. While we do not believe an adverse outcome is probable, an adverse outcome could negatively affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition by reducing our liquidity and/or increasing our interest costs.
We cannot predict with certainty the timing or outcome of the Remand. An adverse outcome could increase our interest costs (including by potentially requiring us to make a catch-up payment for past due interest).
As a global business, we are subject to numerous risks associated with our international operations that could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We have significant manufacturing and other operations outside the United States. Some of these operations are in jurisdictions with unstable political or economic conditions. There are numerous inherent risks in international operations, including, but not limited to:
• | exchange controls and currency restrictions; |
• | currency fluctuations and devaluations; |
• | tariffs and trade barriers; |
• | export duties and quotas; |
• | changes in local economic conditions; |
• | laws and regulations, including tax, environmental, health and safety regulations; |
• | exposure to possible expropriation or other government actions; |
• | hostility from local populations; |
• | diminished ability to legally enforce our contractual rights in non-U.S. countries; |
• | restrictions on our ability to repatriate dividends from our subsidiaries; |
• | unsettled political conditions and possible terrorist attacks against U.S. interests; and |
• | natural disasters or other catastrophic events. |
Our international operations expose us to different local political and business risks and challenges. For example, we face potential difficulties in staffing and managing local operations, and we have to design local solutions to manage credit risks of local customers and distributors. In addition, some of our operations are located in regions that may be politically unstable, having particular exposure to riots, civil commotion or civil unrests, acts of war (declared or undeclared) or armed hostilities or other national or international calamity. In some of these regions, our status as a U.S. company also exposes us to increased risk of sabotage, terrorist attacks, interference by civil or military authorities or to greater impact from the national and global military, diplomatic and financial response to any future attacks or other threats.
Some of our operations are located in regions with particular exposure to natural disasters such as storms, floods, fires and earthquakes. It would be difficult or impossible for us to relocate these operations and, as a result, any of the aforementioned occurrences could materially adversely affect our business.
In addition, intellectual property rights may be more difficult to enforce in non-U.S. or non-Western Europe countries due to a number of factors, including less favorable intellectual property laws and increased vulnerability to the theft of, and reduced protection for, intellectual property rights including trade secrets in such countries.
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Our overall success as a global business depends, in part, upon our ability to succeed under different economic, social and political conditions. We may fail to develop and implement policies and strategies that are effective in each location where we do business, and failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our business is subject to foreign currency risk.
In 2017, approximately 66% of our net sales originated outside the United States. 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 revenues and earnings would be reduced because the local currency would translate into fewer U.S. dollars.
In addition to currency translation risks, we incur a currency transaction risk whenever one of our operating subsidiaries enters into a purchase or a sales transaction or indebtedness transaction using a different currency from the currency in which it records revenues. Given the volatility of exchange rates, we may not manage our currency transaction and/or translation risks effectively, and volatility in currency exchange rates may materially adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations, including our tax obligations. Since most of our indebtedness is denominated in U.S. dollars, a strengthening of the U.S. dollar could make it more difficult for us to repay our indebtedness.
We have entered and expect to continue to enter into various hedging and other programs in an effort to protect against adverse changes in the non-U.S. exchange markets and attempt to minimize potential material adverse effects. These hedging and other programs may be unsuccessful in protecting against these risks. Our results of operations could be materially adversely affected if the U.S. dollar strengthens against non-U.S. currencies and our protective strategies are not successful. Likewise, a strengthening U.S. dollar provides opportunities to source raw materials more cheaply from foreign countries.
Fluctuations in energy costs could have an adverse impact on our profitability and negatively affect our financial condition.
Oil and natural gas prices have fluctuated greatly over the past several years and we anticipate that they will continue to do so. Natural gas and electricity are essential to our manufacturing processes, which are energy-intensive. Our energy costs represented approximately 5% of our total cost of sales for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and 6% for the year ended December 31, 2015.
Our operating expenses will increase if our energy prices increase. Increased energy prices may also result in greater raw materials costs. If we cannot pass these costs through to our customers, our profitability may decline. In addition, increased energy costs may also negatively affect our customers and the demand for our products.
If our energy prices decrease, we expect benefits in the short-run with decreased operating expenses and increased operating income, but may face increased pricing pressure from competitors that are similarly impacted by energy prices and could see reduced demand for certain of our products that are sold to participants in the energy sector. As a result, profitability may decrease over an extended period of time of lower energy prices. Moreover, any future increases in energy prices after a period of lower energy prices may have an adverse impact on our profitability for the reasons described above.
We face increased competition from other companies and from substitute products, which could force us to lower our prices, which would adversely affect our profitability and financial condition.
The markets that we operate in are highly competitive, and this competition could harm our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. Our competitors include major international producers as well as smaller regional competitors. We may be forced to lower our selling price based on our competitors’ pricing decisions, which would reduce our profitability. This has been further magnified by the impact of the recent global economic downturn, as companies have focused more on price to retain business and market share. In addition, we face competition from a number of products that are potential substitutes for our products. Growth in substitute products could adversely affect our market share, net sales and profit margins.
There is also a trend in our industries toward relocating manufacturing facilities to lower cost regions, such as Asia, which may permit some of our competitors to lower their costs and improve their competitive position. Furthermore, there has been an increase in new competitors based in these regions.
Some of our competitors are larger, have greater financial resources, have a lower cost structure, and/or have less debt than we do. As a result, those competitors may be better able to withstand a change in conditions within our industry and in the economy as a whole. If we do not compete successfully, our operating margins, financial condition, cash flows and profitability could be adversely affected. Furthermore, if we do not have adequate capital to invest in technology, including expenditures for research and development, our technology could be rendered uneconomical or obsolete, negatively affecting our ability to remain competitive.
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We expect cost savings from our strategic initiatives, and if we are unable to achieve these cost savings, or sustain our current cost structure, it could have a material adverse effect on our business operations, results of operations and financial condition.
We have not yet realized all of the cost savings and synergies we expect to achieve from our strategic initiatives. A variety of risks could cause us not to realize the expected cost savings and synergies, including but not limited to, higher than expected severance costs related to staff reductions; higher than expected retention costs for employees that will be retained; higher than expected stand-alone overhead expenses; delays in the anticipated timing of activities related to our cost-saving plan; and other unexpected costs associated with operating our business. In addition, if the Shared Services Agreement is unexpectedly terminated, or if the parties to the agreement have material disagreements with its implementation, it could have an adverse effect on our business operations, results of operations and financial condition, as we would need to replace the services no longer being provided by Hexion Inc. (“Hexion”), and would lose a portion of the benefits being generated under the agreement at the time.
If we are unable to achieve these cost savings or synergies it could adversely affect our profitability and financial condition. In addition, factors may arise that may not allow us to sustain our current cost structure. As market and economic conditions change, we may also make changes to our operating cost structure.
Our history of operations includes periods of net losses, and we may incur net losses in the future. Such losses may impact our liquidity and the trading price of our common stock.
Although we did not generate a net loss for the year ended December 31, 2017, for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, we generated net losses of $163 and $83, respectively. If we continue to suffer net losses, our liquidity may suffer and we may not be able to fund all of our obligations. Our ability to generate sufficient cash flows from operations to make scheduled debt service payments depends on a range of economic, competitive and business factors, many of which are outside of our control. In addition, if we continue to experience net losses, the trading price of our common stock may decline significantly.
Our success depends in part on our ability to protect our intellectual property rights, and our inability to enforce these rights could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position.
We rely on the patent, trademark, copyright and trade-secret laws of the United States and the countries where we do business to protect and enforce our intellectual property rights. We may be unable to prevent third parties from infringing or misappropriating our intellectual property or otherwise violating our intellectual property rights, which could reduce any competitive advantage we have developed, reduce our market share or otherwise harm our business. In the event of such infringement, misappropriation or other violation of our intellectual property rights, litigation to protect or enforce our rights could be costly, and we may not prevail.
Many of our technologies are not protected by any patent or patent application, and our issued and pending U.S. and non-U.S. patents may not provide us with any competitive advantage and could be challenged by third parties. Our inability to secure issuance of our pending patent applications may limit our ability to protect the intellectual property rights such pending patent applications were intended to cover. Our competitors may attempt to design around our patents to avoid liability for infringement and, if successful, our competitors could adversely affect our market share. Also, despite the steps taken by us to protect our intellectual property and technology, it may be possible for unauthorized third parties to copy or reverse-engineer aspects of our products, develop similar intellectual property or technology independently or otherwise obtain and use information that we regard as proprietary and we may be unable to successfully identify or enforce against unauthorized uses of our intellectual property and technology. Furthermore, the expiration of our patents may lead to increased competition.
Our pending trademark applications may not be approved by the responsible governmental authorities and, even if these trademark applications are granted, third parties may seek to oppose or otherwise challenge these trademark applications. A failure to obtain trademark registrations in the United States and in other countries could limit our ability to protect our products and their associated trademarks and impede our marketing efforts in those jurisdictions.
In addition, effective patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret protection may be unavailable or limited in some foreign countries. In some countries we do not apply for patent, trademark or copyright protection. We also rely on unpatented proprietary manufacturing expertise, continuing technological innovation and other trade secrets to develop and maintain our competitive position. While we generally enter into confidentiality agreements with our employees and third parties to protect our intellectual property, these confidentiality agreements are limited in duration and could be breached, and may not provide meaningful protection of our trade secrets or proprietary manufacturing expertise. Adequate remedies may not be available if there is an unauthorized use or disclosure of our trade secrets, manufacturing expertise and other proprietary information. In addition, others may obtain knowledge about our trade secrets through independent development or by legal means. The failure to protect our processes, apparatuses, technology, trade secrets and proprietary manufacturing expertise, methods and compounds could have a material adverse effect on our business by jeopardizing critical intellectual property.
Where a product formulation or process is kept as a trade secret, third parties may independently develop or invent and patent products or processes identical to our trade-secret products or processes. This could have an adverse impact on our ability to make and sell products or use such processes and could potentially result in costly litigation in which we might not prevail.
