Form 8-K

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT

TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): October 29, 2008

 

 

CABOT CORPORATION

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

DELAWARE

(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)

 

1-5667   04-2271897
(Commission File Number)   (IRS Employer Identification No.)

TWO SEAPORT LANE, SUITE 1300, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02210-2019

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

(617) 345-0100

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

 


Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On October 29, 2008, Cabot Corporation issued a press release announcing its operating results for the fiscal quarter and year ended September 30, 2008. A copy of the press release is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.1.

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.

99.1    Press release issued by Cabot Corporation on October 29, 2008


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 hereunto duly authorized.

 

CABOT CORPORATION
By:  

/s/    James P. Kelly

Name:   James P. Kelly
Title:   Controller

Date: October 29, 2008


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

Number

 

Title

99.1   Press release issued by Cabot Corporation on October 29, 2008
Press release issued by Cabot Corporation

Exhibit 99.1

 

Contact:          Susannah Robinson
     Director, Investor Relations        
     617-342-6129

CABOT ANNOUNCES FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL FISCAL YEAR 2008

OPERATING RESULTS

BOSTON (October 29, 2008)- Cabot Corporation (NYSE: CBT) today announced results for its fourth quarter and full fiscal year ended September 30, 2008.

Quarterly Highlights:

 

   

Total segment profit improves by $3 million compared to the fourth quarter of 2007: increase in Rubber Blacks driven by solid margin and cost management, despite unprecedented $36 million unfavorable contract lag

 

   

Volumes weaker than seasonal norm: slowing global demand particularly in the automotive and construction sectors

 

   

Positive advances in new business development: signed license agreement with Michelin for commercialization of Cabot Elastomer Composites, successful use of cesium formate in Kazakhstan and Asia Pacific, increased Aerogel oil & gas revenue

 

   

Strong liquidity position: operating cash flow of $94 million during fourth quarter, cash balance of $129 million at fiscal year end, conservative balance sheet a strength in time of current economic uncertainty

 

(In millions, except per share amounts)

 

   2008     2007  
   Fourth
Quarter
    Full
Year
    Fourth
Quarter
    Full
Year
 

Net sales

   $ 853     $ 3,191     $ 675     $ 2,616  

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.17     $ 1.33     $ 0.36     $ 1.90  

Less: Certain items per share

     (0.03 )     (0.14 )     (0.11 )     (0.35 )

Less: Discontinued operations per share

     —         —         0.04       0.03  

Adjusted earnings per share

   $ 0.20     $ 1.47     $ 0.43     $ 2.22  

Commenting on the results, Patrick Prevost, Cabot’s President and CEO, stated, “Although we are not pleased with our operating results this quarter, I am confident in the underlying strength of our businesses. Key drivers of this quarter’s performance are first, as anticipated, the negative time lag effect in our rubber blacks supply contracts was unprecedented. Rubber Blacks nonetheless improved profitability despite the difficult operating environment through strong margin and cost management. Second, the softening economic environment became more global in scope and affected our volumes during the quarter, particularly in the automotive and construction sectors. Third, our other income and expense was unfavorably affected by $9 million from the non-cash translation of intercompany loans, denominated in U.S. dollars, provided to our Brazilian subsidiary, whose currency depreciated during the quarter.”

Prevost continued, “It is clear that the global macroeconomic issues have begun to affect our business results in the form of reduced demand in some of our key industrial sectors. Our conservative financial practices have positioned us with a strong balance sheet to withstand these turbulent conditions and we remain focused on executing our longer term strategies to further advance our position as a global market leader.”

 

Page 1 of 5


Summary of Results

For the fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2008, net income was $11 million and $85 million ($0.17 and $1.33 per diluted common share), respectively. Adjusted EPS was $0.20 and $1.47 per diluted common share for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2008, respectively, which excludes $1 million and $9 million ($0.03 and $0.14 per diluted common share), respectively, of charges from certain items. This compares to fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2007 net income of $24 million and $129 million ($0.36 and $1.90 per diluted common share), respectively. Adjusted EPS was $0.43 and $2.22 per diluted common share for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2007, respectively, which excluded $5 million and $22 million ($0.07 and $0.32 per diluted common share), respectively, of charges from certain items and discontinued operations. Details of the Company’s financial results and certain items are provided in the accompanying tables.

