Note 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIESPrinciples of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
Ameron International Corporation and all wholly-owned
subsidiaries ("Ameron" or the "Company"). All material
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Reclassifications
Certain prior-year balances have been reclassified to conform with the current-year presentation
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses.Significant estimates include revenue and costs recorded under percentage-of-completion accounting, assumptions related to benefit plans, goodwill, and reserves associated with management incentives, receivables, inventories, income taxes, self insurance and environmental and legal contingencies.Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue for the Fiberglass-Composite Pipe and Infrastructure Products segments is recognized when risk of ownership and title pass, primarily at the time goods are shipped, provided that an agreement exists between the customer and the Company, the price is fixed or determinable and collection is reasonably assured. Revenue is recognized for the Water Transmission Group primarily under the percentage-of-completion method, typically based on completed units of production, since products are manufactured under enforceable and binding construction contracts, are typically designed for specific applications, are not interchangeable between projects, and are not manufactured for stock. In those cases in which products are manufactured for stock or are not related to specific construction contracts, revenue is recognized under the same criteria used by the other two segments. Revenue under the percentage-of-completion method is subject to a greater level of estimation, which affects the timing of revenue recognition, costs and profits. Estimates are reviewed on a consistent basis and are adjusted periodically to reflect current expectations. Costs attributable to unpriced change orders are treated as costs of contract performance in the period, and contract revenue is recognized if recovery is probable. Disputed or unapproved change orders are treated as claims. Recognition of amounts of additional contract revenue relating to claims occurs when amounts have been received or awarded with recognition based on the percentage-ofcompletion methodology.
Research and Development Costs
Research and development costs, which relate primarily to the development, design and testing of products, are expensed as incurred. Such costs, which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses, were approximately $5,724,000 in 2007, $5,790,000 in 2006, and $4,567,000 in 2005.
Environmental Clean-up Costs
The Company expenses environmental clean-up costs related to existing conditions resulting from past or current operations on a site-by-site basis. Liabilities and costs associated with these matters, as well as other pending litigation and asserted claims arising in the ordinary course of business, require estimates of future costs and judgments based on the knowledge and experience of management and the Company’s legal counsel. When the Company's exposures can be reasonably estimated and are probable, liabilities and expenses are recorded.
Income Taxes
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed for
differences between the financial statement and income tax bases
of assets and liabilities. Such deferred income tax asset and
liability computations are based on enacted tax laws and rates
applicable to periods in which the differences are expected to
reverse. Valuation allowances are established to reduce deferred
income tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized.
Net Income Per Share
Basic net income per share is computed on the basis of the
weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during
the periods presented. Diluted net income per share is computed on
the basis of the weighted-average number of common shares
outstanding plus the effect of outstanding stock options and
restricted stock, using the treasury stock method as follows::
| (In thousands, except per share data) |
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
| Numerator: |
|
|
|
| Income from continuing operations |
$ 61,140 |
50,060 |
29,509 |
| Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes |
6,099 |
2,140 |
3,101 |
| Net income |
$ 67,239 |
52,200 |
32,610 |
| Denominator for basic income per share: |
|
|
|
| Weighted-average shares outstanding, basic |
9,029,487 |
8,731,839 |
8,410,563 |
| Denominator for diluted income per share: |
|
|
|
| Weighted-average shares outstanding, basic |
9,029,487 |
8,731,839 |
8,410,563 |
| Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock |
61,359 |
139,856 |
168,631 |
| Weighted-average shares outstanding, diluted |
9,090,846 |
8,871,695 |
8,579,194 |
| Basic net income per share: |
|
|
|
| Income from continuing operations |
$ 6.77 |
5.73 |
3.51 |
| Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes |
.68 |
.25 |
.37 |
| Net income |
$ 7.45 |
5.98 |
3.88 |
| Diluted net income per share: |
|
|
|
| Income from continuing operations |
$ 6.73 |
5.64 |
3.44 |
| Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes |
.67 |
.24 |
.36 |
| Net income |
$ 7.40 |
5.88 |
3.80 |
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents represent highly liquid investments with
maturities of three months or less when purchased.
Inventory Valuation
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost
determined principally on the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method
except for certain steel inventories used by the Water
Transmission Group that are valued using the last-in, first-out
("LIFO") method. Significant changes in steel levels or costs could
materially impact the Company's financial statements. Reserves
are established for excess, obsolete and rework inventories based
on estimates of salability and forecasted future demand.
Joint Ventures
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures or affiliates ("joint
ventures") over which the Company has significant influence are
accounted for under the equity method of accounting, whereby the
investment is carried at the cost of acquisition, plus the Company's
equity in undistributed earnings or losses since acquisition.
