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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the year ended December 31, 2008
Commission file number 1-14287
USEC Inc.
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Delaware
(State of incorporation)
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52-2107911
(I.R.S. Identification No.) |
2 Democracy Center
6903 Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, Maryland 20817
(301) 564-3200
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Title of Each Class
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Name of Exchange on Which Registered |
Common Stock, par value $.10 per share
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights
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New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule
405 of the Securities Act.
Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section
13 or 15(d) of the Act.
Yes o No þ
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 þ No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation
S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrants knowledge, in
definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K
or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company
in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer þ | Accelerated filer o | Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | Smaller reporting company o |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of
the Act).
Yes o No þ
The aggregate market value of Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant calculated
by reference to the closing price of the registrants Common Stock as reported on the New York
Stock Exchange as of June 30, 2008, was $676.4 million. As of January 31, 2009, there were
111,349,000 shares of Common Stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on April 30,
2009, are incorporated by reference into Part III.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
This annual report on Form 10-K, including Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations in Item 7, contains forward-looking statements that is,
statements related to future events. In this context, forward-looking statements may address our
expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as expects,
anticipates, intends, plans, believes, will and other words of similar meaning.
Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees,
uncertain. For USEC, particular risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future results
to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include, but are not
limited to: risks related to the deployment of the American Centrifuge technology, including our
ability to meet targets for performance, cost and schedule and to obtain financing; our success in
obtaining a loan guarantee for the American Centrifuge Plant and the impact of delays in financing
on project spending, cost and schedule; uncertainty regarding the cost of electric power used at
our gaseous diffusion plant; our dependence on deliveries under the Russian Contract and on a
single production facility; our inability under most existing long-term contracts to directly pass
on to customers increases in our costs; the decrease or elimination of duties charged on imports of
foreign-produced low enriched uranium; pricing trends in the uranium and enrichment markets and
their impact on our profitability; changes
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to, or termination of, our contracts with the U.S. government and changes in U.S. government
priorities and the availability of government funding, including loan guarantees; the impact of
government regulation; the outcome of legal proceedings and other contingencies (including lawsuits
and government investigations or audits); the competitive environment for our products and
services; changes in the nuclear energy industry; the potential impact of volatile financial market
conditions on our pension assets and credit and insurance facilities; and other risks and
uncertainties discussed in this and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Revenue and operating results can fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter, and in some
cases, year to year. For a discussion of these risks and uncertainties and other factors that may
affect our future results, please see Item 1A of this report entitled Risk Factors. We do not
undertake to update our forward-looking statements except as required by law.
Items 1 and 2. Business and Properties
Overview
USEC, a global energy company, is a leading supplier of low enriched uranium (LEU) for
commercial nuclear power plants. LEU is a critical component in the production of nuclear fuel for
reactors to produce electricity. We:
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supply LEU to both domestic and international utilities for use in about 150 nuclear
reactors worldwide; |
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are deploying what we anticipate will be the worlds most advanced uranium enrichment
technology, known as the American Centrifuge; |
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are the exclusive executive agent for the U.S. government under a nuclear
nonproliferation program with Russia, known as Megatons to Megawatts; |
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perform contract work for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and its contractors at
the Paducah and Portsmouth gaseous diffusion plants (GDPs); and |
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provide transportation and storage systems for spent nuclear fuel and provide nuclear
and energy consulting services. |
USEC Inc. is organized under Delaware law. USEC was a U.S. government corporation until July
28, 1998, when the company completed an initial public offering of common stock. In connection with
the privatization, the U.S. government transferred all of its interest in the business to USEC,
with the exception of certain liabilities from prior operations of the U.S. government. References
to USEC or we include USEC Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries as well as the predecessor to
USEC unless the context otherwise indicates. A glossary of certain terms used in our industry and
herein is included in Part IV of this annual report.
Uranium and Enrichment
In its natural state, uranium is principally comprised of two isotopes: uranium-235
(U235) and uranium-238 (U238). U238 is the more abundant
isotope, but it is not readily fissionable in light water nuclear reactors. U235 is
fissile, but its concentration in natural uranium is only 0.711% by weight. Most commercial
nuclear power reactors require LEU fuel with a U235 concentration greater than natural
uranium and up to 5% by weight. Uranium enrichment is the process by which the concentration of
U235 is increased to that level.
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The following outlines the steps for converting natural uranium into LEU fuel, commonly known
as the nuclear fuel cycle:
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Mining and Milling Natural, or unenriched, uranium is removed from the earth in
the form of ore and then crushed and concentrated. |
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Conversion Uranium concentrates are combined with fluorine gas to produce uranium
hexafluoride (UF6), a solid at room temperature and a gas when heated.
UF6 is shipped to an enrichment plant. |
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Enrichment UF6 is enriched in a process that increases the
concentration of the U235 isotope in the UF6 from its natural
state of 0.711% up to 5%, which is usable as a fuel for light water commercial nuclear
power reactors. Depleted uranium is a by-product of the uranium enrichment process.
The standard measure of uranium enrichment is a separative work unit (SWU). A SWU
represents the effort that is required to transform a given amount of natural uranium
into two streams of uranium, one enriched in the U235 isotope and the other
depleted in the U235 isotope. SWUs are measured using a standard formula
derived from the physics of uranium enrichment. The amount of enrichment deemed to be
contained in LEU under this formula is commonly referred to as its SWU component and
the quantity of natural uranium deemed to be used in the production of LEU under this
formula is referred to as its uranium component. |
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Fuel Fabrication LEU is converted to uranium oxide and formed into small ceramic
pellets by fabricators. The pellets are loaded into metal tubes that form fuel
assemblies, which are shipped to nuclear power plants. |
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Nuclear Power Plant The fuel assemblies are loaded into nuclear reactors to
create energy from a controlled chain reaction. Nuclear power plants generate over 15%
of the worlds electricity. |
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Consumers Businesses and homeowners rely on the steady, baseload electricity
supplied by nuclear power and value its clean air qualities. |
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We produce or acquire LEU from two principal sources. We produce LEU at the Paducah GDP in
Paducah, Kentucky, and we acquire LEU by purchasing the SWU component of LEU from Russia under the
Megatons to Megawatts program.
Products and Services
Low Enriched Uranium
The majority of our customers are domestic and international utilities that operate nuclear
power plants. Our revenue is derived primarily from:
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sales of the SWU component of LEU, |
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sales of both the SWU and uranium components of LEU, and |
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sales of uranium. |
Our agreements with electric utilities are primarily long-term, fixed-commitment contracts
under which our customers are obligated to purchase a specified quantity of SWU or uranium from us
or long-term requirements contracts under which they are obligated to purchase a percentage of
their SWU requirements from us. Under requirements contracts, customers only make purchases if the
reactor has requirements. The timing of requirements is associated with reactor refueling outages.
Contract Services
We perform contract work for DOE and DOE contractors at the Paducah and Portsmouth GDPs,
including infrastructure support services and maintenance of the Portsmouth GDP in a state of cold
shutdown in preparation for decontamination and decommissioning.
Through our subsidiary NAC, we are a leading provider of nuclear energy services and
technologies, specializing in:
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design, fabrication and implementation of spent nuclear fuel technologies, |
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nuclear materials transportation, and |
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nuclear fuel cycle consulting services. |
Revenue by Geographic Area, Major Customers and Segment Information
Revenue attributed to domestic and foreign customers, including customers in a foreign
country representing 10% or more of total revenue, follows (in millions):
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Years Ended December 31, |
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2008 |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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United States |
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1,212.5 |
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1,310.6 |
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$ |
1,109.5 |
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Foreign: |
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Japan |
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242.6 |
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274.7 |
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389.8 |
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Other |
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159.5 |
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342.7 |
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349.3 |
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402.1 |
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617.4 |
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739.1 |
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$ |
1,614.6 |
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$ |
1,928.0 |
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$ |
1,848.6 |
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Our 10 largest utility customers represented 57% of revenue and our three largest utility
customers represented 30% of revenue in 2008. Revenue from two domestic customers, Exelon
Corporation and Entergy Corporation, each represented more than 10%, but less than 15%, of revenue
in 2008. Revenue from U.S. government contracts represented 12% of revenue in 2008, 9% of revenue
in 2007 and 10% of revenue in 2006. No other customer represented more than 10% of
revenue. Reference is made to segment information reported in note 17 to the consolidated
financial statements.
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SWU and Uranium Backlog
Backlog is the aggregate dollar amount of SWU and uranium that we expect to sell in future
periods under contracts with customers. At December 31, 2008, we had contracts with customers
aggregating an estimated $6.9 billion, including $1.7 billion expected to be delivered in 2009,
compared with $6.5 billion at December 31, 2007. Backlog is partially based on customers estimates
of their fuel requirements and other assumptions including our estimates of selling prices, which
are subject to change. Prices may be adjusted based on SWU or uranium market prices prevailing at
the time of delivery. Pricing elements may include escalation based on a general inflation index or
a power price index. We utilize external composite forecasts of future market prices and inflation
rates in our pricing estimates.
Gaseous Diffusion Plants
Two existing technologies are currently used commercially to enrich uranium for nuclear power
plants: gaseous diffusion and gas centrifuge. We currently use the older gaseous diffusion
technology and are deploying gas centrifuge technology to replace our gaseous diffusion operations.
See Business and Properties The American Centrifuge Plant.
Gaseous Diffusion Process
The gaseous diffusion process separates the lighter U235 isotope from the heavier
U238. The fundamental building block of the gaseous diffusion process is known as a
stage, consisting of a compressor, a converter, a control valve and associated piping. Compressors
driven by large electric motors are used to circulate the process gas and maintain flow. Converters
contain porous tubes known as a barrier through which process gas is diffused. Stages are grouped
together in series to form an operating unit called a cell. A cell is the smallest group of stages
that can be removed from service for maintenance. Gaseous diffusion plants are designed so that
cells can be taken off line with little or no interruption in the process.
The process begins with the heating of solid UF6 to form a gas that is forced
through the barrier. Because U 235 is lighter than U 238, it moves through
the barrier more easily. As the gas moves, the two isotopes are separated, increasing the U
235 concentration and decreasing the concentration of U 238 in the finished
product. The gaseous diffusion process requires significant amounts of electric power to push
uranium through the barrier.
Paducah GDP
We operate the Paducah GDP located in Paducah, Kentucky. The Paducah GDP consists of four
process buildings and is one of the largest industrial facilities in the world. The process
buildings have a total floor area of 150 acres, and the site covers 750 acres. We estimate that the
maximum capacity of the existing equipment is about 8 million SWU per year. In 2008, we produced
approximately 6.5 million SWU at the Paducah GDP for both LEU production and underfeeding uranium.
The Paducah GDP has been certified by the NRC to produce LEU up to an assay of 5.5% U
235.
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Portsmouth GDP
We ceased uranium enrichment operations at the Portsmouth GDP, located in Piketon, Ohio, in
2001. Under contract with DOE, we maintain the Portsmouth GDP in a state of cold shutdown in
preparation for a DOE decontamination and decommissioning program. DOE and USEC have periodically
extended the Portsmouth GDP cold shutdown contract, most recently through April 30, 2009. DOE has
announced its intention to negotiate a sole-source extension of the cold shutdown contract through
September 30, 2010.
Lease of Gaseous Diffusion Plants
We lease the Paducah and Portsmouth GDPs from DOE. The lease covers most, but not all, of the
buildings and facilities relating to gaseous diffusion activities. Major provisions of the lease
follow:
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except as provided in the 2002 DOE-USEC Agreement (described under
Business and Properties 2002 DOE-USEC Agreement and Related
Agreements with DOE), we have the right to renew the lease at either
plant indefinitely in six-year increments and can adjust the property
under lease to meet our changing requirements. The current lease term
expires in 2016; |
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we may leave the property in an as is condition at termination of
the lease, but must remove wastes we generate and must place the
plants in a safe shutdown condition; |
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the U.S. government is responsible for environmental liabilities
associated with plant operations prior to July 28, 1998 except for
liabilities relating to the disposal of some identified wastes
generated by USEC and stored at the plants; |
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DOE is responsible for the costs of decontamination and
decommissioning of the plants; |
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title to capital improvements not removed by us will transfer to DOE
at the end of the lease term, and if we elect to remove any capital
improvements, we are required to pay any increases in DOEs
decontamination and decommissioning costs that are a result of our
removing the capital improvements; |
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DOE must indemnify us for costs and expenses related to claims
asserted against us or incurred by us arising out of the U.S.
governments operation, occupation, or use of the plants prior to July
28, 1998; and |
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DOE must indemnify us against claims for public liability (as defined
in the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended) from a nuclear incident
or precautionary evacuation in connection with activities under the
lease. Under the Price- Anderson Act, DOEs financial obligations
under the indemnity are capped at $12.5 billion for each nuclear
incident or precautionary evacuation occurring inside the United
States. |
In December 2006, we signed a lease agreement with DOE for our long-term use of facilities at
the Portsmouth GDP in Piketon for the American Centrifuge Plant. The lease for these facilities and
other support facilities is a stand-alone amendment to our current lease with DOE for the GDP
facilities. Further details are provided in Business and Properties The American Centrifuge
Plant.
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Raw Materials
Electric Power
The gaseous diffusion process uses significant amounts of electric power to enrich uranium.
Costs for electric power are approximately 70-75% of production costs at the Paducah GDP. In 2008,
the power load at the Paducah GDP averaged 1,680 megawatts. We purchase most of the electric power
for the Paducah GDP under a power purchase agreement with Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) that
expires May 31, 2012. Pricing under the TVA power contract consisted of a summer and a non-summer
base energy price through May 31, 2008. Beginning June 1, 2008, the price consists of a year-round
base energy price that increases moderately based on a fixed, annual schedule. All prices are
subject to a fuel cost adjustment provision to reflect changes in TVAs fuel costs, purchased power
costs, and related costs. The impact of the fuel cost adjustment has been negative for USEC,
imposing an average increase over base contract prices of about 15% in 2008 and 8% in 2007. The
impact of future fuel cost adjustments, which are substantially influenced by coal prices,
purchased power costs and hydroelectric power generation, is uncertain and our cost of power could
fluctuate in the future above or below the agreed increases in the base energy price. We expect the
fuel cost adjustment to continue to cause our purchase cost to remain above base contract prices.
The future impact may be greater but is difficult to predict given uncertainty in energy prices.
The quantity of power purchases under the TVA contract generally ranges from 300 megawatts in
the summer months (June August) to up to 2,000 megawatts in the non-summer months. We supplement
the TVA contract during the summer months with additional power purchased at market-based prices.
Beginning June 1, 2010 through the expiration of the contract on May 31, 2012, the quantity of
non-summer power purchases will be reduced to a maximum of 1,650 megawatts at all hours. This is
designed to provide a transition for the TVA power system because of the significant amount of
power we purchase. We expect to supplement the TVA contract with additional power purchases
beginning June 1, 2010 and will be evaluating possible sources of power for delivery after May 31,
2012.
We are required to provide financial assurance to support our payment obligations to TVA.
These include a letter of credit and weekly prepayments based on TVAs estimate of the price and
our usage of power.
Uranium
Natural uranium is the feedstock in the production of LEU at the Paducah GDP. In 2008, the
plant used the equivalent of approximately 8 million kilograms of uranium in the production of LEU.
Uranium is a naturally occurring element and is mined from deposits located in Canada, Australia
and other countries. According to the World Nuclear Association, there are adequate measured
resources of uranium to fuel nuclear power at current usage rates for at least 80 years.
Mined uranium ore is crushed and concentrated and sent to a uranium conversion facility where
it is converted to UF6, a form suitable for uranium enrichment. Two commercial uranium
converters in North America, Cameco Corporation and ConverDyn, deliver and hold title to uranium at
the Paducah GDP.
Utility customers provide uranium to us as part of their enrichment contracts or purchase the
uranium required to produce LEU from us. Customers who provide uranium to us generally do so by
acquiring title to uranium from Cameco, ConverDyn and other suppliers at the Paducah GDP. At
December 31, 2008, we held uranium to which title was held by customers and suppliers with a value
of $3.8 billion based on published price indicators. The uranium is fungible and commingled with
our uranium inventory. Title to uranium provided by customers generally remains with the customer
until delivery of LEU, at which time title to LEU is transferred to the customer and we take title
to
the uranium. The uranium that we sell to utility customers comes from our uranium inventories,
which includes uranium from underfeeding the enrichment process, purchases of uranium from
third-party suppliers and uranium that we obtained from DOE prior to privatization.
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The quantity of uranium used in the production of LEU is to a certain extent interchangeable
with the amount of SWU required to enrich the uranium. Underfeeding is a mode of operation that
uses or feeds less uranium. Underfeeding supplements our supply of uranium, but requires more SWU
in the enrichment process, which requires more electric power. In producing the same amount of LEU,
we vary our production process to underfeed uranium based on the economics of the cost of electric
power relative to the prices of uranium and enrichment.
Coolant
The Paducah GDP uses Freon as the primary process coolant. The production of Freon in the
United States was terminated in 1995 and Freon is no longer commercially available. We expect our
current supply of Freon to be sufficient to support at least 10 years of continued operations at
current use rates.
GDP Equipment
GDP equipment components (such as compressors, coolers, motors and valves) requiring
maintenance are removed from service and repaired or rebuilt on site. Common industrial components,
such as the breakers, condensers and transformers in the electrical system, are procured as needed.
Some components and systems are no longer produced, and spare parts may not be readily available.
In these situations, replacement components or systems are identified, tested, and procured from
existing commercial sources, or the plants technical and fabrication capabilities are used to
design and build replacements.
Equipment utilization at the Paducah GDP averaged 97% in 2008 compared to 98% in 2007.
Equipment utilization is based on a measure of cells in operation. The utilization of equipment is
highly dependent on power availability and costs. We reduce equipment utilization and the related
power load in the summer months when the cost of electric power is high. Equipment utilization is
also affected by repairs and maintenance activities. The number of cells available for operation
increased in 2008 due to the recovery of a number of cells which had been in standby for over 25
years.
Russian Contract (Megatons to Megawatts)
We are the U.S. governments exclusive executive agent (Executive Agent) in connection with
a government-to-government nonproliferation agreement between the United States and the Russian
Federation. Under the agreement, we have been designated by the U.S. government to order LEU
derived from dismantled Soviet nuclear weapons. In January 1994, USEC signed a commercial agreement
(Russian Contract) with a Russian government entity known as OAO Techsnabexport (TENEX), to
implement the program.
We have agreed to purchase approximately 5.5 million SWU each calendar year for the remaining
term of the Russian Contract through 2013. Over the life of the 20-year Russian Contract, we expect
to purchase about 92 million SWU contained in LEU derived from 500 metric tons of highly enriched
uranium. As of December 31, 2008, we had purchased 65 million SWU contained in LEU derived from 350
metric tons of highly enriched uranium, the equivalent of about 14,000 nuclear warheads. Purchases
under the Russian Contract constitute approximately one-half of our supply mix. Prices are
determined using a discount from an index of international and U.S. price points, including both
long-term and spot prices. A multi-year retrospective view of the index is used to minimize the
disruptive effect of short-term market price swings. Increases in these price points in
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recent years have resulted in increases to the index used to determine prices under the
Russian Contract. On February 13, 2009, we entered into an amendment to the Russian Contract to
revise the pricing methodology for the SWU component of LEU delivered in calendar years 2010
through 2013. Approval of both the U.S. government and the government of the Russian Federation is
required for the amendment to become effective. The current pricing methodology uses a discount
from an index of international and U.S. price points, including both long-term and spot prices.
The new pricing methodology is intended to enhance the stability of future pricing for both parties
through a formula that combines a different mix of price points and other pricing elements. We
expect that prices paid under the Russian Contract, as amended, will continue to increase year over
year, and that the total amount paid to the Russian Federation for the SWU component of the LEU
delivered under the Russian Contract over the 20 year term of the contract will substantially
exceed $8 billion by the time the contract is completed in 2013. Officials of the Russian
government have announced that Russia will not extend the Russian Contract or the
government-to-government agreement it implements, beyond 2013. Accordingly, we do not anticipate
that we will purchase Russian SWU after 2013.
Under the Russian Contract, we are obligated to provide to TENEX an amount of uranium
equivalent to the uranium component of LEU delivered to us by TENEX, totaling about 9 million
kilograms per year. We credit the uranium to an account at the Paducah GDP maintained on behalf of
TENEX. TENEX holds the uranium or sells or otherwise exchanges this uranium in transactions with
other suppliers or utility customers. From time to time, TENEX may take physical delivery of
uranium supplied by a uranium converter that would otherwise deliver such uranium to us. Under
these arrangements, the converter provides uranium to TENEX for shipment back to Russia, and the
converter receives an equivalent amount of uranium in its account at the Paducah GDP.
Under the terms of a 1997 memorandum of agreement between USEC and the U.S. government, we can
be terminated, or resign, as the U.S. Executive Agent, or one or more additional executive agents
may be named. Any new executive agent could represent a significant new competitor.
2002 DOE-USEC Agreement and Related Agreements with DOE
On June 17, 2002, USEC and DOE signed an agreement in which both parties made long-term
commitments directed at resolving issues related to the stability and security of the domestic
uranium enrichment industry (such agreement, as amended, the 2002 DOE-USEC Agreement). We and DOE
have entered into subsequent agreements relating to these commitments and have amended the 2002
DOE-USEC Agreement. The following is a summary of material provisions and an update of activities
under the 2002 DOE-USEC Agreement and related agreements:
Megatons to Megawatts
The 2002 DOE-USEC Agreement provides that DOE will recommend against removal, in whole or in
part, of us as the U.S. Executive Agent under the government-to-government nonproliferation
agreement between the United States and the Russian Federation as long as we order the specified
amount of LEU from TENEX and comply with our obligations under the 2002 DOE-USEC Agreement and the
Russian Contract.
Remediating or Replacing Out-of-Specification Uranium
Under the 2002 DOE-USEC Agreement, DOE was obligated to remediate or replace 9,550 metric tons
of UF6 transferred to us from DOE prior to privatization that contained elevated levels
of technetium. The contaminant put the uranium out-of-specification for commercial use. We operated
facilities at the Portsmouth GDP under contract with DOE to process and remove technetium from the
out-of-specification uranium, and in October 2006, the remediation project for USEC-owned uranium
was completed. We also processed and removed technetium from out-of-specification
uranium owned by DOE under an agreement with DOE entered into in December 2004. The
remediation efforts were completed in September 2008 and we are currently performing services
related to demobilization.
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Domestic Enrichment Facilities
Under the 2002 DOE-USEC Agreement, we agreed to operate the Paducah GDP at a production rate
at or above 3.5 million SWU per year. Historically, we have operated at production rates
significantly above this level, and in 2008, we produced approximately 6.5 million SWU at the
Paducah GDP for both LEU production and underfeeding uranium. Production at Paducah may not be
reduced below a minimum of 3.5 million SWU per year until six months before we have completed a
centrifuge enrichment facility capable of producing LEU containing 3.5 million SWU per year. If the
Paducah GDP is operated at less than the specified 3.5 million SWU in any given fiscal year, we may
cure the defect by increasing LEU production to the 3.5 million SWU level in the next fiscal year.
We may only use the right to cure once in each six-year lease period.
If we do not maintain the requisite level of operations at the Paducah GDP and have not cured
the deficiency, we are required to waive our exclusive rights to lease the Paducah and Portsmouth
GDPs. If we cease operations at the Paducah GDP or lose our certification from the NRC, DOE may
take actions it deems necessary to transition operation of the plant from us to ensure the
continuity of domestic enrichment operations and the fulfillment of supply contracts. In either of
the circumstances described in the preceding two sentences, DOE may be released from its
obligations under the 2002 DOE-USEC Agreement. We will be deemed to have ceased operations at the
Paducah GDP if we (1) produce less than 1 million SWU per year or (2) fail to meet specific
maintenance and operational criteria established in the 2002 DOE-USEC Agreement.
Advanced Enrichment Technology
The 2002 DOE-USEC Agreement provides that we will begin operation of an enrichment facility
using advanced enrichment technology in accordance with certain milestones. A discussion of our
American Centrifuge uranium enrichment technology and those milestones is included under the
caption Business and Properties The American Centrifuge Plant Project Milestones under the
2002 DOE-USEC Agreement.
Other
The 2002 DOE-USEC Agreement contains force majeure provisions that excuse our failure to
perform under the agreement if such failure arises from causes beyond our control and without our
fault or negligence.
The American Centrifuge Plant
Since 2002, we have been developing and demonstrating a uranium enrichment gas centrifuge
technology that we call the American Centrifuge. We are deploying this technology in the American
Centrifuge Plant (ACP) being built in Piketon, Ohio. This technology was initially developed by
DOE during the 1970s and 80s and successfully demonstrated, but was ultimately not commercially
deployed for reasons unrelated to the technology itself. We have modified and improved this
technology through the use of modern materials, advanced computer-aided design, digital controls
and state-of-the-art manufacturing processes.
11
We are deploying the ACP to replace our gaseous diffusion uranium enrichment plant and to be
well positioned to meet demand for LEU. Deploying the American Centrifuge technology will
substantially reduce our power costs and modernize our production capacity, enabling us to stay
competitive in the long term. Our baseline deployment schedule includes beginning initial
commercial plant operations in 2010 and reaching an annual production capacity at the ACP of
3.8 million SWU per year at the end of 2012. However, as discussed below in Capital
Requirements, we have initiated steps to conserve cash and reduce the planned escalation of
project construction and machine manufacturing activities until we gain greater clarity on
potential funding for the project through the DOE Loan Guarantee Program. These steps are likely to
increase the cost and extend the schedule for the project.
We believe that the machine we deploy in the ACP will be the most advanced uranium enrichment
machine in the world. We refer to our production centrifuge machine design as the AC100 series
centrifuge machine. The AC100 series centrifuge machine is designed to produce 350 SWU per year,
which output is substantially greater than our competitors machines. As discussed below in
"Value Engineering and Continued Technology Improvements, we released an initial design for the
AC100 machine in 2008. We anticipate releasing the design for the initial AC100 series machines in
late March 2009 that will be deployed in the commercial plant. We will continue optimization and
value-engineering efforts even after this design release.
Our Marketing and Sales department has been engaging in discussions with our customers to sell
the output of the ACP. We have signed long-term contracts with customers and have received accepted
offers from customers for additional commitments. We will continue to meet with customers during
2009 to sell ACP output, which is critical to the success of the project. Sales contracts for this
initial output represent a strategic commitment by customers to ensure a reliable, U.S.-based
source of nuclear fuel that will be available for decades to come.
Lead Cascade Test Program
We have been conducting a Lead Cascade integrated testing program at our Piketon plant since
August 2007. The test program involves the integrated testing of multiple prototype machines in a
cascade configuration, and has demonstrated the ability to generate product assays in a range
useable by commercial nuclear power plants. Through the Lead Cascade test program, we obtain data
on machine-to-machine interactions, verify cascade performance models under a variety of operating
conditions, and obtain operating experience for our plant operators and technicians. The centrifuge
machines involved in the Lead Cascade integrated testing program have operated for more than
150,000 total machine hours, providing data on equipment reliability and identifying opportunities
to further optimize the machine and cascade design. These prototype machines confirmed design and
performance targets while verifying the predictions of our analytical performance models. We have
tested the centrifuge machines in a wide range of operating conditions unlikely to be seen in
normal plant operations. Lead Cascade operations also give our employees experience in operating a
cascade of machines in a variety of conditions, which allow us to refine operating and maintenance
procedures.
Although the Lead Cascade test program has involved prototype machines, improved AC100
components and design features are being tested in special test stands in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and
have been incrementally introduced during the current Lead Cascade operations. The next step is
deploying a cascade of AC100 series machines, as discussed below.
Initial AC100 Series Cascade
The initial design for the AC100 machine reflects improvements learned during individual
machine testing and subsequent integrated testing of the prototype machine in a cascade. During
2008, the initial AC100 machine design was released to our strategic suppliers in preparation for
installing a test cascade of AC100 series machines in Piketon in 2009. The strategic suppliers have
been manufacturing parts for the initial AC100 machines and the first components to build these
machines were delivered in November 2008. In manufacturing parts for the AC100, suppliers must
replicate on a commercial basis manufacturing that we previously self-performed in building our
prototype machines. Start-up issues have arisen in this transfer of technology to our
suppliers that have delayed our timetable for operation of the initial AC100 cascade. We expected
to encounter start-up issues and the resolution of these issues at the outset will help to
facilitate our transition to high volume manufacturing. Delays in our operation of the AC100
cascade could affect our overall deployment schedule but in light of our slow down of spending in
2009, which is impacting our schedule, this may not have any additional impact.
12
A five-stage cascade of AC100 machines is now expected to be operational early in the third
quarter of 2009. This cascade will be in a commercial plant configuration and operate under
commercial plant conditions. Additional machines will be added to the cascade until we reach a
cascade of 40 to 50 machines, which is expected late in the third quarter of 2009. This cascade of
40 to 50 machines would operate for the rest of 2009. Although this cascade will operate in a
closed-loop configuration, the flow of uranium feed and tails between individual machines in the
cascade will be similar to those expected in commercial plant operations. This cascade is intended
to provide additional data on equipment operation and reliability that could identify opportunities
to further optimize the centrifuge and cascade design. These initial AC100 machines are expected to
be integrated into a commercial cascade or used for spares.
We expect that the first machines in the initial AC100 series cascade will have a throughput
somewhat less than 350 SWU per year as we continue to optimize the AC100 series machine. For the
same reason, the machines deployed in the first commercial cascade of the ACP may not achieve 350
SWU per year. However, we continue to be confident that the AC100 series machines that are deployed
in the commercial plant will achieve an average performance level of 350 SWU per year, supporting
an annual SWU production capacity of the ACP of 3.8 million SWU. In addition, our testing program
in Oak Ridge has demonstrated the potential for machine productivity beyond 350 SWU per year. We
may be able to assemble and install machines with greater SWU capacity at one or more specific
planned points as we build out the ACP, which would provide us with an opportunity to increase its
annual SWU production capacity beyond 3.8 million SWU.
However,
as discussed below in Capital Requirements, our ability to achieve the 3.8 million SWU production capacity may be delayed or limited by capital constraints and potential project cost increases.
We believe an extensive Lead Cascade test program prior to beginning to manufacture thousands
of commercial plant centrifuges enables us to:
|
|
|
Verify machine performance and identify modifications to improve performance, improve
machine reliability or reduce costs; |
|
|
|
|
Complete facilities and integrated support equipment, such as balancing stands,
assembly stands and gas test stands, needed to meet production levels of several hundred
machines per month; |
|
|
|
|
Train staff and supplier personnel on best practices for manufacturing, quality
control, transportation, assembly, installation and testing; and |
|
|
|
|
Validate manufacturing and assembly procedures. |
Value Engineering and Continued Technology Improvements
We anticipate releasing the design for the initial AC100 series machine in late March 2009
that will be deployed in the commercial plant. This design will reflect some value-engineering
improvements from the initial AC100 design released in 2008. We plan to continue our value
engineering efforts and other efforts to optimize the machine going forward. A benefit of the
modular centrifuge process is the ability to deploy improved machines as they become available;
therefore value-engineered aspects and other technology improvements can be integrated as the plant
is built out over several years.
13
As noted previously, we expect to continue our research and development efforts during
commercial deployment. New analytic capability and computer-aided manufacturing methods provide an
opportunity to develop more productive and less costly machines as we seek to enhance our
capability in centrifuge technology and develop a new series of machines. This will result in
continued development spending that will be expensed.
Construction of the American Centrifuge Plant
Most of the buildings required for the commercial plant were constructed in Piketon during the
1980s by DOE. These existing structures include a centrifuge assembly building, a uranium feed and
withdrawal facility, and two enrichment production buildings. We began renovating and building the
ACP following receipt of a construction and operating license from the NRC in April 2007. Fluor
Corporation (Fluor) manages the engineering, procurement and construction management activities.
In September 2008, USEC and Fluor signed an amended and restated contract for services totaling
approximately $1 billion through 2012. Under the new contract, Fluor will be reimbursed for costs
plus a fixed base fee and an incentive fee that increases based on cost savings produced.
Construction of the ACP includes various systems including electric, telecommunications, HVAC
and water distribution. Service modules provide utilities to the centrifuge machines and the piping
that enables UF6 gas to flow throughout the enrichment production facility. Process
systems will integrate and support the centrifuge machines and cascades. A distributed control
system will monitor and control the enrichment processing equipment.
The two production buildings have space for approximately 11,500 centrifuges. Contractors are
preparing the floor of the production buildings for machine mounts to support the centrifuges. The
feed and withdrawal facility where uranium is introduced into plant systems and low enriched
uranium is withdrawn is undergoing substantial renovation. A new boiler that will provide heat to
the ACP is being installed along with associated hot water piping. The first service modules, which
support the operation of approximately 20 centrifuges each, will be delivered by Teledyne Brown
Engineering, Inc. (TBE) in the first quarter of 2009.
Machine Manufacturing and Assembly
During the past two years, a major focus for our American Centrifuge team has been working
with leading companies to create a world-class industrial infrastructure needed to build components
for the highly sophisticated AC100 machines and supporting equipment. The highly specialized U.S.
manufacturing base needed to build the AC100 did not exist but is being established with USECs
leadership. In 2008, for example, we significantly refurbished a facility we purchased in Oak
Ridge and installed new production machining equipment, robotics, and computer controls and testing
systems to support the ramp-up to manufacturing centrifuge components. We have contracted with B&W
Clinch River, LLC (B&W), a subsidiary of the Babcock and Wilcox Co., to manufacture upper and
lower suspension assemblies, cap assemblies and column parts at this facility. B&W is also
responsible for assembling and balancing rotors, and procuring or manufacturing unclassified metal
parts.
Under contract arrangements with USEC, our suppliers are also helping to create the
manufacturing base for a revitalized U.S. nuclear fuel industry. A subsidiary of Alliant
Techsystems Inc., or ATK, is expanding facilities it has at the Allegany Ballistics Laboratory in
Rocket Center, West Virginia. It will produce the tall, carbon-fiber rotor tubes for the
centrifuges. Major Tool & Machine, Inc. has built a new automated production facility at its
Indianapolis, Indiana, plant to fabricate the steel casings for the machines and has delivered the
first casings needed for the initial cascade of AC100 machines. TBE has significantly expanded
manufacturing capacity in Huntsville, Alabama, to produce 540 gas centrifuge service modules for
the ACP. These steel frame structures hold valves, cabling, ductwork and electric supply. Each
service module supports up to 20 AC100
machines. Curtiss-Wright Electro-Mechanical Corporation of Cheswick, Pennsylvania, is
providing the motor drives that spin the centrifuge rotor at very high speeds. Honeywell Technology
Solutions is responsible for final assembly of the AC100 machines on site at the ACP.
14
Concurrent with our initial deployment of capacity for 3.8 million SWU per year, we are
analyzing the nuclear fuel market and other factors to determine the economics of adding additional
ACP capacity. Although we will need an amendment to our NRC license for any expansion of the ACP,
the environmental impact statement issued with our license contemplated the potential impact of an
expansion of the plant to approximately double its anticipated capacity. The manufacturing
infrastructure that we are putting into place to deploy the initial plant capacity will facilitate
any future expansion. Because an expansion would not require creating this manufacturing
infrastructure or another demonstration of the technology, the cost of any expansion is anticipated
to be less than the initial project.
Project Budget
In 2008, we established a baseline project budget of $3.5 billion following a thorough,
bottom-up review of the cost to build the ACP. This budget includes amounts already spent but does
not include financing costs or financial assurance related to decommissioning obligations. The
expenditures to date and budget at completion follow (in millions):
|
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Cumulative |
|
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Baseline |
|
|
|
as of |
|
|
Project |
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
Budget at |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
Completion |
|
Machine technology, lead cascade and program management |
|
$ |
361.2 |
|
|
$ |
464.2 |
|
Machine manufacturing and assembly |
|
|
389.7 |
|
|
|
1,592.5 |
|
Commercial plant |
|
|
422.2 |
|
|
|
1,442.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Project development, deployment and construction |
|
$ |
1,173.1 |
|
|
$ |
3,498.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other costs: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capitalized interest |
|
|
25.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
Capitalized asset retirement obligations |
|
|
13.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total ACP expenditures, including accruals |
|
$ |
1,211.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
Amount expensed as part of advanced technology costs |
|
$ |
542.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
Amount capitalized as part of construction work in progress |
|
$ |
601.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equipment, building and land used for manufacturing and plant |
|
$ |
47.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and transfers |
|
$ |
(4.5 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Prepayments to suppliers for services not yet performed |
|
$ |
24.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
While our project budget includes some degree of embedded contingency with respect to cost
assumptions for labor and materials such as carbon steel and stainless steel, we remain subject to
cost escalation risk. We are working with our strategic suppliers primarily under
cost-reimbursement agreements. As we proceed with the project, we intend for contracts with
suppliers to transition from a cost-reimbursable model to a fixed-price or incentive-based model,
as appropriate. However, if we are not successful in obtaining fixed-price or incentive-based
contracts in the timeframe we expect, this could increase costs. We are also currently in
discussions with our suppliers regarding a slow down of spending during 2009 from what was planned
under our baseline schedule, which will likely increase the project cost as discussed below in
Capital Requirements.
15
Several key budget variables such as labor costs, the cost of raw materials to build the plant
and general inflation, are outside our control and difficult to forecast and increases in these
variables could increase costs. Our project budget assumes that certain cost savings are achieved
through value-engineering the AC100 machine. If we are not successful or these efforts take longer
than we expect, that could impact our schedule and/or increase costs.
If actual costs exceed the budget (including the built-in management reserve), and such costs
cannot otherwise be offset or financed, we may elect to deploy fewer centrifuge machines in the
plant to mitigate such potential cost growth. The modular nature of the plant construction permits
normal operation even if the scale is reduced from the current planned size. A reduced scale would
reduce the output of the plant absent offsetting improvements in machine performance.
Capital Requirements
We must still raise the remainder of the capital needed to build the ACP, and this has been
and will continue to be a focus of management. We do not believe public market financing for a
large capital project such as the ACP is available to us given current financial market conditions.
We view the DOE Loan Guarantee Program as the path for obtaining the debt financing to complete the
American Centrifuge project.
The DOE Loan Guarantee Program was created by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and in December
2007, federal legislation authorized funding levels available through September 30, 2009 of up to
$2 billion for advanced facilities for the front end of the nuclear fuel cycle, which includes
uranium enrichment. DOE released its solicitation for the Loan Guarantee Program on June 30, 2008,
and we applied for $2 billion in funding in July 2008. Areva, a company majority owned by the
French government, also applied for funding under this program for a proposed plant in the U.S. and
is also being considered by DOE. Nonetheless, we believe that our project is ideally suited for the
Loan Guarantee Program and are seeking a selection of our project by DOE in the short term,
followed by an expeditious funding commitment and financial closing.
However, we have no assurance that our project will be selected to move forward in the
program, and if we are selected, it could still take an extended period for the loan guarantee and
funding to be finalized. Accordingly, we have initiated steps to conserve cash and reduce the
planned escalation of project construction and machine manufacturing activities until we gain
greater clarity on potential funding for the project through the DOE Loan Guarantee Program. In
addition, on a parallel path, we continue to evaluate potential third-party investment.
Our intent is to reduce our spending in 2009 to work within the combination of our expected
funds available through our cash from operations and available borrowings under our credit facility
and ensure that we have adequate liquidity for our ongoing operations. Under our deployment
schedule for the ACP, spending was expected to peak in 2009 with spending of approximately $800
million, including a substantial ramp up in coming months with the hiring of plant construction
workers and preparing facilities that would provide key components for the AC100 centrifuge
machines. Our initial steps to slow the growth of project spending in 2009 include sharply reducing
the planned ramp up in hiring construction and craft workers for the ACP and deferring select
procurements. Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) and machine manufacturing and
assembly (MM&A) activities represent approximately 75% of planned spending in 2009 and we are
targeting spending reductions in these areas. We are working with our EPC and MM&A suppliers, such
as Fluor, TBE, B&W and ATK, to identify and implement actions that can be taken to reduce costs
while minimizing the impact on project cost and schedule. We do not expect to reduce planned
spending during 2009 on machine technology activities such as the Lead Cascade test program and
operation of the AC100 cascade, which we view as critical near-term activities. As a potentially
offsetting benefit to our slow down of project activities, we will also be looking for
opportunities to reduce concurrency in our schedule, which could lower the overall risk of the
project. For example,
concurrency would be reduced if we are able to take more time to optimize the AC100 design
before we commence high volume manufacturing.
16
Our baseline schedule called for beginning commercial operations at the end of the first
quarter of 2010, and reaching 1 million SWU capacity in the first quarter of 2011 and the full 3.8
million SWU capacity at the end of 2012. Our decision to slow spending until a funding decision is
made by the DOE Loan Guarantee Program will likely increase the cost and extend the schedule for
the project. The potential cost and schedule impact is highly uncertain at this point and we are
working with our suppliers to evaluate and minimize the impact. At the same time, we are actively
pursuing action by the DOE Loan Guarantee Program so that we can minimize the duration of any slow
down and its effect on cost and schedule. Our ability to achieve the 3.8 million SWU production capacity may be limited by capital constraints and potential project cost increases, including as a result of our decision to slow project spending. In such circumstances, achieving the full 3.8 million SWU capacity may be delayed until additional capital from project cash flow from operations or other funding becomes available. As we gain greater clarity on potential funding through
the DOE Loan Guarantee Program and plan and coordinate with our strategic suppliers, we will be
better able to quantify changes to cost and schedule. We are currently engaged with suppliers in a
bottom-up analysis and we do not expect to be in a position to provide an update on the potential
impact on cost and schedule until after the first quarter of 2009.
As part of this process, we are planning and coordinating with our strategic suppliers
regarding various scenarios based on availability of DOE funding, which could include additional
reductions in spending from those currently being considered. If we continue to lack visibility
into the receipt of loan guarantee funding, we might need to more drastically reduce procurements
and staff, which would be more difficult to recover from and would lead to more significant delays
and increased costs. We could also determine to take other actions to ensure that we have adequate
liquidity for our ongoing operations. Further details are provided in Item 1A, Risk Factors of
this report.
