eps3351.htm

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 fiscal year ended December 31, 2008
 

Commission File Number 1-4773
 

AMERICAN BILTRITE INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware
04-1701350
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
 (IRS Employer Identification No.)
Incorporation or Organization)
 
 
57 River Street
Wellesley Hills, MA  02481-2097
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(781) 237-6655
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 
Name of Exchange on
Title of Each Class
Which Registered
   
Common Stock, $.01 Par Value
NYSE Amex


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 [  ]   NO [X]

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  YES [  ]   NO [X]

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 and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  YES [X]    NO [  ]

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 registrant's 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.   [  ]

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.

Large accelerated filer [  ]  Accelerated filer [  ]  Non-accelerated filer [  ] Smaller reporting company [X]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).   YES [  ]  NO [X]

The aggregate market value of the registrant's common stock held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2008 was $7.4 million.

The number of shares of the registrant's common stock, par value $.01 per share, outstanding as of March 16, 2009 was 3,441,551.

Documents Incorporated by Reference – Portions of the proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on May 12, 2009, which will be filed by the registrant within 120 days after December 31, 2008, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Factors That May Affect Future ResultsSome of the information presented in or incorporated by reference in this report constitutes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions.  These forward-looking statements are based on the registrant's expectations, as of the date of this report, of future events.  Except as required by applicable law, the registrant undertakes no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements.  Although the registrant believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, within the bounds of its knowledge of its business and operations, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from its expectations.  Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.  Factors that could cause or contribute to the registrant's actual results differing from its expectations include those factors discussed elsewhere in this report, including in Item 1A (Risk Factors).

 
 

 

PART I

ITEM 1.
BUSINESS

General Development of Business

American Biltrite Inc. (together with, unless the context otherwise indicates, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and K&M Associates L.P., "ABI" or the "Company") was organized in 1908 and is a Delaware corporation.  ABI's major operations include its Tape Division, a controlling interest in K&M Associates L.P., a Rhode Island limited partnership ("K&M"), and ownership of a Canadian subsidiary, American Biltrite (Canada) Ltd. ("AB Canada").  ABI also presently owns 55.4% of the outstanding common stock of Congoleum Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Congoleum").  Congoleum filed a voluntary petition with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey (the “Bankruptcy Court”) (Case No. 03-51524) seeking relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (the "Bankruptcy Code") in 2003.  ABI expects its ownership interest in Congoleum to be eliminated pursuant to the terms of the plan of reorganization for Congoleum pending in the Bankruptcy Court or any future plan or outcome in those proceedings.

The Tape Division produces adhesive-coated, pressure-sensitive papers and films used to protect material during handling or storage or to serve as a carrier for transferring decals or die-cut lettering.  The Tape Division also produces pressure sensitive tapes and adhesive products used for applications in the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC), footwear, automotive, electrical and electronic industries.

In 1995, ABI acquired a controlling interest in K&M, a designer, supplier, distributor and servicer of a wide variety of adult, children's and specialty items of fashion jewelry and related accessories throughout the U.S. and Canada.  ABI, through wholly-owned subsidiaries, owns an aggregate 94.5% interest (7% as sole general partner and 87.5% in limited partner interests) in K&M.  K&M wholesales its products to mass merchandisers, specialty stores and department stores.

Congoleum is a leading manufacturer of resilient sheet and tile flooring.  In 1993, ABI acquired an ownership position in Congoleum in exchange for its U.S. tile business (the "Tile Division").  In 1995, ABI acquired voting control of Congoleum when Congoleum sold a new issue of shares of its Class A common stock to the public which had one vote per share and used the proceeds to redeem most of the two-vote-per-share Class B shares held by the then majority shareholder.  ABI's interest has increased further since then as a result of Congoleum's repurchases of its common stock combined with open market purchases of Congoleum common stock by ABI.  As of December 31, 2008, ABI's ownership of 151,100 shares of Congoleum's Class A common stock and 4,395,605 shares of Congoleum's Class B common stock represented 69.4% of the outstanding equity voting interests of Congoleum.

 
1

 

Congoleum is a defendant in a large number of asbestos-related lawsuits.  On December 31, 2003, Congoleum filed a voluntary petition with the Bankruptcy Court seeking relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code as a means to resolve claims asserted against it related to the use of asbestos in its products decades ago.  During 2003, Congoleum had obtained the requisite votes of asbestos personal injury claimants necessary to seek approval of a proposed, pre-packaged Chapter 11 plan of reorganization.  In January 2004, Congoleum filed its proposed plan of reorganization and disclosure statement with the Bankruptcy Court.  From that filing through 2007, several subsequent plans were negotiated with representatives of the Asbestos Claimants’ Committee (the “ACC”), the Future Claimants’ Representative (the “FCR”) and other asbestos claimant representatives.  In addition, an insurance company, Continental Casualty Company, and its affiliate, Continental Insurance Company (collectively, “CNA”), filed a plan of reorganization and the Official Committee of Bondholders (the “Bondholders’ Committee”) (representing holders of Congoleum’s 8 5/8% Senior Notes due August 1, 2008 (the “Senior Notes”)) also filed a plan of reorganization.  In May 2006, the Bankruptcy Court ordered the principal parties in interest in Congoleum’s reorganization proceedings to participate in reorganization plan mediation discussions.  Several mediation sessions took place during 2006, culminating in two competing plans, one which Congoleum filed jointly with the ACC in September 2006 (the “Tenth Plan”) and the other filed by CNA, both of which the Bankruptcy Court subsequently ruled were not confirmable as a matter of law.  In March 2007, Congoleum resumed global plan mediation discussions with the various parties seeking to resolve the issues raised in the Bankruptcy Court’s ruling with respect to the Tenth Plan.  In July 2007, the FCR filed a plan of reorganization and proposed disclosure statement.  After extensive further mediation sessions, on February 5, 2008, the FCR, the ACC, the Bondholders’ Committee and Congoleum jointly filed a plan of reorganization (the “Joint Plan”).  The Bankruptcy Court approved the disclosure statement for the Joint Plan in February 2008, and the Joint Plan was solicited in accordance with court-approved voting procedures.  Various objections to the Joint Plan were filed, and on May 12, 2008 the Bankruptcy Court heard oral argument on summary judgment motions relating to certain of those objections.  On June 6, 2008, the Bankruptcy Court issued a ruling that the Joint Plan was not legally confirmable, and issued an Order to Show Cause why the case should not be converted or dismissed pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 1112.  Following a further hearing on June 26, 2008, the Bankruptcy Court issued an opinion that vacated the Order to Show Cause and instructed the parties to submit a confirmable plan by the end of calendar year 2008.  Following further negotiations, the Bondholders’ Committee, the ACC, the FCR, representatives of holders of pre-petition settlements and Congoleum reached an agreement in principle which the Company understands that Congoleum believe addressed the issues raised by the Bankruptcy Court in the ruling on the Joint Plan and in the court's prior decisions.  A term sheet describing the proposed material terms of a contemplated new plan of reorganization and a settlement of avoidance litigation with respect to pre-petition claim settlements (the “Litigation Settlement”) was entered into by those parties and was filed with the Bankruptcy Court on August 14, 2008.  Certain insurers and a large bondholder have filed objections to the Litigation Settlement and/or reserved their rights to object to confirmation of the contemplated new plan of reorganization.  The Bankruptcy Court approved the Litigation Settlement following a hearing on October 20, 2008, but the court reserved certain issues, including whether any plan of reorganization embodying the settlement meets the standards required for confirmation of a plan of reorganization.  On November 14, 2008, Congoleum, the ACC and the Bondholders’ Committee filed an amended joint plan of reorganization for Congoleum, et al. with the Bankruptcy Court (the “Amended Joint Plan”).  In January 2009, an insurer filed a motion for summary judgment seeking denial of confirmation of the Amended

 
2

 

Joint Plan, and a hearing was held on February 5, 2009.  On February 26, 2009, the Bankruptcy Court rendered an opinion denying confirmation of the Amended Joint Plan.  Pursuant to the opinion, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order dismissing Congoleum’s bankruptcy case (the “Order of Dismissal”).  On February 27, 2009, Congoleum and the Bondholders’ Committee appealed the Order of Dismissal to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.  On March 3, 2009, an order was entered by the Bankruptcy Court granting a stay of the Bankruptcy Court’s Order of Dismissal pending a final non-appealable decision affirming the Order of Dismissal.  See Notes 1 and 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Outside the United States, the Tape Division operates production facilities in Belgium, Italy and Singapore, where bulk tape products are converted into various sizes.  Sales offices at the Singapore and Italy locations and sales representative offices in Shanghai, China, Bangkok Thailand and Seoul, South Korea enable quicker response to customer demands in the European and Asian markets.  The Company’s wholly-owned Canadian subsidiary, American Biltrite (Canada) Ltd., produces resilient floor tile, rubber tiles and rolled rubber flooring and industrial products (including conveyor belting, truck and trailer splash guards and sheet rubber material) and imports certain rubber and tile products from China for resale.  K&M maintains a purchasing office in China, from which it sources the majority of the products it sells.

ABI owns 50% of Compania Hulera Sula, S.A. de C.V. ("Hulera Sula"), a Honduran corporation, which produces soles, heels, sandals and other footwear products under license from ABI.  Hulera Sula in turn owns 100% of Hulera Sacatepequez, S.A., a Guatemalan corporation which manufactures products in Guatemala similar to those of Hulera Sula.  Hulera Sula also owns 60% of Fomtex, S.A., a Guatemalan corporation, which manufactures foam mattresses, beds and other foam products.  During 2008, the Company wrote off its investment of $850 thousand in Hulera Sula as a result of Hulera Sula’s recent operating results and the uncertainty in the Company’s ability to recover its investment.

In October 2003, ABI discontinued the operations of its wholly owned subsidiary Janus Flooring Corporation (“Janus Flooring”), which manufactured pre-finished hardwood flooring in Canada.  Results from Janus Flooring, including charges resulting from the shutdown, are reported as a discontinued operation in the Company's consolidated financial statement set forth in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  During 2006, the remaining assets of Janus Flooring were sold, and the discontinued operation was effectively dissolved.  As of December 31, 2006, the Company merged Janus Flooring with and into American Biltrite (Canada) Ltd.  During 2008, the Company recognized a gain of approximately $1.0 million on the sale of land and building owned by Janus Flooring.  The sale of the property occurred in 2006, but the gain was deferred until 2008 upon the final resolution of an environmental matter and receipt of payment on a note receivable from the buyer of the property.

For financial reporting purposes, ABI operates in four industry segments:  flooring products (Congoleum), the Tape Division, jewelry (K&M) and the Canadian division, which produces flooring and rubber products.  See Note 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


 
3

 

Narrative Description of Business

Marketing, Distribution and Sales  The Tape Division's protective papers and films are sold domestically and throughout the world, principally through distributors, but also directly to certain manufacturers.  Other tape products are marketed through the Tape Division's own sales force and by third-party sales representatives and distributors throughout the world.  ABI's Belgian, Italian and Singapore facilities sell these products throughout Europe and the Far East.

The products of K&M are sold domestically and in Canada through its own direct sales force and through third-party sales representatives.  K&M's business and operations experience seasonal variations.  In general, fashion jewelry supply, distribution and service businesses respond to the seasonal demands of mass merchandisers and other major retailers, which typically peak in preparation for end-of-year holiday shopping.  Accordingly, K&M's working capital needs tend to be greatest in the second and third fiscal quarters as it increases inventories in advance of its peak selling season, while its revenues tend to be greater toward the end of each fiscal year, especially in the latter part of the third quarter and the first half of the fourth quarter.

AB Canada's floor tile, rubber products and industrial products are marketed principally through distributors.  Seasonal variations in the sales and working capital requirements of this division are not significant.

Congoleum currently sells its products through approximately 13 distributors providing approximately 43 distribution points in the United States and Canada, as well as directly to a limited number of mass market retailers.  Congoleum considers its distribution network to be very important to maintaining a competitive position.  Although Congoleum has more than one distributor in some of its distribution territories and actively manages its credit exposure to its customers, the loss of a major customer could have a materially adverse impact on Congoleum's business, results of operations and financial condition, at least until a suitable replacement is in place.  The sales pattern for Congoleum's products is seasonal, with peaks in retail sales typically occurring during March/April/May and September/October.  Orders are generally shipped as soon as a truckload quantity has been accumulated, and backorders can be canceled without penalty.

Hulera Sula's footwear and foam products are marketed and distributed in certain Central American countries.

Financial information about products that contributed more than 10% of the Company's consolidated revenue during the last two fiscal years is included in Note 14 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


 
4

 

Working Capital and Cash Flow  In general, ABI's working capital requirements are not affected by accelerated delivery requirements of major customers or by obtaining a continuous allotment of raw material from suppliers.  ABI does not provide special rights for customers to return merchandise and does not provide special seasonal or extended terms to its customers.  K&M does provide pre-approved allowances in the form of markdowns and return authorizations as required.

Congoleum produces goods for inventory and sells on credit to customers.  Generally, Congoleum's distributors carry inventory as needed to meet local or rapid delivery requirements.  Congoleum’s typical credit terms generally require payment on invoices within 31 days, with a discount available for earlier payment.  These practices are typical within the industry.

During 2008, Congoleum paid $15.9 million in fees and expenses (net of recoveries) related to implementation of its planned reorganization under Chapter 11 and litigation with certain insurance companies. Congoleum expects to spend an additional $20.3 million in 2009 on these matters. At December 31, 2008, Congoleum had incurred but not paid approximately $7.4 million in additional fees and expenses for services rendered through that date with respect to these matters.  Congoleum anticipates that its debtor-in-possession financing facility (including anticipated extensions thereof), together with cash from operations, will provide it with sufficient liquidity to operate during 2009 while under Chapter 11 protection.  There can be no assurances that Congoleum will continue to be in compliance with the required covenants under this facility or that the debtor-in-possession facility (as extended) will be renewed prior to its expiration if a plan of reorganization is not confirmed before that time.  For a plan of reorganization to be confirmed, Congoleum will need to obtain and demonstrate the sufficiency of financing needed to effectuate the plan and emerge from its Chapter 11 case.  Congoleum cannot presently determine the terms of any such financing it might obtain, nor can there be any assurances of its success obtaining it.  As noted elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Bankruptcy Court recently issued an opinion denying confirmation of the Amended Joint Plan and ordering Congoleum’s bankruptcy case be dismissed.  That order is being appealed and the Bankruptcy Court has granted a stay of its dismissal order pending a final non-appealable decision affirming the dismissal order.

In connection with Congoleum’s plan of reorganization, ABI expects to spend $300 thousand in 2009, which is not expected to have a material adverse effect on ABI’s working capital or cash flow.  ABI and Congoleum have separate credit facilities which are governed by independent credit agreements, and ABI is generally not otherwise liable for the separate obligations of Congoleum.

See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources – ABI and Non-Debtor Subsidiaries” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Congoleum” in Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Raw Materials  ABI generally designs and engineers its own products.  Most of the raw materials required by ABI for its manufacturing operations are available from multiple sources; however, ABI does purchase some of its raw materials from a single source or supplier.  Any significant delay in or disruption of the supply of raw materials could substantially increase ABI's cost of materials, require product reformulation or require qualification of new suppliers, any one or more of which could materially adversely affect the business, operations or financial condition of ABI.  
 
