Form 10-Q

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

Mark One:

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

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2010

OR

 

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

For the Transition Period from              to             

Commission File Number: 1-1657

CRANE CO.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   13-1952290

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

100 First Stamford Place, Stamford, CT   06902
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 203-363-7300

(Not Applicable)

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

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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    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 definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer  x   Accelerated filer  ¨  

Non-accelerated filer  ¨

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

  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  x

The number of shares outstanding of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of October 31, 2010

Common stock, $1.00 Par Value – 58,446,627 shares

 

 

 


 

Part I – Financial Information

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

Crane Co. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(in thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2010     2009     2010     2009  

Net sales

   $ 560,714      $ 550,710      $ 1,643,819      $ 1,651,339   

Operating costs and expenses:

        

Cost of sales

     373,171        365,482        1,087,221        1,117,028   

Selling, general and administrative

     124,664        129,775        375,135        395,482   
                                

Operating profit

     62,879        55,453        181,463        138,829   
                                

Other income (expense):

        

Interest income

     299        270        760        1,578   

Interest expense

     (6,738     (6,821     (20,121     (20,370

Miscellaneous - net

     1,522        83        897        2,323   
                                
     (4,917     (6,468     (18,464     (16,469
                                

Income before income taxes

     57,962        48,985        162,999        122,360   

Provision for income taxes

     16,359        13,832        48,049        35,973   
                                

Net income before allocation to noncontrolling interests

     41,603        35,153        114,950        86,387   

Less: Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries’ earnings

     96        45        168        202   
                                

Net income attributable to common shareholders

   $ 41,507      $ 35,108      $ 114,782      $ 86,185   
                                

Earnings per basic share

   $ 0.71      $ 0.60      $ 1.96      $ 1.47   
                                

Earnings per diluted share

   $ 0.70      $ 0.60      $ 1.92      $ 1.47   
                                

Average basic shares outstanding

     58,608        58,472        58,710        58,462   

Average diluted shares outstanding

     59,525        58,842        59,645        58,703   

Dividends per share

   $ 0.23      $ 0.20      $ 0.63      $ 0.60   

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

2


 

Crane Co. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     September 30,      December 31,  
     2010      2009  

Assets

     

Current assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 315,564       $ 372,714   

Accounts receivable, net

     330,681         282,463   

Current insurance receivable - asbestos

     35,300         35,300   

Inventories, net:

     

Finished goods

     86,667         88,555   

Finished parts and subassemblies

     30,912         23,844   

Work in process

     72,728         53,126   

Raw materials

     124,984         119,027   
                 

Inventories, net

     315,291         284,552   

Current deferred tax asset

     59,259         58,856   

Other current assets

     14,817         12,461   
                 

Total current assets

     1,070,912         1,046,346   

Property, plant and equipment:

     

Cost

     798,672         771,147   

Less: accumulated depreciation

     525,185         485,923   
                 

Property, plant and equipment, net

     273,487         285,224   

Long-term insurance receivable - asbestos

     187,420         213,004   

Long-term deferred tax assets

     173,249         204,386   

Other assets

     87,363         83,229   

Intangible assets, net

     124,894         118,731   

Goodwill

     778,180         761,978   
                 

Total assets

   $ 2,695,505       $ 2,712,898   
                 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

3


 

Crane Co. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

     September 30,
2010
    December 31,
2009
 

Liabilities and equity

    

Current liabilities:

    

Short-term borrowings

   $ 1,424      $ 1,078   

Accounts payable

     155,286        142,390   

Current asbestos liability

     100,300        100,300   

Accrued liabilities

     224,066        218,864   

U.S. and foreign taxes on income

     4,365        4,150   
                

Total current liabilities

     485,441        466,782   

Long-term debt

     398,691        398,557   

Accrued pension and postretirement benefits

     113,078        141,849   

Long-term deferred tax liability

     38,521        29,578   

Long-term asbestos liability

     651,476        720,713   

Other liabilities

     49,162        61,717   
                

Total liabilities

     1,736,369        1,819,196   

Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)

    

Equity:

    

Preferred shares, par value $.01; 5,000,000 shares authorized

     0        0   

Common stock, par value $1.00; 200,000,000 shares authorized, 72,426,139 shares issued

     72,426        72,426   

Capital surplus

     169,073        161,409   

Retained earnings

     1,100,602        1,022,838   

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

     (5,253     5,130   

Treasury stock

     (385,832     (376,041
                

Total shareholders’ equity

     951,016        885,762   

Noncontrolling interest

     8,120        7,940   
                

Total equity

     959,136        893,702   
                

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 2,695,505      $ 2,712,898   
                

Common stock issued

     72,426,139        72,426,139   

Less: Common stock held in treasury

     (14,030,507     (13,899,389
                

Common stock outstanding

     58,395,632        58,526,750   
                

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

4


 

Crane Co. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2010     2009  

Operating activities:

    

Net income attributable to common shareholders

   $ 114,782      $ 86,185   

Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries’ earnings

     168        202   
                

Net income before allocation to noncontrolling interests

     114,950        86,387   

Gain on divestitures

     (1,015     —     

Depreciation and amortization

     44,596        43,857   

Stock-based compensation expense

     9,650        6,702   

Deferred income taxes

     30,913        14,891   

Cash (used for) provided by working capital

     (56,367     13,037   

Payments for asbestos-related fees and costs, net of insurance recoveries

     (43,652     (34,788

Other

     (39,772     (4,361
                

Total provided by operating activities

     59,303        125,725   
                

Investing activities:

    

Capital expenditures

     (13,589     (21,259

Proceeds from disposition of capital assets

     185        3,326   

Proceeds from divestitures

     4,615        —     

Payment for acquisition, net of cash acquired

     (51,167     —     
                

Total used for investing activities

     (59,956     (17,933
                

Financing activities:

    

Equity:

    

Dividends paid

     (37,011     (35,079

Reacquisition of shares on open market

     (29,989     —     

Stock options exercised - net of shares reacquired

     16,351        (299

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation

     1,820        131   

Debt:

    

Net decrease in short-term debt

     (2,299     (16,365
                

Total used for financing activities

     (51,128     (51,612
                

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

     (5,369     16,868   
                

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (57,150     73,048   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     372,714        231,840   
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 315,564      $ 304,888   
                

Detail of cash (used for) provided by working capital:

    

Accounts receivable

   $ (41,175   $ 31,034   

Inventories

     (26,394     53,939   

Other current assets

     (1,335     136   

Accounts payable

     13,172        (44,707

Accrued liabilities

     (109     (24,229

U.S. and foreign taxes on income

     (526     (3,136
                

Total

   $ (56,367   $ 13,037   
                

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

    

Interest paid

   $ 19,585      $ 19,847   

Income taxes paid

   $ 15,842      $ 8,948   

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

5


 

Part I – Financial Information

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

1. Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial reporting and the instructions to Form 10-Q and, therefore, reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

 

2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued amended guidance to require enhanced disclosures regarding the credit quality of financing receivables and the related allowance for credit losses, including credit quality indicators, past due information and modifications of financing receivables. Under the amended guidance, new and existing disclosures should be disaggregated based on how an entity develops its allowance for credit losses and how it manages credit exposures. The amended guidance is effective for periods ending after December 15, 2010, with the exception of the amendments to the rollforward of the allowance for credit losses and the disclosures about modifications which are effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2010. The Company does not expect the amended guidance to have a material effect on its disclosures.

In February 2010, the FASB issued amended guidance to require an SEC filer to evaluate subsequent events through the date the financial statements are issued with the SEC. The amended guidance adds the definitions of an SEC filer and revised financial statements and no longer requires that an SEC filer disclose the date through which subsequent events have been reviewed. It also removes the definition of a public entity. The adoption of the new guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s disclosures, consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In January 2010, the FASB issued authoritative guidance to require additional disclosures about the different classes of assets and liabilities measured at fair value, the valuation techniques and inputs used, the activity in Level 3 fair value measurements and the transfers between Levels 1, 2, and 3. The disclosure requirements are related to recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements. The adoption of the new guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s disclosures.

In October 2009, the FASB issued new revenue recognition standards for arrangements with multiple deliverables, where certain of those deliverables are non-software related. The new standards permit entities to initially use management’s best estimate of selling price to value individual deliverables when those deliverables do not have vendor-specific objective evidence (VSOE) of fair value or when third-party evidence is not available. Additionally, these new standards modify the manner in which the transaction consideration is allocated across the separately identified deliverables by no longer permitting the residual method of allocating arrangement consideration. These new standards are effective for fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010; however, early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact and potential timing of the adoption of these new standards on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

6


 

3. Segment Results

The Company’s segments are reported on the same basis used internally for evaluating performance and for allocating resources. The Company has five reporting segments: Aerospace & Electronics, Engineered Materials, Merchandising Systems, Fluid Handling and Controls. Furthermore, Corporate consists of corporate office expenses including compensation, benefits, occupancy, depreciation, and other administrative costs. Assets of the business segments exclude general corporate assets, which principally consist of cash, deferred tax assets, insurance receivables, certain property, plant and equipment, and certain other assets.

Financial information by reportable segment is set forth below:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 

(in thousands)

   2010     2009     2010     2009  

Net sales

        

Aerospace & Electronics

   $ 143,161      $ 136,896      $ 416,105      $ 435,838   

Engineered Materials

     54,904        48,065        167,305        127,990   

Merchandising Systems

     77,199        75,879        221,897        220,905   

Fluid Handling

     255,842        266,810        758,218        796,383   

Controls

     29,608        23,060        80,294        70,223   
                                

Total

   $ 560,714      $ 550,710      $ 1,643,819      $ 1,651,339   
                                

Operating profit (loss)

        

Aerospace & Electronics

   $ 25,368      $ 19,928      $ 76,072      $ 56,259   

Engineered Materials

     7,965        7,530        26,677        13,597   

Merchandising Systems

     6,261        6,914        19,340        16,569   

Fluid Handling

     33,197        34,882        93,338        98,708   

Controls

     1,949        (1,667     2,900        (2,984

Corporate

     (11,861     (12,134     (36,864     (43,320 ) * 
                                

Total

     62,879        55,453        181,463        138,829   

Interest income

     299        270        760        1,578   

Interest expense

     (6,738     (6,821     (20,121     (20,370

Miscellaneous—net

     1,522        83        897        2,323   
                                

Income before income taxes

   $ 57,962      $ 48,985      $ 162,999      $ 122,360   
                                

 

* The nine months ended September 30, 2009 includes a charge of $7.3 million related to the settlement of a lawsuit (See Note 9).

 

     As of  

(in thousands)

   September 30,
2010
     December 31,
2009
 

Assets

     

Aerospace & Electronics

   $ 499,552       $ 435,807   

Engineered Materials

     265,349         261,796   

Merchandising Systems

     311,442         296,856   

Fluid Handling

     838,734         832,176   

Controls

     68,526         70,073   

Corporate

     711,902         816,190   
                 

Total

   $ 2,695,505       $ 2,712,898   
                 

 

7


 

4. Earnings Per Share

The Company’s basic earnings per share calculations are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share gives effect to all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period.