Project Milestones under the 2002 DOE-USEC Agreement
The 2002 DOE-USEC Agreement, as amended in January 2009, provides that we will develop,
demonstrate and deploy the American Centrifuge technology in accordance with 15 milestones as
follows:
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Milestones under |
|
Milestone |
|
Achievement |
2002 DOE-USEC Agreement |
|
Date |
|
Date |
Begin refurbishment of K-1600 centrifuge testing
facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee |
|
December 2002 |
|
December 2002 |
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Build and begin testing a centrifuge end cap |
|
January 2003 |
|
January 2003 |
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Submit license application for Lead Cascade to NRC |
|
April 2003 |
|
February 2003 |
|
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|
NRC dockets Lead Cascade application |
|
June 2003 |
|
March 2003 |
|
|
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|
|
First rotor tube manufactured |
|
November 2003 |
|
September 2003 |
|
|
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|
|
Centrifuge testing begins |
|
January 2005 |
|
January 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
Submit license application for commercial plant
to NRC |
|
March 2005 |
|
August 2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
NRC dockets commercial plant application |
|
May 2005 |
|
October 2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
Begin Lead Cascade centrifuge manufacturing |
|
June 2005 |
|
April 2005 |
|
|
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|
|
Begin commercial plant construction and
refurbishment |
|
June 2007 |
|
May 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
Lead Cascade operational and generating product
assay in a range usable by commercial nuclear
power plants |
|
October 2007 |
|
October 2007 |
17
(continued)
|
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|
|
Milestones under |
|
Milestone |
|
Achievement |
2002 DOE-USEC Agreement |
|
Date |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
Secure firm financing commitment(s) for the
construction of the commercial American
Centrifuge Plant with an annual capacity of
approximately 3.5 million SWU per year |
|
November 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Begin commercial American Centrifuge Plant
operations |
|
August 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commercial American Centrifuge Plant annual
capacity at 1 million SWU per year |
|
November 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commercial American Centrifuge Plant annual
capacity of approximately 3.5 million SWU per
year |
|
May 2013 |
|
|
We believe our ability to meet the November 2009 financing milestone is dependent upon our
obtaining a commitment for a loan guarantee from DOE, the receipt and timing of which is uncertain.
Until we have met the November 2009 financing milestone, DOE has full remedies under the 2002
DOE-USEC Agreement. However, if a delaying event beyond our control and without our fault or
negligence occurs that would affect our ability to meet a milestone, we and DOE will jointly meet
to discuss in good faith possible adjustments to the milestones as appropriate to accommodate the
delaying event. Once we have met the November 2009 financing milestone, DOEs remedies under the
2002 DOE-USEC Agreement are limited to those circumstances where our gross negligence in project
planning and execution is responsible for schedule delays or in the circumstance where we
constructively or formally abandon the project or fail to diligently pursue the financing
commitment(s).
The 2002 DOE-USEC Agreement provides DOE with specific remedies if we fail to meet a milestone
that would materially impact our ability to begin commercial operations of the American Centrifuge
Plant on schedule. These remedies include terminating the 2002 DOE-USEC Agreement, revoking our
access to DOEs U.S. centrifuge technology and requiring us to transfer our rights in the American
Centrifuge technology and facilities to DOE, requiring us to reimburse DOE for certain costs
associated with the American Centrifuge project, and recommending that we be removed as the sole
U.S. Executive Agent under the Megatons to Megawatts program.
Corporate Structure
In September 2008 we created four wholly owned subsidiaries to carry out future commercial
activities related to the American Centrifuge project. We anticipate that these subsidiaries will
own the American Centrifuge Plant and equipment, provide operations and maintenance services,
manufacture centrifuge machines and conduct ongoing centrifuge research and development. This
corporate structure will separate ownership and control of centrifuge technology from ownership of
the enrichment plant and also establish a separate operations subsidiary. This structure will
facilitate DOE loan guarantee financing and potential third-party investment, while also
facilitating any future plant expansion.
18
NRC Operating License
We have an NRC license to possess and use radioactive material at the American Centrifuge
Demonstration Facility that expires in August 2011. In April 2007 the NRC issued a license to
construct and operate the American Centrifuge Plant, and we began construction of the American
Centrifuge Plant in May 2007. Our construction and operating license is for a term of 30 years and
includes authorization to enrich uranium to a
U 235
assay of up to 10%. Our license is based on a plant designed with an initial annual production
capacity of 3.8 million SWU. Although we will need an
amendment to our NRC license for any significant expansion of the American Centrifuge Plant, the environmental
report submitted with our license application and the environmental impact statement issued by the
NRC contemplated the potential expansion of the plant to approximately double the currently
expected capacity.
American Centrifuge Plant Lease
We lease the facilities in Piketon for the American Centrifuge Plant from DOE. The process
buildings that will house the cascades of centrifuges encompass more than 14 acres under roof. The
lease for these facilities and other support facilities is a stand-alone amendment to our lease
with DOE for the gaseous diffusion plant facilities in Piketon and in Paducah. The initial term was
through June 2009, and on February 2, 2009, we renewed it for an additional term of five years
through June 2014. We have the option to extend the lease term for additional five-year terms up to
2043. Thereafter, we also have the right to extend the lease for up to an additional 20 years,
through 2063, if we agree to demolish the existing buildings leased to us after the lease term
expires. We have the option, with DOEs consent, to expand the leased property to meet our needs
until the earlier of September 30, 2013 or the expiration or termination of the GDP lease. Rent is
based on the cost of lease administration and regulatory oversight and is approximately $1.6
million per year. We may terminate the lease upon three years notice. DOE may terminate for
default, including default under the 2002 DOE-USEC Agreement.
Financial Assurance for Decontamination and Decommissioning
We own all capital improvements at the American Centrifuge Plant and, unless otherwise
consented to by DOE, must remove them by the conclusion of the lease term. This provision is unlike
the lease of our gaseous diffusion plants where we may leave the property in an as is condition
at termination of the lease. DOE generally only remains responsible for pre-existing conditions of
the American Centrifuge leased facilities. At the conclusion of the 36-year lease period in 2043,
assuming no further extensions, we are obligated to return these leased facilities to DOE in a
condition that meets NRC requirements and in the same condition as the facilities were in when they
were leased to us (other than due to normal wear and tear). We are required to provide financial
assurance to the NRC incrementally based on facility construction and centrifuge installation. We
are also required to provide financial assurance to DOE in an amount equal to our current estimate
of costs to comply with lease turnover requirements, less the amount of financial assurance
required of us by the NRC for decontamination and decommissioning (D&D). As of December 31, 2008,
we have provided financial assurance to the NRC and DOE in the form of surety bonds totaling $57.7
million that supports construction progress. The surety bonds are partially collateralized with
interest-earning cash deposits.
The financial assurance requirements will increase each year commensurate with the status of
facility construction and operations. As part of our license to operate the American Centrifuge
Plant, we provide the NRC with a projection of the total D&D cost. The current estimate of the
total D&D cost related to the NRC is $377.3 million in 2008 dollars, and the projected total
incremental lease turnover cost related to DOE is estimated to be $25.5 million in 2008 dollars.
Financial assurance will also be required for the disposition of depleted uranium generated from
future centrifuge operations.
19
Asset Retirement Obligations
D&D requirements for the American Centrifuge Plant create asset retirement obligations. As
construction of the American Centrifuge Plant takes place, the present value of the related asset
retirement obligation is recognized as a liability. An equivalent amount is recognized as part of
the capitalized asset cost. The liability is accreted, or increased, over time for the time value
of money. The accretion is charged to cost of sales. Upon commencement of commercial operations,
the asset cost will be depreciated over the shorter of the asset life or the expected lease period.
During each reporting period, we reassess and revise the estimate of asset retirement
obligations based on construction progress, cost evaluation of future D&D expectations, and other
judgmental considerations which impact the amount recorded in both construction work in progress
and other long-term liabilities. Our asset retirement obligation liability balance as of December
31, 2008 was $13.7 million. Cost of sales in 2008 includes accretion of the asset retirement
obligation of $0.5 million.
DOE Technology License
In December 2006, USEC and DOE signed an agreement licensing U.S. gas centrifuge technology to
USEC for use in building new domestic uranium enrichment capacity. We will pay royalties to the
U.S. government on annual revenues from sales of LEU produced in the American Centrifuge Plant. The
royalty ranges from 1% to 2% of annual gross revenue from these sales. Payments are capped at $100
million over the life of the technology license.
Risks and Uncertainties
The successful construction and operation of the American Centrifuge Plant is dependent upon a
number of factors, including the availability and timing of financing, performance of the American
Centrifuge technology, overall cost and schedule, and the achievement of milestones under the 2002
DOE-USEC Agreement. Risks and uncertainties related to the American Centrifuge Plant are described
in further detail in Item 1A, Risk Factors.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission Regulation
Our operations are subject to regulation by the NRC. The Paducah and Portsmouth GDPs are
regulated by and are required to be recertified by the NRC every five years. In 2008, the NRC
granted a renewal of the certifications for the five-year period ending December 2013. The
recertification represents NRCs determination that the plants are in compliance with NRC safety,
safeguards and security regulations. The NRC also regulates our operation of the American
Centrifuge Demonstration Facility and the construction of the American Centrifuge Plant.
The NRC has the authority to issue notices of violation for violations of the Atomic Energy
Act of 1954, NRC regulations, and conditions of licenses, certificates of compliance, or orders.
The NRC has the authority to impose civil penalties for certain violations of its regulations. We
have received notices of violation from NRC for violations of these regulations and certificate
conditions. However, in each case, we took corrective action to bring the facilities into
compliance with NRC regulations. We do not expect that any proposed notices of violation we have
received will have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.
Our operations require that we maintain security clearances that are overseen by the NRC and
DOE in accordance with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual. These security
clearances could be suspended or revoked if we are determined by the NRC to be subject to foreign
ownership, control or influence. In addition, statute and NRC regulations prohibit the NRC from
issuing any license or certificate to us if it determines that we are owned, controlled or
dominated by
an alien, a foreign corporation, or a foreign government.
20
Environmental Compliance
Our operations are subject to various federal, state and local requirements regulating the
discharge of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to the protection of the
environment. Our operations generate low-level radioactive waste that is stored on-site or is
shipped off-site for disposal at commercial facilities. In addition, our operations generate
hazardous waste and mixed waste (i.e., waste having both a radioactive and hazardous component),
most of which is shipped off-site for treatment and disposal. Because of limited treatment and
disposal capacity, some mixed waste is being temporarily stored at DOEs permitted storage
facilities at the Portsmouth GDP. We have entered into a consent decree with the State of Ohio that
permits the continued storage of mixed waste at DOEs permitted storage facilities and provides for
a schedule for sending the waste to off-site treatment and disposal facilities. We previously had
entered into a consent decree with the State of Kentucky, which was terminated in 2007 upon
satisfaction of our obligations under the consent decree.
Our operations generate depleted uranium that is stored at the plants. Depleted uranium is a
result of the uranium enrichment process where the concentration of the U 235 isotope in
depleted uranium is less than the concentration of .711% found in natural uranium. All liabilities
arising out of the disposal of depleted uranium generated before July 28, 1998 are direct
liabilities of DOE. The USEC Privatization Act requires DOE, upon our request, to accept for
disposal the depleted uranium generated after the July 28, 1998 privatization date provided we
reimburse DOE for its costs.
The gaseous diffusion plants were operated by agencies of the U.S. government for
approximately 40 years prior to July 28, 1998. As a result of such operation, there is
contamination and other potential environmental liabilities associated with the plants. The Paducah
GDP has been designated as a Superfund site under CERCLA, and both the Paducah and Portsmouth GDPs
are undergoing investigations under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. Environmental
liabilities associated with plant operations prior to July 28, 1998 are the responsibility of the
U.S. government, except for liabilities relating to the disposal of certain identified wastes
generated by USEC and stored at the plants. The USEC Privatization Act and the lease for the plants
provide that DOE remains responsible for decontamination and decommissioning of the gaseous
diffusion plants.
As described above under Business and Properties The American Centrifuge Plant
Financial Assurance for Decommissioning, we will be responsible for the decontamination and
decommissioning of the American Centrifuge Plant.
Reference is made to Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations and note 15 to the consolidated financial statements for information on operating
costs relating to environmental compliance.
Occupational Safety and Health
Our operations are subject to regulations of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
governing worker health and safety. We maintain a comprehensive worker safety program that
establishes high standards for worker safety, directly involves our employees and monitors key
performance indicators in the workplace environment.
21
Competition and Foreign Trade
The highly competitive global uranium enrichment industry has four major producers of LEU:
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USEC, |
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Urenco, a consortium of companies owned or controlled by the British
and Dutch governments and by two private German utilities, |
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a multinational consortium controlled by Areva, a company principally
owned by the French government, and |
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the Russian governments State Atomic Energy Corporation (Rosatom),
which sells LEU through TENEX, a Russian government-owned entity. |
Two of our three major competitors, Urenco and Areva, own a joint venture called the
Enrichment Technology Company, which develops and manufactures centrifuge machines for both owners.
There are also smaller producers of LEU in China, Japan and Brazil that primarily serve a portion
of their respective domestic markets.
Global LEU suppliers compete primarily in terms of price and secondarily on reliability of
supply and customer service. We believe that customers are attracted to our reputation as a
reliable long-term supplier of enriched uranium, and we intend to continue strengthening this
reputation with the planned transition to the American Centrifuge Plant.
USEC and Areva currently use the gaseous diffusion process to produce LEU and are constructing
centrifuge enrichment plants to replace their gaseous diffusion production. Urenco and Rosatom
already use centrifuge technology. Gaseous diffusion plants generally have higher operating costs
than gas centrifuge plants due to the significant amounts of electric power required by the gaseous
diffusion process.
We estimate that the enrichment industry market is currently about 45 million SWU per year. In
the past five years, we have delivered LEU containing 10 to 13 million SWU per year, of which
approximately 5.5 million SWU per year was obtained by us under the Russian Contract.
Urenco publicly stated in 2008 that its European enrichment facilities would reach an annual
capacity of 11 million SWU by the end of 2008. Louisiana Energy Services (LES), a group
controlled by Urenco, is constructing a gas centrifuge uranium enrichment plant in Lea County, New
Mexico. LES operations are expected to begin in the second half of 2009. Full capacity of 3 million
SWU per year is expected in 2013. In November 2008, LES announced its plans to seek a license
amendment to increase its planned capacity to 5.9 million SWU by 2015. Urencos announced plans
call for total capacity, including LES, of 18 million SWU by the end of 2015.
Areva is constructing a centrifuge enrichment plant to replace its Georges Besse gaseous
diffusion plant in France. Initial production is expected in 2009 and full capacity of 7.5 million
SWU per year is expected by 2016. In addition, Areva announced in December 2008 that it submitted a
license application to the NRC to build its proposed Eagle Rock centrifuge uranium enrichment plant
near Idaho Falls, Idaho. Arevas plan calls for initial production in 2014 with a targeted
production rate of 3 million SWU per year reached in 2019.
Areva and Urencos European centrifuge enrichment facilities, as well as their plants under
construction or proposed in the U.S., use or will use centrifuge machines supplied by the
Enrichment Technology Company.
22
All of our current competitors are owned or controlled, in whole or in part, by foreign
governments. These competitors may make business decisions in both domestic and international
markets that are influenced by political or economic policy considerations rather than exclusively
by commercial considerations.
In addition, GE Hitachi has an agreement with Silex Systems Limited, an Australian company, to
license Silexs laser enrichment technology. USEC funded research and development of the Silex
technology for several years but terminated the arrangement in April 2003 to focus on the American
Centrifuge technology. GE Hitachi has begun a phased development process with the goal of
constructing a commercial enrichment plant in Wilmington, North Carolina with a target capacity of
between 3.5 million and 6 million SWU per year. Activities are currently focused on a test loop
facility to determine performance and reliability data, which could be used to make a decision on
whether or not to proceed with the construction of a commercial plant.
In addition to enrichment, LEU may be produced by downblending government stockpiles of highly
enriched uranium. Governments control the timing and availability of highly enriched uranium
released for this purpose, and the release of this material to the market could impact market
conditions. We have been the primary supplier of downblended highly enriched uranium made available
by the U.S. and Russian governments. To the extent LEU from downblended highly enriched uranium are
released into the market in future years for sale by others, these quantities would represent a
source of competition. In December 2008, DOE published a plan for the multi-year disposition of its
excess uranium inventories, including the downblending of 12.1 metric tons of highly enriched
uranium to produce about 220 metric tons of LEU (containing roughly 1.5 million SWU), of which
about 170 metric tons could be used for a general or special-purpose inventory for DOE. In the
plan, DOE stated its intention to minimize any material adverse impacts on the domestic uranium
mining, conversion and enrichment industries.
LEU that we supply to foreign customers is exported under the terms of international
agreements governing nuclear cooperation between the United States and the country of destination
or other entities. For example, exports to countries comprising the European Union take place
within the framework of an agreement for cooperation (the EURATOM Agreement) between the United
States and the European Atomic Energy Community, which, among other things, permits LEU to be
exported from the United States to the European Union for as long as the EURATOM Agreement is in
effect.
Government Investigation of LEU Imports from France
In 2001, the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) determined that French enricher Eurodif,
S.A., a consortium controlled by Areva, had dumped LEU into the United States, and in 2002, the DOC
imposed antidumping and countervailing duty (anti-subsidy) orders on imports of LEU produced in
France. These orders were challenged by Eurodif and certain U.S. utilities. As a result of these
challenges, the countervailing duty order was revoked in May 2007. The antidumping order remains in
place.
In 2005, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (Federal Circuit) concluded that
imports of French LEU pursuant to enrichment services transactions were not subject to the
antidumping law because such transactions involved a sale of services rather than a sale of
merchandise. Both the U.S. government and USEC sought reversal of the Federal Circuit decision and,
in February 2008, we and the Solicitor General of the United States, joined by the general counsels
of the Commerce, Defense, Energy and State Departments, appealed the Federal Circuits decision to
the U.S. Supreme Court. On January 26, 2009, the U.S. Supreme Court in a unanimous ruling
overturned the Federal Circuits 2005 decision. This ruling gives the DOC the ability to enforce
its dumping finding against all imports of French LEU, regardless of the form of contract involved.
23
In January 2007, the DOC and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) initiated
five-year sunset reviews of the antidumping order against French LEU to determine if the order
should remain in place. The DOC determined that termination of the antidumping order would likely
lead to a continuation or recurrence of dumping of French LEU, and the ITC determined that
termination of the order would likely lead to a continuation or recurrence of material injury to
the U.S. enrichment industry. We supported both of these outcomes.
The DOCs and ITCs final results in the sunset review have been challenged before the U.S.
Court of International Trade (CIT), as has the ITCs original material injury determination made
in 2002 and determinations made by the DOC in past annual reviews of imports under the antidumping
order. The issues in these appeals are separate from the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court (see
above) and therefore, the appeals of the DOC and ITC sunset review and original injury
determinations before the CIT are still pending. A reversal of either the ITCs original material
injury determination or the DOC or ITC determinations in either of the sunset review proceedings
could result in the revocation of the antidumping duty order at some point in the future and a
reversal of the DOC determinations in past annual reviews could result in the reduction or
elimination of antidumping duties. If the order is revoked or antidumping duties are significantly
reduced or eliminated, the absence of any limitation on dumped French LEU could adversely affect
market prices for SWU and result in lost sales by us.
Limitations on Imports of LEU from Russia
Imports of LEU and other uranium products produced in the Russian Federation are subject to
quotas imposed under legislation enacted into law in September 2008 and under the 1992 Russian
Suspension Agreement.
The legislation enacted in September 2008 imposes annual quotas on imports of Russian LEU
through 2020. From 2008-2011, the quotas only permit a small amount of LEU to be imported. The
quotas increase moderately in 2012 and 2013, and then from 2014-2020 are set at an amount equal to
approximately 20% of projected annual U.S. consumption of LEU. These quotas are substantially
similar to the quotas established under the amendments to the Russian Suspension Agreement
discussed below. However, the legislation also includes the possibility of expanded quotas of up to
an additional 5% of the domestic market annually beginning in 2014 if the Russian Federation
continues to downblend highly enriched uranium after the Russian Contract is complete. As with the
amendment to the Russian Suspension Agreement, the legislation also permits unlimited imports of
LEU for use in initial cores for any newly licensed U.S. nuclear reactor.
Prior to being amended in 2008, the Russian Suspension Agreement precluded the export of LEU
(other than LEU under the Russian Contract) from Russia to the United States for consumption in the
United States. On February 1, 2008, the DOC and Rosatom signed an amendment to the Russian
Suspension Agreement that permits the Russian government to sell a stockpile of LEU containing
about 400,000 SWU located in the United States, and establishes annual export quotas for the sale
of Russian uranium products to U.S. utilities starting in 2011. In 2021, the suspended
investigation (and the Russian Suspension Agreement) will be terminated and the export quotas will
no longer apply. The September 2008 legislation provides that it supersedes the Russian Suspension
Agreement in cases where they conflict.
24
Employees
A summary of our employees by location follows:
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No. of Employees |
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at December 31, |
Location |
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2008 |
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2007 |
Paducah GDP |
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Paducah, KY |
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1,172 |
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1,169 |
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Portsmouth GDP |
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Piketon, OH |
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1,156 |
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1,147 |
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American Centrifuge |
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Primarily Oak Ridge, TN |
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and Piketon, OH |
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500 |
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397 |
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NAC |
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Primarily Norcross, GA |
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62 |
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63 |
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Headquarters |
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Bethesda, MD |
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88 |
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90 |
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Total Employees |
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2,978 |
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2,866 |
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The United Steelworkers (USW) and the Security, Police, Fire Professionals of America
(SPFPA) represented 54% of the employees at the GDPs at December 31, 2008. The number of
employees represented and the term of each contract follows:
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Contract |
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Number of Employees |
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Term |
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Paducah GDP: |
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USW Local 5-550 |
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567 |
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July 2011 |
SPFPA Local 111 |
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76 |
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March 2012 |
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Portsmouth GDP: |
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USW Local 5-689 |
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517 |
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May 2010 |
SPFPA Local 66. |
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99 |
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August 2012 |
In January 2008, we entered into an agreement with the USW and USW Local 5-689 resolving
issues related to the scope of the existing collective bargaining agreement at the Portsmouth GDP
and providing a path forward for labor relations at the American Centrifuge Plant. The agreement
recognizes that the existing Portsmouth GDP collective bargaining agreement does not apply to the
American Centrifuge Plant. The agreement provides a hiring preference for qualified USW-represented
workers who apply for new jobs created by us for the American Centrifuge Plant. It also provides
American Centrifuge Plant workers with an opportunity to decide on union representation through an
expedited election conducted by the National Labor Relations Board. The agreement states that we
will remain neutral in a union organizing campaign but will recognize the USW if a majority of
eligible ACP employees elect to join the union.
25
Available Information
Our internet website is www.usec.com. We make available on our website, or upon request,
without charge, access to our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current
reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed with, or furnished to, the Securities
and Exchange Commission, pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with, or
furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Our code of business conduct provides a brief summary of the standards of conduct that are at
the foundation of our business operations. The code of business conduct states that we conduct our
business in strict compliance with all applicable laws. Each employee must read the code of
business conduct and sign a form stating that he or she has read, understands and agrees to comply
with the code of business conduct. A copy of the code of business conduct is available on our
website or upon request without charge. We will disclose on the website any amendments to, or
waivers from, the code of business conduct that are required to be publicly disclosed.
We also make available free of charge, on our website, or upon request, our Board of Directors
Governance Guidelines and our Board committee charters.
26
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Investors should carefully consider the risk factors below, in addition to the other information in
this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The long-term viability of our business depends on our ability to replace our current enrichment
facility with the American Centrifuge Plant.
We currently use a gaseous diffusion uranium enrichment technology at the Paducah gaseous
diffusion plant (Paducah GDP) for approximately one-half of the LEU that we need to meet our
delivery obligations to our customers and to generate uranium through underfeeding to satisfy our
obligations under the Russian Contract. However, our competitors utilize or are in the process of
transitioning to centrifuge uranium enrichment technology. Centrifuge technology is more efficient
and operationally cost-effective than gaseous diffusion technology, which requires substantial
amounts of electric power to enrich uranium. We must transition to a lower operating cost
technology in order to remain competitive in the long term and one that is less dependent on
volatile energy markets.
We are focused on developing and deploying an advanced uranium enrichment centrifuge
technology, which we refer to as the American Centrifuge technology, as a replacement for our
gaseous diffusion technology. We are not currently pursuing any strategies to replace our gaseous
diffusion operations with alternatives other than the American Centrifuge Plant (ACP). The
construction and deployment of the ACP is a large and capital-intensive undertaking that is subject
to numerous risks and uncertainties. If we are unable to successfully and timely deploy the ACP on
a cost-effective basis, due to the risks and uncertainties described in this section or for any
other reasons, our gross profit margins, cash flows, liquidity and results of operations would be
materially and adversely affected and our business likely would not remain viable over the long
term.
Delays in our deployment of the American Centrifuge technology could adversely affect the overall
economics, ability to finance and the likelihood of successful deployment of the ACP.
Our baseline deployment schedule calls for beginning commercial plant operations at the end of
the first quarter of 2010, and having the full 3.8 million SWU capacity at the end of 2012.
However, our recent decision to slow down project spending during 2009 in order to conserve cash
will likely delay this schedule, and the delay could be significant. We have also experienced a
delay in our timetable for operation of the initial AC100 cascade as part of our Lead Cascade test
program as a result of start-up issues in the transfer of technology to our suppliers. This could
also impact our overall schedule. We have also experienced delays in the past from a variety of
factors, including the failure of certain materials to meet specifications, performance problems
with, and failures of, certain centrifuge components and the time-consuming process of ensuring
compliance with regulatory requirements. Our efforts to reduce the centrifuge machine cost through
value engineering have been delayed due to our focus on resolving issues related to component
performance that arose during Lead Cascade testing and we have continued to be unable to devote the
necessary resources to value engineering based on other competing factors, which impacts cost.
27
As a result of these and other factors, including factors and circumstances similar to those
that have delayed us in the past, we may be unable to meet our baseline project schedule or any
revised schedule. Significant delays in our schedule could:
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increase our costs for the project, both on an overall basis and in
terms of the incremental costs we must incur to recover from delays, |
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cause us to fail to meet a milestone under the 2002 DOE-USEC Agreement
leading DOE to exercise the remedies described in the risk factor
relating to the 2002 DOE-USEC Agreement, |
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make it more difficult for us to attract and retain customers and
adversely affect our ability to compete with other enrichment plants
being built in the U.S., and |
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extend the time under which we are contractually or otherwise required
to continue to operate our high-cost Paducah GDP. |
Any of these outcomes could substantially reduce our revenues, gross profit margins, liquidity
and cash flows and adversely affect the overall economics, ability to finance and the likelihood of
successful deployment of the ACP. This would have a material adverse impact on our business and
prospects because we believe the long-term viability of our business depends on the successful
deployment of the ACP.
Our baseline deployment schedule and budget for the ACP are challenging. To minimize potential
schedule delays, we have made, and expect to continue to make, key decisions, including decisions
to expend or commit to expend large amounts of capital and resources, before we have financing to
complete the ACP and before we have received all relevant centrifuge machine performance data and
confirmation of the American Centrifuge projects costs, schedule and overall viability.
If we are not able to obtain timely action from DOE regarding a loan guarantee or an alternate
capital commitment, we will need to take additional steps to implement further spending reductions
with respect to the American Centrifuge project.
We must raise capital to complete the ACP. We do not believe public market financing for a
large capital project such as the ACP is available to us given current financial market conditions.
We view the DOE Loan Guarantee Program as the path for obtaining the debt financing to complete the
American Centrifuge project. We believe that timely action by DOE regarding a loan guarantee is
critical. We have initiated steps to slow down spending on the project in 2009 and reduce the
planned escalation of project construction and machine manufacturing activities until we gain
greater clarity on potential funding for the project through the DOE Loan Guarantee Program. Our
decision to slow spending until a funding decision is made by the DOE Loan Guarantee Program will
likely increase the cost and extend the schedule for the project. We are planning and coordinating
with our strategic suppliers regarding various scenarios based on availability of DOE funding,
which could include additional reductions in spending from those currently being considered. If we
continue to lack visibility into the receipt of loan guarantee funding, we might need to more
drastically reduce procurements and staff, which would be more difficult to recover from and would
lead to more significant delays and increased costs and potentially make the project uneconomic. We
could also be forced to take other actions, including terminating the project. Termination of the
ACP would have a material adverse impact on our business and prospects because we believe the
long-term viability of our business depends on the successful deployment of the American Centrifuge
Plant.
28
The Loan Guarantee Program was created by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and in December 2007,
federal legislation authorized funding levels through September 30, 2009 of up to $2 billion for
advanced facilities for the front end of the nuclear fuel cycle, which includes uranium enrichment.
DOE released its solicitation for the Loan Guarantee Program on June 30, 2008, and we applied for
$2 billion in funding in July 2008. Our application is under review by DOE. We cannot give any
assurance that we will be selected or that we will receive a DOE loan guarantee at all or in
the amount or the timeframe we seek. The Loan Guarantee Program is a competitive process. Areva, a
company majority owned by the French government, also has applied for funding under the program for
a proposed plant in the U.S. and is being considered by DOE. This could adversely affect the timing
and amount of funding awarded to us, if any. Schedule delays, cost increases, or issues that may
arise with respect to the American Centrifuge technology could all adversely affect our perceived
creditworthiness and likelihood of selection for a DOE loan guarantee.
DOE has not yet issued any commitments or loan guarantees under the Loan Guarantee Program,
including from an initial solicitation in August 2006 (that did not apply to nuclear projects) and
has not provided a timeline for the process from solicitation to being granted a loan guarantee.
The change in Administration also has added delay to the process. Funding under the program is only
authorized until September 30, 2009.
We also cannot give any assurances that if we are selected to proceed with negotiations under
the Loan Guarantee Program that sufficient funds will be allocated to our project. We have
requested a loan guarantee for $2 billion, which is the entire amount authorized in the
solicitation for front-end nuclear facilities and Arevas competing project also is seeking the
full $2 billion.
On a parallel path, we continue to evaluate potential third-party investment; however, we
cannot assure you that we will be able to attract the capital we need to complete the American
Centrifuge project in a timely manner or at all.
Factors that could affect our ability to obtain financing or the cost of such financing
include:
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the success of our demonstration of the American Centrifuge technology and
the estimated costs, efficiency, timing and return on investment of the
deployment of the American Centrifuge Plant (described below), |
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our ability to secure long-term SWU purchase commitments from customers on
satisfactory terms, including adequate prices, |
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our ability to get loan guarantees or other support from the U.S. government, |
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competition for financing or loan guarantees from another uranium enrichment
project and nuclear-related projects generally, |
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the level of success of our current operations, |
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SWU prices, |
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USECs perceived competitive position and investor confidence in our
industry and in us, |
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projected costs for the disposal of depleted uranium and the decontamination
and decommissioning of the American Centrifuge Plant, and the impact of
related financial assurance requirements, |
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additional downgrades in our credit rating, |
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market price and volatility of our common stock, |
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general economic and capital market conditions, |
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conditions in energy markets, |
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regulatory developments, |
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our reliance on LEU delivered to us under the Russian Contract and
uncertainty regarding prices and deliveries under the Russian Contract, and |
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restrictive covenants in the agreements governing our revolving credit
facility and in our outstanding notes and any future financing arrangements
that limit our operating and financial flexibility. |
29
The centrifuge machines and supporting equipment that we deploy in the American Centrifuge Plant
may not meet our performance targets.
The ACP is expected to have an annual production capacity of 3.8 million SWU, which is based
on the expected performance of approximately 11,500 centrifuge machines and related equipment. The
expected output for the ACP is based on assumptions regarding performance and availability of
machines and related equipment and actual performance may be different than we expect. Factors that
can influence performance include:
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The success of our efforts to optimize the machine we expect to deploy in the ACP to
achieve 350 SWU per year; |
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The performance and reliability of individual components built by our strategic
suppliers; |
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Our ability to successfully transition the technology to build AC100 machines to our
strategic suppliers; and |
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Differences in actual commercial plant conditions from the conditions used to generate
our test data. |
Our failure to achieve expected performance could affect the overall economics of the ACP and
our ability to finance and the likelihood of successful deployment of the ACP. This could have a
material adverse impact on our business and prospects.
We rely on third party suppliers for key components for our AC100 machine and the American
Centrifuge Plant.
We rely on third-party suppliers for key American Centrifuge components. The failure of any of
our suppliers to provide their respective components as scheduled or at all or of the quality and
the precise specifications we need could result in substantial delays in, or otherwise materially
hamper, the deployment of the ACP. There are a limited number of potential suppliers for these key
components and finding alternate suppliers could be difficult, time consuming and costly. In
addition, because such suppliers are few and due to our dependence on them for key components, our
ability to obtain favorable contractual terms with these suppliers is limited. We have entered into
and expect to enter into future agreements with suppliers in which we bear certain cost, schedule
and performance risk. Although we will seek to manage these risks, we cannot provide any assurance
that we will be able to. This could result in cost increases and unanticipated delays. Our
inability to effectively integrate these suppliers and other key third-party suppliers could also
result in delays and otherwise increase our costs. Delays could also occur if we decide to search
for alternate suppliers or to self-perform certain items that we previously anticipated outsourcing
to third-party suppliers.
The cost of the American Centrifuge project will likely exceed the baseline project budget and
increased costs and cost uncertainty could adversely affect our ability to finance and deploy the
American Centrifuge Plant.
In 2008, we established a baseline project budget for the ACP of $3.5 billion. This budget
includes amounts already spent but does not include financing costs or financial assurance. Through
December 31, 2008, we had spent $1.2 billion on the project, which leaves a going-forward cost of
$2.3 billion to complete the ACP.
The project budget is subject to cost risk. We are working with our strategic suppliers
primarily under cost-reimbursement agreements. As we proceed with the project, we intend for
contracts with suppliers to transition from a cost-reimbursable model to a fixed-price or
incentive-based model, as appropriate. However, if we are not successful in obtaining fixed-price
or incentive-based contracts in the timeframe we expect, this could increase costs. We are also
currently in discussions with our suppliers regarding a slowdown of spending during 2009 from what
was originally planned, which
will likely have an impact on the project cost. We are still in the early stages of planning
and coordinating with our strategic suppliers and the cost impact of any slowdown could be
significantly greater than we anticipate. We could also be forced to make a decision to more
significantly slow spending, which could result in more significant increased costs.
30
Several key budget variables such as labor costs, the cost of raw materials to build the plant
and general inflation, are outside our control and difficult to forecast and increases in these
variables could increase costs. Our project budget assumes that certain cost savings are achieved
through value engineering the AC100 machine. If we are not successful or these efforts take longer
than we expect, that could impact our schedule and/or increase costs.
Increases in the cost of the ACP increase the amount of external capital we must raise and
could threaten our ability to successfully finance and deploy the
ACP. Our ability to achieve the 3.8 million SWU plant capacity may be limited by capital
constraints and potential project cost increases, including as a result of our decision to slow
project spending until a funding decision is made by the DOE Loan Guarantee Program. In
such circumstances, achieving the full 3.8 million capacity may be delayed until additional
capital from project cash flow from operations or other funding becomes available. This
could have an adverse affect on our ability to successfully deploy the ACP.
We cannot assure investors
that costs associated with the ACP will not be materially higher than anticipated or that efforts
that we take to mitigate or minimize cost increases will be successful or sufficient. Our cost
estimates and budget for the ACP have been, and will continue to be, based on many assumptions that
are subject to change as new information becomes available or as unexpected events occur.
Regardless of our success in demonstrating the technical viability of the American Centrifuge
technology, uncertainty surrounding our ability to accurately estimate costs or to limit potential
cost increases could jeopardize our ability to successfully finance and deploy the ACP. Our
inability to finance and deploy the ACP would have a material adverse impact on our business and
prospects because we believe the long-term viability of our business depends on the successful
deployment of the ACP.
We are required to meet certain milestones under the 2002 DOE-USEC Agreement and our failure to
meet these milestones could cause DOE to exercise one or more remedies under the 2002 DOE-USEC
Agreement.
The 2002 DOE-USEC Agreement contains specific project milestones relating to the American
Centrifuge Plant. As amended in January 2009, the following four milestones remain under the 2002
DOE-USEC Agreement:
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November 2009 Secure firm financing commitment(s) for the construction of the
commercial American Centrifuge Plant with an annual capacity of approximately 3.5 million
SWU per year (the Financing Milestone); |
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August 2010 begin commercial American Centrifuge Plant operations; |
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November 2011 commercial American Centrifuge Plant annual capacity at 1 million SWU
per year; and |
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May 2013 commercial American Centrifuge Plant annual capacity of approximately 3.5
million SWU per year. |
We believe our ability to meet the Financing Milestone is dependent upon our obtaining a
commitment for a loan guarantee from DOE, the receipt and timing of which is uncertain. In order to
meet the Financing Milestone, we must (1) obtain debt or equity commitments by November 2009, (2)
such commitments together with USEC equity contributions, based on reasonable projections
acceptable to DOE, need to be sufficient to meet the estimated costs to construct the ACP with an
annual capacity of approximately 3.5 million SWU per year, and (3) the commitments must, in the
reasonable judgment of DOE, be likely to close and fund by May 2010 or within nine months of such
commitments, whichever is earlier. Therefore, even if we are able to obtain a commitment for a loan
guarantee from DOE by November 2009 or earlier, DOE could still determine that we have not met the
Financing Milestone.
31
The dates of the August 2010, November 2011 and May 2013 milestones were set about five months
later than our baseline deployment schedule for the American Centrifuge Plant in order to provide
us with some flexibility in the case of an unanticipated delay. However, our recent decision to
slow down project spending during 2009 in order to conserve cash is likely to delay this schedule.
The amount of the delay is uncertain at this point and a delay of more than five months would
impact our ability to meet these milestones.
Until we have met the Financing Milestone, DOE has full remedies under the 2002 DOE-USEC
Agreement if we fail to meet a milestone that would materially impact our ability to begin
commercial operations of the American Centrifuge Plant on schedule. These remedies include
terminating the 2002 DOE-USEC Agreement, revoking our access to DOEs U.S. centrifuge technology
that we require for the success of the American Centrifuge project and requiring us to transfer our
rights in the American Centrifuge technology and facilities to DOE, and requiring us to reimburse
DOE for certain costs associated with the American Centrifuge project. DOE could also recommend
that we be removed as the sole U.S. Executive Agent under the Megatons to Megawatts program. Any of
these actions could have a material adverse impact on our business and prospects.
The 2002 DOE-USEC Agreement provides that if a delaying event beyond our control and without
our fault or negligence occurs which would affect our ability to meet a milestone, we and DOE will
jointly meet to discuss in good faith possible adjustments to the milestones as appropriate to
accommodate the delaying event. However, in such circumstance we may not be able to reach an
agreement regarding possible adjustments or DOE may assert that a delaying event was not beyond our
control or without our fault or negligence. Uncertainty surrounding our ability to meet the
milestones under the 2002 DOE-USEC Agreement could also adversely affect our ability to obtain
financing for the American Centrifuge project.
Significant increases in the cost of the electric power supplied to the Paducah GDP have materially
increased our overall production costs and may, in the future, increase our cost of sales to a
level above the average prices we bill our customers.
Electric power constitutes approximately 70-75% of the production cost at the Paducah GDP. We
purchase most of our electric power for the Paducah GDP from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
under a multi-year power contract with TVA that expires in May 2012. The base price of power under
our power contract with TVA increases moderately each year through 2012. However, our power costs
under the contract are also subject to monthly adjustments to account for changes in TVAs fuel
costs, purchased power costs, and related costs, which means that our actual power costs could be
greater than we anticipate. The impact of the fuel cost adjustment has been negative for USEC,
imposing an average increase over base contract prices of about 15% in 2008 and 8% in 2007. The
fuel cost adjustment under the TVA contract in 2009 and beyond could be greater than we experienced
in 2008, and could also be very volatile. Factors that could affect TVAs fuel and purchased-power
costs and the amount of the fuel cost adjustment include coal prices, purchased power costs and
hydroelectric power generation. We also purchase additional power for delivery during the summer
months at market prices, which is the time of the year when market prices tend to be the highest.
Higher costs for power put significant pressure on our business and will continue to do so
unless and until we are able to replace our existing gaseous diffusion operations with more
efficient centrifuge technology. Our competitors utilize or are in the process of transitioning to
centrifuge technology, which requires significantly less electric power than gaseous diffusion to
enrich uranium.
32
Although we are currently signing new contracts with customers in which prices for future
deliveries are adjusted, in part, on the basis of changes in a power cost index, most of our sales
contracts do not include provisions that permit us to pass through increases in power prices to our
customers. As a result, our profit margins and cash flows under these older sales contracts are
significantly reduced by higher power costs. Additionally, profit margins under new sales
contracts that we enter into may be similarly impacted to the extent the adjustments in the power
cost index are not sufficient to account for increases in our power costs. Accordingly, if our
power costs rise and mitigating steps are unavailable or insufficient, production at the Paducah
GDP could become uneconomic, which will adversely affect the long-term viability of our business.
Increases in our power costs also reduce the value to us of underfeeding, which puts further upward
pressure on our production costs.
In accordance with the TVA power contract, we provide financial assurance to support our
payment obligations to TVA, including providing an irrevocable letter of credit and making weekly
prepayments based on TVAs estimate of the price and our usage of power. A significant increase in
the price we pay for power could increase the amount of this financial assurance, which could
adversely affect our liquidity and reduce capital resources otherwise available to fund the
American Centrifuge project.
Beginning June 1, 2010 through the expiration of the contract in May 2012, the quantity of
power available to us under the contract is reduced, which means we likely will be seeking to
purchase additional power, the price of which is uncertain. In addition, capacity and prices under
the TVA contract are only agreed upon through May 2012 and we have not yet contracted for power for
periods beyond that time. If we want to purchase power to operate the Paducah GDP beyond May 2012,
we may be unable to reach an acceptable agreement and we are at risk for additional power cost
increases in the future.
Deliveries of LEU under the Russian Contract account for approximately one-half of our supply mix
and a significant delay or stoppage of deliveries could affect our ability to meet customer orders
and could pose a significant risk to our continued operations and profitability.
A significant delay in, or stoppage or termination of, deliveries of LEU from Russia under the
Russian Contract or a failure of the LEU to meet the Russian Contracts quality specifications,
could adversely affect our ability to make deliveries to our customers. A delay, stoppage or
termination could occur due to a number of factors, including logistical or technical problems with
shipments, commercial or political disputes between the parties or their governments, or a failure
or inability by either party to meet the terms of the Russian Contract.
Because our annual LEU production capacity is less than our total delivery commitments to
customers, an interruption of deliveries under the Russian Contract could, depending on the length
of such an interruption, threaten our ability to fulfill these delivery commitments with adverse
effects on our reputation, costs, results of operations, cash flows and long-term viability.
Depending upon the reasons for the interruption and subject to limitations of liability and force
majeure terms under our sales contracts, we could be required to compensate customers for a failure
or delay in delivery.
On February 13, 2009, we entered into an amendment to the Russian Contract to revise the
pricing methodology for delivery in calendar years 2010 through 2013. Approval of both the U.S.
government and the government of the Russian Federation is required for the amendment to become
effective. We are also awaiting the approval of the government of the Russian Federation regarding
the price for deliveries in calendar year 2009 under the Russian Contract. Failure or delay in
obtaining the required government approvals could have an adverse impact on our ability to receive
LEU in a timely manner in order to meet our delivery commitments.
The appointment of a substitute or additional executive agent pursuant to the U.S.
governments compliance with the terms of the Executive Agent agreement under which USEC is
designated the U.S. Executive Agent would require that all or part of the fixed quantity of LEU
available each year under the Russian Contract be provided to the substitute or additional
executive agent. This would not only reduce our access to LEU under the Russian Contract, but would
also create a significant
new competitor, which could impair our ability to meet our existing delivery commitments while
reducing our ability to bid for new sales. Reduced access to LEU under the Russian Contract could
also increase our costs and reduce our gross profit margins.
