UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended September 28, 2008

or

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

Commission File Number 1-3295

--

MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

            DELAWARE

25-1190717    

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

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

405 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10174-0002
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(212) 878-1800
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

YES X  

NO _____

     Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of " large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large Accelerated Filer [X]

Accelerated Filer [  ]

Non- accelerated Filer [  ]

Smaller Reporting Company [  ]

       

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

YES     

NO

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Class
Common Stock, $0.10 par value

Outstanding at October 20, 2008
18,741,379


MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC.

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

 
 

Page No.

PART I.    FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 
   

Item 1.

Financial Statements:

   
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007 (Unaudited)

3

   
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 28, 2008 (Unaudited)
and December 31, 2007

4

   
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine-month
periods ended September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007 (Unaudited)

5

   
  Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

6

   
  Review Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

15

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

16

   
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

26

     
   
Item 4. Controls and Procedures

26

     
   
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION  
   
Item 1. Legal Proceedings

27

   
Item 1A. Risk Factors

28

     
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

28

   
Item 6. Exhibits

29

   
   
Signature

30

 

 


 

 

 

PART 1.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  Financial Statements

MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

(in thousands, except per share data)    

Sept. 28, 2008

     

Sept. 30,
2007

     

Sept. 28, 2008

     

Sept. 30,
2007

 
                                 
Net sales  

$

294,917

   

$

266,548

    $

872,231

    $

803,463

 
Cost of goods sold    

235,482

     

210,203

     

689,779

     

630,484

 
  Production margin    

59,435

     

56,345

     

182,452

     

172,979

 
                                 
Marketing and administrative expenses    

26,009

     

25,630

     

78,639

     

79,099

 
Research and development expenses    

5,433

     

6,689

     

17,567

     

20,217

 
Impairment of assets    

--

     

94,070

     

--

     

94,070

 
Restructuring and other costs    

5,013

     

12,150

     

7,344

     

12,150

 
  Income (loss) from operations    

22,980

     

(82,194

)    

78,902

     

(32,557

)
Non-operating income (deductions), net    

285

     

(1,309

)    

(1,953

)    

(5,737

)
Income (loss) before provision for taxes                                
  on income, minority interests and                                
  discontinued operations    

23,265

     

(83,503

)    

76,949

     

(38,294

)
Provision (benefit) for taxes on income    

6,329

     

(12,250

)    

22,927

     

2,558

 
Minority interests    

879

     

490

     

2,445

     

2,161

 
Income (loss) from continuing operations    

16,057

     

(71,743

)    

51,577

     

(43,013

)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax    

2,951

     

(33,728

)    

7,973

     

(37,263

)
   Net income (loss)  

$

19,008

   

$

(105,471

)   $

59,550

    $

(80,276

)
                                 
Earnings per share:                                
Basic:                                
  Income (loss) from continuing operations  

$

0.85

   

$

(3.72

)   $

2.72

    $

(2.24

)
  Income (loss) from discontinued operations    

0.16

     

(1.75

)    

0.42

     

(1.95

)
  Basic earnings (loss) per share  

$

1.01

   

$

(5.47

)   $

3.14

    $

(4.19

)
                                 
Diluted:                                
  Income (loss) from continuing operations  

$

0.85

   

$

(3.72

)   $

2.71

    $

(2.24

)
  Income (loss) from discontinued operations    

0.15

     

(1.75

)    

0.41

     

(1.95

)
  Diluted earnings (loss) per share  

$

1.00

   

$

(5.47

)   $

3.12

    $

(4.19

)
                                 
Cash dividends declared per common share  

$

0.05

   

$

0.05

    $

0.15

    $

0.15

 
                                 
Shares used in computation of earnings per share:                                
  Basic    

18,859

     

19,273

     

18,957

     

19,172

 
  Diluted    

18,962

     

19,273

     

19,064

     

19,172

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

3


MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

ASSETS

(thousands of dollars)  

Sept. 28, 2008*

     

December 31,
2007**

 
               
Current assets:              
      Cash and cash equivalents

$

151,115

   

$

128,985

 
  Short-term investments, at cost which approximates market  

14,758

     

9,697

 
  Accounts receivable, net  

209,234

     

180,868

 
  Inventories  

136,631

     

103,373

 
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets  

22,960

     

22,773

 
  Assets held for disposal  

19,571

     

27,614

 
         Total current assets  

554,269

     

473,310

 
Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation and depletion - September 28, 2008 - 906,265; December 31, 2007 - $862,457  

455,853

     

489,386

 
Goodwill  

70,643

     

71,964

 
Prepaid pension costs  

39,947

     

53,667

 
Other assets and deferred charges  

34,150

     

40,566

 
         Total assets

$

1,154,862

   

$

1,128,893

 
               

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

               
Current liabilities:              
  Short-term debt

$

14,522

   

$

9,518

 
  Current maturities of long-term debt  

371

     

7,210

 
  Accounts payable  

72,370

     

66,084

 
  Restructuring liabilities  

3,867

     

14,479

 
  Other current liabilities  

66,998

     

65,057

 
  Liabilities of assets held for disposal  

1,382

     

4,801

 
  Total current liabilities  

159,510

     

167,149

 
Long-term debt  

101,221

     

111,006

 
Other non-current liabilities  

116,424

     

99,565

 
  Total liabilities  

377,155

     

377,720

 
Shareholders' equity:              
  Common stock  

2,882

     

2,854

 
  Additional paid-in capital  

311,156

     

294,367

 
  Retained earnings  

858,800

     

802,096

 
  Accumulated other comprehensive gain  

37,095

     

45,365

 
  Less common stock held in treasury  

(432,226

)    

(393,509

)
  Total shareholders' equity  

777,707

     

751,173

 
                 
  Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

$

1,154,862

   

$

1,128,893

 

* Unaudited
** Condensed from audited financial statements

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

4


MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

                 

Nine Months Ended

(thousands of dollars)    

Sept. 28, 2008

     

Sept. 30,
2007

 
Operating Activities:                
Net income (loss)  

$

59,550

   

$

(80,276

)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations    

7,973

     

(37,263

)
Income (loss) from continuing operations    

51,577

     

(43,013

)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash                
   provided by operating activities:                
    Depreciation, depletion and amortization    

61,186

     

65,494

 
  Writedown of impaired assets    

--

     

94,070

 
  Payments relating to restructuring activities    

(12,900

)    

--

 
  Tax benefits related to stock incentive programs    

1,671

     

1,961

 
  Pension settlement loss    

5,062

     

--

 
  Other non-cash items    

8,252

     

(11,901

)
  Net changes in operating assets and liabilities    

(37,267

)    

19,409

 
Net cash provided by continuing operations    

77,581

     

126,020

 
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations    

1,632

     

(5,939

)
Net cash provided by operating activities    

79,213

     

120,081

 
Investing Activities:                
Purchases of property, plant and equipment    

(24,247

)    

(38,053

)
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments    

520

     

12,252

 
Purchases of short-term investments    

(8,357

)    

(9,527

)
Other    

491

     

43

 
Net cash used in investing activities - continuing operations    

(31,593

)    

(35,285

)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities -                
  discontinued operations    

11,360

     

(3,018

)
Net cash used in investing activities    

(20,233

)    

(38,303

)
Financing Activities:                
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt    

--

     

7,741

 
Repayment of long-term debt    

(16,757

)    

(3,829

)
Net proceeds (repayment) of short-term debt

5,076

(55,820

)
Purchase of common shares for treasury    

(37,540

)    

(7,639

)
Proceeds from issuance of stock under option plan    

11,129

     

12,664

 
Excess tax benefits related to stock incentive programs    

622

     

605

 
Cash dividends paid    

(2,846

)    

(2,877

)
Net cash used in financing activities    

(40,316

)    

(49,155

)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and                
   cash equivalents    

3,466

     

6,695

 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents    

22,130

     

39,318

 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period    

128,985

     

67,929

 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period  

$

151,115

   

$

107,247

 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:                
Interest paid  

$

3,638

   

$

7,423

 
Income taxes paid  

$

17,082

   

$

12,284

 
Non-cash financing activities:                
    Treasury stock purchases settled after period-end  

$

1,177

   

$

--

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

5


MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

 

Note 1.  Basis of Presentation

     The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. Therefore, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the financial information for the periods indicated, have been included. The results for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 28, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2008.