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 

(in thousands, except per share data)

   2010      2009      2010      2009  

Net income attributable to common shareholders

   $ 41,507       $ 35,108       $ 114,782       $ 86,185   
                                   

Average basic shares outstanding

     58,608         58,472         58,710         58,462   

Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock units

     917         370         935         241   
                                   

Average diluted shares outstanding

     59,525         58,842         59,645         58,703   
                                   

Earnings per basic share

   $ 0.71       $ 0.60       $ 1.96       $ 1.47   

Earnings per diluted share

   $ 0.70       $ 0.60       $ 1.92       $ 1.47   

The computation of diluted earnings per share excludes the effect of the potential exercise of stock options when the average market price of the common stock is lower than the exercise price of the related stock options during the period (2.0 million and 3.3 million average options for the third quarter of 2010 and 2009, respectively, and 2.6 million and 4.2 million average options for the first nine months of 2010 and 2009, respectively).

 

5. Changes in Equity and Comprehensive Income

A summary of the changes in equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 is provided below:

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     2010     2009  

(in thousands)

   Total
Shareholders’
Equity
    Noncontrolling
Interests
     Total
Equity
    Total
Shareholders’
Equity
    Noncontrolling
Interests
     Total
Equity
 

Balance, beginning of period

   $ 885,762      $ 7,940       $ 893,702      $ 738,062      $ 7,759       $ 745,821   

Dividends

     (37,018     —           (37,018     (34,781     —           (34,781

Reacquisition on open market

     (29,989     —           (29,989     —          —           —     

Exercise of stock options, net of shares reacquired

     16,391        —           16,391        (299     —           (299

Stock compensation expense

     9,650        —           9,650        6,702        —           6,702   

Excess tax benefit from stock based compensation

     1,820        —           1,820        131        —           131   

Other adjustments

     —          —           —          (511     —           (511

Net income

     114,782        168         114,950        86,185        202         86,387   

Less: Currency translation adjustment

     (10,382     12         (10,370     55,189        415         55,604   
                                                  

Comprehensive income

     104,400        180         104,580        141,374        617         141,991   
                                                  

Balance, end of period

   $ 951,016      $ 8,120       $ 959,136      $ 850,678      $ 8,376       $ 859,054   
                                                  

 

8


 

6. Acquisitions

Acquisitions are accounted for in accordance with the guidance for business combinations. Accordingly, the Company makes an initial allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition based upon its understanding of the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities. The Company obtains this information during due diligence and through other sources. In the months after closing, as the Company obtains additional information about these assets and liabilities, including through tangible and intangible asset appraisals, it is able to refine the estimates of fair value and more accurately allocate the purchase price. Only items identified as of the acquisition date are considered for subsequent adjustment. The Company will make appropriate adjustments to the purchase price allocation prior to completion of the measurement period, as required.

On February 3, 2010, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Merrimac Industries Inc. (“Merrimac”), a designer and manufacturer of radio frequency microwave components, subsystem assemblies and micro-multifunction modules, for a purchase price of approximately $51 million in cash. Merrimac is a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and has been integrated into the Electronics Group within the Company’s Aerospace & Electronics segment.

The purchase price and initial recording of the transaction was based on preliminary valuation assessments and is subject to change. The initial allocation of the aggregate purchase price was made in the first quarter of 2010 and resulted in current assets of $23 million; property, plant, and equipment of $12 million; identified intangible assets of $20 million; goodwill of $16 million; current liabilities of $10 million and deferred tax liabilities of $10 million.

The amount allocated to goodwill reflects the benefits the Company expects to realize from the acquisition, as Merrimac strengthens and expands the Company’s Electronics businesses by adding complementary product and service offerings, allowing greater integration of products and services, enhancing the Company’s technical capabilities and increasing the Company’s addressable markets. The goodwill from this acquisition is not deductible for tax purposes.

 

7. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The Company’s business acquisitions have typically resulted in the recognition of goodwill and other intangible assets. The Company follows the provisions under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other” (“ASC 350”) as it relates to the accounting for goodwill in Consolidated Financial Statements. These provisions require that the Company, on at least an annual basis, evaluate the fair value of the reporting units to which goodwill is assigned and attributed and compare that fair value to the carrying value of the reporting unit to determine if an impairment has occurred. The Company performs its annual impairment testing during the fourth quarter. Impairment testing takes place more often than annually if events or circumstances indicate a change in status that would indicate a potential impairment. The Company believes that there have been no events or circumstances which would more likely than not reduce the fair value for its reporting units below its carrying value. A reporting unit is an operating segment unless discrete financial information is prepared and reviewed by segment management for businesses one level below that operating segment (a “component”), in which case the component would be the reporting unit. In certain instances, the Company has aggregated components of an operating segment into a single reporting unit based on similar economic characteristics. At September 30, 2010, the Company had twelve reporting units.

When performing its annual impairment assessment, the Company compares the fair value of each of its reporting units to its respective carrying value. Goodwill is considered to be potentially impaired when the net book value of the reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value. Fair values are established primarily by discounting estimated future cash flows at an estimated cost of capital which varies for each reporting unit and which, as of the Company’s most recent annual impairment assessment, ranged between 9.5% and 12.5%, reflecting the respective inherent business risk of each of the reporting units tested. This methodology for valuing the Company’s reporting units (commonly referred to as the Income Method) has not changed since the adoption of the provisions under ASC 350. The determination of discounted cash flows is based on the businesses’ strategic plans and long-range planning forecasts, which change from year to year. The revenue growth rates included in the forecasts represent best estimates based on current and forecasted market conditions. Profit margin assumptions are projected by each reporting unit based on the current cost structure and anticipated net cost increases/reductions. There are inherent uncertainties related to these assumptions, including changes in market conditions, and management’s judgment in applying them to the analysis of goodwill impairment. In addition to the foregoing, for each reporting unit, market multiples are used to corroborate its discounted cash flow results where fair

 

9


value is estimated based on earnings multiples determined by available public information of comparable businesses. While the Company believes it has made reasonable estimates and assumptions to calculate the fair value of its reporting units, it is possible a material change could occur. If actual results are not consistent with management’s estimates and assumptions, goodwill and other intangible assets may then be determined to be overstated and a charge would need to be taken against net earnings. Furthermore, in order to evaluate the sensitivity of the fair value calculations on the goodwill impairment test performed during the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company applied a hypothetical, reasonably possible 10% decrease to the fair values of each reporting unit. The effects of this hypothetical 10% decrease would still result in the fair value calculation exceeding the carrying value for each reporting unit.

During the first nine months of 2010, the Company recorded its preliminary purchase price allocation associated with the acquisition of Merrimac in February 2010.

Changes to goodwill are as follows:

 

(in thousands)

   Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2010
     Year Ended
December 31,
2009
 

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 761,978       $ 781,232   

Additions

     16,002         —     

Adjustments to purchase price allocations

     —           (22,601

Translation and other adjustments

     200         3,347   
                 

Balance at end of period

   $ 778,180       $ 761,978   
                 

Changes to intangible assets are as follows:

 

(in thousands)

   Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2010
    Year Ended
December 31,
2009
 

Balance at beginning of period, net of accumulated amortization

   $ 118,731      $ 106,701   

Additions, net of disposals

     20,014        22,601   

Amortization expense

     (12,497     (14,067

Currency translation

     (1,354     3,496   
                

Balance at end of period, net of accumulated amortization

   $ 124,894      $ 118,731   
                

The additions to goodwill and intangible assets in 2010 principally pertain to the completion of the Company’s acquisition of Merrimac. The adjustments to goodwill and additions to intangible assets in 2009 pertain to the finalization of purchase price allocations associated with the acquisitions of Krombach in December 2008 and of Delta in September 2008.

 

10


 

A summary of intangible assets follows:

 

      Weighted
Average

Amortization
Period
(in years)
      

(in thousands)

      September 30, 2010      December 31, 2009  
      Gross
Asset
     Accumulated
Amortization
     Net      Gross
Asset
     Accumulated
Amortization
     Net  

Intellectual property rights

   10.3    $ 108,779       $ 56,323       $ 52,456       $ 99,921       $ 53,022       $ 46,899   

Customer relationships and backlog

     5.6      102,009         46,817         55,192         97,545         39,075         58,470   

Drawings

     0.7      10,825         10,589         236         10,825         10,283         542   

Other

     4.1      31,329         14,319         17,010         25,888         13,068         12,820   
                                                        

Total

     7.7    $ 252,942       $ 128,048       $ 124,894       $ 234,179       $ 115,448       $ 118,731   
                                                        

Amortization expense for these intangible assets is currently estimated to be approximately $3.9 million in total for the fourth quarter in 2010, $15.1 million in 2011, $12.9 million in 2012, $12.1 million in 2013, $11.1 million in 2014 and $42.1 million in 2015 and thereafter. Of the $124.9 million of net intangible assets at September 30, 2010, $27.7 million of intangibles with indefinite useful lives, consisting of trade names, are not being amortized under the provisions of ASC 350.

 

8. Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities consist of:

 

(in thousands)

   September 30,
2010
     December 31,
2009
 

Employee related expenses

   $ 83,125       $ 81,707   

Advanced payments from customers

     26,702         20,021   

Warranty

     19,318         18,728   

Other

     94,921         98,408   
                 

Total

   $ 224,066       $ 218,864   
                 

 

11


 

The Company accrues warranty liabilities when it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Warranty provision is included in cost of sales in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

A summary of the warranty liabilities is as follows:

 

(in thousands)

   Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2010
    Year Ended
December  31,
2009
 

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 18,728      $ 27,305   

Expense

     6,741        8,722   

Additions (deletions) through acquisitions/divestures

     164        (383

Payments (deductions)

     (6,217     (17,244

Currency translation

     (98     328   
                

Balance at end of period

   $ 19,318      $ 18,728   
                

 

9. Commitments and Contingencies

Asbestos Liability

Information Regarding Claims and Costs in the Tort System

As of September 30, 2010, the Company was a defendant in cases filed in various state and federal courts alleging injury or death as a result of exposure to asbestos. Activity related to asbestos claims during the periods indicated was as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
    Year Ended
December 31,
 
     2010     2009     2010     2009     2009  

Beginning claims

     65,352        71,420        66,341        74,872        74,872   

New claims

     981        696        2,718        2,900        3,664   

Settlements*

     (337     (275     (869     (820     (1,024

Dismissals

     (554     (1,559     (3,705     (6,670     (11,171

MARDOC claims**

     (1     —          956        —          —     
                                        

Ending claims

     65,441        70,282        65,441        70,282        66,341   
                                        

 

* Includes Joseph Norris and Earl Haupt judgments.
** As of January 1, 2010, the Company was named in 36,448 maritime actions (not included in “Beginning claims”) which had been administratively dismissed by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (“MARDOC claims”). In 2009, the Court initiated a process to review these claims. As of September 30, 2010, 956 claims were restored to active status (and have been added to “Ending claims”), and 10,673 were permanently dismissed. The Company expects that more of the remaining 24,819 maritime actions will be activated, or permanently dismissed, as the Court’s review process continues.