Investments in joint ventures over which the Company does not
have the ability to exert significant influence over the investees'
operating and financing activities are accounted for under the cost
method of accounting. The Company's investment in TAMCO, a
steel mini-mill in California, is accounted for under the equity
method. Investments in Ameron Saudi Arabia, Ltd. and
Bondstrand, Ltd. are accounted for under the cost method due to
management's current assessment of the Company's influence over
these joint ventures.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Items capitalized as property, plant and equipment, including
improvements to existing facilities, are recorded at cost. Construction
in progress represents capital expenditures incurred for assets not yet
placed in service.Capitalized interest was not material for the periods
presented.
Depreciation is computed principally using the straight-line method
based on estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold
improvements are amortized over the shorter of the life of the
improvement or the term of the lease.Useful lives are as follows:
|
Useful Lives in Years |
|
| Buildings |
10-40 |
| Machinery and equipment |
|
| |
Autos, trucks and trailers |
3-8 |
| |
Cranes and tractors |
5-15 |
| |
Manufacturing equipment |
3-15 |
| |
Other |
3-20 |
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over periods
ranging from three to 15 years.
The cost of an acquired business is allocated to the acquired net
assets based on the estimated fair values at the date of acquisition.
The excess of the cost of an acquired business over the aggregate fair
value is recorded as goodwill. Goodwill is not amortized, but
instead tested for impairment at least annually. Such tests require
management to make estimates about future cash flows and other
factors to determine the fair value of the respective assets.
The Company reviews the recoverability of intangible and other
long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may
not be recoverable. If the estimated future, undiscounted cash flows
from the use of an asset are less than its carrying value, a writedown
is recorded to reduce the related asset to estimated fair value.
Self Insurance
The Company typically utilizes third-party insurance subject to
varying retention levels or self insurance and aggregate limits.
The Company is self insured for a portion of the losses and
liabilities primarily associated with workers' compensation claims
and general, product and vehicle liability. Losses are accrued
based upon the Company's estimates of the aggregate liability for
claims incurred using historical experience and certain actuarial
assumptions followed in the insurance industry. The estimate of
self insurance liability includes an estimate of incurred but not
reported claims, based on data compiled from historical
experience.
Foreign Currency Translation
The functional currencies for the Company's foreign operations
are the applicable local currencies. The translation from the
applicable foreign currencies to U.S. dollars is performed for
balance sheet accounts using current exchange rates in effect at
the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts
using a weighted-average exchange rate during the period. The
resulting translation adjustments are recorded in accumulated
other comprehensive income (loss). Translation adjustments
arising from intercompany advances that are permanent in nature
are also included in accumulated other comprehensive income
(loss). Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency
transactions are included in other income, net.
Derivative Financial Instruments and Risk Management
The Company operates internationally, giving rise to exposure to
market risks from changes in foreign exchange rates.From time to
time, derivative financial instruments, primarily foreign exchange
contracts, are used by the Company to reduce those risks. The
Company does not hold or issue financial or derivative financial
instruments for trading or speculative purposes. As of November
30, 2007 and 2006, the Company had foreign currency forward
contracts with an aggregate notional value of $6,299,000 and
$1,803,000, and fair value of $6,301,000 and $1,794,000,
respectively. The Company does not apply hedge accounting for
these derivative financial instruments. These derivatives are not
designated as hedges. Net changes in fair values of the underlying
instruments are recognized in earnings
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The fair value of financial instruments, other than long-term debt
or derivatives, approximates the carrying value because of the
short-term nature of such instruments.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that subject the Company to credit risk
consist primarily of cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, and
forward foreign exchange contracts. The Company records an
allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical experience and
expected trends. Credit risk with respect to trade accounts
receivable is generally distributed over a large number of entities
comprising the Company's customer base and is geographically
dispersed. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its
customers, maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts and, in
certain instances, maintains credit insurance. The Company
actively evaluates the creditworthiness of the financial institutions
with which it conducts business.
Stock-Based Compensation
Prior to December 1, 2005, the Company applied Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees”, and related interpretations in accounting for its
various stock compensation plans. Effective December 1, 2005,
the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based
Payments”, using the Modified Prospective Application method.
SFAS No. 123 (R) requires the Company to measure all employee
stock-based compensation awards using the fair-value method
and to record such expense in its consolidated financial
statements as described in Note (13). Under the Modified
Prospective Application method, financial results for the prior
periods have not been adjusted.