5

 
Congoleum does not have readily available alternative sources of supply for specific designs of transfer print film, which are produced utilizing print cylinders engraved to Congoleum's specifications.  Although no loss of this source of supply is anticipated, replacement could take a considerable period of time and interrupt production of certain products.  Congoleum maintains a raw material inventory and has an ongoing program to develop new sources, which is designed to provide continuity of supply for its raw material requirements.  Although the Company and Congoleum have generally not had difficulty in obtaining their requirements for these materials, they have occasionally experienced significant price increases for some of these materials.  Although the Company and Congoleum have been able to obtain sufficient supplies of specialty resin and other raw materials, there can be no assurances that they may not experience difficulty obtaining supplies and raw materials in the future, particularly if global supply conditions deteriorate, which could have a material adverse effect on profit margins.

Competition  All businesses in which ABI is engaged are highly competitive, principally based upon pricing of the product, the quality of the product and service to the customer.  ABI’s tape products compete with products of some of the largest fully integrated rubber and plastic companies, as well as those of smaller producers.  Included among its competitors are 3M, Nitto Permacel, Ivex/Novasol and R-Tape.  AB Canada's flooring products compete with those of other manufacturers of rubber and resilient floor tiles and with all other types of floor covering.  AB Canada also competes with Armstrong World Industries, Inc., Flexco/Roppe, Nora and Mondo and with other manufacturers of alternate floor covering products.  In the rubber products category, AB Canada has several competitors, principally among them being GRT Division of Enpro and WARCO/Biltrite.

The market for Congoleum's products is highly competitive.  Resilient sheet and tile compete for both residential and commercial customers primarily with carpeting, hardwood, melamine laminate and ceramic tile.  In residential applications, both tile and sheet products are used primarily in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and foyers and, to a lesser extent, in playrooms and basements.  Ceramic tile is used primarily in kitchens, bathrooms and foyers.  Carpeting is used primarily in bedrooms, family rooms and living rooms.  Hardwood flooring and melamine laminate are used primarily in family rooms, foyers and kitchens.  Commercial grade resilient flooring faces substantial competition from carpeting, ceramic tile, rubber tile, hardwood flooring and stone in commercial applications.  Congoleum believes, based upon its market research, that purchase decisions are influenced primarily by fashion elements such as design, color and style, durability, ease of maintenance, price and ease of installation.  Both tile and sheet resilient flooring are easy to replace for repair and redecoration and, in Congoleum's view, have advantages over other floor covering products in terms of both price and ease of installation and maintenance.

Congoleum encounters competition from three other manufacturers in North America and, to a lesser extent, foreign manufacturers.  In the resilient category, Armstrong World Industries, Inc. has the largest market share.  Some of Congoleum's competitors have substantially greater financial and other resources and access to capital than Congoleum.


 
6

 

K&M competes with other companies that sell similar products on the basis of product pricing and the effectiveness of merchandising services offered.  In assessing K&M’s products and services, K&M's customers tend to focus on margin dollars realized from the customers’ sales of product and return on inventory investment needed to be made by the customer in order to generate sales.  In its business of supplying and servicing fashion jewelry and accessory products, K&M competes with a variety of competitors, among them are Liz Claiborne Inc., Jones Apparel Group and a number of other companies offering similar products and/or services.  K&M also competes with numerous importers and overseas suppliers of similar items.

Patents and Trademarks  ABI and its subsidiaries own many trademarks, including the Congoleum brand name, the AB® logo, TransferRite®, ProtecRite®, Autowrap®, Ideal Seal®, Therm-X®, and Ideal® at the Tape Division, Estrie®, AB Colors Plus® Dura-Shield® and Transseal® at AB Canada, and Amtico®, which is used solely in the Canadian  market.  These trademarks are important for the Company in maintaining a competitive position.  K&M also licenses the Panama Jack®, Guess?®, Rocawear®, Its Happy Bunny®, and Peanuts® trademarks as well as certain others for use with its jewelry products.  The licensing agreements are subject to expiration dates and other termination provisions, and the licensor or the Company may choose not to extend or renew certain agreements.  The Company has an ongoing program seeking additional or replacement licenses.  The Company also believes that patents and know-how play an important role in maintaining competitive position.

Research and Development  Research and development efforts at the Company concentrate on new product development, increasing efficiencies of the various manufacturing processes, and improving the features and performance of existing products.  Expenditures for research and development were $6.0 million and $6.2 million, on a consolidated basis, for 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Key Customers  For the year ended December 31, 2008, two customers of Congoleum accounted for over 10% of ABI's consolidated net sales.  The two customers together accounted for 63% of Congoleum’s net sales of $172.6 million.  These customers are Congoleum’s distributor to the manufactured housing market, LaSalle-Bristol, and its largest retail distributor, Mohawk Industries, Inc.  No other customer accounted for more than 10% of ABI’s consolidated sales.  The loss of one or both of these customers would have a material adverse effect on Congoleum’s business, results of operations and financial condition and would likely have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

K&M’s top three customers in terms of net sales in 2008 together accounted for 54% of K&M’s net sales.  The loss of the largest of these customers would have a material adverse effect on K&M’s business, results of operations and financial condition and would likely have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

Sales to five unaffiliated customers of the Tape Division together constitute approximately 20% of the net sales for the Tape Division.  The loss of the largest of these unaffiliated customers and/or two or more of the other four unaffiliated customers could have a material adverse effect on the Tape Division's business, results of operations and financial condition.


 
7

 

Sales to five unaffiliated customers of AB Canada together constitute approximately 22% of the net sales for AB Canada.  The loss of the largest of these unaffiliated customers and/or two or more of the other four unaffiliated customers could have a material adverse effect on AB Canada's business, results of operations and financial condition.

AB Canada’s sales to Congoleum accounted for approximately 6% of AB Canada’s net sales in 2008.  The loss of Congoleum’s business would have a significant, adverse effect on AB Canada’s revenue.  These intercompany sales are eliminated from the Company’s consolidated financial statements, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  See Note 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Backlog  The dollar amount of backlog of orders believed to be firm as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 was $15.8 million and $16.3 million, respectively.  It is anticipated that all of the backlog as of December 31, 2008 will be filled within the current fiscal year.  There are no seasonal or other significant aspects of the backlog.  In the opinion of management, backlog is not significant to the business of ABI.

Environmental Compliance  Because of the nature of the operations conducted by ABI and Congoleum, each company’s facilities are subject to a broad range of federal, state, local and foreign legal and regulatory provisions relating to the environment, including those regulating the discharge of materials into the environment, the handling and disposal of solid and hazardous substances and wastes, and the remediation of contamination associated with releases of hazardous substances at owned or leased facilities and off-site disposal locations.

ABI and its subsidiaries, including Congoleum, have historically expended substantial amounts for compliance with existing environmental laws and regulations, including those matters described in Item 3 (Legal Proceedings) and Note 8 to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  ABI and Congoleum will continue to be required to expend amounts in the future, due to the nature of past activities at their facilities, to comply with existing environmental laws, and those amounts may be substantial.  Because environmental requirements have grown increasingly strict, however, ABI is unable to determine the ultimate cost of compliance with environmental laws and enforcement policies.  The Company has established accruals for matters for which management considers a loss to be probable and reasonably estimable.  ABI and Congoleum believe that compliance with existing federal, state, local and foreign provisions will not have a material adverse effect upon their financial positions nor do ABI and Congoleum expect to incur material recurring costs or capital expenditures relating to environmental matters, except as disclosed in Item 3 (Legal Proceedings) and Note 8 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  However, there can be no assurances that the ultimate liability concerning these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

Employees  As of December 31, 2008, ABI and its subsidiaries employed approximately 1,300 people.  Substantially all of ABI’s and its subsidiaries’ employees are employed on a full time basis.

 
8

 

Financial Information about Foreign and Domestic Operations and Export Sales

Financial information concerning foreign and domestic operations is in Note 14 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The Company’s consolidated export sales from the United States were $28.5 million in 2008 and $28.8 million in 2007.

Available Information

The Company is subject to the reporting and other information requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and files annual, quarterly, and current reports, proxy statements and other documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to those requirements.  The public may read and copy any materials that the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission at the Securities and Exchange Commission's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549.  The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the Securities and Exchange Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330.  Also, the Securities and Exchange Commission maintains an Internet website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers, including the Company, that file electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The public can obtain any documents that the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission at http://www.sec.gov.

Congoleum is also subject to the reporting and other information requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to those requirements.  Such reports, proxy statements and other information filed by or in connection with Congoleum with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Congoleum Reports") are available from the Securities and Exchange Commission in a similar manner as are the reports, proxy statements and other information filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The Company is providing this information regarding the availability of Congoleum Reports for informational purposes only.  The Congoleum Reports are expressly not incorporated into or made a part of this report or any other reports, statements or other information filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission or otherwise made available by the Company.  The Company expressly disclaims any liability for information disclosed or omitted in the Congoleum Reports and, except as required by the federal securities laws, expressly disclaims any obligation to update or correct any information included in the Congoleum Reports.



 
9

 

Item 1A.
RISK FACTORS

The Company’s independent registered public accountant has included a going concern paragraph in its opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

The Company’s independent registered public accountant has issued an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements that states that the consolidated financial statements were prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern and further states that the Company’s need to refinance its credit facility raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern.  The Company’s existing principal credit facility expires on September 30, 2009.  As noted elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company is negotiating with its current lenders to obtain an amendment or waiver to address certain financial covenants under the Company’s existing principal credit agreement which the Company expects it would not comply with for the period ended March 31, 2009 and subsequent periods and is negotiating to obtain alternative financing to replace its existing credit agreement, including the term loan and credit facility included as part of its credit agreement.  If the Company is unable to obtain such an amendment or waiver or to obtain alternative financing on satisfactory terms, the Company may not be able to continue as a going concern.

The Company will have to amend its existing principal credit agreement, or obtain a waiver from its lenders, to cure defaults under that agreement, or obtain sufficient alternative financing.

The Company has had to amend its principal credit agreement several times in the past in order to avoid being in default of that agreement as a result of failing to satisfy certain financial covenants contained in that agreement.  The Company currently expects that it would fail to comply with certain financial covenants under the credit agreement for the period ended March 31, 2009 and subsequent periods.  As a result, the Company is currently negotiating with its lenders to amend the credit agreement to address, or obtain a waiver for, any such breaches.  If an event of default were to occur, the lenders could cease to make borrowings available under the credit facility and require the Company to repay all amounts outstanding under the credit agreement.  If the Company were unable to repay those amounts due, the lenders could have their rights over the collateral (most of the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ (excluding Congoleum) assets, as applicable) exercised, which would likely have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.  Although the Company currently anticipates that it will be able to obtain a waiver or enter an amendment to address these matters, there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in this regard.  Further, any waiver or amendment the Company may obtain is expected to be limited in scope and duration such that the Company would likely need to obtain further amendments or waivers in the future or obtain alternative financing.


 
10

 

The Company relies on its revolving credit facility to fund its business, operations and working capital needs.  That revolving credit facility expires on September 30, 2009 and the Company may not be able to renew or replace that facility on satisfactory terms.

The Company relies on borrowings under its $30 million revolving credit facility which is governed by its principal credit agreement to fund its business and operations.  If the Company is not able to generate sufficient cash flows from its operations as a result of the current recession in the United States or otherwise, it may have greater reliance on the availability of borrowings under its credit facility.  The Company's credit facility is scheduled to expire on September 30, 2009.  As noted in the risk factor above “The Company will have to amend its existing principal credit agreement, or obtain a waiver from its lenders, to cure defaults under that agreement, or obtain sufficient alternative financing”, the Company needs to obtain an amendment to the credit agreement, or a waiver from its lenders, to address financial covenants under that agreement which the Company expects it would not comply with for the period ended March 31, 2009 and subsequent periods.  In addition, the Company will need to extend, refinance or replace the credit facility under the credit agreement by the expiration date or any earlier time required by any waiver or amendment it may enter into to address the expected covenant breaches.  The Company is currently negotiating for alternative financing to replace its credit agreement.  There can be no assurances that the Company will be able to obtain alternative financing on satisfactory terms.  The global credit markets have recently been experiencing substantial disruption, and as a result, credit has become more expensive and difficult to obtain.  In addition, creditors have generally been imposing more stringent restrictions on the terms of credit.  If these conditions continue to exist, the Company may be unable to obtain adequate alternative financing and any alternative financing the Company may obtain may be significantly more expensive and restrictive than the terms under the existing credit agreement.  If the terms of any alternative financing that the Company may obtain were significantly more expensive or restrictive or failed to provide the Company with sufficient funds for operations or otherwise, the Company's business, results of operations or financial condition would be materially adversely affected.  In addition, if a lender under the existing or any future credit facility the Company may obtain fails to fund a request by the Company to borrow money under that credit facility, the Company's business, results of operations or financial condition may be materially adversely affected.

In addition, similar to the terms of the Company’s existing principal credit agreement, any alternative financing the Company may obtain is expected to limit the Company's ability to obtain additional debt financing.  Moreover, since the Company and most of its subsidiaries are expected to grant security interests in most of their assets as collateral for borrowings under any alternative financing the Company may obtain, the Company's ability to obtain any additional debt financing beyond that alternative financing will be limited.


 
11

 

The Company and its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum have significant asbestos liability and funding exposure, and the Company's and Congoleum's strategies for resolving this exposure may not be successful.  Any plan of reorganization for Congoleum is expected to result in elimination of the interests of Congoleum's equity holders, including the Company.

As more fully set forth in Notes 1, 8 and 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company and Congoleum have significant liability and funding exposure for asbestos personal injury claims.  On December 31, 2003, Congoleum filed a voluntary petition with the Bankruptcy Court seeking relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code as a means to resolve claims asserted against it related to the use of asbestos in its products decades ago.  An amended joint plan of reorganization for Congoleum proposed by the ACC, the Bondholders’ Committee and Congoleum was filed in the Bankruptcy Court, which plan is referred to elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as the "Amended Joint Plan."  While Congoleum believed that the Amended Joint Plan had sufficient creditor support to be confirmed, the Bankruptcy Court recently issued an opinion denying confirmation of the Amended Joint Plan and ordering Congoleum’s bankruptcy case be dismissed (which is referred to elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as the "Order of Dismissal").  That order is being appealed with the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and the Bankruptcy Court has granted a stay of its Order of Dismissal pending a final non-appealable decision affirming the Order of Dismissal.  There can be no assurance that the appeal of the Order of Dismissal will be granted by the District Court or any other court which may be appealed to or that the Bankruptcy Court will not subsequently vacate its grant of a stay of its Order of Dismissal.  If the appeal were denied, Congoleum’s bankruptcy case could be dismissed, resulting in Congoleum no longer benefiting from the protection from creditor claims currently afforded to it by the chapter 11 case and the Bankruptcy Code.  Further, as indicated in the Order of Dismissal, Congoleum’s ability to refile another bankruptcy petition may be limited, which could result in Congoleum having to attempt to conduct its business and operations outside of the protections of the Bankruptcy Code, including attempting to defend against, satisfy or defray its creditor claims, such as its substantial asbestos liabilities and its Senior Notes, and continued litigation against its insurers to attempt to obtain insurance coverage for Congoleum’s asbestos liabilities.  It is unclear what effect the Order of Dismissal, the stay of the Bankruptcy Court’s Order of Dismissal pending a final non-appealable decision affirming the Order of Dismissal and the continued litigation may have on Congoleum’s business and operations, including with regard to its relationships with its vendors, suppliers, customers, lenders and other constituencies.