Of the 65,441 pending claims as of September 30, 2010, approximately 23,300 claims were pending in New York, approximately 14,200 claims were pending in Mississippi, approximately 10,000 claims were pending in Texas and approximately 3,000 claims were pending in Ohio, all jurisdictions in which legislation or judicial orders restrict the types of claims that can proceed to trial on the merits.

Substantially all of the claims the Company resolves are either dismissed or concluded through settlements. To date, the Company has paid two judgments arising from adverse jury verdicts in asbestos matters. The first payment, in the amount of $2.54 million, was made on July 14, 2008, approximately two years after the adverse verdict, in the Joseph Norris matter in California, after the Company had exhausted all post-trial and appellate remedies. The second payment in the amount of $0.02 million was made in June 2009 after an adverse verdict in the Earl Haupt case in Los Angeles, California on April 21, 2009.

 

12


 

During the fourth quarter of 2007 and the first quarter of 2008, the Company tried several cases resulting in defense verdicts by the jury or directed verdicts for the defense by the court, one of which, the Patrick O’Neil claim in Los Angeles, was reversed on appeal and is currently the subject of further appellate proceedings before the Supreme Court of California, which accepted review of the matter by order dated December 23, 2009.

On March 14, 2008, the Company received an adverse verdict in the James Baccus claim in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with compensatory damages of $2.45 million and additional damages of $11.9 million. The Company’s post-trial motions were denied by order dated January 5, 2009. The case was concluded by settlement in the fourth quarter of 2010 during the pendency of the Company’s appeal to the Superior Court of Pennsylvania.

On May 16, 2008, the Company received an adverse verdict in the Chief Brewer claim in Los Angeles, California. The amount of the judgment entered was $0.68 million plus interest and costs. The Company is pursuing an appeal in this matter.

On February 2, 2009, the Company received an adverse verdict in the Dennis Woodard claim in Los Angeles, California. The jury found that the Company was responsible for one-half of one percent (0.5%) of plaintiffs’ damages of $16.93 million; however, based on California court rules regarding allocation and damages, judgment was entered against the Company in the amount of $1.65 million, plus costs. Following entry of judgment, the Company filed a motion with the trial court requesting judgment in the Company’s favor notwithstanding the jury’s verdict, and on June 30, 2009 the court advised that the Company’s motion was granted and judgment was entered in favor of the Company. The plaintiffs have appealed that ruling.

On March 23, 2010, a Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, state court jury found the Company responsible for a 1/11th share of a $14.5 million verdict in the James Nelson claim, and for a 1/20th share of a $3.5 million verdict in the Larry Bell claim. Both the Company and the plaintiffs have filed post-trial motions, and judgment will be entered after those motions are resolved. If necessary, the Company intends to pursue all available rights to appeal the verdicts.

Such judgment amounts are not included in the Company’s incurred costs until all available appeals are exhausted and the final payment amount is determined.

The gross settlement and defense costs incurred (before insurance recoveries and tax effects) for the Company for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 totaled $75.7 million and $86.1 million, respectively. In contrast to the recognition of settlement and defense costs, which reflect the current level of activity in the tort system, cash payments and receipts generally lag the tort system activity by several months or more, and may show some fluctuation from quarter to quarter. Cash payments of settlement amounts are not made until all releases and other required documentation are received by the Company, and reimbursements of both settlement amounts and defense costs by insurers may be uneven due to insurer payment practices, transitions from one insurance layer to the next excess layer and the payment terms of certain reimbursement agreements. The Company’s total pre-tax payments for settlement and defense costs, net of funds received from insurers, for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 totaled a $43.7 million net payment and a $34.8 million net payment, (reflecting the receipt of $14.5 million in 2009 for full policy buyout from Highlands Insurance Company (“Highlands”)), respectively. Detailed below are the comparable amounts for the periods indicated.

 

13


 

(in millions)

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
    Year Ended
December 31,

2009
 
     2010     2009     2010     2009    

Settlement / indemnity costs incurred (1)

   $ 9.9      $ 14.8      $ 36.0      $ 47.0      $ 58.3   

Defense costs incurred (1)

     13.8        11.9        39.7        39.1        51.8   
                                        

Total costs incurred

   $ 23.7      $ 26.7      $ 75.7      $ 86.1      $ 110.1   
                                        

Settlement / indemnity payments

   $ 7.2      $ 16.0      $ 29.7      $ 41.9      $ 57.3   

Defense payments

     14.1        15.0        39.5        37.4        52.2   

Insurance receipts (2)

     (5.1     (8.7     (25.5     (44.5     (53.7
                                        

Pre-tax cash payments (2)

   $ 16.2      $ 22.3      $ 43.7      $ 34.8      $ 55.8   
                                        

 

(1) Before insurance recoveries and tax effects.
(2) The nine-month period ended September 30, 2009 includes a $14.5 million payment from Highlands in January 2009.

The amounts shown for settlement and defense costs incurred, and cash payments, are not necessarily indicative of future period amounts, which may be higher or lower than those reported.

Cumulatively through September 30, 2010, the Company has resolved (by settlement or dismissal) approximately 67,000 claims, not including the MARDOC claims referred to above. The related settlement cost incurred by the Company and its insurance carriers is approximately $264 million, for an average settlement cost per resolved claim of $3,942. The average settlement cost per claim resolved during the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 was $4,781 and $4,186 respectively. Because claims are sometimes dismissed in large groups, the average cost per resolved claim, as well as the number of open claims, can fluctuate significantly from period to period.

Effects on the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

The Company has retained the firm of Hamilton, Rabinovitz & Associates, Inc. (“HR&A”), a nationally recognized expert in the field, to assist management in estimating the Company’s asbestos liability in the tort system. HR&A reviews information provided by the Company concerning claims filed, settled and dismissed, amounts paid in settlements and relevant claim information such as the nature of the asbestos-related disease asserted by the claimant, the jurisdiction where filed and the time lag from filing to disposition of the claim. The methodology used by HR&A to project future asbestos costs is based largely on the Company’s experience during a base reference period of eleven quarterly periods (consisting of the two full preceding calendar years and three additional quarterly periods to the estimate date) for claims filed, settled and dismissed. The Company’s experience is then compared to the results of previously conducted epidemiological studies estimating the number of individuals likely to develop asbestos-related diseases. Those studies were undertaken in connection with national analyses of the population of workers believed to have been exposed to asbestos. Using that information, HR&A estimates the number of future claims that would be filed against the Company and estimates the aggregate settlement or indemnity costs that would be incurred to resolve both pending and future claims based upon the average settlement costs by disease during the reference period. This methodology has been accepted by numerous courts. After discussions with the Company, HR&A augments its liability estimate for the costs of defending asbestos claims in the tort system using a forecast from the Company which is based upon discussions with its defense counsel. Based on this information, HR&A compiles an estimate of the Company’s asbestos liability for pending and future claims, based on claim experience during the reference period and covering claims expected to be filed through the indicated forecast period. The most significant factors affecting the liability estimate are (1) the number of new mesothelioma claims filed against the Company, (2) the average settlement costs for mesothelioma claims, (3) the percentage of mesothelioma claims dismissed against the Company and (4) the aggregate defense costs incurred by the Company. These factors are interdependent, and no one factor predominates in determining the liability estimate. Although the methodology used by HR&A will also show claims and costs for periods subsequent to the indicated period (up to and including the endpoint of the asbestos studies referred to above), management believes that the level of uncertainty regarding the various factors used in estimating future asbestos costs is too great to provide for reasonable estimation of the number of future claims, the nature of such claims or the cost to resolve them for years beyond the indicated estimate.

In the Company’s view, the forecast period used to provide the best estimate for asbestos claims and related liabilities and costs is a judgment based upon a number of trend factors, including the number and type of claims being filed each year; the jurisdictions where such claims are filed, and the effect of any legislation or judicial orders in such jurisdictions restricting the types of claims that can proceed to trial on the merits; and the likelihood of any comprehensive asbestos

 

14


legislation at the federal level. In addition, the dynamics of asbestos litigation in the tort system have been significantly affected over the past five to ten years by the substantial number of companies that have filed for bankruptcy protection, thereby staying any asbestos claims against them until the conclusion of such proceedings, and the establishment of a number of post-bankruptcy trusts for asbestos claimants, which are estimated to provide $25 billion for payments to current and future claimants. These trend factors have both positive and negative effects on the dynamics of asbestos litigation in the tort system and the related best estimate of the Company’s asbestos liability, and these effects do not move in a linear fashion but rather change over multi-year periods. Accordingly, the Company’s management monitors these trend factors over time and periodically assesses whether an alternative forecast period is appropriate.

Liability Estimate. With the assistance of HR&A, effective as of September 30, 2007, the Company updated and extended its estimate of the asbestos liability, including the costs of settlement or indemnity payments and defense costs relating to currently pending claims and future claims projected to be filed against the Company through 2017. The Company’s previous estimate was for asbestos claims filed through 2011. As a result of this updated estimate, the Company recorded an additional liability of $586 million as of September 30, 2007. The Company’s decision to take this action at such date was based on several factors. First, the number of asbestos claims being filed against the Company has moderated substantially over the past several years, and in the Company’s opinion, the outlook for asbestos claims expected to be filed and resolved in the forecast period is reasonably stable. Second, these claim trends are particularly true for mesothelioma claims, which although constituting approximately 5% of the Company’s total pending asbestos claims, have accounted for approximately 90% of the Company’s aggregate settlement and defense costs over the past five years. Third, federal legislation that would significantly change the nature of asbestos litigation failed to pass in 2006, and in the Company’s opinion, the prospects for such legislation at the federal level are remote. Fourth, there have been significant actions taken by certain state legislatures and courts over the past several years that have reduced the number and types of claims that can proceed to trial, which has been a significant factor in stabilizing the asbestos claim activity. Fifth, the Company has now entered into coverage-in-place agreements with a majority of its excess insurers, which enables the Company to project a more stable relationship between settlement and defense costs paid by the Company and reimbursements from its insurers. Taking all of these factors into account, the Company believes that it can reasonably estimate the asbestos liability for pending claims and future claims to be filed through 2017. While it is probable that the Company will incur additional charges for asbestos liabilities and defense costs in excess of the amounts currently provided, the Company does not believe that any such amount can be reasonably estimated beyond 2017. Accordingly, no accrual has been recorded for any costs which may be incurred for claims made subsequent to 2017.

