RPM INTERNATIONAL INC/DE/ - Quarter Report: 2010 August (Form 10-Q)

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-Q

 

 

 

 

Commission File No. 1-14187

 

RPM International Inc.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

(330) 273-5090

(Registrant’s telephone number including area code)

 

Not Applicable

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes þ     No o.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes þ     No 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):

 

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o     No þ.

 

As of October 4, 2010

128,900,285 Shares of RPM International Inc. Common Stock were outstanding.

 

 

RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES*

 

INDEX

 

 

 

 

 

 

RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

 

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
August 31, 2010
(Unaudited)

 

 

Our financial statements include all of our majority-owned subsidiaries, except for certain subsidiaries that were deconsolidated on May 31, 2010 (please refer to Note 2). We account for our investments in less-than-majority-owned joint ventures under the equity method. Effects of transactions between related companies, except for certain subsidiaries that were deconsolidated, are eliminated in consolidation.

 

Noncontrolling interests are presented in our Consolidated Financial Statements as if parent company investors (controlling interests) and other minority investors (noncontrolling interests) in partially-owned subsidiaries have similar economic interests in a single entity. As a result, investments in noncontrolling interests are reported as equity in our consolidated financial statements. Additionally, our Consolidated Financial Statements include 100% of a controlled subsidiary’s earnings, rather than only our share. Transactions between the parent company and noncontrolling interests are reported in equity as transactions between stockholders provided that these transactions do not create a change in control.

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information and notes required by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the U.S. (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal, recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included for the three month periods ended August 31, 2010 and 2009. For further information, refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 2010.

 

Our business is dependent on external weather factors. Historically, we have experienced strong sales and net income in our first, second and fourth fiscal quarters comprising the three month periods ending August 31, November 30 and May 31, respectively, with weaker performance in our third fiscal quarter (December through February).

 

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation.

 

 

On May 31, 2010, Bondex International, Inc. (“Bondex”) and its parent, SPHC, filed Chapter 11 reorganization proceedings in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. SPHC is our wholly owned subsidiary. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810, when a subsidiary becomes subject to the control of a government, court, administrator, or regulator, deconsolidation of that subsidiary is generally required. We have therefore deconsolidated SPHC and its subsidiaries from our balance sheet as of May 31, 2010, and have eliminated the results of SPHC’s operations from our results of operations beginning on that date. We believe we have no responsibility for liabilities of SPHC and Bondex. As a result of the Chapter 11 reorganization proceedings, on a prospective basis we will account for our investment in SPHC under the cost method.

 

We had a net receivable from SPHC at May 31, 2010, that we expect will remain unchanged until the bankruptcy proceedings have been finalized. Included in this net amount are receivables and payables, which we concluded we have the right to report as a net amount based on several factors, including the fact that all amounts are determinable, the balances are due to and from our subsidiaries, and we have been given reasonable assurance that netting the applicable receivables and payables would remain legally enforceable. We analyzed our net investment in SPHC as of May 31, 2010, which included a review of our advances to SPHC, an assessment of the collectibility of our net receivables due from SPHC, and a computation of the gain to be recorded upon deconsolidation based on the carrying amount of our investment in SPHC. In accordance with GAAP, the gain on deconsolidation related to

RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

the carrying amount of net assets of SPHC at May 31, 2010, was calculated in accordance with ASC 810-10-40-5, as follows:

 

a) the aggregate of (1) the fair value of consideration received, (2) the fair value of any retained noncontrolling investment in the former subsidiary at the date the subsidiary is deconsolidated, and (3) the carrying amount of any noncontrolling interest in the former subsidiary; less

 

b) the carrying amount of the former subsidiary’s assets and liabilities.

 

In determining the carrying value of any retained noncontrolling investment in SPHC at the date of deconsolidation we considered several factors, including analyses of cash flows combined with various assumptions relating to the future performance of this entity and a discounted value of SPHC’s recorded asbestos-related contingent obligations based on information available to us as of the date of deconsolidation. The discounted cash flow approach relies primarily on Level 3 unobservable inputs, whereby expected future cash flows are discounted using a rate that includes assumptions regarding an entity’s average cost of debt and equity, incorporates expected future cash flows based on internal business plans, and applies certain assumptions about risk and uncertainties due to the bankruptcy filing. Our estimates are based upon assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but which by nature are uncertain and unpredictable. As a result of this analysis, we determined that the carrying value of our retained interest in SPHC approximated zero.

 

As a result of the combined analyses of each of the components of our net investment in SPHC, we recorded a net loss of approximately $7.9 million, which is reflected in Other Expense, Net, for the year ended May 31, 2010.

 

 

Inventories were composed of the following major classes:

 

RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

 

The following tables summarize marketable securities held at August 31, 2010 and May 31, 2010 by asset type:

 

 

 

Marketable securities, included in other current and long-term assets, totaling $90.3 million and $35.6 million at August 31, 2010, respectively, and $91.7 million and $22.2 million at May 31, 2010, respectively, are composed of available-for-sale securities and are reported at fair value. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are recognized in net income on the specific identification basis. Changes in the fair values of securities that are considered temporary are recorded as unrealized gains and losses, net of applicable taxes, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders’ equity. Other-than-temporary declines in market value from original cost are reflected in operating income in the period in which the unrealized losses are deemed other than temporary. In order to determine whether an other-than-temporary decline in market value has occurred, the duration of the decline in value and our ability to hold the investment are considered in conjunction with an

RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

evaluation of the strength of the underlying collateral and the extent to which the investment’s amortized cost or cost, as appropriate, exceeds its related market value.