Segment Results

Core Segment

Rubber Blacks profitability increased by $13 million when compared to the fourth quarter of 2007. Solid margin management and lower fixed manufacturing costs allowed the Business to overcome a significant unfavorable contract lag ($36 million) and lower volumes ($8 million). Volumes declined by 7% driven by economic softness in all regions as our tire customers reduced production on weaker demand. The Americas declined by 10%, with North America down 7% and South America down 15%; the Europe, Middle East, Africa region was down 6%; and Asia Pacific was down 6% overall, with China down 16%, in part due to the Olympics, more than offsetting an increase of 3% in the rest of Asia. For the full fiscal year 2008, operating profit before tax (“PBT”) increased despite the unfavorable contract lag and difficult economic conditions, which led to flat volumes. The Business was able to offset the vast majority of these unfavorable factors through solid margin management and strict control on manufacturing spending, and also benefited from foreign currency translation. The time lag of feedstock related pricing adjustments in the Company’s rubber blacks supply contracts had an unfavorable impact of $36 million and $66 million for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2008, respectively. This is compared to an unfavorable impact of $13 million and $6 million in the same periods of 2007.

Results in the Supermetals Business for the fourth quarter of 2008 continued to be weak. Volumes increased compared to the third quarter of 2008, but were still below the prior year’s volume levels. Profitability decreased by $6 million compared to the fourth quarter of 2007 as the decline in volumes ($5 million) and an increase in average ore costs ($3 million) could not be fully offset by a favorable product mix ($2 million). For the full fiscal year 2008, the decline in volumes ($14 million) and lower pricing ($12 million) were due, principally, to the expiration of favorable supply contracts in the first quarter of 2007. These factors, combined with higher average ore costs ($4 million), resulted in significantly lower PBT than in the prior year. The Business continued to focus on cash generation through working capital reductions, including reduction of its inventory levels, during the fourth quarter. For the full fiscal year 2008, net working capital improved by $23 million. We remain committed to, and are making progress towards, returning the Business to profitability in 2009.

Performance Segment

Profitability decreased by $9 million when compared to the fourth quarter of 2007, principally as a result of a decline in volumes ($6 million) driven by weakening demand in the construction and automotive industrial sectors. Performance Products volumes were lower by 8%, as significant decreases in developed regions more than offset continued, albeit slowing, growth in emerging markets. Fumed Metal Oxides volumes decreased by 2% compared to the fourth quarter of 2007. For the full fiscal year 2008, profitability was significantly lower due to an unfavorable LIFO impact of $17 million and a rapid rise in raw material and energy costs, not fully recovered

 

Page 2 of 5


through pricing. Additionally, selling, technical and administrative costs increased as a result of continued investment in geographic expansion and product differentiation to sustain the long term growth of the Segment. These costs were partially offset by volume growth (1% and 2% for Performance Products and Fumed Metal Oxides, respectively) and favorable foreign currency translation.

Specialty Fluids Segment

Business performance remained solid for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year of 2008 when compared to the same periods of 2007. Sales increased over the 2007 periods while PBT decreased slightly over the comparative 2007 periods. Cesium formate was used successfully during the fourth quarter in multiple wells in Kazakhstan and throughout the year in Asia Pacific, which positions the Segment well to continue its geographic growth. During fiscal 2008, the percentage of revenue generated by business outside of the North Sea improved to 21%, compared to 17% in fiscal 2007.