33
We depend on a single production facility in Paducah, Kentucky, for approximately one-half of our
LEU supply and significant or extended unscheduled interruptions in production could affect our
ability to meet customer orders and pose a significant risk to, or could significantly limit, our
continued operations and profitability.
Our annual imports of Russian LEU under the Russian Contract account for approximately
one-half of the total amount of LEU that we need to meet our delivery obligations to customers. In
addition, some customers do not permit us to deliver Russian LEU to them under their contracts with
us. Accordingly, our production at the Paducah GDP is needed to meet our annual delivery
commitments. An interruption of production at the Paducah GDP would result in a drawdown of our
inventories of LEU. Depending on the length and severity of the production interruption, we could
be unable to meet our annual delivery commitments, with adverse effects on our reputation, costs,
results of operations, cash flows and long-term viability. Depending upon the reasons for the
interruption and subject to limitations on our liability and force majeure terms under our sales
contracts, we also could be required to compensate customers for a failure or delay in delivery.
Production interruptions at the Paducah GDP could be caused by a variety of factors, such as:
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equipment breakdowns, |
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interruptions of electric power, including those interruptions permitted under the TVA
power agreement, or an inability to purchase electric power at an acceptable price, |
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regulatory enforcement actions, |
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labor disruptions, |
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unavailability or inadequate supply of uranium feedstock, |
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natural or other disasters, including seismic activity in the vicinity of the Paducah
GDP, which is located near the New Madrid fault line, or |
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accidents or other incidents. |
The Paducah GDP is owned by the U.S. government. Our rights to the plant are defined under a
lease agreement with DOE and the law that the lease agreement implements. Under the 2002 DOE-USEC
Agreement, we could lose our right to extend the lease of the Paducah GDP and could be required to
waive our exclusive right to lease the facility if we fail on more than one occasion within
specified periods to meet certain production thresholds and fail to cure the deficiency. In
addition, DOE could assume responsibility for operation of the Paducah GDP if we cease production
at the Paducah GDP and fail to recommence production within time periods specified in the 2002
DOE-USEC Agreement. Without a lease to the Paducah GDP and absent access to other sources of LEU,
we would be unable to meet our annual delivery commitments to customers once our available
inventories were exhausted.
Our ability to retain key executives and managers is critical to the success of our business.
The success of our business depends on our key executives, managers and other skilled
personnel, some of whom were involved in the development of our American Centrifuge technology and
many of whom have security clearances. We do not have employment agreements with our corporate
executives or American Centrifuge project managers or other key personnel nor do we have key man
life insurance policies for them. If our executives, managers or other key personnel resign, retire
or are terminated, or their service is otherwise interrupted, we may not be able to replace them in
a timely manner and we could experience significant declines in productivity and delays in the
deployment of our American Centrifuge project, on which the viability of our business depends.
Given the proprietary nature of our American Centrifuge technology, we are also at risk if key
American Centrifuge employees resign to work for a competitor.
34
The rights of our creditors under the documents governing our indebtedness may limit our operating
and financial flexibility.
Our revolving credit facility includes various operating and financial covenants that restrict
our ability, and the ability of our subsidiaries, to, among other things, incur or prepay other
indebtedness, grant liens, sell assets, make investments and acquisitions, consummate certain
mergers and other fundamental changes, make certain capital expenditures and declare or pay
dividends or other distributions. Complying with these covenants may make it more difficult for us
to successfully execute our business strategy. For example, these covenants could limit our use of
the credit facility for capital expenditures related to the American Centrifuge Plant. The
revolving credit agreement also requires that we maintain a minimum level of available borrowings
and contains reserve provisions that may reduce the available borrowings under the credit facility
periodically.
Our failure to comply with obligations under the revolving credit facility or other agreements
such as the indenture governing our outstanding convertible notes, surety bonds, and the 2002
DOE-USEC Agreement, or the occurrence of a fundamental change as defined in the indenture
governing our outstanding convertible notes or the occurrence of a material adverse effect as
defined in our credit facility, could result in an event of default under the credit facility. A
default, if not cured or waived, could permit acceleration of our indebtedness. We cannot be
certain that we will be able to remedy any default. If our indebtedness is accelerated, we cannot
be certain that we will have funds available to pay the accelerated indebtedness or that we will
have the ability to refinance the accelerated indebtedness on terms favorable to us or at all. In
addition, our revolving credit facility matures in August 2010. We cannot be certain that we will
have funds available to repay the indebtedness outstanding under the facility at that time and to
replace any outstanding letters of credit under the facility or that we will have the ability to
refinance the revolving credit facility on terms favorable to us or at all.
The current global financial crisis may adversely affect our liquidity, business and prospects.
The current global financial crisis which has included, among other things, significant
reductions in available capital and liquidity from banks and other providers of credit, substantial
reductions and/or fluctuations in equity values worldwide, and concerns that the worldwide economy
may enter into a prolonged recessionary period may adversely affect our liquidity, business and
prospects. The global financial crisis could result in an overall decrease in demand for
electricity and consequently decreased demand and increased price competition for LEU. This could
adversely affect our revenues and results of operations. The global financial crisis could also
affect our customers or potential customers access to capital, which could result in a delay or
cancellation of plans to build additional reactors, and otherwise affect the growth and outlook of
the nuclear industry. We could also face increased credit risk with respect to customer
collections.
The current global financial crisis could affect our ability to draw on our revolving credit
facility and therefore adversely affect our liquidity. Our access to funds under our revolving
credit facility is dependent on the ability of the banks that are parties to the facility to meet
their funding commitments. Those banks may not be able to meet their funding commitments to us if
they experience shortages of capital and liquidity or if they experience excessive volumes of
borrowing requests from borrowers within a short period of time. The current global financial
market crisis could also affect our ability to refinance our revolving credit facility when it
matures in August 2010 and therefore adversely affect our liquidity.
35
The current global financial market crisis could also result in additional reductions in the
fair value of our pension and postretirement benefit plan assets and higher than expected net
benefit costs and additional future funding obligations, as described in note 10 to our
consolidated financial statements, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results
of operations.
Changes in the price for SWU or uranium could affect our gross profit margins and ability to
service our indebtedness and finance the American Centrifuge project.
Changes in the price for SWU and uranium are influenced by numerous factors, such as:
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LEU and uranium production levels and costs in the industry, |
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supply and demand shifts, |
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actions taken by governments to regulate, protect or promote trade in
nuclear material, including the continuation of existing restrictions
on unfairly priced imports, |
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actions taken by governments to narrow, reduce or eliminate limits on
trade in nuclear material, including the decrease or elimination of
existing restrictions on unfairly priced imports, |
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actions of competitors, |
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exchange rates, |
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availability and cost of alternate fuels, and |
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inflation. |
The long-term nature of our contracts with customers delays the impact of any material change
in market prices and may prolong any adverse impact of low market prices on our gross profit
margins. For example, even as prices increase and we secure new higher-priced contracts, we are
contractually obligated to deliver LEU and uranium at lower prices under contracts signed prior to
the increase. A decrease in the price for SWU could also affect our future ability to service our
indebtedness and finance the American Centrifuge project.
Additionally, an increase in the price for SWU could result in an increase in the price that
we pay for the SWU component of Russian LEU. Currently, the price we are charged for the SWU
component of Russian LEU under the Russian Contract is determined by a formula that employs an
index of international and U.S. price points, which in turn reflects market prices. Beginning in
2010, subject to receipt of necessary governmental approvals, prices will be determined under a
formula that combines a different mix of price points and other pricing elements. Under either
formula, a multi-year retrospective view of market-based price points in the formula is used to
minimize the disruptive effect of short-term swings in these price points. However, increases in
market prices will increase the prices Russia charges us and can substantially increase our costs
of sales and inventories. This increase, if not offset by increases in our sales prices, would
adversely affect our cash flows and results of operations.
The release of excess government stockpiles of enriched uranium into the market could depress
market prices and reduce demand for LEU from our company.
Foreign governments have stockpiles of LEU that they could sell in the market. In addition,
LEU may be produced by downblending stockpiles of highly enriched uranium owned by the U.S. and
foreign governments. The release of these stockpiles into the market can depress prices and reduce
demand for LEU from us, which could adversely affect our revenues, cash flows and results of
operations.
36
The long-term nature of our customer contracts could adversely affect our results of operations in
current and future years.
As is typically the case in our industry, we sell nearly all of our LEU under long-term
contracts. The prices that we charge under many of our existing contracts (particularly those
reflecting terms agreed to prior to 2006) only increase based on an agreed upon inflation index.
Therefore, prices under older contracts will not increase with changes that result in increases in
our actual costs, such as increased power costs or increases in the prices we pay under the Russian
Contract, and do not permit us to take advantage of market increases in the price of SWU. These
limitations, combined with our cost structure and our sensitivity to increased power costs due to
the power-intensive gaseous diffusion technology that we currently depend on, could reduce our
ability to cover our cost of sales with revenues earned under our customer contracts and could
materially and adversely impact our gross profit margins and cash flows in current and future
periods.
In addition, our older contracts give customers the flexibility to determine the amounts of
natural uranium that they deliver to us, which can result in our receiving less uranium from
customers than we transfer from our inventory to the Russian Federation under the Russian Contract.
Over time, to the extent our inventory, including uranium generated through underfeeding, is
insufficient to absorb the difference, we could be required to purchase uranium to continue to meet
our obligations to the Russian Federation. Depending on the market price of uranium, this could
have an adverse impact on our gross profit margins, cash flows, results of operations and
liquidity.
We face significant competition from three major producers who may be less cost sensitive or may be
favored due to national loyalties and from emerging competitors in the domestic market.
We compete with three major producers of LEU, all of which are wholly or substantially owned
by governments: Areva (France), Rosatom/TENEX (Russia) and Urenco (Germany, Netherlands and the
United Kingdom). Currently, these competitors utilize or are in the process of transitioning to
more efficient and cost-effective technology to enrich uranium than we use at the Paducah GDP.
In addition, Louisiana Energy Services, a group controlled by Urenco, is constructing a
uranium enrichment plant in New Mexico, and Areva has proposed building a centrifuge uranium
enrichment plant in Idaho and has applied for a loan guarantee from DOE for its plant. We also face
potential competition from GE Hitachi, which has begun a phased development process with the goal
of constructing a commercial enrichment plant in North Carolina using an Australian laser
enrichment technology known as SILEX. All of these represent competition in our efforts to sell
output from the ACP.
Our competitors may have greater financial resources than we do, including access to
below-market financing terms. Our foreign competitors enjoy support from their government owners,
which may enable them to be less cost- or profit-sensitive than we are. In addition, decisions by
our foreign competitors may be influenced by political and economic policy considerations rather
than commercial considerations. For example, our foreign competitors may elect to increase their
production or exports of LEU, even when not justified by market conditions, thereby depressing
prices and reducing demand for our LEU, which could adversely affect our revenues, cash flows and
results of operations. Similarly, the elimination or weakening of existing restrictions on imports
from our foreign competitors could adversely affect our revenues, cash flows and results of
operations.
Imports of LEU and other uranium products produced in the Russian Federation are subject to
quotas through 2020 imposed under legislation enacted into law in September 2008 and under the
Russian Suspension Agreement. Although we believe these limitations will preserve a stable U.S.
market, this belief may prove to be wrong, and the quantity of Russian uranium products permitted
under the limitations may depress market prices and result in reduced sales by us and reduced
revenues.
37
Our dependence on our largest customers could adversely affect us.
Our 10 largest utility customers represented 57% of our total revenue in 2008, and our three
largest utility customers represented 30% of our total revenue in 2008. To the extent our existing
contracts with these customers include prices that are greater than the prices at which we could
sell to others, a reduction in purchases from these customers, whether due to their decision to
increase purchases from our competitors or for other reasons, including a disruption in their
operations that reduces their need for LEU from us, could adversely affect our business and results
of operations. Conversely, to the extent that our contracts with these customers include prices
that are lower than the prices at which we could sell to others, a decision by these customers to
exercise options under these contracts to purchase more from us also could adversely affect our
business and results of operations.
We are seeking to improve the pricing under new long-term contracts with our customers as
existing contracts come up for renewal. However, because price is a significant factor in a
customers choice of a supplier of LEU, when contracts come up for renewal, customers may reduce
their purchases from us if we attempt to increase our prices in order to offset increases in our
costs, resulting in the loss of new sales contracts. Moreover, once lost, customers may be
difficult to regain because they typically purchase LEU under long-term contracts. Therefore, given
the need to maintain existing customer relationships, particularly with our largest customers, our
ability to raise prices in order to respond to increases in costs or other developments may be
limited. In addition, because we have a fixed commitment to order LEU derived from at least 30
metric tons of highly enriched uranium each year under the Russian Contract and to purchase the
approximately 5.5 million SWU deemed to be contained in such material, any reduction in purchases
from us by our customers below the level required for us to resell both our own production and the
Russian material could adversely affect our revenues, cash flows and results of operations.
Our ability to compete in certain foreign markets may be limited for political, legal and economic
reasons.
Agreements for cooperation between the U.S. government and various foreign governments or
governmental agencies control the export of nuclear materials from the United States. If any of the
agreements governing exports to countries in which our customers are located were to lapse,
terminate or be amended, it is possible we would not be able to make sales or deliver LEU to
customers in those countries. This could adversely affect our results of operations.
Purchases of LEU by customers in the European Union are subject to a policy of the Euratom
Supply Agency that seeks to limit foreign enriched uranium to no more than 20% of European Union
consumption per year. Further, we are precluded from selling LEU in the Russian Federation by the
absence of an agreement for cooperation that permits exports to Russia.
38
Our future prospects are tied directly to the nuclear energy industry worldwide.
Potential events that could affect either nuclear reactors under contract with us or the
nuclear industry as a whole, include:
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accidents, terrorism or other incidents at nuclear facilities or
involving shipments of nuclear materials, |
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regulatory actions or changes in regulations by nuclear regulatory
bodies, or decisions by agencies, courts or other bodies that limit
our ability to seek relief under applicable trade laws to offset
unfair competition or pricing by foreign competitors, |
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disruptions in other areas of the nuclear fuel cycle, such as uranium
supplies or conversion, |
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civic opposition to, or changes in government policies regarding,
nuclear operations, |
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business decisions concerning reactors or reactor operations, |
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the need for generating capacity, or |
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consolidation within the electric power industry. |
These events could adversely affect us to the extent they result in a reduction or elimination
of customers contractual requirements to purchase from us, the suspension or reduction of nuclear
reactor operations, the reduction of supplies of raw materials, lower demand, burdensome
regulation, disruptions of shipments or production, increased competition from third parties,
increased operational costs or difficulties or increased liability for actual or threatened
property damage or personal injury.
Changes to, or termination of, any of our agreements with the U.S. government, or deterioration in
our relationship with the U.S. government, could adversely affect our results of operations.
We, or our subsidiaries, are a party to a number of agreements and arrangements with the U.S.
government that are important to our business, including:
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leases for the gaseous diffusion plants and American Centrifuge facilities, |
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the Executive Agent agreement under which we are designated the U.S.
Executive Agent and purchase the SWU component of LEU under the Russian
Contract, |
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the 2002 DOE-USEC Agreement and other agreements that address issues
relating to the domestic uranium enrichment industry and the American
Centrifuge technology, |
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electric power purchase agreements with the Tennessee Valley Authority, |
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contract work for DOE and DOE contractors at the Portsmouth and Paducah
GDPs, including maintenance of the Portsmouth GDP in preparation for a DOE
decontamination and decommissioning program, and |
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NAC consulting and transportation activities. |
Termination or expiration of one or more of these agreements, without replacement with an
equivalent agreement or arrangement that accomplishes the same objectives as the terminated or
expired agreement(s), could adversely affect our results of operations. In addition, deterioration
in our relationship with the U.S. agencies that are parties to these agreements could impair or
impede our ability to successfully implement these agreements, which could adversely affect our
results of operations.
39
Our existing U.S. government contracts are subject to continued appropriations by Congress and may
be terminated if future funding is not made available.
Approximately 10% of our revenue is from U.S. government contracts. All contract work for DOE,
including Portsmouth GDP maintenance and certain NAC consulting and transportation activities, is
subject to the availability of DOE funding and congressional appropriations. If funds were not
available, we could be required to terminate these operations and incur related termination costs.
In addition, the criteria for awarding contracts to us may change such that we would not be
eligible to compete for such contracts, which could adversely affect our results of operations.
Revenue from U.S. government contract work is based on cost accounting standards and allowable
costs that are subject to audit by the Defense Contract Audit Agency. Allowable costs include
direct costs as well as allocations of indirect plant and corporate overhead costs. Audit
adjustments could reduce the amounts we are allowed to bill for DOE contract work or require us to
refund to DOE a portion of amounts already billed.
Our operations are highly regulated by the NRC and DOE.
Our operations, including the Paducah and Portsmouth GDPs and NAC, are regulated by the NRC.
In addition, the American Centrifuge Demonstration Facility and the construction and operation of
the American Centrifuge Plant are licensed by the NRC, which regulates our activities at those
facilities.
Our gaseous diffusion plants are required to be recertified every five years and the term of
the current certification expires on December 31, 2013. The NRC could refuse to renew either or
both of the certificates if it determines that: (1) we are foreign owned, controlled or dominated;
(2) the issuance of a renewed certificate would be inimical to the maintenance of a reliable and
economic domestic source of enrichment; (3) the issuance of a renewed certificate would be adverse
to U.S. defense or security objectives; or (4) the issuance of a renewed certificate is otherwise
not consistent with applicable laws or regulations in effect at the time of renewal. The same
requirements apply to NRCs issuance of the 30-year license for the American Centrifuge Plant. If
the certificate for the Paducah GDP were not renewed, we could no longer produce LEU at the Paducah
GDP, which would threaten our ability to make deliveries to customers and meet the minimum
production requirements under the 2002 DOE-USEC Agreement, jeopardize our cash flows, and subject
us to various penalties under our customer contracts and the 2002 DOE-USEC Agreement.
The NRC has the authority to issue notices of violation for violations of the Atomic Energy
Act of 1954, NRC regulations and conditions of licenses, certificates of compliance, or orders. The
NRC has the authority to impose civil penalties or additional requirements and to order cessation
of operations for violations of its regulations. Penalties under NRC regulations could include
substantial fines, imposition of additional requirements or withdrawal or suspension of licenses or
certificates. Any penalties imposed on us could adversely affect our results of operations. The NRC
also has the authority to issue new regulatory requirements or to change existing requirements.
Changes to the regulatory requirements could also adversely affect our results of operations.
Our American Centrifuge development and manufacturing facilities in Oak Ridge and certain of
our operations at our other facilities are subject to regulation by DOE. DOE has the authority to
impose civil penalties and additional requirements which could adversely affect our results of
operations.
40
Our operations require that we maintain security clearances that are overseen by the NRC and
DOE in accordance with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual. These security
clearances could be suspended or revoked if we are determined by the NRC to be subject to foreign
ownership, control or influence. In addition, statute and NRC regulations prohibit the NRC from
issuing any license or certificate to us if it determines that we are owned, controlled or
dominated by an alien, a foreign corporation, or a foreign government.
Our certificate of incorporation gives us certain rights with respect to equity securities held
(beneficially or of record) by foreign persons. If levels of foreign ownership set forth in our
certificate of incorporation are exceeded, we have the right, among other things, to redeem or
exchange common stock held by foreign persons, and in certain cases, the applicable redemption
price or exchange value may be equal to the lower of fair market value or a foreign persons
purchase price.
Our certificate of incorporation gives us certain rights with respect to shares of our common
stock held (beneficially or of record) by foreign persons. Foreign persons are defined in our
certificate of incorporation to include, among others, an individual who is not a U.S. citizen, an
entity that is organized under the laws of a non-U.S. jurisdiction and an entity that is controlled
by individuals who are not U.S. citizens or by entities that are organized under the laws of
non-U.S. jurisdictions.
The occurrence of any one or more of the following events is a foreign ownership review
event and triggers the board of directors right to take various actions under our certificate of
incorporation: (1) the beneficial ownership by a foreign person of (a) 5% or more of the issued and
outstanding shares of any class of our equity securities, (b) 5% or more in voting power of the
issued and outstanding shares of all classes of our equity securities, or (c) less than 5% of the
issued and outstanding shares of any class of our equity securities or less than 5% of the voting
power of the issued and outstanding shares of all classes of our equity securities, if such foreign
person is entitled to control the appointment and tenure of any of our management positions or any
director; (2) the beneficial ownership of any shares of any class of our equity securities by or
for the account of a foreign uranium enrichment provider or a foreign competitor (referred to as
contravening persons); or (3) any ownership of, or exercise of rights with respect to, shares of
any class of our equity securities or other exercise or attempt to exercise control of us that is
inconsistent with, or in violation of, any regulatory restrictions, or that could jeopardize the
continued operations of our facilities (an adverse regulatory occurrence). These rights include
requesting information from holders (or proposed holders) of our securities, refusing to permit the
transfer of securities by such holders, suspending or limiting voting rights of such holders,
redeeming or exchanging shares of our stock owned by such holders on terms set forth in our
certificate of incorporation, and taking other actions that we deem necessary or appropriate to
ensure compliance with the foreign ownership restrictions.
41
The terms and conditions of our rights with respect to our redemption or exchange right in
respect of shares held by foreign persons or contravening persons are as follows:
|
|
|
Redemption price or exchange value: Generally the redemption price or
exchange value for any shares of our common stock redeemed or
exchanged would be their fair market value. However, if we redeem or
exchange shares held by foreign persons or contravening persons and
our Board in good faith determines that such person knew or should
have known that its ownership would constitute a foreign ownership
review event (other than shares for which our Board determined at the
time of the persons purchase that the ownership of, or exercise of
rights with respect to, such shares did not at such time constitute an
adverse regulatory occurrence), the redemption price or exchange value
is required to be the lesser of fair market value and the persons
purchase price for the shares redeemed or exchanged. |
|
|
|
|
Form of payment: Cash, securities or a combination, valued by our
Board in good faith. |
|
|
|
|
Notice: At least 30 days notice of redemption is required; however,
if we have deposited the cash or securities for the redemption or
exchange in trust for the benefit of the relevant holders, we may
redeem shares held by such holders on the same day that we provide
notice. |
Accordingly, there are situations in which a foreign stockholder or contravening person could
lose the right to vote its shares or in which we may redeem or exchange shares held by a foreign
person or contravening person and in which such redemption or exchange could be at the lesser of
fair market value and the persons purchase price for the shares redeemed or exchanged, which could
result in a significant loss for that person.
Our operations are subject to numerous federal, state and local environmental protection laws and
regulations.
We incur substantial costs for compliance with environmental laws and regulations, including
the handling, treatment and disposal of hazardous, low-level radioactive and mixed wastes generated
as a result of our operations. Unanticipated events or regulatory developments, however, could
cause the amount and timing of future environmental expenditures to vary substantially from those
expected.
Pursuant to numerous federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, we are
required to hold multiple permits. Some permits require periodic renewal or review of their
conditions, and we cannot predict whether we will be able to renew such permits or whether material
changes in permit conditions will be imposed. Changes in permits could increase costs of producing
LEU and reduce our profitability. An inability to secure or renew permits could prevent us from
producing LEU needed to meet our delivery obligations to customers, which would threaten our
ability to make deliveries to customers and meet the minimum production requirements under the 2002
DOE-USEC Agreement, adversely affect our reputation, costs, cash flows, results of operations and
long-term viability, and subject us to various penalties under our customer contracts and the 2002
DOE-USEC Agreement.
Our operations involve the use, transportation and disposal of toxic, hazardous and/or radioactive
materials and could result in liability without regard to our fault or negligence.
Our plant operations involve the use of toxic, hazardous and radioactive materials. A release
of these materials could pose a health risk to humans or animals. If an accident were to occur, its
severity could be significantly affected by the volume of the release and the speed of corrective
action taken by plant emergency response personnel, as well as other factors beyond our control,
such as weather and wind conditions. Actions taken in response to an actual or suspected release of
these materials, including a precautionary evacuation, could result in significant costs for which
we
could be legally responsible. In addition to health risks, a release of these materials may
cause damage to, or the loss of, property and may adversely affect property values.
42
We lease facilities from DOE for the Paducah and Portsmouth GDPs, the American Centrifuge
Plant and centrifuge test facilities in Piketon, Ohio and Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Pursuant to the
Price-Anderson Act, DOE has indemnified us against claims for public liability (as defined in the
Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended) arising out of or in connection with activities under those
leases resulting from a nuclear incident or precautionary evacuation. If an incident or evacuation
is not covered under the DOE indemnification, we could be financially liable for damages arising
from such incident or evacuation, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations
and financial condition. In connection with international transportation of LEU, it is possible for
a claim related to a nuclear incident occurring outside the United States to be asserted that would
not fall within the DOE indemnification under the Price-Anderson Act.
While DOE has provided indemnification pursuant to the Price-Anderson Act, there could be
delays in obtaining reimbursement for costs from DOE and DOE may determine that not all costs are
reimbursable under the indemnification.
We do not maintain any nuclear liability insurance for our operations at the gaseous diffusion
plants. Further, American Nuclear Insurers, the only provider of nuclear liability insurance, has
declined to provide nuclear liability insurance to the American Centrifuge Plant due to past and
present DOE operations on the site. In addition, the Price Anderson Act indemnification does not
cover loss or damage to property located on our facilities due to a nuclear incident.
NACs business involves providing products and services for the storage and transportation of
toxic, hazardous and radioactive materials, which, if released or mishandled, could cause personal
injury and property damage (including environmental contamination) or loss and could adversely
affect property values. NAC obtains nuclear liability insurance to protect against third-party
liability resulting from a nuclear incident, but this insurance contains exclusions and limits and
this insurance would not cover all potential liabilities.
In our contracts, we seek to protect ourselves from liability, but there is no assurance that
such contractual limitations on liability will be effective in all cases or that, in the case of
NACs contracts, NACs insurance will cover all the liabilities NAC has assumed under those
contracts. The costs of defending against a claim arising out of a nuclear incident or
precautionary evacuation, and any damages awarded as a result of such a claim, could adversely
affect our results of operations and financial condition.
The dollar amount of our sales backlog, as stated at any given time, is not necessarily indicative
of our future sales revenues.
Backlog is the aggregate dollar amount of SWU and uranium that we expect to sell in future
periods under contracts with customers. As of December 31, 2008, our sales backlog was an estimated
$6.9 billion, including $1.7 billion expected to be delivered during 2009. There can be no
assurance that the revenues projected in our backlog will be realized, or, if realized, will result
in profits. Backlog is partially based on customers estimates of their fuel requirements and other
assumptions, including our estimates of selling prices and inflation rates. Such estimates are
subject to change. For example, some of our contracts include pricing elements based on SWU or
uranium market prices prevailing at the time of delivery. Pricing elements may include escalation
based on a general inflation index or a power price index. We utilize external composite forecasts
of future market prices and inflation rates in estimating prices that we will be entitled to charge
in the future. These forecasts may not be accurate, and therefore our estimates of future prices
could be overstated. Any inaccuracy in our estimates of future prices would add to the imprecision
of our backlog estimate.
43
For a variety of reasons, the amounts of SWU and uranium that we will sell in the future under
our existing contracts, or the timing of customer purchases under those contracts, may differ from
our estimates. Customers may not purchase as much as we predicted, nor at the times we anticipated,
as a result of operational difficulties, changes in fuel requirements or other reasons. Reduced
purchases would reduce the revenues we actually receive from contracts included in the backlog. For
example, our revenue could be reduced by actions of the NRC or nuclear regulators in foreign
countries issuing orders to delay, suspend or shut down nuclear reactor operations within their
jurisdictions, or by an interruption of our production of LEU or deliveries of Russian LEU to us,
that we need to meet our delivery commitments to customers. Increases in our costs of production or
other factors could cause sales included in our backlog to be at prices that are below our cost of
sales, which could adversely affect our results of operations, and customers may purchase more
under lower priced contracts than we predicted.
We use estimates in accounting for the future disposition of depleted uranium and changes in these
estimates or in actual costs could affect our future financial results and liquidity.
We currently store depleted uranium at the Paducah and Portsmouth GDPs and accrue estimated
costs for its future disposition. The long-term liability for depleted uranium is dependent upon
the volume of depleted uranium generated and estimated processing, transportation and disposal
costs, which involves many assumptions. Our estimated cost and accrued liability are subject to
change as new information becomes available, and an increase in the estimate would have an adverse
effect on our results of operations.
We anticipate that we will send most or all of our depleted uranium to DOE for disposition
unless a more economic disposal option is available. DOE is constructing facilities at the Paducah
and Portsmouth GDPs to process large quantities of depleted uranium owned by DOE. Under federal
law, DOE would also process our depleted uranium if we provided it to DOE. If we were to dispose of
our uranium in this way, we would be required to reimburse DOE for the related costs of disposal,
including our pro rata share of capital costs.
The NRC requires that we guarantee the disposition of our depleted uranium with financial
assurance. Our estimate of the unit disposition cost for accrual purposes is approximately 35% less
than the unit disposition cost for financial assurance purposes, which includes contingencies and
other potential costs as required by the NRC. Any increase in our estimated unit cost of disposal
will require us to provide additional financial assurance and could adversely affect our liquidity.
The amount of future depleted uranium disposal costs could also vary substantially from amounts
accrued and an increase in our actual cost of disposal could have a material adverse impact on our
results of operations in future years.
Financial assurance is also provided for the ultimate decontamination and decommissioning of
the American Centrifuge facilities to meet NRC and DOE requirements. The amount of these
decontamination and decommissioning costs could vary from the amounts accrued.
Deferral of revenue recognition could result in volatility in our quarterly and annual results.
We do not recognize revenue for uranium or SWU sales in our LEU segment until LEU is
physically delivered. Consequently, in sales transactions where we have received payment and title
has transferred to the customer but delivery has not occurred because the terms of the agreement
require us to hold uranium to which the customer has title or because a customer encounters delays
in taking delivery of LEU at our facilities, recognition of revenue is deferred until LEU is
physically delivered. This deferral can potentially be over an indefinite period and is outside our
control and can result in volatility in our quarterly and annual results. If, in a given period, a
significant amount of revenue is deferred or a significant amount of previously deferred revenue is
recognized, earnings in that period will be affected, which could result in volatility in our
quarterly and annual results.
44
Additional information on our deferred revenue is provided in note 8 to our consolidated
financial statements.
Our operating results may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter, and even year to year,
which could have an adverse effect on our cash flows.
Under customer contracts with us for the supply of LEU to meet requirements for specific time
periods or specific reactor refuelings, our customers order LEU from us based on their refueling
schedules for nuclear reactors, which generally range from 12 to 18 months, or in some cases up to
24 months. Customer payments for the SWU component of such LEU typically average approximately $15
million per order. As a result, a relatively small change in the timing of customer orders due to a
change in a customers refueling schedule may cause operating results to be substantially above or
below expectations, which could have an adverse effect on our cash flows.
The levels of returns on pension and postretirement benefit plan assets, changes in interest rates
and other factors affecting the amounts we have to contribute to fund future pension and
postretirement benefit liabilities could adversely affect our earnings and cash flows in future
periods.
Our earnings may be positively or negatively impacted by the amount of expense we record for
our employee benefit plans. This is particularly true with expense for our pension and
postretirement benefit plans. Generally accepted accounting principles in the United States
(GAAP) require that we calculate expense for the plans using actuarial valuations. These
valuations are based on assumptions that we make relating to financial market and other economic
conditions. Changes in key economic indicators can result in changes in the assumptions we use. The
key year-end assumptions used to estimate pension and postretirement benefit expenses for the
following year are the discount rate, the expected rate of return on plan assets, healthcare cost
trend rates and the rate of increase in future compensation levels. The rate of return on our
pension assets and changes in interest rates affect funding requirements for our defined benefit
pension plans. The amount we contribute to our pension plans is determined by IRS regulations, the
Pension Protection Act of 2006, and government cost accounting standards. For additional
information and a discussion regarding how our financial statements are affected by pension and
postretirement benefit plan accounting policies, see Critical Accounting Estimates in Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and note 10 to our
consolidated financial statements.
Anti-takeover provisions in Delaware law and in our charter, bylaws and shareholder rights plan and
in the indenture governing our convertible notes could delay or prevent an acquisition of USEC.
We are a Delaware corporation, and the anti-takeover provisions of Delaware law impose various
impediments to the ability of a third-party to acquire control of our company, even if a change of
control would be beneficial to our existing shareholders. Our certificate of incorporation, or
charter, establishes restrictions on foreign ownership of our securities. Other provisions of our
charter and bylaws may make it more difficult for a third-party to acquire control of us without
the consent of our board of directors. We also have adopted a shareholder rights plan, which could
increase the cost of, or prevent, a takeover attempt. These various restrictions could deprive
shareholders of the opportunity to realize takeover premiums for their shares. Additionally, if a
fundamental change occurs prior to the maturity date of our convertible notes, holders of the notes
will have the right, at their option, to require us to repurchase all or a portion of their notes,
and if a make-whole fundamental change occurs prior to the maturity date of our convertible notes,
we will in some cases increase the conversion rate for a holder that elects to convert its notes in
connection with such make-whole fundamental change. In addition, the indenture governing our
convertible notes prohibits us from engaging in certain mergers or acquisitions unless, among other
things, the surviving entity assumes our obligations under the notes. These and other provisions
could prevent or deter a third-
party from acquiring us even where the acquisition could be beneficial to you.
45
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
DOE Contract Services Matter
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) asserted in a letter to us dated July 10, 2006 that DOE
may have sustained damages in an amount that exceeds $6.9 million under our contract with DOE for
the supply of cold standby services at the Portsmouth GDP. DOJ indicated that it was assessing
possible violations of the Civil False Claims Act (FCA), which allows for treble damages and
civil penalties, and related claims in connection with invoices submitted under that contract. We
responded to DOJs letter in September 2006, stating that the government does not have a legitimate
basis for asserting any FCA or related claims under the cold standby contract, and have been
cooperating with DOJ and the DOE Office of Investigations with respect to their inquiries into this
matter. In a supplemental presentation by DOJ and DOE on October 18, 2007, DOJ identified revised
assertions of alleged overcharges of at least $14.6 million on the cold standby and two other
cost-type contracts, again potentially in violation of the FCA. We have responded to these
assertions and have provided several follow-up responses to DOJ and DOE in response to their
requests for additional data and analysis. We believe that the DOJ and DOE analyses are
significantly flawed, and no loss has been accrued. We intend to defend vigorously any FCA or
related claim that might be asserted against us. As part of our continuing discussions with DOJ, we
and DOJ have agreed several times to extend the statute of limitations for this matter, most
recently to April 10, 2009.
Environmental Matter
Under a cleanup agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), we removed certain
material from a site in South Carolina previously operated by Starmet CMI, one of our former
contractors, that was attributable to quantities of depleted uranium we had sent there under a 1998
contract. In June 2007, we were contacted by the EPA concerning costs incurred by the EPA for
additional cleanup at the Starmet site. In January 2009, pursuant to the terms of a September 2008
settlement agreement, we paid the EPA $1.0 million for the share of additional cleanup costs
allocated to us in resolution of this matter. At this time, the EPA has completed its actions at
the site and USEC is not aware of any further claims associated with the site.
Other
We are subject to various other legal proceedings and claims, either asserted or unasserted,
which arise in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of these claims cannot be
predicted with certainty, we do not believe that the outcome of any of these legal matters will
have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None.
46
Executive Officers of the Company
Executive officers are elected by and serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Executive officers at February 26, 2009 follow:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Age |
|
Position |
John K. Welch
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
President and Chief Executive Officer |
John C. Barpoulis
|
|
|
44 |
|
|
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
Peter B. Saba
|
|
|
47 |
|
|
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary |
Philip G. Sewell
|
|
|
62 |
|
|
Senior Vice President, American Centrifuge and Russian
HEU |
Robert Van Namen
|
|
|
47 |
|
|
Senior Vice President, Uranium Enrichment |
W. Lance Wright
|
|
|
61 |
|
|
Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Administration |
John M.A. Donelson
|
|
|
44 |
|
|
Vice President, Marketing and Sales |
Stephen S. Greene
|
|
|
51 |
|
|
Vice President, Finance and Treasurer |
J. Tracy Mey
|
|
|
48 |
|
|
Controller and Chief Accounting Officer |
E. John Neumann
|
|
|
61 |
|
|
Vice President, Government Relations |
Russell
B. Starkey, Jr.
|
|
|
66 |
|
|
Vice President, American Centrifuge |
Paul E. Sullivan
|
|
|
56 |
|
|
Vice President, Operations and
Chief Engineer |
John K. Welch has been President and Chief Executive Officer since September 2005. Prior to
joining USEC, Mr. Welch served as a consultant to several government and corporate entities. Mr.
Welch was Executive Vice President and Group Executive, Marine Systems for General Dynamics
Corporation from January 2000 to March 2003, and President of General Dynamics Electric Boat from
1995 to 2000.
John C. Barpoulis has been Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since August
2006. Mr. Barpoulis joined USEC as Vice President and Treasurer in March 2005 and served as
Treasurer until February 2007. Prior to joining USEC, Mr. Barpoulis was Vice President and
Treasurer of National Energy & Gas Transmission, Inc. (formerly a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation)
and certain of its subsidiaries from 2003 to March 2005 and was Vice President and Assistant
Treasurer from 2000 to 2003.
Peter B. Saba has been Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since February
2009 and was Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary from April 2008 to February 2009. Prior
to joining USEC, Mr. Saba was of counsel in the global projects group at Paul, Hastings, Janofsky &
Walker LLP from July 2005 to April 2008. Mr. Saba also served at the Export-Import Bank of the
United States as chief operating officer from March 2003 to June 2005 and as senior vice president
for legal affairs and general counsel from June 2001 to June 2005. Prior to that, he was counsel
in the energy and project finance group at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom from March 1993 to
June 2001 and served in various capacities at the U.S. Department of Energy from March 1989 to
January 1993, including as principal deputy assistant secretary in the Office of Domestic and
International Energy Policy.
47
Philip G. Sewell has been Senior Vice President, American Centrifuge and Russian HEU since
September 2005. Mr. Sewell was Senior Vice President directing international activities and
corporate development programs from August 2000 to September 2005 and assumed responsibility for
the American Centrifuge program in April 2005. Prior to that, Mr. Sewell was Vice President,
Corporate Development and International Trade from April 1998 to April 2000, and was Vice
President, Corporate Development from 1993 to April 1998.
Robert Van Namen has been Senior Vice President, Uranium Enrichment since September 2005. Mr.
Van Namen was Senior Vice President directing marketing and sales activities from January 2004 to
September 2005 and was Vice President, Marketing and Sales from January 1999 to January 2004. Prior
to joining USEC, Mr. Van Namen was Manager of Nuclear Fuel for Duke Power Company.
W. Lance Wright has been Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Administration since
February 2005, and was Vice President, Human Resources and Administration from August 2003 to
February 2005. Prior to joining USEC, Mr. Wright was Vice President and Principal of Boyden Global
Executive Search from 2002 to 2003, and previously held director and manager positions in Human
Resources at ExxonMobil Corporation from 1986 to 2002.
John M.A. Donelson has been Vice President, Marketing and Sales since December 2005 and was
previously Director, North American and European Sales from June 2004 to December 2005, Director,
North American Sales from August 2000 to June 2004 and Senior Sales Executive from July 1999 to
August 2000.
Stephen S. Greene has been Vice President, Finance and Treasurer since February 2007. Prior to
joining USEC, Mr. Greene was a Vice President and Executive Director of Pace Global Energy
Services, an energy consulting firm, from January 2006 to January 2007. Previously, Mr. Greene was
a Vice President of Progress Energy, an electric utility holding company, and prior to that a Vice
President of National Energy & Gas Transmission, Inc. (formerly a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation).
J. Tracy Mey has been Controller and Chief Accounting Officer since January 2007 and had been
Controller since June 2005. Prior to joining USEC, Mr. Mey was Controller and Chief Accounting
Officer of Power Services Company, a national energy company and former subsidiary of PG&E
Corporation, from June 2004 to May 2005, and previously was Corporate Controller of National Energy
& Gas Transmission, Inc. (formerly a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation) from 1994 to 2004.
E. John Neumann has been Vice President, Government Relations since April 2004. Prior to
joining USEC, Mr. Neumann was Vice President, Government Relations, for the Edison Electric
Institute from 1995 to 2004.
Russell B. Starkey, Jr. was named Vice President, American Centrifuge in July 2008 and was
Vice President, Operations from February 2005 to July 2008, General Manager of the Paducah plant
from October 2001 to February 2005, Training Manager from April 1998 to October 2001 and Senior
Staff Consultant from October 1997 to April 1998. Prior to joining USEC, over a 25 year period, Mr.
Starkey held a variety of senior management positions including General Manager, Robinson Nuclear
Plant, Vice President, Brunswick Nuclear Plant, and Vice President, Nuclear Services at Carolina
Power & Light Co. (now a subsidiary of Progress Energy).
Paul
E. Sullivan was named Vice President, Operations and Chief Engineer
in February 2009. Mr. Sullivan recently
retired with the rank of Vice Admiral after 34 years of service in the U.S. Navy. He most recently
served as the Commander of the Naval Sea Systems Command. He previously served as Chief Engineer of
the Naval Sea Systems Command and Program Manager of the Virginia and Seawolf submarine classes.
48
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrants Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
USECs common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol USU. High and
low sales prices per share follow:
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
|
High |
|
Low |
|
High |
|
Low |
First Quarter ended March 31 |
|
$ |
9.31 |
|
|
$ |
3.15 |
|
|
$ |
16.62 |
|
|
$ |
12.13 |
|
Second Quarter ended June 30 |
|
|
7.09 |
|
|
|
3.76 |
|
|
|
25.65 |
|
|
|
16.14 |
|
Third Quarter ended September 30 |
|
|
6.36 |
|
|
|
4.29 |
|
|
|
22.31 |
|
|
|
9.56 |
|
Fourth Quarter ended December 31 |
|
|
5.34 |
|
|
|
2.58 |
|
|
|
10.48 |
|
|
|
7.81 |
|
No cash dividends were paid in 2007 or 2008, and we have no intention to pay cash dividends in
the foreseeable future.
There are 250 million shares of common stock and 25 million shares of preferred stock
authorized. At January 31, 2009, there were 111,349,000 shares of common stock issued and
outstanding and approximately 53,000 beneficial holders of common stock. No preferred shares have
been issued.