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We could face intellectual property infringement claims that could result in significant legal costs and damages and impede our ability to produce key products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our production processes and products are specialized; however, we may become subject to claims that we infringe, misappropriate or otherwise violate the intellectual property rights of our competitors or others in the future. Any claim of infringement, misappropriation or other violation could require us to pay substantial damages and change our processes or products or stop using certain technologies or producing the applicable product entirely. Additionally, an adverse judgment against us could require us to seek licenses of intellectual property from third parties, which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Even if we ultimately prevail in such claims, the existence of the suit could cause our customers to seek other products that are not subject to such claims. Any claim of infringement, misappropriation or other violation could result in significant legal costs and damages and the diversion of significant management time, and impede our ability to produce key products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If we fail to extend or renegotiate our collective bargaining agreements with our works councils and labor unions as they expire from time to time, if disputes with our works councils or unions arise or if our unionized or represented employees were to engage in a strike or other work stoppage, our business and operating results could be materially adversely affected
As of December 31, 2017, approximately 43% of our employees were unionized or represented by works councils that were covered by collective bargaining agreements. In addition, some of our employees reside in countries in which employment laws provide greater bargaining or other employee rights than the laws of the United States. These rights may require us to expend more time and money altering or amending employees’ terms of employment or making staff reductions. For example, most of our employees in Europe are represented by works councils, which generally must approve changes in conditions of employment, including restructuring initiatives and changes in salaries and benefits. A significant dispute could divert our management’s attention and otherwise hinder our ability to conduct our business or to achieve planned cost savings.
We may be unable to timely extend or renegotiate our collective bargaining agreements as they expire. For example, a majority of our manufacturing personnel at our Sistersville, West Virginia site are covered by a collective bargaining agreement that expires in July 2018. We also may be subject to strikes or work stoppages by, or disputes with, our labor unions in connection with these collective bargaining agreements or otherwise. In November 2016, approximately 600 workers at our Waterford, New York facility went on strike in response to not reaching agreement on the terms for a new contract after the existing agreement expired in June 2016. In November 2016, the union at our Willoughby, Ohio facility representing approximately 50 employees also went on strike for two weeks in response to not reaching agreement on the terms for a new contract. The new contract involving the Local 81359 and Local 81380 unions in our Waterford, New York site and Local 84707 union in our Willoughby, Ohio site was ratified by union membership in February 2017 and is effective until June 2019.
If we fail to extend or renegotiate our collective bargaining agreements, if additional disputes with our works councils or unions arise or if our unionized or represented workers engage in a further strike or other work stoppage, we could incur higher labor costs or experience a significant disruption of operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position and results of operations.
Our pension plans are unfunded or under-funded and our required cash contributions could be higher than we expect, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and liquidity.
We sponsor various pension and similar benefit plans worldwide. As of December 31, 2017, our U.S. and non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans were under-funded in the aggregate by $105 and $199, respectively. We are legally required to make contributions to our pension plans in the future, and those contributions could be material.
Our future funding obligations for our employee benefit plans depend upon the levels of benefits provided for by the plans, the future performance of assets set aside for these plans, the rates of interest used to determine funding levels, the impact of potential business dispositions, actuarial data and experience and any changes in government laws and regulations. In addition, certain of our funded employee benefit plans hold a significant amount of equity securities. If the market values of these securities decline, our pension expense and funding requirements would increase and, as a result, could have a material adverse effect on our business.
If the performance of assets in the funded plans does not meet our expectations, our cash contributions for these plans could be higher than we expect, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and liquidity.
Natural or other disasters have, and could in the future disrupt our business and result in loss of revenue or higher expenses.
Any serious disruption at any of our facilities or our suppliers’ facilities due to hurricane, fire, earthquake, flood, terrorist attack or any other natural or man-made disaster could impair our ability to use our facilities and have a material adverse impact on our revenues and increase our costs and expenses. If there is a natural disaster or other serious disruption at any of our facilities or our suppliers’ facilities, it could impair our ability to adequately supply our customers and negatively impact our operating results.
For example, our manufacturing facility in Leverkusen, Germany was impacted by the effects of a fire on November 12, 2016. We produce a variety of finished silicone products at this plant, including highly specialized silicone products.
Also, our manufacturing facility in Ohta, Japan and the manufacturing facilities of certain of our suppliers were impacted by the effects of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan on March 11, 2011 and related events. Our Ohta facility is one of two facilities globally where we
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internally produce siloxane, a key intermediate required in our manufacturing process of silicones. We also produce a variety of finished silicone products at this plant, including highly specialized silicone products. We were able to shift only certain amounts of production to our other facilities throughout the world over the short term. Our Ohta plant, which is approximately 230 kilometers away from the nuclear power plant at Fukushima, Japan that incurred significant damage as a result of the earthquake, was our closest facility to the area affected by the earthquake and tsunami. We also have manufacturing and research facilities in Kozuki and Kobe, Japan that produce ceramic products, and administration offices in Tokyo, Nagoya and Fukuoka, Japan, none of which were significantly impacted by the earthquake. In addition, our manufacturing facilities, primarily those located in the Asia Pacific region, purchase certain raw materials from suppliers throughout Japan. Normal plant operations at our Ohta facility were restored in early May 2011, but uncertainty in Japan continued primarily with respect to the country’s energy infrastructure. To the extent further events or actions in Japan occur that impact its energy supply, including, but not limited to: rolling blackouts, restrictions on power usage, radiation exposure from nuclear power plants or the imposition of evacuation zones around such plants, it could materially and adversely affect our operations, operating results and financial condition.
In addition, many of our current and potential customers are concentrated in specific geographic areas. A disaster in one of these regions could have a material adverse impact on our operations, operating results and financial condition. Our business interruption insurance may not be sufficient to cover all of our losses from a disaster, in which case our unreimbursed losses could be substantial.
Acquisitions and joint ventures that we pursue may present unforeseen integration obstacles and costs, increase our leverage and negatively impact our performance. Divestitures that we pursue also may present unforeseen obstacles and costs.
We have made acquisitions of related businesses, and entered into joint ventures in the past and we may do so in the future. Acquisitions may require us to assume or incur additional debt financing, resulting in additional leverage and complex debt structures. If such acquisitions are consummated, the risk factors we describe above and below, and for our business generally, may be intensified.
Our ability to implement our growth strategy is limited by covenants in our ABL Facility, indentures and other indebtedness, our financial resources, including available cash and borrowing capacity, and our ability to integrate or identify appropriate acquisition and joint venture candidates.
The expense incurred in consummating acquisitions of related businesses, or our failure to integrate such businesses successfully into our existing businesses, could result in our incurring unanticipated expenses and losses. Furthermore, we may not be able to realize any anticipated benefits, or we may incur unanticipated liabilities, from acquisitions or joint ventures. The process of integrating acquired operations into our existing operations may result in unforeseen operating difficulties and may require significant financial resources that would otherwise be available for the ongoing development or expansion of existing operations.
In addition we may pursue divestitures of certain of our businesses as one element of our portfolio optimization strategy. Divestitures may require us to separate integrated assets and personnel from our retained businesses and devote our resources to transitioning assets and services to purchasers, resulting in disruptions to our ongoing business and distraction of management.
Security breaches and other disruptions to our information technology infrastructure could interfere with our operations, and could compromise our information and the information of our customers and suppliers, exposing us to liability which would cause our business and reputation to suffer.
In the ordinary course of business, we rely upon information technology networks and systems, some of which are managed by third parties, to process, transmit and store electronic information, and to manage or support a variety of business processes and activities, including supply chain, manufacturing, distribution, invoicing and collection of payments from customers. We use information technology systems to record, process and summarize financial information and results of operations for internal reporting purposes and to comply with regulatory financial reporting, legal and tax requirements. Additionally, we collect and store sensitive data, including intellectual property, proprietary business information, the propriety business information of our customers and suppliers, as well as personally identifiable information of our customers and employees, in data centers and on information technology networks. The secure operation of these information technology networks, and the processing and maintenance of this information is critical to our business operations and strategy. Despite security measures and business continuity plans, our information technology networks and infrastructure may be vulnerable to damage, disruptions or shutdowns due to attacks by hackers or breaches due to employee error or malfeasance or other disruptions during the process of upgrading or replacing computer software or hardware, power outages, computer viruses, telecommunication or utility failures or natural disasters or other catastrophic events. The occurrence of any of these events could compromise our networks and the information stored there could be accessed, publicly disclosed, lost or stolen. Any such access, disclosure or other loss of information or failure to comply with applicable laws, directives, or regulations could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability or regulatory penalties under laws protecting the privacy of personal information, disrupt operations and damage our reputation, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Limitations on our use of certain product-identifying information, including the GE name and monogram, could adversely affect our business and profitability.
Prior to December 2006, substantially all of our products and services were marketed using the GE brand name and monogram, and we believe the association with GE provided our products and services with preferred status among our customers and employees due to GE’s globally recognized brands and perceived high quality. We and GE Monogram Licensing International (“GE Monogram”) are parties to a trademark license agreement, which was entered into in December 2006 and amended in May 2013, that grants us a limited right to, among
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other things, use the GE mark and monogram solely in connection with our sealant, adhesive and certain other products, subject to certain conditions. These rights extend through December 3, 2018, with options that allow us to renew the license through 2023, subject to certain terms and conditions, including the payment of royalties. We also have the right to use numerous specific product trademarks that contain the letters “GE” for the life of the respective products subject to the terms of the license. While we continue to use the GE mark and monogram on these products and continue to use these product specifications, we are not able to use the GE mark and monogram on other products, use GE as part of our name or advertise ourselves as a GE company. While we have not yet experienced any significant loss of business as a result of our limited use of the GE mark and monogram, our business could be disadvantaged in the future by the loss of association with the GE name on our sealant, adhesive and certain other products.
Risks Related to Our Indebtedness
We may be unable to generate sufficient cash flows from operations to meet our consolidated debt service payments.
We have substantial consolidated indebtedness. As of December 31, 2017, we had $1,228 of consolidated outstanding indebtedness. Our projected annualized cash interest expense is approximately $55 based on our consolidated indebtedness and letters of credit outstanding and interest rates at December 31, 2017 without giving effect to any subsequent borrowings under our ABL Facility, substantially all of which represents cash interest expense on fixed-rate obligations.
Our ability to generate sufficient cash flows from operations to make scheduled debt service payments depends on a range of economic, competitive and business factors, many of which are outside of our control. Continued or increased weakness in economic conditions and our performance beyond our expectations would exacerbate these risks. Our business may generate insufficient cash flows from operations to meet our debt service and other obligations, and currently anticipated cost savings, capital investment plans, working capital reductions and operating improvements may not be realized on schedule, or at all. To the extent our cash flow from operations is insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, aside from our current liquidity, we would be dependent on outside capital to meet the funding of our debt service obligations and to fund capital expenditures and other obligations. We were previously forced to take actions to restructure and refinance our indebtedness and there can be no assurance we will be able to meet our scheduled debt service obligations in the future.