New Business Segment

Sales in the New Business Segment improved for both the fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2008 when compared to the same periods of 2007. In the Inkjet Colorants Business, full year revenues declined, with lower volumes in the OEM market segment. In the fourth quarter, volumes and product mix were favorable when compared to the same period of 2007 and sequentially. Aerogel revenues increased in both periods when compared to 2007, driven by the construction and oil and gas market segments. Superior MicroPowders increased revenues, continuing to supply advanced materials to the security market. The Segment benefited from lower manufacturing and administrative costs in the fourth quarter from steps taken in the third quarter of 2008, including workforce reductions and the elimination of under-performing projects.

Cash Flow

During the fourth quarter of 2008, operations generated $94 million of cash, including a $9 million decrease in working capital on a constant dollar basis. For the full fiscal year 2008, operations generated $138 million in cash, despite a $135 million increase in working capital, principally from higher carbon black feedstock costs. The Company ended the year with a cash balance of $129 million. Capital expenditures were $72 million in the fourth quarter and $199 million for the full fiscal year 2008 and included spending on expansions in China and carbon black energy centers. The Company did not repurchase shares on the open market during the fourth quarter of 2008, ending the fiscal year with 935,400 shares repurchased at an average price of $29.66 per share.

Outlook

Commenting on the outlook for fiscal 2009 and beyond, Prevost said, “I remain confident in Cabot’s strength and in our ability to execute our long term strategy and deliver on our performance commitments. We are, however, concerned about the global economic slowdown and its effect on demand in all of our key businesses. Notwithstanding this softening, the recent unprecedented decline in carbon black raw material costs will provide a significant contract lag benefit in the coming quarter. We have continued to secure orders in key market segments for Inkjet Colorants, Aerogels and Superior MicroPowders, which should lead to revenue growth in the coming fiscal year for the New Business Segment. Our cash position remains strong and will serve us well in the current economic environment. Lower carbon black feedstock costs and initiatives we have undertaken since the beginning of the year will further enhance our strong liquidity position.”

 

Page 3 of 5


Prevost continued, “Our investors can be confident that we are closely following the impact of the global slowdown on the various industrial sectors that we serve and are taking steps to manage or mitigate the effects on our business. We remain confident in the long term strength and overall health of the Company.”

Earnings Call

The Company will host a conference call with industry analysts at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time on October 30, 2008. The call can be accessed through Cabot’s investor relations website at http://investor.cabot-corp.com.

Cabot Corporation, headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, is a global performance materials company. Cabot’s major products are carbon black, fumed silica, inkjet colorants, capacitor materials, and cesium formate drilling fluids. The Company’s website is: http://www.cabot-corp.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This earnings release contains forward-looking statements based on management’s current expectations, estimates and projections. All statements that address expectations or projections about the future (including our expectations concerning market demand, carbon black raw material costs, financial performance in our Supermetals Business and in the New Business Segment, and our liquidity position), strategy for growth, market position, and expected financial results are forward-looking statements. Some of the forward-looking statements may be identified by words like “expects,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “intends,” “projects,” “indicates,” and similar expressions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors, including those discussed more fully elsewhere in this release and in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Cabot, particularly its latest annual report on Form 10-K, could cause results to differ materially from those stated. These factors include, but are not limited to changes in raw material costs; costs associated with the research and development of new products, including regulatory approval and market acceptance; competitive pressures; successful integration of structural changes, including restructuring plans, and joint ventures; the laws, regulations, policies and economic conditions, including inflation, interest and foreign currency exchange rates, of countries in which the company does business; and severe weather events that cause business interruptions, including plant and power outages, or disruptions in supplier or customer operations.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The preceding discussion of our results and the accompanying financial tables report adjusted EPS and also include information on our reportable segment sales and segment (or business) operating profit before taxes (“PBT”). Adjusted EPS and segment PBT are non-GAAP financial measures and are not intended to replace EPS and income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes, equity in net income of affiliated companies and minority interest, respectively, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. Both EPS and adjusted EPS are calculated on a diluted share basis. In calculating adjusted EPS and segment PBT, we exclude certain items, meaning items that are significant and unusual or infrequent and not believed to reflect the true underlying business performance, and, therefore, are not allocated to a segment’s results or included in adjusted EPS. Further, in calculating segment PBT we include equity in net income of affiliated companies, royalties paid by equity affiliates, minority interest and allocated corporate costs but exclude interest expense, foreign currency translation gains and losses, interest income and dividend income. Our chief operating decision-maker uses adjusted EPS to evaluate the underlying earnings power of the Company. Segment PBT is used to evaluate