Note 2.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

     Use of Estimates

     The Company employs accounting policies that are in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and require management to make estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reported period. Significant estimates include those related to revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, valuation of inventories, valuation of long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets, pension plan assumptions, income tax, valuation allowances, and litigation and environmental liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Note 3.  Earnings Per Share (EPS)

     Basic earnings per share are based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share are based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period assuming the issuance of common shares for all dilutive potential common shares outstanding.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

Basic EPS
(in millions, except per share data)
 

Sept. 28, 2008

     

Sept. 30,
2007

     

Sept. 28, 2008

     

Sept. 30, 2007

 
                               

Income (loss) from continuing operations

$

16,057

   

$

(71,743

)  

$

51,577

   

$

(43,013

)

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

 

2,951

     

(33,728

)    

7,973

     

(37,263

)
 

Net income (loss)

$

19,008

   

$

(105,471

)  

$

59,550

   

$

(80,276

)
                               

Weighted average shares outstanding

 

18,859

     

19,273

     

18,957

     

19,172

 
                               

Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations

$

0.85

    $

(3.72

)  

$

2.72

   

$

(2.24

)

Basic earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations

 

0.16

     

(1.75

)    

0.42

     

(1.95

)
 

Basic earnings (loss) per share

$

1.01

   

$

(5.47

)  

$

3.14

   

$

(4.19

)

6


MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

Diluted EPS
(in millions, except per share data)
 

Sept. 28, 2008

     

Sept. 30, 2007

     

Sept. 28, 2008

     

Sept. 30, 2007

 
Income (loss) from continuing operations

$

16,057

   

$

(71,743

)  

$

51,577

   

$

(43,013

)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations  

2,951

     

(33,728

)    

7,973

     

(37,263

)
              Net income (loss)

$

19,008

   

$

(105,471

)  

$

59,550

   

$

(80,276

)
                               
Weighted average shares outstanding  

18,859

     

19,273

     

18,957

     

19,172

 
Dilutive effect of stock options and stock units  

103

     

--

     

107

     

--

 
              Weighted average shares outstanding, adjusted  

18,962

     

19,273

     

19,064

     

19,172

 
                               
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations

$

0.85

   

$

(3.72

)  

$

2.71

   

$

(2.24

)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share                              
  from discontinued operations  

0.15

     

(1.75

)    

0.41

     

(1.95

)
              Diluted earnings (loss) per share

$

1.00

   

$

(5.47

)  

$

3.12

   

$

(4.19

)

     The weighted average diluted common shares outstanding for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2007 excludes the dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock, as inclusion of these would be anti-dilutive. During the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2007, approximately 228,000 and 220,000 common equivalent shares, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they would have been anti-dilutive.

     Additionally, options to purchase 422,643 shares and 795,224 shares of common stock for the three months and nine months ended September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive, as the exercise prices of the options were greater than the average market price of the shares.

Note 4.   Discontinued Operations

     During the third quarter of 2007, the Company conducted an in-depth strategic review of its operations. This review resulted in a realignment of its operations, which included the exiting of certain businesses.

     Accordingly, during the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company classified its Synsil operations and its plants at Mount Vernon, Indiana and Wellsville, Ohio as discontinued operations. These operations were part of the Company's Specialty Minerals segment. The remaining assets of these operations are held for disposal. During the second quarter of 2008, the Company sold two of its idle Synsil operations in Chester, South Carolina and Woodville, Ohio for approximately $7.5 million. This resulted in a pre-tax gain of approximately $6.5 million ($4.3 million after-tax). During the third quarter of 2008, the Company sold its Synsil facility at Cleburne, Texas for $4.0 million. This resulted in a pre-tax gain of approximately $3.7 million ($2.4 million after-tax). The Company does not anticipate the ongoing operating cash flows of the remaining operations to be significant.

     The following table details selected financial information for the discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations. The amounts exclude general corporate overhead and interest expense which were previously allocated to the entities comprising discontinued operations.

 

 

 

 

7


MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

Thousands of Dollars  

Sept. 28, 2008

     

Sept. 30, 2007

     

Sept. 28, 2008

     

Sept. 30, 2007

 
Net sales

$

6.0

   

$

7.7

   

$

18.7

   

$

23.8

 
Production margin  

1.5

     

(2.2

)

   

3.0

     

(5.3

)
Expenses  

(0.2

)    

(1.0

)

   

(0.6

)    

(3.4

)
Impairment of assets  

--

     

(46.9

)

   

--

     

(46.9

)
Restructuring and other costs  

(0.4

)    

(2.1

)

   

(0.1

)    

(2.1

)
Gain on sale of assets  

3.7

     

--

     

10.2

     

0.1

 
Income (loss) from operations

$

4.6

   

$

(52.2

)

 

$

12.5

   

$

(57.6

)
Provision (benefit) for taxes on income

$

1.6

   

$

(18.5

)

 

$

4.5

   

$

(20.3

)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

$

3.0

   

$

(33.7

)

 

$

8.0

   

$

(37.3

)

     The major classes of assets and liabilities held for disposal in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:

Millions of Dollars

 

Sept. 28, 2008

   

Dec. 31,
2007

 
Assets:            
    Accounts receivable

$

2.3

 

$

4.3

 
  Inventories  

5.8

   

10.2

 
  Property, plant and equipment, net  

9.9

   

11.5

 
  Goodwill  

1.6

   

1.6

 
Assets held for disposal

$

19.6

 

$

27.6

 
             
Liabilities:            
    Accounts payable

$

0.5

 

$

2.9

 
   Accrued liabilities  

0.9

   

1.9

 
Liabilities of assets held for disposal

$

1.4

 

$

4.8

 

Note 5.   Income Taxes

     Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes." FIN 48 specifies the way companies are to account for uncertainty in income tax reporting and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. As a result of the adoption of FIN 48, the Company recognized a $1.9 million decrease in the liability for unrecognized income tax benefits, resulting in an increase to the January 1, 2007 balance of retained earnings.

     As of September 28, 2008, the Company had approximately $11.9 million of total unrecognized income tax benefits. Included in this amount were a total of $7.1 million of unrecognized income tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the Company's effective tax rate. While it is expected that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will change in the next 12 months, we do not expect the change to have a significant impact on the results of operations or the financial position of the Company.

     The Company's accounting policy prior to the adoption of FIN 48 and upon the adoption of FIN 48 is to recognize interest and penalties accrued, relating to unrecognized income tax benefits as part of its provision for income taxes. The Company had net reversals of approximately $0.8 million and $0.3 million during the third quarter and the first nine months of 2008, respectively, and has an accrued balance of $2.6 million of interest and penalties accrued as of September 28, 2008.

 

 

8


MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

 

     The Company operates in multiple taxing jurisdictions, both within and outside the U.S. In certain situations, a taxing authority may challenge positions that the Company has adopted in its income tax filings. The Company, with a few exceptions (none of which are material), is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, local, and European income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2003.

Note 6.   Inventories

     The following is a summary of inventories by major category:

(millions of dollars)

   

September 28,
2008   

     

December 31,
2007   

 

Raw materials

 

$

63.7

   

$

42.0

 

Work-in-process

   

9.4

     

8.1

 

Finished goods

   

40.7

     

31.2

 

Packaging and supplies

   

22.8

     

22.1

 

Total inventories

 

$

136.6

   

$

103.4

 

Note 7.  Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

     The Company accounts for goodwill and other intangible assets in accordance with SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized, but instead are tested for impairment, at least annually, in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 142.

     The carrying amount of goodwill was $70.6 million, and $72.0 million as of September 28, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. The net change in goodwill since January 1, 2008 was primarily attributable to the effect of foreign exchange.

     Acquired intangible assets subject to amortization as of September 28, 2008 and December 31, 2007 were as follows:

   

September 28, 2008

 

December 31, 2007

(millions of dollars)

   

Gross Carrying Amount

     

Accumulated Amortization

     

Gross Carrying Amount

     

Accumulated Amortization

 

Patents and trademarks

 

$

7.8

   

$

3.3

   

$

7.9

   

$

2.7

 

Customer lists

   

10.7

     

1.9

     

11.1

     

1.4

 

Other

   

0.4

     

0.1

     

0.4

     

0.1

 
   

$

18.9

   

$

5.3

   

$

19.4

   

$

4.2

 

     The weighted average amortization period for acquired intangible assets subject to amortization is approximately 15 years. Estimated amortization expense is $1.2 million for each of the next five years through 2012.

     Included in other assets and deferred charges is an intangible asset of approximately $4.2 million which represents the non-current unamortized amount paid to a customer in connection with contract extensions at eight PCC satellite facilities. In addition, a current portion of $1.6 million is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets. Such amounts will be amortized as a reduction of sales over the remaining lives of the customer contracts. Approximately $0.4 million was amortized in the third quarter of 2008. Estimated amortization as a reduction of sales is as follows: remainder of 2008 - $0.5 million; 2009 - $1.5 million; 2010 - $1.2 million; 2011 - $0.9 million; 2012 - $0.6 million; with smaller reductions thereafter over the remaining lives of the contracts.