If we are unable to meet our expenses and debt service obligations, we may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before maturity, sell assets or issue additional equity securities. We may be unable to refinance any of our indebtedness, sell assets or issue equity securities on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, which could cause us to default on our obligations and result in the acceleration of our debt obligations. Our inability to generate sufficient cash flows to satisfy our outstanding debt obligations, or to refinance our obligations on commercially reasonable terms, would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Availability under the ABL Facility is subject to a borrowing base based on a specified percentage of eligible accounts receivable and inventory and, in certain foreign jurisdictions, machinery and equipment. As of December 31, 2017, the borrowing base (including various reserves) was determined to be approximately $214, and we had approximately $56 of drawn letters of credit and no revolver borrowings under the ABL Facility. The borrowing base (including various reserves) is updated on a monthly basis, so the actual borrowing base could be lower in the future. To the extent the borrowing base is lower than we expect, that could significantly impair our liquidity.
Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations and limit our ability to react to changes in the economy or our industry.
Our substantial consolidated indebtedness and other commitments and obligations could have other important consequences, including but not limited to the following:
• | it may limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our operations or business; |
• | we are more highly leveraged than many of our competitors, which may place us at a competitive disadvantage; |
• | it may make us more vulnerable to downturns in our business or the economy; |
• | a substantial portion of our cash flows from operations will be dedicated to the repayment of our indebtedness and will not be available for other purposes; |
• | it may restrict us from making strategic acquisitions, introducing new technologies, or exploiting business opportunities; |
• | it may make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to our existing indebtedness; |
• | it may adversely affect terms under which suppliers provide material and services to us; and |
• | it may limit our ability to borrow additional funds or dispose of assets. |
There would be a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition if we were unable to service our indebtedness or obtain additional financing, as needed.
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Despite our substantial indebtedness, we may still be able to incur significant additional indebtedness. This could intensify the risks described above and below.
We may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. Although the terms governing our indebtedness contain restrictions on our ability to incur additional indebtedness, these restrictions are subject to numerous qualifications and exceptions, and the indebtedness we may incur in compliance with these restrictions could be substantial. Increasing our indebtedness could intensify the risks described above and below.
The terms governing our outstanding debt, including restrictive covenants, may adversely affect our operations.
The terms governing our outstanding debt contain, and any future indebtedness we incur would likely contain, numerous restrictive covenants that impose significant operating and financial restrictions on our ability to, among other things:
• | incur or guarantee additional debt; |
• | pay dividends and make other distributions to our stockholders; |
• | create or incur certain liens; |
• | make certain loans, acquisitions, capital expenditures or investments; |
• | engage in sales of assets and subsidiary stock; |
• | enter into sale/leaseback transactions; |
• | enter into transactions with affiliates; and |
• | transfer all or substantially all of our assets or enter into merger or consolidation transactions. |
As a result of these covenants, we are limited in the manner in which we conduct our business, and we may be unable to engage in favorable business activities or finance future operations or capital needs.
If the availability under the ABL Facility falls below certain thresholds, we will be subject to a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. If we are unable to maintain compliance with such ratio or other covenants in the ABL Facility, an event of default could result.
The credit agreement governing the ABL Facility requires us to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.0 to 1.0 at any time when the availability is less than the greater of (a) 12.5% of the lesser of the borrowing base and the total ABL Facility commitments at such time and (b) $27. The fixed charge coverage ratio under the agreement governing the ABL Facility is generally defined as the ratio of (a) Adjusted EBITDA minus non-financed capital expenditures and cash taxes to (b) debt service plus cash interest expense plus certain restricted payments, each measured on a last twelve months, or LTM, basis.
A breach of our fixed charge coverage ratio, if in effect, would, if not waived, result in an event of default under our ABL Facility. Pursuant to the terms of the credit agreement governing the ABL Facility, our direct parent company will have the right, but not the obligation, to cure such default through the purchase of additional equity in up to three of any four consecutive quarters. If a breach of a fixed charge coverage ratio covenant is not cured or waived, or if any other event of default under the ABL Facility occurs, the lenders under such credit facility:
• | would not be required to lend any additional amounts to us; |
• | could elect to declare all borrowings outstanding under such ABL Facility, together with accrued and unpaid interest and fees, due and payable and could demand cash collateral for all letters of credit issued thereunder; |
• | could apply all of our available cash that is subject to the cash sweep mechanism of the ABL Facility to repay these borrowings; and/or |
• | could prevent us from making payments on our notes; |
any or all of which could result in an event of default under our notes.
The ABL Facility also provides for “springing control” over the cash in our deposit accounts constituting collateral for the ABL Facility, and such cash management arrangements include a cash sweep at any time that availability under the ABL Facility is less than the greater of (1) 12.5% of the lesser of the borrowing base and the total ABL Facility commitments at such time and (2) $27. Such cash sweep, if in effect, will cause all our available cash to be applied to outstanding borrowings under the ABL Facility. If we satisfy the conditions to borrowing under the ABL Facility while any such cash sweep is in effect, we may be able to make additional borrowings under the ABL Facility to satisfy our working capital and other operational needs. If we do not satisfy the conditions to borrowing, we will not be permitted to make additional borrowings under the ABL Facility, and we will not have sufficient cash to satisfy our working capital and other operational needs. The availability threshold for triggering a cash sweep is the same availability threshold for triggering the fixed charge coverage ratio covenant under the ABL Facility.
The terms governing our indebtedness limit our ability to sell assets and also restrict the use of proceeds from that sale. We may be unable to sell assets quickly enough or for sufficient amounts to enable us to meet our obligations. Furthermore, a substantial portion of our assets is, and may continue to be, intangible assets. Therefore, it may be difficult for us to pay our consolidated debt obligations in the event of an acceleration of any of our consolidated indebtedness.
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If the indebtedness under the ABL Facility or our existing notes were to be accelerated after an event of default, our respective assets may be insufficient to repay such indebtedness in full and our lenders could foreclose on the assets pledged under the applicable facility, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Repayment of our debt, including required principal and interest payments, depends on cash flows generated by our subsidiaries, which may be subject to limitations beyond our control.
Our subsidiaries own a significant portion of our consolidated assets and conduct a significant portion of our consolidated operations. Repayment of our indebtedness depends, to a significant extent, on the generation of cash flows and the ability of our subsidiaries to make cash available to us by dividend, debt repayment or otherwise. Our subsidiaries may not be able to, or may not be permitted to, make distributions to enable us to make payments on our indebtedness. Each subsidiary is a distinct legal entity and, under certain circumstances, legal and contractual restrictions may limit our ability to obtain cash from subsidiaries. While there are limitations on the ability of our subsidiaries to incur consensual restrictions on their ability to pay dividends or make intercompany payments, these limitations are subject to certain qualifications and exceptions. In the event that we are unable to receive distributions from our subsidiaries, we may be unable to make required principal and interest payments on our indebtedness.
A downgrade in our debt ratings could restrict our access to, and negatively impact the terms of, current or future financings or trade credit.
S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”) and Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) maintain credit ratings on us and certain of our debt. Our ratings were upgraded by Moody’s in February 2018. The ratings assigned by both ratings agencies to our debt are currently below investment grade. Any decision by these ratings agencies to downgrade such ratings or put them on negative watch in the future could restrict our access to, and negatively impact the terms of, current or future financings and trade credit extended by our suppliers of raw materials or other vendors.
Risks Related to Our Common Stock
There is a limited public market for our common stock
There are substantial risks in investing in our common stock given the general illiquid nature of such securities. There is a limited public trading market for our securities. In March 2016, our common stock was approved to trade on the OTCQX market. Holders of our securities may nevertheless find it difficult or impossible to find a qualified purchaser for such securities at any price. Because of this, the quoted prices of our stock on the OTCQX may not reflect exactly the value of our common stock.
Our stock price may be volatile or may decline regardless of our operating performance, and stockholders may not be able to resell shares at or above the price at which the shares were acquired.
The price for our common stock may be volatile and may fluctuate significantly in response to a number of factors, most of which we cannot control, including, among others:
• | changes in economic trends or the continuation of current economic conditions; |
• | industry cycles and trends; |
• | changes in government and environmental regulation; |
• | adverse resolution of new or pending litigation against us; |
• | changes in laws or regulations governing our business and operations; |
• | the sustainability of an active trading market for our common stock; and |
• | future sales of our common stock by our stockholders. |
These and other factors may lower the price of our common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance. In the event of a drop in the price of our common stock, you could lose a substantial part or all of your investment in our common stock.
In addition, the stock markets have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have affected and continue to affect the market prices of equity securities of many companies. In the past, stockholders have instituted securities class action litigation following periods of market volatility. If we were to become involved in securities litigation, we could incur substantial costs and our resources and the attention of management could be diverted from our business.
Future sales of our common stock, or the perception that these sales may occur, may depress the price of our common stock.
Additional sales of a substantial number of our shares of common stock, or the perception that such sales may occur, could have a material adverse effect on the price of our common stock and could materially impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional shares. As of February 15, 2018, we had 48,121,634 shares of common stock issued and outstanding. Substantially all of these shares have either been registered by Momentive’s registration statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-201338) filed December 31, 2014 (“Form S-1”), which became effective on July 2, 2015, or otherwise are freely tradable. The selling stockholders covered by the Form S-1 beneficially own a significant amount of our common stock. The sale of all or a portion of the shares by the selling stockholders or our other stockholders, or the perception that these sales may occur, could cause the price of our common stock to decrease significantly.
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Pursuant to the Company’s Registration Rights Agreement, the selling stockholders have certain demand and piggyback rights that may require us to file additional registration statements registering their common stock or to include sales of such common stock in registration statements that we may file for ourselves or other stockholders. Any shares of common stock sold under these registration statements will be freely tradable. In the event such registration rights are exercised and a large number of shares of common stock is sold, such sales could reduce the trading price of our common stock. These sales also could impede our ability to raise future capital. Additionally, we will bear all expenses in connection with this registration and any such registrations, except that the selling stockholders may be responsible for their pro rata shares of underwriters’ discounts and commissions, stock transfer taxes and certain legal expenses.