 

Gross gains and losses realized on sales of investments were $2.4 million and $1.7 million, respectively, for the quarter ended August 31, 2010. Gross gains and losses realized on sales of investments were less than $0.1 million for the quarter ended August 31, 2009. During the first quarter of fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010, we recognized losses of $0.1 million for securities deemed to have other-than-temporary impairments. These amounts are included in investment income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

Summarized below are the securities we held at August 31, 2010 and May 31, 2010 that were in an unrealized loss position and that were included in accumulated other comprehensive income, aggregated by the length of time the investments had been in that position:

 

 

We have reviewed all of the securities included in the table above and have concluded that we have the ability and intent to hold these investments until their cost can be recovered, based upon the severity and duration of the decline. Therefore, we did not recognize any other-than-temporary impairment losses on these investments. Unrealized losses at August 31, 2010 were generally related to the volatility in valuations over the last several months for a portion of our portfolio of investments in marketable securities. The unrealized losses generally relate to investments whose fair values at August 31, 2010 were less than 15% below their original cost or have been in a loss position for less than six consecutive months. Although we have begun to see recovery in general economic conditions over the past year, if we were to experience continuing or significant unrealized losses within our portfolio of investments in marketable securities in the future, we may recognize additional other-than-temporary impairment losses. Such potential losses could have a material impact on our results of operations in any given reporting period. As such, we continue to closely evaluate the status of our investments and our ability and intent to hold these investments.

 

The net carrying values of debt securities at August 31, 2010, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because the issuers of the securities may have the right to prepay obligations without prepayment penalties.

 

RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

 

Financial instruments recorded on the balance sheet include cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, marketable securities, notes and accounts payable, and debt.

 

An allowance for anticipated uncollectible trade receivable amounts is established using a combination of specifically identified accounts to be reserved, and a reserve covering trends in collectibility. These estimates are based on an analysis of trends in collectibility, past experience, and individual account balances identified as doubtful based on specific facts and conditions. Receivable losses are charged against the allowance when we confirm uncollectibility.

 

All derivative instruments are recognized on our Consolidated Balance Sheet and measured at fair value. Changes in the fair values of derivative instruments that do not qualify as hedges and/or any ineffective portion of hedges are recognized as a gain or (loss) in our Consolidated Statement of Income in the current period. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments used effectively as fair value hedges are recognized in earnings (losses), along with the change in the value of the hedged item. We do not hold or issue derivative instruments for speculative purposes.

 

Effective June 1, 2008, we implemented new guidance issued by the FASB relating to fair value accounting. The guidance clarifies the definition of fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value based on the inputs used to measure fair value and expands the disclosures of fair value measurements. Effective June 1, 2009, we implemented the portion of this new guidance which pertains to our nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities. Our implementation of these provisions did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

 

The valuation techniques utilized for establishing the fair values of assets and liabilities are based on observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect readily obtainable data from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect management’s market assumptions. The fair value hierarchy has three levels based on the reliability of the inputs used to determine fair value, as follows:

 

Level 1 Inputs — Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

 

Level 2 Inputs — Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.

 

Level 3 Inputs — Instruments with primarily unobservable value drivers.

 

The following table presents our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy.

 

 

RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

 

Our marketable securities are composed of mainly available-for-sale securities, and are valued using a market approach based on quoted market prices for identical instruments. The availability of inputs observable in the market varies from instrument to instrument and depends on a variety of factors including the type of instrument, whether the instrument is actively traded, and other characteristics particular to the transaction. For most of our financial instruments, pricing inputs are readily observable in the market, the valuation methodology used is widely accepted by market participants, and the valuation does not require significant management discretion. For other financial instruments, pricing inputs are less observable in the market and may require management judgment.

 

Our cross-currency swap was designed to fix our interest and principal payments in euros for the life of our unsecured 6.70% senior notes due November 1, 2015, which resulted in an effective euro fixed-rate borrowing of 5.31%. The basis for determining the rates for this swap included three legs at the inception of the agreement: the USD fixed rate to a USD floating rate; the euro floating to euro fixed rate; and the dollar to euro basis fixed rate at inception. Therefore, we essentially exchanged fixed payments denominated in USD for fixed payments denominated in fixed euros, paying fixed euros at 5.31% and receiving fixed USD at 6.70%. The ultimate payments are based on the notional principal amounts of 150 million USD and approximately 125 million euros. There will be an exchange of the notional amounts at maturity. The rates included in this swap are based upon observable market data, but are not quoted market prices, and therefore, the cross-currency swap is considered a Level 2 liability on the fair value hierarchy. Additionally, our cross-currency swap has been designated as a hedging instrument, and is classified as other long-term liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

The carrying value of our current financial instruments, which include cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, trade accounts receivable, accounts payable, and short-term debt approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these financial instruments. At August 31, 2010 and May 31, 2010, the fair value of our long-term debt was estimated using active market quotes, based on our current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements, which are considered to be Level 2 inputs. Based on the analysis performed, the fair value and the carrying value of our financial instruments and long-term debt as of August 31, 2010 and May 31, 2010 are as follows:

 

RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

 

 

General — Bondex and SPHC are defendants in various asbestos-related bodily injury lawsuits filed in various state courts. These cases generally seek unspecified damages for asbestos-related diseases based on alleged exposures to asbestos-containing products.

 

On May 31, 2010, Bondex and its parent, SPHC, filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. SPHC is the parent company of Bondex and is also the parent company for various operating companies that are not part of the reorganization filing, including Chemical Specialties Manufacturing Corp., Day-Glo Color Corp., Dryvit Holdings, Inc., Guardian Protection Products Inc., Kop-Coat Inc., TCI, Inc. and RPM Wood Finishes Group, Inc. SPHC and Bondex (the “filing entities”) took this action to permanently and comprehensively resolve all pending and future asbestos-related liability claims associated with Bondex and SPHC-related products. As a result of the filing, all Bondex and SPHC asbestos personal injury lawsuits have been stayed due to the imposition of an automatic stay applicable in bankruptcy cases. In addition, at the request of SPHC and Bondex, the bankruptcy court has entered orders staying all claims against RPM International Inc. and its affiliates that are derivative of the asbestos claims against SPHC and Bondex. Through the Chapter 11 proceedings, the filing entities intend ultimately to establish a trust in accordance with section 524(g) of the Bankruptcy Code and seek the imposition of a channeling injunction that will direct all future SPHC-related and Bondex-related claims to the trust. It is anticipated that the trust will compensate claims at appropriate values established by the trust documents and approved by the bankruptcy court. Because the case is in the beginning stages, it is not possible to predict how long the proceedings will last, the form of any ultimate resolution or when an ultimate resolution might occur.