 

 

 

 

9


MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

 

Note 8.   Restructuring Costs

     Following an in-depth review of all our operations and development of a new strategic focus, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $16.0 million for restructuring and other costs during the second half of 2007. This charge consists of severance and other employee benefit costs, contract termination costs and other exit costs. Additional restructuring costs of $5.0 million and $7.3 million were recorded in the third quarter and first nine months of 2008, respectively. Included in restructuring charges for the three-month and nine-month periods ending September 28, 2008 is a pension settlement loss of approximately $4.7 million as a result of the workforce reduction associated with the restructuring program initiated in 2007 and the related distribution of pension benefits. The restructuring will result in a total workforce reduction of approximately 250 employees, of which 198 reductions have been implemented as of September 28, 2008.

     A reconciliation of the restructuring liability, as of September 28, 2008, is as follows:

(millions of dollars)

Balance as of
December 31, 2007

 

Additional Provisions

 

Cash Expenditures

 

Other

 

Balance as of September 28,
2008

Severance and other employee benefits

$

12.6

   

$

2.1

   

$

(12.1

)  

$

(0.3

)  

$

2.3

 

Contract termination costs

 

1.8

     

--

     

(0.2

)    

--

     

1.6

 

Other exit costs

 

0.1

     

0.5

     

(0.6

)    

--

     

--

 
 

$

14.5

   

$

2.6

   

$

(12.9

)  

$

(0.3

)  

$

3.9

 

Note 9.   Long-Term Debt and Commitments

     The following is a summary of long-term debt:

(millions of dollars) 

September 28, 2008

  

December 31,
2007  

 

5.53% Series 2006A Senior Notes      
  Due October 5, 2013

$

50.0

 

$

50.0

Floating Rate Series 2006A Senior Notes      
  Due October 5, 2013  

25.0

   

25.0

Variable/Fixed Rate Industrial      
  Development Revenue Bonds Due 2009  

4.0

   

4.0

Economic Development Authority Refunding      
  Revenue Bonds Series 1999 Due 2010  

4.6

   

4.6

Variable/Fixed Rate Industrial      
  Development Revenue Bonds Due August 1, 2012  

8.0

   

8.0

Variable/Fixed Rate Industrial      
  Development Revenue Bonds Series 1999 Due November 1, 2014  

8.2

   

8.2

Variable/Fixed Rate Industrial      
  Development Revenue Bonds Due March 31, 2020  

--

   

5.0

Variable Rate Renminbi Denominated      
  Loan Agreement Due 2009  

--

   

4.8

Installment obligations  

1.4

   

7.9

Other borrowings  

0.4

   

0.7

  Total  

101.6

   

118.2

Less: Current maturities  

0.4

   

7.2

Long-term debt

$

101.2

 

$

111.0

     As of September 28, 2008, the Company had $193.4 million of uncommitted short-term bank credit lines, of which approximately $14.5 million were in use.

     During the first quarter of 2007, the Company entered into a series of Renminbi ("RMB") denominated loan agreements through two of its consolidated joint ventures in China with the Communication Bank of China totaling RMB 60.0 million ($6.5 million). During 2007, the Company repaid RMB 25.0 million of principal related to these

 

10


MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

 loans. During the first quarter of 2008, the Company repaid the remaining RMB 35.0 million related to these loans. The interest rate on these loans was approximately 7.56% for the first quarter of 2008.

     On June 9, 2000 the Company entered into a twenty-year, taxable, Variable/Fixed Rate Industrial Development Revenue Bond agreement to finance a portion of the construction of a merchant manufacturing facility for the production of Specialty PCC in Brookhaven, Mississippi. This facility has ceased operations during the first quarter of 2008 and the Company repaid this obligation on March 31, 2008.

Note 10.  Pension Plans

     The Company and its subsidiaries have pension plans covering substantially all eligible employees on a contributory or non-contributory basis.

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

(millions of dollars)  

Pension Benefits

     

Three Months Ended

     

Nine Months Ended

 
     

Sept. 28, 2008

     

Sept. 30, 2007

     

Sept. 28, 2008

     

Sept. 30, 2007

 
Service cost  

$

1.7

   

$

1.8

   

$

5.9

   

$

6.4

 
Interest cost    

2.9

     

2.6

     

9.1

     

8.6

 
Expected return on plan assets    

(4.5

)    

(4.5

)    

(14.4

)    

(14.0

)
Settlement loss    

5.1

     

--

     

5.1

     

--

 
Amortization:                                
  Prior service cost    

0.4

     

0.4

     

1.2

     

1.1

 
  Recognized net actuarial loss    

0.6

     

0.6

     

1.6

     

2.3

 
  Net periodic benefit cost  

$

6.2

   

$

0.9

   

$

8.5

   

$

4.4

 

 

(millions of dollars)  

Other Benefits

     

Three Months Ended

     

Nine Months Ended

 
     

Sept. 28, 2008

     

Sept. 30, 2007

     

Sept. 28, 2008

     

Sept. 30, 2007

 
Service cost  

$

0.6

   

$

0.6

   

$

1.8

   

$

1.9

 
Interest cost    

0.6

     

0.5

     

1.8

     

1.8

 
Amortization:                                
  Prior service cost    

0.1

     

0.1

     

0.4

     

0.4

 
  Recognized net actuarial loss    

0.1

     

0.2

     

0.2

     

0.7

 
  Net periodic benefit cost  

$

1.4

   

$

1.4

   

$

4.2

   

$

4.8

 

     Amortization amounts of prior service costs and recognized net actuarial losses are recorded, net of tax, as increases to accumulated other comprehensive income.

     During the third quarter of 2008, the Company recorded a pre-tax pension settlement charge of $5.1 million related to employees that received lump-sum distributions in connection with the restructuring program initiated in 2007. These charges were recorded in accordance with SFAS No. 88, "Employers' Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Plans and for Termination of Benefits." Approximately $0.4 million of this charge was included in discontinued operations.

Employer Contributions

     The Company previously reported that it may contribute $10 million to its pension plan and has now revised it to $5 million. The Company expects to contribute $2 million to its other post retirement benefit plans in 2008. As of September 28, 2008, $1.8 million has been contributed to the pension fund and approximately $1.3 million has been contributed to the post retirement benefit plans.

 

11


MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Note 11.  Comprehensive Income

     The following are the components of comprehensive income:

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

(millions of dollars)

 

Sept. 28, 2008

     

Sept. 30, 2007

     

Sept. 28, 2008

     

Sept. 30, 2007

 

Net income (loss)

$

19.0

   

$

(105.5

)  

$

59.6

   

$

(80.3

)

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

                             

  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

(25.4

)    

20.0

     

(4.6

)    

35.0

 
 

Pension and postretirement plan adjustments

 

(5.1

)    

0.6

     

(3.9

)    

2.7

 
 

Cash flow hedges:

                             
 

Net derivative gains (losses) arising during the period

 

0.1

     

0.1

     

0.2

     

--

 
 

Reclassification adjustment

 

--

     

--

     

--

     

0.1

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

$

(11.4

)  

$

(84.8

)  

$

51.3

   

$

(42.5

)

     The components of accumulated other comprehensive gain, net of related tax, are as follows:

(millions of dollars)

 

September 28,
2008

     

December 31,
2007

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

$

77.1

   

$

81.7

 

Unrecognized pension costs

 

(40.1

)    

(36.2

)

Net loss on cash flow hedges

 

0.1

     

(0.1

)

Accumulated other comprehensive gain

$

37.1

   

$

45.4

 

Note 12.  Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations

     SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations" establishes the financial accounting and reporting obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets and the associated asset retirement costs. The Company records asset retirement obligations in which the Company will be required to retire tangible long-lived assets. These are primarily related to its PCC satellite facilities and mining operations. The Company has also adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 47, "Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations," related to conditional asset retirement obligations at its facilities. The Company has recorded asset retirement obligations at all of its facilities except where there are no legal or contractual obligations. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset.

     The following is a reconciliation of asset retirement obligations as of September 28, 2008:

(millions of dollars)

     

Asset retirement liability, December 31, 2007

$

12.9

 

Additions

 

0.1

 

Accretion expense

 

0.5

 

Payments

 

(0.1

)

Asset retirement liability, September 28, 2008

$

13.4

 

     Approximately $0.4 million is included in other current liabilities and $13.0 million is included in other non-current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 28, 2008.