As a holding company, our only material assets will be our equity interests in our operating subsidiaries, and our principal source of revenue and cash flow will be distributions from such subsidiaries, which may be limited by law and/or contract in making such distributions.
As a holding company, our principal source of revenue and cash flow is distributions from our subsidiaries. Therefore, our ability to carry out our business plan, to fund and conduct our business, service our debt and pay dividends (if any) in the future will depend on the ability of our subsidiaries to generate sufficient net income and cash flows to make upstream cash distributions to us. Our subsidiaries are separate legal entities, and although they may be wholly owned or controlled by us, they have no obligation to make any funds available to us, whether in the form of loans, dividends or otherwise. The ability of our subsidiaries to distribute cash to us may also be subject to, among other things, future restrictions that are contained in our subsidiaries’ agreements (as entered into from time to time), availability of sufficient funds in such subsidiaries and applicable laws and regulatory restrictions. Claims of creditors of our subsidiaries generally will have priority as to the assets of such subsidiaries over our claims and claims of our creditors and stockholders. To the extent the ability of our subsidiaries to distribute dividends or other payments to us could be limited in any way, this could materially limit our ability to fund and conduct our business, service our debt and pay dividends (if any).
Apollo is our largest stockholder and has significant influence over us, and its interests may conflict with or differ from your interests as a stockholder.
As of December 31, 2017, Apollo beneficially owns approximately 39.7% of our common stock. In connection with our emergence from the Chapter 11 proceedings, Apollo designated four of our eleven directors. As a result of that representation, Apollo has the ability to exert significant influence over us. The interests of Apollo could conflict with or differ from the interests of our other stockholders. For example, the concentration of ownership held by Apollo could delay, defer, cause or prevent a change of control of us or impede a merger, takeover or other business combination that other stockholders may otherwise view favorably. Apollo is in the business of making or advising on investments in companies and holds, and may from time to time in the future acquire, interests in or provide advice to businesses that may directly or indirectly compete with certain portions of our business or are suppliers or customers of ours. Apollo may also pursue acquisitions that may be complementary to our business, and, as a result, those acquisition opportunities may not be available to us. Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (“Certificate of Incorporation”) provides that we expressly renounce any interest or expectancy in any business opportunity, transaction or other matter in which Apollo, The Ad Hoc Group (as defined in the Certificate of Incorporation) or any of their respective affiliates (with respect to Apollo) participates or desires or seeks to participate in, even if the opportunity is one that we would reasonably be deemed to have pursued if given the opportunity to do so.
Provisions in our organizational documents may delay or prevent our acquisition by a third party.
Our Certificate of Incorporation and our Amended and Restated By-laws (“By-laws”), contain several provisions that may make it more difficult or expensive for a third party to acquire control of us without the approval of our Board of Directors. These provisions also may delay, prevent or deter a merger, acquisition, tender offer, proxy contest or other transaction that might otherwise result in our stockholders receiving a premium over the market price for their common stock. These provisions include, among others:
• | provisions relating to the appointment of directors for a period of time following the emergence from Chapter 11; |
• | provisions requiring stockholders to hold at least 33% of our outstanding common stock in the aggregate to request special meetings; |
• | provisions that provide that the doctrine of “corporate opportunity” will not apply with respect to Apollo, the Ad Hoc Group, and their respective affiliates with respect to the Company; and |
• | provisions that require a non-interim Chief Executive Officer to review any business combination transaction. |
These provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws could discourage potential takeover attempts and reduce the price that investors might be willing to pay for our common stock in the future, which could reduce the market price of our common stock.
Our designation of the Delaware Court of Chancery as the exclusive forum for certain types of stockholder legal proceedings could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a more favorable forum.
Our Certificate of Incorporation provides that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers or stockholders to us or our stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”), our Certificate of Incorporation or our By-laws or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine or
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as to which the DGCL otherwise confers jurisdiction upon the Court of Chancery. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock will be deemed to have notice of, and consented to, the provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation described in the preceding sentence. This choice of forum provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers, employees or agents, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and such persons. Alternatively, if a court were to find these provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation inapplicable to, or unenforceable in respect of, one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings, we may incur additional costs that we do not currently anticipate associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable.
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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Our headquarters is located in Waterford, New York. Our major manufacturing facilities are primarily located in North America, Europe and Asia. We also have 5 standalone technology research centers spread globally.
We believe our production and manufacturing facilities are well maintained and effectively utilized and are adequate to operate our business. Following are our production and manufacturing facilities, executive offices and technology research centers:
Location | Real Property Interest | Business in Which Property is Used | ||
Americas: | ||||
Waterford, NY (2) | Owned | Performance Additives, Formulated and Basic Silicones | ||
Tarrytown, NY (1) | Leased | Performance Additives | ||
Sistersville, WV (2) | Owned | Performance Additives | ||
Chino, CA | Leased | Formulated and Basic Silicones | ||
Garrett, IN | Leased | Formulated and Basic Silicones | ||
New Smyrna Beach, FL | Owned | Formulated and Basic Silicones | ||
Charlotte, NC (1) | Leased | Performance Additives | ||
Itatiba, Brazil | Owned | Performance Additives | ||
Texas City, TX | Owned | Performance Additives | ||
Strongsville, OH (2) | Owned | Quartz Technologies | ||
Willoughby, OH | Owned | Quartz Technologies | ||
Richmond Heights, OH (2) | Owned | Quartz Technologies | ||
Newark, OH | Owned | Quartz Technologies | ||
Europe: | ||||
Leverkusen, Germany (2) | Leased | Performance Additives, Formulated and Basic Silicones | ||
Bergen op Zoom, Netherlands | Leased | Formulated and Basic Silicones | ||
Lostock, United Kingdom | Leased | Formulated and Basic Silicones | ||
Termoli, Italy | Owned | Performance Additives | ||
Antwerp, Belgium | Leased | Performance Additives | ||
Geesthacht, Germany | Owned | Quartz Technologies | ||
Asia Pacific: | ||||
Nantong, China | Leased | Performance Additives, Formulated and Basic Silicones | ||
Ohta, Japan (2) | Owned | Performance Additives, Formulated and Basic Silicones | ||
Rayong, Thailand | Leased | Formulated and Basic Silicones | ||
Bangalore, India (1) | Leased | Performance Additives, Formulated and Basic Silicones | ||
Chennai, India | Owned | Performance Additives |
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Location | Real Property Interest | Business in Which Property is Used | ||
Shanghai, China (1) | Leased | Performance Additives, Formulated and Basic Silicones, Quartz Technologies | ||
Seoul, Korea (3) | Leased | Performance Additives, Formulated and Basic Silicones | ||
Kobe, Japan (2) | Leased | Quartz Technologies | ||
Kozuki, Japan | Owned | Quartz Technologies | ||
Wuxi, China | Leased | Quartz Technologies |
(1) | Technology research center. |
(2) | Manufacturing facility and technology research center. |
(3) | Sales and technology research center. |
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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Various claims, lawsuits and administrative proceedings are pending or threatened against us and/or our subsidiaries, arising from the ordinary course of business with respect to commercial, product liability, employee, environmental and toxic exposure matters. Historically, we have not faced any litigation matters or series of litigation matters that have had a material adverse impact on our business. In addition, we do not believe that there is any pending or threatened litigation, either individually or in the aggregate, that is likely to have a material adverse effect on our business. We cannot predict with certainty the outcome of any litigation or the potential for future litigation and any such matters, if they occur, could materially adversely affect our business and operations.
Appeals Relating to the Confirmation of the Plan in the Bankruptcy Cases
In connection with the bankruptcy cases, the following appeals were filed relating to the confirmation of the Plan.
Make-Whole. In 2014, the Appellants jointly appealed to the District Court seeking reversal of the Make-Whole Determination.
Interest rate. The Appellants also appealed to the District Court seeking reversal of Interest Rate Determination.
In May 2015, the District Court dismissed both of Appellants’ appeals and affirmed the Bankruptcy Court’s rulings. The Appellants appealed the District Court’s decision to dismiss to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (the “Second Circuit”). On October 20, 2017, Second Circuit affirmed the Make-Whole Determination. In November 2017, the Appellants requested a rehearing en banc by the Second Circuit with respect to the Make-Whole Determination (the “En Banc Request”). On December 11, 2017, the Second Circuit issued an order denying the En Banc Request and upheld the Company’s position that no make-whole payments were due. On October 20, 2017, the Second Circuit reversed the Interest Rate Determination and remanded the issue to the Bankruptcy Court for further proceedings (the “Remand”). The Second Circuit held that, on remand, the Bankruptcy Court should assess whether an efficient market rate can be ascertained, and, if so, apply it to the First Lien Notes and Second Lien Notes. On December 22, 2017, the Second Circuit issued its mandate remanding the Interest Rate Determination to the Bankruptcy Court. No further proceedings have yet been held in the Bankruptcy Court regarding the Interest Rate Determination.
We cannot predict with certainty whether Appellants may file a petition of certiorari with the Supreme Court of the United States (the “Supreme Court”) with respect to the Make-Whole Determination. While we do not believe an adverse outcome is probable, an adverse outcome could negatively affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition by reducing our liquidity and/or increasing our interest costs.
We cannot predict with certainty the timing or outcome of the Remand. An adverse outcome could increase our interest costs (including by potentially requiring us to make a catch-up payment for past due interest).
Environmental Matters
We and our operations are subject to extensive environmental, health and safety regulation at the federal, state, local and international level and our production facilities require operating permits that are subject to renewal or modification. Our operations also involve the use, handling, processing, storage, transportation and disposal of hazardous materials, and we may be exposed to the risk of claims for environmental remediation or restoration.
We have adopted and implemented environmental health and safety policies, which include systems and procedures governing emissions to air, water and other media, waste generation, process safety management, handling, storage and disposal of hazardous substances, worker health and safety requirements, emergency planning and response, and product stewardship. In order to comply with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, including obtaining and maintaining permits, we have incurred and will continue to incur costs, including capital expenditures for projects related to environmental, health and safety improvements. In addition, pursuant to applicable hazardous waste regulations, we are required to provide financial assurances for contingent future costs associated with certain hazardous waste management and remedial activities. Pursuant to financial assurance requirements set forth in state hazardous waste permit regulations applicable to our manufacturing facilities in Waterford, New York and Sistersville, West Virginia, we have provided letters of credit in the following amounts: approximately $44 for closure and post-closure care and accidental occurrences at the Waterford and the Sistersville facilities. A renewal of our Waterford facility’s hazardous waste permit was issued by the NYSDEC, which required us to provide approximately $27 in financial assurances for our Waterford facility. The renewal permit also requires a re-evaluation of the financial assurance amount within the next three years. One or more of our facilities may also in the future be subject to additional financial assurance requirements imposed by governmental authorities, including the USEPA. In this regard, in January 2017, the USEPA identified chemical manufacturing, among others, as an industry for which it plans to develop, as necessary, proposed regulations identifying appropriate financial assurance requirements pursuant to §108(b) of CERCLA.