Other Comprehensive Loss
The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss (net of
tax, except for foreign currency translation) at November 30,were as
follows:
| (In thousands) |
2007 |
2006 |
|
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
$ 8,128 |
$ (82) |
| Comprehensive loss from TAMCO |
(1,146) |
(1,096) |
| Unrecognized pension and postretirement expense |
(6,035) |
— |
| Minimum pension liability adjustment |
(10,817) |
(26,054) |
| |
|
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
$ (9,870) |
$ (27,232) |
New Accounting Pronouncements
In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”)
issued Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 48,“Accounting for Uncertainty in
Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.” FIN
No. 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes
recognized in an entity’s financial statements in accordance with
Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 109 and
prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for
financial statement disclosure of tax positions taken or expected to
be taken on a tax return. The minimum threshold is defined in FIN
No. 48 as a tax position that is more likely than not to be sustained
upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including
resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on
the technical merits of the position.The tax benefit to be recognized
is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty
percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. FIN No. 48
must be applied to all existing tax positions upon initial adoption.
The cumulative effect of applying FIN No. 48 at adoption is to be
reported as an adjustment to beginning retained earnings for the
year of adoption. FIN No. 48 is effective for the first quarter of the
Company’s 2008 fiscal year and is not expected to have a material
effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value
Measurements,” which formally defines fair value, creates a
standardized framework for measuring fair value in generally
accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), and expands fair value
measurement disclosures. SFAS No. 157 will be effective for the first
quarter of the year ending November 30, 2008. The Company is
evaluating whether the adoption of SFAS No.157 will have a material
effect on its consolidated financial statements.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, "Employers’
Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement
Plans," amending FASB Statement No. 87, “Employers’ Accounting
for Pensions,” FASB Statement No. 88, “Employers’ Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and
for Termination Benefits,” FASB Statement No. 106, “Employers’
Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions,” and
FASB Statement No. 132, “Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions
and Other Postretirement Benefits.” SFAS No. 158 requires
companies to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a
defined benefit postretirement plan (other than a multiemployer
plan) as an asset or liability in its financial statements and to
recognize changes in that status in the year in which the changes
occur. SFAS No. 158 also requires a company to measure the funded
status of a plan as of the date of its year-end financial statements.
The Company adopted the recognition provisions of SFAS No. 158 in
fiscal year 2007. See Note (16) for information regarding the impact
of adopting the recognition provisions of SFAS No. 158. The
Company has not yet adopted the measurement provisions which
are not effective until fiscal year 2009. The Company is evaluating
whether the adoption of the measurement provision of SFAS No. 158
will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
In September 2006, the FASB issued Emerging Issues Task Force
(“EITF”) Issue No. 06-4, “Accounting for Deferred Compensation
and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Endorsement Split-Dollar
Life Insurance Arrangements,” effective for fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 2007. EITF Issue No. 06-4 requires that, for split-dollar
life insurance arrangements providing a benefit to an
employee extending to postretirement periods, an employer should
recognize a liability for future benefits in accordance with SFAS No.
106. EITF Issue No. 06-4 requires that recognition of the effects of
adoption should be either by (a) a change in accounting principle
through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of
the beginning of the year of adoption or (b) a change in accounting
principle through retrospective application to all prior periods. The
Company is evaluating whether the adoption of EITF Issue No. 06-4
will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value
Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” SFAS No. 159
permits companies to choose to measure many financial
instruments and certain other items at fair value. SFAS No. 159
seeks to improve the overall quality of financial reporting by
providing companies the opportunity to mitigate volatility in
reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities
differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting
provisions. SFAS No. 159 will be effective for the year ending
November 30, 2008. The Company is evaluating whether the
adoption of SFAS No. 159 will have a material effect on its
consolidated financial statements.
| Supplemental Cash Flow Information |
| (In thousands) |
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
|
|
|
|
| Interest paid |
$ 3,996 |
$ 4,891 |
$ 5,863 |
| Income taxes paid |
18,687 |
9,663 |
18,244 |
Business Acquisitions
In October 2007, the Company acquired Polyplaster, Ltda.
(“Polyplaster”) for $5,977,000 plus an earn out that could total
$1,500,000 based on the future performance of the acquired
business. The purchase price was assigned primarily to property,
plant and equipment, and inventory. Results of operations would
not have been significantly different had the acquisition been
completed at the beginning of periods presented. Polyplaster is a
fiberglass-pipe manufacturer, located in Betim, Brazil, near the city
of Belo Horizonte, which supplies polyester, fiberglass-pipe systems to the water, wastewater and industrial markets. The acquisition
expands the Company’s operations in South America. In 2006, the
Company acquired Tubos Y Activos (“Tubos”), a steel fabrication
operation located in Mexicali, Mexico, for $989,000. Polyplaster is
included in the Fiberglass-Composite Pipe Group; Tubos is included
in the Water Transmission Group.
|