 

Prior to the bankruptcy filing, the filing entities had engaged in a strategy of litigating asbestos-related products liability claims brought against them. Claims paid during the year ended May 31, 2010, prior to the bankruptcy filing, were $92.6 million, which included defense-related payments during the year of $42.6 million. No claims have been paid since the bankruptcy filing and it is not contemplated that any claims will be paid until a plan of reorganization is confirmed and an asbestos trust is established and operating.

 

Prior to the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, we recorded asbestos-related contingent liabilities that included estimations of future costs, which by nature are subject to many uncertainties that may change over time, including (i) the ultimate number of claims filed; (ii) the amounts required to resolve both currently known and future unknown claims; (iii) the amount of insurance, if any, available to cover such claims, including the outcome of coverage litigation against the filing entities’ third-party insurers; (iv) future earnings and cash flow of the filing entities; (v) the impact of bankruptcies of other companies whose share of liability may be imposed on the filing entities under certain state liability laws; (vi) the unpredictable aspects of the litigation process including a changing trial docket and the jurisdictions in which trials are scheduled; (vii) the outcome of any such trials including judgments or jury verdicts, as a result of our more aggressive defense posture, which included taking selective cases to verdict; (viii) the lack of specific information in many cases concerning exposure to products for which one of our subsidiaries is responsible and the claimants’ diseases; (ix) potential changes in applicable federal and/or state law; and (x) the potential impact of various proposed structured settlement transactions or subsidiary bankruptcies by other companies, some of which are the subject of federal appellate court review, the outcome of which could have materially affected future asbestos-related liability estimates.

RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Historical Asbestos Liability Reserve — In fiscal 2006, management retained Crawford & Winiarski (“C&W”), an independent, third-party consulting firm with expertise in the area of asbestos valuation work, to assist it in calculating an estimate of Bondex’s liability for unasserted-potential-future-asbestos-related claims. C&W’s methodology to project Bondex’s liability for unasserted-potential-future-asbestos-related claims included an analysis of: (a) a widely accepted forecast of the population likely to have been exposed to asbestos; (b) epidemiological studies estimating the number of people likely to develop asbestos-related diseases; (c) the historical rate at which mesothelioma incidences resulted in the payment of claims by Bondex; (d) the historical settlement averages to value the projected number of future compensable mesothelioma claims; (e) the historical ratio of mesothelioma-related indemnity payments to non-mesothelioma indemnity payments; and (f) the historical defense costs and their relationship with total indemnity payments. Based upon the results of this analysis, Bondex recorded an accrued liability for asbestos claims through 2016 as of May 31, 2006 of $421.3 million. This amount was calculated on a pre-tax basis and was not discounted for the time value of money.

 

During the fiscal year ended May 31, 2008, the ten-year asbestos liability established as of May 31, 2006 was reviewed and evaluated. As part of that process, the credibility of epidemiological studies of Bondex’s mesothelioma claims, first introduced to management by C&W some two-and-one-half years earlier, was validated. At the core of the evaluation process, and the basis of C&W’s actuarial work on behalf of Bondex, is the Nicholson Study. The Nicholson Study is the most widely recognized reference in bankruptcy trust valuations, global settlement negotiations and the Congressional Budget Office’s work done on the proposed FAIR Act in 2006. Based on our ongoing comparison of the Nicholson Study projections and Bondex’s specific actual experience, which at that time continued to bear an extremely close correlation to the study’s projections, the asbestos liability projection was extended out to the year 2028. C&W assisted in calculating an estimate of our liability for unasserted-potential-future-asbestos-related claims out to 2028. C&W projected that the cost of extending the asbestos liability to 2028, coupled with an updated evaluation of Bondex’s current known claims to reflect its most recent actual experience, would be $288.1 million. Therefore, management added $288.1 million to the existing asbestos liability, which brought Bondex’s total asbestos-related balance sheet liabilities at May 31, 2008 to $559.7 million. On May 30, 2010, the day prior to the bankruptcy filing, Bondex had recorded an asbestos related product liability of $397.7 million.

 

The table below illustrates movements in the Bondex asbestos liability for fiscal 2008, 2009 and 2010:

 

Asbestos Liability Movement
(Current and Long-Term)

 

 

 

 

This liability, as a result of the accounting for the deconsolidation of SPHC and its subsidiaries set forth in Note 2, is no longer included in RPM International Inc.’s consolidated balance sheet, effective May 31, 2010.

 

Insurance Coverage Litigation — During calendar year 2003, the filing entities’ third-party insurers claimed exhaustion of coverage. On July 3, 2003, certain of our subsidiaries, including the filing entities, filed the case of

RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Bondex International, Inc. et al. v. Hartford Accident and Indemnity Company et al., Case No. 1:03-cv-1322, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, for declaratory judgment, breach of contract and bad faith against the named third-party insurers, challenging their assertion that their policies covering asbestos-related claims had been exhausted. On December 1, 2008, the trial court denied the plaintiffs’ motions for partial summary judgment and granted the defendants’ motions for summary judgment against plaintiffs, including the filing entities, and entered judgment on all remaining claims and counterclaims, and dismissed the action. Plaintiffs, including the filing entities, appealed the trial court’s decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, which appeal is currently pending. The Sixth Circuit has stayed the appeal as a result of the bankruptcy filing, but an agreement in principle has been reached with the insurers that may result in the appeal resuming in November 2010. Bondex has not included any potential benefits from the ongoing insurance coverage litigation in calculating its asbestos liability. RPM International Inc. is not a party to this insurance litigation.