12


MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Note 13.  Non-Operating Income and Deductions

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

(millions of dollars)

 

Sept. 28, 2008

     

Sept. 30, 2007

     

Sept. 28, 2008

     

Sept. 30, 2007

 
    Interest income

$

1.5

   

$

0.7

   

$

3.6

   

$

1.8

 
  Interest expense  

(1.2

)    

(2.0

)    

(3.8

)    

(7.1

)
  Foreign exchange gains (losses)  

0.3

     

--

     

(0.8

)    

(0.1

)
  Other deductions  

(0.3

)    

--

     

(0.9

)    

(0.3

)
Non-operating income (deductions), net

$

0.3

   

$

(1.3

)  

$

(1.9

)  

$

(5.7

)

Note 14.  Segment and Related Information

     Segment information for the three and nine-month periods ended September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007 were as follows:

 

Net Sales

(millions of dollars)
 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

   

Sept. 28, 2008

     

Sept. 30, 2007

     

Sept. 28, 2008

     

Sept. 30, 2007

 
Specialty Minerals

$

186.7

   

$

179.5

   

$

556.6

   

$

536.3

 
Refractories  

108.2

     

87.0

     

315.6

     

267.2

 
Total

$

294.9

   

$

266.5

   

$

872.2

   

$

803.5

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Operations

(millions of dollars)
 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

   

Sept. 28, 2008

     

Sept. 30, 2007

     

Sept. 28, 2008

     

Sept. 30, 2007

 
Specialty Minerals

$

13.5

   

$

(70.7

)  

$

51.9

   

$

(36.3

)

Refractories  

9.9

     

(11.5

)    

27.7

     

3.7

 
Total

$

23.4

   

$

(82.2

)  

$

79.6

   

$

(32.6

)

     Included in income from operations for the Specialty Minerals segment for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 28, 2008 were restructuring costs of $3.3 million and $4.6 million, respectively.

     Included in loss from operations for the Specialty Minerals segment for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2007 were restructuring costs of $9.9 million and an impairment of assets charge of $79.3 million.

     Included in income from operations for the Refractories segment for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 28, 2008 were restructuring costs of $1.7 million and $2.7 million, respectively.

     Included in income (loss) from operations for the Refractories segment for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2007 were restructuring costs of $2.2 million and an impairment of assets charge of $14.8 million.

 

13


MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

     The carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment as of September 28, 2008 and December 31, 2007 was as follows:

 

Goodwill

 

Three Months Ended

   

September 28, 2008  

     

December 31, 2007  

 
Specialty Minerals

$

14.5

   

$

15.3

 
Refractories  

56.1

     

56.7

 
Total

$

70.6

   

$

72.0

 

     A reconciliation of the totals reported for the operating segments to the applicable line items in the condensed consolidated financial statements is as follows:

Income (loss) before provision for taxes on
     income, minority interests and
     discontinued operations:
 
 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

   

Sept. 28, 2008

     

Sept. 30, 2007

     

Sept. 28, 2008

     

Sept. 30, 2007

 
                               
Income (loss) from operations for reportable segments

$

23.4

   

$

(82.2

)  

$

79.6

   

$

(32.6

)

Unallocated corporate expenses  

(0.4

)    

--

     

(0.7

)    

--

 
Consolidated income (loss) from operations  

23.0

     

(82.2

)    

78.9

     

(32.6

)

Non-operating income (deductions) from operations  

0.3

     

(1.3

)    

(2.0

)    

(5.7

)

Income (loss) before provision for taxes on income,                              
  minority interests and discontinued operations

$

23.3

   

$

(83.5

)  

$

76.9

   

$

(38.3

)

     The Company's sales by product category are as follows:

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

   

Sept. 28, 2008

     

Sept. 30, 2007

     

Sept. 28, 2008

     

Sept. 30, 2007

 
Paper PCC

$

141.7

   

$

134.9

   

$

421.7

   

$

402.4

 
Specialty PCC  

15.5

     

15.4

     

46.6

     

46.0

 
Talc  

9.8

     

9.3

     

28.5

     

28.4

 
Ground Calcium Carbonate  

19.7

     

19.9

     

59.8

     

59.5

 
Refractory Products  

86.7

     

69.5

     

255.6

     

214.3

 
Metallurgical Products  

21.5

     

17.5

     

60.0

     

52.9

 
  Net sales

$

294.9

   

$

266.5

   

$

872.2

   

$

803.5

 

Note 15.  Subsequent Event

     In October 2008, the Company sold its idle operation in Wellsville, Ohio, for approximately $3.6 million. This resulted in a pre-tax gain of approximately $3.5 million ($2.1 million after-tax) that will be recorded in discontinued operations in the fourth quarter of 2008.

14


 

REVIEW REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Minerals Technologies Inc.:

     We have reviewed the condensed consolidated balance sheet of Minerals Technologies Inc. and subsidiary companies as of September 28, 2008 and the related condensed consolidated statements of income for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007, and the related condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine-month periods ended September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007. These condensed consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the company's management.

     We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures to financial data and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

     Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the condensed consolidated financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

     We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of Minerals Technologies Inc. and subsidiary companies as of December 31, 2007, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated February 27, 2008, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2007 is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

 

/s/ KPMG LLP

 

 

New York, New York
October 27, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15


 

ITEM 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Income and Expense Items
as a Percentage of Net Sales

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

   

Sept. 28, 2008

     

Sept. 30, 2007

     

Sept. 28, 2008

     

Sept. 30, 2007

 
Net sales  

100.0

%    

100.0 

%    

100.0

%    

100.0 

%

Cost of goods sold  

79.8

     

78.9

     

79.1

     

78.5

 
                               
Production margin  

20.2

     

21.1

     

20.9

     

21.5

 
Marketing and administrative expenses  

8.8

     

9.6

     

9.0

     

9.8

 
Research and development expenses  

1.9

     

2.5

     

2.0

     

2.5

 
Restructuring and other costs  

1.7

     

4.6

     

0.9

     

1.5

 
Impairment of assets  

--

     

35.3

     

--

     

11.7

 
                               
Income from operations  

7.8

     

*

     

9.0

     

*

 
                               
Income from continuing operations  

5.4

     

*

     

5.9

     

*

 
                               
Income from discontinued operations  

1.0

     

*

     

0.9

     

*

 
Net income  

6.4

%    

*

%    

6.8

%    

*

%

*Percentage not meaningful

Executive Summary

     Consolidated sales for the third quarter of 2008 increased 11% over the prior year to $294.9 million from $266.5 million. Sales growth was primarily due to increased pricing necessitated by higher raw material costs and to foreign exchange, which had a favorable impact on sales growth of approximately $10.3 million or 4 percentage points of growth. Operating income was $23.0 million as compared to a loss of $82.2 million in the prior year. Included in operating income in the third quarter of 2008 are restructuring costs of $5.0 million. Included in the operating loss of the prior year were restructuring costs of $12.1 million and an impairment of assets charge of $94.1 million. Income from continuing operations was $16.1 million as compared to a loss of $71.7 million in the prior year. Included in income from discontinued operations is a gain of $2.4 million primarily related to the sale of our idle Synsil facility in Cleburne, Texas. Net income was $19.0 million as compared to a loss of $105.5 million.

Third quarter results were positively affected by the benefits derived from the restructuring program announced in the third quarter of 2007, increased selling prices in all product lines, particularly in our Refractories segment, expense and manufacturing cost savings, mix in the refractory and metallurgical product lines and the effects of foreign exchange. This was partially offset by the continued decline in the residential construction and automotive markets affecting the Processed Minerals product line, additional volume losses in PCC due to consolidations in the paper industry, particularly in North America and significant raw material and energy cost increases in both segments.

     The Company will continue to focus on innovation and new product development and other opportunities for continued growth as follows:

 •

Increasing our sales of PCC for paper by further penetration of the markets for paper filling at both freesheet and groundwood mills;

 •

Development of the filler-fiber composite program, to increase the fill-rate for uncoated freesheet paper, which continues to undergo large-scale paper machine trials;

 •

Further development of the Company's PCC coating products for use in the satellite model;

 

 

16

 


 

 •

Leverage the Company's expertise in crystal engineering, especially in helping papermakers customize PCC morphologies for specific paper applications;

 •

Development of unique calcium carbonates used in the manufacture of novel biopolymers, an emerging market opportunity;

 •

Rapid deployment of value-added formulations of refractory materials that not only reduce costs but improve performance; and

 •

Continuing our penetration in emerging markets through our manufacturing facility in China and our 2006 acquisition in Turkey, both within the Refractories segment.

     However, there can be no assurance that we will achieve success in implementing any one or more of these opportunities.