We are currently conducting investigations and/or cleanup of known or potential contamination at several of our facilities. In connection with our creation on December 3, 2006, through the acquisition of certain assets, liabilities and subsidiaries of GE that comprised GE Advanced Materials, an operating unit within the Industrial Segment of GE, by Momentive Performance Materials Holdings Inc. (the parent company of MPM prior to its emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy) and its subsidiaries (the “GE Advanced Materials Acquisition”), GE has agreed to indemnify us for liabilities associated with contamination at former properties and with third-party waste disposal sites. GE has also agreed that if we suffer any losses that are the subject of an indemnification obligation under a third party contract with respect to which GE is an indemnitee, GE will pursue such indemnification on our behalf and provide us with any benefits received.
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While we do not anticipate material costs in excess of current reserves and/or available indemnification relating to known or potential environmental contamination, the discovery of additional contamination or the imposition of more stringent cleanup requirements, could require us to make significant expenditures in excess of such reserves and/or indemnification.
We have been named as a defendant in a series of multi-defendant lawsuits based on our alleged involvement in the supply of allegedly hazardous materials. The plaintiffs seek damages for alleged personal injury resulting from exposure to various chemicals. These claims have not resulted in material judgments or settlements historically and we do not anticipate that these claims present any material risk to our business in the future. In addition, we have been indemnified by GE for any liability arising from any such claims existing prior to the consummation of the GE Advanced Materials Acquisition. However, we cannot predict with certainty the outcome of any such claims or the involvement we might have in such matters in the future.
In 2008, we became aware and disclosed to the NYSDEC that, in certain instances, our Waterford, New York, facility may have failed to comply with state and federal regulatory requirements governing the treatment of hazardous waste. During 2008, the NYSDEC initiated an investigation into these disclosures and issued a notice of violation alleging certain noncompliances. Subsequently, in the second quarter 2009, the USEPA and the U.S. Department of Justice sought, through search warrant and subpoena, additional information related to the alleged noncompliances. In May of 2017, we entered into a settlement with the NYSDEC, the USEPA and the U.S. Department of Justice with respect to such matters under which we paid approximately $1.
We are currently cooperating with the NYSDEC in its investigation of the Waterford, New York facility’s compliance with certain applicable environmental requirements as identified in an administrative complaint filed by the NYSDEC in May 2017. Although we currently believe that the costs and potential penalties associated with the investigation will not have a material adverse impact on our business, resolution of such enforcement action will likely require payment of a monetary penalty and/or the imposition of other civil sanctions.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
This item is not applicable to the registrant.
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PART II
(dollars in millions, except per share data, or as otherwise noted)
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
On March 4, 2016, Momentive’s common stock began trading on the OTCQX market, operated by OTC Markets Group Inc.
As of February 15, 2018, there were 25 stockholders of record of our common stock, one of which was Cede & Co., a nominee for The Depository Trust Company. All of our common stock held by brokerage firms, banks and other financial institutions as nominees for beneficial owners are considered to be held of record by Cede & Co., who is considered to be one stockholder of record. A greater number of holders of our common stock are “street name” or beneficial holders, whose shares of common stock are held of record by banks, brokers and other financial institutions. Because such shares of common stock are held on behalf of stockholders, and not by the stockholders directly, and because a stockholder can have multiple positions with different brokerage firms, banks and other financial institutions, we are unable to determine the total number of stockholders we have. MPM’s direct parent, MPM Intermediate Holdings Inc., is MPM’s sole stockholder.
The following tables set forth for the periods indicated, the range of high and low bid prices for our common stock:
Year 2017 | High | Low | ||
First quarter | $10.12 | $8.00 | ||
Second quarter | $14.90 | $9.25 | ||
Third quarter | $16.35 | $13.75 | ||
Fourth quarter | $22.70 | $15.05 |
Year 2016 | High | Low | ||
First quarter (from March 4, 2016) | $9.00 | $6.00 | ||
Second quarter | $9.50 | $7.00 | ||
Third quarter | $13.00 | $9.50 | ||
Fourth quarter | $10.60 | $7.20 |
Momentive has not paid any dividends since Momentive’s incorporation in 2014. MPM has not declared or paid any dividends since our emergence from bankruptcy in October 2014. For the foreseeable future, we intend to retain any earnings to finance our business and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock. Any future determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors in accordance with applicable law and will be dependent upon then-existing conditions, including our financial condition and results of operations, capital requirements, contractual restrictions, business prospects and other factors that our board of directors considers relevant. Our ABL Facility and the indentures that govern our notes impose restrictions on our ability to pay dividends. Therefore, our ability to pay dividends on our common stock will depend on, among other things, certain financial tests and whether we are in default under any of our debt instruments. Our future dividend policy will also depend on the requirements of any future financing agreements to which we may be a party and other factors that our board of directors considers relevant. 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, business opportunities, provision of applicable law and other factors that our board of directors may consider relevant. For a discussion of our cash resources and liquidity needs, see Item 7 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table presents Momentive’s and MPM’s summary historical financial information as of and for the periods presented. Prior to the Emergence Date, Momentive had not conducted any business operations. Accordingly, unless otherwise noted or suggested by context, all financial information and data and accompanying financial statements and corresponding notes, as of and prior to the Emergence Date, as contained herein, reflect the actual historical consolidated results of operations and financial condition of MPM for the periods presented and do not give effect to the Plan of Reorganization or any of the transactions contemplated thereby or the adoption of “fresh-start” accounting.
Upon emergence from bankruptcy on the Effective Date, we adopted fresh start accounting, which resulted in the creation of a new entity for financial reporting purposes. As a result of the application of fresh start accounting, as well as the effects of the implementation of the Plan, the consolidated financial statements on or after October 24, 2014 are not comparable with the consolidated financial statements prior to that date.
The consolidated statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016, December 31, 2015, successor period from October 25, 2014 through December 31, 2014, the predecessor period from January 1, 2014 through October 24, 2014 and the year ended December 31, 2013 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, and 2013 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements.
You should read the following selected historical financial data in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Risk Factors” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes and other financial information included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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MPM HOLDINGS INC. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Successor | Predecessor | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2017 | Year Ended December 31, 2016 | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | Period from October 25, 2014 through December 31, 2014 | Period from January 1, 2014 through October 24, 2014 | Year Ended December 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||
(In millions, except per share data) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Statement of Operations Data: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 2,331 | $ | 2,233 | $ | 2,289 | $ | 465 | $ | 2,011 | $ | 2,398 | |||||||||||||
Cost of sales | 1,831 | 1,845 | 1,894 | 402 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Gross profit | 500 | 388 | 395 | 63 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization | 1,439 | 1,732 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expense | 333 | 347 | 285 | 80 | 434 | 373 | |||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization expense | 147 | 171 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Research and development expense | 64 | 64 | 65 | 13 | 63 | 70 | |||||||||||||||||||
Restructuring and discrete costs | 6 | 42 | 32 | 5 | 20 | 21 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other operating loss (income), net | 9 | 19 | 2 | (1 | ) | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | 88 | (84 | ) | 11 | (34 | ) | (92 | ) | 31 | ||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | 80 | 76 | 79 | 15 | 162 | 394 | |||||||||||||||||||
Non-operating expense (income), net | (8 | ) | (7 | ) | 3 | 8 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Gain on extinguishment and exchange of debt | — | (9 | ) | (7 | ) | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Reorganization items, net | 1 | 2 | 8 | 3 | (1,972 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||||
(Loss) income before income tax and earnings from unconsolidated entities | 15 | (146 | ) | (72 | ) | (60 | ) | 1,718 | (363 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Income tax expense | 15 | 18 | 13 | — | 36 | 104 | |||||||||||||||||||
(Loss) income before earnings from unconsolidated entities | — | (164 | ) | (85 | ) | (60 | ) | 1,682 | (467 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Earnings from unconsolidated entities, net of taxes | — | 1 | 2 | — | 3 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net (loss) income | $ | — | $ | (163 | ) | (83 | ) | (60 | ) | 1,685 | (464 | ) | |||||||||||||
(Loss) earnings per share, basic and diluted | $ | — | $ | (3.39 | ) | $ | (1.73 | ) | $ | (1.25 | ) | $ | 16,850,000 | $ | (4,640,000 | ) | |||||||||
Dividends declared per common share | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 4,600 | |||||||||||||
Cash Flow provided by (used in): | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating activities | $ | 113 | $ | 142 | $ | 128 | $ | (3 | ) | $ | (207 | ) | $ | (150 | ) | ||||||||||
Investing activities | (168 | ) | (117 | ) | (116 | ) | (17 | ) | (18 | ) | (88 | ) | |||||||||||||
Financing activities | (1 | ) | (16 | ) | (10 | ) | (1 | ) | 390 | 220 | |||||||||||||||
Balance Sheet Data (at end of period): | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 174 | $ | 228 | $ | 221 | $ | 228 | $ | 94 | |||||||||||||||
Working capital (1) | 482 | 470 | 432 | 450 | 611 | (2,884 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Total assets | 2,717 | 2,606 | 2,663 | 2,884 | 2,694 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total long term debt | 1,192 | 1,167 | 1,169 | 1,163 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total net debt (2) | 1,054 | 975 | 984 | 973 | 3,163 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total liabilities | 2,173 | 2,124 | 2,037 | 2,115 | 4,174 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total equity (deficit) | 544 | 482 | 626 | 769 | (1,480 | ) |
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MOMENTIVE PERFORMANCE MATERIALS INC. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Successor | Predecessor | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2017 | Year Ended December 31, 2016 | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | Period from October 25, 2014 through December 31, 2014 | Period from January 1, 2014 through October 24, 2014 | Year Ended December 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||
(In millions, except per share data) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Statement of Operations Data: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 2,331 | $ | 2,233 | $ | 2,289 | $ | 465 | $ | 2,011 | $ | 2,398 | ||||||||||||