 

Debtor-in-Possession (“DIP”) Financing — In connection with the bankruptcy filing, SPHC, Bondex and certain of SPHC’s subsidiaries entered into a three-year, $40.0 million DIP Credit facility (the “DIP Credit Facility”) with Wachovia Capital Finance Corporation (New England). The Bankruptcy Court approved this facility, and granted Wachovia a super priority administrative expense claim for all amounts owed under the facility. The facility is secured by security interests and liens in virtually all of the real and personal property and assets of Bondex, SPHC and certain of SPHC’s subsidiaries. The DIP Credit Facility generally permits borrowings for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes. The DIP Credit Facility also imposes certain financial and non-financial covenants on SPHC and its subsidiaries. RPM International Inc. is not a party to the DIP Credit Facility and it has not guaranteed obligations under such facility.

 

Financial Results and Reorganization Items — The SPHC condensed consolidated financial statements set forth below have been prepared in conformity with ASC 852, Reorganizations (“ASC 852”).

 

Specialty Products Holding Corp.
Consolidated Statements of Income
Unaudited

 

 

SPHC and its subsidiaries routinely engage in intercompany transactions with other entities within RPM in the ordinary course of business, including services provided by RPM International Inc. to SPHC and its subsidiaries under an administrative services agreement. These services include risk management and insurance services, benefits administration, IT services, legal services, environmental, health and safety compliance management, tax

RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

planning and compliance services, treasury and cash management, various accounting services, including preparation of accounting books and financial statement preparation, internal audit services, benefits associated with group purchasing of various supplies and equipment, and consulting services associated with various business development activities. The Bankruptcy Court has approved this administrative services agreement.

 

As a result of their bankruptcy filing, SPHC and Bondex are precluded from paying dividends to shareholders and from making payments on any pre-bankruptcy filing accounts or notes payable that are due and owing to any other entity within the RPM group of companies (the “Pre-Petition Intercompany Payables”) or other pre-petition creditors during the pendency of the bankruptcy case, without the Bankruptcy Court’s approval. Moreover, no assurances can be given that any of the Pre-Petition Intercompany Payables will ever be paid or otherwise satisfied.

 

When SPHC emerges from the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court, the subsequent accounting will be determined based upon the applicable circumstances and facts at such time, including the terms of any plan of reorganization.

 

SPHC has assessed its liquidity position as a result of the bankruptcy filing and believes that it can continue to fund its and its subsidiaries’ operating activities and meet its debt and capital requirements for the foreseeable future. The SPHC condensed consolidated financial information set forth above has been prepared on a going concern basis which contemplates continuity of operations, realization of assets, and liquidation of liabilities in the ordinary course of business.

 

 

We provide, through our wholly-owned insurance subsidiaries, certain insurance coverage, primarily product liability coverage, to our other subsidiaries. Excess coverage is provided by third-party insurers. Our reserves provide for these potential losses as well as other uninsured claims.

 

We also offer warranty programs at several of our industrial businesses and have established a product warranty liability. We review this liability for adequacy on a quarterly basis and adjust it as necessary. The primary factors that could affect this liability may include changes in the historical system performance rate as well as the costs of replacement. Provision for estimated warranty costs is recorded at the time of sale and periodically adjusted, as required, to reflect actual experience. It is probable that we will incur future losses related to warranty claims we have received but that have not been fully investigated and related to claims not yet received, which are not currently estimable due to the significant number of variables contributing to the extent of any necessary remediation. While our warranty liability represents our best estimate at August 31, 2010, we can provide no assurances that we will not experience material claims in the future or that we will not incur significant costs to resolve such claims beyond the amounts accrued or beyond what we may recover from our suppliers. Product warranty expense is recorded within selling, general and administrative expense.

 

The following table includes the changes in our accrued warranty balances:

 

 

 

RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

 

In addition, like other companies participating in similar lines of business, some of our subsidiaries are involved in several proceedings relating to environmental matters. It is our policy to accrue remediation costs when it is probable that such efforts will be required and the related costs can be reasonably estimated. These liabilities are undiscounted.

 

 

Investment (income) expense, net, consists of the following components:

 

 

 

The effective income tax rate was 30.5% for the three months ended August 31, 2010 compared to an effective income tax rate of 32.9% for the three months ended August 31, 2009.

 

For the three months ended August 31, 2010 and, to a greater extent for the three months ended August 31, 2009, the effective tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate principally due to increases in taxes as a result of the impact of non-deductible business operating expenses, state and local income taxes and provisions for valuation allowances associated with losses incurred by certain of our foreign businesses and for foreign tax credit carryforwards. The increases in the tax rates were offset by the impact of certain foreign operations on our U.S. taxes, the effect of lower tax rates in certain of our foreign jurisdictions and the domestic manufacturing deduction. Additionally, for the three months ended August 31, 2010, a decrease in the effective income tax rate resulted from a one-time benefit related to changes in tax laws in the United Kingdom, including the effect of lower income tax rates.

 

As of August 31, 2010, we had unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $2.7 million, of which approximately $1.8 million would impact the effective tax rate, if recognized. We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. At August 31, 2010, the accrual for interest and penalties totaled approximately $1.5 million. We do not anticipate any significant changes to the total unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months.

 

We, or our subsidiaries, file income tax returns in the U.S. and in various state, local and foreign jurisdictions. As of August 31, 2010 we are subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations for the fiscal years 2007 through 2010. In addition, with limited exceptions, we, or our subsidiaries, are subject to state and local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for the fiscal years 2003 through 2010. We are currently under examination in the U.S. and in various non-U.S. jurisdictions including an ongoing audit by the Internal Revenue Service for the fiscal 2007 and 2008 tax years. Although it is possible that certain tax examinations could be resolved during the next 12 months, the timing and outcomes are uncertain.