The following table gives information about the Companys common stock that may be issued
under the USEC Inc. 1999 Equity Incentive Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan as of December 31,
2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
securities to be |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
issued upon |
|
|
Weighted-average |
|
|
Number of securities |
|
|
|
exercise of |
|
|
exercise price of |
|
|
remaining available |
|
|
|
outstanding |
|
|
outstanding |
|
|
for future issuance |
|
|
|
options, warrants |
|
|
options, warrants |
|
|
under equity |
|
Plan category |
|
and rights |
|
|
and rights |
|
|
compensation plans |
|
Equity compensation
plans approved by
security holders |
|
|
2,120,000 |
|
|
$ |
8.52 |
|
|
|
5,404,000 |
(1) |
Equity compensation
plans not approved
by security holders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
2,120,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,404,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes 5,193,000 shares with respect to which awards are available for issuance under
the USEC Inc. 1999 Equity Incentive Plan (net of awards which terminate or are cancelled
without being exercised or that are settled for cash) and 211,000 shares available for
issuance under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. |
The Board of Directors approved a shareholder rights plan in 2001. Each shareholder of record
on May 9, 2001, received preferred stock purchase rights that trade together with USEC common stock
and are not exercisable. In the absence of further action by the Board, the rights generally would
become exercisable and allow the holder to acquire USEC common stock at a discounted price if a
person or group acquires 15% or more of the outstanding shares of USEC common stock or commences a
tender or exchange offer to acquire 15% or more of the common stock of USEC. However, any rights
held by the acquirer would not be exercisable. The Board of Directors may direct USEC to redeem the
rights at $.01 per right at any time before the tenth day following the acquisition of 15% or more
of USEC common stock.
In 2008, we did not make any unregistered sales of equity securities.
49
Matters Affecting our Foreign Stockholders
In order to aid in our compliance with certain regulatory requirements affecting us, which are
described in Business Nuclear Regulatory Commission Regulation, our certificate of
incorporation gives us certain rights with respect to shares of our common stock held (beneficially
or of record) by foreign persons. Foreign persons are defined in our certificate of incorporation
to include, among others, an individual who is not a U.S. citizen, an entity that is organized
under the laws of a non-U.S. jurisdiction and an entity that is controlled by individuals who are
not U.S. citizens or by entities that are organized under the laws of non-U.S. jurisdictions.
The occurrence of any one or more of the following events is a foreign ownership review
event and triggers the board of directors right to take various actions under our certificate of
incorporation: (1) the beneficial ownership by a foreign person of (a) 5% or more of the issued and
outstanding shares of any class of our equity securities, (b) 5% or more in voting power of the
issued and outstanding shares of all classes of our equity securities, or (c) less than 5% of the
issued and outstanding shares of any class of our equity securities or less than 5% of the voting
power of the issued and outstanding shares of all classes of our equity securities, if such foreign
person is entitled to control the appointment and tenure of any of our management positions or any
director; (2) the beneficial ownership of any shares of any class of our equity securities by or
for the account of a foreign uranium enrichment provider or a foreign competitor (referred to as
contravening persons); or (3) any ownership of, or exercise of rights with respect to, shares of
any class of our equity securities or other exercise or attempt to exercise control of us that is
inconsistent with, or in violation of, any regulatory restrictions, or that could jeopardize the
continued operations of our facilities (an adverse regulatory occurrence). These rights include
requesting information from holders (or proposed holders) of our securities, refusing to permit the
transfer of securities by such holders, suspending or limiting voting rights of such holders,
redeeming or exchanging shares of our stock owned by such holders on terms set forth in our
certificate of incorporation, and taking other actions that we deem necessary or appropriate to
ensure compliance with the foreign ownership restrictions.
For additional information regarding the foreign ownership restrictions set forth in our
certificate of incorporation, please refer to Risk Factors Our certificate of incorporation
gives us certain rights with respect to equity securities held (beneficially or of record) by
foreign persons. If levels of foreign ownership set forth in our certificate of incorporation are
exceeded, we have the right, among other things, to redeem or exchange common stock held by foreign
persons, and in certain cases, the applicable redemption price or exchange value may be equal to
the lower of fair market value or a foreign persons purchase price.
50
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph shows a comparison of cumulative total returns for an investment in the
common stock of USEC Inc., the S&P 500 Index, and a peer group of companies. USEC is the only U.S.
company in the uranium enrichment industry. However, USEC has identified a peer group of companies
that share similar business attributes with it. This group includes utilities with nuclear power
generation capabilities, chemical processing companies, and aluminum companies. USEC supplies
companies in the utility industry, and its business is similar to that of chemical processing
companies. USEC shares characteristics with aluminum companies in that they are both large users of
electric power. The graph reflects the investment of $100 on December 31, 2003 in the Companys
common stock, the S&P 500 Index and the peer group, and reflects the reinvestment of dividends.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
|
2003 |
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
2008 |
USEC Inc. |
|
$ |
100.00 |
|
|
$ |
122.88 |
|
|
$ |
158.45 |
|
|
$ |
168.66 |
|
|
$ |
119.32 |
|
|
$ |
59.64 |
|
S&P 500 Index |
|
$ |
100.00 |
|
|
$ |
110.88 |
|
|
$ |
116.32 |
|
|
$ |
134.69 |
|
|
$ |
142.09 |
|
|
$ |
89.63 |
|
Peer Group Index1 |
|
$ |
100.00 |
|
|
$ |
114.29 |
|
|
$ |
127.10 |
|
|
$ |
149.07 |
|
|
$ |
185.53 |
|
|
$ |
123.57 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The Peer Group consists of: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.,
Albemarle Corporation, Alcoa Inc., Constellation Energy Group, Inc.,
Dominion Resources, Inc., Duke Energy Corporation, Eastman Chemical
Company, Exelon Corporation, Georgia Gulf Corporation, NL Industries,
Inc., PPL Corporation, Praxair, Inc., Progress Energy, Inc., The
Southern Company, and XCEL Energy Inc. In accordance with SEC
requirements, the return for each issuer has been weighted according
to the respective issuers stock market capitalization at the
beginning of each year for which a return is indicated. |
51
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial
statements and related notes and managements discussion and analysis of financial condition and
results of operations. Selected financial data have been derived from audited consolidated
financial statements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
(millions, except per share data) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Separative work units |
|
$ |
1,175.5 |
|
|
$ |
1,570.5 |
|
|
$ |
1,337.4 |
|
|
$ |
1,085.6 |
|
|
$ |
1,027.3 |
|
Uranium |
|
|
217.1 |
|
|
|
163.5 |
|
|
|
316.7 |
|
|
|
261.3 |
|
|
|
224.0 |
|
U.S. government contracts and other |
|
|
222.0 |
|
|
|
194.0 |
|
|
|
194.5 |
|
|
|
212.4 |
|
|
|
165.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenue |
|
|
1,614.6 |
|
|
|
1,928.0 |
|
|
|
1,848.6 |
|
|
|
1,559.3 |
|
|
|
1,417.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of sales: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Separative work units and uranium |
|
|
1,202.2 |
|
|
|
1,473.6 |
|
|
|
1,349.2 |
|
|
|
1,148.4 |
|
|
|
1,071.6 |
|
U.S. government contracts and other |
|
|
183.6 |
|
|
|
166.9 |
|
|
|
162.5 |
|
|
|
181.4 |
|
|
|
151.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cost of sales |
|
|
1,385.8 |
|
|
|
1,640.5 |
|
|
|
1,511.7 |
|
|
|
1,329.8 |
|
|
|
1,223.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
228.8 |
|
|
|
287.5 |
|
|
|
336.9 |
|
|
|
229.5 |
|
|
|
194.1 |
|
Special charges |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.9 |
(1) |
|
|
7.3 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
Advanced technology costs |
|
|
110.2 |
|
|
|
127.3 |
|
|
|
105.5 |
|
|
|
94.5 |
|
|
|
58.5 |
|
Selling, general and administrative |
|
|
54.3 |
|
|
|
45.3 |
|
|
|
48.8 |
|
|
|
61.9 |
|
|
|
64.1 |
|
Other (income) expense, net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.0 |
)(3) |
|
|
(1.7 |
)(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income |
|
|
64.3 |
|
|
|
114.9 |
|
|
|
178.7 |
|
|
|
66.8 |
|
|
|
73.2 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
17.3 |
|
|
|
16.9 |
|
|
|
14.5 |
|
|
|
40.0 |
|
|
|
40.5 |
|
Interest (income) |
|
|
(24.7 |
) |
|
|
(33.8 |
) |
|
|
(6.2 |
) |
|
|
(10.5 |
) |
|
|
(3.9 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes |
|
|
71.7 |
|
|
|
131.8 |
|
|
|
170.4 |
|
|
|
37.3 |
|
|
|
36.6 |
|
Provision for income taxes |
|
|
23.0 |
|
|
|
35.2 |
|
|
|
64.2 |
|
|
|
15.0 |
|
|
|
13.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
48.7 |
|
|
$ |
96.6 |
|
|
$ |
106.2 |
|
|
$ |
22.3 |
|
|
$ |
23.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income per share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
.44 |
|
|
$ |
1.04 |
|
|
$ |
1.22 |
|
|
$ |
.26 |
|
|
$ |
.28 |
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
.35 |
|
|
$ |
.94 |
|
|
$ |
1.22 |
|
|
$ |
.26 |
|
|
$ |
.28 |
|
Dividends per share |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
.55 |
|
|
$ |
.55 |
|
52
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
|
(millions) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance Sheet Data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
248.5 |
|
|
$ |
886.1 |
(5) |
|
$ |
171.4 |
|
|
$ |
259.1 |
|
|
$ |
174.8 |
|
Inventories |
|
|
1,231.9 |
|
|
|
1,153.4 |
|
|
|
924.2 |
|
|
|
1,045.7 |
|
|
|
1,165.6 |
|
Property, plant and equipment,
net |
|
|
736.1 |
|
|
|
292.2 |
|
|
|
189.9 |
|
|
|
171.2 |
|
|
|
178.0 |
|
Total assets |
|
|
3,055.3 |
|
|
|
3,087.8 |
|
|
|
1,861.4 |
|
|
|
2,080.8 |
|
|
|
2,003.4 |
|
Current portion of long-term debt |
|
|
95.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
288.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt |
|
|
575.0 |
|
|
|
725.0 |
(5) |
|
|
150.0 |
|
|
|
150.0 |
|
|
|
475.0 |
|
Other long-term liabilities |
|
|
601.5 |
|
|
|
337.5 |
|
|
|
300.3 |
|
|
|
270.2 |
|
|
|
244.4 |
|
Stockholders equity |
|
|
1,162.4 |
|
|
|
1,309.5 |
(5) |
|
|
986.0 |
|
|
|
907.6 |
|
|
|
918.7 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Special charges of $3.9 million in 2006 include a $2.6 million impairment of an
intangible asset established in 2004 relating to the acquisition of NAC, $1.5 million
related to consolidation of office space in connection with the 2005 restructuring plan,
and special credits totaling $0.2 million representing changes in estimate of costs for
termination benefits charged in 2005. |
|
(2) |
|
The plan to restructure headquarters and field operations resulted in special charges
of $7.3 million in 2005 related to termination benefits, principally consisting of
severance benefits. |
|
(3) |
|
Other income in 2005 includes $1.0 million from customs duties paid to USEC as a result
of trade actions. |
|
(4) |
|
Other income in 2004 includes income of $4.4 million from customs duties paid to USEC
as a result of trade actions, partly offset by an expense of $2.7 million for
acquired-in-process research and development expense relating to the acquisition of NAC. |
|
(5) |
|
In September 2007, we raised net proceeds, after underwriter commissions and offering
expenses, of approximately $775 million through the concurrent issuance of 23 million
shares of common stock and $575 million in aggregate principal amount of convertible notes. |
53
Item 7. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety
by reference to, the consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in
this report.
Overview
USEC, a global energy company, is a leading supplier of low enriched uranium (LEU) for
commercial nuclear power plants. LEU is a critical component in the production of nuclear fuel for
reactors to produce electricity. We:
|
|
|
supply LEU to both domestic and international utilities for use in about 150 nuclear
reactors worldwide; |
|
|
|
|
are deploying what we anticipate will be the worlds most advanced uranium enrichment
technology, known as the American Centrifuge; |
|
|
|
|
are the exclusive executive agent for the U.S. government under a nuclear
nonproliferation program with Russia, known as Megatons to Megawatts; |
|
|
|
|
perform contract work for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and its contractors at
the Paducah and Portsmouth gaseous diffusion plants (GDPs); and |
|
|
|
|
provide transportation and storage systems for spent nuclear fuel and provide nuclear
and energy consulting services. |
Low Enriched Uranium
LEU consists of two components: separative work units (SWU) and uranium. SWU is a standard
unit of measurement that represents the effort required to transform a given amount of natural
uranium into two components: enriched uranium having a higher percentage of U235 and
depleted uranium having a lower percentage of U235. The SWU contained in LEU
is calculated using an industry standard formula based on the physics of enrichment. The amount of
enrichment deemed to be contained in LEU under this formula is commonly referred to as the SWU
component and the quantity of natural uranium used in the production of LEU under this formula is
referred to as its uranium component.
We produce or acquire LEU from two principal sources. We produce LEU at the Paducah GDP in
Paducah, Kentucky. Under the Megatons to Megawatts program, we acquire LEU from Russia under a
contract, which we refer to as the Russian Contract, to purchase the SWU component of LEU recovered
from dismantled nuclear weapons from the former Soviet Union for use as fuel in commercial nuclear
power plants.
Our View of the Business Today
There are approximately 440 nuclear power reactors in operation today, and international
agencies report that more than 100 reactors are on order or planned to be built over the next two
decades. In addition, approximately 260 more power reactors have been proposed. Many of these new
reactors will be built in Asia. Approximately 40 plants are currently under construction worldwide
in 12 countries. In addition, many reactors in the current fleet are being upgraded to produce more
electricity or utilities are seeking to have their operating lives extended through equipment
improvements and regulatory permission. Driving this expansion are environmental concerns and
volatility in the price of fossil fuels.
U.S. utilities have filed 17 applications for construction and operating licenses for 26 new
reactors with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The NRC has also indicated it expects
license applications for 7 more reactors will be filed by 2011. Growing acceptance by the public,
concerns about climate change and legislation that provided financial incentives have encouraged
utilities to announce plans for new nuclear reactors in the United States. New reactors in the
United States are facing cost and financing pressures and many of these U.S. utilities have applied
for loan guarantees. DOE reported that it received 19 applications from U.S. utilities for loan
guarantees to build 21 new reactors.
54
To fuel potential new reactors, uranium enrichment capacity will need to double by 2030,
according to the World Nuclear Association. New uranium enrichment plants, including our American
Centrifuge Plant and other competing projects in the United States and worldwide, are being
proposed and built to meet this new demand and to replace remaining higher production cost gaseous
diffusion plants. These new uranium enrichment plant projects are supported by improved
fundamentals in the nuclear fuel industry, including increased market prices for SWU. Long-term
SWU price indicators associated with sales for deliveries in future periods increased 11% to $159
per SWU during 2008, and increased 17% over the past two years. Looking forward, we believe market
supply and demand fundamentals suggest that SWU prices should remain firm as new reactors are
ordered and built in the markets we serve. Increased SWU demand, higher production costs for the
remaining gaseous diffusion plants, and the need to cover capital investment for new enrichment
capacity are three drivers for increased market prices for SWU. Because nuclear reactors provide
base load electricity and the demand for nuclear fuel from existing nuclear reactors is inelastic,
our industry is less affected than others by the global economic downturn.
As discussed in Business and Properties The American Centrifuge Plant, we have been
developing and demonstrating a highly efficient uranium enrichment gas centrifuge technology that
we call the American Centrifuge. We are deploying this technology in the American Centrifuge Plant
(ACP) being built in Piketon, Ohio. During 2008, we continued our efforts with respect to the
centrifuge machine, with the continued operation of a cascade of prototype machines in our Lead
Cascade test program, which has now operated for more than 150,000 total machine hours.
We refer to our production centrifuge machine design as the AC100 series centrifuge machine.
The AC100 series machine is designed to produce 350 SWU per year, which output is substantially
greater than our competitors machines. During 2008, we released an initial design for the AC100
series machine to our strategic suppliers in preparation for installing a test cascade of these
AC100 series machines in Piketon in 2009. We anticipate a design release for the initial AC100
series machines in late March 2009 that will be deployed in the commercial plant. The strategic
suppliers have been manufacturing parts for the initial AC100 machines and the first components to
build these machines were delivered in November 2008. In manufacturing parts for the AC100,
suppliers must replicate on a commercial basis manufacturing that we previously self-performed in
building our prototype machines. Start-up issues have arisen in this transfer of technology to our
suppliers that have delayed our timetable for operation of the initial AC100 cascade. We expected
to encounter start-up issues and the resolution of these issues at the outset will help to
facilitate our transition to high volume manufacturing.
A five-stage cascade of AC100 machines is now expected to be operational early in the third
quarter of 2009. This cascade will be in a commercial plant configuration and operate under
commercial plant conditions. Additional machines will be added to the cascade until we reach a
cascade of 40 to 50 machines, which is expected late in the third quarter of 2009. This cascade of
40 to 50 machines would operate for the rest of 2009.
We expect that the first machines in the initial AC100 series cascade will have a throughput
somewhat less than 350 SWU per year as we continue to optimize the AC100 series machine. For the
same reason, the machines deployed in the first commercial cascade of the ACP may not achieve 350
SWU per year. However, we continue to be confident that the AC100 series machines that are deployed
in the commercial plant will achieve an average performance level of 350 SWU per year, supporting
an annual SWU production capacity of the ACP of 3.8 million SWU.
55
During 2008, we also continued our construction efforts to build the ACP and to work with
leading companies to create a world-class industrial infrastructure needed to build components for
the highly sophisticated AC100 machines and supporting equipment. The highly specialized U.S.
manufacturing base needed to build the AC100 did not exist but is being established with our
leadership. Under contract arrangements with USEC, our suppliers are also helping to create the
manufacturing base for a revitalized U.S. nuclear fuel industry in a dozen states. Construction of
the ACP includes various systems including electric, telecommunications, cooling and water
distribution. The two existing production buildings have space for approximately 11,500
centrifuges.
We must still raise the remainder of the capital needed to build the ACP, and we view the DOE
Loan Guarantee Program as the path for obtaining the debt financing to complete the American
Centrifuge project. Our baseline deployment schedule called for beginning initial commercial plant
operations in 2010 and reaching an annual production capacity of the ACP of 3.8 million SWU per
year at the end of 2012. However, we have initiated steps to conserve cash and reduce the planned
escalation of project construction and machine manufacturing activities until we gain greater
clarity on potential funding for the project through the DOE Loan Guarantee Program. In addition,
on a parallel path, we continue to evaluate potential third-party investment.
Our decision to slow spending until a decision is made by the DOE Loan Guarantee Program will
likely increase costs and extend the schedule for the project. As we gain greater clarity on
potential funding through the DOE Loan Guarantee Program and plan and coordinate with our strategic
suppliers, we will be better able to quantify changes to cost and schedule. We are currently
engaged with suppliers in a bottom-up analysis and we do not expect to be in a position to provide
an update on the potential impact on cost and schedule until after the first quarter of 2009.
Further details are provided in Business and Properties The American Centrifuge Plant,
"Liquidity and Capital Resources and Item 1ARisk Factors.
Our Marketing and Sales department continues to meet with customers to sell ACP output, which
is important to our financing efforts for ACP. We have signed long-term contracts with customers
and have received accepted offers from customers for additional commitments. Sales contracts for
this initial output represent a strategic commitment by customers to ensure a reliable, U.S.-based
source of nuclear fuel that will be available for decades to come.
Even as we build our new production facility, we have substantial current operations at the
gaseous diffusion plant we lease from the U.S. government in Paducah, Kentucky. Today, our supply
mix involves producing half of the low enriched uranium sold at the Paducah GDP and purchasing half
under contract with Russia under a highly successful, nonproliferation program known as Megatons
to Megawatts. Over the next several years we expect to transition the source of all of our LEU
supply to production from the ACP. During this transition period, we will seek to effectively
manage the ramp up in ACP capacity, determine the end date for commercial production from the
Paducah GDP and conclude the Megatons to Megawatts program in 2013. Our business and financial
profile will reflect the combined characteristics of our sources of enrichment, particularly the
gaseous diffusion and centrifuge operating environments. During this transition period, we will
also be looking at the potential expansion of the ACP beyond the initial 3.8 million SWU plant,
which could be done incrementally once the initial ACP construction phase is complete. The
manufacturing infrastructure that we are putting into place to deploy the initial plant capacity
will facilitate any future expansion. Because an expansion would not require creating this
manufacturing infrastructure or another demonstration of the technology, the cost of any expansion
is anticipated to be less than the initial project.
56
In 2008, we exercised our option to extend the lease with DOE for the Paducah GDP through June
2016, providing us with flexibility within our current enrichment process to help us through this
critical transitional period. Although we have been operating the Paducah GDP at the highest
efficiency in decades, the costs to operate the Paducah GDP have increased in the past several
years because of increases in power costs. Our long-term plan for the Paducah GDP is dependent upon
a number of factors, including the successful and timely startup of the ACP, the cost of electric
power under our contract with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the availability and cost of
electric power beyond the expiration of the TVA contract in May 2012, the demand for SWU and
uranium, the cost to maintain the Paducah GDP, and the timing and nature of any potential tails
re-enrichment program or other programs we may undertake.
During the non-summer months of 2009, we expect to purchase 2,000 megawatts of power from TVA,
making USEC one of the largest industrial consumers of electric power in the United States. We have
a fixed-price contract that sets the base price for most of the power we purchase, but our costs
fluctuate above or below the base contract price based on fuel and purchased power costs
experienced by TVA. In 2008, this fuel cost adjustment increased our power cost over the base
contract price by about 15%, which had a significant effect on our net income and cash flow from
operations. The impact of current economic conditions on energy prices has reduced recent weekly
power invoices and has made forward cost projections from TVA very volatile, which results in
uncertainty in our financial projections. We will also face uncertainty with respect to power costs
as we look to purchase supplemental power starting in June 2010 when our purchases under the TVA
contract are reduced from their current level of 2,000 megawatts to 1,650 megawatts and beyond the
term of the current contract with TVA that expires in May 2012.
The manner in which Russian uranium products are introduced into the U.S. market in the next
few years and after the Megatons to Megawatts program concludes in 2013 is significant to our
transition and to our long-term success. Russia has a large, vertically integrated nuclear power
industry with excess capacity to enrich uranium. In recent years, we have been engaged in
international trade litigation to ensure that the U.S. market is protected from the dumping of
unfairly priced foreign merchandise, and on January 26, 2009, the U.S. Supreme Court in a unanimous
ruling overturned the decision of an appellate court that had called into question the
enforceability of the application of U.S. trade laws to all imports of LEU. For more information,
see Business and Properties Competition and Foreign Trade Government Investigation of LEU
Imports from France.
In addition, in September 2008, legislation was enacted that included a provision to ensure
the implementation of the Megatons to Megawatts program through 2013 and imposed quotas on imports
of Russian LEU through 2020 that are similar to the quotas agreed to with Russia earlier in 2008.
This legislation significantly reduces the threat of injury from imports of dumped Russian LEU, but
does not apply to imports from any other country. For more information, see Business and
Properties Competition and Foreign Trade Limitations on Imports of LEU from Russia.
Revenue from Sales of SWU and Uranium
Revenue from our LEU segment is derived primarily from:
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sales of the SWU component of LEU, |
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|
sales of both the SWU and uranium components of LEU, and |
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sales of uranium. |
The majority of our customers are domestic and international utilities that operate nuclear
power plants, with international sales constituting approximately 30% of revenue from our LEU
segment in 2008. Our agreements with electric utilities are primarily long-term, fixed-commitment
contracts under which our customers are obligated to purchase a specified quantity of SWU or
uranium from us or long-term requirements contracts under which our customers are obligated to
purchase a percentage of their SWU requirements from us. Under requirements contracts, a customer
only makes purchases if its reactor has requirements. The timing of requirements is associated with
reactor refueling outages.
57
Backlog is the aggregate dollar amount of SWU and uranium that we expect to sell in future
periods under contracts with customers. At December 31, 2008, we had contracts with customers
aggregating an estimated $6.9 billion, including $1.7 billion expected to be delivered in 2009,
compared with $6.5 billion at December 31, 2007. Backlog is partially based on customers estimates
of their fuel requirements and certain other assumptions including our estimates of selling prices,
which are subject to change. Prices may be adjusted based on SWU or uranium market prices
prevailing at the time of delivery. Pricing elements may include escalation based on a general
inflation index or a power price index. We utilize external composite forecasts of future market
prices and inflation rates in our pricing estimates.
Our revenues and operating results can fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter, and in
some cases, year to year. Customer demand is affected by, among other things, reactor operations,
maintenance and the timing of refueling outages. Utilities typically schedule the shutdown of their
reactors for refueling to coincide with the low electricity demand periods of spring and fall.
Thus, some reactors are scheduled for annual or two-year refuelings in the spring or fall, or for
18-month cycles alternating between both seasons. Customer payments for the SWU component of LEU
typically average approximately $15 million per order. As a result, a relatively small change in
the timing of customer orders for LEU due to a change in a customers refueling schedule may cause
operating results to be substantially above or below expectations. Customer requirements and orders
are more predictable over the longer term, and we believe our performance is best measured on an
annual, or even longer, business cycle. Our revenue could be adversely affected by actions of the
NRC or nuclear regulators in foreign countries issuing orders to modify, delay, suspend or shut
down nuclear reactor operations within their jurisdictions.
Our financial performance over time can be significantly affected by changes in prices for
SWU. The long-term SWU price indicator, as published by TradeTech, LLC in Nuclear Market Review,
is an indication of base-year prices under new long-term enrichment contracts in our primary
markets. Since our backlog includes contracts awarded to us in previous years, the average SWU
price billed to customers typically lags behind the current price indicators. Following are the
long-term SWU price indicator, the long-term price for UF6, as calculated using
indicators published in Nuclear Market Review, and the spot price indicator for UF6:
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December 31, |
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2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
Long-term SWU price indicator ($/SWU) |
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$ |
159.00 |
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$ |
143.00 |
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$ |
136.00 |
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UF6: |
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Long-term price composite ($/KgU) |
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195.15 |
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260.47 |
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|
192.54 |
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Spot price indicator ($/KgU) |
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140.00 |
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241.00 |
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|
199.00 |
|
A substantial portion of our earnings and cash flows in recent years has been derived from
sales of uranium. We expect to continue to supplement our supply of uranium by underfeeding the
production process at the Paducah GDP. We may also purchase uranium from suppliers in connection
with specific customer contracts, as we have in the past. Underfeeding is a mode of operation that
uses or feeds less uranium but requires more SWU in the enrichment process, which requires more
electric power. In producing the same amount of LEU, we vary our production process to underfeed
uranium based on the economics of the cost of electric power relative to the prices of uranium and
enrichment. As noted in the table above, spot market prices for uranium declined in 2008 while
electric power costs increased, pressuring the economics of underfeeding the enrichment process to
obtain uranium for resale. Given supply and demand conditions in the spot uranium market, we see
fewer opportunities for near-term spot sales. We will continue to monitor and optimize the
economics of our production based on the cost of power and market conditions for SWU and uranium.
58
We supply uranium to the Russian Federation for the LEU we receive under the Russian Contract.
We replenish our uranium inventory with uranium supplied by customers under our contracts for the
sale of SWU and through underfeeding our production process. Our older contracts give customers the
flexibility to determine the amounts of natural uranium that they deliver to us, which can result
in our receiving less uranium from customers than we transfer from our inventory to the Russian
Federation under the Russian Contract. Our new SWU sales contracts and certain older contracts that
we have renegotiated require customers to deliver a greater amount of natural uranium to us.
The recognition of revenue and earnings for uranium sales is deferred until LEU to which the
customer has title is physically delivered rather than at the time title transfers to the customer.
The timing of revenue recognition for uranium sales is uncertain.
Our contracts with customers are denominated in U.S. dollars, and although revenue has not
been directly affected by changes in the foreign exchange rate of the U.S. dollar, we may have a
competitive price advantage or disadvantage obtaining new contracts in a competitive bidding
process depending upon the weakness or strength of the U.S. dollar. Costs of our primary
competitors are denominated in the major European currencies.
Revenue from U.S. Government Contracts
We perform and earn revenue from contract work for DOE and DOE contractors at the Paducah and
Portsmouth GDPs, including a contract for maintenance of the Portsmouth GDP in cold shutdown. DOE
and USEC have periodically extended the Portsmouth GDP cold shutdown contract, most recently
through April 30, 2009. DOE has announced its intention to negotiate a sole-source extension of the
cold shutdown contract through September 30, 2010. Continuation of U.S. government contracts is
subject to DOE funding and Congressional appropriations. Revenue from U.S. government contracts is
based on allowable costs determined under government cost accounting standards. Allowable costs
include direct costs as well as allocations of indirect plant and corporate overhead costs and are
subject to audit by the Defense Contract Audit Agency. Also refer to DOE Contract Services Matter
in note 16 to the consolidated financial statements. Revenue from the U.S. government contracts
segment includes revenue from our subsidiary NAC International Inc. (NAC).
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales for SWU and uranium is based on the amount of SWU and uranium sold and delivered
during the period and is determined by a combination of inventory levels and costs, production
costs, and purchase costs. Production costs consist principally of electric power, labor and
benefits, long-term depleted uranium disposition cost estimates, materials, depreciation and
amortization, and maintenance and repairs. Under the monthly moving average inventory cost method
that we use, coupled with our inventories of SWU and uranium, an increase or decrease in production
or purchase costs will have an effect on inventory costs and cost of sales over current and future
periods.
59
We have agreed to purchase approximately 5.5 million SWU each calendar year for the remaining
term of the Russian Contract through 2013. Purchases under the Russian Contract are approximately
one-half of our supply mix. Prices are determined using a discount from an index of international
and U.S. price points, including both long-term and spot prices. A multi-year retrospective view of
the index is used to minimize the disruptive effect of short-term market price swings. Increases in
these price points in recent years have resulted in increases to the index used to determine prices
under the Russian Contract. On February 13, 2009, we entered into an amendment to the Russian
Contract to revise the pricing methodology for delivery in calendar years 2010 through 2013.
Approval of both the U.S. government and the government of the Russian Federation is required for
the amendment to become effective. The new pricing methodology is intended to enhance the stability
of future pricing for both parties through a formula that combines a different mix of price points and other
pricing elements. We expect that prices paid under the Russian Contract, as amended, will continue
to increase year over year, and that the total amount paid to the Russian Federation for the SWU
component of the LEU delivered under the Russian Contract over the 20 year term of the contract
will substantially exceed $8 billion by the time the contract is completed in 2013. Officials of
the Russian government have announced that Russia will not extend the Russian Contract or the
government-to-government agreement it implements, beyond 2013. Accordingly, we do not anticipate
that we will purchase Russian SWU after 2013.
We provide for the remainder of our supply mix from the Paducah GDP. The gaseous diffusion
process uses significant amounts of electric power to enrich uranium. Costs for electric power are
approximately 70-75% of production costs at the Paducah GDP. In 2008, the power load at the Paducah
GDP averaged 1,680 megawatts, an increase of 11% compared to 2007. Additional purchases of power
allow us to underfeed the production process and increase our LEU production. The quantity of
uranium that is added to uranium inventory from underfeeding is accounted for as a byproduct of the
enrichment process. Production costs are allocated to the uranium added to inventory based on the
net realizable value of the uranium, and the remainder of production costs is allocated to SWU
inventory costs.
We purchase most of the electric power for the Paducah GDP under a power purchase agreement
with TVA that expires May 31, 2012. Pricing under the TVA power contract consisted of a summer and
a non-summer base energy price through May 31, 2008. Beginning June 1, 2008, the price consists of
a year-round base energy price that increases moderately based on a fixed, annual schedule. All
prices are subject to a fuel cost adjustment provision to reflect changes in TVAs fuel costs,
purchased power costs, and related costs. The impact of the fuel cost adjustment has been negative
for USEC, imposing an average increase over base contract prices of about 15% in 2008 and 8% in
2007. The impact of future fuel cost adjustments, which is substantially influenced by coal prices
and hydroelectric power availability, is uncertain and our cost of power could fluctuate in the
future above or below the agreed increases in the base energy price. We expect the fuel cost
adjustment to continue to cause our purchase cost to remain above base contract prices, but is
uncertain given volatile energy prices.
The quantity of power purchases under the TVA contract generally ranges from 300 megawatts in
the summer months (June August) to up to 2,000 megawatts in the non-summer months. We supplement
the TVA contract during the summer months with additional power purchased at market-based prices.
Beginning June 1, 2010 through the expiration of the contract on May 31, 2012, the quantity of
non-summer power purchases will be reduced to a maximum of 1,650 megawatts at all hours. This is
designed to provide a transition down for the TVA power system because of the significant amount of
power being purchased by us. We expect to supplement the TVA contract with additional power
purchases beginning June 1, 2010 and will be evaluating possible sources of power for delivery
after May 31, 2012.
We are required to provide financial assurance to support our payment obligations to TVA.
These include a letter of credit and weekly prepayments based on TVAs estimate of the price and
our usage of power.
60
Advanced Technology Costs
Expenditures related to American Centrifuge technology for the years ended December 31, 2008,
2007, and 2006, as well as cumulative expenditures as of December 31, 2008, follow (in millions):
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Cumulative |
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as of |
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December |
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2008 |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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|
31, 2008 |
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Amount expensed as part of advanced technology costs |
|
$ |
108.8 |
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|
$ |
125.9 |
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|
$ |
103.3 |
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$ |
542.1 |
|
Amount capitalized as part of construction work in
progress (A) |
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|
420.0 |
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|
118.5 |
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|
41.2 |
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|
601.8 |
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Equipment, building and land used for manufacturing
and plant |
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37.0 |
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6.4 |
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|
1.1 |
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47.0 |
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Depreciation and transfers (B) |
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(3.0 |
) |
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(0.6 |
) |
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(0.5 |
) |
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(4.5 |
) |
Prepayments to suppliers for services not yet performed |
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7.8 |
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16.9 |
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24.7 |
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Total ACP expenditures, including accruals (C) |
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$ |
570.6 |
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$ |
267.1 |
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$ |
145.1 |
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$ |
1,211.1 |
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(A) |
|
Amounts capitalized include interest of $14.7 million in 2008, $6.3 million in 2007 and $3.1 million in 2006.
Cumulative capitalized interest as of December 31, 2008 is $25.0 million. |
|
(B) |
|
Depreciation and transfers represents the systematic and rational allocation of the costs for equipment and
building used for manufacturing and plant that are ready for their intended use. These depreciation and transfers are
part of the amount capitalized as part of construction work in progress. |
|
(C) |
|
Total expenditures are all American Centrifuge costs including, but not limited to, demonstration facility,
licensing activities, commercial plant facility, program management, interest related costs and accrued asset
retirement obligations capitalized. This includes $48.5 million of accruals at December 31, 2008. |
For discussions of the financing plan for the American Centrifuge Plant, see Managements
Discussion and Analysis Liquidity and Capital Resources. For discussions of the project budget
for the American Centrifuge Plant, see Business and Properties The American Centrifuge Plant
Project Budget. Risks and uncertainties related to the deployment of the American Centrifuge Plant
are described in Item 1A, Risk Factors of this report.
Advanced technology costs also include research and development efforts undertaken for NAC,
relating primarily to its new generation MAGNASTOR dual-purpose dry storage system for spent fuel.
MAGNASTOR, or Modular, Advanced Generation, Nuclear All-purpose Storage System, consists of a
welded stainless steel canister inside a steel-lined concrete cask for storage. On February 4,
2009, MAGNASTOR was added to the NRCs list of dry storage casks approved for use under a general
license. MAGNASTOR has the largest capacity of any cask system approved to date. NAC will submit an
amendment for the storage of damaged fuel and an application for a transport license including
damaged fuel in 2009.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our significant accounting policies are summarized in note 1 to our consolidated financial
statements, which were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Included within these policies are certain policies that require critical accounting estimates and
judgments. Critical accounting estimates are those that require management to make assumptions
about matters that are uncertain at the time the estimate is made and for which different
estimates, often based on complex judgments, probabilities and assumptions that we believe to be
reasonable, but are inherently uncertain and unpredictable, could have a material impact on our
operating results and financial condition. It is also possible that other professionals, applying
their own judgment to the same facts and circumstances, could develop and support a range of
alternative estimated amounts. We are also subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual
results to differ from estimated amounts, such as the healthcare environment, legislation and
regulation.
61
The sensitivity analyses used below are not intended to provide a reader with our predictions
of the variability of the estimates used. Rather, the sensitivities used are included to allow the
reader to understand a general cause and effect of changes in estimates.
We have identified the following to be our critical accounting estimates:
Pension and Postretirement Health and Life Benefit Costs and Obligations
We provide retirement benefits under defined benefit pension plans and postretirement health
and life benefit plans. The valuation of benefit obligations and costs is based on provisions of
the plans and actuarial assumptions that involve judgments and estimates. Changes in actuarial
assumptions could impact the measurement of benefit obligations and benefit costs, as follows:
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The weighted average expected return on benefit plan assets was 8.0% for 2008 and is
7.7% for 2009. The expected return is based on historical returns and expectations of
future returns for the composition of the plans equity and debt securities. A 0.5%
decrease in the expected return on plan assets would increase annual pension costs by $2.8
million and postretirement health and life costs by $0.2 million. |
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The differences between the actual return on plan assets and expected return on plan assets
are accumulated in Net Actuarial Gains and (Losses), which are recognized as an increase or
decrease to benefit costs over a number of years based on the employees average future
service lives, provided such amounts exceed certain thresholds which are based upon the
obligation or the value of plan assets, as provided by accounting standards. |
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In 2008, actual returns for our defined benefit pension plan assets were significantly below
our expected long-term rate of return on plan assets of 8% due to adverse conditions in the
financial markets. This performance and the associated decline in pension plan asset values
did not impact our funding pattern with respect to these plans in 2008. |
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A weighted average discount rate of 6.1% was used at December 31, 2008 to calculate the
net present value of benefit obligations. The discount rate is the estimated rate at which
the benefit obligations could be effectively settled on the measurement date and is based
on yields of high quality fixed income investments whose cash flows match the timing and
amount of expected benefit payments of the plans. A 0.5% reduction in the discount rate
would increase the valuation of pension benefit obligations by $50.2 million and
postretirement health and life benefit obligations by $9.8 million, and the resulting
changes in the valuations would increase annual pension costs by $5.6 million and
postretirement health and life benefit costs by $1.1 million. |
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The healthcare costs trend rates are 8.25% projected in 2009 reducing to 5.0% in 2016.
The healthcare costs trend rate represents our estimate of the annual rate of increase in
the gross cost of providing benefits. The trend rate is a reflection of health care
inflation assumptions, changes in healthcare utilization and delivery patterns,
technological advances, and changes in the health status of our plan participants. A 1%
increase in the healthcare cost trend rates would increase postretirement health benefit
obligations by about $8.6 million and would increase costs by about $1.0 million. |
Costs for the Future Disposition of Depleted Uranium and GDP Lease Turnover Costs
SWU and uranium inventories include estimates and judgments for production quantities and
production costs. Production costs include estimates of future expenditures for the conversion,
transportation and disposition of depleted uranium, the treatment and disposal of hazardous,
low-level radioactive and mixed wastes, and GDP lease turnover costs. An increase or decrease in
production costs has an effect on inventory costs and cost of sales over current and future
periods.
62
We store depleted uranium generated from our operations at the Paducah and Portsmouth GDPs and
accrue estimated costs for its future disposition. We anticipate that we will send most or all of
our depleted uranium to DOE for disposition unless a more economic disposal option becomes
available. DOE is constructing facilities at the Paducah and Portsmouth GDPs to process large
quantities of depleted uranium owned by DOE. Under federal law, DOE would also process our depleted
uranium if we provided it to DOE for disposal. If we were to dispose of our depleted uranium in
this way, we would be required to reimburse DOE for the related costs of disposing our depleted
uranium, including our pro rata share of DOEs capital costs. Processing DOEs depleted uranium is
expected to take about 25 years. The timing of the disposal of our depleted uranium has not been
determined. The long-term liability for depleted uranium disposition is dependent upon the volume
of depleted uranium that we generate and estimated processing, transportation and disposal costs.
Our estimate of the unit disposal cost is based primarily on estimated cost data obtained from DOE
without consideration given to contingencies or reserves. Our estimate of the unit cost is
periodically reviewed and updated as additional information becomes available.
The NRC requires that we guarantee the disposition of our depleted uranium with financial
assurance. Our estimate of the unit disposition cost for accrual purposes is approximately 35% less
than the unit disposition cost for financial assurance purposes, which includes contingencies and
other potential costs as required by the NRC. Our estimated cost and accrued liability, as well as
financial assurance we provide for the disposition of depleted uranium, are subject to change as
additional information becomes available.
Lease turnover costs are estimated and accrued for the Paducah and Portsmouth GDPs. For the
operating Paducah GDP, the balance of expected costs is being accrued over the expected productive
life of the plant. Costs of returning the GDPs to DOE in acceptable condition include removing
uranium deposits as required and removing USEC-generated waste. Significant estimates and judgments
relate to staffing and other costs associated with the planning, execution and documentation of the
lease turnover requirements.
The amount and timing of future costs could vary from amounts accrued. At December 31, 2008,
the accrued liability for depleted uranium is $119.5 million and the accrued liability for lease
turnover costs is $55.4 million.
American Centrifuge Technology Costs
Costs relating to the American Centrifuge technology are charged to expense or capitalized
based on the nature of the activities and estimates and judgments involving the completion of
project milestones. Costs relating to the demonstration of American Centrifuge technology are
charged to expense as incurred. Demonstration costs historically have included NRC licensing of the
American Centrifuge Demonstration Facility in Piketon, Ohio, engineering activities, and assembling
and testing of centrifuge machines and equipment at centrifuge test facilities located in Oak
Ridge, Tennessee and at the American Centrifuge Demonstration Facility.
Capitalized costs relating to the American Centrifuge technology include NRC licensing of the
American Centrifuge Plant in Piketon, Ohio, engineering activities, construction of centrifuge
machines and equipment, leasehold improvements and other costs directly associated with the
commercial plant. Capitalized centrifuge costs are recorded in property, plant and equipment as
part of construction work in progress. The continued capitalization of such costs is subject to
ongoing review and successful project completion. During the second half of 2007, we moved from a
demonstration phase to a commercial plant phase in which significant expenditures are capitalized
based on managements judgment that the technology has a high probability of commercial success and
meets internal targets related to physical control, technical achievement and economic viability.
63
If conditions change and deployment were no longer probable, costs that were previously
capitalized would be charged to expense.
As we continue construction of the American Centrifuge Plant, we create asset retirement
obligations based on our requirements to decontaminate and decommission (D&D) the facility. The
present value of an asset retirement obligation is recognized as a liability and an equivalent
amount is recognized as part of the capitalized asset cost. The liability is accreted, or
increased, over time for the time value of money. The accretion is charged to cost of sales. Upon
commencement of commercial operations, the asset cost will be depreciated over the shorter of the
asset life or the expected lease period. During each reporting period, we reassess and revise the
estimate of asset retirement obligations based on construction progress, cost evaluation of future
D&D expectations, and other judgmental considerations.
Income Taxes
During the ordinary course of business, there are transactions and calculations for which the
ultimate tax determination is uncertain. As a result, we recognize tax liabilities based on
estimates of whether additional taxes and interest will be due. To the extent that the final tax
outcome of these matters is different than the amounts that were initially recorded, such
differences will impact the income tax provision in the period in which such determination is made.