Management has made its best estimate of the costs through 2017 based on the analysis by HR&A completed in October 2007. Each quarter, HR&A compiles an update based upon the Company’s experience in claims filed, settled and dismissed during the updated reference period (consisting of the preceding eleven quarterly periods) as well as average settlement costs by disease category (mesothelioma, lung cancer, other cancer, asbestosis and other non-malignant conditions) during that period. Management discusses these trends and their effect on the liability estimate with HR&A and determines whether a change in the estimate is warranted. As part of this process, the Company also takes into account trends in the tort system such as those enumerated above. As of September 30, 2010, the Company’s actual experience during the updated reference period for mesothelioma claims filed and dismissed generally approximated the assumptions in the Company’s liability estimate., In addition to this claims experience, the Company considered additional quantitative and qualitative factors such as the nature of the aging of pending claims, significant appellate rulings and legislative developments, and their respective effects on expected future settlement values. Based on this evaluation, the Company determined that no change in the estimate was warranted for the period ended September 30, 2010. A liability of $1,055 million was recorded as of September 30, 2007 to cover the estimated cost of asbestos claims now pending or subsequently asserted through 2017. The liability is reduced when cash payments are made in respect of settled claims and defense costs. The liability was $752 million as of September 30, 2010, approximately two-thirds of which is attributable to settlement and defense costs for future claims projected to be filed through 2017. It is not possible to forecast when cash payments related to the asbestos liability will be fully expended; however, it is expected such cash payments will continue for a number of years past 2017, due to the significant proportion of future claims included in the estimated asbestos liability and the lag time between the date a claim is filed and when it is resolved. None of these estimated costs have been discounted to present value due to the inability to reliably forecast the timing of payments. The current portion of the total estimated liability at September 30, 2010 was $100 million and represents the Company’s best estimate of total asbestos costs expected to be paid during the twelve-month period. Such amount is based upon the HR&A model together with the Company’s prior year payment experience for both settlement and defense costs.

Insurance Coverage and Receivables. Prior to 2005, a significant portion of the Company’s settlement and defense costs were paid by its primary insurers. With the exhaustion of that primary coverage, the Company began negotiations with its

 

15


excess insurers to reimburse the Company for a portion of its settlement and/or defense costs as incurred. To date, the Company has entered into agreements providing for such reimbursements, known as “coverage-in-place”, with eleven of its excess insurer groups. Under such coverage-in-place agreements, an insurer’s policies remain in force and the insurer undertakes to provide coverage for the Company’s present and future asbestos claims on specified terms and conditions that address, among other things, the share of asbestos claims costs to be paid by the insurer, payment terms, claims handling procedures and the expiration of the insurer’s obligations. The most recent such agreement became effective July 7, 2010, between the Company and Travelers Casualty & Surety Company. On March 3, 2008, the Company reached agreement with certain London Market Insurance Companies, North River Insurance Company and TIG Insurance Company, confirming the aggregate amount of available coverage under certain London policies and setting forth a schedule for future reimbursement payments to the Company based on aggregate indemnity and defense payments made. In addition, with five of its excess insurer groups, the Company entered into policy buyout agreements, settling all asbestos and other coverage obligations for an agreed sum, totaling $63.2 million in aggregate. The most recent of these buyouts was with Harper Insurance Limited, formerly Turegum Insurance Company. Reimbursements from insurers for past and ongoing settlement and defense costs allocable to their policies have been made as coverage-in-place and other agreements are reached with such insurers. All of these agreements include provisions for mutual releases, indemnification of the insurer and, for coverage-in-place, claims handling procedures. The Company is in discussions with or expects to enter into additional coverage-in-place or other agreements with other of its solvent excess insurers not currently subject to a settlement agreement whose policies are expected to respond to the aggregate costs included in the updated liability estimate. If it is not successful in concluding such coverage-in-place or other agreements with such insurers, then the Company anticipates that it would pursue litigation to enforce its rights under such insurers’ policies. There are no pending legal proceedings between the Company and any insurer contesting the Company’s asbestos claims under its insurance policies.

In conjunction with developing the aggregate liability estimate referenced above, the Company also developed an estimate of probable insurance recoveries for its asbestos liabilities. In developing this estimate, the Company considered its coverage-in-place and other settlement agreements described above, as well as a number of additional factors. These additional factors include the financial viability of the insurance companies, the method by which losses will be allocated to the various insurance policies and the years covered by those policies, how settlement and defense costs will be covered by the insurance policies and interpretation of the effect on coverage of various policy terms and limits and their interrelationships. In addition, the timing and amount of reimbursements will vary because the Company’s insurance coverage for asbestos claims involves multiple insurers, with different policy terms and certain gaps in coverage. In addition to consulting with legal counsel on these insurance matters, the Company retained insurance consultants to assist management in the estimation of probable insurance recoveries based upon the aggregate liability estimate described above and assuming the continued viability of all solvent insurance carriers. Based upon the analysis of policy terms and other factors noted above by the Company’s legal counsel, and incorporating risk mitigation judgments by the Company where policy terms or other factors were not certain, the Company’s insurance consultants compiled a model indicating how the Company’s historical insurance policies would respond to varying levels of asbestos settlement and defense costs and the allocation of such costs between such insurers and the Company. Using the estimated liability as of September 30, 2007 (for claims filed through 2017), the insurance consultant’s model forecasted that approximately 33% of the liability would be reimbursed by the Company’s insurers. An asset of $351 million was recorded as of September 30, 2007 representing the probable insurance reimbursement for such claims. The asset is reduced as reimbursements and other payments from insurers are received. The asset was $223 million as of September 30, 2010.

The Company reviews the aforementioned estimated reimbursement rate with its insurance consultants on a periodic basis in order to confirm its overall consistency with the Company’s established reserves. Since September 2007, there have been no developments that have caused the Company to change the estimated 33% rate, although actual insurance reimbursements vary from period to period, and will decline over time, for the reasons cited above. While there are overall limits on the aggregate amount of insurance available to the Company with respect to asbestos claims, those overall limits were not reached by the total estimated liability currently recorded by the Company, and such overall limits did not influence the Company in its determination of the asset amount to record. The proportion of the asbestos liability that is allocated to certain insurance coverage years, however, exceeds the limits of available insurance in those years. The Company allocates to itself the amount of the asbestos liability (for claims filed through 2017) that is in excess of available insurance coverage allocated to such years.

Uncertainties. Estimation of the Company’s ultimate exposure for asbestos-related claims is subject to significant uncertainties, as there are multiple variables that can affect the timing, severity and quantity of claims. The Company cautions that its estimated liability is based on assumptions with respect to future claims, settlement and defense costs

 

16


based on recent experience during the last few years that may not prove reliable as predictors. A significant upward or downward trend in the number of claims filed, depending on the nature of the alleged injury, the jurisdiction where filed and the quality of the product identification, or a significant upward or downward trend in the costs of defending claims, could change the estimated liability, as would substantial adverse verdicts at trial. A legislative solution or a revised structured settlement transaction could also change the estimated liability.

The same factors that affect developing estimates of probable settlement and defense costs for asbestos-related liabilities also affect estimates of the probable insurance reimbursements, as do a number of additional factors. These additional factors include the financial viability of the insurance companies, the method by which losses will be allocated to the various insurance policies and the years covered by those policies, how settlement and defense costs will be covered by the insurance policies and interpretation of the effect on coverage of various policy terms and limits and their interrelationships. In addition, due to the uncertainties inherent in litigation matters, no assurances can be given regarding the outcome of any litigation, if necessary, to enforce the Company’s rights under its insurance policies.

Many uncertainties exist surrounding asbestos litigation, and the Company will continue to evaluate its estimated asbestos-related liability and corresponding estimated insurance reimbursement as well as the underlying assumptions and process used to derive these amounts. These uncertainties may result in the Company incurring future charges or increases to income to adjust the carrying value of recorded liabilities and assets, particularly if the number of claims and settlement and defense costs change significantly or if legislation or another alternative solution is implemented; however, the Company is currently unable to estimate such future changes and, accordingly, while it is probable that the Company will incur additional charges for asbestos liabilities and defense costs in excess of the amounts currently provided, the Company does not believe that any such amount can be reasonably determined. Although the resolution of these claims may take many years, the effect on the results of operations, financial position and cash flow in any given period from a revision to these estimates could be material.

Other Contingencies

Environmental Matters

For environmental matters, the Company records a liability for estimated remediation costs when it is probable that the Company will be responsible for such costs and they can be reasonably estimated. Generally, third party specialists assist in the estimation of remediation costs. The environmental remediation liability at September 30, 2010 is substantially all for the former manufacturing site in Goodyear, Arizona (the “Goodyear Site”) discussed below.

The Goodyear Site was operated by UniDynamics/Phoenix, Inc. (“UPI”), which became an indirect subsidiary of the Company in 1985 when the Company acquired UPI’s parent company, UniDynamics Corporation. UPI manufactured explosive and pyrotechnic compounds, including components for critical military programs, for the U.S. government at the Goodyear Site from 1962 to 1993, under contracts with the Department of Defense and other government agencies and certain of their prime contractors. No manufacturing operations have been conducted at the Goodyear Site since 1994. The Goodyear Site was placed on the National Priorities List in 1983, and is now part of the Phoenix-Goodyear Airport North Superfund Goodyear Site. In 1990, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) issued administrative orders requiring UPI to design and carry out certain remedial actions, which UPI has done. Groundwater extraction and treatment systems have been in operation at the Goodyear Site since 1994. A soil vapor extraction system was in operation from 1994 to 1998, was restarted in 2004, and is currently in operation. On July 26, 2006, the Company entered into a consent decree with the EPA with respect to the Goodyear Site providing for, among other things, a work plan for further investigation and remediation activities at the Goodyear Site. The Company recorded a liability in 2004 for estimated costs through 2014 after reaching substantial agreement on the scope of work with the EPA. At the end of September 2007, the liability totaled $15.4 million. During the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company and its technical advisors determined that changing groundwater flow rates and contaminant plume direction at the Goodyear Site required additional extraction systems as well as modifications and upgrades of the existing systems. In consultation with its technical advisors, the Company prepared a forecast of the expenditures required for these new and upgraded systems as well as the costs of operation over the forecast period through 2014. Taking these additional costs into consideration, the Company estimated its liability for the costs of such activities through 2014 to be $41.5 million as of December 31, 2007. During the fourth quarter of 2008, based on further consultation with our advisors and the EPA and in response to groundwater monitoring results that reflected a continuing migration in contaminant plume direction during the year, the Company revised its forecast of remedial activities to increase the level of extraction systems and the number of monitoring wells in and around the Goodyear Site, among other things. As of December 31, 2008, the revised liability estimate was $65.2 million which

 

17


resulted in an additional charge of $24.3 million during the fourth quarter of 2008. The total estimated gross liability was $42.1 million as of September 30, 2010, as described below; a portion is reimbursable by the U.S. Government. The current portion was approximately $12.8 million and represents the Company’s best estimate, in consultation with its technical advisors, of total remediation costs expected to be paid during the twelve-month period.

On April 23, 2010, the Company received a letter from the EPA noting higher levels of contaminants in certain monitoring wells in recent months and requesting additional remediation actions in response to those conditions. The Company and its technical advisors have reviewed the monitoring well sampling reports, and have suggested a lesser alternative to all of the actions requested by the EPA. The Company will continue to engage in discussions with the EPA regarding the most appropriate response actions. If the Company is ultimately required to perform the additional actions requested by the EPA in the April 23 letter, the increased cost is not expected to have a significant impact on the total remediation cost for the Site.