 

As of August 31, 2010, we have determined, based on the available evidence, that it is uncertain whether we will be able to recognize certain deferred tax assets. Therefore, we intend to maintain the tax valuation allowances recorded at August 31, 2010 for those deferred tax assets until sufficient positive evidence (for example, cumulative positive foreign earnings or additional foreign source income) exists to support their reversal. These valuation

RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

allowances relate to U.S. foreign tax credit carryforwards, certain foreign net operating losses and net foreign deferred tax assets. A portion of the valuation allowance is associated with deferred tax assets recorded in purchase accounting for prior year acquisitions. In accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations, any reversal of the valuation allowance that was recorded in purchase accounting reduces income tax expense.

 

We include SPHC and its domestic subsidiaries (collectively, the “SPHC Group”) in our consolidated federal income tax return. We entered into a tax-cooperation agreement (the “Agreement”) with the SPHC Group, effective from June 1, 2010. Generally, the Agreement provides, amongst other items, that the federal income taxes of the SPHC Group are to be computed on a stand-alone separate return basis. The current portion of such income tax payable, if any, is due from the SPHC Group to us. Conversely, subject to the terms of the Agreement, income tax benefits associated with net operating loss or tax credit carryovers generated by the SPHC Group, if any, for the taxable year that benefits our consolidated income tax return for that taxable year are payable by us to the SPHC Group. Additionally, pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, a similar approach is applied to consolidated, combined or unitary state tax returns.

 

 

We offer defined benefit pension plans, defined contribution pension plans, as well as several unfunded health care benefit plans primarily for certain of our retired employees. The following tables provide the retirement-related benefit plans’ impact on income before income taxes for the three month periods ended August 31, 2010 and 2009:

 

 

 

We previously disclosed in our financial statements for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2010 that we expected to contribute approximately $10.1 million to our retirement plans in the U.S. and approximately $8.9 million to plans outside the U.S. during the current fiscal year. As of August 31, 2010, we do not anticipate any changes to these contribution levels.

RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

On May 31, 2010, we deconsolidated SPHC and its subsidiaries from our balance sheet, and eliminated the results of SPHC’s operations beginning on that date. Therefore, the information reflected above for the quarter ended August 31, 2010 for the U.S. Plans pension benefits excludes amounts related to SPHC’s pension plans.

 

 

The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of basic and diluted earnings per share, as calculated using the two-class method, for the three month periods ended August 31, 2010 and 2009:

 

 

 

 

 

We operate a portfolio of businesses and product lines that manufacture and sell a variety of specialty paints, protective coatings and roofing systems, sealants and adhesives. We manage our portfolio by organizing our businesses and product lines into two reportable segments: the industrial reportable segment and the consumer reportable segment. Within each reportable segment, we aggregate several operating segments that consist of individual groups of companies and product lines, which generally address common markets, share similar economic characteristics, utilize similar technologies and can share manufacturing or distribution capabilities. Our five operating segments represent components of our business for which separate financial information is available that is utilized on a regular basis by our chief executive officer in determining how to allocate the assets of the Company and evaluate performance. These five operating segments are each managed by an operating segment manager, who is responsible for the day-to-day operating decisions and performance evaluation of the operating segment’s underlying businesses.

RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Our industrial reportable segment products are sold throughout North America and also account for the majority of our international sales. Our industrial product lines are sold directly to contractors, distributors and end-users, such as industrial manufacturing facilities, public institutions and other commercial customers. This reportable segment comprises three separate operating segments — our Building Solutions Group, Performance Coatings Group, and RPM2 Group. Products and services within this reportable segment include construction chemicals; roofing systems; weatherproofing and other sealants; polymer flooring; wood stains; edible coatings and specialty glazes for pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries; and other specialty chemicals.

 

Our consumer reportable segment manufactures and markets professional use and do-it-yourself (“DIY”) products for a variety of mainly consumer applications, including home improvement and personal leisure activities. Our consumer segment’s major manufacturing and distribution operations are located primarily in North America, along with a few locations in Europe. Consumer segment products are sold directly to mass merchandisers, home improvement centers, hardware stores, paint stores, craft shops and to other smaller customers through distributors. This reportable segment comprises two operating segments — our DAP Group and our Rust-Oleum Group. Products within this reportable segment include specialty, hobby and professional paints; caulks; adhesives; silicone sealants; and wood stains.

 

In addition to our two reportable segments, there is a category of certain business activities and expenses, referred to as corporate/other, that does not constitute an operating segment. This category includes our corporate headquarters and related administrative expenses, results of our captive insurance companies, gains or losses on the sales of certain assets and other expenses not directly associated with either reportable segment. Assets related to the corporate/other category consist primarily of investments, prepaid expenses, deferred pension assets, and headquarters’ property and equipment. These corporate and other assets and expenses reconcile reportable segment data to total consolidated income before income taxes and identifiable assets. Our comparative three month results for the periods ended August 31, 2010 and 2009, and identifiable assets as of August 31, 2010 and May 31, 2010 are presented in segment detail in the following table.

 

 

RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

 

 

On January 8, 2008, we announced our authorization of a stock repurchase program under which we may repurchase shares of RPM International Inc. common stock at management’s discretion for general corporate purposes. Our current intent is to limit our repurchases only to amounts required to offset dilution created by stock issued in connection with our equity-based compensation plans, or approximately one to two million shares per year. As a result of this authorization, we may repurchase shares from time to time in the open market or in private transactions at various times and in amounts and for prices that our management deems appropriate, subject to insider trading rules and other securities law restrictions. The timing of our purchases will depend upon prevailing market conditions, alternative uses of capital and other factors. We may limit or terminate the repurchase program at any time. During the quarter ended August 31, 2010, we repurchased approximately 0.5 million shares of our common stock at a cost of $8.6 million under this program.