Under the terms of the Amended Joint Plan, ABI's ownership interest in Congoleum would be eliminated.  ABI expects that its ownership interest in Congoleum would be eliminated under any alternate plan or outcome in Congoleum’s Chapter 11 case.

ABI has certain intercompany claims against and arrangements with Congoleum.  The Amended Joint Plan would govern an intercompany settlement and ongoing intercompany arrangements among ABI and its subsidiaries and reorganized Congoleum, which would be effective when the Amended Joint Plan took effect and would have a term of two years.  Those intercompany arrangements include the provision of management services by ABI to reorganized Congoleum and other business relationships substantially consistent with their traditional relationships.  The Amended Joint Plan provides that the final terms of the intercompany arrangements among ABI

 
12

 

and its subsidiaries and reorganized Congoleum would be memorialized in a new agreement to be entered into by reorganized Congoleum and American Biltrite in form and substance mutually agreeable to the Bondholders’ Committee, the official asbestos claimants' committee and ABI.  The existing arrangements currently in effect among ABI and its non-debtor subsidiaries and Congoleum expire on June 30, 2009, unless renewed.  In addition, under the terms of the Amended Joint Plan, ABI’s rights and claims to indemnification from Congoleum under the existing joint venture agreement between ABI and Congoleum that relate to ABI's contribution to Congoleum in 1993 of ABI's tile division, and the joint venture agreement itself, would have been deemed rejected and disallowed upon the effective date of the Amended Joint Plan, and therefore eliminated.  The Amended Joint Plan's rejection and disallowance of the joint venture agreement and ABI’s claims thereunder included any unfunded indemnification claims ABI may have had prepetition and during the pendency of Congoleum's Chapter 11 case as well as any such claims ABI might otherwise have been entitled to assert after the Amended Joint Plan became effective.  If the appeal of the Order of Dismissal were denied, it is uncertain what would become of ABI’s and its nondebtor subsidiaries’ claims against and relationships with Congoleum, although ABI expects that those claims and relationships could be adversely affected and could even be rendered worthless.  In addition, there can be no assurance that ABI, Congoleum and other applicable Congoleum constituencies will be able to reach agreement on the terms of any management services proposed to be provided by ABI to reorganized Congoleum or any other proposed business relationships among ABI and its affiliates and reorganized Congoleum.  Any plan of reorganization for Congoleum that may be confirmed may have terms that differ significantly from the terms contemplated by the Amended Joint Plan, including with respect to any management services that may be provided by ABI to reorganized Congoleum and ABI's claims and interests and other business relationships with reorganized Congoleum.

In addition, in view of ABI’s relationships with Congoleum, ABI will be affected by Congoleum's negotiations regarding, and its pursuit of, any plan of reorganization, and there can be no assurance as to what that impact, positive or negative, might be.  In any event, the failure of Congoleum to obtain confirmation and consummation of a Chapter 11 plan of reorganization would have a material adverse effect on Congoleum's business, results of operations or financial condition and could have a material adverse effect on ABI’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

Any plan of reorganization for Congoleum, if proposed, will be subject to numerous conditions, approvals and other requirements, including the receipt of necessary creditor, claimant and court approvals.  Certain insurers have contested the reorganization plans previously filed by Congoleum in the Bankruptcy Court and Congoleum is involved in ongoing litigation against its insurers in a state court coverage action.  If the insurers are successful in contesting the appeal of the Order of Dismissal, any future reorganization plan or in denying coverage under the insurance policies, such reorganization plan may not become effective.  Further, even if the insurers are not successful in contesting the appeal of the Order of Dismissal, any future plan that may be proposed or in denying coverage under the insurance policies, Congoleum may be required to incur significant time and expense litigating against the insurers, which could further delay any confirmation or effectiveness of any reorganization plan.  In order to obtain confirmation of any reorganization plan, Congoleum will need sufficient funds to pay for the


 
13

 

continued litigation with these insurers as well as the bankruptcy proceedings generally.  In addition, for a plan of reorganization to be confirmed, Congoleum will need to obtain and demonstrate the sufficiency of exit financing.  Congoleum cannot presently determine the terms of such financing, nor can there be any assurances of its success obtaining it, particularly in light of the recent substantial disruption in the global credit markets which has resulted in credit becoming more expensive and difficult to obtain.  Moreover, the failure of any lender under any credit facility Congoleum may have or obtain to fund requests for borrowings by Congoleum could negatively impact Congoleum's business, results of operations or financial condition and its chances of obtaining confirmation of any plan of reorganization.

The Company has its own direct asbestos liability as well.  The Company's strategy remains to vigorously defend against and strategically settle its asbestos claims on a case-by-case basis.  To date, the Company's insurers have funded substantially all of the Company's liabilities and expenses related to its asbestos liability under the Company's applicable insurance policies.  The Company expects its insurance carriers will continue to defend and indemnify it for a substantial amount of its asbestos liabilities for the foreseeable future pursuant to an umbrella/first-layer excess policies arrangement between the Company and the applicable insurance carriers.  It is possible that asbestos claims may be asserted against the Company alleging exposure allocable solely to years in which the Company’s insurance policies excluded coverage for asbestos, that the policies providing coverage under the umbrella/first-layer excess policies arrangement will exhaust, or that the carriers responsible for such policies may at some future date be unwilling or unable to meet their obligations under the policies or that arrangement.  If ABI were to incur significant additional asbestos liabilities for which it did not have insurance coverage or was not able to receive recoveries under its insurance policies due to the carriers which underwrote those policies being insolvent or otherwise, ABI may have to fund such liabilities, which could have a material adverse effect on ABI's business, results of operations or financial condition.

As a result of Congoleum's significant liability and funding exposure for asbestos claims, there can be no assurance that if Congoleum were to incur any unforecasted or unexpected liability or disruption to its business or operations it would be able to withstand that liability or disruption and continue as an operating company.  Any significant increase of the Company's asbestos liability and funding exposure would likely have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, operations and financial condition and possibly its ability to continue as a going concern.

In the past, federal legislation has been proposed which would establish a national trust to provide compensation to victims of asbestos-related injuries and channel all current and future asbestos-related personal injury claims to that trust.  In light of the numerous uncertainties surrounding this and other possible asbestos legislation in the United States, ABI does not know what effects any such legislation, if adopted, may have upon its or Congoleum's businesses, results of operations or financial conditions, or upon any plan of reorganization for Congoleum.

For further information regarding the Company's and Congoleum's asbestos liability, insurance coverage and strategies to resolve that asbestos liability, please see Notes 1, 8 and 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," which are included in Part II, Item 8 and Part II, Item 9, respectively, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


 
14

 

Elimination of the Company’s equity interests in Congoleum could have a material adverse impact on the business relationships between ABI and Congoleum and ABI’s business, operations and financial condition.

ABI expects that its ownership interest in Congoleum will be eliminated under any plan or outcome in Congoleum’s Chapter 11 case.  There can be no assurances as to the ownership structure under the terms of any new reorganization plan for Congoleum that may be proposed or how such structure and any other change in ownership and control may affect reorganized Congoleum’s business, operations and financial condition, or its future relationships with ABI.

ABI provides management services to Congoleum, sells and purchases products to and from Congoleum, and receives royalties from Congoleum.  Agreements for these current intercompany arrangements expire on June 30, 2009, or upon the effectiveness of a plan of reorganization for Congoleum, whichever comes first.  It is not known whether ABI, Congoleum and the other parties in interest will agree to extend the term of these arrangements, and if so, for how long any extension would last or what the terms of any such extension and related intercompany arrangements would be.  The terms of the Amended Joint Plan provided for certain intercompany arrangements continuing for a two year period ending on the second anniversary of the effective date of the Amended Joint Plan pursuant to a new agreement to be entered into by ABI and reorganized Congoleum on the effective date of the Amended Joint Plan.  The Amended Joint Plan provided that the new agreement would be in form and substance mutually agreeable to the Bondholders' Committee, the ACC and ABI.  Pursuant to that new agreement, ABI's current chief executive officer would serve as a director and the chief executive officer of reorganized Congoleum and ABI would have to make available to reorganized Congoleum substantially all of his time during normal working hours on an annual basis, ABI would have to make available to reorganized Congoleum approximately 25% of the time of ABI's current president and chief operating officer during normal working hours and on an annual basis, and ABI's current chief financial officer would serve as the chief financial officer of reorganized Congoleum and ABI would have to make available to reorganized Congoleum approximately 50% of his time during normal working hours and on an annual basis.  Expiration or termination of such intercompany arrangements, failure to reach definitive agreement on final terms of future arrangements between ABI and reorganized Congoleum, or failure to consummate such arrangements in connection with the effectiveness of a plan of reorganization for Congoleum or otherwise could have a material adverse impact on the business relationships between ABI and Congoleum, and ABI’s business, operations and financial condition.


 
15

 

The Company and Congoleum sell their products on credit and their customers may fail to pay, or they may extend the payment period, for products sold to them on credit.

The Company and Congoleum sell their products on credit.  Customers purchasing goods on credit from the Company or Congoleum may default on their obligations to pay, or they may extend the payment period, for products sold to them on credit, which may result in an increased investment in accounts receivable by the Company or Congoleum.  In light of the current recession in the United States, the risk that the Company and Congoleum may realize an increased investment in accounts receivable may be greater.  To the extent the Company and Congoleum are unable to collect receivables owed to them in a timely fashion, increased demands may be placed on their respective working capital, which could have a material adverse effect on their respective businesses, results of operations or financial condition.

The Company and its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum may incur substantial liability for environmental claims and compliance matters.

Due to the nature of the Company's and its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum's businesses and certain of the substances which are or have been used, produced or discharged by them, the Company's and Congoleum's operations and facilities are subject to a broad range of federal, state, local and foreign legal and regulatory provisions relating to the environment, including those regulating the discharge of materials into the environment, the handling and disposal of solid and hazardous substances and wastes and the remediation of contamination associated with releases of hazardous substances at Company and Congoleum facilities and off-site disposal locations.  The Company and Congoleum have historically expended substantial amounts for compliance with existing environmental laws or regulations, including environmental remediation costs at both third-party sites and Company and Congoleum-owned sites.  The Company and Congoleum will continue to be required to expend amounts in the future because of the nature of their prior activities at their facilities, in order to comply with existing environmental laws, and those amounts may be substantial.  Although the Company and Congoleum believe that those amounts should not have a material adverse effect on their respective financial positions, there is no certainty that these amounts will not have a material adverse effect on their respective financial positions because, as a result of environmental requirements becoming increasingly strict, neither the Company nor Congoleum is able to determine the ultimate cost of compliance with environmental laws and enforcement policies.

Moreover, in addition to potentially having to pay substantial amounts for compliance, future environmental laws or regulations may require or cause the Company or Congoleum to modify or curtail their operations, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations or financial condition.


 
16

 

The Company and its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum, may incur substantial liability for other product and general liability claims.

In the ordinary course of their businesses, the Company and its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum become involved in lawsuits, administrative proceedings, product liability claims and other matters.  In some of these proceedings, plaintiffs may seek to recover large and sometimes unspecified amounts and the matters may remain unresolved for several years.  These matters could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations or financial condition if the Company or Congoleum, as applicable, is unable to successfully defend against or settle these matters, and its insurance coverage is insufficient to satisfy any judgments against it or settlements relating to these matters, or the Company or Congoleum, as applicable, is unable to collect insurance proceeds relating to these matters.

The Company and its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum are dependent upon a continuous supply of raw materials from third party suppliers and would be harmed if there were a significant, prolonged disruption in supply or increase in its raw material costs.

The Company and its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum generally design and engineer their own products.  Most of the raw materials required by the Company for its manufacturing operations are available from multiple sources; however, the Company does purchase some of its raw materials from a single source or supplier.  Any significant delay in or disruption of the supply of raw materials could substantially increase the Company's cost of materials, require product reformulation or require qualification of new suppliers, any one or more of which could materially adversely affect the Company's business, results of operations or financial condition.  The Company's majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum does not have readily available alternative sources of supply for specific designs of transfer print paper, which are produced utilizing print cylinders engraved to Congoleum's specifications.  Although Congoleum does not anticipate any loss of this source of supply, replacement could take a considerable period of time and interrupt production of certain products, which could have a material adverse affect on the Company's business, results of operations or financial condition.  The Company and Congoleum have occasionally experienced significant price increases for some of its raw materials.  Although the Company has been able to obtain sufficient supplies of raw materials, there can be no assurances that it may not experience difficulty in the future, particularly if global supply conditions deteriorate, which could have a material adverse effect on profit margins.  In addition, raw material and energy costs increased sharply over the past year, particularly during the first half of 2008, which has negatively impacted the Company's and Congoleum's businesses and operating results.  Although raw material and energy costs have recently declined, it is not known whether raw material and energy prices will remain lower or will revert to increasing price levels.  In light of the current and forecasted economic conditions in the United States and the industries in which the Company and Congoleum conduct business, the Company and Congoleum may be unable to pass increased raw material and energy costs on to their respective customers.


 
17

 

The Company and its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum operate in highly competitive markets and some of their competitors have greater resources, and in order to be successful, the Company and Congoleum must keep pace with and anticipate changing customer preferences.

The market for the Company's and its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum's products and services is highly competitive.  Some of their respective competitors have greater financial and other resources and access to capital. Furthermore, to the extent any of the Company's or Congoleum's competitors make a filing under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code and emerge from bankruptcy as continuing operating companies that have shed much of their pre-filing liabilities, those competitors could have a cost competitive advantage over Congoleum.  In addition, in order to maintain their competitive positions, the Company and Congoleum may need to make substantial investments in their businesses, including, as applicable, product development, manufacturing facilities, distribution network and sales and marketing activities. Competitive pressures may also result in decreased demand for their products and in the loss of market share for their products. Moreover, due to the competitive nature of their industries, they may be commercially restricted from raising or even maintaining the sales prices of their products, which could result in the incurrence of significant operating losses if their expenses were to increase or otherwise represent an increased percentage of sales.

The markets in which the Company and Congoleum compete are characterized by frequent new product introductions and changing customer preferences. There can be no assurance that the Company's and Congoleum's existing products and services will be properly positioned in the market or that the Company and Congoleum will be able to introduce new or enhanced products or services into their respective markets on a timely basis, or at all, or that those new or enhanced products or services will receive customer acceptance. The Company's and Congoleum's failure to introduce new or enhanced products or services on a timely basis, keep pace with industry or market changes or effectively manage the transitions to new products, technologies or services could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations or financial condition.