 

Page 4 of 5


changes in the operating results of each segment before non-operating factors and before certain items and to allocate resources to the segments. We believe that these non-GAAP measures also assist our investors in evaluating the changes in our results and the Company’s performance. A reconciliation of adjusted EPS to EPS is shown in the table titled Certain Items and Reconciliation of Adjusted EPS, and a reconciliation of total segment PBT to income (loss) from operations before taxes, equity in net income of affiliated companies and minority interest is shown in the table titled Summary Results by Segments. The certain items that are excluded from our calculation of adjusted EPS and segment PBT are detailed in the table titled Certain Items and Reconciliation of Adjusted EPS.

The term “LIFO impact” includes two factors: (i) the impact of current, generally higher, inventory cost being recognized immediately in cost of goods sold (“COGS”) under a last-in-first-out method, compared to the older costs that would have been included in COGS under a first-in-first-out method; and (ii) the impact of reductions in inventory quantities, causing historical, generally lower, inventory costs to flow through COGS.

 

Page 5 of 5


Fourth Quarter Earnings Announcement, Fiscal 2008

CABOT CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Periods ended September 30

 

Dollars in millions, except per share amounts (unaudited)

   Three Months     Twelve Months  
   2008     2007     2008     2007  

Net sales and other operating revenues

   $ 853     $ 675     $ 3,191     $ 2,616  

Cost of sales

     740       564       2,706       2,111  
                                

Gross profit

     113       111       485       505  

Selling and administrative expenses

     56       66       246       249  

Research and technical expenses

     19       20       74       69  
                                

Income from operations

     38       25       165       187  

Other income and expense

        

Interest and dividend income

     2       2       4       10  

Interest expense

     (10 )     (8 )     (38 )     (34 )

Other income (expense)

     (15 )     1       (20 )     5  
                                

Total other income and expense

     (23 )     (5 )     (54 )     (19 )
                                

Income from continuing operations before income taxes, equity in net income of affiliated companies and minority interest

     15       20       111       168  

Benefit (provision) for income taxes

     (1 )     2       (14 )     (38 )

Equity in net income of affiliated companies, net of tax

     2       3       8       12  

Minority interest in net income, net of tax

     (5 )     (4 )     (20 )     (15 )
                                

Income from continuing operations

     11       21       85       127  

Discontinued operations, net of tax (A)

     —         3       —         2  
                                

Net income

     11       24       85       129  

Dividends on preferred stock, net of tax benefit

     —         —         —         (1 )
                                

Net income available to common shares

   $ 11     $ 24     $ 85     $ 128  
                                

Diluted earnings per share of common stock

        

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.17     $ 0.32     $ 1.33     $ 1.87  

Discontinued operations, net of tax (A)

     —         0.04       —         0.03  
                                

Net income

   $ 0.17     $ 0.36     $ 1.33     $ 1.90  

Weighted average common shares outstanding

        

Diluted

     64       66       64       68  

 

(A)

Amount relates to legal settlements in connection with our discontinued operations, net of tax.