If the provision for income taxes increases/decreases by 1% of income from continuing operations,
net income would have declined/improved by $0.7 million in 2008.
Accounting for income taxes involves estimates and judgments relating to the tax bases of
assets and liabilities and the future recoverability of deferred tax assets. In assessing the
realization of deferred tax assets, we determine whether it is more likely than not that the
deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent
upon generating sufficient taxable income in future years when deferred tax assets are recoverable
or are expected to reverse. Factors that may affect estimates of future taxable income include, but
are not limited to, competition, changes in revenue, costs or profit margins, market share and
developments related to the American Centrifuge Plant. We have determined that it is more likely
than not that deferred tax assets will be realized. At December 31, 2008, our net deferred tax
assets were $341.2 million.
Determining the need for or the amount of a valuation allowance involves judgments, estimates
and assumptions. We review historical results, forecasts of taxable income based upon business
plans, eligible carryforward periods, periods over which deferred tax assets are expected to
reverse, developments related to the American Centrifuge Plant, tax planning opportunities, and
other relevant considerations. The underlying assumptions may change from period to period. If we
were to determine that it is more likely than not that all or some of the deferred tax assets will
not be realized in future years, a valuation allowance would result.
In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in
Income Taxes (FIN 48), which became effective January 1, 2007. This interpretation clarifies the
accounting for income taxes by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold that a tax position is
required to meet before the related tax benefit may be recognized in the financial statements. FIN
48 also provides guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties,
accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. At December 31, 2008, the liability for
unrecognized tax benefits, included in other long-term liabilities, was $3.8 million and accrued
interest and penalties totaled $0.9 million.
64
Results of Operations
We have two reportable segments measured and presented through the gross profit line of our
income statement: the low enriched uranium (LEU) segment with two components, separative work
units (SWU) and uranium, and the U.S. government contracts segment. The LEU segment is our
primary business focus and includes sales of the SWU component of LEU, sales of both SWU and
uranium components of LEU, and sales of uranium. The U.S. government contracts segment includes
work performed for DOE and its contractors at the Portsmouth and Paducah GDPs as well as nuclear
energy services and technologies provided by NAC. Intersegment sales between our reportable
segments were less than $0.1 million in each year presented below and have been eliminated in
consolidation.
2008 Compared to 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
Change |
|
|
% |
|
|
|
(millions) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LEU segment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SWU revenue |
|
$ |
1,175.5 |
|
|
$ |
1,570.5 |
|
|
$ |
(395.0 |
) |
|
|
(25 |
)% |
Uranium revenue |
|
|
217.1 |
|
|
|
163.5 |
|
|
|
53.6 |
|
|
|
33 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
1,392.6 |
|
|
|
1,734.0 |
|
|
|
(341.4 |
) |
|
|
(20 |
)% |
Cost of sales |
|
|
1,202.2 |
|
|
|
1,473.6 |
|
|
|
271.4 |
|
|
|
18 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
$ |
190.4 |
|
|
$ |
260.4 |
|
|
$ |
(70.0 |
) |
|
|
(27 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. government contracts segment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
|
$ |
222.0 |
|
|
$ |
194.0 |
|
|
$ |
28.0 |
|
|
|
14 |
% |
Cost of sales |
|
|
183.6 |
|
|
|
166.9 |
|
|
|
(16.7 |
) |
|
|
(10 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
$ |
38.4 |
|
|
$ |
27.1 |
|
|
$ |
11.3 |
|
|
|
42 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
|
$ |
1,614.6 |
|
|
$ |
1,928.0 |
|
|
$ |
(313.4 |
) |
|
|
(16 |
)% |
Cost of sales |
|
|
1,385.8 |
|
|
|
1,640.5 |
|
|
|
254.7 |
|
|
|
16 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
$ |
228.8 |
|
|
$ |
287.5 |
|
|
$ |
(58.7 |
) |
|
|
(20 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
The volume of SWU sold declined 27% in 2008 compared to 2007 due to the timing of utility
customer refuelings. Because a majority of the reactors served by USEC are refueled on an 18-to-24
month cycle, we anticipate deliveries in 2009 roughly similar to 2007. The average price billed to
customers for sales of SWU increased 2% reflecting the particular contracts under which SWU was
sold during the periods as well as the general trend of higher prices under contracts signed in
recent years. There was no revenue under barter contracts in 2008. In 2007, revenue from the sales
of SWU under barter contracts, based on the estimated fair value of uranium received in exchange
for SWU, was $50.8 million.
The volume of uranium sold in 2008 compared to 2007 declined 4% and the average price
increased 38% reflecting the timing of customer orders and the particular price mix of contracts
under which uranium was sold.
Revenue from the U.S. government contracts segment increased 14% in 2008 compared to 2007.
Revenue for contract work at the Portsmouth GDP increased $18.8 million to $176.2 million in 2008.
This increase was related to cold shutdown efforts and incremental revenue for fiscal 2002 DOE
contract work based on the resolution of concerns regarding billable incurred costs. Revenue for
contract work at the Paducah GDP also increased by $1.2 million to $12.7 million in 2008. Revenue
for contract work at NAC increased $8.0 million to $33.1 million in 2008 due to the timing of sales
for NAC.
65
As of December 31, 2008, we have finalized and submitted to DOE the billable incurred costs
for Portsmouth and Paducah GDP contract work for the six months ended December 31, 2002 and the
years ended December 31, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. At December 31, 2008, $4.6 million,
reflecting the elimination of allowances associated with estimates contained in the provisional
billing rates, was recognized. Additional revenue based on the difference between provisional
billing rates and final billing rates will be recognized upon completion of the DCAA audit and
notice by DOE authorizing final billing.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales for SWU and uranium declined $271.4 million (or 18%) in 2008 compared to 2007
due to the declines in volumes sold partially offset by higher unit costs. Under our monthly moving
average cost method, new production and acquisition costs are averaged with the cost of inventories
at the beginning of the period. Cost of sales per SWU was 4% higher in 2008 compared to 2007.
Production costs increased $108.5 million (or 14%) in 2008 compared to 2007 primarily due to a
10% increase in overall production volume and an increase in the average cost of electric power.
Unit production costs increased 3%. The cost of electric power increased by $104.7 million
year-to-year, reflecting an additional 1.6 million megawatt hours purchased in 2008, an increase of
12%. The increase in production volume and power purchased resulted in a 2% decline in our electric
power usage efficiency. The average cost per megawatt hour increased 6% driven by TVA fuel cost
adjustments and higher costs for supplemental power purchased at market-based prices.
Purchase costs for the SWU component of LEU under the Russian Contract increased $53.0 million
in 2008 compared to 2007 due to an 11% increase in the market-based purchase cost per SWU. Purchase
prices paid under the Russian Contract are set by a market-based pricing formula and have increased
as market prices have increased in recent years.
Cost of sales for the U.S. government contracts segment increased $16.7 million (or 10%)
primarily due to increased contract work related to cold shutdown efforts and NAC timing of sales.
Gross Profit
Our gross profit margin was 14.2% in 2008 compared to 14.9% in 2007 reflecting lower margins
in the LEU segment slightly offset by higher margins in the U.S. government contracts segment.
Gross profit for SWU and uranium declined $70.0 million in 2008 compared to 2007 due to lower
SWU sales volume and higher inventory costs, partly offset by higher average sales prices for SWU
and uranium.
Gross profit for the U.S. government contracts segment increased $11.3 million in 2008
compared to 2007 due to increased contract work related to cold shutdown efforts at the Portsmouth
GDP, incremental revenue for fiscal 2002 DOE contract work based on the resolution of concerns
regarding billable incurred costs, and the elimination of allowances associated with estimates
contained in the provisional billing rates for the six months ended December 31, 2002 and the years
ended December 31, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007.
66
The following table presents elements of the accompanying consolidated statements of income
that are not categorized by segment (amounts in millions, except percentages):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
Change |
|
|
% |
|
Gross profit |
|
$ |
228.8 |
|
|
$ |
287.5 |
|
|
$ |
(58.7 |
) |
|
|
(20 |
)% |
Advanced technology costs |
|
|
110.2 |
|
|
|
127.3 |
|
|
|
17.1 |
|
|
|
13 |
% |
Selling, general and administrative |
|
|
54.3 |
|
|
|
45.3 |
|
|
|
(9.0 |
) |
|
|
(20 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income |
|
|
64.3 |
|
|
|
114.9 |
|
|
|
(50.6 |
) |
|
|
(44 |
)% |
Interest expense |
|
|
17.3 |
|
|
|
16.9 |
|
|
|
(0.4 |
) |
|
|
(2 |
)% |
Interest (income) |
|
|
(24.7 |
) |
|
|
(33.8 |
) |
|
|
(9.1 |
) |
|
|
(27 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes |
|
|
71.7 |
|
|
|
131.8 |
|
|
|
(60.1 |
) |
|
|
(46 |
)% |
Provision for income taxes |
|
|
23.0 |
|
|
|
35.2 |
|
|
|
12.2 |
|
|
|
35 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
48.7 |
|
|
$ |
96.6 |
|
|
$ |
(47.9 |
) |
|
|
(50 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advanced Technology Costs
The decrease in advanced technology costs reflects reduced demonstration costs for the
American Centrifuge technology. Demonstration costs associated with assembling and testing of
centrifuge machines and equipment at our Oak Ridge test facilities has declined as spending has
increased in activities related to capitalized construction work in progress on the centrifuge
machines and American Centrifuge Plant. Demonstration costs for the American Centrifuge technology
were $108.8 million in 2008 compared to $125.9 million in 2007. The remaining amounts included in
advanced technology costs are efforts by NAC to develop its MAGNASTOR storage system.
Selling, General and Administrative
Compensation and benefit expenses increased $2.1 million in 2008 compared to 2007 reflecting
the low level of stock-based compensation expense in 2007 that resulted from a decline in our stock
price. Consulting costs increased $1.9 million primarily related to strategy, enterprise risk
management, and organizational efforts. Travel costs increased $1.1 million primarily related to
additional corporate travel related to the American Centrifuge project. Selling, general, and
administrative expenses in 2007 reflect the reversal of a previously accrued tax penalty of $3.4
million.
Interest Expense and Interest Income
Interest expense increased $0.4 million (or 2%) reflecting a full year of interest in 2008 on
our 3.0% convertible senior notes or an increase of approximately $12.8 million, offset by
increased interest amounts capitalized related to American Centrifuge of approximately $8.4
million, as well as reductions in interest expense as we repaid a portion of our 6.75% senior
notes. In addition, accrued interest expense for taxes decreased $2.8 million period to period
reflecting the reduction in our FIN 48 liability.
Interest income declined $9.1 million (or 27%) in 2008 compared to 2007. Interest income in
2007 benefited from reversals of previously accrued interest expense on taxes and interest expense
recorded upon the adoption of FIN 48 effective January 1, 2007. These reversals related to the
expiration of the U.S. federal statute of limitations with respect to tax return years 1998 through
2003 and agreement on outstanding matters reached with the IRS during the second quarter of 2007.
Partially offsetting the decline in interest income was a $2.2 million increase of interest income
on short-term investments in 2008 as a result of increased cash and investment balances following
our issuance of convertible notes and common stock in September 2007.
67
Provision for Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes in 2008 was $23.0 million, including benefits of $4.4 million
primarily due to reversals of previously accrued amounts under accounting guidance provided in FIN
48 of $2.9 million and an increase in research credits of $1.5 million for 2007 which resulted from
a research credit study completed in the third quarter 2008. The reversals of FIN 48 liabilities in
2008 of $2.9 million primarily resulted from the completion of IRS federal income tax audits for
2004 through 2006. The provision for income taxes of $35.2 million in 2007 included $12.6 million
in benefits due to reversals of accruals previously recorded and those associated with the adoption
of FIN 48. These reversals primarily resulted from the expiration of the U.S. federal statute of
limitations with respect to tax return years 1998 through 2003.
Excluding the effects of FIN 48 and research credit related adjustments, the overall effective
income tax rate was 38% in 2008 and 36% in 2007. The increase is primarily due to decreases in
income before income taxes, the manufacturing deduction, and the FIN 48 penalty reversal, offset by
the increase in the federal research credit. In October 2008, the federal research credit was
extended through December 31, 2009.
Net Income
Net income declined $47.9 million (or $0.60 per sharebasic and $0.59 per share-diluted) in
2008 compared to 2007 due primarily to the after-tax impact of lower gross profits in the LEU
segment due to lower SWU sales volume, which was a result of the timing of utility customer
refuelings, and higher inventory costs, partially offset by higher average sales prices for SWU and
uranium. The decline was partially offset by lower advanced technology expenses. In addition, the
corresponding period in 2007 benefited by $22.1 million from the impact of reversals of accruals
previously recorded and those associated with the adoption of FIN 48, released upon the U.S.
federal statute of limitations expiration with respect to tax return years 1998 through 2003 and
the completion of the IRS examination for all tax years through 2003. The decline in net income per
share also reflects our issuance of 23 million shares of common stock in September 2007.
68
2007 Compared to 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
Change |
|
|
% |
|
|
|
(millions) |
|
|
|
|
|
LEU segment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SWU revenue |
|
$ |
1,570.5 |
|
|
$ |
1,337.4 |
|
|
$ |
233.1 |
|
|
|
17 |
% |
Uranium revenue |
|
|
163.5 |
|
|
|
316.7 |
|
|
|
(153.2 |
) |
|
|
(48 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
1,734.0 |
|
|
|
1,654.1 |
|
|
|
79.9 |
|
|
|
5 |
% |
Cost of sales |
|
|
1,473.6 |
|
|
|
1,349.2 |
|
|
|
(124.4 |
) |
|
|
(9 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
$ |
260.4 |
|
|
$ |
304.9 |
|
|
$ |
(44.5 |
) |
|
|
(15 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. government contracts segment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
|
$ |
194.0 |
|
|
$ |
194.5 |
|
|
$ |
(0.5 |
) |
|
|
0 |
% |
Cost of sales |
|
|
166.9 |
|
|
|
162.5 |
|
|
|
(4.4 |
) |
|
|
(3 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
$ |
27.1 |
|
|
$ |
32.0 |
|
|
$ |
(4.9 |
) |
|
|
(15 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
|
$ |
1,928.0 |
|
|
$ |
1,848.6 |
|
|
$ |
79.4 |
|
|
|
4 |
% |
Cost of sales |
|
|
1,640.5 |
|
|
|
1,511.7 |
|
|
|
(128.8 |
) |
|
|
(9 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
$ |
287.5 |
|
|
$ |
336.9 |
|
|
$ |
(49.4 |
) |
|
|
(15 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
The volume of SWU sold increased 8% in 2007 compared to 2006 and the average price billed to
customers increased 9%. The increase in volume reflects net increases in purchases by customers and
the timing of utility customer refuelings. The increase in the average price reflects higher prices
charged to customers under contracts signed in recent years, price increases from contractual
provisions for inflation and market adjustments, and the mix of deliveries under newer versus older
contracts.
Revenue from the sales of SWU under barter contracts, based on the estimated fair value of
uranium received in exchange for SWU, was $50.8 million in 2007 and $12.5 million in 2006.
The volume of uranium sold decreased 60% reflecting declines in our inventory of uranium
available for sale. The average price for uranium delivered increased 29% reflecting higher-priced
contracts signed with customers in recent years.
Revenue from the U.S. government contracts segment declined less than 1% in 2007 compared to
2006. Revenue for contract work at the Portsmouth GDP increased $0.7 million in 2007 due to an
additional scope of work performed under the cold shutdown contract partially offset by a reduction
resulting from the completion of the legacy centrifuge equipment removal project in August 2006.
Revenue for contract work at the Paducah GDP and NAC slightly declined in 2007 compared to 2006
offsetting the Portsmouth GDP increase.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales for SWU and uranium increased $124.4 million (or 9%) in 2007 compared to 2006
primarily due to the 8% increase in the volume of SWU sold. Cost of sales per SWU was 7% higher
reflecting increases in average inventory costs. Under our monthly moving average cost method, new
production and acquisition costs are averaged with the cost of inventories at the beginning of the
period.
69
Production costs increased $157.2 million (or 25%), primarily due to increases in the cost of
electric power. Production levels increased 9% and unit production costs increased 14%. The cost
for electric power increased $147.3 million, reflecting an increase in the average cost per
megawatt hour and an increase in megawatt hours purchased. The average cost per megawatt hour
increased 22%, reflecting higher prices under the TVA power contract effective June 2006. The
utilization of electric power, a measure of production efficiency, was about the same in 2007 as in
2006.
Purchase costs for the SWU component of LEU under the Russian Contract increased $23.4 million
due to increases in the market-based purchase cost per SWU. Purchase prices paid under the Russian
Contract are set by a market-based pricing formula and have increased as market prices have
increased in recent years.
Cost of sales for the U.S. government contracts segment increased $4.4 million (or 3%)
primarily due to sales of lower margin contract services at NAC.
Gross Profit
Our gross profit margin was 14.9% in 2007 compared to 18.2% in 2006 reflecting lower margins
in both segments.
Gross profit for the LEU segment declined $44.5 million (or 15%) in 2007 compared to 2006. The
positive impact of increases in SWU and uranium sales prices was reduced in 2007 compared to 2006
as higher production and purchase costs were recognized in cost of sales. In addition, the decline
in uranium sales reflects reduced uranium available for sale.
Gross profit for the U.S. government contracts segment declined $4.9 million (or 15%) due to
sales of lower margin contract services at NAC.
The following table presents elements of the accompanying consolidated statements of income
that are not categorized by segment (amounts in millions, except percentages):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
Change |
|
|
% |
|
Gross profit |
|
$ |
287.5 |
|
|
$ |
336.9 |
|
|
$ |
(49.4 |
) |
|
|
(15 |
)% |
Special charges |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.9 |
|
|
|
3.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
Advanced technology costs |
|
|
127.3 |
|
|
|
105.5 |
|
|
|
(21.8 |
) |
|
|
(21 |
)% |
Selling, general and administrative |
|
|
45.3 |
|
|
|
48.8 |
|
|
|
3.5 |
|
|
|
7 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income |
|
|
114.9 |
|
|
|
178.7 |
|
|
|
(63.8 |
) |
|
|
(36 |
)% |
Interest expense |
|
|
16.9 |
|
|
|
14.5 |
|
|
|
(2.4 |
) |
|
|
(17 |
)% |
Interest (income) |
|
|
(33.8 |
) |
|
|
(6.2 |
) |
|
|
27.6 |
|
|
|
445 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes |
|
|
131.8 |
|
|
|
170.4 |
|
|
|
(38.6 |
) |
|
|
(23 |
)% |
Provision for income taxes |
|
|
35.2 |
|
|
|
64.2 |
|
|
|
29.0 |
|
|
|
45 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
96.6 |
|
|
$ |
106.2 |
|
|
$ |
(9.6 |
) |
|
|
(9 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Special Charges
Special charges in 2006 consisted of $1.3 million related to an organizational restructuring
and $2.6 million resulting from the impairment of an intangible asset related to the 2004
acquisition of NAC. The acquisition cost allocated to customer contracts and relationships from the
NAC acquisition was reduced after DOE set aside certain contract work for small businesses for
which NAC did not qualify.
70
Advanced Technology Costs
The increase in advanced technology costs reflects increased demonstration costs for the
American Centrifuge technology. NAC-related advanced technology costs were $1.3 million in 2007 and
$2.1 million in 2006.
Selling, General and Administrative
The decline in selling, general, and administrative expenses reflects a reversal in 2007 of a
previously accrued tax penalty of $3.4 million. We reached agreement with the IRS during the second
quarter of 2007 on certain deductions related to expenditures made in the tax return years 1998
through 2000. Consulting expenses declined $0.8 million in 2007 compared to 2006. Offsetting these
improvements were increased stock-based compensation expenses resulting primarily from vesting of
participants in our equity compensation plans.
Interest Expense and Interest Income
Interest expense increased in 2007 compared to 2006 due to accrued interest on our $575.0
million of convertible notes issued in September 2007, and increases of accrued interest for taxes.
The increase is partly offset by an increase of $3.2 million in capitalized interest related to the
American Centrifuge Plant and our repayment of $288.8 million of our 6.625% senior notes on the
scheduled maturity date in January 2006.
Interest income increased due, in large part, to reversals of previously accrued interest
expense on taxes and interest expense recorded upon the adoption of FIN 48 effective January 1,
2007. These reversals relate to the expiration of the U.S. federal statute of limitations with
respect to tax return years 1998 through 2003 and agreement on outstanding matters reached with the
IRS during the second quarter of 2007. The increase in interest income is also due to increased
cash and investment balances resulting from the proceeds from our issuances of convertible notes
and common stock in September 2007.
Provision for Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes in 2007 was $35.2 million with an overall effective income tax
rate of 27%. We recorded the effects of $12.6 million of tax benefits due to reversals of accruals
previously recorded and those associated with the adoption of FIN 48 effective January 1, 2007.
Excluding these effects, our effective tax rate would have been 36% in 2007. The most significant
items in the remaining difference between the effective tax rate in 2007 as compared to the
statutory federal and state income tax rate include the positive effects related to our
manufacturing deduction and research and other tax credits.
The provision for income taxes in 2006 was $64.2 million with an overall effective income tax
rate of 38%. Differences between the effective tax rate in 2006 as compared to the statutory
federal and state income tax rate include the effects of state deferred tax asset reductions offset
by research and other tax credits.
Net Income
Net income declined $9.6 million (or $0.18 per sharebasic and diluted) in 2007 compared to
2006, reflecting the after-tax impacts of lower gross profits and higher American Centrifuge
demonstration costs, partly offset by $22.1 million of tax-related effects from the impact of
reversals of accruals previously recorded and those associated with the adoption of FIN 48,
released upon the U.S. federal statute of limitations expiration with respect to tax return years
1998 through 2003 and the completion of the IRS examination for all tax years through 2003. The
decline in net income per share also reflects our issuance of 23 million shares of common stock in September 2007.
71
2009 Outlook
As expressed in previous guidance, we expect the volume of SWU sold in 2009 to return to a
level similar to that seen in 2007. Because a majority of our customers refuel their reactors on an
18-to-24 month cycle, those customers who refueled reactors in 2007 are likely to require LEU again
in 2009. In the past five years, we have sold roughly 10 to 13 million SWU per year, and we expect
to exceed the high end of that range in 2009.
We expect total revenue in the range of $2.2 to $2.25 billion in 2009. Revenue from SWU sales
is expected to be approximately $1.8 billion, or about 50% higher than 2008. SWU volume is
expected to be approximately 40% higher and the average price billed to customers is expected to be
10% higher. Revenue from uranium is expected to decline to just under $200 million in 2009 as spot
uranium prices gradually fell during 2008. The recognition of this revenue is subject to the timing
of uranium used as feed stock in LEU deliveries. Revenue from government services and other is
expected to be relatively flat at about $220 million in 2009.
Electric power represents 70% to 75% of our cost of production at the Paducah GDP. We have a
contract with the Tennessee Valley Authority to purchase 2,000 megawatts of power during the
non-summer months of 2009 at a fixed base price that increased slightly over 2008. Under this
contract we also pay an adjustment to reflect the cost of fuel or purchased power above or below
the cost assumed in that base price. The fuel cost adjustment averaged 15% above the base price in
2008 and TVA has continued to forecast increased fuel and purchased power costs for 2009. The
uncertainty of fuel prices in the current economic climate results in difficulty in predicting this
major production cost component, and variations from our forecast can significantly affect results.
We produce about half of our supply and purchase half from Russia under the Megatons to Megawatts
program. Under the programs market-based pricing formula, we expect to pay Russia about 11% more
for LEU purchased in 2009, compared to 2008, reflecting increases in SWU market price indicators in
recent years.
Our cost of sales, reflecting higher production and purchase costs rolling through our
inventory, is increasing faster than our average price billed to customers. This has put pressure
on our gross margin in recent years and that trend is expected to continue in 2009. Thus, although
our average price billed to customers is expected to improve from last year, the expected increase
in cost of sales is greater. We expect our gross profit margin in 2009 to be between 10% and 12%,
compared to 14.2% in 2008.
The sharp downturn in the fair value of pension and postretirement benefit plan assets, due
primarily to market conditions from 2008, will also result in higher net benefit costs in 2009.
These net benefit costs are embedded in our costs for both business segments, as well as selling,
general and administrative (SG&A) expense. Combined, this net benefit cost is estimated to be
approximately $51 million higher than in 2008 and will also require us to fund these plans by
approximately $15 million more than in 2008.
Below the gross profit line, we expect SG&A expense to be approximately $57 million in 2009.
We expect our income tax rate will be close to the combined federal and state statutory rate.
Although much of our spending on the American Centrifuge Plant is anticipated to be capitalized, we
expect to continue development and value engineering efforts that are expensed. We expect to
expense roughly $120 million of spending during 2009. In addition, our baseline plan for ACP
capital expenditures in 2009 is approximately $700 million but this amount will be affected by our
announced plan to slow down spending on the ACP, as discussed in Liquidity and Capital Resources.
72
Based on these projections, we anticipate net income in a range of $25 to $50 million for
2009. Cash flows from operations in 2008 were negative in part due to a build-up of SWU inventory
in advance of higher anticipated SWU deliveries in 2009. This inventory is expected to be monetized
in 2009, thus substantially improving cash flow from operations, year over year. Although we expect
higher disbursements for electric power, increased purchase costs from Russia and continued
significant ACP spending that is expensed, we anticipate cash flow generated from operations in a
range of $240 to $275 million.
Our financial results guidance is subject to a number of assumptions and uncertainties that
could affect results either positively or negatively. Variations from our expectations could cause
substantial differences between our guidance and ultimate results. Among the factors that could
affect net income and cash flows are:
|
|
|
Changes to the electric power fuel cost adjustment from our current projection; |
|
|
|
|
The potential for significantly reduced ACP spending as a result of our announced plan
to slow down project spending; |
|
|
|
|
The amount of spending on the ACP that is classified as an expense; |
|
|
|
|
The timing of recognition of previously deferred revenue, particularly related to the
sale of uranium; |
|
|
|
|
Movement and timing of customer orders; |
|
|
|
|
Changes in SWU and uranium market price indicators, and changes in inflation that can
affect the price of SWU billed to customers; and |
|
|
|
|
Additional uranium sales made possible by underfeeding the production process at the
Paducah GDP. |
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We provide for our liquidity requirements through our cash balances, working capital and
access to our bank credit facility. Our cash needs include the funding of American Centrifuge
project activities.
We had a cash balance of $248.5 million as of December 31, 2008 compared to $886.1 million at
December 31, 2007. We need to raise a significant amount of additional capital to continue funding
and to complete the American Centrifuge Plant. We do not believe public market financing for a
large capital project such as the American Centrifuge Plant is available to us given current
financial market conditions. In July 2008, we applied to the DOE Loan Guarantee Program as the path
for obtaining $2 billion in debt financing to complete the American Centrifuge Plant. Areva, a
company majority owned by the French government, also applied for funding under this program for a
proposed plant in the U.S. and is also being considered by DOE. We are seeking a selection of our
project by DOE in the short term, followed by an expeditious funding commitment and financial
closing. However, we have no assurance that our project will be selected to move forward in the
program, and if we are selected, it could still take an extended period for the loan guarantee and
funding to be finalized. Accordingly, we have initiated steps to conserve cash and reduce the
planned escalation of project construction and machine manufacturing activities until we gain
greater clarity on potential funding for the project through the DOE Loan Guarantee Program. In
addition, on a parallel path, we continue to evaluate potential third-party investment.
73
Our intent is to reduce our spending in 2009 to work within the combination of our expected
funds available through our cash from operations and available borrowings under our credit facility
and ensure that we have adequate liquidity for our ongoing operations. Under our deployment
schedule for the ACP, spending was expected to peak in 2009 with spending of approximately $800
million, including a substantial ramp up in coming months with the hiring of plant construction
workers and preparing facilities that would provide key components for the AC100 centrifuge machines. Our
initial steps to slow the growth of project spending in 2009 include sharply reducing the ramp up
in hiring construction and craft workers for the ACP and deferring select procurements. We are
working with our suppliers to identify and implement actions that can be taken to reduce costs
while minimizing the impact on project cost and schedule. We may also take other actions to ensure
that we have adequate liquidity for our ongoing operations and remain in compliance with covenants
under our debt agreements. Further details are provided in Capital Structure and Financial
Resources and Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors of this report.
Without a DOE loan guarantee or other financing and without taking into account our plans to
slow down project spending in 2009, we anticipate that our cash, expected internally generated cash
flow from operations and available borrowings under our revolving credit facility would be
sufficient to meet our cash needs for approximately 6-9 months under our baseline budget and
schedule. Taking into account our plans to slow down project spending, we anticipate that our
liquidity will be sufficient beyond this period. If we determine that a loan guarantee or
alternative financing is not forthcoming or available in the near term, we will take additional
steps to implement further project spending reductions to maintain sufficient liquidity for at
least twelve months. However, additional funds may be necessary sooner than we currently anticipate
if we are not successful in our efforts to conserve cash or in the event of increases in the cost
of the American Centrifuge project, unanticipated prepayments to suppliers, increases in financial
assurance, unanticipated costs under the Russian Contract, increases in power costs or any
shortfall in our estimated levels of operating cash flow, or to meet other unanticipated expenses.
We believe the Paducah GDP provides a meaningful operational backstop during the ACP
deployment period and we have the flexibility to extend its operations as part of any alternative
planning we may evaluate as the most prudent path for deploying the ACP.
The change in cash and cash equivalents from our consolidated statements of cash flows are as
follows on a summarized basis (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
|
$ |
(104.9 |
) |
|
$ |
109.2 |
|
|
$ |
278.1 |
|
Net cash (used in) investing activities |
|
|
(477.2 |
) |
|
|
(170.4 |
) |
|
|
(79.6 |
) |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
|
|
(55.5 |
) |
|
|
775.9 |
|
|
|
(286.2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
(637.6 |
) |
|
$ |
714.7 |
|
|
$ |
(87.7 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Activities
During 2008, net cash used in operating activities was $104.9 million. Net inventory balances
grew $270.6 million reflecting increased production volume and costs and a build-up of SWU
inventory in advance of higher anticipated SWU deliveries in 2009. An additional use of cash flow
was an increase in prepaid power costs of $17.7 million related to the TVA fuel adjustment and
prepaid taxes of $20.9 million. A decrease in accounts receivable of $98.8 million in 2008
following strong sales in the fourth quarter of 2007 and increased deferred profits relating to
uranium and LEU that were sold but not shipped during the year provided increased cash flow.
Results of operations in 2008 contributed $48.7 million to cash flow and $34.2 million in non-cash
adjustments for depreciation and amortization.
During 2007, we generated net cash flow from operating activities of $109.2 million. Results
of operations of $96.6 million and $39.5 million in non-cash adjustments for depreciation and
amortization contributed to our operating cash. Results of operations include approximately $22.1
million of non-cash related reversals of tax-related accruals previously recorded and those
associated with the adoption of FIN 48. These increases in cash flow were slightly offset by the
timing of other balance sheet items.
74
During 2006, we generated net cash flow from operating activities of $278.1 million. Results
of operations contributed $106.2 million to cash flow and $36.7 million in non-cash adjustments for
depreciation and amortization. A reduction in net inventory balances of $176.1 million period to
period also contributed to cash flow, as we sold from existing inventories as well as from current
production. Reductions in accounts payable and other liabilities reduced cash flow from operations
by $82.1 million during the period, principally from tax payments, prepayment modifications under
the amended TVA contract, and payments to our former president and chief executive officer in
settlement of his claims. The timing of other balance sheet items, principally the timing of
accounts receivable collections, also contributed to the increase in cash flow.
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures were $441.9 million in 2008, $137.2 million in 2007 and $44.8 million in
2006. Capital expenditures during these periods are principally associated with the American
Centrifuge Plant, including prepayments made to suppliers for services not yet performed. Cash
deposits are made as collateral for surety bonds were $35.3 million in 2008, $33.2 million in 2007
and $34.8 million in 2006. The surety bonds represent financial assurance relating primarily to the
future disposition of depleted uranium generated in our enrichment process and American Centrifuge
decontamination and decommissioning.
Financing Activities
There were no short-term borrowings under the credit facility at December 31, 2008 or at
December 31, 2007. Aggregate borrowings and repayments under the revolving credit facility in 2008
were $48.3 million, and the peak amount outstanding was $37.4 million. In 2008, we repurchased
$54.3 million of the 6.75% senior notes due January 20, 2009. The cost of the repurchase was $52.8
million and was net of a discount of $1.5 million. Subsequently, we repaid the remaining principal
balance of $95.7 million on the scheduled maturity date of January 20, 2009 with available cash.
In September 2007, we raised net proceeds, after underwriter commissions and offering
expenses, of approximately $775 million through the concurrent issuance of 23 million shares of
common stock and $575 million in aggregate principal amount of convertible notes. Other issuances
of common stock, primarily from employee stock-based compensation plans, provided cash flow from
financing activities of $0.1 million in 2008, $0.5 million in 2007, and $2.5 million in 2006. There
were 111.8 million shares of common stock outstanding at December 31, 2008, compared with 110.6
million at December 31, 2007, an increase of 1.2 million shares (or 1%) and 87.1 million at
December 31, 2006, or an increase from 2006 to 2007 of 23.5 million shares (or 27%).
In January 2006, we repaid the remaining principal balance of our 6.625% senior notes of
$288.8 million on the scheduled maturity date using cash on hand and borrowing under our bank
credit facility of approximately $78.5 million. We repaid the $78.5 million borrowing with funds
from operations by the end of January 2006.
75
Working Capital
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
(millions) |
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
248.5 |
|
|
$ |
886.1 |
|
Accounts receivable |
|
|
154.1 |
|
|
|
252.9 |
|
Inventories, net |
|
|
1,101.7 |
|
|
|
831.1 |
|
Current portion of long-term debt |
|
|
(95.7 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Other current assets and liabilities, net |
|
|
(234.3 |
) |
|
|
(255.3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Working capital |
|
$ |
1,174.3 |
|
|
$ |
1,714.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The decline in working capital of $540.5 million reflects cash used in investing activities of
$477.2 million in 2008, principally for capitalized expenditures associated with the American
Centrifuge Plant. At December 31, 2008, the current portion of long-term debt consisted of the
remaining balance of the 6.75% senior notes, which were paid in full on the scheduled maturity date
of January 20, 2009. The increase in net inventories reflects a temporary build-up in anticipation
of a greater volume of near-term SWU sales.
Capital Structure and Financial Resources
At December 31, 2008, our long-term debt consisted of $575.0 million in 3.0% convertible
senior notes due October 1, 2014. These notes are unsecured obligations and rank on a parity with
all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. Financing costs of $14.3 million
related to the convertible notes were deferred and are being amortized over the life of the debt.
The current portion of long-term debt, included in current liabilities, consisted of $95.7 million
of 6.75% senior notes which were paid in full at maturity on January 20, 2009.
In August 2005, we entered into a five-year, syndicated bank credit facility, providing up to
$400.0 million in revolving credit commitments, including up to $300.0 million in letters of
credit, secured by assets of USEC Inc. and our subsidiaries. The credit facility is available to
finance working capital needs and fund capital programs, including the American Centrifuge project.
Financing costs of $3.5 million and $0.3 million to obtain and amend the credit facility,
respectively, were deferred and are being amortized over the five-year life.
There were no short-term borrowings under the revolving credit facility at December 31, 2008
or December 31, 2007. Letters of credit issued under the facility amounted to $48.0 million at
December 31, 2008 and $38.4 million at December 31, 2007.
Outstanding borrowings under the credit facility bear interest at a variable rate, which at
our election is equal to either:
|
|
|
the sum of (1) the greater of the JPMorgan Chase Bank prime rate and the federal funds
rate
plus 1/2 of 1%, plus (2) a margin ranging from 0.25% to 0.75% based upon collateral
availability, or |
|
|
|
|
the sum of LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 2.0% to 2.5% based on collateral
availability. |
76
Borrowings under the credit facility are subject to limitations based on established
percentages of qualifying assets such as eligible accounts receivable and inventory. The credit
facility contains various reserve provisions that reduce available borrowings under the facility
periodically or restrict the use of borrowings if certain requirements are not met, including those
listed below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
Requirement |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
(millions) |
|
Available Credit |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
343.0 |
|
|
$ |
361.6 |
|
Credit facility provisions: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Availability |
|
|
³ $35.0 |
|
|
$ |
342.3 |
|
|
$ |
360.9 |
|
Collateral Availability |
|
|
³ $75.0 |
|
|
$ |
342.3 |
|
|
$ |
393.3 |
|
Available Liquidity |
|
|
³ $125.0 |
|
|
$ |
591.5 |
|
|
$ |
1,247.7 |
|
As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, we met all of the reserve provision requirements by a large
margin. However, we expect to have borrowings under the credit facility in 2009, which will reduce
Availability, Collateral Availability and Available Liquidity.
Available Credit reflects the levels of qualifying assets at the end of the previous month
less any borrowings or letters of credit, and will fluctuate during the year. Qualifying assets are
reduced by certain reserves, principally a reserve for future obligations to DOE with respect to
the turnover of the gaseous diffusion plants at the end of the term of the lease of these
facilities.
Availability means, the lesser of (i) $400 million and (ii) the sum of eligible receivables
and eligible inventory, subject to caps, less the sum of letters of credit issued, outstanding loan
balances and accrued interest, fees and expenses. Availability equals Available Credit less accrued
interest, fees and expenses.
Collateral Availability means the sum of eligible receivables and eligible inventory,
subject to caps, minus the outstanding loans, letters of credit issued and accrued interest, fees
and expenses.
Available Liquidity means Availability plus cash balances in accounts controlled by the
administrative agent.
Additional details regarding these reserve provisions follow.
|
|
|
Requirement |
|
Outcome |
|
|
|
Availability ³ $35
million
|
|
If not met at any time, an event of default is triggered. |
|
|
|
Collateral Availability
³ $75 million
|
|
If not met for 7 consecutive days, then fixed charge
ratio required to be 1.00 to 1.00 until the
90th consecutive day Collateral Availability
is restored to $75 million. |
|
|
|
Available Liquidity
³ $125 million
|
|
If not met for 7 consecutive days, non-financed capital
expenditures are limited to $50 million until the
90th consecutive day Available Liquidity is
restored to $125 million. |
Other reserves under the revolving credit facility, such as availability reserves and
borrowing base reserves, are customary for credit facilities of this type.
77
The revolving credit facility also includes various customary operating covenants, including
restrictions on the incurrence and prepayment of other indebtedness, granting of liens, sales of
assets, making of investments, maintenance of a minimum amount of inventory, and payment of dividends
or other distributions. Failure to satisfy the covenants would constitute an event of default under
the revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 2008, we were in compliance with all of the
covenants.
Our current credit ratings are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Standard & Poors |
|
Moodys |
Corporate credit/family rating
|
|
B-
|
|
B3 |
3.0% convertible senior notes
|
|
CCC
|
|
unrated |
Outlook
|
|
Negative
|
|
Negative |
Our debt to total capitalization ratio was 37% at December 31, 2008 and 36% at December 31,
2007.
Financial Markets and Defined Benefit Pension Plans
In 2008, actual returns for our defined benefit pension plan assets were significantly below
our expected long-term rate of return on plan assets of 8% due to adverse conditions in the
financial markets. This performance and the associated decline in pension plan asset values did not
impact our funding pattern with respect to these plans in 2008. A summary of actual plan funding in
2008 and expected funding in 2009 follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Postretirement |
|
|
Defined Benefit |
|
Health and Life |
|
|
Pension Plans |
|
Benefit Plans |
|
|
(millions) |
Actual contributions in 2008 |
|
$ |
10.3 |
|
|
$ |
3.6 |
|
Expected contributions in 2009 |
|
|
23.6 |
|
|
|
5.3 |
|
The amount we contribute to our pension plans is determined by IRS regulations, the Pension
Protection Act of 2006, and government cost accounting standards.
The valuation of benefit obligations and costs in our financial statements requires judgments
and estimates including actuarial assumptions, expectations of future returns on benefit plan
assets, and the estimated discount rate at which benefit obligations could be effectively settled.
A change in any of these assumptions could result in different valuations. Our financial statements
and future funding levels could be impacted to the extent actual results differ from these
assumptions, or lead to changes in these assumptions. Refer to the risks, uncertainties and
estimates related to pension plans in Item 1A, Risk Factors, and Managements Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Critical Accounting Estimates, and
note 10 to our consolidated financial statements.
78
Financial Assurance and Related Liabilities
The NRC requires that we guarantee the disposition of our depleted uranium and stored wastes
with financial assurance. The financial assurance in place for depleted uranium and stored wastes
is based on the quantity of depleted uranium and waste at the end of the prior year plus expected
depleted uranium generated over the current year. We also provide financial assurance for the
ultimate decontamination and decommissioning (D&D) of the American Centrifuge facilities to meet
NRC and DOE requirements. Surety bonds for the disposition of depleted uranium and for D&D are
partially collateralized by interest earning cash deposits included in other long-term assets. A
summary of financial assurance, related liabilities and cash collateral follows (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Assurance |
|
|
Long-Term Liability |
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depleted uranium disposition |
|
$ |
232.0 |
|
|
$ |
188.3 |
|
|
$ |
119.5 |
|
|
$ |
98.3 |
|
Decontamination and decommissioning of
American Centrifuge |
|
|
57.7 |
|
|
|
41.6 |
|
|
|
13.7 |
|
|
|
4.4 |
|
Other financial assurance |
|
|
22.9 |
|
|
|
16.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total financial assurance |
|
$ |
312.6 |
|
|
$ |
246.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Letters of credit |
|
|
48.0 |
|
|
|
38.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Surety bonds |
|
|
264.6 |
|
|
|
208.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash collateral deposit for surety bonds |
|
$ |
135.1 |
|
|
$ |
97.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amount of financial assurance needed in the future for depleted uranium disposition is
anticipated to increase by an estimated $35 to $45 million per year depending on Paducah GDP
production volumes and the estimated unit disposition cost defined by the NRC requirement.
The amount of financial assurance needed for D&D of the American Centrifuge Plant is
anticipated to increase to roughly $200 million by the end of 2009, depending on construction
progress and cost projections. The current estimate of the total cost related to NRC and DOE D&D
requirements is $403 million. Financial assurance will also be required for the disposition of
depleted uranium generated from future centrifuge operations.
See note 15 to the consolidated financial statements for a more detailed explanation regarding
the nature of differences between the financial assurance amounts and the related long-term
liabilities.