We face some significant risks and challenges in the future:

 •

We are facing unprecedented uncertainty in this economic environment as a result of the global financial crisis. Our global business could be adversely affected by general decreases in economic activity. Also, the current tightening of credit in the financial markets could adversely affect the ability of our customers to obtain financing for purchases, negatively impacting our sales;

 •

The uncertainty in the global economy may also impact our worldwide pension assets. Changes in the fair market value of our pension assets, rates of return on assets, and discount rates could significantly impact our net periodic pension costs in 2009 as well as our funding requirements.

 •

Our success depends in part on the performance of the industries we serve, particularly papermaking and steel making. Some of our customers may experience further consolidations and shutdowns or may face increased liquidity issues, which could deteriorate the aging of our accounts receivable and increase our bad debt exposure;

 •

Consolidations in the paper and steel industries concentrate purchasing power in the hands of fewer customers, increasing pricing pressure on suppliers such as Minerals Technologies Inc.;

 •

Most of our Paper PCC sales are subject to long-term contracts that may be terminated pursuant to their terms, or may be renewed on terms less favorable to us;

 •

Our filler-fiber composite technology continues in development through customer trials, but has yet to be proven on a long-term commercial scale;

 •

We are subject to rapid escalations on raw material costs in our Paper PCC product line and Refractories segment, including shipping costs, particularly for materials sourced from China. Our ability to recover these escalating costs is uncertain and may become more difficult in this economic environment;

 •

We are subject to potential shortages in supply of magnesium oxide sourced from China due to limited availability of export licenses;

 •

The performance of our Processed Minerals and Specialty PCC product lines are subject to fluctuations in energy costs;

 •

Our Processed Minerals and Specialty PCC product lines are highly influenced by the continued deterioration in the domestic building, construction and automotive markets; and

 •

As we expand our operations abroad we face the inherent risks of doing business in many foreign countries, including foreign exchange risk, import and export restrictions, and security concerns.

     During the third quarter of 2008, Katahdin Paper Company shut down indefinitely one of its paper machines in Millinocket, Maine due to increased energy costs. The Company's two unit satellite PCC facility has also shut down indefinitely in conjunction with the paper machine shut down. Katahdin Paper Company is currently evaluating the possibility of decreasing energy consumption with a bio mass boiler. If the Millinocket mill does not resume operations, the Company would incur an impairment of assets charge of approximately $7.0 million.

 

17


Results of Operations

Sales

(millions of dollars)

Third
Quarter
2008

% of Total
Sales

Growth

Third
Quarter
2007

% of Total Sales

Net Sales

U.S  

$

154.2

 

52.3

%  

6

%  

$

144.8

   

54.3

%
International    

140.7

 

47.7

%  

16

%    

121.7

   

45.7

%
     Net sales  

$

294.9

 

100.0

%  

11

%  

$

266.5

   

100.0

%
                                 
Paper PCC  

$

141.7

 

48.0

%  

5

%  

$

134.9

   

50.6

%
Specialty PCC    

15.5

 

5.3

%  

1

%    

15.4

   

5.8

%
       PCC Products  

$

157.2

 

53.3

%  

5

%  

$

150.3

   

56.4

%
Talc  

$

9.8

 

3.3

%  

5

%  

$

9.3

   

3.5

%
Ground Calcium Carbonate    

19.7

 

6.7

%  

(1

)    

19.9

   

7.5

%
      Processed Minerals Products  

$

29.5

 

10.0

%  

1

%  

$

29.2

   

11.0

%
  Specialty Minerals Segment  

$

186.7

 

63.3

%  

4

%  

$

179.5

   

67.4

%
Refractory Products  

$

86.7

 

29.4

%  

25

%  

$

69.5

   

26.1

%
Metallurgical Products    

21.5

 

7.3

%  

23

%    

17.5

   

6.5

%
      Refractories Segment  

$

108.2

 

36.7

%  

24

%  

$

87.0

   

32.6

%
                                 
  Net sales  

$

294.9

 

100.0

%  

11

%  

$

266.5

   

100.0

%

     Worldwide net sales in the third quarter of 2008 increased 11% from the previous year to $294.9 million. The increase in sales was primarily due to higher pricing, necessitated by significant raw material increases and volume growth in our metallurgical product line. In addition, foreign exchange had a favorable impact on sales of approximately $10.3 million or 4 percentage points of growth. Sales in the Specialty Minerals segment, which includes the PCC and Processed Minerals product lines, increased 4% to $186.7 million compared with $179.5 million for the same period in 2007. Sales in the Refractories segment grew 24% over the previous year to $108.2 million.

     Worldwide net sales of PCC, which is primarily used in the manufacturing process of the paper industry, increased 5% in the third quarter to $157.2 million from $150.3 million in the prior year. This growth was due to contractual price increases and energy surcharges. In addition,  foreign exchange had a favorable impact on sales of approximately 4 percentage points of growth. Unit volumes declined in both product lines. Paper PCC sales grew 5% to $141.7 million in the third quarter of 2008 from $134.9 million in the prior year. However, total Paper PCC volumes declined 3%. Weakness in the North American and European markets was partially offset by volume growth, particularly in Asia, and the impact of foreign currency. Sales of Specialty PCC increased 1% to $15.5 million from $15.4 million in the prior year.

     Net sales of Processed Minerals products increased 1% in the third quarter to $29.5 million from $29.2 million in the third quarter of 2007 due primarily to price increases. This product line continues to be affected by weakness in the residential and commercial construction markets, as well as the automotive market. As a result, volumes have declined 10% from the prior year.

     Net sales in the Refractories segment in the third quarter of 2008 increased 24% to $108.2 million from $87.0 million in the prior year. This segment was positively affected by the aforementioned increased selling prices necessitated by significant raw material increases and to the favorable effects of foreign currency. Sales of refractory products and systems to steel and other industrial applications increased 25 percent to $86.7 million from $69.5 million. Sales of metallurgical products within the Refractories segment increased 23 percent to $21.5 million as compared with $17.5 million in the same period last year. This increase was primarily attributable to slightly higher volumes and favorable mix, particularly in North America.

 

18


     Net sales in the United States increased 6% to $154.2 million in the third quarter of 2008. International sales in the third quarter of 2008 increased 16% to $140.7 million from $121.7 million, primarily due to higher selling prices for the pass through of raw material increases and to the effects of foreign exchange.

Operating Costs and Expenses
(millions of dollars)

Third
Quarter
2008

Third
Quarter

2007

Growth

Cost of goods sold

$

235.5

 

$

210.2

 

12 

%
Marketing and administrative

$

26.0

 

$

25.6

 

%
Research and development

$

5.4

 

$

6.7

 

(19)

%
Impairment of assets

$

--

   

94.1

 

* 

 
Restructuring and other costs

$

5.0

 

$

12.1

 

 

   * Percentage not meaningful

     Cost of goods sold was 79.8% of sales compared with 78.9% of sales in the prior year. In the Specialty Minerals segment, production margin decreased 9% as compared with 4% sales growth. This segment has been affected by weakness in the Processed Minerals product line, additional volume loss in the Paper PCC product line due to consolidations in the paper industry, particularly in North America, price concessions in the Paper PCC product line and higher energy and raw material costs. This was partially offset by the recovery of raw material costs, the benefits of the restructuring program and manufacturing cost savings initiatives. In the Refractories segment, production margin increased 31% as compared with the 24% sales growth. This segment benefited from increased selling prices necessitated by higher raw material costs, the benefits of the restructuring program, and favorable product mix in the refractory and metallurgical product lines.

     Marketing and administrative costs increased 2% in the third quarter to $26.0 million from $25.6 million in the prior year, but represented 8.8% of net sales as compared with 9.6% of net sales in the prior year.

     Research and development expenses decreased 19% to $5.4 million and represented 1.9% of net sales as compared with 2.5% of net sales in the prior year.

     Restructuring and other costs during the third quarter of 2008 relate primarily to a SFAS No. 88 pension settlement loss in our defined benefit plan in the U.S. as well as additional provisions for severance and other employee benefits.

     During the third quarter of 2007, the Company initiated a plan to realign its operations as a result of an in-depth strategic review of all of its operations. This realignment resulted in impairment of assets charges and restructuring charges as follows:

     Impairment of assets charges:

Paper PCC

$

65.3

 
Specialty PCC  

12.7

 
Total PCC  

78.0

 
Processed Minerals

1.3

 
     Specialty Minerals Segment  

79.3

 
  Refractories Segment  

14.8

 
 

$

94.1

 

     Restructuring and other costs:

Severance and other employee benefits

$

9.2

 
Contract termination costs

2.3

 
Other exit costs  

0.6

 
 

$

12.1

 

     The restructuring also resulted in inventory write-downs of $1.4 million which were included in cost of goods sold.