Fourth Quarter Earnings Announcement, Fiscal 2008

CABOT CORPORATION CERTAIN ITEMS AND RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED EPS

 

CERTAIN ITEMS:

 

Periods ended September 30

 

Dollars in millions, except per share amounts (unaudited)

   Three Months     Twelve Months  
   2008
$
    2008
per share(A)
    2007
$
    2007
per share(A)
    2008
$
    2008
per share(A)
    2007
$
    2007
per share(A)
 

Certain items before income taxes

                

Environmental reserves and legal settlements

   $ —       $ —       $ (2 )   $ (0.02 )   $ (3 )   $ (0.04 )   $ (8 )   $ (0.09 )

Reserve for respirator claims

     2       0.03         $ 2     $ 0.03       —         —    

Carbon Black federal antitrust litigation

     —         —         —         —         —         —         (10 )     (0.09 )

CEO transition costs

     —         —         —         —         (4 )     (0.04 )     —         —    

Debt issuance costs

     (2 )     (0.03 )     —         —         (2 )     (0.03 )     —         —    

Acquisition of flamed synthesis technology

     —           (4 )     (0.04 )     —         —         (4 )     (0.04 )

Restructuring initiatives:

                

- Global

     (1 )     (0.01 )     1       0.01       (6 )     (0.06 )     (3 )     (0.03 )

- Altona, Australia

     —         —         —         —         18       0.20       (1 )     (0.01 )

- North America

     (1 )     (0.02 )     (5 )     (0.06 )     (15 )     (0.18 )     (8 )     (0.09 )

- Europe (B)

     —         —         —         —         (2 )     (0.02 )    
                                                                

Total certain items

     (2 )     (0.03 )     (10 )     (0.11 )     (12 )     (0.14 )     (34 )     (0.35 )
                                                                

Discontinued operations(C)

     —         —         3       0.04       —         —         2       0.03  
                                                                

Total certain items and discontinued operations

     (2 )     (0.03 )     (7 )     (0.07 )     (12 )     (0.14 )     (32 )     (0.32 )
                                                                

Tax impact of certain items and discontinued operations

     1       —         2       —         3       —         10       —    
                                                                

Total certain items and discontinued operations, after tax

   $ (1 )   $ (0.03 )   $ (5 )   $ (0.07 )   $ (9 )   $ (0.14 )   $ (22 )   $ (0.32 )
                                                                

 

Periods ended September 30

 

   Three Months     Twelve Months  

Dollars in millions (unaudited)

   2008     2007     2008     2007  

Statement of Operations Line Item

        

Cost of sales

   $ (2 )   $ (5 )   $ (3 )   $ (16 )

Selling and administrative expenses

     2       (1 )     (7 )     (14 )

Research and technical expenses

     —         (4 )     —         (4 )

Other income and expense

     (2 )     —         (2 )     —    
                                

Total certain items

   $ (2 )   $ (10 )   $ (12 )   $ (34 )
                                

 

NON-GAAP MEASURE: Periods ended September 30

 

Dollars in millions, except per share amounts (unaudited)

   Three Months     Twelve Months  
   2008
per share(A)
    2007
per share(A)
    2008
per share(A)
    2007
per share(A)
 

Reconciliation of Adjusted EPS to GAAP EPS

        

Diluted EPS

   $ 0.17     $ 0.36     $ 1.33     $ 1.90  

Total certain items

     (0.03 )     (0.11 )     (0.14 )     (0.35 )

Discontinued operations

     —         0.04       —         0.03  
                                

Adjusted EPS

   $ 0.20     $ 0.43     $ 1.47     $ 2.22  
                                

 

(A)

Per share amounts are calculated after tax.

(B)

Charges relate to former carbon black facilities.

(C)

Amounts relate to legal settlements in connection with our discontinued operations, net of tax.


Fourth Quarter Earnings Announcement, Fiscal 2008

CABOT CORPORATION SUMMARY RESULTS BY SEGMENTS

 

Periods ended September 30

 

Dollars in millions, except per share amounts (unaudited)

   Three Months     Twelve Months  
   2008     2007     2008     2007  

SALES

        

Core Segment

   $ 553     $ 423     $ 2,063     $ 1,649  

Rubber blacks

     505       368       1,868       1,416  

Supermetals

     48       55       195       233  

Performance Segment

     237       213       933       811  

Performance products

     165       142       646       541  

Fumed metal oxides

     72       71       287       270  

New Business Segment

     20       12       57       51  

Inkjet colorants

     13       10       43       46  

Aerogel(A)