Estimates of the Company’s environmental liabilities at the Goodyear Site are based on currently available facts, present laws and regulations and current technology available for remediation, and are recorded on an undiscounted basis. These estimates consider the Company’s prior experience in the Goodyear Site investigation and remediation, as well as available data from, and in consultation with, the Company’s environmental specialists. Estimates at the Goodyear Site are subject to significant uncertainties caused primarily by the dynamic nature of the Goodyear Site conditions, the range of remediation alternatives available, together with the corresponding estimates of cleanup methodology and costs, as well as ongoing, required regulatory approvals, primarily from the EPA. Accordingly, it is likely that adjustments to the Company’s liability estimate will be necessary as further information and circumstances regarding the Goodyear Site characterization develop. While actual remediation cost therefore may be more than amounts accrued, the Company believes it has established adequate reserves for all probable and reasonably estimable costs.

It is not possible at this point to reasonably estimate the amount of any obligation in excess of the Company’s current accruals through the 2014 forecast period because of the aforementioned uncertainties, in particular, the continued significant changes in the Goodyear Site conditions experienced in recent years.

On July 31, 2006, the Company entered into a consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice on behalf of the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy pursuant to which, among other things, the U.S. Government reimburses the Company for 21 percent of qualifying costs of investigation and remediation activities at the Goodyear Site. As of September 30, 2010 the Company has recorded a receivable of $10.5 million for the expected reimbursements from the U.S. Government in respect of the aggregate liability as at that date. The receivable is reduced as reimbursements and other payments from the U.S. Government are received.

The Company has been identified as a potentially responsible party (“PRP”) with respect to environmental contamination at the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Superfund Site (the “Crab Orchard Site”). The Crab Orchard Site is located about five miles west of Marion, Illinois, and consists of approximately 55,000 acres. Beginning in 1941, the United States used the Crab Orchard Site for the production of ordnance and other related products for use in World War II. In 1947, the Crab Orchard Site was transferred to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and about 30,000 acres of the Crab Orchard Site were leased to a variety of industrial tenants whose activities (which continue to this day) included manufacturing ordnance and explosives. A predecessor to the Company formerly leased portions of the Crab Orchard Site, and conducted manufacturing operations at the Crab Orchard Site from 1952 until 1964. General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Inc. (“GD-OTS”) is in the process of conducting the remedial investigation and feasibility study at the Crab Orchard Site, pursuant to an Administrative Order on Consent between GD-OTS and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the EPA and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. The Company is not a party to that agreement, and has not been asked by any agency of the United States Government to participate in any activity relative to the Crab Orchard Site. The Company has been informed that GD-OTS completed a Phase I remedial investigation in 2008, that GD-OTS is performing a Phase II remedial investigation scheduled for completion in 2010, and that the feasibility study is projected to be complete in mid to late 2012. GD-OTS has asked the Company to participate in a voluntary cost allocation exercise, but the Company, along with a number of other PRPs that were contacted, declined citing the absence of certain necessary parties as well as an undeveloped environmental record. The Company does not believe it likely that any discussion about the allocable share of the various PRPs, including the U.S. Government, will take place before the end of 2011. Although a loss is probable, it is not possible at this time to reasonably estimate the amount of any obligation for remediation of the Crab Orchard Site because the extent of the environmental impact, allocation among PRPs, remediation alternatives, and concurrence of regulatory authorities have not yet advanced to the stage where a reasonable estimate can be made. The Company has notified its insurers of this potential liability and will seek coverage under its insurance policies.

 

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Other Proceedings

On January 8, 2010, a lawsuit related to the acquisition of Merrimac was filed in the Superior Court of the State of New Jersey. The action, brought by a purported stockholder of Merrimac, names Merrimac, each of Merrimac’s directors, and Crane Co. as defendants, and alleges, among other things, breaches of fiduciary duties by the Merrimac directors, aided and abetted by Crane Co., that resulted in the payment to Merrimac stockholders of an allegedly unfair price of $16.00 per share in the acquisition and unjust enrichment of Merrimac’s directors. The complaint seeks certification as a class of all Merrimac stockholders, except the defendants and their affiliates, and unspecified damages. Simultaneously with the filing of the complaint, the plaintiff filed a motion that sought to enjoin the transaction from proceeding. After a hearing on January 14, 2010, the court denied the plaintiff’s motion. All defendants thereafter filed motions seeking dismissal of the complaint on various grounds. After a hearing on March 19, 2010, the court denied the defendants’ motions to dismiss and ordered the case to proceed to pretrial discovery. All defendants have filed their answers and deny any liability. The Company believes that it has valid defenses to the underlying claims raised in the complaint. The Company has given notice of this lawsuit to Merrimac’s and the Company’s insurance carriers and will seek coverage for any resulting loss. As of September 30, 2010, no loss amount has been accrued in connection with this lawsuit because a loss is not considered probable, nor can an amount be reasonably estimated.

In January 2009, a lawsuit brought by a customer alleging failure of the Company’s fiberglass-reinforced plastic material in recreational vehicle sidewalls manufactured by such customer went to trial solely on the issue of liability. On January 27, 2009 the jury returned a verdict of liability against the Company. The aggregate damages sought in this lawsuit included approximately $9.5 million in repair costs allegedly incurred by the plaintiffs, as well as approximately $55 million in other consequential losses such as discounts and other incentives paid to induce sales, lost market share, and lost profits. On April 17, 2009, the Company reached agreement to settle this lawsuit. In mediation, the Company agreed to a settlement aggregating $17.75 million payable in several installments through July 1, 2009, all of which have been paid. Based upon both insurer commitments and liability estimates previously recorded in 2008, the Company recorded a net pre-tax charge of $7.25 million in 2009.

The Company is also defending a series of five separate lawsuits, which have now been consolidated, revolving around a fire that occurred in May 2003 at a chicken processing plant located near Atlanta, Georgia that destroyed the plant. The aggregate damages demanded by the plaintiff, consisting largely of an estimate of lost profits which continues to grow with the passage of time, are currently in excess of $260 million. These lawsuits contend that certain fiberglass-reinforced plastic material manufactured by the Company that was installed inside the plant was unsafe in that it acted as an accelerant, causing the fire to spread rapidly, resulting in the total loss of the plant and property. In September 2009, the trial court entertained motions for summary judgment from all parties, and subsequently denied those motions. In November 2009, the Company sought and was granted permission to appeal the trial court’s denial of its motions. The appeal was fully briefed and argued in September, 2010. The appellate court is expected to render its decision no later than April, 2011. The trial will be stayed pending resolution of the appeal. The Company believes that it has valid defenses to the underlying claims raised in these lawsuits. The Company has given notice of these lawsuits to its insurance carriers and will seek coverage for any resulting losses. The Company’s carriers have issued standard reservation of rights letters but are engaged with the Company’s trial counsel to monitor the defense of these claims. If the plaintiffs in these lawsuits were to prevail at trial and be awarded the full extent of their claimed damages, and insurance coverage were not fully available, the resulting liability could have a significant effect on the Company’s results of operations and cash flows in the periods affected. As of September 30, 2010, no loss amount has been accrued in connection with these suits because a loss is not considered probable, nor can an amount be reasonably estimated.

A number of other lawsuits, claims and proceedings have been or may be asserted against the Company relating to the conduct of its business, including those pertaining to product liability, patent infringement, commercial, employment, employee benefits, environmental and stockholder matters. While the outcome of litigation cannot be predicted with certainty, and some of these other lawsuits, claims or proceedings may be determined adversely to the Company, the Company does not believe that the disposition of any such other pending matters is likely to have a significant impact on its financial condition or liquidity, although the resolution in any reporting period of one or more of these matters could have a significant impact on the Company’s results of operations and cash flows for that period.

Other Commitments

The Company entered into a seven year operating lease for an airplane in the first quarter of 2007 which includes a $14.1 million residual value guarantee by the Company.

 

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10. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans

The components of net periodic cost are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,  

(in thousands)

   Pension Benefits     Other
Postretirement
Benefits
    Pension Benefits     Other
Postretirement
Benefits
 
     2010     2009     2010     2009     2010     2009     2010     2009  

Service cost

   $ 2,853      $ 2,503      $ 29      $ 26      $ 8,559      $ 7,574      $ 89      $ 79   

Interest cost

     9,024        8,659        190        231        27,072        25,793        564        694   

Expected return on plan assets

     (10,856     (8,862     —          —          (32,570     (26,647     —          —     

Amortization of prior service cost

     135        428        —          —          405        708        —          —     

Amortization of net loss (gain)

     1,743        2,415        (40     (109     5,228        6,233        (120     (329
                                                                

Net periodic cost

   $ 2,899      $ 5,143      $ 179      $ 148      $ 8,694      $ 13,661      $ 533      $ 444   
                                                                

The Company expects, based on current actuarial calculations, to contribute approximately $40 million to its defined benefit plans and $2 million to its other postretirement benefit plans in 2010, of which $39.4 million and $1.1 million have been contributed during the first nine months of 2010, respectively. The $39.4 million defined benefit plans contribution includes a $25 million discretionary contribution made in July 2010 which is included in Other on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow. The Company contributed $33.4 million to its defined benefit plans and $1.6 million to its other postretirement benefit plans in 2009. Cash contributions for subsequent years will depend on a number of factors, including the impact of the Pension Protection Act signed into law in 2006, changes in minimum funding requirements, long-term interest rates, the investment performance of plan assets and changes in employee census data affecting the Company’s projected benefit obligations.

 

11. Income Taxes

The Company calculated its income tax provision for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 in accordance with the requirements of ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes.”

The Company’s effective tax rate of 28.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2010 is equal to the Company’s effective tax rate of 28.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2009. The Company’s effective tax rate of 29.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 is equal to the Company’s effective tax rate of 29.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.

In relation to the same prior year periods, the Company’s effective tax rates for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 were favorably affected by (i) a greater U.S. federal tax benefit for domestic manufacturing activities and (ii) a benefit for the reduction of unrecognized tax benefits as a result of the expiration of the statute of limitations for assessment and the completion of certain tax examinations, while they were unfavorably affected by (i) a higher amount of income earned in 2010 in the U.S., where the statutory federal tax rate is 35% and (ii) the statutory expiration of the U.S. federal research tax credit as of December 31, 2009.

The Company’s effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 are lower than the statutory U.S. federal tax rate primarily as a result of generating earnings in jurisdictions taxed at rates lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate, the U.S. federal tax benefit on domestic manufacturing activities, and a benefit for the reduction of unrecognized tax benefits as a result of the expiration of the statute of limitations for assessment and the completion of certain tax examinations. These items were partially offset by state taxes, net of federal tax benefit, and the accrual of future U.S. taxes due upon the ultimate repatriation of the undistributed earnings of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries.

The Company’s gross unrecognized tax benefits decreased $2.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2010. This decrease relates primarily to the expiration of the statute of limitations for assessment and the completion of certain tax examinations. The Company’s gross unrecognized tax benefits decreased $4.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2010. This decrease relates primarily to a change in tax positions taken in prior periods, the expiration of the statute of limitations for assessment, and the completion of certain tax examinations.