79
Contractual Commitments
USEC had contractual commitments at December 31, 2008, estimated as follows (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010- |
|
|
2012- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2011 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
Thereafter |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financing (1): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Debt |
|
$ |
95.7 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
575.0 |
|
|
$ |
670.7 |
|
Interest on debt |
|
|
20.5 |
|
|
|
34.5 |
|
|
|
34.5 |
|
|
|
17.3 |
|
|
|
106.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
116.2 |
|
|
|
34.5 |
|
|
|
34.5 |
|
|
|
592.3 |
|
|
|
777.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase Commitments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
United States Enrichment Corporation (2) |
|
|
1,163.0 |
|
|
|
2,331.2 |
|
|
|
1,651.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,145.9 |
|
American Centrifuge (3) |
|
|
102.2 |
|
|
|
73.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
175.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,265.2 |
|
|
|
2,404.8 |
|
|
|
1,651.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,321.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expected payments on operating leases |
|
|
6.7 |
|
|
|
11.1 |
|
|
|
6.8 |
|
|
|
29.2 |
|
|
|
53.8 |
|
Other long-term liabilities (4) |
|
|
29.5 |
|
|
|
54.7 |
|
|
|
81.1 |
|
|
|
436.2 |
|
|
|
601.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,417.6 |
|
|
$ |
2,505.1 |
|
|
$ |
1,774.1 |
|
|
$ |
1,057.7 |
|
|
$ |
6,754.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
We paid the 6.750% senior notes balance of $95.7 million on the scheduled maturity
date of January 20, 2009. The 3.0% convertible senior notes amounting to $575 million are
due October 1, 2014, assuming no conversion to shares of common stock. |
|
(2) |
|
Purchase commitments of subsidiary United States Enrichment Corporation include a
commitment to purchase SWU under the Russian Contract of approximately $3.4 billion and a
commitment to purchase power under the TVA contract of approximately $1.7 billion. |
|
|
|
Currently, prices under the Russian Contract are determined using a discount from an index
of international and U.S. price points, including both long-term and spot prices.
Beginning in 2010, subject to receipt of necessary governmental approvals, prices will be
determined under a formula that combines a different mix of price points and other pricing
elements. Under either formula, a multi-year retrospective view of market-based price
points in the index is used to minimize the disruptive effect of any short-term swings in
these price points. Actual amounts will vary based on changes in the price points and
other pricing elements. |
|
|
|
Capacity under the TVA power purchase agreement is fixed. Prices are subject to monthly
fuel cost adjustments to reflect changes in TVAs fuel costs, purchased power costs, and
related costs. |
|
(3) |
|
Supply agreements for the purchase of materials, goods and services for the
manufacture of centrifuge machines to be used in the American Centrifuge Plant. Prices
for minimum purchase commitments above are subject to adjustment for inflation.
Contractual provisions for termination payments total $26.7 million for these agreements. |
|
(4) |
|
Other long-term liabilities reported on the balance sheet include pension benefit
obligations and postretirement health and life benefit obligations amounting to $391.2
million, accrued depleted uranium disposition costs of $119.5 million, the long-term
portion of accrued lease turnover costs of $54.9 million and the liability for
unrecognized tax benefits of $3.8 million. |
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
In December 2006, DOE signed an agreement with us licensing U.S. gas centrifuge technology to
USEC for use in building new domestic uranium enrichment capacity. We will pay royalties to the
U.S. government on annual revenues from sales of LEU produced in the American Centrifuge Plant. The
royalty ranges from 1% to 2% of annual gross revenue from these sales. Payments are capped at $100
million over the life of the technology license. Other than the letters of credit issued under the
credit facility, the surety bonds and certain contractual commitments discussed above, there were
no material off-balance sheet arrangements, obligations, or other relationships at December 31,
2008 or 2007.
80
Environmental Matters
In addition to estimated costs for the future disposition of depleted uranium, we incur costs
for matters relating to compliance with environmental laws and regulations, including the handling,
treatment and disposal of hazardous, low-level radioactive and mixed wastes generated as a result
of our operations. Environmental liabilities associated with GDP operations prior to July 28, 1998,
are the responsibility of the U.S. government, except for liabilities relating to certain
identified wastes generated by us and stored at the GDPs. DOE remains responsible for
decontamination and decommissioning of the GDPs. Operating costs for environmental compliance,
including estimated costs relating to the future disposition of depleted uranium, amounted to $39.9
million in 2008, $44.9 million in 2007, and $32.2 million in 2006.
Under a cleanup agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), we removed certain
material from a site in South Carolina previously operated by Starmet CMI, one of our former
contractors, that was attributable to quantities of depleted uranium we had sent there under a 1998
contract. In June 2007, we were contacted by the EPA concerning costs incurred by the EPA for
additional cleanup at the Starmet site. In January 2009, pursuant to the terms of a September 2008
settlement agreement, we paid the EPA $1.0 million for the share of additional cleanup costs
allocated to us in resolution of this matter. At this time, the EPA has completed its actions at
the site, and we are not aware of any further claims associated with the site.
New Accounting Standards Not Yet Implemented
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. This statement clarifies
the definition of fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value when required or
permitted under other accounting pronouncements, and expands the disclosures on fair value
measurements. The implementation of SFAS No. 157 for financial assets and liabilities, effective
January 1, 2008, did not have an impact on USECs financial position and results of operations.
SFAS No. 157 is effective beginning with USECs first quarter of 2009 for non-financial assets
and liabilities. USEC does not expect that the adoption of the statement will have a material
effect on its financial position or results of operations for the first quarter of 2009.
81
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
At December 31, 2008, the balance sheet carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents,
accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and payables under the Russian
Contract approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of the instruments.
We have not entered into financial instruments for trading purposes. At December 31, 2008, the
fair value of USECs term debt, based on the most recent trading price, and related balance sheet
carrying amounts follow (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance Sheet |
|
|
Fair |
|
|
|
Carrying Amount |
|
|
Value |
|
Debt: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.75% senior notes due January 20, 2009 |
|
$ |
95.7 |
|
|
$ |
94.9 |
|
3.0% convertible senior notes due October 1, 2014 |
|
|
575.0 |
|
|
|
207.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
670.7 |
|
|
$ |
301.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reference is made to additional information reported in managements discussion and analysis
of financial condition and results of operations included herein for quantitative and qualitative
disclosures relating to:
|
|
|
commodity price risk for electric power requirements for the Paducah GDP (refer to
Overview Cost of Sales and Results of Operations Cost of Sales), |
|
|
|
|
commodity price risk for raw materials needed for construction of the American
Centrifuge Plant, that could affect the overall cost of the project (refer to Item 1A.
Risk Factors The cost of the American Centrifuge project will likely exceed the baseline
project budget and increased costs and cost uncertainty could adversely affect our ability
to finance and deploy the American Centrifuge Plant), and |
|
|
|
|
interest rate risk relating to any outstanding borrowings at variable interest rates
under the $400.0 million revolving credit agreement (refer to Liquidity and Capital
Resources Capital Structure and Financial Resources). |
Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Our consolidated financial statements, together with related notes and the report of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, are set forth on the
pages indicated in Part IV, Item 15.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
USEC maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information
required to be disclosed by USEC in reports it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely basis and that such information
is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief
Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
82
As of the end of the period covered by this report, USEC carried out an evaluation, under the
supervision and with the participation of the Companys management, including the Chief Executive
Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of
disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based upon, and as of the
date of, this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded
that disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Managements Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
USECs management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control
over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended) and for an assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over
financial reporting. USECs internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to
provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation
of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles.
A companys internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures
that pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly
reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; provide reasonable
assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of
the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of
the company; and provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of
unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the companys assets that could have a material
effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent
or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are
subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that
the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management assessed the effectiveness of USECs internal control over financial reporting as
of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this
evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective
at a reasonable assurance level as of December 31, 2008.
The effectiveness of USECs internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008
has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm,
as stated in their report which appears herein.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have not been any changes in internal control over financial reporting during the
quarter ended December 31, 2008 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to
materially affect, USECs internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
83
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Certain information regarding executive officers is included in Part I of this annual report.
Additional information concerning directors, executive officers and corporate governance is
incorporated herein by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to
Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the annual meeting of shareholders
scheduled to be held on April 30, 2009.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Information concerning management compensation is incorporated herein by reference to the
definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 for the annual meeting of shareholders scheduled to be held on April 30, 2009.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder
Matters
Information concerning security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management and
related stockholder matters is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement
to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the annual
meeting of shareholders scheduled to be held on April 30, 2009.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Information concerning certain relationships and related transactions and director
independence is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed
pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the annual meeting of
shareholders scheduled to be held on April 30, 2009.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Information concerning principal accountant fees and services is incorporated herein by
reference to the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the annual meeting of shareholders scheduled to be held on
April 30, 2009.
84
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) (1) Consolidated Financial Statements
Reference is made to the consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this
annual report.
(2) Financial Statement Schedules
No financial statement schedules are required to be filed as part of this annual report.
(3) Exhibits
The exhibits listed on the accompanying Exhibit Index are filed or incorporated by reference
as part of this report and such Exhibit Index is incorporated herein by reference. The
accompanying Exhibit Index identifies each management contract or compensatory plan or
arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this report, and such listing is
incorporated herein by reference.
85
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
USEC Inc.
|
|
February 26, 2009 |
/s/ John K. Welch
|
|
|
John K. Welch |
|
|
President and Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been
signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date
indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
Signature |
|
Title |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ John K. Welch
|
|
President and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
February 26, 2009 |
|
|
(Principal Executive Officer) and Director |
|
|
John K. Welch |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ John C. Barpoulis
|
|
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
|
|
February 26, 2009 |
|
|
Officer (Principal Financial Officer) |
|
|
John C. Barpoulis |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ J. Tracy Mey
|
|
Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
|
|
February 26, 2009 |
|
|
(Principal Accounting Officer) |
|
|
J. Tracy Mey |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ James R. Mellor
|
|
Chairman of the Board
|
|
February 26, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
James R. Mellor |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Michael H. Armacost
|
|
Director
|
|
February 26, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
Michael H. Armacost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Joyce F. Brown
|
|
Director
|
|
February 26, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
Joyce F. Brown |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Joseph T. Doyle
|
|
Director
|
|
February 26, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
Joseph T. Doyle |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ H. William Habermeyer
|
|
Director
|
|
February 26, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
H. William Habermeyer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ John R. Hall
|
|
Director
|
|
February 26, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
John R. Hall |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ William J. Madia
|
|
Director
|
|
February 26, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
William J. Madia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ W. Henson Moore
|
|
Director
|
|
February 26, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
W. Henson Moore |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Joseph F. Paquette, Jr.
|
|
Director
|
|
February 26, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
Joseph F. Paquette, Jr. |
|
|
|
|
86
USEC Inc.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page |
|
|
|
|
88 |
|
|
|
|
89 |
|
|
|
|
90 |
|
|
|
|
91 |
|
|
|
|
92 |
|
|
|
|
93 -- 125 |
|
87
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To Board of Directors and Stockholders of USEC Inc.:
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated
statements of income, consolidated statements of cash flows, and consolidated statements of
stockholders equity present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of USEC Inc.
and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of their operations and their
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008 in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the
Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting
as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The
Companys management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective
internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal
control over financial reporting, included in Managements Annual Report on Internal Control Over
Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these
financial statements and on the Companys internal control over financial reporting based on our
integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the
audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all
material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included
obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a
material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of
internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other
procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinions.
As discussed in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the
manner in which it accounts for defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans as of
December 31, 2006.
As discussed in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in
which it accounts for income taxes as of January 1, 2007.
A companys internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable
assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial
statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A
companys internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i)
pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the
transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that
transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company
are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company;
and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized
acquisition, use, or disposition of the companys assets that could have a material effect on the
financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or
detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are
subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that
the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
McLean, Virginia
February 24, 2009
88
USEC Inc.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(millions, except share and per share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
248.5 |
|
|
$ |
886.1 |
|
Accounts receivable |
|
|
154.1 |
|
|
|
252.9 |
|
Inventories: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Separative work units |
|
|
813.0 |
|
|
|
677.3 |
|
Uranium |
|
|
402.1 |
|
|
|
465.9 |
|
Materials and supplies |
|
|
16.8 |
|
|
|
10.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Inventories |
|
|
1,231.9 |
|
|
|
1,153.4 |
|
Deferred income taxes |
|
|
67.9 |
|
|
|
49.5 |
|
Other current assets |
|
|
188.3 |
|
|
|
88.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Current Assets |
|
|
1,890.7 |
|
|
|
2,430.6 |
|
Property, Plant and Equipment, net |
|
|
736.1 |
|
|
|
292.2 |
|
Other Long-Term Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred income taxes |
|
|
273.3 |
|
|
|
180.1 |
|
Deposit for surety bonds |
|
|
135.1 |
|
|
|
97.0 |
|
Pension asset |
|
|
|
|
|
|
67.1 |
|
Bond financing costs, net |
|
|
12.0 |
|
|
|
13.8 |
|
Goodwill |
|
|
6.8 |
|
|
|
6.8 |
|
Other long-term assets |
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Other Long-Term Assets |
|
|
428.5 |
|
|
|
365.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets |
|
$ |
3,055.3 |
|
|
$ |
3,087.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current portion of long-term debt |
|
$ |
95.7 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
|
|
172.3 |
|
|
|
162.2 |
|
Payables under Russian Contract |
|
|
121.5 |
|
|
|
112.2 |
|
Inventories owed to customers and suppliers |
|
|
130.2 |
|
|
|
322.3 |
|
Deferred revenue and advances from customers |
|
|
196.7 |
|
|
|
119.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Current Liabilities |
|
|
716.4 |
|
|
|
715.8 |
|
Long-Term Debt |
|
|
575.0 |
|
|
|
725.0 |
|
Other Long-Term Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depleted uranium disposition |
|
|
119.5 |
|
|
|
98.3 |
|
Postretirement health and life benefit obligations |
|
|
168.1 |
|
|
|
130.6 |
|
Pension benefit liabilities |
|
|
223.1 |
|
|
|
23.0 |
|
Other liabilities |
|
|
90.8 |
|
|
|
85.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Other Long-Term Liabilities |
|
|
601.5 |
|
|
|
337.5 |
|
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 16) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share, 25,000,000 shares
authorized, none issued |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock, par value $.10 per share, 250,000,000 shares
authorized, 123,320,000 shares issued |
|
|
12.3 |
|
|
|
12.3 |
|
Excess of capital over par value |
|
|
1,184.2 |
|
|
|
1,186.2 |
|
Retained earnings |
|
|
263.9 |
|
|
|
215.2 |
|
Treasury stock, 11,564,000 and 12,741,000 shares |
|
|
(84.1 |
) |
|
|
(92.9 |
) |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax |
|
|
(213.9 |
) |
|
|
(11.3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Stockholders Equity |
|
|
1,162.4 |
|
|
|
1,309.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities and Stockholders Equity |
|
$ |
3,055.3 |
|
|
$ |
3,087.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
89
USEC Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(millions, except per share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Separative work units |
|
$ |
1,175.5 |
|
|
$ |
1,570.5 |
|
|
$ |
1,337.4 |
|
Uranium |
|
|
217.1 |
|
|
|
163.5 |
|
|
|
316.7 |
|
U.S. government contracts and other
|
|
|
222.0 |
|
|
|
194.0 |
|
|
|
194.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenue |
|
|
1,614.6 |
|
|
|
1,928.0 |
|
|
|
1,848.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of sales: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Separative work units and uranium |
|
|
1,202.2 |
|
|
|
1,473.6 |
|
|
|
1,349.2 |
|
U.S. government contracts and other |
|
|
183.6 |
|
|
|
166.9 |
|
|
|
162.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cost of sales |
|
|
1,385.8 |
|
|
|
1,640.5 |
|
|
|
1,511.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
228.8 |
|
|
|
287.5 |
|
|
|
336.9 |
|
Special charges |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.9 |
|
Advanced technology costs |
|
|
110.2 |
|
|
|
127.3 |
|
|
|
105.5 |
|
Selling, general and administrative |
|
|
54.3 |
|
|
|
45.3 |
|
|
|
48.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income |
|
|
64.3 |
|
|
|
114.9 |
|
|
|
178.7 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
17.3 |
|
|
|
16.9 |
|
|
|
14.5 |
|
Interest (income) |
|
|
(24.7 |
) |
|
|
(33.8 |
) |
|
|
(6.2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes |
|
|
71.7 |
|
|
|
131.8 |
|
|
|
170.4 |
|
Provision for income taxes |
|
|
23.0 |
|
|
|
35.2 |
|
|
|
64.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
48.7 |
|
|
$ |
96.6 |
|
|
$ |
106.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income per share basic |
|
$ |
.44 |
|
|
$ |
1.04 |
|
|
$ |
1.22 |
|
Net income per share diluted |
|
$ |
.35 |
|
|
$ |
.94 |
|
|
$ |
1.22 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of shares outstanding: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
110.6 |
|
|
|
93.0 |
|
|
|
86.6 |
|
Diluted |
|
|
158.7 |
|
|
|
105.8 |
|
|
|
86.8 |
|
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
90
USEC Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Cash Flows From Operating Activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
48.7 |
|
|
$ |
96.6 |
|
|
$ |
106.2 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
34.2 |
|
|
|
39.5 |
|
|
|
36.7 |
|
Deferred income taxes |
|
|
3.1 |
|
|
|
(40.6 |
) |
|
|
(13.4 |
) |
Impairment of intangible asset |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.6 |
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable (increase) decrease |
|
|
98.8 |
|
|
|
(37.0 |
) |
|
|
40.8 |
|
Inventories net (increase) decrease |
|
|
(270.6 |
) |
|
|
36.2 |
|
|
|
176.1 |
|
Payables under Russian Contract increase (decrease) |
|
|
9.3 |
|
|
|
6.9 |
|
|
|
(6.3 |
) |
Deferred revenue, net of deferred costs increase (decrease) |
|
|
24.5 |
|
|
|
5.1 |
|
|
|
(3.7 |
) |
Accrued depleted uranium disposition |
|
|
21.2 |
|
|
|
26.8 |
|
|
|
24.5 |
|
Accounts payable and other liabilities (decrease) |
|
|
(31.2 |
) |
|
|
(25.1 |
) |
|
|
(82.1 |
) |
Other, net |
|
|
(42.9 |
) |
|
|
0.8 |
|
|
|
(3.3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities |
|
|
(104.9 |
) |
|
|
109.2 |
|
|
|
278.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures |
|
|
(441.9 |
) |
|
|
(137.2 |
) |
|
|
(44.8 |
) |
Deposits for surety bonds |
|
|
(35.3 |
) |
|
|
(33.2 |
) |
|
|
(34.8 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Cash (Used in) Investing Activities |
|
|
(477.2 |
) |
|
|
(170.4 |
) |
|
|
(79.6 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowings under credit facility |
|
|
48.3 |
|
|
|
75.1 |
|
|
|
133.8 |
|
Repayments under credit facility |
|
|
(48.3 |
) |
|
|
(75.1 |
) |
|
|
(133.8 |
) |
Repayment and repurchases of senior notes, including premiums |
|
|
(54.3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(288.8 |
) |
Tax benefit related to stock-based compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.9 |
|
|
|
0.4 |
|
Proceeds from issuance of convertible senior notes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
575.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
Payments made for deferred financing costs |
|
|
(1.3 |
) |
|
|
(14.3 |
) |
|
|
(0.3 |
) |
Common stock issued, net of issuance costs |
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
214.3 |
|
|
|
2.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities |
|
|
(55.5 |
) |
|
|
775.9 |
|
|
|
(286.2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Increase (Decrease) |
|
|
(637.6 |
) |
|
|
714.7 |
|
|
|
(87.7 |
) |
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period |
|
|
886.1 |
|
|
|
171.4 |
|
|
|
259.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period |
|
$ |
248.5 |
|
|
$ |
886.1 |
|
|
$ |
171.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental Cash Flow Information |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest paid, net of capitalized interest |
|
$ |
15.9 |
|
|
$ |
6.9 |
|
|
$ |
19.3 |
|
Income taxes paid |
|
|
50.0 |
|
|
|
101.9 |
|
|
|
107.3 |
|
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
91
USEC Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
(millions, except per share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock, |
|
|
Excess of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Par Value |
|
|
Capital |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred |
|
|
Compre- |
|
|
Total |
|
|
Compre- |
|
|
|
$.10 per |
|
|
over |
|
|
Retained |
|
|
Treasury |
|
|
Comp- |
|
|
hensive |
|
|
Stockholders' |
|
|
hensive |
|
|
|
Share |
|
|
Par Value |
|
|
Earnings |
|
|
Stock |
|
|
ensation |
|
|
Income (Loss) |
|
|
Equity |
|
|
Income (Loss) |
|
Balance at December 31, 2005 |
|
|
10.0 |
|
|
|
970.6 |
|
|
|
31.3 |
|
|
|
(99.5 |
) |
|
|
(2.7 |
) |
|
|
(2.1 |
) |
|
|
907.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock issued: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from exercise of stock options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted and other stock issued,
net of amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eliminate deferred compensation
under SFAS No. 123(R) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2.7 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reduction in minimum pension liability,
net of income tax of $0.5 million |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.1 |
|
|
|
1.1 |
|
|
|
1.1 |
|
Recognition of funding status of
retirement plans under SFAS No. 158, net
of income tax benefit of $26.9 million |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(35.6 |
) |
|
|
(35.6 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
106.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
106.2 |
|
|
|
106.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2006 |
|
|
10.0 |
|
|
|
970.6 |
|
|
|
137.5 |
|
|
|
(95.5 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(36.6 |
) |
|
|
986.0 |
|
|
$ |
107.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Implementation of FIN 48, net of income
tax
benefit of $7.5 million (Note 12) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(18.9 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(18.9 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Common stock issued: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from issuance of common stock |
|
|
2.3 |
|
|
|
211.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
213.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from exercise of stock options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted and other stock issued, net
of amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of actuarial losses and
prior service costs (credits) and
valuation revisions, net of income tax of
$14.8 million |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25.3 |
|
|
|
25.3 |
|
|
|
25.3 |
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
96.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
96.6 |
|
|
|
96.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2007 |
|
|
12.3 |
|
|
|
1,186.2 |
|
|
|
215.2 |
|
|
|
(92.9 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(11.3 |
) |
|
|
1,309.5 |
|
|
$ |
121.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted and other common stock issued,
net of amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2.0 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Valuation revisions and amortization of
actuarial losses and prior service costs
(credits), net of income tax of $114.7
million |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(202.6 |
) |
|
|
(202.6 |
) |
|
|
(202.6 |
) |
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48.7 |
|
|
|
48.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2008 |
|
$ |
12.3 |
|
|
$ |
1,184.2 |
|
|
$ |
263.9 |
|
|
$ |
(84.1 |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
(213.9 |
) |
|
$ |
1,162.4 |
|
|
$ |
(153.9 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
92
USEC Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature of Operations
USEC Inc. (USEC) is a global energy company and is a leading supplier of low enriched
uranium (LEU) for commercial nuclear power plants.
Customers typically provide uranium to us as part of their enrichment contracts. Customers are
billed for the separative work units (SWU) deemed to be contained in the LEU delivered to them.
SWU is a standard unit of measurement that represents the effort required to transform a given
amount of uranium into two streams: enriched uranium having a higher percentage of U235
and depleted uranium having a lower percentage of U235. The SWU contained in
LEU is calculated using an industry standard formula based on the physics of enrichment.
Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of USEC Inc., its principal
subsidiary, United States Enrichment Corporation, and its other subsidiaries including NAC
International Inc. (NAC). All material intercompany transactions are eliminated. Certain amounts
in the notes to the consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the
current presentation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include temporary cash investments with original maturities of three
months or less.
Inventories
Inventories of SWU and uranium are valued at the lower of cost or market. Market is based on
the terms of long-term contracts with customers, and, for uranium not under contract, market is
based primarily on published long-term price indicators at the balance sheet date. SWU and uranium
inventory costs are determined using the monthly moving average cost method.
SWU costs are based on production costs at the plants and purchase costs under the Russian
Contract. Production costs consist principally of electric power, labor and benefits, depleted
uranium disposition cost estimates, materials, depreciation and amortization and maintenance and
repairs. The cost of the SWU component of LEU purchased under the Russian Contract is recorded at
acquisition cost plus related shipping costs.
Underfeeding is a mode of operation that uses or feeds less uranium but requires more SWU in
the enrichment process, which requires more electric power. The quantity of uranium that is earned
or added to uranium inventory from underfeeding is accounted for as a byproduct of the enrichment
process. Production costs are allocated to the uranium earned based on the net realizable value of
the uranium, and the remainder of production costs is allocated to SWU inventory costs.
93
Revenue
Revenue is derived from sales of the SWU component of LEU, from sales of both the SWU and
uranium components of LEU, and from sales of uranium. Revenue is recognized at the time LEU or
uranium is delivered under the terms of contracts with domestic and international electric utility
customers. USEC often advance ships LEU to nuclear fuel fabricators for scheduled or
anticipated orders from utility customers. Based on customer orders, USEC generally arranges for
the transfer of title of LEU from USEC to the customer for the specified quantity of LEU at the
fuel fabricator. Revenue is recognized when delivery of LEU to the customer occurs at the fuel
fabricator. Some customers take title and delivery of LEU at the Paducah plant, and revenue is
recognized when delivery of LEU to the customer is complete.
Certain customers make advance payments to be applied against future orders or deliveries.
Advances from customers are reported as deferred revenue, and revenue is recognized as LEU is
delivered. Under SWU barter contracts, USEC exchanges SWU for uranium. Revenue from the sale of SWU
under barter contracts is recognized at the time LEU is delivered and is based on the fair market
value of the uranium received in exchange for SWU. There was no revenue from SWU barter contracts
in 2008. Revenue from SWU barter contracts was $50.8 million in 2007 and $12.5 million in 2006.
USEC performs contract work primarily for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and DOE
contractors. U.S. government contract revenue includes billings for fees and reimbursements for
allowable costs that are determined in accordance with the terms of the underlying contracts. USEC
records revenue as work is performed and as fees are earned. Revenues determined based on allowable
costs include pension and other allocated costs that are determined in accordance with government
cost accounting standards, whereas costs and expenses reflected in the financial statements are
determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Amounts representing
contract change orders or final billing rates based on incurred costs are accrued and included in
revenue when they can be reliably estimated and realization is probable. The final settlement of
the allowable costs submitted for reimbursement is subject to audit by the Defense Contract Audit
Agency (DCAA) and acceptance by DOE. This process has been completed for fiscal 2002, USECs
first year as a federal contractor under government cost accounting standards. In addition, as of
December 31, 2008, USEC has finalized and submitted to DOE the billable incurred costs for contract
work for the six months ended December 31, 2002 and the years ended December 31, 2003, 2004, 2005,
2006, and 2007. Based on USECs limited experience to date, revenue resulting from final billing
rates is recognized upon completion of the DCAA audit and notice by DOE authorizing final billing.
Advanced Technology Costs
Costs relating to the American Centrifuge technology are charged to expense or capitalized
based on the nature of the activities and estimates and judgments involving the completion of
project milestones. Costs relating to the demonstration of American Centrifuge technology are
charged to expense as incurred. Demonstration costs include Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
licensing of the American Centrifuge Demonstration Facility in Piketon, Ohio, engineering
activities, and assembling and testing of centrifuge machines and equipment at centrifuge test
facilities located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and at the American Centrifuge Demonstration Facility.
Capitalized costs relating to the American Centrifuge technology include NRC licensing of the
American Centrifuge Plant in Piketon, Ohio, engineering activities, construction of centrifuge
machines and equipment, leasehold improvements and other costs directly associated with the
commercial plant. Capitalized centrifuge costs are recorded in property, plant and equipment as
part of construction work in progress. Amounts capitalized include interest of $14.7 million in
2008, $6.3 million in 2007 and $3.1 million in 2006. The continued capitalization of costs is
subject to ongoing review and successful project completion. USECs move during the second half of
2007 from a demonstration phase to a commercial plant phase in which significant expenditures are
capitalized was based on managements judgment that the technology has a high probability of
commercial success and meets internal targets related to physical control, technical achievement
and economic viability. If conditions change and deployment were no longer probable, costs that
were previously
capitalized would be charged to expense.
94
In 2002, USEC and DOE signed an agreement in which both USEC and DOE made long-term
commitments directed at resolving issues related to the stability and security of the domestic
uranium enrichment industry. Discussion of USECs commitments related to American Centrifuge
project milestones under this agreement is provided in note 16.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Construction work in progress is recorded at acquisition or construction cost. Upon being
placed into service, costs are transferred to leasehold improvements or machinery and equipment at
which time depreciation and amortization commences.
USEC leases the Paducah gaseous diffusion plant (GDP) located in Paducah, Kentucky and the
Portsmouth GDP located in Piketon, Ohio from DOE. Leasehold improvements and machinery and
equipment are recorded at acquisition cost and depreciated on a straight line basis over the
shorter of the useful life of the assets or the expected productive life of the plant, which is
2016 for the Paducah GDP commensurate with an extension of the lease agreement exercised in June
2008. Maintenance and repair costs are charged to production costs as incurred.
Lease Turnover Costs and Asset Retirement Obligations
Property, plant and equipment assets related to the GDPs are not subject to an asset
retirement obligation. At the end of the lease, ownership of plant and equipment that USEC leaves
at the GDPs transfers to DOE, and responsibility for decontamination and decommissioning of the
GDPs remains with DOE. USEC estimates and accrues lease turnover costs. For the operating Paducah
GDP, the balance of expected costs is being accrued over the expected productive life of the plant.
Costs of returning the GDPs to DOE in acceptable condition include removing uranium deposits as
required and removing USEC-generated waste. Liabilities for lease turnover costs are based on
current-dollar cost estimates and are not discounted.
USEC also leases facilities in Piketon, Ohio from DOE for the American Centrifuge Plant. USEC
owns all capital improvements and, unless otherwise consented to by DOE, must remove them by the
conclusion of the lease term. At the conclusion of the 36-year lease period in 2043, assuming no
further extensions, USEC is obligated to return these leased facilities to DOE in a condition that
meets NRC requirements and in the same condition as the facilities were in when they were leased to
USEC (other than due to normal wear and tear).
Decontamination and decommissioning requirements for the American Centrifuge Plant create an
asset retirement obligation. As construction of the American Centrifuge Plant takes place, the
present value of the related asset retirement obligation is recognized as a liability. An
equivalent amount is recognized as part of the capitalized asset cost. The liability is accreted,
or increased, over time for the time value of money. The accretion is charged to cost of sales in
the LEU segment. Upon commencement of commercial operations, the asset cost will be depreciated
over the shorter of the asset life or the expected lease period.
During each reporting period, USEC reassesses and revises the estimate of the asset retirement
obligation based on construction progress, cost evaluation of future decommissioning expectations,
and other judgmental considerations which impact the amount recorded in both construction work in
progress and other long-term liabilities.
95
Long-Lived Assets
USEC evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets by performing impairment tests whenever
adverse conditions or changes in circumstances indicate a possible impairment loss. Impairment
tests are based on a comparison of estimated future cash flows to the carrying values of long-lived
assets. If impairment is indicated, the asset carrying value is reduced to fair market value or, if
fair market value is not readily available, the asset is reduced to a value determined by applying
a discount rate to expected cash flows.
Environmental Costs
Environmental costs relating to operations are accrued and charged to inventory costs as
incurred. Estimated environmental costs, including depleted uranium disposition and waste disposal,
are accrued where environmental assessments indicate that storage, treatment or disposal is
probable and costs can be reasonably estimated. USEC stores depleted uranium at the Paducah and
Portsmouth GDPs for future disposition. Changes in the estimated unit disposal cost result in
charges to cost of sales for the accumulated quantity of depleted uranium. Liabilities for waste
and depleted uranium disposition are based on current-dollar cost estimates and are not discounted.
Financial Instruments
The balance sheet carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable,
accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and payables under the Russian Contract approximate fair
value because of the short-term nature of the instruments.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
Credit risk could result from the possibility of a customer failing to perform or pay
according to the terms of a contract. Extension of credit is based on an evaluation of each
customers financial condition. USEC regularly monitors credit risk exposure and takes steps to
mitigate the likelihood of such exposure resulting in a loss.
Stock-Based Compensation
USEC has stock-based compensation plans available to grant restricted stock, restricted stock
units, non-qualified stock options, performance awards and other stock-based awards to key
employees and non-employee directors, as well as an employee stock purchase plan. Stock-based
compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is
recognized over the requisite service period, which is either immediate recognition if the employee
is eligible to retire, or on a straight-line basis until the earlier of either the date of
retirement eligibility or the end of the vesting period.
Deferred Income Taxes
USEC follows the asset and liability approach to account for deferred income taxes. Deferred
tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the anticipated future tax consequences of temporary
differences between the balance sheet carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their
respective tax bases. Deferred income taxes are based on income tax rates in effect for the years
in which temporary differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred income taxes of a
change in income tax rates is recognized in income when the change in rates is enacted in the law.
A valuation allowance is provided if it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred
tax assets may not be realized.
96
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect reported amounts presented and disclosed in the consolidated financial statements.
Significant estimates and judgments include, but are not limited to, pension and postretirement
health and life benefit costs and obligations, costs for the conversion, transportation and
disposition of depleted uranium, accounting treatment for expenditures on American Centrifuge,
plant lease turnover costs, the tax bases of assets and liabilities, the future recoverability of
deferred tax assets, and determination of the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets. Actual
results may differ from such estimates, and estimates may change if the underlying conditions or
assumptions change.
New Accounting Standard
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. This statement clarifies
the definition of fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value when required or
permitted under other accounting pronouncements, and expands the disclosures on fair value
measurements. The implementation of SFAS No. 157 for financial assets and liabilities, effective
January 1, 2008, did not have an impact on USECs financial position and results of operations.
SFAS No. 157 is effective beginning with USECs first quarter of 2009 for non-financial assets
and liabilities. USEC does not expect that the adoption of the statement will have a material
effect on its financial position or results of operations for the first quarter of 2009.
2. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
(millions) |
|
Accounts receivable (1): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Utility customers: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade receivables |
|
$ |
109.2 |
|
|
$ |
160.9 |
|
Unbilled revenue (2) |
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
|
53.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
110.7 |
|
|
|
214.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contract services, primarily Department of Energy (3): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Billed revenue |
|
|
26.6 |
|
|
|
24.9 |
|
Unbilled revenue |
|
|
16.8 |
|
|
|
13.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
43.4 |
|
|
|
38.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
154.1 |
|
|
$ |
252.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other current assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred costs relating to deferred revenue |
|
$ |
111.4 |
|
|
$ |
58.3 |
|
Prepaid items |
|
|
76.9 |
|
|
|
30.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
188.3 |
|
|
$ |
88.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Accounts receivable are net of valuation and allowances for doubtful
accounts totaling $14.5 million at December 31, 2008 and $17.4 million at December
31, 2007. |
|
(2) |
|
Unbilled revenue for utility customers represents price adjustments for
past deliveries that are not yet billable under the applicable contracts. |
|
(3) |
|
Billings for contract services related to DOE are invoiced based on
provisional billing rates approved by DOE. Unbilled revenue represents the
difference between actual costs incurred, prior to DCAA audit and notice by DOE
authorizing final billing, and provisional billing rate invoiced amounts. USEC
expects to invoice and collect the unbilled amounts as billing rates are revised,
submitted to and approved by DOE. |
97
3. PURCHASE OF SEPARATIVE WORK UNITS UNDER RUSSIAN CONTRACT
USEC is the U.S. governments exclusive executive agent (Executive Agent) in connection with
a government-to-government nonproliferation agreement between the United States and the Russian
Federation. Under the agreement, USEC has been designated by the U.S. government to order LEU
derived from dismantled Soviet nuclear weapons. In January 1994, USEC signed a commercial agreement
(Russian Contract) with a Russian government entity known as OAO Techsnabexport (TENEX), to
implement the program.
USEC has agreed to purchase approximately 5.5 million SWU each calendar year for the remaining
term of the Russian Contract through 2013. Over the life of the 20-year Russian Contract, USEC
expects to purchase about 92 million SWU contained in LEU derived from 500 metric tons of highly
enriched uranium, and as of December 31, 2008, USEC had purchased 65 million SWU contained in LEU
derived from 352 metric tons of highly enriched uranium. Purchases under the Russian Contract
approximate one-half of USECs supply mix. Prices are determined using a discount from an index of
international and U.S. price points, including both long-term and spot prices. A multi-year
retrospective view of the index is used to minimize the disruptive effect of any short-term market
price swings. Increases in these price points in recent years have resulted in increases to the
index used to determine prices under the Russian Contract. On February 13, 2009, USEC entered into
an amendment to the Russian Contract to revise the pricing methodology for delivery in calendar
years 2010 through 2013. Approval of both the U.S. government and the government of the Russian
Federation is required for the amendment to become effective. The new pricing methodology is
intended to enhance the stability of future pricing for both parties through a formula that
combines a different mix of price points and other pricing elements.
The Russian Contract provides that the parties may agree on appropriate adjustments, if
necessary, to ensure that TENEX receives at least approximately $7.6 billion for the SWU component
over the 20-year term of the Russian Contract through 2013. From inception of the Russian Contract
in 1994 through December 31, 2008, USEC has purchased the SWU component of LEU at an aggregate cost
of approximately $5.6 billion. Purchases of SWU under the Russian Contract are expected to exceed
$0.5 billion per year through 2013.
4. INVENTORIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
(millions) |
|
Current assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Separative work units |
|
$ |
813.0 |
|
|
$ |
677.3 |
|
Uranium |
|
|
402.1 |
|
|
|
465.9 |
|
Materials and supplies |
|
|
16.8 |
|
|
|
10.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,231.9 |
|
|
|
1,153.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inventories owed to customers and suppliers |
|
|
(130.2 |
) |
|
|
(322.3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inventories, net |
|
$ |
1,101.7 |
|
|
$ |
831.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inventories Owed to Customers and Suppliers
Generally, title to uranium provided by customers as part of their enrichment contracts does
not pass to USEC until delivery of LEU. In limited cases, however, title to the uranium passes to
USEC immediately upon delivery of the uranium by the customer. Uranium provided by customers for
which title passed to USEC is recorded on the balance sheet at estimated fair values of $1.6
million at December 31, 2008 and $2.8 million at December 31, 2007.
98
Additionally, USEC owed SWU and uranium inventories to fabricators with a cost totaling $128.6
million at December 31, 2008 and $319.5 million at December 31, 2007. Fabricators process LEU into
fuel for use in nuclear reactors. Under inventory optimization arrangements between USEC and
domestic fabricators, fabricators order bulk quantities of LEU from USEC based on scheduled or
anticipated orders from utility customers for deliveries in future periods. As delivery obligations
under actual customer orders arise, USEC satisfies these obligations by arranging for the transfer
to the customer of title to the specified quantity of LEU on the fabricators books. Fabricators
have other inventory supplies and, where a fabricator has elected to order less material from USEC
than USEC is required to deliver to its customers at the fabricator, the fabricator will use these
other inventories to satisfy USECs customer order obligations on USECs behalf. In such cases, the
transfer of title of LEU from USEC to the customer results in quantities of SWU and uranium owed by
USEC to the fabricator. The amounts of SWU and uranium owed to fabricators are satisfied as future
bulk deliveries of LEU are made.
Uranium Provided by Customers and Suppliers
USEC held uranium with estimated fair values of approximately $3.8 billion at December 31,
2008, and $5.8 billion at December 31, 2007, to which title was held by customers and suppliers and
for which no assets or liabilities were recorded on the balance sheet. The reduction reflects a 42%
decline in the uranium spot price indicator partially offset by a 12% increase in quantities.
Utility customers provide uranium to USEC as part of their enrichment contracts. Generally, title
to uranium provided by customers remains with the customer until delivery of LEU at which time
title to LEU is transferred to the customer, and title to uranium is transferred to USEC.
5. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
A summary of changes in property, plant and equipment follows (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transfers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transfers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
Capital Expenditures |
|
|
and |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
Capital Expenditures |
|
|
and |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
(Depreciation) |
|
|
Retirements |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
(Depreciation) |
|
|
Retirements |
|
|
2007 |
|
Construction work in progress |
|
$ |
29.0 |
|
|
$ |
53.9 |
|
|
$ |
(11.1 |
) |
|
$ |
71.8 |
|
|
$ |
141.5 |
|
|
$ |
(20.6 |
) |
|
$ |
192.7 |
|
Leasehold improvements |
|
|
161.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.5 |
|
|
|
168.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.8 |
|
|
|
171.8 |
|
Machinery and equipment |
|
|
179.7 |
|
|
|
1.2 |
|
|
|
1.1 |
|
|
|
182.0 |
|
|
|
2.7 |
|
|
|
6.3 |
|
|
|
191.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
370.2 |
|
|
|
55.1 |
|
|
|
(3.5 |
) |
|
|
421.8 |
|
|
|
144.2 |
|
|
|
(10.5 |
) |
|
|
555.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated depreciation and
amortization |
|
|
(199.0 |
) |
|
|
(36.3 |
) |
|
|
3.4 |
|
|
|
(231.9 |
) |
|
|
(37.4 |
) |
|
|
6.0 |
|
|
|
(263.3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
171.2 |
|
|
$ |
18.8 |
|
|
$ |
(0.1 |
) |
|
$ |
189.9 |
|
|
$ |
106.8 |
|
|
$ |
(4.5 |
) |
|
$ |
292.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transfers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
Capital Expenditures |
|
|
and |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
(Depreciation) |
|
|
Retirements |
|
|
2008 |
|
Construction work in progress |
|
$ |
192.7 |
|
|
$ |
472.5 |
|
|
$ |
(47.7 |
) |
|
$ |
617.5 |
|
Leasehold improvements |
|
|
171.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.0 |
|
|
|
176.8 |
|
Machinery and equipment |
|
|
191.0 |
|
|
|
2.1 |
|
|
|
41.2 |
|
|
|
234.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
555.5 |
|
|
|
474.6 |
|
|
|
(1.5 |
) |
|
|
1,028.6 |
|
Accumulated depreciation and
amortization |
|
|
(263.3 |
) |
|
|
(30.7 |
) |
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
|
(292.5 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
292.2 |
|
|
$ |
443.9 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
736.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures include items in accounts payable and accrued liabilities for which cash
is paid in the following period.
99
USEC is working to construct and deploy the American Centrifuge Plant. Construction work in
progress related to the American Centrifuge Plant, none of which has yet been placed in service,
totaled $601.8 million at December 31, 2008 and $181.8 million at December 31, 2007. Capitalized
asset retirement obligations included in construction work in progress totaled $13.0 million at
December 31, 2008 and $4.3 million at December 31, 2007.
6. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES
USEC acquired NAC in 2004, allocating $7.5 million of the purchase cost to goodwill and $3.9
million to intangible assets related to customer contracts and relationships. As part of the
acquisition, a tax-related valuation allowance of $2.3 million was established primarily for state
net operating losses that are available to offset future taxable income of NAC. During 2006, USEC
recognized $0.7 million of tax benefits earned or expected to be earned from the net operating
losses. The offset to these benefits was recorded as a reduction to goodwill. The goodwill amount
is not deductible for income tax purposes.