The Company and its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum are subject to general economic conditions and conditions specific to their respective industries.

Global and financial markets have recently been experiencing substantial disruption.  Economic conditions in the United States have been challenging, including in the industries in which the Company and Congoleum conduct business.  The downturn in the housing industry has resulted in reduced demand for the Company's and Congoleum's products.  The slowdown in manufacturing, including in the automotive and industrial sectors, has resulted in reduced demand for the Tape division's products.  In addition, the decline in consumer and retailer, especially mid-tier retailer, spending has resulted in reduced demand for K&M's products.  There is presently an economic recession in the United States, affecting the industries in which the Company and Congoleum conduct business.  The Company expects the current and forecasted economic conditions to continue to negatively impact the Company's and Congoleum's businesses and operations and that the extent of that impact will depend on the duration and depth of the economic recession.


 
18

 

In addition, raw material and energy costs increased sharply over the past year, particularly during the first half of 2008, which has negatively impacted the Company's and Congoleum's businesses and operating results.  Although raw material and energy costs have recently declined, it is not known whether raw material and energy prices will remain lower or will revert to increasing price levels.  In light of the current and forecasted economic conditions in the United States and the industries in which the Company and Congoleum conduct business, the Company and Congoleum may be unable to pass increased raw material and energy costs on to their respective customers.

Although the Company and Congoleum intend to implement reductions in their expenses, there can be no assurance that they will be able to reduce their respective expenses, that any reductions they may implement will have any meaningful positive impact on their businesses, results of operations or financial condition, or that they will be able to sustain any expense reductions that they may implement.

The Company and its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum could realize shipment delays, depletion of inventory and increased production costs resulting from unexpected disruptions of operations at any of the Company's or Congoleum's facilities.

The Company's and its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum's businesses depend upon their ability to timely manufacture and deliver products that meet the needs of their customers and the end users of their products.  If the Company or Congoleum were to realize an unexpected, significant and prolonged disruption of its operations at any of its facilities, including disruptions in its manufacturing operations, it could result in shipment delays of its products, depletion of its inventory as a result of reduced production and increased production costs as a result of taking actions in an attempt to cure the disruption or carry on its business while the disruption remains.  Any resulting delay, depletion or increased production cost could result in increased costs, lower revenues and damaged customer and product end user relations, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations or financial condition.

The Company and its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum offer limited warranties on their products which could result in the Company or Congoleum incurring significant costs as a result of warranty claims.

The Company and its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum offer a limited warranty on many of their products against manufacturing defects.  In addition, as a part of its efforts to differentiate mid- and high-end products through color, design and other attributes, Congoleum offers enhanced warranties with respect to wear, moisture discoloration and other performance characteristics which generally increase with the price of such products.  If the Company or Congoleum were to incur a significant number of warranty claims, the resulting warranty costs could be substantial.


 
19

 

The Company and its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum rely on a small number of customers and distributors for a significant portion of their sales or to sell their products.

The Company's Tape Division principally sells its products through distributors.  Sales to five unaffiliated customers accounted for approximately 20% of the Company's Tape Division's net sales for the year ended December 31, 2008.  The loss of the largest unaffiliated customer and/or two or more of the other four unaffiliated customers could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations or financial condition.

The Company's Canadian Division sells its products through distributors and a direct sales force.  Sales to five unaffiliated customers accounted for approximately 22% of the Canadian Division's net sales for the year ended December 31, 2008.  The loss of the largest unaffiliated customer and/or two or more of the other four unaffiliated customers could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations or financial condition.

The Company's majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum principally sells its products through distributors.  Although Congoleum has more than one distributor in some of its distribution territories and actively manages its credit exposure to its distributors, the loss of a major distributor could have a material adverse impact on the Company's business, results of operations, or financial condition.  Congoleum derives a significant percentage of its sales from two of its distributors.  These two distributors accounted for approximately 63% of Congoleum's net sales for the year ended December 31, 2008.

The Company's subsidiary K&M sells its products through its own direct sales force and, indirectly, through a wholly owned subsidiary and through third-party sales representatives.  Three of K&M's customers accounted for approximately 54% of its net sales for the year ended December 31, 2008. The loss of the largest of these customers would have a material adverse effect on K&M’s business, results of operations and financial condition and would likely have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

The Company and its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum depend on key executives to run their businesses, and the loss of any of these executives would likely harm the Company's business.

The Company and its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum depend on key executives to run their businesses.  In particular, three of the persons that serve as key executives at the Company also serve as key executives at Congoleum.  The Company's future success will depend largely upon the continued service of these key executives, all of whom have no employment contract with the Company or Congoleum, as applicable, and may terminate their employment at any time without notice.  Although certain key executives of the Company and Congoleum are, directly or indirectly, large shareholders of the Company or Congoleum, and thus are less likely to terminate their employment, the loss of any key executive, or the failure by the key executive to perform in his current position, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations or financial condition.

Item 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

Not applicable.

 
20

 

ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES

At December 31, 2008, ABI and its subsidiaries owned ten manufacturing plants and a jewelry distribution center (located in Providence, Rhode Island) and leased office and warehousing space as follows:

Location
Square Feet
Owned
Or
Leased
Industry Segment
For Which
Properties Used
       
Trenton, NJ
1,050,000
Owned
Flooring products
       
Marcus Hook, PA
1,000,000
Owned
Flooring products
       
Trenton, NJ
282,000
Owned
Flooring products
       
Finksburg, MD
107,000
Owned
Flooring products
       
Mercerville, NJ
56,000
Leased
Flooring products
       
Sherbrooke, Quebec
379,000
Owned
Canadian division
       
Moorestown, NJ
226,000
Owned
Tape products
       
Lowell, MA
57,000
Owned
Tape products
       
Billerica, MA
30,000
Leased
Tape products
       
Renaix, Belgium
84,000
Owned
Tape products
       
Singapore
32,000
Owned
Tape products
       
Providence, RI
103,000
Owned
Jewelry products
       
New York, NY, Qingdao, China, and Orlando, FL
26,000
Leased
Jewelry products

ABI knows of no material defect in the titles to any such properties or material encumbrances thereon other than a mortgage on a property in Singapore securing outstanding debt in an amount equal to approximately 44% of the original cost of the property and under the terms of the Company's principal debt agreement, pursuant to which the Company has granted a security interest in the properties in Moorestown, NJ, Lowell, MA and Providence, RI.  ABI believes that all of its and its subsidiaries' properties are in good condition and have been well maintained and that these properties are suitable and adequate for the Company’s present purposes.

It is estimated that during 2008, ABI's and its subsidiaries' plants for the manufacture of floor covering products operated at approximately 52% of aggregate capacity, its plants for the manufacture of tape products operated at approximately 58% of aggregate capacity and the Canadian division operated at approximately 59% of aggregate capacity.  All estimates of aggregate capacity have been made on the basis of a five-day, three-shift operation.

 
21

 

ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

ABI has been named by the Environmental Protection Agency as a Potentially Responsible Party (“PRP”) within the meaning of the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, as amended, as to six sites in five separate states.    In addition, ABI has been named a PRP by the State of Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection with regard to two sites in Maine.  See Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information about these and related matters.

In accordance with SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies, ABI has recorded a reserve of approximately $3.2 million, which represents a probable and reasonably estimable amount to cover the anticipated remediation costs at all sites, net of recoveries, based on facts and circumstances known to the Company at the present time.

ABI is a co-defendant with many other manufacturers and distributors of asbestos-containing products in approximately 1,269 pending claims involving approximately 1,824 individuals as of December 31, 2008.  These claims relate to products of the Company’s former Tile Division, which ABI contributed to Congoleum.  The claimants allege personal injury from exposure to asbestos or asbestos-containing products.  The Company utilizes an actuarial study to assist it in developing estimates of the Company’s potential liability for resolving present and possible future asbestos claims.  Projecting future asbestos claims costs requires estimating numerous variables that are extremely difficult to predict, including the incidence of claims, the disease that may be alleged by future claimants, future settlement and trial results, future court dismissal rates for claims, and possible asbestos legislation developments.  Furthermore, any predictions with respect to these variables are subject to even greater uncertainty as the projection period lengthens.  In light of these inherent uncertainties, the Company believes that six years is the most reasonable period over which to include future claims that may be brought against the Company for recognizing a reserve for future costs.  The Company believes that costs for claims that might be brought after that period are not reasonably estimable.

The estimated range of liability for settlement of current claims pending and claims anticipated to be filed through 2014 was $13.6 million to $44.0 million as of December 31, 2008.  The Company believes no amount within this range is more likely than any other and, accordingly, has recorded a liability of $13.6 million in its financial statements, which represents the minimum probable and reasonably estimable amount for the future liability at the present time. The Company also believes that based on this liability estimate, the corresponding amount of insurance probable of recovery is $13.5 million at December 31, 2008, which has been included in other assets.  The estimated amount of insurance that is probable of recovery depends on the liability estimate as well as a number of additional factors, including the financial viability of some of the insurance companies, the method in which losses will be allocated to the various insurance policies and the years covered by those policies, how legal and other loss handling costs will be covered by the insurance policies, and interpretation of the effect on coverage of various policy terms and limits and their interrelationships.  The recorded liability and related insurance asset do not include any related defense costs.  Defense costs are typically paid in addition to the indemnity limits under the primary layer insurance policies, while certain excess layer policies pay them within policy limits and other excess layer policies pay them in addition to policy limits.  Defense costs historically paid by ABI’s carriers have been approximately 150% of the related indemnity costs on average.

 
22

 

The recorded amounts were based on facts currently known by ABI and a number of assumptions.  However, projecting future events, such as the number of new claims to be filed each year, the average cost of disposing of each such claim, the allocation of claims to specific insurance policies, and the continuing solvency of various insurance companies, as well as numerous uncertainties surrounding asbestos legislation in the United States, could cause the actual liability and insurance recoveries for the Company to be higher or lower than those projected or recorded.

There can be no assurance that the Company’s actual asbestos-related settlement and defense costs will not exceed its accrued asbestos liabilities, or that it will receive the insurance recoveries which it has accrued.  It is reasonably possible that the Company will incur charges for resolution of asbestos claims in the future, which could exceed the Company’s existing reserves.  The Company’s strategy remains to vigorously defend against and strategically settle its asbestos claims on a case-by-case basis.  The Company believes it has substantial insurance coverage to mitigate future costs related to this matter.

See Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information about these claims.

Congoleum is a defendant in a large number of asbestos-related lawsuits.  On December 31, 2003, Congoleum filed a voluntary petition with the Bankruptcy Court seeking relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code as a means to resolve claims asserted against it related to the use of asbestos in its products decades ago.  During 2003, Congoleum had obtained the requisite votes of asbestos personal injury claimants necessary to seek approval of a proposed, pre-packaged Chapter 11 plan of reorganization.  In January 2004, Congoleum filed its proposed plan of reorganization and disclosure statement with the Bankruptcy Court.  From that filing through 2007, several subsequent plans were negotiated with representatives of the ACC, the FCR and other asbestos claimant representatives.  In addition, an insurance company, CNA, filed a plan of reorganization and the Bondholders’ Committee also filed a plan of reorganization.  In May 2006, the Bankruptcy Court ordered the principal parties in interest in Congoleum’s reorganization proceedings to participate in reorganization plan mediation discussions.  Several mediation sessions took place during 2006, culminating in two competing plans, one which Congoleum filed jointly with the ACC in September 2006 and the other filed by CNA, both of which the Bankruptcy Court subsequently ruled were not confirmable as a matter of law.    In March 2007, Congoleum resumed global plan mediation discussions with the various parties seeking to resolve the issues raised in the Bankruptcy Court’s ruling with respect to the Tenth Plan.  In July 2007, the FCR filed a plan of reorganization and proposed disclosure statement.   After extensive further mediation sessions, on February 5, 2008, the FCR, the ACC, the Bondholders’ Committee and Congoleum jointly filed the Joint Plan.  The Bankruptcy Court approved the disclosure statement for the Joint Plan in February 2008, and the Joint Plan was solicited in accordance with court-approved voting procedures.  Various objections to the Joint Plan were filed, and on May 12, 2008 the Bankruptcy Court heard oral argument on summary judgment motions relating to certain of those objections.  On June 6, 2008, the Bankruptcy Court issued a ruling that the Joint Plan was not legally confirmable, and issued an Order to Show Cause why the case should not be converted or dismissed pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 1112.


 
23

 

Following a further hearing on June 26, 2008, the Bankruptcy Court issued an opinion that vacated the Order to Show Cause and instructed the parties to submit a confirmable plan by the end of calendar year 2008.  Following further negotiations, the Bondholders’ Committee, the ACC, the FCR, representatives of holders of pre-petition settlements and Congoleum reached an agreement in principle which the Company understands that Congoleum believed addressed the issues raised by the Bankruptcy Court in the ruling on the Joint Plan and in the court's prior decisions.  A term sheet describing the proposed material terms of the Amended Joint Plan and the Litigation Settlement was entered into by those parties and was filed with the Bankruptcy Court on August 14, 2008.  Certain insurers and a large bondholder have filed objections to the Litigation Settlement and/or reserved their rights to object to confirmation of the Amended Joint Plan.  The Bankruptcy Court approved the Litigation Settlement following a hearing on October 20, 2008, but the court reserved certain issues, including whether any plan of reorganization embodying the settlement meets the standards required for confirmation of a plan of reorganization.  On November 14, 2008, Congoleum, the ACC and the Bondholders’ Committee filed an amended joint plan of reorganization for Congoleum, et al. with the Bankruptcy Court (the “Amended Joint Plan”).  In January 2009, an insurer filed a motion for summary judgment seeking denial of confirmation of the Amended Joint Plan, and a hearing was held on February 5, 2009.  On February 26, 2009, the Bankruptcy Court rendered an opinion denying confirmation of the Amended Joint Plan.  Pursuant to the opinion, the Bankruptcy Court entered the Order of Dismissal dismissing Congoleum’s bankruptcy case.  On February 27, 2009, Congoleum and the Bondholders’ Committee appealed the Order of Dismissal to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.  On March 3, 2009, an order was entered by the Bankruptcy Court granting a stay of the Bankruptcy Court’s Order of Dismissal pending a final non-appealable decision affirming the Order of Dismissal.  See Notes 1 and 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

There can be no assurance that the appeal of the Order of Dismissal will be granted by the District Court or any other court which may be appealed to or that the Bankruptcy Court will not subsequently vacate its grant of a stay of its Order of Dismissal.  If the appeal were denied, Congoleum’s bankruptcy case could be dismissed, resulting in Congoleum no longer benefiting from the protection from creditor claims currently afforded to it by the chapter 11 case and the Bankruptcy Code.  Further, as indicated in the Order of Dismissal, Congoleum’s ability to refile another bankruptcy petition may be limited, which could result in Congoleum having to attempt to conduct its business and operations outside of the protections of the Bankruptcy Code, including attempting to defend against, satisfy or defray its creditor claims, such as its substantial asbestos liabilities and its Senior Notes, and continued litigation against its insurers to attempt to obtain insurance coverage for Congoleum’s asbestos liabilities.  It is unclear what effect the Order of Dismissal, the stay of the Bankruptcy Court’s Order of Dismissal pending a final non-appealable decision affirming the Order of Dismissal and the continued litigation may have on Congoleum’s business and operations, including with regard to its relationships with its vendors, suppliers, customers, lenders and other constituencies.