 

19


     The impairment of assets charge included a write-down of an intangible asset of $0.5 million related to customer relationships associated with an acquisition in the Refractories segment.

Income (Loss) from Operations
(millions of dollars)
 

Third
Quarter
2008

   

Third
Quarter
2007

 

Growth

 
                 
Income (loss) from operations

$

23.0

 

$

(82.2

)

*

%

     The Company recorded income from operations in the third quarter of 2008 of $23.0 million as compared with a loss from operations of $82.2 million in the prior year. Included in income from operations are restructuring charges of $5.0 million. The loss in the prior year was attributable to an impairment of assets charge of $94.1 million and restructuring and other exit costs of $12.1 million.

     Income from operations in the third quarter of 2008 for the Specialty Minerals segment was $13.5 million, including a restructuring charge of $3.3 million, as compared to a loss of $70.7 million in the prior year. Operating income for the Refractories segment was $9.9 million, including a restructuring charge of $1.7 million, as compared to a loss of $11.5 million in the prior year.

Non-Operating Income (Deductions)  

Third
Quarter

     

Third
Quarter

       
(millions of dollars)  

2008

     

2007

   

Growth

 
Non-operating income (deductions), net

$

0.3

   

$

(1.3)

   

*

%

     In the third quarter of 2008, net non-operating income increased to $0.3 million. This increase was primarily attributable to lower interest expense due to lower interest rates and reduced debt levels. In addition, higher interest income was generated in connection with increased cash on hand.

Provision (Benefit) for Taxes on Income (Loss)  

Third
Quarter

     

Third
Quarter

       
(millions of dollars)  

2008

     

2007

   

Growth

 
                     
Provision (benefit) for taxes on income (loss)

$

6.3

   

$

(12.3)

   

*

%

     The full year effective tax rate is expected to be approximately 30.0 %, which reduced the effective tax rate to 27.2% in the third quarter of 2008. This reduction was primarily due to a change in the geographic mix of earnings. The tax benefit in the prior year was 14.7%. This reduced benefit was primarily attributable to restructuring and impairment losses recorded in certain jurisdictions in which we were unable to record a tax benefit.

Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations  

Third
Quarter

     

Third
Quarter

       
(millions of dollars)  

2008

     

2007

   

Growth

 
Income (loss) from continuing operations

$

16.1

   

$

(71.7)

   

*

%

     The Company recorded income from continuing operations of $16.1 million as compared with a loss of $71.7 million in the prior year.

Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations  

Third
Quarter

     

Third
Quarter

       
(millions of dollars)  

2008

     

2007

   

Growth

 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations

$

3.0

   

$

(33.7)

   

*

%

   * Percentage not meaningful

     In the third quarter of 2008 the Company recognized income from discontinued operations of $3.0 million as compared with a loss in the prior year of $33.7 million. Included in income from discontinued operations for 2008 is

20


 a gain of approximately $2.4 million, net of tax, for the sale of our idle SYNSIL® facility at Cleburne, Texas. The loss in the prior year was primarily attributable to the results of operations of SYNSIL®, restructuring charges of $2.1 million and an impairment of assets charge of $46.9 million.

Net Income (Loss)  

Third
Quarter

     

Third
Quarter

       
(millions of dollars)  

2008

     

2007

   

Growth

 
Net income (loss)

$

19.0

   

$

(105.5)

   

*

%

     Net income was $19.0 million in the third quarter of 2008 as compared with a loss of $105.5 million in the prior year. Diluted earnings per common share were $1.00 per share in the third quarter of 2008 as compared with a loss per common share of $5.47 per share in the prior year.

Nine Months Ended September 28, 2008 as compared with Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007

(millions of dollars)

Nine Months
2008

% of Total
Sales

Growth

Nine Months
2007

% of Total Sales

Net Sales

U.S  

$

461.0

 

52.9

%  

5

%  

$

438.4

   

54.6

%
International    

411.2

 

47.1

%  

13

%    

365.1

   

45.4

%
     Net sales  

$

872.2

 

100.0

%  

9

%  

$

803.5

   

100.0

%
                                 
Paper PCC  

$

421.7

 

48.3

%  

5

%  

$

402.4

   

50.1

%
Specialty PCC    

46.6

 

5.4

%  

1

%    

46.0

   

5.7

%
       PCC Products  

$

468.3

 

53.7

%  

4

%  

$

448.4

   

55.8

%
Talc  

$

28.5

 

3.3

%  

--

%  

$

28.4

   

3.5

%
Ground Calcium Carbonate    

59.8

 

6.8

%  

1

%    

59.5

   

7.4

%
      Processed Minerals Products  

$

88.3

 

10.1

%  

--

%  

$

87.9

   

10.9

%
                                 
  Specialty Minerals Segment  

$

556.6

 

63.8

%  

4

%  

$

536.3

   

66.7

%
                                 
Refractory Products  

$

255.6

 

29.3

%  

19

%  

$

214.3

   

26.7

%
Metallurgical Products    

60.0

 

6.9

%  

13

%    

52.9

   

6.6

%
      Refractories Segment  

$

315.6

 

36.2

%  

18

%  

$

267.2

   

33.3

%
                                 
  Net sales  

$

872.2

 

100.0

%  

9

%  

$

803.5

   

100.0

%

     Worldwide net sales in the nine months ended September 28, 2008 increased 9% from the previous year to $872.2 million. The sales growth was primarily attributable to increased pricing and the effect of foreign exchange which had a favorable impact on sales of approximately $36.4 million or 4 percentage points of growth. Sales in the Specialty Minerals segment, which includes the PCC and Processed Minerals product lines, increased 4% to $556.6 million compared with $536.3 million for the same period in 2007. Sales in the Refractories segment grew 18% over the previous year to $315.6 million.

     Worldwide net sales of PCC increased 4% in the first nine months to $468.3 million from $448.4 million in the prior year. Foreign exchange had a favorable impact on sales of approximately 5 percentage points of growth. Paper PCC sales grew 5% to $421.7 million in the first nine months of 2008 from $402.4 million in the prior year. However, total paper PCC volumes declined 2.5 percent. Weaknesses in the North American and European markets were partially offset by volume growth in Asia and Latin America. Sales of Specialty PCC increased 1% to $46.6 million from $46.0 million in the prior year.

     Net sales of Processed Minerals products increased slightly over prior year in the first nine months of 2008 to $88.3 million, despite volume decreases of 3%, due to price increases to recover energy costs. This product line continues to be affected by weakness in the residential and commercial construction markets, as well as the automotive market.

 

21


 

     Net sales in the Refractories segment in the first nine months of 2008 increased 18% to $315.6 million from $267.2 million in the prior year. This segment was positively impacted by price increases to recover significant raw material increases, favorable product mix in the refractory and metallurgical product line, and volume growth in the metallurgical product line. In addition, foreign exchange had a favorable impact on sales of $15.7 million or approximately 6 percentage points of growth. Sales of refractory products and systems to steel and other industrial applications increased 19 percent to $255.6 million from $214.3 million. Sales of metallurgical products within the Refractories segment increased 13 percent to $60.0 million as compared with $52.9 million in the same period last year. This increase was primarily attributable to higher volumes and favorable product mix in North America.

     Net sales in the United States increased 5% to $461.0 million in first nine months of 2008. International sales in the first nine months of 2008 increased 13% to $411.2 million, primarily due to foreign exchange.

Operating Costs and Expenses
(millions of dollars)

Nine
Months
2008

Nine
Months

2007

Growth

Cost of goods sold

$

689.8

 

$

630.5

 

%
Marketing and administrative

$

78.6

 

$

79.1

 

-- 

%
Research and development

$

17.6

 

$

20.2

 

(13)

%
Impairment of assets

$

--

 

$

94.1

 

 
Restructuring and other costs

$

7.3

 

$

12.1

 

%

   * Percentage not meaningful

     Cost of goods sold was 79.1% of sales compared with 78.5% of sales in the prior year. In the Specialty Minerals segment, production margin decreased 1% as compared with 4% sales growth. This segment has been affected by weakness in the Processed Minerals product line, additional volume loss in the Paper PCC product line due to consolidations in the paper industry, particularly in North America, price concessions in the Paper PCC product line and higher energy and raw material costs. This was partially offset by the recovery of raw material costs, the benefits of the restructuring program and manufacturing cost savings initiatives. In the Refractories segment, production margin increased 16% as compared with the 18% sales growth. This segment has been affected by increased raw material costs, partially offset by the benefits of the restructuring program, price increases, foreign exchange and favorable mix in the refractory and metallurgical product lines.