The amount allocated to intangible assets included $3.4 million related to the management of
the Nuclear Materials Management and Safeguards System (NMMSS) for DOE. This value was based on a
three-year, $25 million contract extension that ran through September 2008, and further renewals
that were anticipated through 2017. In 2006, DOE verbally communicated to NAC that the NMMSS
contract would be set aside for a small business after the contract expired in 2008, and DOE issued
a solicitation seeking qualified small businesses with an interest to bid. A special charge of $2.6
million in 2006 represents an impairment of the intangible asset since NAC was not considered a
qualified small business as defined by DOE. The special charge was calculated after analyzing cash
flow projections and comparing the results to the estimated fair value of the assets acquired at
the date of acquisition. Amortization of the remaining portion of intangible assets relating to
NMMSS was completed in 2008.
Intangible assets related to NACs customer contracts and relationships reflect the special
charge and amortization as follows (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross Carrying |
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount |
|
|
Amortization |
|
|
Net |
|
December 31, 2005 |
|
$ |
3.9 |
|
|
$ |
(0.3 |
) |
|
$ |
3.6 |
|
2006 amortization expense and special charge |
|
|
(2.6 |
) |
|
|
(0.4 |
) |
|
|
(3.0 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2006 |
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
|
(0.7 |
) |
|
|
0.6 |
|
2007 amortization expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.4 |
) |
|
|
(0.4 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2007 |
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
|
(1.1 |
) |
|
|
0.2 |
|
2008 amortization expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.2 |
) |
|
|
(0.2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2008 |
|
$ |
1.3 |
|
|
$ |
(1.3 |
) |
|
$ |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100
7. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
(millions) |
|
Trade payables |
|
$ |
36.6 |
|
|
$ |
47.3 |
|
Compensation and benefits |
|
|
53.3 |
|
|
|
49.5 |
|
Accrued interest payable on long-term debt |
|
|
7.9 |
|
|
|
9.6 |
|
Accrued income taxes payable |
|
|
1.9 |
|
|
|
4.2 |
|
American Centrifuge accrued liabilities |
|
|
48.5 |
|
|
|
15.5 |
|
Other accrued liabilities |
|
|
24.1 |
|
|
|
36.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
172.3 |
|
|
$ |
162.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8. DEFERRED REVENUE AND ADVANCES FROM CUSTOMERS
Deferred revenue and advances from customers were as follows (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Deferred revenue |
|
$ |
196.3 |
|
|
$ |
116.4 |
|
Advances from customers |
|
|
0.4 |
|
|
|
2.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
196.7 |
|
|
$ |
119.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In a number of sales transactions, title to uranium or LEU is transferred to the customer and
USEC receives payment under normal credit terms without physically delivering the uranium or LEU to
the customer. This may occur because the terms of the agreement require USEC to hold the uranium to
which the customer has title, or because the customer encounters brief delays in taking delivery of
LEU at USECs facilities. In such cases, recognition of revenue does not occur at the time title to
uranium or LEU transfers to the customer but instead is deferred until LEU to which the customer
has title is physically delivered. Related costs associated with deferred revenue, reported in
other current assets, totaled $111.4 million at December 31, 2008 and $58.3 million at December 31,
2007.
9. DEBT
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
(millions) |
|
3.0% convertible senior notes, due October 1, 2014 |
|
$ |
575.0 |
|
|
$ |
575.0 |
|
6.75% senior notes, due January 20, 2009 |
|
|
95.7 |
|
|
|
150.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
670.7 |
|
|
$ |
725.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Convertible Senior Notes due 2014
In September 2007, USEC issued $575.0 million in convertible notes. The notes bear interest at
a rate of 3.0% per annum payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year,
beginning on April 1, 2008. As part of this issuance, USEC paid underwriting discounts and accrued
related offering expenses of $14.3 million. These costs are deferred and are being amortized using
the effective interest rate method over the life of the convertible notes. Amortization was $0.5
million in 2007 and $1.8 million in 2008.
The notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank equally with all existing and future
senior unsecured debt of USEC Inc. and senior to all subordinated debt of USEC Inc. The notes are
structurally subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of subsidiaries of USEC Inc. and
will be effectively subordinated to existing and future secured indebtedness of USEC Inc. to the
extent of the value of the collateral.
101
Holders may convert their notes to common stock at their option on any day prior to the close
of business on the scheduled trading day immediately preceding August 1, 2014 only under the
following circumstances: (1) during the five business day period after any five consecutive trading
day period in which the price per note for each trading day of that measurement period was less
than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of USEC Inc. common stock and the
conversion rate on each such day; (2) during any calendar quarter (and only during such quarter),
if the last reported sale price of USEC Inc. common stock for 20 or more trading days in a period
of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar
quarter exceeds 120% of the conversion price in effect on the last trading day of the immediately
preceding calendar quarter; or (3) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events. The notes
will be convertible, regardless of the foregoing circumstances, at any time from, and including,
August 1, 2014 through the scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date of the
notes. The notes were not eligible for conversion as of December 31, 2008.
Upon conversion, for each $1,000 in principal amount outstanding, USEC will deliver a number
of shares of USEC Inc. common stock equal to the conversion rate. The initial conversion rate for
the notes is 83.6400 shares of common stock per $1,000 in principal amount of notes, equivalent to
an initial conversion price of approximately $11.956 per share of common stock. The conversion rate
will be subject to adjustment in some events but will not be adjusted for accrued interest. In
addition, if a make-whole fundamental change (as defined in the indenture governing the notes)
occurs prior to the maturity date of the notes, USEC will in some cases increase the conversion
rate for a holder that elects to convert its notes in connection with such make-whole fundamental
change.
Subject to certain exceptions, holders may require USEC to repurchase for cash all or part of
their notes upon a fundamental change (as defined in the indenture governing the notes) at a price
equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes being repurchased plus any accrued and unpaid
interest up to, but excluding, the relevant repurchase date. USEC may not redeem the notes prior to
maturity.
At December 31, 2008, the fair value of the convertible notes, based on quoted market prices,
was $207.0 million, compared with the balance sheet carrying amount of $575.0 million.
Senior Notes due January 20, 2009
Senior notes bearing interest at 6.75% amounted to $95.7 million in aggregate principal amount
at December 31, 2008 and $150.0 million at December 31, 2007. Interest was paid every six months in
arrears on January 20 and July 20. The remaining balance of the senior notes was paid on the
scheduled maturity date of January 20, 2009. The senior notes were unsecured obligations ranking on
parity with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of USEC Inc. At December 31, 2008,
the fair value of the senior notes calculated based on a credit-adjusted spread over U.S. Treasury
securities with similar maturities was $94.9 million.
Revolving Credit Facility
In August 2005, USEC entered into a five-year, syndicated bank credit facility, providing up
to $400.0 million in revolving credit commitments, including up to $300.0 million in letters of
credit, secured by assets of USEC Inc. and its subsidiaries. There were no short-term borrowings
under the revolving credit facility at December 31, 2008 or at December 31, 2007. In 2008,
aggregate borrowings and repayments amounted to $48.3 million, and the peak amount outstanding was
$37.4 million. Letters of credit issued under the facility amounted to $48.0 million at December
31, 2008 and $38.4 million at December 31, 2007.
102
The revolving credit facility is available to finance working capital needs and fund capital
programs, including the American Centrifuge project. Financing costs of $3.5 million and $0.3
million to obtain and amend the credit facility, respectively, were deferred and are being
amortized over the life of the facility.
Outstanding borrowings under the credit facility bear interest at a variable rate, which at
our election is equal to either:
|
|
|
the sum of (1) the greater of the JPMorgan Chase Bank prime rate and the federal funds
rate plus 1/2 of 1%, plus (2) a margin ranging from .25% to .75% based upon collateral availability,
or |
|
|
|
|
the sum of LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 2.0% to 2.5% based on collateral
availability. |
Borrowings under the credit facility are subject to limitations based on established
percentages of qualifying assets such as eligible accounts receivable and inventory. The credit
facility contains various reserve provisions that reduce available borrowings under the facility
periodically or restrict the use of borrowings if certain requirements are not met, including those
listed below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
Requirement |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
(millions) |
|
Available Credit |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
343.0 |
|
|
$ |
361.6 |
|
Credit facility provisions: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Availability |
|
|
³ $35.0 |
|
|
$ |
342.3 |
|
|
$ |
360.9 |
|
Collateral Availability |
|
|
³ $75.0 |
|
|
$ |
342.3 |
|
|
$ |
393.3 |
|
Available Liquidity |
|
|
³ $125.0 |
|
|
$ |
591.5 |
|
|
$ |
1,247.7 |
|
As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, we met all of the reserve provision requirements by a large
margin. However, we expect to have borrowings under the credit facility in 2009, which will reduce
Availability, Collateral Availability and Available Liquidity.
Available Credit reflects the levels of qualifying assets at the end of the previous month
less any borrowings or letters of credit, and will fluctuate during the year. Qualifying assets are
reduced by certain reserves, principally a reserve for future obligations to DOE with respect to
the turnover of the gaseous diffusion plants at the end of the term of the lease of these
facilities. As a result of the capital USEC raised from the issuance of common stock and
convertible notes in September 2007, qualifying assets are no longer reduced by a $150.0 million
reserve referred to in the agreement as the senior note reserve.
Availability means, the lesser of (i) $400 million and (ii) the sum of eligible receivables
and eligible inventory, subject to caps, less the sum of letters of credit issued, outstanding loan
balances and accrued interest, fees and expenses. Availability equals Available Credit less accrued
interest, fees and expenses.
Collateral Availability means the sum of eligible receivables and eligible inventory,
subject to caps, minus the outstanding loans, letters of credit issued and accrued interest, fees
and expenses.
Available Liquidity means Availability plus cash balances in accounts controlled by the
administrative agent.
103
Additional details regarding these reserve provisions follow.
|
|
|
Requirement |
|
Outcome |
Availability ³ $35
million
|
|
If not met at any time, an event of default is triggered |
|
|
|
Collateral Availability
³ $75 million
|
|
If not met for 7 consecutive days, then fixed charge
ratio required to be 1.00 to 1.00 until the
90th consecutive day Collateral Availability
is restored to $75 million |
|
|
|
Available Liquidity
³ $125 million
|
|
If not met for 7 consecutive days, non-financed capital
expenditures are limited to $50 million until the
90th consecutive day Available Liquidity is
restored to $125 million |
Other reserves under the revolving credit facility, such as availability reserves and
borrowing base reserves, are customary for credit facilities of this type.
The revolving credit facility also includes various customary operating covenants, including
restrictions on the incurrence and prepayment of other indebtedness, granting of liens, sales of
assets, making of investments, maintenance of a minimum amount of inventory, and payment of
dividends or other distributions. Failure to satisfy the covenants would constitute an event of
default under the revolving credit facility. In September 2007, the revolving credit facility was
amended to specifically permit the issuance of the convertible senior notes described above, and
any conversion of the convertible senior notes into common stock.
A failure by USEC to comply with obligations under the revolving credit facility or other
agreements such as the indenture governing USECs outstanding convertible notes and the 2002
DOE-USEC Agreement, or the occurrence of a fundamental change as defined in the indenture
governing USECs outstanding convertible notes or the occurrence of a material adverse effect as
defined in USECs credit facility, could result in an event of default under the credit facility. A
default, if not cured or waived, could permit acceleration of USECs indebtedness.
DOE Loan Guarantee Program
Included in other long-term assets are approximately $1.3 million for deferred financing costs
related to the DOE Loan Guarantee Program, such as loan guarantee application fees paid to DOE and
third-party costs. Deferred financing costs will be amortized over the life of the loan or, if USEC
does not receive a loan, charged to expense.
Other
In January 2006, USEC repaid the remaining balance of its 6.625% senior notes of $288.8
million on the scheduled maturity date.
104
10. PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT HEALTH AND LIFE BENEFITS
There are approximately 7,300 employees and retirees covered by defined benefit pension plans
providing retirement benefits based on compensation and years of service, and approximately 4,000
employees, retirees and dependents covered by postretirement health and life benefit plans. DOE
retained the obligation for postretirement health and life benefits for workers who retired prior
to July 28, 1998. Pursuant to the supplemental executive retirement plans (SERP) and pension
restoration plan, USEC provides executive officers additional retirement benefits in excess of
qualified plan limits imposed by tax law. Non-union employees hired on or after September 1, 2008
do not participate in a defined benefit pension plan.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, requiring the recognition in the balance sheet of the
overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability,
and an offsetting adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a component of
stockholders equity. SFAS No. 158 requires prospective application, and was effective beginning
with USECs financial statements at December 31, 2006. SFAS No. 158 requires balance sheet
recognition of net actuarial losses and prior service costs and benefits (items that are deferred
and recognized as net periodic benefit costs in the statement of income over time). SFAS No. 158
also requires that plan assets and benefit obligations be measured at the year-end balance sheet
date, which is consistent with USECs practice. SFAS No. 158 does not impact the measurement of
plan assets and benefit obligations, or the determination of the amount of net periodic benefit
cost in the statement of income.
During 2008 the defined benefit pension plans moved from overfunded to underfunded status
driven by a decrease in the value of plan assets. The expected return on plan assets is based on
the weighted average of long-term return expectations for the composition of the plans equity and
debt securities. Expected returns for each asset class are based on historical returns and
expectations of future returns. The differences between the actual return on plan assets and
expected return on plan assets are accumulated in Net Actuarial Gains and (Losses). The expected
return on plan assets for the defined benefit pension plans in 2008 was 8%.
105
Changes in the projected benefit obligations and plan assets and the funded status of the
plans follow (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Postretirement Health |
|
|
|
Defined Benefit Pension Plans |
|
|
and Life Benefit Plans |
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in Benefit Obligations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obligations at beginning of year |
|
$ |
737.0 |
|
|
$ |
744.4 |
|
|
$ |
203.6 |
|
|
$ |
202.2 |
|
Actuarial (gains) losses, net |
|
|
20.3 |
|
|
|
(31.7 |
) |
|
|
0.6 |
|
|
|
(5.0 |
) |
Service costs |
|
|
17.4 |
|
|
|
17.9 |
|
|
|
4.4 |
|
|
|
4.1 |
|
Interest costs |
|
|
45.7 |
|
|
|
43.1 |
|
|
|
12.1 |
|
|
|
11.8 |
|
Gross benefits paid |
|
|
(37.6 |
) |
|
|
(36.3 |
) |
|
|
(9.7 |
) |
|
|
(9.7 |
) |
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.4 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less federal subsidy on benefits paid |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obligations at end of year |
|
|
782.8 |
|
|
|
737.0 |
|
|
|
211.2 |
|
|
|
203.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in Plan Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year |
|
|
780.9 |
|
|
|
737.7 |
|
|
|
73.0 |
|
|
|
73.5 |
|
Actual return on plan assets |
|
|
(194.8 |
) |
|
|
70.2 |
|
|
|
(23.8 |
) |
|
|
6.1 |
|
USEC contributions |
|
|
10.3 |
|
|
|
9.8 |
|
|
|
3.6 |
|
|
|
3.1 |
|
Benefits paid |
|
|
(37.6 |
) |
|
|
(36.3 |
) |
|
|
(9.7 |
) |
|
|
(9.7 |
) |
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.5 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets at end of year |
|
|
558.8 |
|
|
|
780.9 |
|
|
|
43.1 |
|
|
|
73.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Funded (Unfunded) status at end of year |
|
|
(224.0 |
) |
|
|
43.9 |
|
|
|
(168.1 |
) |
|
|
(130.6 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts recognized in assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Noncurrent assets |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
67.1 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Current liabilities |
|
|
(0.9 |
) |
|
|
(0.2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Noncurrent liabilities |
|
|
(223.1 |
) |
|
|
(23.0 |
) |
|
|
(168.1 |
) |
|
|
(130.6 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(224.0 |
) |
|
$ |
43.9 |
|
|
$ |
(168.1 |
) |
|
$ |
(130.6 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts recognized in accumulated other
comprehensive income, pre-tax: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net actuarial loss (gain) |
|
$ |
302.0 |
|
|
$ |
26.0 |
|
|
$ |
55.1 |
|
|
$ |
26.2 |
|
Prior service cost (credit) |
|
|
7.5 |
|
|
|
9.2 |
|
|
|
(23.0 |
) |
|
|
(37.4 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
309.5 |
|
|
$ |
35.2 |
|
|
$ |
32.1 |
|
|
$ |
(11.2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assumptions used to determine benefit
obligations at end of year: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Discount rate |
|
|
6.09 |
% |
|
|
6.21 |
% |
|
|
6.00 |
% |
|
|
5.96 |
% |
Compensation increases |
|
|
4.25 |
|
|
|
4.25 |
|
|
|
4.25 |
|
|
|
4.25 |
|
Projected benefit obligations for the defined benefit pension plans and the postretirement
health and life benefit plans were discounted at weighted average rates of 6.09% and 6.00%,
respectively, to determine the present values of the obligations as of December 31, 2008. The
discount rates are the estimated rates at which the benefit obligations could be effectively
settled on the measurement date and are based on yields of high quality fixed income investments
whose cash flows match the timing and amount of expected benefit payments of the plans.
The current portion of underfunded plan liabilities represents the expected benefit payments
for the following year in excess of the fair value of the plan assets at year-end. Therefore, the
current liability reflects projected benefit payments for SERP and the pension restoration plan in
the following year.
106
Projected benefit obligations are based on actuarial assumptions including future increases in
compensation. Accumulated benefit obligations are based on actuarial assumptions but do not include
possible future increases in compensation. The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined
benefit pension plans was $704.5 million at December 31, 2008 and $661.9 million at December 31,
2007. At December 31, 2008, none of USECs plans had fair value of plan assets in excess of
accumulated benefit obligations.
The expected cost of providing pension benefits is accrued over the years employees render
service, and actuarial gains and losses are amortized over the employees average future service
life. For postretirement health and life benefits, actuarial gains and losses and prior service
costs or benefits are amortized over the employees average remaining years of service from age 40
until the date of full benefit eligibility.
USEC began receiving federal subsidy payments in 2006 in connection with a change in Medicare
law affecting corporations that sponsor prescription drug benefits. The Medicare Prescription Drug
Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 provides prescription drug benefits under Medicare
(Medicare Part D) as well as federal subsidy payments to sponsors of plans that provide
prescription drug benefits that are at least actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D. USEC, in
consultation with its actuaries, has determined that the prescription drug provisions of its
postretirement health benefit plan are at least actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D.
The components of net benefit costs for pension and postretirement health and life benefit
plans were as follows (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Postretirement Health |
|
|
|
Defined Benefit Pension Plans |
|
|
and Life Benefit Plans |
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Service costs |
|
$ |
17.4 |
|
|
$ |
17.9 |
|
|
$ |
18.3 |
|
|
$ |
4.4 |
|
|
$ |
4.1 |
|
|
$ |
4.7 |
|
Interest costs |
|
|
45.7 |
|
|
|
43.1 |
|
|
|
40.7 |
|
|
|
12.1 |
|
|
|
11.8 |
|
|
|
11.0 |
|
Expected return on plan assets (gains) |
|
|
(61.4 |
) |
|
|
(58.0 |
) |
|
|
(53.8 |
) |
|
|
(5.2 |
) |
|
|
(5.6 |
) |
|
|
(5.5 |
) |
Amortization of prior service costs (credit) |
|
|
1.7 |
|
|
|
1.8 |
|
|
|
1.7 |
|
|
|
(14.5 |
) |
|
|
(14.5 |
) |
|
|
(14.5 |
) |
Amortization of actuarial (gains) losses, net |
|
|
0.7 |
|
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
|
5.3 |
|
|
|
0.7 |
|
|
|
2.2 |
|
|
|
2.6 |
|
Other special charges |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net benefit costs |
|
$ |
4.1 |
|
|
$ |
6.2 |
|
|
$ |
12.2 |
|
|
$ |
(2.5 |
) |
|
$ |
(2.0 |
) |
|
$ |
(1.7 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assumptions used to determine net benefit costs: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Discount rate |
|
|
6.21 |
% |
|
|
5.75 |
% |
|
|
5.50 |
% |
|
|
5.96 |
% |
|
|
5.75 |
% |
|
|
5.50 |
% |
Expected return on plan assets |
|
|
8.00 |
|
|
|
8.00 |
|
|
|
8.00 |
|
|
|
7.50 |
|
|
|
8.00 |
|
|
|
8.00 |
|
Compensation increases |
|
|
4.25 |
|
|
|
4.00 |
|
|
|
3.75 |
|
|
|
4.25 |
|
|
|
4.00 |
|
|
|
3.75 |
|
The estimated actuarial net loss and prior service cost for the defined benefit pension plans
that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic pension benefit
cost during 2009 are $23.9 million and $1.7 million, respectively. The estimated actuarial net loss
and prior service cost credit for the postretirement health and life plans that will be amortized
from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost during 2009 are $4.2
million and $(14.5) million, respectively.
107
Healthcare cost trend rates used to measure postretirement health benefit obligations follow:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
Healthcare cost trend rate for the following year |
|
|
8.25 |
% |
|
|
9.00 |
% |
Long-term rate that the healthcare cost trend rate
gradually declines to |
|
|
5 |
% |
|
|
5 |
% |
Year that the healthcare cost trend rate is expected to
reach the long-term rate |
|
|
2016 |
|
|
|
2014 |
|
A one-percentage-point change in the assumed healthcare cost trend rates would have an effect
on the postretirement health benefit obligation and costs, as follows (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
One Percentage Point |
|
|
Increase |
|
Decrease |
Postretirement health benefit obligation |
|
$ |
8.6 |
|
|
$ |
(8.3 |
) |
Net benefit costs |
|
$ |
1.0 |
|
|
$ |
(0.9 |
) |
Benefit Plan Assets
Independent investment advisors manage assets in each category to maximize investment returns
within reasonable and prudent levels of risk. Risk is reduced by diversifying plan assets in a
broad mix of asset classes and by following a strategic asset allocation approach. Asset classes
and target weights are adjusted periodically to optimize the long-term portfolio risk/return
tradeoff, to provide liquidity for benefit payments, and to align portfolio risk with the
underlying obligations. In 2008, actual returns for the defined benefit pension plan assets were
significantly below the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets of 8% due to adverse
conditions in the financial markets.
The allocation of plan assets between equity and debt securities and the target allocation
range by asset category follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage of |
|
Target |
|
|
Plan Assets |
|
Allocation |
|
|
December 31, |
|
Range |
|
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2008 |
Defined Benefit Pension Plans: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity securities |
|
|
50 |
% |
|
|
60 |
% |
|
|
40-60 |
% |
Debt securities |
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
40 |
|
|
|
40-60 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Postretirement Health and Life Benefit Plans: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity securities |
|
|
67 |
% |
|
|
65 |
% |
|
|
55-75 |
% |
Debt securities |
|
|
33 |
|
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
25-45 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In order to attempt to reduce the volatility of pension plan assets and also to better align
plan assets with liabilities, the target equity allocation was reduced in 2008 by 10% and the
target fixed income allocation was increased by 10%.
108
Benefit Plan Cash Flows
USEC expects cash contributions to the plans in 2009 will be as follows: $23.6 million for the
defined benefit pension plans and $5.3 million for the postretirement health and life benefit
plans.
Estimated future benefit plan payments and expected subsidies from Medicare follow (in
millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Postretirement |
|
Expected |
|
|
Defined Benefit |
|
Health and Life |
|
Subsidies |
|
|
Pension Plans |
|
Benefit Plans |
|
From Medicare |
2009 |
|
$ |
39.2 |
|
|
$ |
11.4 |
|
|
$ |
0.3 |
|
2010 |
|
|
41.0 |
|
|
|
13.2 |
|
|
|
0.4 |
|
2011 |
|
|
42.6 |
|
|
|
14.9 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
2012 |
|
|
51.2 |
|
|
|
16.3 |
|
|
|
0.7 |
|
2013 |
|
|
46.9 |
|
|
|
17.8 |
|
|
|
0.9 |
|
2014 to 2018 |
|
|
273.1 |
|
|
|
108.7 |
|
|
|
7.4 |
|
Other Plans
USEC sponsors a 401(k) defined contribution plan for employees. Employee contributions are
matched at established rates. Amounts contributed are invested in a range of investment options
available to participants, and the funds are administered by an independent trustee. USECs
matching cash contributions amounted to $7.4 million in 2008, $6.6 million in 2007 and $6.1 million
in 2006. Under the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (and previously under the 401(k)
Restoration Plan), qualified employees contribute and USEC matches contributions in excess of
amounts eligible under the 401(k) plan. USECs matching contributions amounted to $0.1 million in
each of 2008, 2007 and 2006.
109
11. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
USEC has stock-based compensation plans available to grant restricted stock, restricted stock
units, non-qualified stock options, performance awards and other stock-based awards to key
employees and non-employee directors, as well as an employee stock purchase plan. A summary of
stock-based compensation costs follows (in millions).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Total stock-based compensation costs: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted stock and restricted stock units |
|
$ |
5.1 |
|
|
$ |
5.2 |
|
|
$ |
3.5 |
|
Stock options, performance awards and other |
|
|
1.2 |
|
|
|
0.8 |
|
|
|
0.8 |
|
Less: costs capitalized as part of inventory |
|
|
(0.2 |
) |
|
|
(0.3 |
) |
|
|
(0.3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expense included in selling, general
and administrative |
|
$ |
6.1 |
|
|
$ |
5.7 |
|
|
$ |
4.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total after-tax expense |
|
$ |
3.9 |
|
|
$ |
3.6 |
|
|
$ |
2.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2008, there was $4.1 million of unrecognized compensation cost, adjusted
for estimated forfeitures, related to non-vested stock-based payments granted, of which $2.7
million relates to restricted shares and restricted stock units, and $1.4 million relates to stock
options. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years.
Of the 16.9 million shares of common stock approved by stockholders for issuance under USECs
equity incentive plan and employee stock purchase plan, there were 5,404,000 shares available for
future awards under the plan at December 31, 2008 (excluding outstanding awards which terminate or
are cancelled without being exercised or that are settled for cash), including 4,036,000 shares
available for grants of stock options and 1,368,000 shares available for restricted stock or
restricted stock units, performance awards and other stock-based awards, as well as the employee
stock purchase plan. USECs practice is to issue shares under stock-based compensation plans from
treasury stock.
Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock
Under the long-term incentive program established in April 2006, the target award denominated
in shares of USEC stock is determined based on the average closing price of USECs common stock in
the calendar month prior to the beginning of the performance period. The awards are then marked to
market each period, with 80% of the adjustment based on the ending price of USECs common stock.
The remaining 20% is based on a market condition and is valued using a Monte Carlo model.
Compensation cost for these awards is generally recognized over a three-year service period. The
awards can be settled in cash or USEC stock, or can be deferred for future settlement at the
employees discretion. Since there is the potential for cash settlement, the awards are classified
as a liability. Non-employee directors are granted restricted stock units as part of their
compensation for serving on the Board of Directors which can only be settled in USEC stock. The
restricted stock units vest over one or three years.
110
The fair value of restricted stock is determined based on the closing price of USECs common
stock on the grant date. Compensation cost for restricted stock is amortized to expense on a
straight-line basis over the vesting period, which, depending on the grant, is amortized ratably
over a one-, three- or five-year period. Sale of such shares is restricted prior to the date of
vesting. A summary of restricted shares activity for the year ended December 31, 2008 follows
(shares in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-Average |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grant-Date |
|
|
Shares |
|
Fair Value |
Restricted Shares at December 31, 2007 |
|
|
788 |
|
|
$ |
10.82 |
|
Granted |
|
|
820 |
|
|
|
5.84 |
|
Vested |
|
|
(338 |
) |
|
|
11.15 |
|
Forfeited |
|
|
(13 |
) |
|
|
13.09 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted Shares at December 31, 2008 |
|
|
1,257 |
|
|
$ |
7.46 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Options
The intrinsic value of an option, if any, represents the excess of the fair value of the
common stock over the exercise price. The determination of the fair value of stock option awards is
affected by USECs stock price and a number of complex and subjective variables. Fair value is
estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which includes a number of assumptions
including USECs estimates of stock price volatility, employee stock option exercise behaviors,
future dividend payments, and risk-free interest rates.
The expected term of options granted is the estimated period of time from the beginning of the
vesting period to the date of expected exercise or other settlement, based on historical exercises
and post-vesting terminations. Future stock price volatility is estimated based on historical
volatility for the recent period equal to the expected term of the options. The risk-free interest
rate for the expected option term is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time
of grant. No cash dividends are expected in the foreseeable future and therefore an expected
dividend yield of zero is used in the option valuation model. Historical data are used to estimate
pre-vesting option forfeitures at the time of grant. Estimates for option forfeitures are revised
in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Compensation expense is
recognized for stock option awards that are expected to vest.
Assumptions used to value option grants follow:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
Risk-free interest rate |
|
|
1.84-2.62 |
% |
|
|
4.5 |
% |
|
|
4.6 |
% |
Expected dividend yield |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expected volatility |
|
|
50-56 |
% |
|
|
42 |
% |
|
|
41 |
% |
Expected option life |
|
3.5 years |
|
3.5 years |
|
3.5 years |
Weighted-average grant date fair value |
|
$ |
2.23 |
|
|
$ |
4.77 |
|
|
$ |
4.21 |
|
Options granted |
|
|
818,000 |
|
|
|
258,000 |
|
|
|
288,000 |
|
111
Stock options vest or become exercisable in equal annual installments over a one to three year
period and expire 5 or 10 years from the date of grant. A summary of stock option activity follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-Average |
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
Weighted- |
|
Remaining |
|
Aggregate |
|
|
Options |
|
Average |
|
Contractual |
|
Intrinsic Value |
|
|
(thousands) |
|
Exercise Price |
|
Term (years) |
|
(millions) |
Outstanding at December 31, 2007 |
|
|
1,318 |
|
|
|
10.23 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted |
|
|
818 |
|
|
|
5.85 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited or expired |
|
|
(16 |
) |
|
|
12.65 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2008 |
|
|
2,120 |
|
|
$ |
8.52 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercisable at December 31, 2008 |
|
|
1,077 |
|
|
$ |
9.64 |
|
|
|
2.3 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash received from the exercise of stock options was $0.8 million in 2007 and $2.1 million in
2006. The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $1.0 million in 2007 and $1.3 million in
2006. There were no options exercised in 2008.
Stock options outstanding and options exercisable at December 31, 2008, follow (options in
thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Remaining |
|
|
Stock Exercise |
|
Options |
|
Contractual |
|
Options |
Price |
|
Outstanding |
|
Life in Years |
|
Exercisable |
$3.63 to $7.00
|
|
|
1,033 |
|
|
|
0.6 |
|
|
|
216 |
|
7.02 to 7.13
|
|
|
151 |
|
|
|
3.1 |
|
|
|
151 |
|
8.05
|
|
|
104 |
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
104 |
|
8.50
|
|
|
142 |
|
|
|
2.6 |
|
|
|
142 |
|
10.44 to 11.88
|
|
|
103 |
|
|
|
1.7 |
|
|
|
103 |
|
12.09
|
|
|
225 |
|
|
|
2.3 |
|
|
|
149 |
|
12.19 to 14.28
|
|
|
275 |
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
|
|
125 |
|
16.90
|
|
|
87 |
|
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
|
87 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,120 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
|
1,077 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Under the employee stock purchase plan, participating employees may purchase shares of USEC
Inc. common stock at 85% of the market price at the end of the six-month offer period. There is a
minimum holding period of one year. Employees can elect to designate up to 10% of their
compensation to purchase common stock under the plan. USEC is required to recognize the
compensation costs for the discounts provided under the plan effective January 1, 2006. USEC
recognized expense of $0.1 million in each of the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 related to
this plan. Shares purchased by employees amounted to approximately 132,000 in 2008 and
approximately 54,000 in 2007. At December 31, 2008, there were 211,000 remaining shares available
for purchase under the plan.
112
12. INCOME TAXES
Provision
The provision for income taxes from continuing operations is as follows (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Current: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal |
|
$ |
13.7 |
|
|
$ |
68.3 |
|
|
$ |
70.4 |
|
State and local |
|
|
6.2 |
|
|
|
7.5 |
|
|
|
7.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19.9 |
|
|
|
75.8 |
|
|
|
77.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal |
|
|
2.5 |
|
|
|
(41.2 |
) |
|
|
(14.4 |
) |
State and local |
|
|
0.6 |
|
|
|
0.6 |
|
|
|
1.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.1 |
|
|
|
(40.6 |
) |
|
|
(13.4 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
23.0 |
|
|
$ |
35.2 |
|
|
$ |
64.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred Taxes
Future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts for financial
reporting purposes and USECs estimate of the tax bases of its assets and liabilities result in
deferred tax assets and liabilities, as follows (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Deferred tax assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plant lease turnover and other exit costs |
|
$ |
23.2 |
|
|
$ |
23.9 |
|
Employee benefits costs |
|
|
166.5 |
|
|
|
57.4 |
|
Inventory |
|
|
44.8 |
|
|
|
28.7 |
|
Property, plant and equipment |
|
|
47.1 |
|
|
|
66.9 |
|
Tax intangibles |
|
|
3.4 |
|
|
|
4.4 |
|
Deferred costs for depleted uranium |
|
|
46.1 |
|
|
|
38.7 |
|
Net operating loss carryforwards |
|
|
1.6 |
|
|
|
1.9 |
|
Accrued expenses |
|
|
6.1 |
|
|
|
7.3 |
|
Other |
|
|
5.2 |
|
|
|
3.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
344.0 |
|
|
$ |
232.6 |
|
Valuation allowance |
|
|
(1.5 |
) |
|
|
(1.8 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance |
|
|
342.5 |
|
|
|
230.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prepaid expenses |
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
|
1.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
|
1.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
341.2 |
|
|
$ |
229.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The valuation allowances of $1.5 million and $1.8 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007,
respectively, reduce deferred tax assets and are recorded as a result of the acquisition of NAC,
and relate to state net operating losses that are available to offset future taxable income of NAC.
The NAC state net operating losses currently expire through 2023. A valuation allowance is provided
if it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized.
Tax benefits earned or expected to be earned from the net operating losses are recorded as
reductions to goodwill and have been reflected in the balance. The goodwill amount will not be
deductible for income tax purposes. The $0.3 million decrease to the valuation allowance and net
operating loss carryforwards recorded in 2008 did not affect the deferred tax provision and was
attributable to state net operating losses that expired as of December 31, 2008 for which full
valuation allowances were previously
recorded. The deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance, is more likely than not to be
realized in future years based on an assessment of positive and negative available evidence.
113
Effective Tax Rate
A reconciliation of income taxes calculated based on the federal statutory income tax rate of
35% and the effective tax rate follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
Federal statutory tax rate |
|
|
35 |
% |
|
|
35 |
% |
|
|
35 |
% |
State income taxes, net of federal |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
Export tax incentives |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
Research and other tax credits |
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
Manufacturing deduction |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Other nondeductible expenses |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Impact of state rate changes on deferred taxes |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
FIN 48 uncertain tax positions (see below) |
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32 |
% |
|
|
27 |
% |
|
|
38 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FIN 48 Uncertain Tax Positions
In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in
Income Taxes (FIN 48). This interpretation clarifies the accounting for income taxes by
prescribing a minimum recognition threshold that a tax position is required to meet before the
related tax benefit may be recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 also provides guidance on
derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods,
disclosure and transition.
USEC adopted the provisions of FIN 48 effective January 1, 2007. As a result of implementing
FIN 48, USEC recognized a $31.1 million increase in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits.
This increase resulted in a $7.5 million decrease in the January 1, 2007 retained earnings balance
and a $23.6 million increase in the deferred tax assets. Implementation of FIN 48 also resulted in
an additional $11.4 million decrease in the January 1, 2007 retained earnings balance for accrued
interest and penalties. The liability for unrecognized tax benefits was $38.5 million at January 1,
2007, of which $19.5 million would impact the effective tax rate, if recognized.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized benefits is as follows (in
millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Balance at beginning of the year |
|
$ |
10.8 |
|
|
$ |
38.5 |
|
Additions to tax positions of prior years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.6 |
|
Reductions to tax positions of prior years. |
|
|
(7.3 |
) |
|
|
(4.2 |
) |
Additions for tax positions of current year |
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
|
1.1 |
|
Settlements |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12.2 |
) |
Statute expiration |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(18.0 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at end of the year (1) |
|
$ |
3.8 |
|
|
$ |
10.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liability decrease |
|
$ |
7.0 |
|
|
$ |
27.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Amount for unrecognized tax benefits included in other long-term
liabilities. |
114
During 2008, the liability for unrecognized tax benefits decreased $7.0 million, of which $2.9
million decreased the tax provision. The decrease was primarily as a result of the completion of
the 2004 through 2006 IRS examination and the filing of a tax accounting method change.
During 2007, the liability for unrecognized tax benefits decreased $27.7 million, of which
$12.6 million decreased the tax provision. The decrease was primarily a result of the expiration of
the federal statute of limitations for all tax years through 2003, the resolution of an issue with
the IRS, and the completion of the IRS examination.
The $2.9 million and $12.6 million tax provision decrease reduced the effective tax rate by 4%
and 9% for 2008 and 2007, respectively, as shown in the rate reconciliation above. All of the
liability balance at December 31, 2008 of $3.8 million would affect the effective tax rate, if
recognized. USEC believes that the liability for unrecognized tax benefits will not materially
change in the next 12 months.
USEC and its subsidiaries file income tax returns with the U.S. government and various states
and foreign jurisdictions. In the third quarter of 2007, the IRS completed USECs federal income
tax return examination for tax years 1998 through 2003. As of December 31, 2008, the federal
statute of limitations is closed with respect to all tax years through 2003. The IRS commenced an
examination of USECs 2004 through 2006 federal income tax returns during 2007, and the exam was
completed in July 2008. As of December 31, 2008, the applicable Kentucky and Ohio statutes of
limitations for tax years 2004 forward and 2005 forward, respectively, had not yet expired.
USEC recognizes accrued interest as a component of interest expense and accrued penalties as a
component of selling, general and administrative expense in the consolidated statement of income,
which is consistent with the reporting for these items in periods prior to the implementation of
FIN 48. After implementation of FIN 48, USECs balance of accrued interest and penalties was $19.5
million at January 1, 2007. Expenses for accrued interest and penalties totaled $0.5 million during
2008 and $3.3 million during 2007. During 2008, $1.5 million of previously accrued interest and
penalties were reversed primarily as a result of the completion of the IRS exams for 2004 through
2006 and the filing of a tax accounting method change. During 2007, $16.4 million of previously
accrued interest and penalties were reversed as a result of the expiration of the federal statute
of limitations and the completion of the IRS examination for all tax years through 2003. The
reversal of previously accrued interest was recorded as interest income and the reversal of the
previously accrued penalties was recorded as a reduction to selling, general and administrative
expense in the consolidated statement of income. As a result of settling the IRS examinations
through 2003, USEC made an interest payment to the IRS of $3.5 million in September 2007 and
interest payments totaling $1.0 million to various states in December 2007. Accrued interest and
penalties as of December 31, 2008 totaled $0.9 million and as of December 31, 2007 totaled $1.9
million.
115
13. STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
Common Stock
Changes in the number of shares of common stock outstanding follow (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
Treasury |
|
Shares |
|
|
Issued |
|
Stock |
|
Outstanding |
Balance at December 31, 2005 |
|
|
100,320 |
|
|
|
(13,749 |
) |
|
|
86,571 |
|
Common stock issued |
|
|
|
|
|
|
571 |
|
|
|
571 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2006 |
|
|
100,320 |
|
|
|
(13,178 |
) |
|
|
87,142 |
|
Common stock issued |
|
|
23,000 |
|
|
|
437 |
|
|
|
23,437 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2007 |
|
|
123,320 |
|
|
|
(12,741 |
) |
|
|
110,579 |
|
Common stock issued |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,177 |
|
|
|
1,177 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2008 |
|
|
123,320 |
|
|
|
(11,564 |
) |
|
|
111,756 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In September 2007, USEC issued 23 million shares of common stock raising net proceeds of
approximately $214 million after underwriter commissions and offering expenses.
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights
In April 2001, the Board of Directors approved a shareholder rights plan, under which
shareholders of record on May 9, 2001 received rights that initially trade together with USEC
common stock and are not exercisable. In the absence of further action by the Board, the rights
generally would become exercisable and allow the holder to acquire USEC common stock at a
discounted price if a person or group acquires 15% or more of the outstanding shares of USEC common
stock or commences a tender or exchange offer to acquire 15% or more of the common stock of USEC.
However, any rights held by the acquirer would not be exercisable. The Board of Directors may
direct USEC to redeem the rights at $.01 per right at any time before the tenth day following the
acquisition of 15% or more of USEC common stock by a person or group.
116
14. NET INCOME PER SHARE
Basic net income per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number
of shares of common stock outstanding during the period, excluding any unvested restricted stock.
In calculating diluted net income per share, the numerator is increased by interest expense on
the convertible notes, net of tax, and the denominator is increased by the weighted average number
of shares resulting from potentially dilutive stock compensation awards and the convertible notes,
assuming full conversion. Conversion of the convertible notes is not assumed if the effect is
antidilutive. Convertible debt is antidilutive if foregone interest on the notes (net of tax and
nondiscretionary adjustments) per common share obtainable upon full conversion exceeds basic net
income per share.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
|
Numerator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
48.7 |
|
|
$ |
96.6 |
|
|
$ |
106.2 |
|
Interest expense on convertible notes net of tax |
|
|
6.5 |
|
|
|
2.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income if-converted |
|
$ |
55.2 |
|
|
$ |
99.5 |
|
|
$ |
106.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denominator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average common shares |
|
|
111.4 |
|
|
|
93.4 |
|
|
|
86.9 |
|
Less: Weighted average unvested restricted stock |
|
|
0.8 |
|
|
|
0.4 |
|
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denominator for basic calculation |
|
|
110.6 |
|
|
|
93.0 |
|
|
|
86.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average effect of dilutive securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Convertible notes |
|
|
48.1 |
|
|
|
12.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
Stock compensation awards |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denominator for diluted calculation |
|
|
158.7 |
|
|
|
105.8 |
|
|
|
86.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income per share basic |
|
$ |
.44 |
|
|
$ |
1.04 |
|
|
$ |
1.22 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income per share diluted |
|
$ |
.35 |
|
|
$ |
.94 |
|
|
$ |
1.22 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options to purchase shares of common stock having an exercise price greater than the average
share market price are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share (options in
millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
Options excluded from diluted earnings per share |
|
|
2.0 |
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
0.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise price of excluded options |
|
$ |
5.86 to $16.90 |
|
|
$ |
16.90 |
|
|
$ |
11.88 to $16.90 |
|
117
15. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
Environmental compliance costs include the handling, treatment and disposal of hazardous
substances and wastes. Pursuant to the USEC Privatization Act, environmental liabilities associated
with the Paducah and Portsmouth GDPs prior to July 28, 1998 are the responsibility of the U.S.
government, except for liabilities relating to certain identified wastes generated by USEC and
stored at the GDPs.