 
24

 

Even if the appeal of the Order of Dismissal is successful for Congoleum, there can be no assurance that the Amended Joint Plan or any other plan will receive the acceptances necessary for confirmation, that the Amended Joint Plan will not be modified further, that the conditions to the Amended Joint Plan or any other plan will be satisfied or waived, that the Amended Joint Plan or any other plan will timely receive necessary court approvals from the Bankruptcy Court and the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, that the Amended Joint Plan or any other plan will be confirmed, that the Amended Joint Plan or any other plan, if confirmed, will become effective, or that Congoleum will have sufficient funds to pay for continued litigation over any plan of reorganization and the state court insurance coverage litigation.  Any other plan of reorganization that may be proposed for Congoleum may contain terms substantially different from those contained in the Amended Joint Plan.

Congoleum, pursuant to administrative consent orders signed in 1986 and in connection with a prior restructuring, is in the process of implementing cleanup measures at its Trenton sheet facility.  ABI had also signed a similar consent order with regard to its former Trenton tile facility.  Congoleum agreed to be financially responsible for the clean-up of the Trenton tile facility as part of ABI’s contribution to Congoleum of ABI’s former Tile Division.  See Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information about these matters.

Together with a large number (in most cases, hundreds) of other companies, Congoleum is named as a PRP in pending proceedings under CERCLA and similar state laws.  See Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information about these matters.

Congoleum also accrues remediation costs for certain of its owned facilities on an undiscounted basis.  Estimated total cleanup costs, including capital outlays and future maintenance costs for soil and groundwater remediation are primarily based on engineering studies.  In the ordinary course of its business, ABI and its consolidated entities become involved in lawsuits, administrative proceedings, product liability and other matters.  In some of these proceedings, plaintiffs may seek to recover large and sometimes unspecified amounts and the matters may remain unresolved for several years.

Notes 1, 8 and 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, to the extent addressing matters reportable under this Item 3, are incorporated by reference herein.


ITEM 4.
SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

Not applicable.


 
25

 

PART II

ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED SECURITY HOLDER MATTERS

American Biltrite Inc.'s Common Stock is traded on the NYSE Amex (ticker symbol: ABL).  At the close of business on March 16, 2009, the closing price of ABI's Common Stock was $0.66 per share and the approximate number of record holders was 259. High and low sales prices for ABI’s Common Stock for each quarter over the last two years were:

 
Sale Prices of Common Shares
 
2008
2007
Quarter Ended
High
Low
High
Low
         
March 31
$7.50 
$4.25 
$9.75 
$7.98 
June 30
7.65
4.23
9.89
8.07
September 30
5.59
4.00
8.82
5.75
December 31
4.80
1.38
7.25
4.05

No dividends on the Common Stock were declared during 2008 or 2007.  The Company’s debt agreement restricts the ability of the Company to declare and pay dividends.  See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources – ABI and Non-Debtor Subsidiaries” set forth in Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 
26

 

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

The following table sets forth information regarding the Company's equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2008.

Plan Category
 
Number of Securities to Be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights
 
Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (excluding securities reflected in Column a))
     
(a)
     
(b)
     
(c)
 
Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Security Holders
   
535,500
     
$  8.39
     
347,520
 
                         
Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Security Holders
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
                         
Total
   
535,500
     
8.39
     
347,520(1)
 

(1)
Includes 287,020 shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the Company's 1993 Stock Award and Incentive Plan, as amended and restated as of March 4, 1997 and further amended on May 6, 2008.  In addition to stock options, awards under that plan, may take the form of stock appreciation rights (SARs), limited SARs, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other stock awards specified in the plan.  If such awards are granted, they will reduce the number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance pursuant to future stock option awards under that plan.

At the annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders held on May 6, 2008, the Company's stockholders approved the American Biltrite Inc. Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors, under which non-employee directors may be granted non-qualified options to purchase shares of Common Stock.  Prior to this approval, the Company granted such options to its non-employee directors pursuant to the Company’s 1999 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors, as amended, which had not been approved by the Company’s stockholders.

Congoleum maintains separate equity compensation plans.

 
27

 

ITEM 6.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Not applicable.


ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

As noted elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including under “Risk Factors” in Item 1A and “Liquidity and Capital Resources – ABI and Non-Debtor Subsidiaries” in this Item 7, the Company is negotiating with its current lenders to obtain an amendment or waiver to address certain financial covenants under its existing principal credit agreement which the Company expects it would not comply with for the period ended March 31, 2009 and subsequent periods.  The Company is negotiating to obtain alternative financing to replace that credit agreement, including the term loan and credit facility included as part of that credit agreement.  The credit facility under that credit agreement expires on September 30, 2009.  The Company’s independent registered public accountant has issued an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements that states that the consolidated financial statements were prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern and further states that the Company’s need to refinance its credit facility raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern.  If the Company is unable to obtain such an amendment or waiver or to obtain alternative financing on satisfactory terms, the Company may not be able to continue as a going concern.

Global and financial markets have recently been experiencing substantial disruption.  Economic conditions in the United States have been challenging, including in the industries in which the Company and Congoleum conduct business.  The downturn in the housing industry has resulted in reduced demand for the Company's and Congoleum's products.  The slowdown in manufacturing, including in the automotive and industrial sectors, has resulted in reduced demand for the Tape division's products.  In addition, the decline in consumer and retailer, especially mid-tier retailer, spending has resulted in reduced demand for K&M's products.  Forecasts generally call for a slowing economy and an economic recession in the United States, including in the industries in which the Company and Congoleum conduct business.  The Company expects the current and forecasted economic conditions to continue to negatively impact the Company's and Congoleum's businesses and operations and that the extent of that impact will depend on the duration and depth of the economic slowdown or recession.

In addition, raw material and energy costs increased sharply over the past year, particularly during the first half of 2008, which has negatively impacted the Company's and Congoleum's businesses and operating results.  Although raw material and energy costs have recently declined, it is not known whether raw material and energy prices will remain lower or will revert to increasing price levels.  In light of the current and forecasted economic conditions in the United States and the industries in which the Company and Congoleum conduct business, the Company and Congoleum may be unable to pass increased raw material and energy costs on to their respective customers.


 
28

 

Although the Company and Congoleum intend to implement reductions in their expenses, there can be no assurance that they will be able to reduce their respective expenses, that any reductions they may implement will have any meaningful positive impact on their businesses, results of operations or financial condition, or that they will be able to sustain any expense reductions that they may implement.

American Biltrite’s consolidated financial statements include its majority-owned subsidiary, Congoleum.  However, under the terms of the Amended Joint Plan, ABI’s ownership interest in Congoleum would be eliminated.  ABI expects its ownership interest in Congoleum to be eliminated under any alternate plan or outcome in Congoleum’s Chapter 11 case.  On December 31, 2003, Congoleum filed a voluntary petition with the Bankruptcy Court seeking relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code as a means to resolve claims asserted against it related to the use of asbestos in its products decades ago.  During 2003, Congoleum had obtained the requisite votes of asbestos personal injury claimants necessary to seek approval of a proposed, pre-packaged Chapter 11 plan of reorganization.  In January 2004, Congoleum filed its proposed joint plan of reorganization and disclosure statement with the Bankruptcy Court.  From that filing through 2007, several subsequent plans were negotiated with representatives of the ACC, the FCR and other asbestos claimant representatives.  In addition, an insurance company, CNA, filed a plan of reorganization and the Bondholders’ Committee also filed a plan of reorganization.  In May 2006, the Bankruptcy Court ordered the principal parties in interest in Congoleum’s reorganization proceedings to participate in reorganization plan mediation discussions.  Several mediation sessions took place during 2006, culminating in two competing plans, one which Congoleum filed jointly with the ACC in September 2006 and the other filed by CNA, both of which the Bankruptcy Court subsequently ruled were not confirmable as a matter of law.  In March 2007, Congoleum resumed global plan mediation discussions with the various parties seeking to resolve the issues raised in the Bankruptcy Court’s ruling with respect to the Tenth Plan.  In July 2007, the FCR filed a plan of reorganization and proposed disclosure statement.  After extensive further mediation sessions, on February 5, 2008, the FCR, the ACC, the Bondholders’ Committee and Congoleum jointly filed the Joint Plan.  The Bankruptcy Court approved the disclosure statement for the Joint Plan in February 2008, and the Joint Plan was solicited in accordance with court-approved voting procedures.  Various objections to the Joint Plan were filed, and on May 12, 2008 the Bankruptcy Court heard oral argument on summary judgment motions relating to certain of those objections.  On June 6, 2008, the Bankruptcy Court issued a ruling that the Joint Plan was not legally confirmable, and issued an Order to Show Cause why the case should not be converted or dismissed pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 1112.  Following a further hearing on June 26, 2008, the Bankruptcy Court issued an opinion that vacated the Order to Show Cause and instructed the parties to submit a confirmable plan by the end of calendar year 2008.  Following further negotiations, the Bondholders’ Committee, the ACC, the FCR, representatives of holders of pre-petition settlements and Congoleum reached an agreement in principle which the Company understands that Congoleum believed addressed the issues raised by the Bankruptcy Court in the ruling on the Joint Plan and in the court's prior decisions.  A term sheet describing the proposed material terms of the Amended Joint Plan and the Litigation Settlement was entered into by those parties and was filed with the Bankruptcy Court on August 14, 2008.  Certain insurers and a large bondholder have filed objections to the Litigation Settlement and/or reserved their rights to object to confirmation of the Amended Joint Plan.  The Bankruptcy Court approved the Litigation Settlement following a hearing on October 20, 2008, but the court reserved certain issues, including whether any plan of reorganization embodying the settlement meets the standards required for confirmation of a plan of

 
29

 

reorganization.  On November 14, 2008, Congoleum, the ACC and the Bondholders’ Committee filed an amended joint plan of reorganization for Congoleum, et al. with the Bankruptcy Court (the “Amended Joint Plan”).  In January 2009, an insurer filed a motion for summary judgment seeking denial of confirmation of the Amended Joint Plan, and a hearing was held on February 5, 2009.  On February 26, 2009, the Bankruptcy Court rendered an opinion denying confirmation of the Amended Joint Plan.  Pursuant to the opinion, the Bankruptcy Court entered the Order of Dismissal dismissing Congoleum’s bankruptcy case.  On February 27, 2009, Congoleum and the Bondholders’ Committee appealed the Order of Dismissal to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.  On March 3, 2009, an order was entered by the Bankruptcy Court granting a stay of the Bankruptcy Court’s Order of Dismissal pending a final non-appealable decision affirming the Order of Dismissal.

There can be no assurance that the appeal of the Order of Dismissal will be granted by the District Court or any other court which may be appealed to or that the Bankruptcy Court will not subsequently vacate its grant of a stay of its Order of Dismissal.  If the appeal were denied, Congoleum’s bankruptcy case could be dismissed, resulting in Congoleum no longer benefiting from the protection from creditor claims currently afforded to it by the chapter 11 case and the Bankruptcy Code.  Further, as indicated in the Order of Dismissal, Congoleum’s ability to refile another bankruptcy petition may be limited, which could result in Congoleum having to attempt to conduct its business and operations outside of the protections of the Bankruptcy Code, including attempting to defend against, satisfy or defray its creditor claims, such as its substantial asbestos liabilities and its Senior Notes, and continued litigation against its insurers to attempt to obtain insurance coverage for Congoleum’s asbestos liabilities.  It is unclear what effect the Order of Dismissal, the stay of the Bankruptcy Court’s Order of Dismissal pending a final non-appealable decision affirming the Order of Dismissal and the continued litigation may have on Congoleum’s business and operations, including with regard to its relationships with its vendors, suppliers, customers, lenders and other constituencies.

Even if the appeal of the Order of Dismissal is successful for Congoleum, there can be no assurance that the Amended Joint Plan or any other plan will receive the acceptances necessary for confirmation, that the Amended Joint Plan will not be modified further, that the conditions to the Amended Joint Plan or any other plan will be satisfied or waived, that the Amended Joint Plan or any other plan will timely receive necessary court approvals from the Bankruptcy Court and the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, that the Amended Joint Plan or any other plan will be confirmed, that the Amended Joint Plan or any other plan, if confirmed, will become effective, or that Congoleum will have sufficient funds to pay for completion of the appellate process with respect to the Amended Joint Plan, continued litigation over any plan of reorganization and the state court coverage litigation.  Any other plan of reorganization that may be proposed for Congoleum may contain terms substantially different from those contained in the Amended Joint Plan.

ABI estimates that it will spend an additional $300 thousand for legal fees in 2009, which it has accrued, in connection with Congoleum’s reorganization plan.  Actual costs for pursuing and implementing the Amended Joint Plan or any plan of reorganization could be materially higher, and Congoleum and the Company may record significant additional charges should the minimum estimated cost increase.


 
30

 

In addition, ABI is also a defendant in a number of asbestos-related lawsuits in addition to those brought against Congoleum.  See Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by reference.  These matters could have a material adverse impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations.

During 2003, the Company decided to discontinue the operations of its Janus Flooring Corporation subsidiary, a manufacturer of pre-finished hardwood flooring, and sell the related assets.  Results of Janus Flooring, including charges resulting from the shutdown, are being reported as a discontinued operation.  During 2006, the remaining assets of Janus Flooring were sold, and the discontinued operation was effectively dissolved.  As of December 31, 2006, the Company merged Janus Flooring with and into American Biltrite (Canada) Ltd.

Due to Congoleum’s reorganization and separate capital structure, as well as the anticipated elimination of ABI’s ownership interest in Congoleum, the Company believes that presenting the results of operations of ABI and its non-debtor subsidiaries separately from those of Congoleum is the most meaningful way to discuss and analyze its financial condition and results of operations.


Results of Operations

ABI and Non-Debtor Subsidiaries

   
2008
         
2007
       
   
(In thousands of dollars)
 
                         
Net sales
  $ 202,449           $ 216,463        
Cost of sales
    151,814             160,034        
Gross profit
    50,635     25.0%       56,429     26.1%  
Selling, general & administrative expenses
    53,316     26.3%       57,820     26.7%  
Impairment charges
    12,899             -        
Loss from operations
    (15,580 )           (1,391 )      
                             
Interest expense, net
    (1,612 )           (2,297 )      
Other income, net
    869             1,380        
Loss before taxes and other items
    (16,323 )           (2,308 )      
                             
Benefit from income taxes
    (677 )           (1,033 )      
Noncontrolling interests
    157             (57 )      
                             
Loss from continuing operations
  $ (15,489 )         $ (1,332 )      

Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2008 were $202.4 million, a decrease of $14.0 million from sales of $216.5 million in 2007.  Tape segment sales decreased $7.8 million or 7.9% due to lower sales volume of transfer paper, protective films and HVAC products, partly offset by $2.5 million in selling price increases.  Canadian segment sales increased $0.6 million or 1.0% due to improved industrial product sales.  Jewelry segment sales decreased $7.7 million or 12.2% due to lower shipments to mass merchandiser and mid-tier retailers, reflecting the weak retail environment.