     Marketing and administrative costs decreased slightly in the first nine months to $78.6 million and represented 9.0% of net sales as compared with 9.8% of net sales in the prior year. This reduction was due to the benefits of the restructuring program and other cost savings initiatives.

     Research and development expenses decreased 13% to $17.6 million and represented 2.0% of net sales as compared with 2.5% of net sales in the prior year.

     Restructuring and other costs in the first nine months relate to the aforementioned pension settlement loss, additional provisions for severance and other employee benefits and other exit costs associated with facilities that are not operating.

          During the third quarter of 2007, the Company initiated a plan to realign its operations as a result of an in-depth strategic review of all of its operations. This realignment resulted in impairment of assets charges and restructuring charges as follows:

 

22


 

     Impairment of assets charges:

Paper PCC

$

65.3

 
Specialty PCC  

12.7

 
Total PCC  

78.0

 
Processed Minerals

1.3

 
     Specialty Minerals Segment  

79.3

 
  Refractories Segment  

14.8

 
 

$

94.1

 

     Restructuring and other costs:

Severance and other employee benefits

$

9.2

 
Contract termination costs

2.3

 
Other exit costs  

0.6

 
 

$

12.1

 

     The restructuring also resulted in inventory write-downs of $1.4 million which were included in cost of goods sold.

     The impairment of assets charge includes a write-down of an intangible asset of $0.5 million related to customer relationships associated with an acquisition in the Refractories segment

Income (Loss) from Operations
(millions of dollars)
 

Nine Months
2008

   

Nine Months
2007

 

Growth

 
                 
Income (loss) from operations

$

78.9

 

$

(32.6)

 

*

%

     The Company recorded income from operations of $78.9 million in the first nine months of 2008 as compared to a loss of $32.6 million in the prior year. The loss in the prior year was attributable to the aforementioned impairment of assets charges and restructuring and other exits costs.

     Income from operations for the Specialty Minerals segment was $51.9 million as compared to a loss of $36.3 in the prior year. Operating income for this segment was impacted by the aforementioned factors affecting production margin but were offset by lower expense levels than in the prior year. Operating income for the Refractories segment was $27.7 million as compared with $3.7 million in the prior year.

Non-Operating Deductions
(millions of dollars)
 

Nine Months
2008

     

Nine Months
2007

   

Growth

 
             
Non-operating deductions, net

$

(2.0)

   

$

(5.7)

   

(66)

%

     For the first nine months of 2008, net non-operating deductions decreased 66% to $2.0 million. This decrease was primarily attributable to lower interest expense relating to lower interest rates and reduced debt levels. In addition, higher interest income was generated on increased cash balances.

Provision for Taxes on Income (Loss)
(millions of dollars)
 

Nine Months
2008

     

Nine Months
2007

   

Growth

 
             
                     
Provision for taxes on income (loss)

$

22.9

   

$

2.6

   

*

%

     The effective tax rate was 29.8% for the first nine months of 2008. In the prior year, the Company recorded a provision for income tax of $2.6 million on losses of $38.3 million. This was primarily attributable to restructuring and impairment losses recorded in certain jurisdictions in which we were unable to record a tax benefit.

 

 

23


 

Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations
(millions of dollars)
 

Nine Months
2008

     

Nine Months
2007

   

Growth

 
             
Income (loss) from continuing operations

$

51.6

   

$

(43.0)

   

*

%

     Income from continuing operations was $51.6 million as compared to a loss of $43.0 million in the prior year.

 

Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations
(millions of dollars)

 

Nine Months
2008

     

Nine Months
2007

   

Growth

 
             
Income (loss) from discontinued operations

$

8.0

   

$

(37.3)

   

*

%

   * Percentage not meaningful

     In the first nine months of 2008 the Company recognized income from discontinued operations of $8.0 million as compared with a loss in the prior year of $37.3 million. Included in income from discontinued operations for 2008 is a gain of approximately $6.7 million, net of tax, for the sale of our idle SYNSIL® facilities. The loss in the prior year was primarily attributable to the results of operations of SYNSIL®, restructuring charges of $2.1 million and an impairment of assets charge of $46.9 million.

Net Income (Loss)
(millions of dollars)
 

Nine Months
2008

     

Nine Months
2007

   

Growth

 
             
Net income (loss)

$

59.6

   

$

(80.3)

   

*

%

     Net income was $59.6 million in the first nine months of 2008 as compared to a loss of $80.3 million in the prior year. Diluted earnings per common share was $3.12 per share in the third quarter of 2008 as compared with a loss of $4.19 per share in the prior year.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

     Cash flows in the first nine months of 2008 provided from operations were applied principally to fund capital expenditures, repay debt and repurchase common shares for treasury. Cash provided from operating activities amounted to $79.2 million in the first nine months of 2008 as compared with $120.1 million for the same period last year. The decrease in cash provided from operations was due to payments related to restructuring activities and an increase in working capital when compared with the prior year. Working capital is defined as trade accounts receivable, trade accounts payable and inventories. The working capital increase was primarily due to an increase in accounts receivable, raw material inventories and the effects of foreign exchange. Our days of working capital increased 4 days in the third quarter of 2008 from the fourth quarter of 2007, but decreased 5 days from the prior year's third quarter.

Accounts receivable increased approximately 15% from December 31, 2007. Accounts receivable was also affected by higher sales levels in the third quarter of 2008 than the fourth quarter of 2007 and due to the effect of foreign exchange.

Our inventory levels also increased from year-end levels as the Company accelerated purchases of higher priced raw materials imported from China which were accelerated earlier in the year to avoid potential supply interruptions.

     On October 25, 2005, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the Company's management to repurchase, at its discretion, up to $75 million in additional shares over the next three-year period. As of March 30, 2008, the Company repurchased 1,307,598 shares under this program at an average price of $57.36 per share. This program was completed in February 2008.

     On October 24, 2007, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the Company's management to repurchase, at its discretion, up to $75 million of additional shares over the next two-year period. As of September 28, 2008, 536,274 shares have been purchased under this program at an average price of approximately $63.07 per share.

 

 

24


     On October 23, 2008, our Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend on our common stock of $0.05 per share. No dividend will be payable unless declared by the Board and unless funds are legally available for payment.

     We have $193.4 million in uncommitted short-term bank credit lines, of which $14.5 million were in use at September 28, 2008. We anticipate that capital expenditures for 2008 should approximate $40 million, principally related to the construction of PCC plants and other opportunities that meet our strategic growth objectives. We expect to meet our other long-term financing requirements from internally generated funds, uncommitted bank credit lines and, where appropriate, project financing of certain satellite plants. The aggregate maturities of long-term debt are as follows: remainder of 2008 - $0.4 million; 2009 - $4.0 million; 2010 - $4.6 million; 2011 - $-- million; 2012 - $8.0 million; thereafter - $84.6 million.

Prospective Information and Factors That May Affect Future Results

     The Securities and Exchange Commission encourages companies to disclose forward-looking information so that investors can better understand companies' future prospects and make informed investment decisions. This report may contain forward-looking statements that set out anticipated results based on management's plans and assumptions. Words such as "believes," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "estimates" and words and terms of similar substance, used in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance identify these forward-looking statements.

     Although we believe we have been prudent in our plans and assumptions, we cannot guarantee that the outcomes suggested in any forward-looking statement will be realized. Achievement of future results is subject to risks, uncertainties and inaccurate assumptions. Should known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could vary materially from those anticipated, estimated or projected. Investors should bear this in mind as they consider forward-looking statements and should refer to the discussion of certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions entitled "Cautionary Factors That May Affect Future Results" in Exhibit 99 to this Quarterly Report.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

     In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141 (revised 2007), "Business Combinations" ("Statement No. 141(R)"). Statement No. 141(R) changes the requirements for an acquirer's recognition and measurement of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in a business combination. Statement No. 141(R) is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2008 and should be applied prospectively for all business combinations entered into after the date of adoption.

     In December 2007, the FASB issued Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, "Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements - an amendment of ARB No. 51" ("Statement No. 160"). Statement No. 160 requires (i) that noncontrolling (minority) interests be reported as a component of shareholders' equity, (ii) that net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest be separately identified in the consolidated statement of operations, (iii) that changes in a parent's ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling interest be accounted for as equity transactions, (iv) that any retained noncontrolling equity investment upon the deconsolidation of a subsidiary be initially measured at fair value, and (v) that sufficient disclosures are provided that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. Statement No. 160 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2008 and should be applied prospectively. However, the presentation and disclosure requirements of the statement shall be applied retrospectively for all periods presented. The adoption of the provisions of Statement No. 160 is not anticipated to materially impact the Company's consolidated financial position and results of operations.