 

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During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the Company’s effective tax rate decreased by approximately $2.4 million and $5.0 million, respectively.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in its income tax expense. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, the total amount of interest and penalty (income)/expense related to unrecognized tax benefits recognized in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations was $(0.2) million and $(0.4) million, respectively. At September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the total amount of accrued interest and penalty expense related to unrecognized tax benefits recorded in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet was $0.5 million and $0.8 million, respectively.

The Company regularly assesses the potential outcomes of both ongoing examinations and future examinations for the current and prior years in order to ensure the Company’s provision for income taxes is adequate. The Company believes that adequate accruals have been provided for all open years.

The Company’s income tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) as well as U.S. state and local and non-U.S. taxing authorities. The IRS has completed its examinations of the Company’s consolidated federal income tax returns for all years through 2008. The 2007 through 2009 federal income tax returns of a recently acquired subsidiary remain open to examination by the IRS.

With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. state and local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by taxing authorities for years before 2005. As of September 30, 2010, the Company is currently under audit by various U.S. state and non-U.S. taxing authorities.

As of September 30, 2010, it is reasonably possible that the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits may decrease by approximately $0.5 million during the next twelve months as a result of activity related to tax positions expected to be taken during the remainder of the current year and the expiration of the statute of limitations on assessment.

 

12. Long-Term Debt and Notes Payable

The following table summarizes the Company’s debt as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:

 

(in thousands)

   September 30,
2010
     December 31,
2009
 

Long-term debt consists of:

     

5.50% notes due 2013

   $ 199,572       $ 199,464   

6.55% notes due 2036

     199,119         199,093   
                 

Total long-term debt

   $ 398,691       $ 398,557   
                 

Short-term borrowings

   $ 1,424       $ 1,078   
                 

 

13. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

In March 2009, the Company adopted the provisions under ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging” (“ASC 815”) as it relates to disclosures about derivative instruments and hedging activities. The provisions under ASC 815 are intended to improve transparency in financial reporting by requiring enhanced disclosures of an entity’s derivative instruments and hedging activities and their effects on the entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows.

The Company is exposed to certain risks related to its ongoing business operations, including market risks related to fluctuation in currency exchange. The Company uses foreign exchange contracts to manage the risk of certain cross-

 

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currency business relationships to reduce the impact of currency exchange fluctuations on the Company’s earnings and/or cash flows. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. As of September 30, 2010, the foreign exchange contracts designated as hedging instruments and the foreign exchange contracts not designated as hedging instruments did not have a material impact on the Company’s results.

 

14. Fair Value Measurements

Accounting standards define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value measurements are to be considered from the perspective of a market participant that holds the asset or owes the liability. The standards also establish a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

The standards describe three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical or similar assets and liabilities.

Level 2: Quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active or observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical or similar assets and liabilities. Level 2 assets and liabilities include over-the-counter derivatives, principally forward foreign exchange contracts, whose value is determined using pricing models with inputs that are generally based on published foreign exchange rates and exchange traded prices, adjusted for other specific inputs that are primarily observable in the market or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

The Company has forward contracts outstanding with related receivables of $1.5 million and $0.7 million and payables of $0.5 million and $4.7 million as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, which are reported at fair value using Level 2 inputs.

The carrying value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and short-term loans payable approximate fair value, without being discounted, due to the short periods during which these amounts are outstanding. Long-term debt rates currently available to the Company for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities are used to estimate the fair value for debt issues that are not quoted on an exchange. The estimated fair value of long-term debt was $433.4 million at September 30, 2010.

 

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Part I – Financial Information

 

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

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains information about Crane Co., some of which includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements other than historical information or statements about our current condition. You can identify forward-looking statements by the use of terms such as “believes,” “contemplates,” “expects,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” or “anticipates,” other similar phrases, or the negatives of these terms.

Reference herein to “Crane”, “we”, “us”, and, “our” refer to Crane Co. and its subsidiaries unless the context specifically states or implies otherwise. References to “core business” or “core sales” in this report include sales from acquired businesses starting from and after the first anniversary of the acquisition, but exclude currency effects. Amounts in the following discussion are presented in millions, except employee, share and per share data, or unless otherwise stated.

We have based the forward-looking statements relating to our operations on our current expectations, estimates and projections about us and the markets we serve. We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties. In addition, we have based many of these forward-looking statements on assumptions about future events that may prove to be inaccurate. There are a number of other factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those addressed in the forward-looking statements. The factors that we currently believe to be material are detailed in Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are incorporated by reference herein.

Overview

We are a diversified manufacturer of highly engineered industrial products. Our business consists of five segments: Aerospace & Electronics, Engineered Materials, Merchandising Systems, Fluid Handling and Controls. Our primary markets are aerospace, defense electronics, recreational vehicle, transportation, automated merchandising, chemical, pharmaceutical, oil, gas, power, nuclear, building services and utilities.

Our strategy is to grow the earnings of niche businesses with leading market shares, acquire companies that fit strategically with existing businesses, aggressively pursue operational and strategic linkages among our businesses, build a performance culture focused on continuous improvement and a committed management team whose interests are directly aligned with those of the shareholders and maintain a focused, efficient corporate structure.

Outlook

Our sales depend heavily on industries that are cyclical in nature, or subject to market conditions which may cause customer demand for our products to be volatile. These industries are subject to fluctuations in domestic and international economies as well as to currency fluctuations and inflationary pressures. Beginning in the third quarter of 2008, our results of operations have been adversely affected by the severe downturn in the global economy. In response, we executed on broad-based restructuring and other cost actions in order to align our cost base to lower levels of demand for our products, which reduced costs by approximately $175 million in 2009 and lowered our cost structure going into 2010. We believe that through our aggressive restructuring and cost control activities, we have mitigated the impact of the severe downturn while providing a more scalable cost structure to support future growth opportunities.

Although the economy appears to be improving slowly, there is general uncertainty about the pace of the recovery. In the third quarter of 2010, core revenues increased 3.6% and represented the second consecutive quarter of year–over-year revenue growth, an indication that our businesses are continuing to recover, albeit at a modest rate. We now expect the full year impact of foreign exchange to be minimal. The growth in operating profit of 13% compared to the third quarter of 2009 primarily reflected higher sales volumes in certain businesses and a lower cost base.

Our Aerospace & Electronics segment operating profit increased during the third quarter 2010 when compared to the same period last year, driven by lower engineering spending and higher sales in the Aerospace Group. We believe the Aerospace market is emerging from the downturn and, accordingly, we expect continued strong performance. We also expect engineering spending to decline approximately $20 million in 2010, as we complete key programs, including the 787 brake control and monitoring system. We have been notified by Boeing that they have determined that the current

 

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brake control system for the 787 operates satisfactorily in the actual operating environment, and therefore we have been directed to stop all work on the modified brake control system. We expect that costs incurred to date will be resolved in the coming months in accordance with the terms of our agreement with Boeing. We do not expect this change to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In our Electronics Group, third quarter 2010 sales increased a modest 2% as certain program delays and component shortages delayed shipments. While margins remain generally strong, the decline in the Electronics Group’s operating profit was driven largely by the unfavorable net impact of the General Technologies, Inc. (“GTC”) divestiture and Merrimac Industries Inc. (“Merrimac”) acquisition, as well as higher costs associated with products moving from development to production.

Our short-cycle Engineered Materials segment sales increased 14% during the third quarter 2010 as demand for our recreational vehicle (“RV”) and transportation related applications remained strong. Sales to the RV industry in the third quarter 2010 grew 25% despite the end of dealer restocking and more difficult comparisons versus the third quarter 2009. RV original equipment manufacturers (“OEM”) are now reducing their build rates and adjusting their inventories for the seasonally slower fall and winter. Transportation related sales increased 14% compared to the third quarter of 2009 as a result of continued higher industry build rates for dry vans and refrigerated trucks. Operating profits were up slightly, as the increase in volumes was largely offset by higher material costs.

Overall Merchandising Systems segment sales increased 2% in the third quarter of 2010 versus the third quarter of 2009. While sales increased in Vending Solutions, we continued to experience market softness in Payment Solutions although third quarter results were essentially flat compared to the prior year. Segment operating profit and margins declined primarily as a result of the absence of the favorable impacts in 2009 of a legal settlement and the reduction of a liability estimate associated with a restructuring program. Overall, we expect full-year sales to be consistent with 2009. We anticipate substantial savings related to our Vending Solutions consolidation activities and other productivity improvements to largely offset an unfavorable sales mix between Vending Solutions and Payment Solutions products.

During the third quarter 2010, sales in our Fluid Handling segment were 4% lower when compared to the same period last year. However, the year-over-year rate of core sales decline has lessened when compared to the first half of 2010; specifically, third quarter core sales declined approximately 2% compared to the 4% and 13% core sales declines experienced in the second quarter and first quarter of 2010, respectively. Third quarter 2010 operating profit declined 5% over the prior year driven by the lower sales, resulting in an operating margin of 13.0%. We continue to see signs of improved project quote and activity levels in certain businesses and regions; and maintenance, repair and overhaul (“MRO”) activity is improving across most markets. We remain cautiously optimistic about the current market trends in our longer, late cycle Fluid Handling businesses, and we remain comfortable with our expectation of Fluid Handling operating margins in the 12% to 13% range for 2010.

 

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Results from Operations—Third Quarter of 2010 Compared to Third Quarter of 2009

All comparisons below refer to the third quarter 2010 versus the third quarter 2009, unless otherwise specified.

 

     Third Quarter     Change  

(dollars in millions)

   2010     2009     $      %  

Net sales

   $ 560.7      $ 550.7      $ 10.0         1.8   

Operating profit

     62.9        55.5        7.4         13.4   

Operating margin

     11.2     10.1     

Other income (expense):

         

Interest income

     0.3        0.3        0.0      

Interest expense

     (6.7     (6.8     0.1      

Miscellaneous - net

     1.5        —          1.5      
                           
     (4.9     (6.5     1.7      
                           

Income before income taxes

     58.0        49.0        9.0      

Provision for income taxes

     16.4        13.8        2.6      
                           

Net income before allocation to noncontrolling interests

     41.6        35.2        6.4      

Less: Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries earnings

     0.1        0.1        —        
                           

Net income attributable to common shareholders

   $ 41.5      $ 35.1      $ 6.4         18.2   
                           

Third quarter 2010 sales increased $10.0 million, or 1.8%, versus the third quarter 2009. Core business sales for the third quarter increased approximately 19.7 million, or 3.6%. The impact of currency translation decreased reported sales by approximately $8.2 million, or 1.5%, as the U.S. dollar strengthened against other major currencies in the third quarter of 2010 compared to the third quarter of 2009. In the third quarter 2010, sales decreased $1.5 million, or 0.3%, due to the net impact of divestitures and acquisitions. Net sales related to operations outside the U.S. were 40.9% of total net sales for the quarters ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.