Cost of sales | 1,831 | 1,845 | 1,894 | 402 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Gross profit | 500 | 388 | 395 | 63 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization | 1,439 | 1,732 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expense | 332 | 345 | 284 | 80 | 434 | 373 | ||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization expense | 147 | 171 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Research and development expense | 64 | 64 | 65 | 13 | 63 | 70 | ||||||||||||||||||
Restructuring and discrete costs | 6 | 42 | 32 | 5 | 20 | 21 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other operating loss (income), net | 9 | 19 | 2 | (1 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | 89 | (82 | ) | 12 | (34 | ) | (92 | ) | 31 | |||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | 80 | 76 | 79 | 15 | 162 | 394 | ||||||||||||||||||
Non-operating expense (income), net | (8 | ) | (7 | ) | 3 | 8 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Gain on extinguishment and exchange of debt | — | (9 | ) | (7 | ) | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Reorganization items, net | 1 | 2 | 8 | 3 | (1,972 | ) | — | |||||||||||||||||
(Loss) income before income tax and earnings from unconsolidated entities | 16 | (144 | ) | (71 | ) | (60 | ) | 1,718 | (363 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Income tax expense | 15 | 18 | 13 | — | 36 | 104 | ||||||||||||||||||
(Loss) income before earnings from unconsolidated entities | 1 | (162 | ) | (84 | ) | (60 | ) | 1,682 | (467 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Earnings from unconsolidated entities, net of taxes | — | 1 | 2 | — | 3 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net (loss) income | $ | 1 | $ | (161 | ) | $ | (82 | ) | (60 | ) | 1,685 | (464 | ) | |||||||||||
Dividends declared per common share | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 4,600 | ||||||||||||
Cash Flow provided by (used in): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating activities | $ | 115 | $ | 144 | $ | 129 | $ | (3 | ) | $ | (207 | ) | $ | (150 | ) | |||||||||
Investing activities | (169 | ) | (118 | ) | (116 | ) | (17 | ) | (18 | ) | (88 | ) | ||||||||||||
Financing activities | (2 | ) | (17 | ) | (11 | ) | (1 | ) | 390 | 220 | ||||||||||||||
Balance Sheet Data (at end of period): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 174 | $ | 228 | $ | 221 | $ | 228 | $ | 94 | ||||||||||||||
Working capital (1) | 482 | 432 | 450 | 611 | (2,884 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Total assets | 2,717 | 2,606 | 2,663 | 2,884 | 2,694 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total long term debt | 1,192 | 1,167 | 1,169 | 1,163 | 7 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total net debt (2) | 1,054 | 975 | 984 | 973 | 3,163 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total liabilities | 2,172 | 2,122 | 2,037 | 2,115 | 4,174 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total equity (deficit) | 545 | 484 | 626 | 769 | (1,480 | ) |
(1) | Working capital is defined as accounts receivable plus inventories less accounts payable. |
(2) | Net debt is defined as long-term debt plus debt payable within one year less cash and cash equivalents including unamortized debt discounts. A summary of the components of our net debt is as follows: |
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Year Ended December 31, 2017 | Year Ended December 31, 2016 | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | Period from October 25, 2014 through December 31, 2014 | Period from January 1, 2014 through October 24, 2014 | Year Ended December 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt (including unamortized debt discounts) | $ | 1,192 | $ | 1,167 | $ | 1,169 | $ | 1,163 | $ | 7 | ||||||||||||
Debt payable within one year | 36 | 36 | 36 | 38 | 3,250 | |||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | (174 | ) | (228 | ) | (221 | ) | (228 | ) | (94 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net debt | 1,054 | 975 | 984 | 973 | 3,163 |
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (dollar amounts in millions)
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our results of operations and financial condition for the years ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and with the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere herein. The following discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs, and which involve numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties described in Item 1A, “Risk Factors.” Actual results may differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. See “Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements.”
Overview and Outlook
MPM Holdings Inc. (“Momentive”) and Momentive Performance Materials Inc. (“MPM”), both Delaware corporations, together with their subsidiaries (collectively referred to herein as “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company”), are one of the world’s largest producers of silicones and silicone derivatives and a global leader in the development and manufacture of products derived from quartz and specialty ceramics. Silicones are a multi-functional family of materials used in a wide variety of products and serve as a critical ingredient in many construction, automotive, industrial, healthcare, personal care, electronic, consumer and agricultural uses. Silicones are generally used as an additive to or formulated product in a wide variety of, end products in order to provide or enhance certain of their attributes, such as resistance (temperature, ultraviolet light, and chemical), lubrication, adhesion or viscosity. Some of the most well-known end-use product applications include bath and shower caulk, pressure-sensitive adhesive labels, foam products, cosmetics, and tires. Due to their versatility and high-performance characteristics, silicones are increasingly being used as a substitute for other materials. Our Quartz Technologies segment manufactures quartz and specialty ceramics for use in a number of high-technology industries, which typically require products made to precise specifications. The cost of our products typically represents a small percentage of the overall cost of our customers’ products.
We serve more than 4,000 customers between our Performance Additives, Formulated and Basic Silicones, and Quartz Technologies businesses in over 100 countries. Our customers include leading companies in their respective industries.
Reportable Segments
In the third quarter of 2017, we reorganized our segment structure and bifurcated our Silicones segment into Performance Additives and Formulated and Basic Silicones to better reflect our specialty chemical portfolio and related performance. This reorganization included a change in our reportable segments from two to four segments. Our operations were previously organized in two segments: Silicones and Quartz. Our reorganized segments are based on the products that we offer and the markets that we serve. At December 31, 2017, we had four reportable segments: Performance Additives, Formulated and Basic Silicones, Quartz Technologies, and Corporate.
Our Performance Additives segment is one of the leading manufacturers of specialty silanes, silicone fluids, and urethane additives. Our liquid additives are key ingredients in our customers’ products and are used to improve or enable the performance characteristics and processability of a variety of products across different end-markets including automotive, personal care, agriculture, consumer and construction. Our silicone fluids, silanes, and urethane additives Performance Additives product lines are developed using a range of raw material inputs and generally use more limited siloxane than Formulated and Basic Silicone products.
Our Formulated and Basic Silicones segment produces sealants, electronic materials, coatings, elastomers, and basic silicone fluids focused on automotive, consumer goods, construction, electronics and healthcare end-markets. Our products enable key design features, such as extended product life, wear resistance, biocompatibility and weight reduction. Our electronic materials, coatings and sealants product lines are generally applied to our customers’ products, in the form of a high-tech coating or adhesive, while our elastomers product lines are fashioned into parts by extruding or molding them in items such as gaskets or tubing. Formulated silicones product offerings are typically used to seal, protect or adhere, and often perform multiple functions at once.
Our Quartz Technologies segment is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of fused quartz and non-oxide based ceramic powders and shapes. Fused quartz products are manufactured from quartz sand and are used in processes requiring extreme temperature and high purity. Momentive’s high-purity fused quartz materials are used for a diverse range of applications in which optical clarity, design flexibility and durability in extreme environments are critical, such as semiconductor, lighting, healthcare and aerospace. Our product line includes tubing, rods and other solid shapes, as well as fused quartz crucibles for growing single crystal silicon. Our Quartz Technologies segment’s products are the material solution for silicon chip semiconductor manufacturing.
Our organizational structure continues to evolve. We are also continuing to refine our business and operating structure to better align our services to our customers and improve our cost position, while continuing to invest in global growth opportunities.
2017 Overview
• | Net Sales—Net sales in 2017 were $2,331, an increase of 4% compared with $2,233 in 2016. The increase in net sales was driven by volume gains in our Performance Additives segment and the specialty portion of our Formulated and Basic Silicones product portfolio, partially offset by our strategic decision to deemphasize the sale of lower margin products. Volume gains were driven by increased demand in consumer, automotive, and electronics end markets. |
• | Net Income (Loss)—Net income in 2017 was $0 and $1 for Momentive and MPM, respectively, an increase of $163 and $162, respectively, compared to net loss $163 and $161, respectively in 2016. This was due to the increase in gross profit, the gain |
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (dollar amounts in millions) (Continued)
recognition from an insurance claim, and costs due to a fire at our Leverkusen, Germany facility not recurring during 2017, partially offset by a gain on extinguishment of debt also not recurring during 2017.
• | Segment EBITDA—Segment EBITDA in 2017 was $293 and $294 for Momentive and MPM, respectively, an increase of $55 and $54, respectively, compared to $238 and $240, respectively in 2016. The increase in Segment EBITDA was driven by volume growth in the specialty portion of our Formulated and Basic Silicones product portfolio, operating leverage within the Quartz Technologies segment, and strategic capital investments. |
• | Future growth initiatives include: |
The expansion of our capability to manufacture NXT silane, which is an innovative product used in the production of tires, and can offer tire manufacturers the ability to reduce rolling resistance without loss of wet traction, as well as deliver benefits in the tire manufacturing process. This expansion has been completed and production is expected to ramp up in the second half of 2018.
2018 Outlook
As we look into 2018, we expect continued strong demand, solid and improved industry fundamentals, and growth as a result of the capital investments we have made in our specialty product portfolio over the last several years. We have implemented price increases across our entire silicones product portfolio which are expected to benefit us in 2018 and offset inflation we are experiencing for certain raw materials. We are well positioned to leverage our leadership positions, optimize our portfolio, and invest in and drive new growth programs. Additionally, we expect 2018 sales to continue to reflect a mix improvement as we reduce exposure to under-performing siloxane derivative products and grow our higher margin specialty products.
We are continuing to leverage our research and development capabilities and invest in high-growth product lines and geographical regions, positioning the Company for long-term success. We are also focused on gaining productivity efficiencies and improving margins through investments in improved operational reliability. We continue to evaluate additional actions, as well as productivity measures, that could support further cost savings. Such actions could include additional restructuring and incremental exit and disposal costs.
We have implemented approximately $48 in annual structural cost reduction initiatives through our previously announced global restructuring program, which has begun delivering significant savings. Cumulatively through December 31, 2017, Momentive has achieved approximately $45 of savings under this program.
We remain focused on driving free cash flow, defined as cash flows from operating activities less capital expenditures, and optimizing net working capital, as described in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section below, in fiscal year 2018.