     5       1       10       3  

Superior MicroPowders

     2       1       4       2  

Specialty Fluids Segment

     19       16       68       58  
                                

Segment sales

     829       664       3,121       2,569  

Unallocated and other(A), (B)

     24       11       70       47  
                                

Net sales and other operating revenues

   $ 853     $ 675     $ 3,191     $ 2,616  
                                

SEGMENT PROFIT

        

Core Segment

   $ 16     $ 9     $ 92     $ 109  

Rubber blacks

     21       8       101       93  

Supermetals

     (5 )     1       (9 )     16  

Performance Segment

     21       30       102       131  

New Business Segment

     (4 )     (10 )     (34 )     (33 )

Specialty Fluids Segment

     6       7       24       25  
                                

Total Segment Profit(C)

     39       36       184       232  

Interest expense

     (10 )     (8 )     (38 )     (34 )

General unallocated expense(D)

     (12 )     (5 )     (27 )     (18 )

Less: Equity in net income of affiliated companies, net of tax

     (2 )     (3 )     (8 )     (12 )
                                

Income from continuing operations before income taxes, equity in net income of affiliated companies and minority interest

     15       20       111       168  

Provision for income taxes

     (1 )     2       (14 )     (38 )

Equity in net income of affiliated companies, net of tax

     2       3       8       12  

Minority interest in net income, net of tax

     (5 )     (4 )     (20 )     (15 )
                                

Income from continuing operations

     11       21       85       127  

Discontinued operations, net of tax(E)

     —         3       —         2  
                                

Net Income

     11       24       85       129  

Dividends on preferred stock, net of tax benefit

     —         —         —         (1 )
                                

Net income available to common shares

   $ 11     $ 24     $ 85     $ 128  
                                

Diluted earnings per share of common stock

        

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.17     $ 0.32     $ 1.33     $ 1.87  

Discontinued operations, net of tax(E)

     —         0.04       —         0.03  
                                

Net Income

   $ 0.17     $ 0.36     $ 1.33     $ 1.90  

Weighted average common shares outstanding

        

Diluted

     64       66       64       68  

 

Note: During the third quarter of fiscal 2008, management changed the way it manages the Company’s businesses. Accordingly, the segment results for all periods presented have been revised to reflect these changes. Management is continuing to review how it evaluates the businesses and the allocation of costs among the segments. As a result, the values reported in the Company’s future SEC filings may vary materially from those presented in this table.

 

(A)

Royalty income received by the Aerogel business, which has been included in Unallocated and other in prior periods, has been reclassified to Segment sales for all periods presented above.

(B)

Unallocated and other reflects an elimination for sales of one equity affiliate, prior to the consolidation of its results beginning April 1, 2008, offset by royalties paid by equity affiliates and other operating revenues and external shipping and handling fees.

(C)

Segment profit is a measure used by Cabot’s Chief Operating Decision-Maker to measure consolidated operating results, assess segment performance and allocate resources. Segment profit includes equity in net income of affiliated companies, royalty income, minority interest and allocated corporate costs.

(D)

General unallocated expense includes foreign currency transaction gains (losses), interest income, dividend income, and the certain items listed in the Certain Items and Reconciliation of Adjusted EPS table.

(E)

Amount relates to legal settlements in connection with our discontinued operations, net of tax.


Fourth Quarter Earnings Announcement, Fiscal 2008

CABOT CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL POSITION

 

Dollars in millions, except share and per share amounts

   September 30,
2008
(unaudited)
    September 30,
2007

(audited)
 

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 129     $ 154  

Short-term marketable securities

     1       2  

Accounts and notes receivable, net of reserve for doubtful accounts of $5 and $6

     643       563  

Inventories:

    

Raw materials

     193       154  

Work in process

     58       77  

Finished goods

     246       184  

Other

     26       27  
                

Total inventories

     523       442  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     75       72  

Deferred income taxes

     42       35  

Assets held for sale

     7       7  
                

Total current assets

     1,420       1,275  
                

Investments:

    

Equity affiliates

     53       65  

Long-term marketable securities and cost investments

     1       3  
                

Total investments

     54       68  
                

Property, plant and equipment

     2,975       2,823  

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (1,894 )     (1,807 )
                

Net property, plant and equipment

     1,081       1,016  
                

Other assets:

    

Goodwill

     34       34  

Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $11 and $10

     3       4  

Assets held for rent

     45       42  

Deferred income taxes

     151       120  

Other assets

     63       77  
                

Total other assets

     296       277  
                

Total assets

   $ 2,851     $ 2,636  
                


Fourth Quarter Earnings Announcement, Fiscal 2008

CABOT CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL POSITION

 

Dollars in millions, except share and per share amounts

   September 30,
2008
(unaudited)
    September 30,
2007
(audited)
 

Current liabilities:

    

Notes payable to banks

   $ 181     $ 67  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     426       427  

Income taxes payable

     42       36  

Deferred income taxes

     2       2  

Current portion of long-term debt

     39       15  
                

Total current liabilities

     690       547  
                

Long-term debt

     496       503  

Deferred income taxes

     19       16  

Other liabilities

     295       300  

Minority interest

     111       76  

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Preferred stock:

    

Authorized: 2,000,000 shares of $1 par value

    

Series B ESOP Convertible Preferred Stock 7.75% Cumulative

    

Authorized: None and 200,000 shares

    

Issued: None and none

     —         —    

Outstanding: None and none

    

Common stock:

    

Authorized: 200,000,000 shares of $1 par value

    

Issued: 65,403,100 and 65,424,674 shares

     65       65  

Outstanding: 65,277,715 and 65,279,803 shares

    

Less cost of 125,385 and 144,871 shares of common treasury stock

     (4 )     (5 )

Additional paid-in capital

     16       —    

Retained earnings

     1,142       1,119  

Deferred employee benefits

     (30 )     (34 )

Notes receivable for restricted stock

     (21 )     (19 )

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     72       68  
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     1,240       1,194  
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 2,851     $ 2,636  
                


CABOT CORPORATION

 

     Fiscal 2007     Fiscal 2008  

In millions, except per share amounts (unaudited)

   Dec. Q.     Mar. Q.     June Q.     Sept. Q.     FY     Dec. Q.     Mar. Q.     June Q.     Sept. Q.     FY  
Sales                     

Core Segment

   $ 428     $ 399     $ 399     $ 423     $ 1,649     $ 463     $ 511     $ 537     $ 553     $ 2,063  

Rubber blacks

     351       346       351       368       1,416       410       454       499       505       1,868  

Supermetals

     77       53       48       55       233       53       57       38       48       195  

Performance Segment

     188       202       208       213       811       211       236       247       237       933  

Performance products

     123       134       142       142       541       141       164       175       165       646  

Fumed metal oxides

     65       68       66       71       270       70       72       72       72       287  

New Business Segment

     11       14       14       12       51       10       14       14       20       57  

Inkjet colorants

     10       13       13       10       46       8       11       11       13       43  

Aerogel (A)

     —         1       1       1       3       1       2       2       5       10  

Superior MicroPowders

     1       —         —         1       2       1       1       1       2       4  

Specialty Fluids Segment

     16       10       16       16       58       16       16       17       19       68  
                                                                                

Segment Sales

     643       625       637       664       2,569       700       777       815       829       3,121  

Unallocated and other (A), (B) 

     12       12       12       11       47       11       9       25       24       70  
                                                                                

Net sales and other operating revenues

   $ 655     $ 637     $ 649     $ 675     $ 2,616     $ 711     $ 786     $ 840     $ 853     $ 3,191  
                                                                                

Segment Profit

                    

Core Segment

   $ 56     $ 33     $ 11     $ 9     $ 109     $ 15     $ 25     $ 37     $ 16     $ 92  

Rubber blacks

     40       34       11       8       93       14       26       41       21       101  