Operating profit was $62.9 million in the third quarter 2010 compared to $55.5 million in the same period of 2009. The increase in operating profit reflected improved performance in our Aerospace & Electronics, Engineered Materials and Controls segments, partially offset by lower operating profit in our Merchandising Systems and Fluid Handling segments. Operating profit margins were 11.2% in the third quarter of 2010, compared to 10.1% in the comparable period in 2009.

Miscellaneous – net increased by $1.5 million in the third quarter compared to the same period of 2009. The increase reflected the net gain associated with two small divestitures within the Controls segment.

Our effective tax rate is affected by recurring items such as tax rates in non-U.S. jurisdictions and the relative amount of income we earn in different jurisdictions. It is also affected by discrete items that may occur in any given year, but are not consistent from year to year. Our effective tax rate of 28.3% for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, is equal to our effective tax rate of 28.3% for the quarter ended September 30, 2009. Compared to the prior year, our effective tax rate for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 was favorably affected by (i) a greater U.S. federal tax benefit for domestic manufacturing activities and (ii) a benefit for the reduction of unrecognized tax benefits as a result of the expiration of the statute of limitations for assessment and the completion of certain tax examinations, while it was unfavorably affected by (i) a higher amount of income earned in 2010 in the U.S., where the statutory federal tax rate is 35% and (ii) the statutory expiration of the U.S. federal research tax credit as of December 31, 2009.

 

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Segment Results

Aerospace & Electronics

 

     Third Quarter     Change  

(dollars in millions)

   2010     2009               

Sales

   $ 143.2      $ 136.9      $ 6.3         4.6

Operating profit

   $ 25.4      $ 19.9      $ 5.4         27.3

Operating margin

     17.7     14.6     

The third quarter 2010 sales increase of $6.3 million reflected sales increases of $5.2 million and $1.1 million in the Aerospace Group and Electronics Group, respectively. The segment’s operating profit increased $5.4 million, or 27.3%, in the third quarter of 2010 when compared to the same period in the prior year, driven by a reduced cost base, including lower engineering spending, and higher sales in the Aerospace Group.

Aerospace Group sales of $85.5 million increased $5.2 million, or 6.5%, from $80.3 million in the prior year period. This was largely attributable to higher OEM product sales of 13% and declines in aftermarket product sales of 2%. During the third quarter of 2010, sales to OEMs and sales to aftermarket customers were 60.1% and 39.9%, respectively, of total sales, compared to 56.6% and 43.4%, respectively, in the same period last year. Operating profit increased by $8.1 million in the third quarter of 2010, compared to the third quarter of 2009, primarily due to a lower cost base, which included a $3.7 million decline in engineering expenses, and the favorable impact of the higher sales volume. Total engineering expense for the Aerospace Group was $11.0 million in the third quarter of 2010, which compared to $14.7 million in the third quarter of 2009.

Electronics Group sales of $57.7 million increased $1.1 million, or 1.9%, from $56.6 million in the prior year period. Approximately $2.0 million of core growth was partially offset by the $0.9 million unfavorable net impact of the GTC divestiture and Merrimac acquisition. Operating profit decreased $2.7 million compared to the third quarter of 2009, reflecting the unfavorable net impact of the aforementioned acquisition/divestiture and an unfavorable sales mix.

Engineered Materials

 

     Third Quarter     Change  

(dollars in millions)

   2010     2009               

Sales

   $ 54.9      $ 48.1      $ 6.8         14.2

Operating profit

   $ 8.0      $ 7.5      $ 0.4         5.8

Operating margin

     14.5     15.7     

Third quarter 2010 sales of $54.9 million increased $6.8 million, or 14.2%, reflecting higher sales to our traditional RV and transportation product customers, while building product sales were flat, when compared to the prior year. Sales to our traditional RV customers increased by 25.2%, reflecting a stronger wholesale demand in the RV market albeit at a slower pace than the first half of 2010 as build rates are adjusted for the seasonally slower fall and winter. We experienced a 13.9% sales increase to our transportation-related customers, reflecting improved industry build rates. Operating profit in the third quarter of 2010 increased $0.4 million, or 5.8%, with the higher sales volume being substantially offset by increased raw material costs.

 

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Merchandising Systems

 

     Third Quarter     Change  

(dollars in millions)

   2010     2009              

Sales

   $ 77.2      $ 75.9      $ 1.3        1.7

Operating profit

   $ 6.3      $ 6.9      $ (0.7     (9.4 %) 

Operating margin

     8.1     9.1    

Third quarter 2010 sales increased $1.3 million, or 1.7%, including a $2.4 million, or 3.2%, increase in core sales offset by unfavorable foreign currency translation of $1.1 million, or 1.5%. The increase in core sales primarily reflects higher sales in Vending Solutions. Despite the global slowdown in the gaming, retail and transportation end markets, sales were flat for our Payment Solutions products. Operating profit for the segment decreased by $0.7 million, or 9.4%, versus the third quarter of 2009 which was substantially attributable to the absence of the favorable impacts in 2009 of a legal settlement and the reduction of a liability estimate associated with a restructuring program.

Fluid Handling

 

     Third Quarter     Change  

(dollars in millions)

   2010     2009              

Sales

   $ 255.8      $ 266.8      $ (11.0     (4.1 %) 

Operating profit

   $ 33.2      $ 34.9      $ (1.7     (4.8 %) 

Operating margin

     13.0     13.1    

Third quarter 2010 sales decreased $11.0 million, or 4.1%, driven by unfavorable foreign currency exchange of $6.2 million, or 2.3%, and a decline in core sales of $4.8 million, or 1.8%. The core sales decline reflects continued weakness and delays in later-cycle project activity in the energy and chemical markets, partially offset by improving trends in MRO activity. However, the 1.8% core decline was the lowest year-over-year decline experienced in six quarters. While operating profit in the third quarter of 2010 decreased $1.7 million due to deleverage on the reduced sales and the impact of unfavorable foreign exchange, operating margins were 13.0%, reflecting strong cost controls.

Controls

 

     Third Quarter     Change  

(dollars in millions)

   2010     2009               

Sales

   $ 29.6      $ 23.1      $ 6.5         28.4

Operating profit (loss)

   $ 1.9      $ (1.7   $ 3.6         NM   

Operating margin

     6.6     (7.2 %)      

During the quarter, we divested two small parts of the Controls segment. The net gain of $2.0 million associated with these divestitures is included in Miscellaneous – Net in the Results of Operations for the third quarter of 2010.

The third quarter 2010 sales increase of $6.5 million reflects improvement in industrial transportation, and oil and gas related demand. Operating profit of $1.9 million showed meaningful improvement over 2009, reflecting the modest recoveries in end markets and the absence of losses from the divested businesses.

 

27


 

Results from Operations—Year-to-Date Period Ended September 30, 2010 Compared to Year-to-Date Period Ended September 30, 2009

All comparisons below reference the year to date period ended September 30, 2010 versus the year to date period ended September 30, 2009 (“prior year”), unless otherwise specified.

 

     Year-to-Date     Change  

(dollars in millions)

   2010     2009     $     %  

Net sales

   $ 1,643.8      $ 1,651.3      $ (7.5     (0.5

Operating profit

     181.5        138.8        42.6        30.7   

Operating margin

     11.0     8.4    

Other income (expense):

        

Interest income

     0.8        1.6        (0.8  

Interest expense

     (20.1     (20.3     0.1     

Miscellaneous—net

     0.8        2.3        (1.4  
                          
     (18.5     (16.4     (2.2  
                          

Income before income taxes

     163.0        122.4        40.5     

Provision for income taxes

     48.0        36.0        12.1     
                          

Net income before allocation to noncontrolling interests

     115.0        86.4        28.6     

Less: Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries earnings

     0.2        0.2        (0.0  
                          

Net income attributable to common shareholders

   $ 114.8      $ 86.2      $ 28.6        33.2   
                          

Year to date 2010 sales decreased $7.5 million, or 0.5%, over the same period in 2009. Year to date 2010 core business sales declined approximately $18.3 million, or 1.2%. The impact of currency translation increased reported sales by approximately $12.6 million, or 0.8%, as the U.S. dollar weakened against other major currencies in the first nine months of 2010 compared to the same period in 2009. Year to date 2010 sales decreased $1.8 million due to the net impact of divestitures and acquisitions. Net sales related to operations outside the U.S. for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 were 40.6% and 40.0% of total net sales, respectively.

Operating profit was $181.5 million in the first nine months of 2010 compared to $138.8 million in the comparable period of 2009. The increase over the prior year period was led by improved performance in our Aerospace & Electronics, Engineered Materials and Controls segments, partially offset by lower operating profit in our Fluid Handling segment. In addition, operating profit for the first nine months of 2009 included a charge related to a previously disclosed legal settlement of $7.3 million. Operating profit margins were 11.0% in the first nine months of 2010 compared to 8.4% in the comparable period of 2009.

Our effective tax rate is affected by recurring items such as tax rates in non-U.S. jurisdictions and the relative amount of income we earn in different jurisdictions. It is also affected by discrete items that may occur in any given year, but are not consistent from year to year. Our effective tax rate of 29.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 is equal to our effective tax rate of 29.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. Compared to the prior year, our effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was favorably affected by (i) a greater U.S. federal tax benefit for domestic manufacturing activities and (ii) a benefit for the reduction of unrecognized tax benefits as a result of the expiration of the statute of limitations for assessment and the completion of certain tax examinations, while it was unfavorably affected by (i) a higher amount of income earned in 2010 in the U.S., where the statutory federal tax rate is 35% and (ii) the statutory expiration of the U.S. federal research tax credit as of December 31, 2009.

Order backlog at September 30, 2010 totaled $725.1 million, 9.1% higher than the backlog of $664.5 million at December 31, 2009, and 6.4% higher than the backlog of $681.6 million at September 30, 2009.

 

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Segment Results

Aerospace & Electronics

 

     Year-to-Date     Change  

(dollars in millions)

   2010     2009              

Sales

   $ 416.1      $ 435.8      $ (19.7     (4.5 %) 

Operating profit

   $ 76.1      $ 56.3      $ 19.8        35.2

Operating margin

     18.3     12.9    

The year to date 2010 sales decrease of $19.7 million, or 4.5%, reflected a sales decrease of $11.0 million in the Aerospace Group and a decline of $8.7 million in the Electronics Group. The segment’s operating profit increased $19.8 million, or 35.2%, in the first nine months of 2010 when compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase in operating profit was driven by a $25.0 million increase in operating profit in the Aerospace Group, partially offset by a $5.2 million decrease in operating profit in the Electronics Group.

Aerospace Group sales of $250.2 million decreased $11.0 million, or 4.2%, from $261.2 million in the prior year period. This decrease was attributable to declines in aftermarket product sales of 7.2% and commercial OEM product sales of 2.6%. Operating profit increased by $25.0 million, or 93.2%, in the first nine months of 2010 when compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily reflecting a $21.8 million decline in engineering expenses, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of the lower sales volumes. Total engineering expense for the Aerospace Group was $32.6 million in the first nine months of 2010, compared to $54.4 million in the first nine months of 2009.