Matters Impacting Comparability of Results
Other Comprehensive Income
Our other comprehensive income is significantly impacted by foreign currency translation. The impact of foreign currency translation is driven by the translation of assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries which are denominated in functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The primary assets and liabilities driving the adjustments are cash and cash equivalents; accounts receivable; inventory; property, plant and equipment; goodwill and other intangible assets; accounts payable and pension and other postretirement benefit obligations. The primary currencies in which these assets and liabilities are denominated are the euro and Japanese yen.
Raw Materials
In 2017, we purchased approximately $1.1 billion of raw materials. The largest raw material used in our business is silicon metal. The cost of silicon metal comprised approximately 9% of our total raw material costs in 2017. Heading into 2018, the environment for certain raw materials is inflationary. However, to limit and minimize exposure to inflation, we contracted directly or indirectly for much of our key raw material purchases.
Naturally occurring quartz sand is the key raw material for many of the products manufactured by our Quartz Technologies business, which is currently available from a limited number of suppliers. While we also use quartz sand from several global sand suppliers, one of our suppliers, a major producer of natural quartz sand, controls a significant portion of the market for this sand. In December 2017, we entered into a purchase agreement with this supplier, which expires on December 31, 2021.
We expect long-term raw material cost fluctuations to continue because of price movements of key feedstocks. To help mitigate the fluctuations in raw material pricing, we have purchase and sale contracts and commercial arrangements with many of our vendors and customers that contain periodic price adjustment mechanisms. Due to differences in the timing of pricing mechanism trigger points between our sales and purchase contracts, there is often a “lead-lag” impact. In many cases this “lead-lag” impact can negatively impact our margins in the short term in periods of rising raw material prices and positively impact them in the short term in periods of falling raw material prices.
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (dollar amounts in millions) (Continued)
Results of Operations
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
MPM HOLDINGS INC. | |||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
(In millions) | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | ||||||||
Net sales | $ | 2,331 | $ | 2,233 | $ | 2,289 | |||||
Cost of sales | 1,831 | 1,845 | 1,894 | ||||||||
Gross profit | 500 | 388 | 395 | ||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expense | 333 | 347 | 285 | ||||||||
Research and development expense | 64 | 64 | 65 | ||||||||
Restructuring and discrete costs | 6 | 42 | 32 | ||||||||
Other operating loss (income), net | 9 | 19 | 2 | ||||||||
Operating income (loss) | 88 | (84 | ) | 11 | |||||||
Operating (loss) income as a percentage of net sales | 4 | % | (4 | )% | — | % | |||||
Interest expense, net | 80 | 76 | 79 | ||||||||
Non-operating expense, net | (8 | ) | (7 | ) | 3 | ||||||
Gain on extinguishment of debt | — | (9 | ) | (7 | ) | ||||||
Reorganization items, net | 1 | 2 | 8 | ||||||||
Total non-operating expense | 73 | 62 | 83 | ||||||||
(Loss) income before income taxes and earnings from unconsolidated entities | 15 | (146 | ) | (72 | ) | ||||||
Income tax expense | 15 | 18 | 13 | ||||||||
(Loss) income before earnings from unconsolidated entities | — | (164 | ) | (85 | ) | ||||||
Earnings from unconsolidated entities, net of taxes | — | 1 | 2 | ||||||||
Net (loss) income | $ | — | $ | (163 | ) | $ | (83 | ) | |||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | $ | 58 | $ | 16 | $ | (64 | ) |
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (dollar amounts in millions) (Continued)
MOMENTIVE PERFORMANCE MATERIALS INC. | |||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
(In millions) | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | ||||||||
Net sales | $ | 2,331 | $ | 2,233 | $ | 2,289 | |||||
Cost of sales | 1,831 | 1,845 | 1,894 | ||||||||
Gross profit | 500 | 388 | 395 | ||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expense | 332 | 345 | 284 | ||||||||
Research and development expense | 64 | 64 | 65 | ||||||||
Restructuring and discrete costs | 6 | 42 | 32 | ||||||||
Other operating loss (income), net | 9 | 19 | 2 | ||||||||
Operating income (loss) | 89 | (82 | ) | 12 | |||||||
Operating (loss) income as a percentage of net sales | 4 | % | (4 | )% | 1 | % | |||||
Interest expense, net | 80 | 76 | 79 | ||||||||
Non-operating expense, net | (8 | ) | (7 | ) | 3 | ||||||
Gain on extinguishment of debt | — | (9 | ) | (7 | ) | ||||||
Reorganization items, net | 1 | 2 | 8 | ||||||||
Total non-operating expense (income) | 73 | 62 | 83 | ||||||||
(Loss) income before income taxes and earnings from unconsolidated entities | 16 | (144 | ) | (71 | ) | ||||||
Income tax expense | 15 | 18 | 13 | ||||||||
(Loss) income before earnings from unconsolidated entities | 1 | (162 | ) | (84 | ) | ||||||
Earnings from unconsolidated entities, net of taxes | — | 1 | 2 | ||||||||
Net (loss) income | $ | 1 | $ | (161 | ) | $ | (82 | ) | |||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | $ | 58 | $ | 16 | $ | (64 | ) |
Net Sales
In 2017, net sales increased by $98, or 4%, compared to 2016. This increase was primarily driven by our intentional shift toward higher-margin products due to increased demand in automotive, electronics, and consumer end markets versus less profitable commodity products, resulting in a volume increase of approximately $46, favorable price/mix shift of $46, and exchange rate fluctuations of approximately $6.
In 2016, net sales decreased by $56, or 2%, compared to 2015. This decrease was primarily due to volume decrease of $22 in line with our intentional efforts to reduce under-performing siloxane derivative products, as well as negative price and mix shift of $36, caused by declines in agriculture and oil and gas markets. In addition, there were favorable exchange rate fluctuations of $2 due to the weakening of the U.S. dollar against other currencies.
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (dollar amounts in millions) (Continued)
Operating Income (Loss)
2017 vs 2016 Operating Results
In 2017, operating income increased by $172 and $171 for Momentive and MPM, respectively, from an operating loss of $84 and $82, respectively, to an operating income of $88 and $89, respectively. Cost of sales decreased by $14 compared to 2016, primarily due to lower accelerated depreciation of $29, favorable exchange rate fluctuations of $17 and raw material deflation of $5, partially offset by the related impacts of increased sales and higher net processing costs.
Selling, general and administrative expense decreased by $14 and $13 for Momentive and MPM, respectively, compared to 2016 primarily due to $38 in favorable re-measurement of our pension liabilities offset by the impact of a merit increase implemented in 2016 and unfavorable exchange rate fluctuations of $5. Research and development expense for 2017 was flat compared to 2016.
A summary of the components of depreciation and amortization expense on our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 is as follows:
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||
2017 | 2016 | ||||||
Cost of sales | $ | 110 | $ | 137 | |||
Selling, general and administrative expense | 44 | 48 | |||||
Total depreciation and amortization expense | $ | 154 | $ | 185 |
Restructuring and discrete costs for 2017 decreased by $36 compared to 2016 mainly due to the gain related to an insurance reimbursement of $24 related to fire damage at our Leverkusen, Germany facility and $13 for one-time costs in 2016 triggered by the siloxane capacity transformation programs not recurring in 2017.
Other operating expense decreased by $10, primarily due to a decrease of $8 in impairments and disposals of certain assets and equipment and a settlement gain of $2 related to the resolution of a take or pay arrangement and certain sales and use tax refunds.
2016 vs 2015 Operating Results
In 2016, operating income decreased by $95 and $94 for Momentive and MPM, respectively, from an operating income of $11 and $12, respectively to an operating loss of $84 and $82, respectively. Cost of sales decreased by $49 compared to 2015 primarily due to a decrease in net processing costs of $80, partially offset by $35 in accelerated depreciation primarily related to certain long-lived assets mainly triggered by siloxane capacity transformation programs in Germany.
Selling, general and administrative expense increased by $62 and $61 for Momentive and MPM, respectively, compared to 2015 primarily due to $49 in re-measurement of our pension and other postretirement liabilities. The incremental increase was driven by increased merit and incentive compensation, partially offset by various cost reduction actions. Research and development expense for 2016 decreased by $1 compared to 2015 primarily related to the timing of new projects.
A summary of the components of depreciation and amortization expense on our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||
2016 | 2015 | ||||||
Cost of sales | $ | 137 | $ | 105 | |||
Selling, general and administrative expense | 48 | 48 | |||||
Total depreciation and amortization expense | $ | 185 | $ | 153 |
Restructuring and other costs for 2016 increased by $10 compared to 2015 mainly due to costs arising from a fire at our Leverkusen, Germany facility and $13 for one-time costs triggered by the siloxane capacity transformation programs. These were partially offset by $11 in reduced severance costs compared to 2015.
Other operating expense increased by $17, primarily due to an increase of $11 in impairments and disposals of certain assets and equipment. In addition, in 2015 there was a settlement gain of $6 related to the resolution of a customer dispute.
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (dollar amounts in millions) (Continued)
Non-Operating Expense (Gain)
In 2017, total non-operating expense increased by $11, from an expense of $62 to an expense of $73, compared to 2016. The increase was primarily due to the gain on extinguishment of Second Lien Notes not recurring in 2017.
In 2016, total non-operating expense decreased by $21, from an expense of $83 to an expense of $62, compared to 2015. The decrease was primarily due to a gain of $9 related to recovery of a tax claim from GE, $6 due to lower reorganization expense in 2016 and $3 in lower interest expense.
Income Tax Expense
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act (the “TCJA”) was enacted into law. The TCJA decreased the U.S statutory tax rate for years beginning after December 31, 2017, and included other domestic and international tax provisions that affect the measurement of our deferred tax asset and liabilities. As a result, we revalued our deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2017 and reduced our net deferred tax assets by $113, which was fully offset by a similar reduction in our valuation allowance. Please refer to detailed discussions on the TCJA in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
In 2017, income tax expense decreased by $3 compared to 2016. The effective income tax rate was 100% and 94% for Momentive and MPM, respectively, for 2017 compared to (13%) for 2016. The change in the effective tax rate was primarily attributable to the amount and distribution of income and loss among the various jurisdictions in which we operate. The effective tax rate was also impacted by the movement in the valuation allowance. The valuation allowance, which relates principally to U.S. and certain non-U.S. deferred tax assets, was established and maintained based on our assessment that a portion of the deferred tax assets will likely not be realized. Due to fluctuations in pre-tax income or loss between jurisdictions with and without a valuation allowance established, our historical effective tax rates are likely not indicative of our future effective tax rates.