 
31

 

Gross profit was 25.0% of net sales in 2008 compared to 26.1% in 2007.  Tape segment gross margins declined by 0.9 percentage points of net sales primarily due to significant inflation on raw materials, particularly during the first half of 2008, and the impact of lower production volumes, partly offset by price increases.  Canadian division gross margins improved by 4.5 percentage points of net sales due to improved margins on industrial products resulting from price increases, a more profitable sales mix of flooring products, and the effect of the weaker Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar in the fourth quarter of 2008.  Jewelry segment margins decreased by 5.9 percentage points of net sales due to increases in landed costs, higher selling allowances and higher royalty costs (resulting from more licensed products in the sales mix).

The Company includes the cost of purchasing and finished goods inspection in selling, general and administrative expenses.  Some companies also record such costs in operating expenses while others record them in cost of goods sold.  Consequently, the Company’s gross profit margins may not be comparable to other companies.  Had the Company recorded these expenses in cost of sales, the gross profit margins for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 would have been 23.9% and 25.6%, respectively.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2008 were $53.3 million, down from $57.8 million in 2007.  Tape division selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $0.8 million due to lower sales related expenses and savings from headcount reductions, partly offset by severance costs and the impact of currency translation.  Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $0.6 million at Canadian division mainly due to higher salaries and travel expenses related to personnel changes.  Jewelry segment selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $1.7 million from 2007 to 2008 primarily due to headcount reduction programs and other expense cuts.  In addition, corporate expenses not allocated to operations were significantly lower in 2008 than 2007 due to lower net provisions for environmental and other contingent liabilities.

During 2008, the Company evaluated the recovery of goodwill and certain other capitalized intangibles related to the Jewelry segment in light of that segment’s recent operating performance, the economic environment, and market value conditions for similar businesses.  Based on that evaluation, a non-cash impairment charge of $12.0 million was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2008 which wrote off all goodwill and capitalized intangibles of the Company.  The Company also evaluated the recovery of its investment in Hulera Sula in light of Hulera Sula’s operating losses for 2008 and 2007.  A non-cash impairment charge of $850 thousand was recorded to write off the Company’s investment in Hulera Sula.

Net interest expense of $1.6 million for 2008 was down $0.7 million as a result of lower debt levels as well as lower interest rates.

Other income decreased from $1.4 million in 2007 to $0.9 million in 2008 as a result of expenses related to certain interest rate swap agreements, including costs to terminate those agreements in 2008.


 
32

 

The effective tax rates for 2008 and 2007 were 4.1% and 44.8%, respectively.  The lower 2008 effective tax rate is due primarily to the increase in valuation allowance against net operating loss carry forwards and other deferred tax assets, which may not be recovered by ABI in future periods due to the uncertainty in ABI’s ability to generate sufficient taxable income.

The Company incurred a loss of $15.5 million from continuing operations for 2008 compared with a loss of $1.3 million in 2007 as a result of the $12.9 million non-cash impairment charge in 2008 coupled with weaker operating results at two of the three divisions.

Congoleum

   
2008
         
2007
       
   
(In thousands of dollars)
       
                         
Net sales
  $ 172,644           $ 204,262        
Cost of sales
    142,032             153,809        
Gross profit
    30,612     17.7%       50,453     24.7%  
                             
Selling, general & administrative expenses
    35,397     20.5%       37,469     18.3%  
Asbestos-related reorganization expenses
    11,491             41,315        
Loss from operations
    (16,276 )           (28,331 )      
                             
Bond interest reversal
    -             29,603        
Interest income, net
    857             197        
Other expense, net
    (970 )           (447 )      
(Loss) income before taxes
    (16,389 )           1,022        
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes
    (1,768 )           1,713        
                             
Net loss
  $ (14,621 )         $ (691 )      

Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2008 totaled $172.6 million as compared to $204.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, a decrease of $31.7 million or 15.5%.  The decrease in sales resulted primarily from lower sales to the manufactured housing industry coupled with continued demand weakness in the new construction and remodeling markets, partially offset by price increases instituted during 2008 (4.7%).

Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2008 totaled $30.6 million, or 17.7% of net sales, compared to $50.5 million or 24.7% of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2007.  Sharp increases in raw material costs during the year (3.7% of net sales), coupled with the negative impact of lower production volumes over which to spread fixed manufacturing overhead (6.5% of net sales) accounted for the decline in gross margin dollars and percentage, partially offset by cost reduction programs implemented during the year.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $35.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 as compared to $37.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, a decrease of $2.1 million.  The decrease was primarily driven by lower wages and benefits expense (down $2.0 million), reflecting workforce reductions instituted in 2008, coupled with reductions in other selling, general and administrative expenses.


 
33

 

Based on the terms of the Amended Joint Plan, in the third quarter of 2008 Congoleum recorded an additional $11.5 million provision for estimated costs for the reorganization proceedings.  In the fourth quarter of 2007 Congoleum recorded an additional $41.3 million charge.  Of this charge, $14.9 million related to the write-off of certain insurance litigation costs receivable that would not have been collected under the terms of the Amended Joint Plan and $26.4 million was an additional provision for estimated costs for the reorganization proceedings and the Coverage Action.

Loss from operations, excluding the special charges above, was $4.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to operating income of $12.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, a decrease of $17.7 million.  This change in operating income was a result of lower sales, coupled with the unfavorable impact of raw material costs and lower production volumes on gross profit, partially offset by lower operating expenses.

Interest income was $1.3 million and $1.2 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively.  Interest expense, excluding interest on the Senior Notes, for 2008, was $0.4 million as compared to interest expense of $1.0 million for 2007.  Bond interest reversal on the Senior Notes in 2007 was $29.6 million.

Benefit for income taxes was $1.8 million in 2008 and a provision of $1.7 million in 2007, reflecting an increase in non-deductible expenses for tax purposes in 2007.

Liquidity and Capital Resources – ABI and Non-Debtor Subsidiaries

Cash and cash equivalents, including short term investments, decreased by $863 thousand to $3.0 million at December 31, 2008 as compared to December 31, 2007.  Total debt at December 31, 2008 was $25.5 million, down $3.4 million from December 31, 2007.  Working capital at December 31, 2008 was $24.8 million, compared with $32.5 million at December 31, 2007.  The ratio of current assets to current liabilities at December 31, 2008 was 1.51 compared to 1.64 at December 31, 2007. The decreases in working capital and ratio of current assets to current liabilities is due in part to the classification of ABI’s Term Loan ($5.5 million) entirely as a current liability as of December 31, 2008. See below for further discussion of the Company’s financing.

Net cash used by operating activities of continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $1.6 million compared with cash provided of $6.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2007.  This decrease was primarily due to a $3.6 million increase in inventory during 2008 compared with a decrease in inventory of $5.9 million in 2007, as well as more cash used to settle payables and accrued liabilities in 2008 versus 2007, partly offset by reductions in accounts receivable levels.

Capital expenditures for 2008 were $1.5 million compared to $1.7 million for 2007.


 
34

 

The Company has recorded provisions which it believes are adequate for environmental remediation, including provisions for testing and potential remediation of conditions at its own facilities, and non-asbestos product-related liabilities.  While the Company believes its estimate of the future amount of these liabilities is reasonable, that most of such amounts will be paid over a period of one to ten years and that the Company expects to have sufficient resources to fund such amounts, the actual timing and amount of such payments may differ significantly from the Company's assumptions.  Although the effect of future government regulation could have a significant effect on the Company's costs, the Company is not aware of any pending legislation or regulation relating to these matters that would have a material adverse effect on its consolidated results of operations or financial position.  There can be no assurances that any such costs could be passed along to its customers.

American Biltrite Inc.’s primary source of borrowings are the revolving credit facility (the “Revolver”) and the term loan (“Term Loan”) it has with Bank of America, National Association (“BofA”) and BofA acting through its Canada branch (the “Canadian Lender”) pursuant to an amended and restated credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”).  The Credit Agreement provides American Biltrite Inc. and its subsidiary K&M with (i) a $30.0 million commitment under the Revolver with a $12.0 million borrowing sublimit (the “Canadian Revolver”) for American Biltrite Inc.’s subsidiary AB Canada and (ii) a $10.0 million Term Loan.  The Credit Agreement also provides for domestic and Canadian letter of credit facilities with availability of up to $5.0 million and $1.0 million, respectively, subject to availability under the Revolver and the Canadian Revolver, respectively.

In September 2006, American Biltrite Inc. entered into an amendment and restatement to the Credit Agreement with BofA and the Canadian Lender.  Pursuant to the amendment and restatement, the Term Loan was added to the Credit Agreement and the amount of the Revolver was increased by $10.0 million to its current $30.0 million amount.  In addition, the availability for domestic letters of credit issued under the Credit Agreement was increased from $4.0 million to $5.0 million.  In connection with that amendment and restatement, American Biltrite Inc. used approximately $17.0 million of new borrowings from the proceeds of the Term Loan, which was fully drawn, and under the Revolver to fully prepay $16.0 million of aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Company’s senior notes, all of which were held by The Prudential Insurance Company of America, together with approximately $1.0 million in interest and yield maintenance fees in connection with those notes and prepayment.  A charge of approximately $860 thousand for early extinguishment of debt was recorded in connection with this prepayment, which is included in other expense.

The amount of borrowings available from time to time for American Biltrite Inc. and K&M under the Revolver may not exceed the lesser of (a) $30.0 million less the then outstanding amount of borrowings by AB Canada under the Canadian Revolver less any outstanding borrowings under the domestic letter of credit facility and (b) the applicable borrowing base.  The formula used for determining the domestic borrowing base is based upon inventory, receivables and fixed assets of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries (not including, among others, AB Canada and Congoleum), reduced by amounts outstanding under the Term Loan.


 
35

 

The amount of borrowings available from time to time for AB Canada under the Canadian Revolver is limited to the lesser of (a) $12 million less any outstanding borrowings under the Canadian letter of credit facility, (b) AB Canada's borrowing base amount, which is based upon AB Canada's accounts receivable, inventory and fixed assets, and (c) $30.0 million less the amount of domestic borrowings outstanding under the Revolver on behalf of the Company and K&M.  AB Canada may borrow amounts under the Canadian Revolver in United States or Canadian dollar denominations; however, solely for purposes of determining amounts outstanding and borrowing availability under the Revolver, all Canadian dollar denominated amounts will be converted into United States dollars in the manner provided in the Credit Agreement.

Interest is payable quarterly on the Term Loan and Revolver borrowings by American Biltrite Inc. and K&M under the Credit Agreement at rates which vary depending on the applicable interest rate in effect and are generally determined based upon: (a) if a LIBOR based rate is in effect, at a rate between a LIBOR based rate plus 1.0% to a LIBOR based rate plus 2.75%, depending on the Company's leverage ratio, as determined under the Credit Agreement, (b) if a fixed rate is in effect, at a rate between the fixed rate plus 1.0% to a fixed rate plus 2.75%, depending on the Company's leverage ratio, as determined under the Credit Agreement, and (c) for loans not based on a LIBOR or fixed rate, the higher of (i) BofA's applicable prime rate and (ii) 0.50% plus the federal funds rate, as determined under the Credit Agreement.  Under the Credit Agreement, American Biltrite Inc. and K&M may generally determine whether interest on domestic revolving loans will be calculated based on a LIBOR based rate, and if BofA elects to make a fixed rate option available, whether interest on revolving loans will be calculated based on a fixed rate.

Interest is payable quarterly on revolving loans under the Canadian Revolver at rates which vary depending on the applicable interest rate in effect and are generally determined based upon: (a) if a LIBOR based rate is in effect, at a rate between a LIBOR based rate plus 1.0% to a LIBOR based rate plus 2.75%, depending on the Company's leverage ratio, as determined under the Credit Agreement, and (b) if a LIBOR based rate is not in effect, for outstanding revolving loans denominated in Canadian dollars, the higher of (i) 0.50% plus the applicable 30-day average bankers' acceptance rate as quoted on Reuters CDOR page and (ii) the Canadian Lender's applicable prime rate for loans made in Canadian dollars to Canadian customers, and for outstanding revolving loans denominated in United States dollars, the higher of (i) 0.50% plus the federal funds rate as calculated under the Credit Agreement and (ii) the applicable rate announced by the Canadian Lender as its reference rate for commercial loans denominated in United States dollars made to a person in Canada.  Under the Credit Agreement, AB Canada may generally determine whether interest on Canadian revolving loans will be calculated based on a LIBOR based rate.

The Term Loan principal is payable in 20 quarterly installments of $500 thousand beginning December 31, 2006 and ending on September 30, 2011.  All indebtedness under the Credit Agreement, other than the Term Loan, is due on September 30, 2009.


 
36

 

The Credit Agreement contains certain covenants that the Company must satisfy.  The covenants included in the Credit Agreement include certain financial tests, restrictions on the ability of the Company to incur additional indebtedness or to grant liens on its assets and restrictions on the ability of the Company to pay dividends on its capital stock.  The financial tests are required to be calculated based on the Company accounting for its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum on the equity method and include a maximum ratio of total liabilities to tangible net worth, a minimum ratio of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) less certain cash payments for taxes, debt service, and dividends to interest expense, a minimum level of tangible net worth, and a maximum level of capital spending.  Pursuant to the amendment and restatement to the Credit Agreement entered into on September 25, 2006, certain of the financial covenants under the Credit Agreement were amended to, among other things, (i) increase the permitted ratio of the Company's consolidated total liabilities to consolidated tangible net worth to 200%, (ii) to provide for a higher threshold for satisfying the consolidated tangible net worth test and (iii) to provide a higher permitted aggregate amount for capital expenditures in any fiscal year.  The Credit Agreement also requires, for each fiscal quarter ending on and after September 30, 2006, the Company's consolidated adjusted EBITDA for the four consecutive fiscal quarters then ending to exceed 100% of the Company's consolidated fixed charges for the 12-month period ending on such date, as determined under the Credit Agreement.

Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries previously granted BofA and the Canadian Lender a security interest in most of the Company's and its subsidiaries' assets.  The security interest granted does not include shares of capital stock of Congoleum or the assets of Congoleum.  In addition, pursuant to the Credit Agreement, certain of the Company’s subsidiaries have agreed to guarantee the Company's obligations (excluding AB Canada's obligations) under the Credit Agreement.