 

 

The following table illustrates the components of total equity and comprehensive income for the quarter ended August 31, 2010 :

 

RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The following table illustrates the components of total comprehensive income for the three months ended August 31, 2009:

 

 

 

We have evaluated events subsequent to August 31, 2010, through the date the financial statements were issued, and have determined no events have occurred that require adjustment of or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

 

Our Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of RPM International Inc. and its majority-owned subsidiaries, except for certain subsidiaries that were deconsolidated on May 31, 2010 (please refer to Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information). Preparation of our financial statements requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of our assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We continually evaluate these estimates, including those related to our allowances for doubtful accounts; inventories; allowances for recoverable taxes; useful lives of property, plant and equipment; goodwill and other intangible assets; environmental, warranties and other contingent liabilities; income tax valuation allowances; pension plans; and the fair value of financial instruments. We base our estimates on historical experience, our most recent facts, and other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of our assets and liabilities. Actual results, which are shaped by actual market conditions, may differ materially from our estimates.

 

We have identified below the accounting policies and estimates that are the most critical to our financial statements.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenues are recognized when realized or realizable, and when earned. In general, this is when title and risk of loss pass to the customer. Further, revenues are realizable when we have persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement, the product has been shipped or the services have been provided to the customer, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. We reduce our revenues for estimated customer returns and allowances, certain rebates, sales incentives and promotions in the same period the related sales are recorded.

 

We also record revenues generated under long-term construction contracts, mainly in connection with the installation of specialized roofing and flooring systems, and related services. In general, we account for long-term construction contracts under the percentage-of-completion method, and therefore record contract revenues and related costs as our contracts progress. This method recognizes the economic results of contract performance on a timelier basis than does the completed-contract method; however, application of this method requires reasonably dependable estimates of progress toward completion, as well as other dependable estimates. When reasonably dependable estimates cannot be made, or if other factors make estimates doubtful, the completed-contract method is applied. Under the completed-contract method, billings and costs are accumulated on the balance sheet as the contract progresses, but no revenue is recognized until the contract is complete or substantially complete.

 

Translation of Foreign Currency Financial Statements and Foreign Currency Transactions

 

Our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. However, the functional currency for each of our foreign subsidiaries is its local currency. We translate the amounts included in our Consolidated Statements of Income from our foreign subsidiaries into U.S. dollars at weighted-average exchange rates, which we believe are representative of the actual exchange rates on the dates of the transactions. Our foreign subsidiaries’ assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars from local currency at the actual exchange rates as of the end of each reporting date, and we record the resulting foreign exchange translation adjustments in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). If the U.S. dollar strengthens, we will reflect the resulting losses as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Conversely, if the U.S. dollar were to weaken, foreign exchange translation gains could result, which would favorably impact accumulated other comprehensive income. Translation adjustments will be included in net earnings in the event of a sale or liquidation of any of our underlying foreign investments, or in the event that we distribute the accumulated earnings of consolidated foreign subsidiaries. If we determine that the functional currency of any of our foreign subsidiaries should be the U.S. dollar, our financial statements will be affected. Should this occur, we will adjust our reporting to appropriately account for any such changes.

As appropriate, we use permanently invested intercompany loans as a source of capital to reduce exposure to foreign currency fluctuations at our foreign subsidiaries. These loans, on a consolidated basis, are treated as being analogous to equity for accounting purposes. Therefore, foreign exchange gains or losses on these intercompany loans are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). If we determine that the functional currency of any of our subsidiaries should be the U.S. dollar, we will no longer record foreign exchange gains or losses on such intercompany loans.

 

Goodwill

 

We test our goodwill balances at least annually, or more frequently as impairment indicators arise, using a fair-value approach at the reporting unit level. Our reporting units have been identified at the component level, which is the operating segment level or one level below our operating segments. We perform a two-step impairment test. In the first step, we compare the fair value of each of our reporting units to its carrying value. We have elected to perform our annual required impairment tests, which involve the use of estimates related to the fair market values of the reporting units with which goodwill is associated, during our fourth fiscal quarter. Calculating the fair market values of reporting units requires our use of estimates and assumptions.

 

We use significant judgment in determining the most appropriate method to establish the fair values of each of our reporting units. We estimate the fair values of our reporting units by employing various valuation techniques, depending on the availability and reliability of comparable market value indicators, and employ methods and assumptions which include the application of third-party market value indicators and the computation of discounted future cash flows for each of our reporting unit’s annual projected earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”). For each of our reporting units, we calculate a break-even multiple based on its carrying value as of the testing date. We then compare each reporting unit’s break-even EBITDA market multiple to guideline EBITDA market multiples applicable to our industry and peer group, the data for which we develop internally and through third-party sources. The result of this analysis provides us with insight and sensitivity as to which reporting units, if any, may have a higher risk for a potential impairment.

 

We then supplement this analysis with an evaluation of discounted future cash flows for each reporting unit’s projected EBITDA. Under this approach, we calculate the fair value of each reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets of the reporting unit, goodwill is not impaired. An indication that goodwill may be impaired results when the carrying value of the net assets of a reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit. At that point, the second step of the impairment test is performed, which requires a fair value estimate of each tangible and intangible asset in order to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, then we record an impairment loss equal to the difference.

 

In applying the discounted cash flow methodology, we rely on a number of factors, including future business plans, actual and forecasted operating results, and market data. The significant assumptions employed under this method include discount rates, revenue growth rates, including assumed terminal growth rates, and operating margins used to project future cash flows for each reporting unit. The discount rates utilized reflect market-based estimates of capital costs and discount rates adjusted for management’s assessment of a market participant’s view with respect to other risks associated with the projected cash flows of the individual reporting units. Our estimates are based upon assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but which by nature are uncertain and unpredictable. We believe we incorporate ample sensitivity ranges into our analysis of goodwill impairment testing for each reporting unit, such that actual experience would need to be materially out of the range of expected assumptions in order for an impairment to remain undetected.