In 2016, income tax expense increased by $5 compared to 2015. The effective income tax rate was (13%) for 2016 compared to (18%) for 2015. The change in the effective tax rate was primarily attributable to the amount and distribution of income and loss among the various jurisdictions in which we operate. The effective tax rate was also impacted by the movement in the valuation allowance. The valuation allowance, which relates principally to U.S. and certain non-U.S. deferred tax assets, was established and maintained based on our assessment that a portion of the deferred tax assets will likely not be realized.
For 2017, profits and losses incurred in foreign jurisdictions with statutory tax rates less than 35% (primarily China, Thailand and Japan) comprised the largest portion of the foreign rate differential. For 2016, China, Germany, and Thailand comprised the largest portion of the foreign rate differential. For 2015, China comprised the largest portion of the foreign rate differential.
We are recognizing the earnings of non-U.S. operations currently in our U.S. consolidated income tax return as of December 31, 2017 and are expecting that, with the exception of Germany and Japan, all earnings will be repatriated to the United States. We have accrued the incremental tax expense expected to be incurred upon the repatriation of these earnings. In addition, we have certain intercompany arrangements that, if settled, may trigger taxable gains or losses based on foreign currency exchange rates in place at the time of settlement. As a result, we are asserting permanent reinvestment with respect to certain intercompany arrangements considered indefinite. Since the currency translation impact is considered indefinite, we have not provided deferred taxes on gains of $9, which could result in a tax obligation of $3, based on currency exchange rates as of December 31, 2017. Should the intercompany arrangement be settled or we change our assertion, the actual tax impact will depend on the currency exchange rate at the time of settlement or change in assertion.
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
For the year ended December 31, 2017, foreign currency translation positively impacted other comprehensive income by $45 for both Momentive and MPM, primarily due to the impact of the weakening of the U.S. dollar against other currencies. Also, for the year ended December 31, 2017, pension and postretirement benefit adjustments positively impacted other comprehensive income by $13, primarily due to the recognition of net prior service benefit related to the effect of certain plan provision changes.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, pension and postretirement benefit adjustments positively impacted other comprehensive income by $17, primarily due to the recognition of net prior service credit related to the effect of plan redesign triggered by certain changes to company sponsored post-retiree medical, dental, vision and life insurance benefit plans.
For the year ended December 31, 2015, foreign currency translation negatively impacted other comprehensive loss by $65, primarily due to the impact of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the euro. In 2015, pension and postretirement benefit negative impact on other comprehensive loss was $1 compared to $69 in 2014 due to the recognition of prior service costs in 2014 following provision changes to our U.S. pension plan.
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (dollar amounts in millions) (Continued)
Results of Operations by Segment
Following are net sales and Segment EBITDA by reportable segment. Segment EBITDA is defined as EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization) adjusted for certain non-cash items and certain other income and expenses. Segment EBITDA is the primary performance measure used by our senior management, the chief operating decision-maker and the Board of Directors to evaluate operating results and allocate capital resources among segments. Segment EBITDA is also a principle profitability measure used to set management and executive incentive compensation goals. EBITDA and Segment EBITDA should not be considered substitutes for net income (loss) or other results reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Segment EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
MPM HOLDINGS INC. | |||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |||||||||
Net Sales(1): | |||||||||||
Performance Additives | $ | 900 | $ | 849 | $ | 835 | |||||
Formulated and Basic Silicones | 1,229 | 1,212 | 1,277 | ||||||||
Quartz Technologies | 202 | 172 | 177 | ||||||||
Total | $ | 2,331 | $ | 2,233 | $ | 2,289 | |||||
Segment EBITDA: | |||||||||||
Performance Additives | $ | 188 | $ | 187 | $ | 176 | |||||
Formulated and Basic Silicones | 105 | 70 | 25 | ||||||||
Quartz Technologies | 40 | 20 | 27 | ||||||||
Corporate | (40 | ) | (39 | ) | (33 | ) | |||||
Total | $ | 293 | $ | 238 | $ | 194 |
MOMENTIVE PERFORMANCE MATERIALS INC. | |||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |||||||||
Net Sales(1): | |||||||||||
Performance Additives | $ | 900 | $ | 849 | $ | 835 | |||||
Formulated and Basic Silicones | 1,229 | 1,212 | 1,277 | ||||||||
Quartz Technologies | 202 | 172 | 177 | ||||||||
Total | $ | 2,331 | $ | 2,233 | $ | 2,289 | |||||
Segment EBITDA: | |||||||||||
Performance Additives | $ | 188 | $ | 187 | $ | 176 | |||||
Formulated and Basic Silicones | 105 | 70 | 25 | ||||||||
Quartz Technologies | 40 | 20 | 27 | ||||||||
Corporate | (39 | ) | (37 | ) | (33 | ) | |||||
Total | $ | 294 | $ | 240 | $ | 195 |
(1)Inter-segment sales are not significant and, as such, are eliminated within the selling segment.
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (dollar amounts in millions) (Continued)
2017 vs. 2016 Segment Results
Following is an analysis of the percentage change in sales by segment from 2016 to 2017:
Volume | Price/Mix | Currency Translation | Total | ||||||||
Performance Additives | 7 | % | (1 | )% | — | % | 6 | % | |||
Formulated and Basic Silicones | (4 | )% | 5 | % | — | % | 1 | % | |||
Quartz Technologies | 18 | % | — | % | — | % | 18 | % |
Performance Additives
Net sales in 2017 increased $51, or 6% compared to 2016. This increase was primarily due to a volume increase of $59 related to demand in consumer, automotive, and personal care markets reflecting our growth initiatives across our entire portfolio, and $4 due to the weakening of the U.S. dollar against other currencies, offset by adverse price/mix variance of $12.
Segment EBITDA in 2017 increased by $1 to $188 compared to 2016. The increase was impacted by temporary raw material lead/lag being addressed by pricing actions and the one-time impact of Hurricane Harvey.
Formulated and Basic Silicones
Net sales in 2017 increased $17 or 1%, compared to 2016. This increase was primarily driven by a favorable mix/price shift of $58 towards higher-margin products versus less profitable commodity products and $2 due to the weakening of the U.S. dollar against other currencies, offset by volume decrease of $43 related to our intentional efforts to reduce under-performing siloxane derivative products and focus on our specialties products driven by increased demand in electronic materials, elastomers, sealants, and coatings end markets.
Segment EBITDA in 2017 increased by $35 to $105 compared to 2016. This increase was primarily due to higher sales of higher margin products and improved demand in automotive, consumer products, and electronic markets, improved efficiencies and raw material deflation.
Quartz Technologies
Net sales in 2017 increased $30, or 18%, compared to 2016. The increase was primarily due to an increase in sales volume of $30, mainly driven by improved demand in semiconductor and aerospace end markets.
Segment EBITDA in 2017 increased by $20 to $40 compared to 2016. This increase was primarily due to the sales volume increase, operating leverage, and improved manufacturing efficiencies. Fiscal year 2017 also reflects full benefit of 2016 restructuring initiatives.
Corporate
Corporate charges are primarily general and administrative expenses that are not allocated to the segments, such as shared service and administrative functions. Compared to 2016, Corporate charges increased by $1 and $2 for Momentive and MPM, respectively, to $40 and $39, respectively, mainly due to increase in employee headcount and related compensation expenses.
2016 vs 2015 Segment Results
Following is an analysis of the percentage change in sales by segment from 2015 to 2016:
Volume | Price/Mix | Currency Translation | Total | ||||||||
Performance Additives | 6 | % | (4 | )% | — | % | 2 | % | |||
Formulated and Basic Silicones | (5 | )% | — | % | — | % | (5 | )% | |||
Quartz Technologies | (4 | )% | — | % | 1 | % | (3 | )% |
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (dollar amounts in millions) (Continued)
Performance Additives
Net sales in 2016 increased $14, or 2%, compared to 2015. This increase was primarily due to a volume increase of $47 driven by demand in consumer, automotive, construction, and industrial markets, partially offset by negative price and mix shift of $32, caused by declines in agriculture and oil and gas markets, and $1 due to the strengthening U.S. dollar.
Segment EBITDA in 2016 increased by $11 to $187 compared to 2015. This increase was primarily due to higher sales, production efficiencies and raw material deflation.
Formulated and Basic Silicones
Net sales in 2016 decreased $65, or 5%, compared to 2015. This decrease was primarily due to volume decrease of $62 due to our intentional efforts to reduce under-performing siloxane derivative products and negative price and mix shift of $4 partially offset by $1 of exchange rate fluctuations.
Segment EBITDA in 2016 increased by $45 to $70 compared to 2015. This increase was primarily due to our intentional efforts to reduce under-performing siloxane derivative products, production efficiencies and raw material deflation.
Quartz Technologies
Net sales in 2016 decreased $5, or 3%, compared to 2015. The decrease was primarily due to a volume decrease of $7 caused by softening of the end user demand primarily due to declines in the semiconductor market offset by favorable currency impacts.
Segment EBITDA in 2016 decreased by $7 to $20 compared to 2015. The decrease was primarily due to the inclusion of a one-time settlement gain of $6 related to the resolution of customer dispute in the first quarter of 2015.
Corporate
Corporate charges are corporate, general and administrative expenses that are not allocated to the other segments, such as certain shared service and administrative functions. Compared to 2015, Corporate charges increased by $5 and $4 to $39 and $37 for Momentive and MPM, respectively, mainly due to merit increase and higher incentive based compensation.
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Segment EBITDA:
MPM HOLDINGS INC. | |||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | — | $ | (163 | ) | $ | (83 | ) | |||
Interest expense, net | 80 | 76 | 79 | ||||||||
Income tax expense | 15 | 18 | 13 | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 154 | 185 | 153 | ||||||||
Gain on extinguishment and exchange of debt | — | (9 | ) | (7 | ) | ||||||
Items not included in Segment EBITDA: | |||||||||||
Non-cash charges and other income and expense | $ | 12 | $ | 26 | $ | 15 | |||||
Unrealized (gains) losses on pension and postretirement benefits | (5 | ) | 33 | (16 | ) | ||||||
Restructuring and discrete costs | 36 | 70 | 32 | ||||||||
Reorganization items, net | 1 |