Depleted Uranium
USEC stores depleted uranium at the Paducah and Portsmouth GDPs and accrues estimated costs
for its future disposition. USEC anticipates that it will send most or all of its depleted uranium
to DOE for disposition unless a more economic disposal option becomes available. DOE is
constructing facilities at the Paducah and Portsmouth GDPs to process large quantities of depleted
uranium owned by DOE. Under federal law, DOE would also process USECs depleted uranium if provided
to DOE. If we were to dispose of our uranium this way, USEC would be required to reimburse DOE for
the related disposition costs of our depleted uranium, including a pro rata share of DOEs capital
costs. Processing DOEs depleted uranium is expected to take about 25 years. The timing of the
disposal of USECs depleted uranium has not been determined. The long-term liability for depleted
uranium disposition is dependent upon the volume of depleted uranium generated and estimated
processing, transportation and disposal costs. USECs estimate of the unit disposal cost is based
primarily on estimated cost data obtained from DOE without consideration given to contingencies or
reserves. USECs estimate is periodically reviewed as additional information becomes available.
USECs estimate of the unit disposition cost for accrual purposes is approximately 35% less than
the unit disposition cost for financial assurance purposes, which includes contingencies and other
potential costs as required by the NRC.
Compliance with NRC regulations requires that USEC provide financial assurance regarding the
cost of the eventual disposition of USECs depleted uranium and stored wastes. The financial
assurance requirement is based on our year-end liability plus expected volume increases over the
coming year, including NRC required contingencies, totaling to an annual projected required amount.
At December 31, 2008, the financial assurance requirements in place for 2009, principally the
amount associated with disposition of depleted uranium, total $232.0 million and are covered by a
combination of $204.5 million under surety bonds and a $27.5 million letter of credit.
USECs estimated cost and accrued liability for depleted uranium disposition, as well as
related financial assurance USEC provides, are subject to change as additional information becomes
available.
Stored Wastes
USECs operations generate hazardous, low-level radioactive and mixed wastes. The storage,
treatment, and disposal of wastes are regulated by federal and state laws. USEC utilizes offsite
treatment and disposal facilities and stores wastes at the Paducah and Portsmouth GDPs pursuant to
permits, orders and agreements with DOE and various state agencies. Liabilities accrued for the
treatment and disposal of stored wastes generated by USECs operations amounted to $6.0 million at
December 31, 2008 and $4.7 million at December 31, 2007.
GDP Lease Turnover
At the conclusion of the GDP lease with DOE, USEC may leave the property in an as is
condition, but must remove all wastes generated by USEC, which are subject to off-site disposal,
and must place the GDPs in a safe shutdown condition. Accrued liabilities for lease turnover costs
amounted to $55.4 million at December 31, 2008 and $56.9 million at December 31, 2007.
118
American Centrifuge Decontamination and Decommissioning
Financial Assurance
USEC leases facilities in Piketon, Ohio from DOE for the American Centrifuge Plant. At the
conclusion of the 36-year lease period in 2043, assuming no further extensions, USEC is obligated
to return these leased facilities to DOE in a condition that meets NRC requirements and in the same
condition as the facilities were in when they were leased to USEC (other than due to normal wear
and tear). USEC owns all capital improvements at the American Centrifuge Plant and, unless
otherwise consented to by DOE, must remove them by the conclusion of the lease term. USEC is
required to provide financial assurance to the NRC incrementally based on facility construction and
centrifuge installation. USEC is also required to provide financial assurance to DOE in an amount
equal to its current estimate of costs to comply with lease turnover requirements, less the amount
of financial assurance required of USEC by the NRC for decontamination and decommissioning (D&D).
As of December 31, 2008, USEC has provided financial assurance to the NRC and DOE for 2009 in the
form of surety bonds totaling $57.7 million.
The financial assurance requirements will increase each year commensurate with the status of
facility construction and operations. As part of USECs license to operate the American Centrifuge
Plant, USEC provides the NRC with a projection of the total D&D cost. The current estimate of the
total cost related to NRC requirements is $377.3 million in 2008 dollars, and the projected total
incremental lease turnover cost related to DOE is estimated to be $25.5 million in 2008 dollars.
Financial assurance will also be required for the disposition of depleted uranium generated from
future centrifuge operations.
Asset Retirement Obligations
Commensurate with the American Centrifuge Plant commercial lease signed in December 2006, USEC
recorded the financial assurance amount for 2006 of $8.8 million as the estimate of the present
value of the asset retirement obligation at year end. In 2007, USEC reassessed and revised the
estimate of the asset retirement obligation reducing the amount recorded in both construction work
in progress and other long-term liabilities. The estimate is also revised for any changes in
long-term inflation rate assumptions. Additional retirement obligations are recognized as
construction progress continues as indicated by the increase during 2008. Changes in USECs asset
retirement obligation liability balance since December 31, 2006 follow (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2006 |
|
$ |
8.8 |
|
Additional retirement obligation and revision of estimate |
|
|
(4.6 |
) |
Time value accretion |
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2007 |
|
$ |
4.4 |
|
Additional retirement obligation |
|
|
8.8 |
|
Time value accretion |
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2008 |
|
$ |
13.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
Surety Bond Collateral
Other long-term assets at December 31, 2008 include interest-earning cash deposits of $135.1
million provided as collateral for surety bonds relating primarily to depleted uranium and American
Centrifuge Plant decontamination and decommissioning.
119
16. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Power Contracts and Commitments
The gaseous diffusion process uses significant amounts of electric power to enrich uranium.
USEC purchases most of the electric power for the Paducah GDP from the Tennessee Valley Authority
(TVA) under an agreement for power deliveries through May 2012. Capacity under the agreement is
fixed. As of December 31, 2008, USEC is obligated to make minimum payments under the agreement,
whether or not it takes delivery of electric power, of approximately $1.7 billion through May 2012.
USECs costs are subject to monthly fuel cost adjustments to reflect changes in TVAs fuel costs,
purchased power costs, and related costs.
American Centrifuge Plant
Milestones under the 2002 DOE-USEC Agreement
USEC is working to construct and deploy the American Centrifuge Plant as a replacement for the
Paducah GDP. In 2002, USEC and DOE signed an agreement (such agreement, as amended, the 2002
DOE-USEC Agreement) in which USEC and DOE made long-term commitments directed at resolving issues
related to the stability and security of the domestic uranium enrichment industry. The 2002
DOE-USEC Agreement contains specific project milestones relating to the American Centrifuge Plant.
At USECs request, the last four milestones were amended in January 2009 to replace milestones that
were not aligned with USECs deployment schedule for the American Centrifuge Plant. The first of
the new milestones requires that USEC secure firm financing commitment(s) by November 2009 for the
construction of the commercial American Centrifuge Plant with an annual capacity of approximately
3.5 million SWU per year.
Until USEC has met the November 2009 financing milestone, DOE has full remedies under the 2002
DOE-USEC Agreement. However, if a delaying event beyond the control and without the fault or
negligence of USEC occurs which would affect USECs ability to meet a milestone, DOE and USEC will
jointly meet to discuss in good faith possible adjustments to the milestones as appropriate to
accommodate the delaying event. Once USEC has met the November 2009 financing milestone, DOEs
remedies under the 2002 DOE-USEC Agreement are limited to those circumstances where USECs gross
negligence in project planning and execution is responsible for schedule delays or in the
circumstance where USEC constructively or formally abandons the project or fails to diligently
pursue the financing commitment(s).
The 2002 DOE-USEC Agreement provides DOE with specific remedies if USEC fails to meet a
milestone that would materially impact USECs ability to begin commercial operations of the
American Centrifuge Plant on schedule. These remedies could include terminating the 2002 DOE-USEC
Agreement, revoking USECs access to DOEs U.S. centrifuge technology that USEC requires for the
success of the American Centrifuge project and requiring USEC to transfer its rights in the
American Centrifuge technology and facilities to DOE, and requiring USEC to reimburse DOE for
certain costs associated with the American Centrifuge project. DOE could also recommend that USEC
be removed as the sole U.S. Executive Agent under the Megatons-to-Megawatts program, which could
reduce or terminate USECs access to Russian LEU. Any of these actions could have a material
adverse impact on USECs business.
120
Project Funding
USEC needs to raise a significant amount of additional capital to continue funding and to
complete the American Centrifuge Plant. USEC does not believe public market financing for a large
capital project such as American Centrifuge is available given current financial market conditions.
In July 2008, USEC applied to the DOE Loan Guarantee Program as the path for obtaining $2 billion
in debt financing to complete the American Centrifuge Plant. Areva, a company majority owned by the
French government, also applied for funding under this program and is also being considered by DOE.
USEC is seeking a selection of its project by DOE in the short term, followed by an expeditious
funding commitment and financial closing. However, USEC has no assurance that its project will be
selected to move forward in the program, and if USEC is selected, it could still take an extended
period for the loan guarantee and funding to be finalized. Accordingly, USEC has initiated steps to
conserve cash and reduce the planned escalation of project construction and machine manufacturing
activities until USEC gains greater clarity on potential funding for the project through the DOE
Loan Guarantee Program. In addition, on a parallel path, USEC continues to evaluate potential
third-party investment.
Without a DOE loan guarantee or other financing and without taking into account USECs plans
to slow down project spending in 2009, USEC anticipates that its cash, expected internally
generated cash flow from operations and available borrowings under its revolving credit facility
would be sufficient to meet its cash needs for approximately 6-9 months under the baseline budget
and schedule. Taking into account USECs plans to slow down project spending, USEC anticipates that
its liquidity will be sufficient beyond this period. If USEC determines that a loan guarantee or
alternative financing is not forthcoming or available in the near term, USEC will take additional
steps to implement further project spending reductions to maintain sufficient liquidity for at
least twelve months. However, additional funds may be necessary sooner than USEC currently
anticipates if USEC is not successful in its efforts to conserve cash or in the event of increases
in the cost of the American Centrifuge project, unanticipated prepayments to suppliers, increases
in financial assurance, unanticipated costs under the Russian Contract, increases in power costs or
any shortfall in USECs estimated levels of operating cash flow, or to meet other unanticipated
expenses.
Legal Matters
DOE Contract Services Matter
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) asserted in a letter to USEC dated July 10, 2006 that
DOE may have sustained damages in an amount that exceeds $6.9 million under USECs contract with
DOE for the supply of cold standby services at the Portsmouth GDP. DOJ indicated that it was
assessing possible violations of the Civil False Claims Act (FCA), which allows for treble
damages and civil penalties, and related claims in connection with invoices submitted under that
contract. USEC responded to DOJs letter in September 2006, stating that the government does not
have a legitimate basis for asserting any FCA or related claims under the cold standby contract,
and has been cooperating with DOJ and the DOE Office of Investigations with respect to their
inquiries into this matter. In a supplemental presentation by DOJ and DOE on October 18, 2007, DOJ
identified revised assertions of alleged overcharges of at least $14.6 million on the cold standby
and two other cost-type contracts, again potentially in violation of the FCA. USEC has responded to
these assertions and has provided several follow-up responses to DOJ and DOE in response to their
requests for additional data and analysis. USEC believes that the DOJ and DOE analyses are
significantly flawed, and no loss has been accrued. USEC intends to defend vigorously any FCA or
related claim that might be asserted against it. As part of USECs continuing discussions with DOJ,
USEC and DOJ have agreed several times to extend the statute of limitations for this matter, most
recently to April 10, 2009.
121
Environmental Matter
Under a cleanup agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), USEC removed
certain material from a site in South Carolina previously operated by Starmet CMI, one of USECs
former contractors, that was attributable to quantities of depleted uranium USEC had sent there
under a 1998 contract. In June 2007, USEC was contacted by the EPA concerning costs incurred by the
EPA for additional cleanup at the Starmet site. In January 2009, pursuant to the terms of a
September 2008 settlement agreement, USEC paid the EPA $1.0 million for the share of additional
cleanup costs allocated to USEC in resolution of this matter. At this time, the EPA has completed
its actions at the site and USEC is not aware of any further claims associated with the site.
Other Legal Matters
USEC is subject to various other legal proceedings and claims, either asserted or unasserted,
which arise in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of these claims cannot be
predicted with certainty, USEC does not believe that the outcome of any of these legal matters will
have a material adverse effect on its results of operations or financial condition.
Lease Commitments
Operating costs incurred under the operating leases with DOE for the Paducah, Piketon, and Oak
Ridge facilities, and leases for office space and equipment amounted to $9.2 million in 2008, $8.3
million in 2007 and $9.1 million in 2006. Future estimated minimum lease payments and expected
lease administration payments follow (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
$ |
6.7 |
|
2010 |
|
|
5.8 |
|
2011 |
|
|
5.3 |
|
2012 |
|
|
3.5 |
|
2013 |
|
|
3.3 |
|
Thereafter |
|
|
29.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
53.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
Except as provided in the 2002 DOE-USEC Agreement, USEC has the right to extend the lease for
the GDPs indefinitely and may terminate the lease in its entirety or with respect to one of the
plants at any time upon two years notice.
The initial term of the American Centrifuge Plant lease was through June 30, 2009, and on
February 2, 2009, USEC renewed it for an additional term of five years through June 30, 2014. USEC
has the option to extend the lease term for additional five-year terms ending in 2043. Thereafter,
USEC has the right to extend the American Centrifuge Plant lease for up to an additional 20 years,
through 2063, if it agrees to demolish the existing buildings leased to USEC after the lease term
expires. USEC has the option, with DOEs consent, to expand the leased property to meet its needs
until the earlier of September 30, 2013 or the expiration or termination of the GDP lease. USEC may
terminate the American Centrifuge Plant lease upon three years notice. DOE may terminate the lease
for default, including default under the 2002 DOE-USEC Agreement.
USEC has office space and equipment leases for our corporate headquarters in Bethesda,
Maryland through November 2016, for our NAC operations in Norcross, Georgia through February 2012,
and for a Washington, D.C. office through June 2011.
122
DOE Technology License
USEC has a non-exclusive license in DOE inventions that pertain to enriching uranium using gas
centrifuge technology. The license agreement with DOE provides for annual royalty payments based
on a varying percentage (1% up to 2%) of USECs annual revenues from sales of the SWU component of
LEU produced by USEC at the American Centrifuge Plant and any other facility using DOE centrifuge
technology. There is a minimum annual royalty payment of $100,000 and the maximum cumulative
royalty over the life of the license is $100 million.
17. REVENUE BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA, MAJOR CUSTOMERS AND SEGMENT INFORMATION
Revenue attributed to domestic and foreign customers, including customers in a foreign
country representing 10% or more of total revenue, follows (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
United States |
|
$ |
1,212.5 |
|
|
$ |
1,310.6 |
|
|
$ |
1,109.5 |
|
Foreign: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Japan |
|
|
242.6 |
|
|
|
274.7 |
|
|
|
389.8 |
|
Other |
|
|
159.5 |
|
|
|
342.7 |
|
|
|
349.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
402.1 |
|
|
|
617.4 |
|
|
|
739.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,614.6 |
|
|
$ |
1,928.0 |
|
|
$ |
1,848.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
USECs 10 largest utility customers represented 57% of revenue and USECs three largest
utility customers represented 30% of revenue in 2008. Revenue from two domestic customers, Exelon
Corporation and Entergy Corporation, each represented more than 10%, but less than 15%, of revenue
in 2008. Revenue from U.S. government contracts represented 12% of revenue in 2008, 9% of revenue
in 2007 and 10% of revenue in 2006. No other customer represented more than 10% of revenue.
123
USEC has two reportable segments measured and presented through the gross profit line of the
income statement: the low enriched uranium (LEU) segment with two components, separative work
units (SWU) and uranium, and the U.S. government contracts segment. The LEU segment is USECs
primary business focus and includes sales of the SWU component of LEU, sales of both SWU and
uranium components of LEU, and sales of uranium. The U.S. government contracts segment includes
work performed for DOE and DOE contractors at the Portsmouth and Paducah GDPs, as well as nuclear
energy services and technologies provided by NAC. Gross profit is USECs measure for segment
reporting. Intersegment sales were less than $0.1 million in each of 2008, 2007 and 2006 and have
been eliminated in consolidation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(millions) |
|
Revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LEU segment: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Separative work units |
|
$ |
1,175.5 |
|
|
$ |
1,570.5 |
|
|
$ |
1,337.4 |
|
Uranium |
|
|
217.1 |
|
|
|
163.5 |
|
|
|
316.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,392.6 |
|
|
|
1,734.0 |
|
|
|
1,654.1 |
|
U.S. government contracts segment |
|
|
222.0 |
|
|
|
194.0 |
|
|
|
194.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,614.6 |
|
|
$ |
1,928.0 |
|
|
$ |
1,848.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment Gross Profit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LEU segment |
|
$ |
190.4 |
|
|
$ |
260.4 |
|
|
$ |
304.9 |
|
U.S. government contracts segment |
|
|
38.4 |
|
|
|
27.1 |
|
|
|
32.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
228.8 |
|
|
|
287.5 |
|
|
|
336.9 |
|
Advanced technology costs |
|
|
110.2 |
|
|
|
127.3 |
|
|
|
105.5 |
|
Selling, general, and administrative |
|
|
54.3 |
|
|
|
45.3 |
|
|
|
48.8 |
|
Other, net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income |
|
|
64.3 |
|
|
|
114.9 |
|
|
|
178.7 |
|
Interest (income) expense, net |
|
|
(7.4 |
) |
|
|
(16.9 |
) |
|
|
8.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes |
|
$ |
71.7 |
|
|
$ |
131.8 |
|
|
$ |
170.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(millions) |
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LEU segment |
|
$ |
2,997.7 |
|
|
$ |
3,036.4 |
|
|
$ |
1,800.1 |
|
U.S. government contracts segment |
|
|
57.6 |
|
|
|
51.4 |
|
|
|
61.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
3,055.3 |
|
|
$ |
3,087.8 |
|
|
$ |
1,861.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
USECs long-term or long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment and other assets
reported on the balance sheet at December 31, 2008, all of which were located in the United States.
124
18. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)
The following table summarizes quarterly and annual results of operations (in millions, except
per share data):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
Dec. 31, |
|
|
Year |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2008 |
|
Revenue |
|
$ |
343.3 |
|
|
$ |
249.0 |
|
|
$ |
590.4 |
|
|
$ |
431.9 |
|
|
$ |
1,614.6 |
|
Cost of sales |
|
|
304.5 |
|
|
|
185.5 |
|
|
|
542.0 |
|
|
|
353.8 |
|
|
|
1,385.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
38.8 |
|
|
|
63.5 |
|
|
|
48.4 |
|
|
|
78.1 |
|
|
|
228.8 |
|
Advanced technology costs |
|
|
23.9 |
|
|
|
28.2 |
|
|
|
29.1 |
|
|
|
29.0 |
|
|
|
110.2 |
|
Selling, general and administrative |
|
|
12.0 |
|
|
|
16.3 |
|
|
|
12.4 |
|
|
|
13.6 |
|
|
|
54.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income |
|
|
2.9 |
|
|
|
19.0 |
|
|
|
6.9 |
|
|
|
35.5 |
|
|
|
64.3 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
6.3 |
|
|
|
5.2 |
|
|
|
4.0 |
|
|
|
1.8 |
|
|
|
17.3 |
|
Interest (income) |
|
|
(10.8 |
) |
|
|
(6.0 |
) |
|
|
(4.5 |
) |
|
|
(3.4 |
) |
|
|
(24.7 |
) |
Provision (benefit) for income taxes |
|
|
3.0 |
|
|
|
9.0 |
|
|
|
(1.0 |
) |
|
|
12.0 |
|
|
|
23.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
4.4 |
|
|
$ |
10.8 |
|
|
$ |
8.4 |
|
|
$ |
25.1 |
|
|
$ |
48.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income per share basic |
|
$ |
.04 |
|
|
$ |
.10 |
|
|
$ |
.08 |
|
|
$ |
.23 |
|
|
$ |
.44 |
|
Net income per share diluted |
|
$ |
.04 |
(a) |
|
$ |
.08 |
|
|
$ |
.06 |
|
|
$ |
.16 |
|
|
$ |
.35 |
|
Weighted average number of shares outstanding: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
109.9 |
|
|
|
110.6 |
|
|
|
110.8 |
|
|
|
110.8 |
|
|
|
110.6 |
|
Diluted |
|
|
110.2 |
(a) |
|
|
158.7 |
|
|
|
158.9 |
|
|
|
158.9 |
|
|
|
158.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
Dec. 31, |
|
|
Year |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Revenue |
|
$ |
465.0 |
|
|
$ |
211.1 |
|
|
$ |
634.7 |
|
|
$ |
617.2 |
|
|
$ |
1,928.0 |
|
Cost of sales |
|
|
391.8 |
|
|
|
183.4 |
|
|
|
522.7 |
|
|
|
542.6 |
|
|
|
1,640.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
73.2 |
|
|
|
27.7 |
|
|
|
112.0 |
|
|
|
74.6 |
|
|
|
287.5 |
|
Advanced technology costs |
|
|
33.7 |
|
|
|
35.6 |
|
|
|
30.8 |
|
|
|
27.2 |
|
|
|
127.3 |
|
Selling, general and administrative |
|
|
12.5 |
|
|
|
11.5 |
|
|
|
9.0 |
|
|
|
12.3 |
|
|
|
45.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
income (loss) |
|
|
27.0 |
|
|
|
(19.4 |
) |
|
|
72.2 |
|
|
|
35.1 |
|
|
|
114.9 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
3.5 |
|
|
|
2.4 |
|
|
|
3.3 |
|
|
|
7.7 |
|
|
|
16.9 |
|
Interest (income) |
|
|
(9.9 |
) |
|
|
(7.9 |
) |
|
|
(3.9 |
) |
|
|
(12.1 |
) |
|
|
(33.8 |
) |
Provision
(benefit) for income taxes |
|
|
(5.9 |
) |
|
|
(0.5 |
) |
|
|
27.2 |
|
|
|
14.4 |
|
|
|
35.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
39.3 |
|
|
$ |
(13.4 |
) |
|
$ |
45.6 |
|
|
$ |
25.1 |
|
|
$ |
96.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) per share basic |
|
$ |
.45 |
|
|
$ |
(.15 |
) |
|
$ |
.52 |
|
|
$ |
.22 |
|
|
$ |
1.04 |
|
Net income (loss) per share diluted |
|
$ |
.45 |
|
|
$ |
(.15 |
) |
|
$ |
.51 |
|
|
$ |
.18 |
|
|
$ |
.94 |
|
Weighted average number of shares outstanding: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
86.8 |
|
|
|
87.1 |
|
|
|
87.9 |
|
|
|
110.1 |
|
|
|
93.0 |
|
Diluted |
|
|
87.2 |
|
|
|
87.1 |
|
|
|
89.8 |
|
|
|
158.4 |
|
|
|
105.8 |
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
No effect of the convertible notes was recognized since the effect of full conversion was
antidilutive. |
The calculation of net income per share and average number of shares outstanding on a dilutive
basis for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 is provided in note 14. No dilutive
effect is recognized in periods in which a net loss has occurred.
125
GLOSSARY
2002 DOE-USEC Agreement An agreement in which USEC and DOE made long-term commitments directed
at resolving issues related to the stability and security of the domestic uranium enrichment
industry (such agreement, as amended, the 2002 DOE-USEC Agreement). This agreement provides that
USEC will develop, demonstrate and deploy the American Centrifuge technology in accordance with 15
milestones.
American Centrifuge An advanced uranium enrichment technology based on the proven workable U.S.
centrifuge technology developed by DOE in the mid-1980s.
American Centrifuge Demonstration Facility Demonstration facility in Piketon, Ohio where USEC
has installed and is operating centrifuge machines as part of its Lead Cascade test program to
demonstrate the American Centrifuge technology.
American Centrifuge Plant (ACP) USECs planned commercial uranium enrichment facility using
centrifuge technology. USEC plans to install thousands of centrifuge machines and operate the
facility in the gas centrifuge enrichment plant buildings in Piketon, Ohio owned by DOE.
Assay The concentration of U235 expressed by percentage of weight in a given quantity
of uranium ore, uranium hexafluoride, uranium oxide or other uranium form. An assay of 3% to 5%
U235 is required for most commercial nuclear power plants.
Centrifuge A technology for enriching uranium by spinning uranium hexafluoride at high speed and
using centrifugal force to separate the heavier U238 from the lighter U235.
CERCLA The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. 9601
et seq.), a federal law passed in 1980 by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act. The
act created a government trust fund, commonly known as Superfund, to investigate and clean up
abandoned or uncontrolled hazardous waste sites.
Depleted Uranium Uranium hexafluoride that is depleted in the U235 isotope as a
result of the enrichment process.
DOC The U.S. Department of Commerce.
DOE The U.S. Department of Energy.
Downblending The diluting or mixing of highly enriched uranium with depleted or natural uranium
to produce low enriched uranium with a concentration of U235 of less than 5% for use in
commercial nuclear reactors.
Enrichment The step in the nuclear fuel cycle that increases the weight percent of
U235 relative to U238 in order to make uranium usable as a fuel for nuclear
power reactors.
EPA The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Freon The trade name for a group of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) used primarily as a refrigerant.
The Paducah GDP uses Freon as the primary process coolant. The production of Freon in the United
States was terminated in 1995.
Gaseous Diffusion A means of enriching uranium hexafluoride, which is heated to a gas and passed
repeatedly through a porous barrier to separate the heavier U238 from the lighter
U235. The gas that diffuses through the barrier becomes increasingly more concentrated
or enriched.
126
Highly Enriched Uranium Uranium enriched in the isotope U235 to an assay equal to or
greater than 20%.
Isotope One or more atoms of an element having the same atomic number but different mass number.
Lead Cascade An array of full-size centrifuge machines operating in a closed-loop configuration,
from which samples are withdrawn for testing purposes and the enriched and depleted uranium streams
are recombined into feed material.
Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) Uranium enriched in the isotope U235 to an assay of less
than 20%. Commercial grade LEU typically has an assay of 3% to 5% and is used as fuel in nuclear
reactors for the generation of electric power.
Megatons to Megawatts The Russian Contract.
Megawatt (MW) A megawatt equals 1,000 kilowatts. One megawatt-hour represents one hour of
electricity consumption at a constant rate of 1 MW.
Natural Uranium Uranium that has not been enriched or depleted in the isotope U235.
NMMSS The Nuclear Materials Management and Safeguards System of the DOE and NRC.
NRC The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Paducah GDP The Paducah gaseous diffusion plant in Paducah, Kentucky.
Portsmouth GDP The Portsmouth gaseous diffusion plant in Piketon, Ohio.
Price-Anderson Act Price-Anderson Nuclear Industry Indemnities Act of 1957, as amended, provides
a system of indemnification for certain legal liability resulting from a nuclear incident in
connection with contractual activity for DOE.
Russian Contract Contract, dated January 14, 1994, between USEC and TENEX to implement the
Agreement between the United States and the Russian Federation Concerning the Disposition of Highly
Enriched Uranium Extracted from Nuclear Weapons. Under the contract, USEC serves as Executive
Agent for the United States Government, and TENEX serves as agent for the State Atomic Energy
Corporation (Rosatom), Executive Agent for the Russian government.
Russian Suspension Agreement A 1992 agreement between the U.S. Commerce Department and the
Russian Ministry of Atomic Energy suspending an antidumping investigation against imports of
Russian uranium products that had resulted in preliminary duties in excess of 100% of the value of
the imports.
Separative Work Unit (SWU) The standard measure of enrichment in the uranium enrichment
industry is a separative work unit or SWU. A SWU represents the effort that is required to
transform a given amount of natural uranium into two streams of uranium, one enriched in the
U235 isotope and the other depleted in the U235 isotope, and is measured
using a standard formula based on the physics of uranium enrichment. The amount of enrichment
contained in LEU under this formula is commonly referred to as the SWU component.
Technetium A byproduct from the operation of nuclear reactors and a contaminant in natural
uranium.
127
TENEX OAO Techsnabexport, agent for the State Atomic Energy Corporation (Rosatom), Executive
Agent for the Russian government under the Agreement between the United States and the Russian
Federation Concerning the Disposition of Highly Enriched Uranium Extracted from Nuclear Weapons.
TVA Tennessee Valley Authority, a federally-chartered corporation that supplies electric power
to the Paducah gaseous diffusion plant.
Underfeeding A mode of operation that uses or feeds less uranium but requires more SWU in the
enrichment process, which requires more electric power.
Uranium One of the heaviest elements found in nature. Approximately 993 of every 1000 uranium
atoms are U238 while approximately seven atoms are U235, which can be made to
split, or fission, and generate heat energy.
UF6 See Uranium Hexafluoride.
Uranium Hexafluoride (UF6) Uranium chemical compound produced from converting
natural uranium oxide into a fluoride at a conversion plant. Uranium hexafluoride is the feed
material for uranium enrichment plants.
128
EXHIBIT INDEX
|
|
|
Exhibit No. |
|
Description |
3.1
|
|
Certificate of Incorporation of USEC Inc., as amended, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
3.1 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 (Commission
file number 1-14287). |
|
|
|
3.3
|
|
Amended and Restated Bylaws of USEC Inc., dated December 13, 2007, incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 3.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 13, 2007 (Commission file
number 1-14287). |
|
|
|
4.1
|
|
Indenture, dated January 15, 1999, between USEC Inc. and First Union National Bank,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended June 30, 1999 (Commission file number 1-14287). |
|
|
|
4.2
|
|
Rights Agreement, dated April 24, 2001, between USEC Inc. and Fleet National Bank, as Rights
Agent, including the form of Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights as Exhibit
A, the form of Rights Certificates as Exhibit B and the Summary of Rights as Exhibit C,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed
April 24, 2001 (Commission file number 1-14287). |
|
|
|
4.3
|
|
Indenture dated September 28, 2007, between USEC Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
September 28, 2007 (Commission file number 1-14287). |
|
|
|
10.1
|
|
Lease Agreement between the United States Department of Energy (DOE) and the United States
Enrichment Corporation, dated as of July 1, 1993, including notice of exercise of option to
renew, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registration Statement on Form S-1,
filed June 29, 1998 (Commission file number 333-57955). |
|
|
|
10.2
|
|
Supplemental Agreement No. 1 to the Lease Agreement between DOE and the United States
Enrichment Corporation, dated as of December 7, 2006, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.2 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 (Commission file
number 1-14287). (Certain information has been omitted and filed separately pursuant to
confidential treatment under Rule 24b-2). |
|
|
|
10.3
|
|
Contract between United States Enrichment Corporation, Executive Agent of the United States
of America, and AO Techsnabexport, Executive Agent of the Ministry of Atomic Energy,
Executive Agent of the Russian Federation, dated January 14, 1994, as amended (Russian
Contract) incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 of the Registration Statement on Form
S-1, filed June 29, 1998 (Commission file number 333-57955). |
|
|
|
10.4
|
|
Amendment No. 11, dated June 1998, to Russian Contract, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.4 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 (Commission file
number 1-14287). |
|
|
|
10.5
|
|
Amendment No. 12, dated March 4, 1999, to Russian Contract, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.36 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1999
(Commission file number 1-14287). |
|
|
|
10.6
|
|
Amendment No. 13, dated November 11, 1999, to Russian Contract, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.6 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005
(Commission file number 1-14287). |
|
|
|
10.7
|
|
Amendment No. 14, dated October 27, 2000, to Russian Contract, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.7 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005
(Commission file number 1-14287). |
|
|
|
10.8
|
|
Amendment No. 15, dated January 18, 2001, to Russian Contract, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.8 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005
(Commission file number 1-14287). |
129
|
|
|
Exhibit No. |
|
Description |
10.9
|
|
Amendment No. 17, dated December 5, 2007, to Russian Contract. (Certain information has been
omitted and filed separately pursuant to a request for confidential treatment under Rule
24b-2). |
|
|
|
10.10
|
|
Memorandum of Agreement, dated April 6, 1998, between the Office of Management and Budget
and United States Enrichment Corporation relating to post-privatization liabilities,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 of the Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed
June 29, 1998 (Commission file number 333-57955). |
|
|
|
10.11
|
|
Memorandum of Agreement entered into as of April 18, 1997, between the United States, acting
by and through the United States Department of State and the DOE, and United States
Enrichment Corporation for United States Enrichment Corporation to serve as the United
States Governments Executive Agent under the Agreement between the United States and the
Russian Federation concerning the disposal of highly enriched uranium extracted from nuclear
weapons, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 of the Registration Statement on Form
S-1/A, filed July 21, 1998 (Commission file number 333-57955). |
|
|
|
10.12
|
|
Power Contract between Tennessee Valley Authority and United States Enrichment Corporation,
dated July 11, 2000 (TVA Power Contract), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.45 of
the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2000 (Commission file
number 1-14287). (Certain information has been omitted and filed separately pursuant to
confidential treatment under Rule 24b-2). |
|
|
|
10.13
|
|
Supplement No. 1 dated March 2, 2006 to TVA Power Contract, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006
(Commission file number 1-14287). (Certain information has been omitted and filed separately
pursuant to confidential treatment under Rule 24b-2). |
|
|
|
10.14
|
|
Supplement No. 2 dated March 2, 2006 to TVA Power Contract, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.3 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006
(Commission file number 1-14287). (Certain information has been omitted and filed separately
pursuant to confidential treatment under Rule 24b-2). |
|
|
|
10.15
|
|
Amendatory Agreement (Supplement No. 3) dated April 3, 2006 to TVA Power Contract,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended March 31, 2006 (Commission file number 1-14287). (Certain information has been
omitted and filed separately pursuant to confidential treatment under Rule 24b-2). |
|
|
|
10.16
|
|
Amendatory Agreement (Supplement No. 4) dated June 1, 2007 to Power Contract between
Tennessee Valley Authority and United States Enrichment Corporation, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June
30, 2007 (Commission file number 1-14287). (Certain information has been omitted and filed
separately pursuant to a request for confidential treatment under Rule 24b-2). |
|
|
|
10.17
|
|
Supplement No. 5 dated June 2, 2008 to TVA Power Contract, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.3 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008
(Commission file number 1-14287). (Certain information has been omitted and filed separately
pursuant to confidential treatment under Rule 24b-2). |
|
|
|
10.18
|
|
Agreement, dated June 17, 2002, between DOE and USEC Inc., incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.54 of the current report on Form 8-K filed June 21, 2002 (Commission file number
1-14287). |
|
|
|
10.19
|
|
Modification 1 to Agreement dated June 17, 2002 between DOE and USEC Inc., dated August 20,
2002, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2005 (Commission file number 1-14287). |
|
|
|
10.20
|
|
Modification No. 2 dated January 12, 2009, to Agreement dated June 17, 2002 between DOE and
USEC Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed
on January 13, 2009 (Commission file number 1-14287). |
130
|
|
|
Exhibit No. |
|
Description |
10.21
|
|
Cooperative Research and Development Agreement, Development of an Economically Attractive
Gas Centrifuge Machine and Enrichment Process, by and between UT-Battelle, LLC, under its
DOE Contract, and USEC Inc., dated June 30, 2000, Amendment A, dated July 12, 2002, and
Amendment B, dated September 11, 2002, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.58 of the
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002 (Commission file
number 1-14287). |
|
|
|
10.22
|
|
Amendment C to the Cooperative Research and Development Agreement, Development of an
Economically Attractive Gas Centrifuge Machine and Enrichment Process, by and between
UT-Battelle, LLC, under its DOE Contract, and USEC Inc., dated February 28, 2007,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended March 31, 2007 (Commission file number 1-14287). |
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10.23
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Amendment D to the Cooperative Research and Development Agreement, Development of an
Economically Attractive Gas Centrifuge Machine and Enrichment Process, by and between
UT-Battelle, LLC, under its DOE Contract, and USEC Inc., dated August 10, 2007, incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
September 30, 2007. (Commission file number 1-14287). |
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10.24
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Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of August 18, 2005 among USEC Inc.,
United States Enrichment Corporation, the lenders named therein, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.,
as administrative and collateral agent, J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc., Merrill Lynch Capital
and Goldman Sachs Credit Partners, L.P., as joint book managers and joint lead arrangers,
Merrill Lynch Capital and Goldman Sachs Credit Partners, L.P., as co-syndication agents,
GMAC Commercial Finance LLC and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as co-documentation
agents, and CIT Capital Securities, LLC, as co-agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.83 of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 23, 2005 (Commission file number
1-14287). |
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10.25
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First Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of August 18,
2005 among USEC Inc., United States Enrichment Corporation, the lenders named therein,
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative and collateral agent, and the other financial
institutions named therein, dated March 6, 2006, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2
of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 (Commission file
number 1-14287). |
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10.26
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Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement among USEC Inc., United
States Enrichment Corporation, the lenders named therein, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as
administrative and collateral agent, and the other financial institutions named therein,
dated October 16, 2006, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Current Report on
Form 8-K filed on October 19, 2006 (Commission file number 1-14287). |
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10.27
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Third Amendment dated September 21, 2007 to the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit
Agreement, dated as of August 18, 2005, among USEC Inc., United States Enrichment
Corporation, the lenders named therein, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative and
collateral agent, and the other financial institutions named therein, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 25, 2007
(Commission file number 1-14287). |
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10.28
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Amended and Restated Omnibus Pledge and Security agreement dated as of August 18, 2005 by
USEC Inc., United States Enrichment Corporation, NAC Holding Inc. and NAC International
Inc., in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative and collateral agent for the
lenders, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.84 of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed
on August 23, 2005 (Commission file number 1-14287). |
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10.29
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License dated December 7, 2006 between the United States of America, as represented by DOE,
as licensor, and USEC Inc., as licensee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 of the
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 (Commission file number
1-14287). |
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10.30
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Contract dated June 25, 2007 between USEC Inc. and BWXT Services, Inc., incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June
30, 2007 (Commission file number 1-14287). (Certain information has been omitted and filed
separately pursuant to a request for confidential treatment under Rule 24b-2). |
131
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Exhibit No. |
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Description |
10.31
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Contract dated as of August 16, 2007 between USEC Inc., ATK Space Systems Inc., a subsidiary
of Alliant Techsystems, and Hexcel Corporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to
the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 (Commission file
number 1-14287). (Certain information has been omitted and filed separately pursuant to a
request for confidential treatment under Rule 24b-2). |
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10.32
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Contract dated August 30, 2007 between USEC Inc. and Major Tool and Machine, Inc.,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended September 30, 2007 (Commission file number 1-14287). (Certain information has
been omitted and filed separately pursuant to a request for confidential treatment under
Rule 24b-2). |
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10.33
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Contract dated April 24, 2008 between Fluor Enterprises, as agent for USEC Inc., and
Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 (Commission file number 1-14287).
(Certain information has been omitted and filed separately pursuant to a request for
confidential treatment under Rule 24b-2). |
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10.34
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Amended and Restated Design, Engineering, Procurement, Construct ion and Construction
Management Agreement for the American Centrifuge Plant between USEC Inc. and Fluor
Enterprises, Inc., entered into September 24, 2008, effective as of January 1, 2008,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended September 30, 2008 (Commission file number 1-14287). (Certain information has
been omitted and filed separately pursuant to a request for confidential treatment under
Rule 24b-2). |
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10.35
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Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.25 of the Registration Statement on Form S-1/A, filed July 21, 1998 (Commission file
number 333-57955). (b) |
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10.36
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Form of Change in Control Agreement with executive officers. (a)(b) |
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10.37
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Form of Change in Control Agreement with senior executive officers. (a)(b) |
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10.38
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USEC Inc. 1999 Equity Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 of the
Registration Statement on Form S-8, No. 333-71635, filed February 2, 1999. (b) |
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10.39
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First Amendment to the USEC Inc. 1999 Equity Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to
Annex B of Schedule 14A filed March 31, 2004, with respect to the 2004 annual meeting of
shareholders (Commission file number 1-14287). (b) |
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10.40
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Second Amendment to the USEC Inc. 1999 Equity Incentive Plan, dated November 1, 2007,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.46 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2007 (Commission file number 1-14287). (b) |
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10.41
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Form of Employee Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4.4 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004
(Commission file number 1-14287). (b) |
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10.42
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Form of Employee Restricted Stock Award Agreement (stock in lieu of annual incentive),
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2004 (Commission file number 1-14287). (b) |
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10.43
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Form of Employee Restricted Stock Award Agreement (three year vesting), incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.7 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2004 (Commission file number 1-14287). (b) |
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10.44
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Form of Non-Employee Director Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement, incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 4.8 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004
(Commission file number 1-14287). (b) |
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10.45
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Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Award Agreement Founders Stock and
Incentive Stock, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2004 (Commission file number 1-14287). (b) |
132
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Exhibit No. |
|
Description |
10.46
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Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Award Agreement Annual Retainers and
Meeting Fees, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2004 (Commission file number 1-14287). (b) |
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10.47
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Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Annual Retainers and
Meeting Fees), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.53 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2007 (Commission file number 1-14287). (b) |
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10.48
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Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Incentive Awards)
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.54 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2007 (Commission file number 1-14287). (b) |
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10.49
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USEC Inc. Pension Restoration Plan, as amended and restated, dated November 1, 2007
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.55 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2007 (Commission file number 1-14287). (b) |
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10.50
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First Amendment, dated August 1, 2008, to USEC Inc. Pension Restoration Plan, as amended and
restated, dated November 1, 2007, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 (Commission file number
1-14287). (b) |
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10.51
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USEC Inc. 401(k) Restoration Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibits 10.41(a) through
(f) of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 1999 (Commission
file number 1-14287). (b) |
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10.52
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USEC Inc. 1999 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, as amended and restated, dated August
1, 2008, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended September 30, 2008 (Commission file number 1-14287). (b) |
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10.53
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Summary Sheet for 2007 Non-Employee Director Compensation, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007
(Commission file number 1-14287). (b) |
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10.54
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Summary Sheet for 2008 Non-Employee Director Compensation, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008
(Commission file number 1-14287). (b) |
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10.55
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Summary of Compensation Arrangement with James R. Mellor, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.61 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006
(Commission file number 1-14287). (b) |
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10.56
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Summary of 2008 Annual Performance Objectives for Named Executive Officers, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March
31, 2008 (Commission file number 1-14287). (b) |
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10.57
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USEC Inc. 2006 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, as amended and restated, dated
November 1, 2007, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.64 of the Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 (Commission file number 1-14287). (b) |
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10.58
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Executive Incentive Plan Summary Plan Description, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1
of the current report on Form 8-K filed on April 28, 2006 (Commission file number 1-14287).
(b) |
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10.59
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USEC Inc. Executive Severance Plan dated August 1, 2008, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008
(Commission file number 1-14287). (b) |
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10.60
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USEC Inc. Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, dated November 1, 2007 incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.67 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2007 (Commission file number 1-14287). (b) |
133
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Exhibit No. |
|
Description |
10.61
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USEC Inc. Director Deferred Compensation Plan, dated November 1, 2007 incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.68 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2007 (Commission file number 1-14287). (b) |
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21
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Subsidiaries of USEC Inc. (a) |
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23.1
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Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm. (a) |
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31.1
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Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a). (a) |
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31.2
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Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a). (a) |
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32
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Certification of CEO and CFO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (a) |
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99.1
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Letter from U.S. Department of State, dated August 23, 2002, in compliance with Rule 0-6 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4 of the Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 (Commission file number
1-14287). |
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99.2
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Annual CEO Certification dated April 30, 2008, as filed with the New York Stock Exchange. (a) |
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(a) |
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Filed herewith |
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(b) |
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Management contracts and compensatory plans and arrangements required
to be filed as exhibits pursuant to Item 15(b) of this report. |
134