Electronics Group sales of $165.9 million decreased $8.7 million, or 5.0%. The net effect of the GTC divestiture and the Merrimac acquisition lowered sales by $1.2 million. Operating profit declined $5.2 million compared to the first nine months of 2009, reflecting the deleverage on the reduced sales as well as approximately $1.9 million of purchase accounting costs and $2.2 million of additional amortization and depreciation expense associated with the Merrimac acquisition, partially offset by a lower cost base, which included lower engineering spending.

The Aerospace & Electronics segment backlog was $401.6 million at September 30, 2010 and included $24.5 million associated with the Merrimac acquisition, compared with $369.9 million at September 30, 2009 and $351.0 million at December 31, 2009.

Engineered Materials

 

     Year-to-Date     Change  

(dollars in millions)

   2010     2009               

Sales

   $ 167.3      $ 128.0      $ 39.3         30.7

Operating profit

   $ 26.7      $ 13.6      $ 13.1         96.2

Operating margin

     15.9     10.6     

Year to date 2010 sales increased $39.3 million, or 30.7%, reflecting higher sales to our traditional RV and transportation customers when compared to the prior year period. Sales to our traditional RV customers increased by 82.2% and sales to our transportation-related customers grew by 19.1%, while sales to our building products customers were generally flat. Operating profit in the first nine months of 2010 increased $13.1 million, or 96.2%, reflecting the higher sales volume, partially offset by higher raw material costs.

The Engineered Materials segment backlog was $11.4 million at September 30, 2010, compared with $8.5 million at September 30, 2009 and $12.1 million at December 31, 2009.

 

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Merchandising Systems

 

     Year-to-Date     Change  

(dollars in millions)

   2010     2009               

Sales

   $ 221.9      $ 220.9      $ 1.0         0.4

Operating profit

   $ 19.3      $ 16.6      $ 2.8         16.7

Operating margin

     8.7     7.5     

Year to date 2010 sales increased $1.0 million, or 0.4%, including favorable foreign currency translation of $2.1 million, or 0.9%, partially offset by a core sales decline of $1.1 million, or 0.5%. The decline in core sales primarily reflects lower demand for Payment Solutions products. Segment operating profit for the first nine months of 2010 increased by $2.8 million, or 16.7%, over the same period in 2009, due primarily to lower costs resulting from prior plant consolidations, and improved operating efficiencies, partially offset by the deleverage on the reduced sales of Payment Solutions and the absence of the favorable impacts in 2009 of a legal settlement and the reduction of a liability estimate associated with a restructuring program.

The Merchandising Systems segment backlog was $18.0 million at September 30, 2010, compared with $23.6 million at September 30, 2009 and $23.5 million at December 31, 2009.

Fluid Handling

 

     Year-to-Date     Change  

(dollars in millions)

   2010     2009              

Sales

   $ 758.2      $ 796.4      $ (38.2     (4.8 %) 

Operating profit

   $ 93.3      $ 98.7      $ (5.4     (5.4 %) 

Operating margin

     12.3     12.4    

Year to date 2010 sales decreased $38.2 million, or 4.8%, driven by a core sales decline of $49.5 million, or 6.2%, partially offset by favorable foreign currency exchange of $11.3 million, or 1.4%. The lower core sales performance, albeit improving since the beginning of the year, was impacted by broad-based volume declines and reflects unfavorable end markets which continue to impact many later-cycle, project-based energy, chemical, and pharmaceutical businesses, partially offset by improving trends in MRO activity. Segment operating profit decreased $5.4 million, or 5.4%, over the first nine months of 2010. The operating profit decrease was primarily due to volume deleverage, partially offset by savings associated with cost reduction initiatives.

The Fluid Handling segment backlog was $266.6 million at September 30, 2010, compared with $252.3 million at September 30, 2009 and $249.9 million at December 31, 2009.

Controls

 

     Year-to-Date     Change  

(dollars in millions)

   2010     2009               

Sales

   $ 80.3      $ 70.2      $ 10.1         14.3

Operating profit (loss)

   $ 2.9      $ (3.0   $ 5.9         NM   

Operating margin

     3.6     (4.2 %)      

The year to date 2010 sales increase of $10.1 million and the increase in operating profit of $5.9 million reflects the improvement in transportation, and oil and gas related demand. Operating profit of $2.9 million showed meaningful improvement over 2009 reflecting the modest recoveries in end markets and the absence of losses from divested businesses.

The Controls segment backlog was $27.6 million at September 30, 2010, compared with $27.3 million at September 30, 2009 and $28.0 million at December 31, 2009.

 

30


 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our operating philosophy is to deploy cash provided from operating activities, when appropriate, to provide value to shareholders by paying dividends and/or repurchasing shares, by reinvesting in existing businesses and by making acquisitions that will complement our portfolio of businesses. During 2009, in response to concerns about global economic growth, we executed broad-based restructuring actions in order to align our cost base to lower levels of demand for our products, which reduced costs by approximately $175 million and favorably impacted our operating cash flow. While operating results during the third quarter 2010 were better than our expectations as we are beginning to see signs of recovery in certain key markets, demand remains at lower levels across most of our businesses. Accordingly, we continue to execute on our focused, disciplined approach to cost management to ensure we maintain a suitable liquidity position.

Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $57 million to $316 million at September 30, 2010 compared with $373 million at December 31, 2009. The decline resulted largely from our acquisition of Merrimac. Our current cash balance, together with cash we expect to generate from future operations and the $300 million available under our existing committed revolving credit facility are expected to be sufficient to finance our short- and long-term capital requirements, as well as fund cash payments associated with our asbestos and environmental exposures and expected pension contributions. In addition, we believe our credit ratings afford us adequate access to public and private markets for debt. We have no borrowings outstanding under our five-year $300 million Amended and Restated Credit Agreement which expires in September 2012 and we have no significant debt maturities coming due until the third quarter of 2013, when senior unsecured notes having an aggregate principal amount of $200 million mature.

To the extent global demand for industrial products and services declines further, we will have lower operating profit than we currently expect, and we may need to implement additional restructuring initiatives, both of which may have an adverse impact on our 2010 operating cash flow.

Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities, a key source of our liquidity, was $59.3 million in the first nine months of 2010, a decrease of $66.4 million, or 52.8%, compared to the first nine months of 2009. The decrease resulted primarily from a $25 million discretionary pension contribution made during the third quarter of 2010, higher working capital requirements to support improving sales trends and net asbestos related payments of $43.7 million in the first nine months of 2010 when compared to net asbestos related payments of $34.8 million, which included a $14.5 million insurance settlement receipt, in the same period last year. The unfavorable change was partially offset by higher earnings.

Investing Activities

Cash flows relating to investing activities consist primarily of cash used for acquisitions and capital expenditures and cash flows provided by divestitures of businesses or assets. Cash used in investing activities was $60.0 million in the first nine months of 2010, compared to $17.9 million used in the comparable period of 2009. The higher levels of cash flows used in investing activities were primarily due to the $51.2 million net payment made for the Merrimac acquisition during the first quarter of 2010. This was partially offset by the decline in capital spending of $7.7 million. Capital expenditures are made primarily for increasing capacity, replacing equipment, supporting new product development and improving information systems. We expect full-year 2010 capital expenditures to be in the range of $25 - $30 million, compared to $28 million in 2009.

Financing Activities

Financing cash flows consist primarily of payments of dividends to shareholders, share repurchases, and repayments of indebtedness. Cash used in financing activities was $51.1 million during the first nine months of 2010, compared to $51.6 million used during the first nine months of 2009. Cash used in financing activities during the first nine months of 2010 was driven by dividends paid of $37.0 million and the repurchase of 881,258 shares of our common stock at a cost of $30 million, partially offset by net proceeds received from employee stock option exercises of $16.4 million. Cash used in financing activities during the first nine months of 2009 was driven by dividends paid of $35.1 million and changes in short-term debt of $16.4 million.

 

31


 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Information regarding new accounting pronouncements is included in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

There have been no material changes in the information called for by this item since the disclosure in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. The Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that are filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and that the information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on this evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have concluded that these controls are effective as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. During the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2010, there have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, identified in connection with our evaluation thereof, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.

 

32


 

Part II – Other Information

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Discussion of legal matters is incorporated by reference from Part 1, Item 1, Note 9, “Commitments and Contingencies”, of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and should be considered an integral part of Part II, Item 1, “Legal Proceedings”.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Information regarding risk factors appears in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Information Relating to Forward-Looking Statements,” in Part I – Item 2 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in Item 1A of Crane Co.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. There has been no significant change to the risk factors disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

 

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

(c) Share Repurchases

 

     Total number
of shares
repurchased
     Average
price
paid  per
share
     Total number of shares
purchased as part of
publicly announced
plans or programs
     Maximum number (or
approximate dollar value) of
shares that may yet be
purchased under the plans or
programs
 

July 1-31, 2010

     —         $ —           —           —     

August 1-31, 2010

     524,538         35.16         —           —     

September 1-30, 2010

     43,220         35.66         —           —     
                                   

Total

     567,758       $ 35.20         —           —     
                                   

The table above only includes the open-market repurchases of our common stock during the quarter ended September 30, 2010. We routinely receive shares of our common stock as payment for stock option exercises and the withholding taxes due on stock option exercises and the vesting of restricted stock awards from stock-based compensation program participants.

 

33


 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit 31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a)
Exhibit 31.2    Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a)
Exhibit 32.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or 15d-14(b)
Exhibit 32.2    Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or 15d-14(b)
Exhibit 101.INS    XBRL Instance Document
Exhibit 101.SCH    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
Exhibit 101.CAL    XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
Exhibit 101.DEF    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
Exhibit 101.LAB    XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document
Exhibit 101.PRE    XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document

Notes to Exhibits List:

Attached as Exhibit 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are the following documents formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively; (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009; and (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Users of this data are advised that, pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, this interactive data file is deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is not deemed to be filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.

 

34


 

SIGNATURES

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.

 

 

CRANE CO.

REGISTRANT

Date    
November 5, 2010   By  

  /s/ Eric C. Fast

 

Eric C. Fast

President and Chief Executive Officer

 
Date    
November 5, 2010   By  

  /s/ Richard A. Maue

 

Richard A. Maue

Vice President, Controller

Principal Accounting Officer

 
 

 

35


 

Exhibit Index

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

Exhibit 31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a)
Exhibit 31.2    Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a)
Exhibit 32.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or 15d-14(b)
Exhibit 32.2    Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or 15d-14(b)
Exhibit 101.INS    XBRL Instance Document
Exhibit 101.SCH    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
Exhibit 101.CAL    XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
Exhibit 101.DEF    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
Exhibit 101.LAB    XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document
Exhibit 101.PRE    XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document

Notes to Exhibits List:

Attached as Exhibit 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are the following documents formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively; (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009; and (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Users of this data are advised that, pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, this interactive data file is deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is not deemed to be filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.

 

36