          In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-1, "Application of FASB No. 157 to FASB Statement No. 13 and Other Accounting Pronouncements that Address Fair Value Measurements for Purposes of Lease Classification or Measurement under Statement 13" and FSP FAS 157-2, "Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157." FSP 157-1 excludes fair measurements for purposes of lease classification or measurement under FASB Statement 13 from the fair value measurement under FASB Statement 157. FSP 157-2 defers the effective date of Statement 157 for certain non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.

 

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     In March 2008, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, " Disclosures About Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133." This statement amends the disclosure requirements under SFAS 133 and requires companies with derivative instruments to provide enhanced disclosures that would enable financial statement users to understand how derivative instruments affect a company's financial position, financial performance and cash flows. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after November 15, 2008, with early adoption encouraged.

Critical Accounting Policies

     Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.

     On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions, including those related to revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, valuation of inventories, valuation of long-lived assets, pension plan assumptions, stock-based compensation assumptions, income taxes, income tax valuation allowances and litigation and environmental liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that can not readily be determined from other sources. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from those estimates.

ITEM 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

     Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows due to adverse changes in market prices and foreign currency and interest rates. We are exposed to market risk because of changes in foreign currency exchange rates as measured against the U.S. dollar. We do not anticipate that near-term changes in exchange rates will have a material impact on our future earnings or cash flows. However, there can be no assurance that a sudden and significant decline in the value of foreign currencies would not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Approximately 60% of our bank debt bear interest at variable rates; therefore our results of operations would only be affected by interest rate changes to such outstanding bank debt. An immediate 10 percent change in interest rates would not have a material effect on our results of operations over the next fiscal year.     

     We do not enter into derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. When appropriate, we enter into derivative financial instruments, such as forward exchange contracts and interest rate swaps, to mitigate the impact of foreign exchange rate movements and interest rate movements on our operating results. The counterparties are major financial institutions. Such forward exchange contracts, hedges and interest rate swaps would not subject us to additional risk from exchange rate or interest rate movements because gains and losses on these contracts would offset losses and gains on the assets, liabilities, and transactions being hedged.

     We have open forward exchange contracts to purchase approximately $3.2 million of foreign currencies as of September 28, 2008. The contracts mature between September 2008 and January of 2009. The fair value of these instruments at September 28, 2008 was an asset of $0.1 million.

     In the third quarter of 2008, the Company entered into forward contracts to purchase 25 million Euros as a hedge of its net investment in Europe. These contracts mature in October 2013. The fair value of these instruments at September 28, 2008 was an asset of $0.3 million.

ITEM 4.  Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

     As of the end of the period covered by this report, and under the supervision and with participation of the Company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, the Company carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures, pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely 

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alerting them to material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

     The Company is in the process of implementing a global enterprise resource planning ("ERP") system to manage its business operations. As of September 28, 2008, all of our domestic locations were using the new system. The worldwide implementation is expected to be completed over the next few years and involves changes in systems that include internal controls. Although the transition has proceeded to date without material adverse effects, the possibility exists that our migration to the new ERP system could adversely affect the Company's internal controls over financial reporting and procedures. We are reviewing each system as it is being implemented and the controls affected by the implementation of the new systems, and are making appropriate changes to affected internal controls as we implement the new systems. We believe that the controls as modified are appropriate and functioning effectively.    

     There was no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting (other than the ongoing implementation of the ERP system discussed above) during the quarter ended September 28, 2008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  Legal Proceedings

     As previously reported, certain of the Company's subsidiaries are among numerous defendants in a number of cases seeking damages for exposure to silica or to asbestos containing materials. The Company currently has 307 pending silica cases and 26 pending asbestos cases. To date, 1,158 silica cases and 1 asbestos case have been dismissed. Most of these claims do not provide adequate information to assess their merits, the likelihood that the Company will be found liable, or the magnitude of such liability, if any. Additional claims of this nature may be made against the Company or its subsidiaries. At this time management anticipates that the amount of the Company's liability, if any, and the cost of defending such claims, will not have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.

     The Company has not settled any silica or asbestos lawsuits to date. We are unable to state an amount or range of amounts claimed in any of the lawsuits because state court pleading practices do not require identifying the amount of the claimed damage. The aggregate cost to the Company for the legal defense of these cases since inception was approximately $0.1 million. Our experience has been that the Company is not liable to plaintiffs in any of these lawsuits and the Company does not expect to pay any settlements or jury verdicts in these lawsuits.

Environmental Matters

     On April 9, 2003, the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection ("DEP") issued an administrative consent order relating to our Canaan, Connecticut, plant where both our Refractories segment and Specialty Minerals segment have operations. We agreed to the order, which includes provisions requiring investigation and remediation of contamination associated with historic use of polychlorinated biphenyls ("PCBs") at a portion of the site. The following is the present status of the remediation efforts:

Building Decontamination. We have completed the investigation of building contamination and submitted a report characterizing the contamination. We are awaiting review and approval of this report by the regulators. Based on the results of this investigation, we believe that the contamination may be adequately addressed by means of encapsulation through painting of exposed surfaces, pursuant to the Environmental Protection Agency's ("EPA") regulations and have accrued such liabilities as discussed below. However, this conclusion remains uncertain pending completion of the phased remediation decision process required by the regulations.

Groundwater. We have completed investigations of potential groundwater contamination and are preparing a report on the investigations finding that there is no PCB contamination, but some oil contamination of the groundwater. We expect the regulators to require confirmatory long term groundwater monitoring at the site.

 

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Soil. We have completed the investigation of soil contamination and submitted a report characterizing contamination to the regulators. Based on the results of this investigation, we believe that the contamination may be left in place and monitored, pursuant to a site-specific risk assessment, which is underway. However, this conclusion is subject to completion of a phased remediation decision process required by applicable regulations.

     We believe that the most likely form of remediation will be to leave existing contamination in place, encapsulate it, and monitor the effectiveness of the encapsulation.

     We estimate that the cost of the likely remediation above would approximate $400,000, and that amount has been recorded as a liability on our books and records.

     The Company is evaluating options for upgrading the wastewater treatment facilities at its Adams, Massachusetts, plant. This work is being undertaken pursuant to an administrative Consent Order issued by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection on June 18, 2002. The Order required payment of a civil fine in the amount of $18,500, the investigation of options for ensuring that the facility's wastewater treatment ponds will not result in discharge to groundwater, and closure of a historic lime solids disposal area. The Company informed the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection of proposed improvements to the wastewater treatment system on June 29, 2007, and is committed to implementing the improvements by June 1, 2012. Preliminary engineering reviews indicate that the estimated cost of these upgrades to operate this facility beyond 2012 may be between $6 million and $8 million. The Company estimates that remediation costs would approximate $500,000, which has been accrued as of September 28, 2008.

     The Company and its subsidiaries are not party to any other material pending legal proceedings, other than routine litigation incidental to their businesses.

 

ITEM 1A.  Risk Factors

     There have been no material changes to our risk factors from those disclosed in our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K. For a description of Risk Factors, see Exhibit 99 attached to this report.

 

ITEM 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

     Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 Period

 

Total Number of Shares Purchased

 

Average Price Paid Per Share

 

Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of the Publicly Announced Program

 

Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Program

June 30 - July 27

 

99,400

 

$

63.11

   

404,574

 

$

49,607,145

July 28 - August 24

 

52,800

 

$

65.28

   

457,374

 

$

46,160,101

August 25 - September 28

 

78,900

 

$

63.15

   

536,274

 

$

41,177,333

            Total

 

231,100

 

$

63.62

           

     On October 25, 2005, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the Company's management to repurchase, at its discretion, up to $75 million in additional shares over the next three-year period. As of March 30, 2008, the Company repurchased 1,307,598 shares under this program at an average price of $57.36 per share. This program was completed in February 2008.

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     On October 24, 2007, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the Company's management to repurchase, at its discretion, up to $75 million of additional shares over the next two-year period. As of September 28, 2008, 536,274 shares have been purchased under this program at an average price of approximately $63.07 per share.

 

ITEM 6.  Exhibits

Exhibit No.

   

Exhibit Title

 

15

 

Letter Regarding Unaudited Interim Financial Information.

31.1

 

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification executed by the Company's principal executive officer.

31.2

 

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification executed by the Company's principal financial officer.

32

 

Section 1350 Certifications.

99

 

Statement of Cautionary Factors That May Affect Future Results.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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SIGNATURE

 

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

 

          Minerals Technologies Inc.

 
 
 

By:

/s/John A. Sorel

  John A. Sorel
  Senior Vice President-Finance and
  Chief Financial Officer
  (principal financial officer)

 

 

October 27, 2008

 

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