 

Our annual goodwill impairment analysis for fiscal 2010 did not result in any impairment loss. The excess of fair value over carrying value for reporting units as of March 1, 2010, ranged from approximately $3.4 million (for a new reporting unit acquired within the last 12 months) to $647.1 million. In order to evaluate the sensitivity of the fair value calculations of our goodwill impairment test, we applied a hypothetical 5% decrease to the fair values of each reporting unit. This hypothetical 5% decrease would result in excess fair value over carrying value ranging from approximately $0.3 million to $603.7 million for our reporting units. Further, we compare the sum of the fair values of our reporting units resulting from our discounted cash flow calculations to our market capitalization as of

our valuation date. We use this comparison to further assess the reasonableness of the assumptions employed in our valuation calculations. As of the valuation date, the sum of the fair values we calculated for our reporting units approximated our market capitalization.

 

Should the future earnings and cash flows at our reporting units decline and/or discount rates increase, future impairment charges to goodwill and other intangible assets may be required.

 

Other Long-Lived Assets

 

We assess identifiable, non-goodwill intangibles and other long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in facts and circumstances indicate the possibility that the carrying values of these assets may not be recoverable over their estimated remaining useful lives. Factors considered important in our assessment, which might trigger an impairment evaluation, include the following:

 

 

Additionally, we test all indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually during our fiscal fourth quarter. Measuring a potential impairment of non-goodwill intangibles and other long-lived assets requires the use of various estimates and assumptions, including the determination of which cash flows are directly related to the assets being evaluated, the respective useful lives over which those cash flows will occur and potential residual values, if any. If we determine that the carrying values of these assets may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of the above-described indicators or other factors, any impairment amounts would be measured based on the projected net cash flows expected from these assets, including any net cash flows related to eventual disposition activities. The determination of any impairment losses would be based on the best information available, including internal estimates of discounted cash flows; quoted market prices, when available; and independent appraisals, as appropriate, to determine fair values. Cash flow estimates would be based on our historical experience and our internal business plans, with appropriate discount rates applied. Our fiscal 2010 annual impairment tests of each of our indefinite-lived intangible assets did not result in any impairment loss.

 

Income Taxes

 

Our provision for income taxes is calculated using the liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred income taxes. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes and certain changes in valuation allowances. We provide valuation allowances against deferred tax assets if, based on available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

 

In determining the adequacy of valuation allowances, we consider cumulative and anticipated amounts of domestic and international earnings or losses, anticipated amounts of foreign source income, as well as the anticipated taxable income resulting from the reversal of future taxable temporary differences. We intend to maintain any recorded valuation allowances until sufficient positive evidence (for example, cumulative positive foreign earnings or additional foreign source income) exists to support a reversal of the tax valuation allowances.

 

Further, at each interim reporting period, we estimate an effective income tax rate that is expected to be applicable for the full year. Significant judgment is involved regarding the application of global income tax laws and regulations and when projecting the jurisdictional mix of income. Additionally, interpretation of tax laws, court decisions or other guidance provided by taxing authorities influences our estimate of the effective income tax rates. As a result, our actual effective income tax rates and related income tax liabilities may differ materially from our estimated effective tax rates and related income tax liabilities. Any resulting differences are recorded in the period they become known.

Contingencies

 

We are party to claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of business. Although we cannot precisely predict the amount of any liability that may ultimately arise with respect to any of these matters, we record provisions when we consider the liability probable and reasonably estimable. Our provisions are based on historical experience and legal advice, reviewed quarterly and adjusted according to developments. Estimating probable losses requires the analysis of multiple forecasted factors that often depend on judgments about potential actions by third parties, such as regulators, courts, and state and federal legislatures. Changes in the amounts of our loss provisions, which can be material, affect our Consolidated Statements of Income. Due to the inherent uncertainties in the process undertaken to estimate potential losses, we are unable to estimate an additional range of loss in excess of our accruals. While it is reasonably possible that such excess liabilities, if they were to occur, could be material to operating results in any given quarter or year of their recognition, we do not believe that it is reasonably possible that such excess liabilities would have a material adverse effect on our long-term results of operations, liquidity or consolidated financial position.

 

Our environmental-related accruals are similarly established and/or adjusted as more information becomes available upon which costs can be reasonably estimated. Here again, actual costs may vary from these estimates because of the inherent uncertainties involved, including the identification of new sites and the development of new information about contamination. Certain sites are still being investigated; therefore, we have been unable to fully evaluate the ultimate costs for those sites. As a result, accruals have not been estimated for certain of these sites and costs may ultimately exceed existing estimated accruals for other sites. We have received indemnities for potential environmental issues from purchasers of certain of our properties and businesses and from sellers of some of the properties or businesses we have acquired. We also have purchased insurance to cover potential environmental liabilities at certain sites. If the indemnifying or insuring party fails to, or becomes unable to, fulfill its obligations under those agreements or policies, we may incur environmental costs in addition to any amounts accrued, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Several of our industrial businesses offer extended warranty terms and related programs, and thus have established a corresponding warranty liability. Warranty expense is impacted by variations in local construction practices and installation conditions, including geographic and climate differences.

 

Additionally, our operations are subject to various federal, state, local and foreign tax laws and regulations which govern, among other things, taxes on worldwide income. The calculation of our income tax expense is based on the best information available and involves our significant judgment. The actual income tax liability for each jurisdiction in any year can be, in some instances, determined ultimately several years after the financial statements have been published.