Supermetals

     16       (1 )     —         1       16       1       (1 )     (4 )     (5 )     (9 )

Performance Segment

     34       36       31       30       131       27       26       27       21       102  

New Business Segment

     (11 )     (4 )     (8 )     (10 )     (33 )     (12 )     (9 )     (9 )     (4 )     (34 )

Specialty Fluids Segment

     8       3       7       7       25       7       5       5       6       24  
                                                                                

Total Segment Profit (C)

     87       68       41       36       232       37       47       60       39       184  

Interest expense

     (9 )     (9 )     (8 )     (8 )     (34 )     (9 )     (9 )     (9 )     (10 )     (38 )

General unallocated income (expense) (D)

     —         (15 )     1       (5 )     (18 )     8       (13 )     (10 )     (12 )     (27 )

Less: Equity in net income of affiliated companies, net of tax

     (3 )     (3 )     (3 )     (3 )     (12 )     (2 )     (2 )     (2 )     (2 )     (8 )
                                                                                

Income from continuing operations before income taxes, equity in net income of affiliated companies and minority interest

     75       41       31       20       168       34       23       39       15       111  

Benefit (provision) for income taxes

     (19 )     (11 )     (9 )     2       (38 )     6       (11 )     (8 )     (1 )     (14 )

Equity in net income of affiliated companies, net of tax

     3       3       3       3       12       2       2       2       2       8  

Minority interest in net income, net of tax

     (5 )     (2 )     (4 )     (4 )     (15 )     (6 )     (3 )     (6 )     (5 )     (20 )
                                                                                

Income from continuing operations

     54       31       21       21       127       36       11       27       11       85  

Discontinued operations, net of tax (E)

     —         —         (1 )     3       2       —         —         —         —         —    
                                                                                

Net income

     54       31       20       24       129       36       11       27       11       85  

Dividends on preferred stock, net of tax benefit

     —         (1 )     —         —         (1 )     —         —         —         —         —    
                                                                                

Net income available to common shares

   $ 54     $ 30     $ 20     $ 24     $ 128     $ 36     $ 11     $ 27     $ 11     $ 85  
                                                                                

Diluted earnings per share of common stock

                    

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.79     $ 0.45     $ 0.31     $ 0.32     $ 1.87     $ 0.56     $ 0.17     $ 0.43     $ 0.17     $ 1.33  

Discontinued operations, net of tax (E)

     —         —         (0.01 )     0.04       0.03       —         —         —         —         —    
                                                                                

Net income

   $ 0.79     $ 0.45     $ 0.30     $ 0.36     $ 1.90     $ 0.56     $ 0.17     $ 0.43     $ 0.17     $ 1.33  
                                                                                

Weighted average common shares outstanding

                    

Diluted

     69       69       68       66       68       64       64       63       64       64  
                                                                                

 

Note: During the third quarter of fiscal 2008, management changed the way it manages the Company’s businesses. Accordingly, the segment results for all periods presented have been revised to reflect these changes. Management is continuing to review how it evaluates the businesses and the allocation of costs among the segments. As a result, the values reported in the Company’s future SEC filings may vary materially from those presented in this table.

 

(A)

Royalty income received by the Aerogel business, which has been included in Unallocated and other in prior periods, has been reclassified to Segment sales for all periods presented above.

(B)

Unallocated and other reflects an elimination for sales of one equity affiliate, prior to the consolidation of its results beginning April 1, 2008, offset by royalties paid by equity affiliates and other operating revenues and external shipping and handling fees.

(C)

Segment profit is a measure used by Cabot’s Chief Operating Decision-Maker to measure consolidated operating results, assess segment performance and allocate resources. Segment profit includes equity in net income of affiliated companies, royalty income, minority interest and allocated corporate costs.

(D)

General unallocated expense includes foreign currency transaction gains (losses), interest income, dividend income and certain items listed in the Certain Items and Reconciliation of Adjusted EPS table.

(E)

Amounts relate to legal and tax settlements in connection with our discontinued operations, net of tax.