 

We maintain accruals for estimated income tax exposures for many different jurisdictions. Tax exposures are settled primarily through the resolution of audits within each tax jurisdiction or the closing of a statute of limitation. Tax exposures can also be affected by changes in applicable tax laws or other factors, which may cause us to believe a revision of past estimates is appropriate. We believe that appropriate liabilities have been recorded for income tax exposures; however, actual results may differ materially from our estimates.

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable

 

An allowance for anticipated uncollectible trade receivable amounts is established using a combination of specifically identified accounts to be reserved and a reserve covering trends in collectibility. These estimates are based on an analysis of trends in collectibility, past experience and individual account balances identified as doubtful based on specific facts and conditions. Receivable losses are charged against the allowance when we confirm uncollectibility. Actual collections of trade receivables could differ from our estimates due to changes in future economic or industry conditions or specific customer’s financial conditions.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, cost being determined on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis and market being determined on the basis of replacement cost or net realizable value. Inventory costs include raw

materials, labor and manufacturing overhead. We review the net realizable value of our inventory in detail on an on-going basis, with consideration given to various factors, which include our estimated reserves for excess, obsolete, slow moving or distressed inventories. If actual market conditions differ from our projections, and our estimates prove to be inaccurate, write-downs of inventory values and adjustments to cost of sales may be required. Historically, our inventory reserves have approximated actual experience.

 

Marketable Securities

 

Marketable securities, included in other current and long-term assets, are composed of available-for-sale securities and are reported at fair value. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are recognized in net income on the specific identification basis. Changes in fair values of securities that are considered temporary are recorded as unrealized gains and losses, net of applicable taxes, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders’ equity. Other-than-temporary declines in market value from original cost are reflected in operating income in the period in which the unrealized losses are deemed other than temporary. In order to determine whether an other-than-temporary decline in market value has occurred, the duration of the decline in value and our ability to hold the investment to recovery are considered in conjunction with an evaluation of the strength of the underlying collateral and the extent to which the investment’s amortized cost or cost, as appropriate, exceeds its related market value.

 

Pension and Postretirement Plans

 

We sponsor qualified defined benefit pension plans and various other nonqualified postretirement plans. The qualified defined benefit pension plans are funded with trust assets invested in a diversified portfolio of debt and equity securities and other investments. Among other factors, changes in interest rates, investment returns and the market value of plan assets can (i) affect the level of plan funding; (ii) cause volatility in the net periodic pension cost; and (iii) increase our future contribution requirements. A significant decrease in investment returns or the market value of plan assets or a significant decrease in interest rates could increase our net periodic pension costs and adversely affect our results of operations. A significant increase in our contribution requirements with respect to our qualified defined benefit pension plans could have an adverse impact on our cash flow.

 

Changes in our key plan assumptions would impact net periodic benefit expense and the projected benefit obligation for our defined benefit and various postretirement benefit plans. Based upon May 31, 2010 information, the following tables reflect the impact of a 1% change in the key assumptions applied to our defined benefit pension plans in the U.S. and internationally:

 

Based upon May 31, 2010 information, the following tables reflect the impact of a 1% change in the key assumptions applied to our various postretirement health care plans:

 

 

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

Our business is divided into two reportable segments: the industrial reportable segment and the consumer reportable segment. Within each reportable segment, we aggregate several operating segments that consist of individual groups of companies and product lines, which generally address common markets, share similar economic characteristics, utilize similar technologies and can share manufacturing or distribution capabilities. Our five operating segments represent components of our business for which separate financial information is available that is utilized on a regular basis by our chief executive officer in determining how to allocate the assets of the Company and evaluate performance. These five operating segments are each managed by an operating segment manager, who is responsible for the day-to-day operating decisions and performance evaluation of the operating segment’s underlying businesses. We evaluate the profit performance of our segments primarily based on gross profit, and, to a lesser extent, income (loss) before income taxes, but also look to earnings (loss) before interest and taxes (“EBIT”) as a performance evaluation measure because interest expense is essentially related to corporate acquisitions, as opposed to segment operations.

 

Our industrial reportable segment products are sold throughout North America and also account for the majority of our international sales. Our industrial product lines are sold directly to contractors, distributors and end-users, such as industrial manufacturing facilities, public institutions and other commercial customers. This reportable segment comprises three separate operating segments — our Building Solutions Group, Performance Coatings Group, and RPM2 Group. Products and services within this reportable segment include construction chemicals; roofing systems; weatherproofing and other sealants; polymer flooring; edible coatings and specialty glazes for pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries; and other specialty chemicals.

 

Our consumer reportable segment manufactures and markets professional use and do-it-yourself (“DIY”) products for a variety of mainly consumer applications, including home improvement and personal leisure activities. Our consumer segment’s major manufacturing and distribution operations are located primarily in North America. Consumer segment products are sold throughout North America directly to mass merchants, home improvement centers, hardware stores, paint stores, craft shops and to other smaller customers through distributors. This reportable segment comprises two operating segments — our DAP Group and our Rust-Oleum Group. Products within this reportable segment include specialty, hobby and professional paints; caulks; adhesives; silicone sealants; and wood stains.

 

In addition to our two reportable segments, there is a category of certain business activities and expenses, referred to as corporate/ other, that does not constitute an operating segment. This category includes our corporate headquarters and related administrative expenses, results of our captive insurance companies, gains or losses on the sales of certain assets and other expenses not directly associated with either reportable segment. Assets related to the corporate/other category consist primarily of investments, prepaid expenses, deferred pension assets, and headquarters’ property and equipment. These corporate and other assets and expenses reconcile reportable segment data to total consolidated income before income taxes, interest expense and earnings before interest and taxes.

The following table reflects the results of our reportable segments consistent with our management philosophy, and represents the information we utilize, in conjunction with various strategic, operational and other financial performance criteria, in evaluating the performance of our portfolio of product lines.