In the past, the Company has had to amend its debt agreements in order to avoid being in default of those agreements as a result of failing to satisfy certain financial covenants contained in those agreements. At March 31, 2007, the Company was not in compliance with the financial covenant under the Credit Agreement that there be no consecutive quarterly net losses from continuing operations.  On May 14, 2007, American Biltrite Inc. and its subsidiaries, K&M and AB Canada, entered into an amendment, effective as of March 31, 2007, to the Credit Agreement with BofA and BofA acting through its Canada branch, each in their respective capacities as lenders and administrative agents under the Credit Agreement. The amendment revised that financial covenant to provide that for each of the two consecutive fiscal quarters of the Company ending December 31, 2006 and March 31, 2007, the Company may not have a quarterly net loss from continuing operations in excess of $400 thousand. The Company was in compliance with the financial covenants of its debt agreements at June 30 and September 30, 2007.  At December 31, 2007, the Company was not in compliance with the financial covenant under the Credit Agreement that requires a ratio of Adjusted EBITDA to Consolidated Interest Expense (as such terms are defined in the Credit Agreement) to exceed 1.0 and that there be no consecutive quarterly net losses from continuing operations.  On March 12, 2008, American Biltrite Inc. and its subsidiaries, K&M and AB Canada, entered into an amendment, effective as of December 31, 2007, to the Credit Agreement with BofA and BofA acting through its Canada branch, each in their respective capacities as lenders and administrative agents under the Credit Agreement.  The amendment removed the financial covenant that required the Company not to have any consecutive quarterly net


 
37

 

losses from continuing operations.  In addition, for purposes of determining the Company's compliance with the financial covenant requiring its Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA to exceed 100% of the Company's Consolidated Fixed Charges (in each case, as determined under the Credit Agreement), the amendment permits the Company to add certain amounts to its Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA to the extent those amounts are deducted in determining the Company's Consolidated Net Income (as determined under the Credit Agreement).  Further, under that amendment, the lenders waived defaults that may have otherwise existed as of December 31, 2007 with respect to the financial covenants that were amended by the amendment.  As of December 31, 2007, American Biltrite was in compliance with the financial covenants of the Credit Agreement as amended by the May 14, 2007 amendment.  ABI paid BofA a fee of $50 thousand in connection with this amendment.

The Company does not anticipate it will meet the covenant with respect to the ratio of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA to Consolidated Fixed Charges for the period ended March 31, 2009 and subsequent periods.  As a result, the Company is currently negotiating with its lenders to amend the Credit Agreement to address, or obtain a waiver for, any such breaches.  The credit facility under the Credit Agreement expires September 30, 2009 and will have to be extended, refinanced or replaced by that expiration date or any earlier time required by any waiver or amendment the Company may obtain or enter into to address the expected covenant breaches under the Credit Agreement.  Although the Company currently anticipates that it will be able to obtain a waiver or enter an amendment to address these matters, there can be no assurances that the Company will be successful in this regard.  Further, any waiver or amendment the Company may obtain is expected to be limited in scope and duration such that the Company would likely need to obtain further amendments or waivers in the future or obtain alternative financing. Based on the Company’s anticipated covenant breaches, the Company has classified the entire outstanding balance of the Term Loan ($5.5 million) as a current liability at December 31, 2008.

The Company is also currently negotiating for alternative financing to replace the Credit Agreement, including the Term Loan and the Revolver. The Company believes it will be successful in obtaining alternative financing during the second quarter of 2009, and that the replacement facility contemplated would provide the Company with sufficient financing on commercially reasonable terms for an extended period of time. It is possible, however, that the Company may not be successful in obtaining the alternative financing it is currently seeking and it may not be able to obtain financing from other alternative sources or under a different arrangement with its existing lenders.  Failure to obtain adequate financing on commercially reasonable terms would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition.

Any required amendments or replacement financing, if obtained, could result in significant cost to the Company.  If an event of default under the Credit Agreement were to occur, the lenders could cease to make borrowings available under the Revolver and require the Company to repay all amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement.  If the Company were unable to repay those amounts due, the lenders could have their rights over the collateral (most of the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ (excluding Congoleum) assets, as applicable) exercised, which would likely have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.


 
38

 

Under the terms of the Amended Joint Plan, ABI’s ownership interest in Congoleum would be eliminated.  ABI expects that its ownership interest in Congoleum would be eliminated under any alternate plan or outcome in Congoleum’s Chapter 11 case.  While the Company does not believe the loss of the value of its equity interest in Congoleum would have a direct material adverse effect on ABI’s liquidity, the loss of a controlling interest could have a material adverse impact on the business relationships between ABI and Congoleum, which in turn could have a material adverse impact on ABI’s business, operations and financial condition.  In connection with Congoleum’s plan of reorganization, ABI expects to spend $300 thousand in 2009, which is not expected to have a material adverse effect on ABI’s working capital or cash flow.

The Company has not declared a dividend subsequent to the third quarter of 2003.  Future dividends, if any, will be determined by the Company's Board of Directors based upon the financial performance and capital requirements of the Company, among other considerations.  Under the Credit Agreement, aggregate dividend payments (since June 30, 2003) are generally limited to 50% of cumulative consolidated net income (computed treating Congoleum under the equity method of accounting), as determined under the Credit Agreement, earned from June 30, 2003.

Liquidity and Capital Resources – Congoleum

The consolidated financial statements of Congoleum, which are reflected in the Company's consolidated financial statements set forth in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, have been prepared on a going concern basis.  A going concern basis contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business.  Accordingly, the consolidated financial statements of Congoleum do not include any adjustments that might be necessary should Congoleum be unable to continue as a going concern.  As described more fully in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, there is substantial doubt about Congoleum's ability to continue as a going concern unless it obtains relief from its substantial asbestos liabilities through a successful reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.

On December 31, 2003, Congoleum filed a voluntary petition with the Bankruptcy Court (Case No. 03-51524) seeking relief under the Bankruptcy Code.  See elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including Notes 1 and 9 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, which are set forth in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for a discussion of Congoleum’s bankruptcy proceedings.  These matters continue to have a material adverse impact on liquidity and capital resources.  During 2008, Congoleum paid $15.9 million in fees and expenses related to reorganization proceedings under the Bankruptcy Code and the New Jersey state court insurance coverage action Congoleum is litigating against certain of its insurers (the “Coverage Action”).  Furthermore, at December 31, 2008, Congoleum had incurred but not paid approximately $7.4 million in additional fees and expenses for services rendered through that date.


 
39

 

Based on its reorganization plans, Congoleum has made provision in its financial statements for the minimum estimated cost to effect its plan to settle asbestos liabilities through confirmation of a plan that complies with section 524(g) of the Bankruptcy Code. Congoleum recorded charges aggregating approximately $51.3 million in years prior to 2007.  Based on the terms of the Joint Plan, in the fourth quarter of 2007 Congoleum recorded an additional $41.3 million charge.  Of this charge, $14.9 million related to the write-off of certain insurance litigation costs receivable that would not have been collected under the terms of the Joint Plan and are not expected to be collected under any future plan, including the Amended Joint plan, and $26.4 million was an additional provision for estimated costs for the reorganization proceedings and the Coverage Action.  In the fourth quarter of 2007 Congoleum also recorded a $41.0 million interest expense credit to reverse post-petition interest accrued on its Senior Notes.  Terms of previous reorganization plans had provided, among other things, for the payment of post-petition interest on the Senior Notes and therefore Congoleum had continued to accrue such interest.  Under the terms of the Amended Joint Plan, and the expected terms of any future plan, including the Amended Joint Plan, the Senior Note holders would not have received any post-petition interest. Following the ruling that the Amended Joint Plan was unconfirmable and based on the anticipated terms and timing of effectiveness of any plan of reorganization for Congoleum, Congoleum recorded an additional charge of $11.5 million in the third quarter of 2008 for costs to effect its reorganization.

In February 2006, the Bankruptcy Court ordered Congoleum’s former counsel, Gilbert, Heintz & Randolph LLP (currently known as Gilbert Oshinsky LLP) (“GHR”) to disgorge all fees and certain expenses it was paid by Congoleum.  In October 2006, Congoleum and GHR entered into a settlement agreement under which GHR was to pay Congoleum approximately $9.2 million plus accrued interest in full satisfaction of the disgorgement order.  The obligation was secured by assets of GHR and was to be made over time according to a formula based on GHR’s earnings.  The Bankruptcy Court approved that settlement agreement in April 2007.  Congoleum received $9.2 million plus $1.0 million of accrued interest in full satisfaction of that settlement agreement in March 2008.

Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, including short-term investments at December 31, 2008, were $15.1 million, a decrease of $11.3 million from December 31, 2007.  Under the terms of its revolving credit agreement, payments on Congoleum’s accounts receivable are deposited in an account assigned by Congoleum to its lender and the funds in that account are used by the lender to pay down any loan balance.  There were no funds deposited in this account at December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007.  Additionally, $6.5 million remaining from a $14.5 million settlement received in August 2004 from an insurance carrier, which is subject to a court order, is included as restricted cash at December 31, 2008.  In the second quarter of 2008 Congoleum received an additional $22.7 million from other insurance carriers which is also included in restricted cash.  Congoleum expects to contribute these funds, less any amounts withheld pursuant to reimbursement arrangements, to the plan trust that would be established upon effectiveness of the plan of reorganization should the Bankruptcy Court confirm such a plan pursuant to section 524(g) of the Bankruptcy Code (the “Plan Trust”).  Net working capital was a negative $1.6 million at December 31, 2008, down from $9.4 million at December 31, 2007.  The ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 1.0 to 1.0 at December 31, 2008 and 1.1 to 1.0 at December 31, 2007.  Net cash used in operations during for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $10.1 million, as compared to net cash provided by operations of $11.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2007.

 
40

 

Capital expenditures in 2008 totaled $4.6 million.  Congoleum is currently planning capital expenditures of approximately $3.5 million in 2009 and between $3.0 million and $5.0 million in 2010, primarily for maintenance and improvement of plants and equipment, which Congoleum expects to fund with cash from operations and credit facilities.

In January 2004, the Bankruptcy Court authorized entry of a final order approving Congoleum’s debtor-in-possession financing, which replaced its pre-petition credit facility on substantially similar terms. The debtor-in-possession financing agreement (as amended and approved by the Bankruptcy Court to date) provides a revolving credit facility expiring on the earlier of (i) June 30, 2009 and (ii) the date the plan of reorganization in Congoleum's bankruptcy cases as confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court becomes effective.  Total borrowing under the facility may not exceed $30.0 million.  Interest is based on 0.25% above the prime rate.  This financing agreement contains certain covenants, which include the maintenance of minimum earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”).  In connection with the amendment and extension of the agreement during 2008, the minimum level of EBITDA that Congoleum must maintain was reduced for quarters ending after June 30, 2008.  Congoleum paid a fee of $25 thousand for such amendment, plus an amendment fee in the amount of $15 thousand per month.  The financing agreement also includes restrictions on the incurrence of additional debt and limitations on capital expenditures. The covenants and conditions under this financing agreement must be met in order for Congoleum to borrow from the facility. Congoleum was not in compliance with the minimum EBITDA covenant under its credit facility for the period ended December 31, 2008, and obtained a waiver of that covenant as well as an amendment of the covenant levels for the remaining term of the facility to make them less restrictive.  The interest rate was increased to 1.75% above the prime rate.  A fee of $30 thousand was paid in connection with the waiver and amendment.  Borrowings under this facility are collateralized by inventory and receivables.  At December 31, 2008, based on the level of receivables and inventory, $17.4 million was available under the facility, of which $2.0 million was utilized for outstanding letters of credit and $14.0 million was utilized by the revolving loan.  Congoleum anticipates that its debtor-in-possession financing facility (including anticipated extensions beyond June 30, 2009) together with cash from operations will provide it with sufficient liquidity to operate during 2009 while under Chapter 11 protection.  There can be no assurances that Congoleum will continue to be in compliance with the required covenants under this facility or that the debtor-in-possession facility (as extended) will be renewed prior to its expiration if a plan of reorganization is not confirmed before that time.  For a plan of reorganization to be confirmed, Congoleum will need to obtain and demonstrate the sufficiency of exit financing.  Congoleum cannot presently determine the terms of such financing, nor can there be any assurances of its success obtaining it.

In addition to the provision for asbestos litigation discussed previously, Congoleum has also recorded what it believes are adequate provisions for environmental remediation and product-related liabilities (other than asbestos-related claims), including provisions for testing for potential remediation of conditions at its own facilities. Congoleum is subject to federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations and certain legal and administrative claims are pending or have been asserted against Congoleum.  Among these claims, Congoleum is a named party in several actions associated with waste disposal sites (more fully discussed in Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K). These actions include possible obligations to remove or mitigate the effects on the environment of wastes deposited at various sites, including Superfund sites and certain of Congoleum’s

 
41

 

owned and previously owned facilities.  The contingencies also include claims for personal injury and/or property damage.  The exact amount of such future cost and timing of payments are indeterminable due to such unknown factors as the magnitude of cleanup costs, the timing and extent of the remedial actions that may be required, the determination of Congoleum’s liability in proportion to other potentially responsible parties, and the extent to which costs may be recoverable from insurance.  Congoleum has recorded provisions in its financial statements for the estimated probable loss associated with all known general and environmental contingencies. While Congoleum believes its estimate of the future amount of these liabilities is reasonable, and that they will be paid over a period of five to ten years, the timing and amount of such payments may differ significantly from Congoleum’s assumptions.  Although the effect of future government regulation could have a significant effect on Congoleum’s costs, Congoleum is not aware of any pending legislation which would reasonably have such an effect.  There can be no assurances that the costs of any future government regulations could be passed along to its customers.  Estimated insurance recoveries related to these liabilities are reflected in other non-current assets.

The outcome of these environmental matters could result in significant expenses incurred by or judgments assessed against Congoleum.

Congoleum's principal sources of capital are net cash provided by operating activities and borrowings under its financing agreement. Congoleum believes that its existing cash (including restricted cash), cash generated from operations, and debtor-in-possession credit arrangements should be sufficient to provide adequate working capital for operations during 2009.  Congoleum’s ability to emerge from Chapter 11 will depend on obtaining sufficient exit financing to settle administrative expenses of the reorganization and any other related obligations, and to provide adequate future liquidity.

As noted elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Bankruptcy Court has issued an Order of Dismissal and the appeal of that order that is currently being pursued may not be successful.  There can be no assurance that Congoleum’s bankruptcy case will not be dismissed or converted or that a plan of reorganization for Congoleum will be approved, confirmed and become effective on terms consistent with the Amended Joint Plan or otherwise.

Contingencies

ABI has recorded what it believes are adequate provisions for environmental remediation and product-related liabilities, including provisions for testing for potential remediation of conditions at its own facilities.  While ABI believes its estimate of the future amount of these liabilities is reasonable and that they will be paid for the most part over a period of one to ten years, the timing and amount of such payments may differ significantly from ABI's assumptions.  Although the effect of future government regulation could have a significant effect on ABI's costs, ABI is not aware of any pending legislation which could significantly affect the liabilities ABI has established for these matters.  There can be no assurances that the costs of any future government regulations could be passed along by ABI to its customers.


 
42

 

Certain legal and administrative claims are pending or have been asserted against ABI.  Among these claims, ABI is a named party in several actions associated with waste disposal sites and asbestos-related claims.  These actions include possible obligations to remove or mitigate the effects on the environment of wastes deposited at various sites, including Superfund sites.  The exact amount of such future costs to ABI is indeterminable due to such unknown factors as the magnitude of cleanup costs, the timing and extent of the remedial actions that may be required, the determination of ABI's liability in proportion to other potentially responsible parties and the extent to which costs may be recoverable from insurance.  ABI has recorded provisions in its consolidated financial statements for the estimated probable loss associated with all known environmental and asbestos-related contingencies.  The contingencies also include claims for personal injury and/or property damage.  (See Notes 1, 8 and 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.)

Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The discussion and analysis of the Company's financial condition and results of operations are based upon its consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  The preparation of these financial statements requires estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results and conditions may differ from these estimates and assumptions.

Critical accounting policies are defined as those that entail significant judgments and uncertainties, and could potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions.  The Company believes that its most critical accounting policies upon which its financial condition depends, and which involve the most complex or subjective decisions or assessments, are those described below.  For a discussion on the application of these and other accounting policies, see Note 1 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Asbestos Liabilities – As discussed previously, the Company is party to a significant number of lawsuits stemming from their previous manufacture of asbestos-containing products.  ABI has recorded in its consolidated balance sheet a liability and corresponding insurance receivable based on its estimates of the future costs and related insurance recoveries to settle asbestos litigation.  These estimates are based on a number of subjective assumptions, including the anticipated costs to settle claims, the claims dismissal rate, the cost to litigate claims, the number of claims expected to be received, and the applicability and allocation of insurance coverage to these costs.  Additionally, due to the numerous uncertainties related to future asbestos litigation trends and costs, the Company does not believe reasonable estimates can be developed for claim developments beyond a six year horizon.  Accordingly, the Company’s estimated liability is based on claims currently filed as well as claims anticipated to be filed over the next six years.  A change in assumptions could have a material effect on the Company’s estimated liability.  For example, it is estimated that a 1 percentage point increase in the Company’s acceptance rate of mesothelioma claims results in a 21% increase in mesothelioma liability assuming all other variables remained constant.


 
43

 

Due to the highly subjective nature of these assumptions, the Company has estimated a wide range of potential future costs and insurance recoveries and, because management believes that no amount within the range is more likely than any other, has recorded a liability and insurance receivable based on the low end of the range in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  As such, the selection of a different amount within the range could have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements, as could future developments, which may differ from those assumed in developing the Company's estimates.  The same factors that affect developing forecasts of potential indemnity costs for asbestos-related liabilities also affect estimates of the total amount of insurance that is probable of recovery, as do a number of additional factors.  These additional factors include the financial viability of some of the insurance companies, the method in which losses will be allocated to the various insurance policies and the years covered by those policies, how legal and other loss handling costs will be covered by the insurance policies, and interpretation of the effect on coverage of various policy terms and limits and their interrelationships.  The Company analyzes these estimates on an annual basis and reassesses the assumptions used as additional information becomes available over the course of time.

Congoleum is a party to a significant number of lawsuits stemming from its manufacture of asbestos-containing products.  During 2008, Congoleum paid $15.9 million (net of recoveries) in fees and expenses related to implementation of its planned reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code and litigation with certain insurance companies.  Given the terms of the proposed Amended Joint Plan, Congoleum has made provision in its financial statements for the minimum estimated cost to effect its plan to settle asbestos liabilities through confirmation of a plan that complies with section 524(g) of the Bankruptcy Code.

In anticipation of Congoleum's commencement of the Chapter 11 cases, Congoleum entered into a Claimant Agreement, which provides for settlement of certain prepetition asbestos claims against Congoleum and provides for an aggregate settlement value of at least $466 million as well as an additional number of individually negotiated trial listed settlements with an aggregate value of approximately $25 million, for total settlements in excess of $491 million.  Participants in the Claimant Agreement signed releases limiting their recourse against Congoleum to what they would receive from the Plan Trust and Congoleum has therefore estimated its liability under the Claimant Agreement as the cost of effecting the settlement through confirmation of a plan of reorganization.  In addition, as a result of tabulating ballots on a previous plan, Congoleum is also aware of claims by claimants whose claims were not determined under the Claimant Agreement but who have submitted claims with a value of approximately $512 million based on the settlement values applicable in a previous plan.  It is also likely that additional new claims may be asserted in connection with solicitation of acceptances of any future plan.  Congoleum does not believe it can reasonably estimate the liability associated with claims that may be pending.

ABI understands that Congoleum expects that insurance will provide the substantial majority of the recovery available to claimants, due to the amount of insurance coverage it purchased and the comparatively limited resources and value of Congoleum itself.  Congoleum believes it has insufficient/limited financial resources to litigate and/or settle asbestos claims in the ordinary course of business.


 
44

 

While Congoleum has provided for the anticipated costs to effect the Amended Joint Plan, costs for pursuing and implementing the Amended Joint Plan and any plan of reorganization could be materially higher than recorded amounts and previous estimates.

Congoleum will update its estimates, if appropriate, as additional information becomes available during the reorganization process, which could result in potentially material adjustments to Congoleum’s earnings in future periods.

Consolidation of Congoleum – The Company's subsidiary Congoleum filed for bankruptcy protection on December 31, 2003.   The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the results for Congoleum for all periods presented.  ABI expects to continue to own a majority of the voting stock of Congoleum until Congoleum’s reorganization proceedings are concluded.  Upon effectiveness of any plan of reorganization for Congoleum, ABI expects that the plan will provide that ABI’s shares of Congoleum will be cancelled.  The Company has elected to continue to consolidate the financial statements of Congoleum in its consolidated results because it believes that is the appropriate presentation given its current voting control of Congoleum.  However, the accompanying financial statements also present the details of consolidation to separately show the financial condition, operating results and cash flows of ABI (including its non-debtor subsidiaries) and Congoleum, which may be more meaningful for certain analyses.  ABI’s reported consolidated financial condition, operating results and cash flows results would be materially different if they did not include Congoleum.  The Company anticipates its equity interest in Congoleum will be eliminated in connection with the effectiveness of any future Congoleum plan of reorganization, at which time it will no longer include Congoleum in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Environmental Contingencies – As discussed previously, the Company has incurred liabilities related to environmental remediation costs at both third party sites and Company owned sites.  The Company accrues for its estimate of future remediation activities when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated.  The most likely cost to be incurred is accrued based on an evaluation of currently available facts with respect to each individual site, including the extent of clean-up activities to be performed, the methods employed in the clean-up activities, the Company's relative share in costs at sites where other parties are involved, existing technology, current laws and regulations and prior remediation experience.  Where no amount within a range of estimates is more likely to occur than another, the minimum is accrued.  For sites with multiple potentially responsible parties, the Company considers its likely proportionate share of the anticipated remediation costs and the ability of the other parties to fulfill their obligations in establishing a provision for those costs.  When future liabilities are determined to be reimbursable by insurance coverage or payment from third parties, an accrual is recorded for the potential liability and a receivable is recorded related to the expected recovery.  A receivable reserve is recorded when recoveries are disputed or are not highly probable.  These estimates are based on certain assumptions such as the Company's relative share in costs at sites where other parties are involved, and the ultimate insurance coverage available.  These projects tend to be long-term in nature, and assumptions are subject to refinement as facts change.  As such, it is possible that the Company may need to revise its recorded liabilities and receivables for environmental costs in future periods resulting in potentially material adjustments to the Company's earnings in future periods.  The Company closely monitors existing and potential environmental matters to consider the reasonableness of its estimates and assumptions.


 
45

 

Valuation of Deferred Tax Assets – The Company provides for valuation reserves against its deferred tax assets in accordance with the requirements of SFAS 109.  In evaluating the recovery of deferred tax assets, the Company makes certain assumptions as to the future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, taxable income in prior carryback years, the feasibility of tax planning strategies, and estimated future taxable income.  The valuation allowance can be affected by changes to tax laws, changes to statutory tax rates and changes to future taxable income estimates.  It is possible that the facts underlying these assumptions may not materialize as anticipated in future periods, which may require the Company to record additional deferred tax valuation allowances, or to reduce previously recorded valuation allowances.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits – The Company sponsors several noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering most of the Company’s employees.  The Company also maintains health and life insurance programs for retirees.  Benefits under the plans are based on years of service and employee compensation.  The costs and obligations associated with these plans are dependent upon various actuarial assumptions used in calculating such amounts.  These assumptions include the long-term rate of return on plan assets, discount rates and other factors.  These assumptions are evaluated and updated annually by management.  Other assumptions used include employee demographic factors such as retirement patterns, mortality, turnover and the rate of compensation increases.

To determine the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, the Company considers the current and expected asset allocation, as well as historical and expected returns on each plan asset class.  In 2008 and 2007, the Company assumed that the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets will be 7.0% - 7.5%.  The assumed long-term rate of return on assets is applied to a calculated value of plan assets, which recognizes changes in the fair value of plan assets in a systematic manner over four years.  This produces the expected return on plan assets that is included in pension expense.  The difference between this expected return and the actual return on plan assets is deferred.  The net deferral of past actuarial gains or losses affects the calculated value of plan assets and, ultimately, future pension expense.

At the end of each year, the Company determines the discount rate to be used to calculate the present value of plan liabilities.  The discount rate is used to determine expected future benefit payments as a present value on the measurement date, reflecting the current rate at which the pension liabilities could be effectively settled.  In estimating this rate, the Company looks to rates of return on high-quality, fixed-income investments that receive one of the two highest ratings given by a recognized ratings agency.  At December 31, 2008, the Company determined this rate to be 5.75% - 7.50%.


 
46

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts – The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts is determined based on a variety of factors that affect the potential collectibility of the related receivables, including the length of time receivables are past due, customer credit ratings, financial stability of customers, specific one-time events and past customer history.  In addition, in circumstances where the Company is made aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, a specific allowance is established.  The majority of accounts are individually evaluated on a regular basis and appropriate reserves are established as deemed appropriate based on the criteria previously noted.  The remainder of the reserve is based on management’s estimates and takes into consideration historical trends, market conditions and the composition of the Company’s customer base.  The risk associated with this estimate is that the Company would not become aware of potential collectibility issues related to specific accounts and thereby become exposed to potential unreserved losses.  Historically, the Company’s estimates and assumptions around the allowance have been reasonably accurate and the Company has processes and controls in place to closely monitor customers and potential credit issues.

Inventory Allowances – The Company maintains obsolescence and slow-moving allowances for inventory.  Products and materials that are specifically identified as obsolete are fully reserved.  The remainder of the allowance is based on management’s estimates and fluctuates with market conditions, design cycles and other economic factors.  Risks associated with this allowance include unforeseen changes in business cycles that could affect the marketability of certain products and an unforecasted decline in current production.  Management closely monitors the market place and related inventory levels and has historically maintained reasonably accurate allowance levels.  In addition, the Company values certain inventories using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method.  Accordingly, a LIFO valuation reserve is maintained to properly value these inventories.

 
47

 

ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA


American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets with Consolidating Details – Assets
(In thousands of dollars)

   
December 31
   
Eliminations
   
Congoleum
   
American Biltrite
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Assets
                                               
Current assets:
                                               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 18,072     $ 30,185                 $ 15,077     $ 26,327     $ 2,995     $ 3,858  
Restricted cash
    29,680       6,501                   29,680       6,501                  
Accounts and notes receivable, less allowances for doubtful accounts and discounts of $2,720 in 2008 and $2,917 in 2007
    36,627       41,345     $ (367 )   $ (316 )     13,789       14,162       23,205       27,499  
Inventories
    79,082       78,401       (89 )     (125 )     35,814       35,182       43,357       43,344  
Taxes receivable
    1,334       468                                       1,334       468  
Deferred income taxes
    -       961                                       -       961  
Prepaid expenses & other current assets
    6,406       20,001                       3,922       13,138       2,484       6,863  
Total current assets
    171,201       177,862       (456 )     (441 )     98,282       95,310       73,375       82,993  
                                                                 
Property, plant & equipment, net
    88,466       99,153                       56,520       61,993       31,946       37,160  
                                                                 
Other assets:
                                                               
Insurance for asbestos-related liabilities
    13,509       11,140                                       13,509       11,140  
Goodwill, net
          11,605                                             11,605  
Other assets
    21,825       22,507       (117 )     (126 )     17,065       15,402       4,877       7,231  
      35,334       45,252       (117 )     (126 )     17,065       15,402       18,386       29,976  
                                                                 
Total assets
  $ 295,001     $ 322,267     $ (573 )   $ (567 )   $ 171,867     $ 172,705     $ 123,707     $ 150,129  

See accompanying notes.

 
48

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets with Consolidating Details – Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)
(In thousands of dollars, except share and per share amounts)

   
December 31
   
Eliminations
   
Congoleum
   
American Biltrite
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Liabilities
                                               
Current liabilities:
                                               
Accounts payable
  $ 16,298     $ 22,570     $ (366 )   $ (316 )   $ 7,472     $ 10,715     $ 9,192     $ 12,171  
Accrued expenses
    31,880       36,913                       16,897       20,742       14,983       16,171  
Asbestos-related liabilities
    50,022       31,207                       50,022       31,207                  
Deferred income taxes
    6,533       7,725                       6,533       7,725                  
Notes payable
    32,747       30,309                       13,994       10,551       18,753       19,758  
Current portion of long-term debt
    5,611       2,376                                       5,611       2,376  
Liabilities subject to compromise
    4,997       4,997                       4,997       4,997                  
Total current liabilities
    148,088       136,097       (366 )     (316 )     99,915       85,937       48,539       50,476  
                                                                 
Long-term debt, less current portion
    1,112       6,725                                       1,112       6,725  
Asbestos-related liabilities
    13,563       12,600                                       13,563       12,600  
Other liabilities
    16,801       12,785                                       16,801       12,785  
Noncontrolling interests
    835       1,093                                       835       1,093  
Liabilities subject to compromise
    161,386       133,098       (117 )     (126 )     161,503       133,224                  
Total liabilities
    341,785       302,398       (483 )     (442 )     261,418       219,161       80,850       83,679  
                                                                 
Stockholders’ equity (deficit)
                                                               
Common stock, par value $.01, authorized 15,000,000 shares, issued 4,607,902 shares
    46       46       (93 )     (93 )     93       93       46       46  
Additional paid-in capital
    19,749       19,607       (49,386 )     (49,368 )     49,386       49,368       19,749       19,607  
Retained earnings (deficit)
    1,803       30,835       35,466       35,413       (80,038 )     (65,417 )     46,375       60,839  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (53,250 )     (15,487 )     6,110       6,110       (51,179 )     (22,687 )     (8,181 )     1,090  
Less cost of 1,166,351 shares of common stock in treasury
    (15,132 )     (15,132 )     7,813       7,813       (7,813 )     (7,813 )     (15,132 )     (15,132 )
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)
    (46,784 )     19,869       (90 )     (125 )     (89,551 )     (46,456 )     42,857       66,450  
                                                                 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)
  $ 295,001     $ 322,267     $ (573 )   $ (567 )   $ 171,867     $ 172,705     $ 123,707     $ 150,129  

See accompanying notes.

 
49

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations with Consolidating Details
(In thousands of dollars, except share and per share amounts)

   
Years Ended December 31
   
Eliminations
   
Congoleum
   
American Biltrite
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
                                                 
Net sales
  $ 375,093     $ 420,725                 $ 172,644     $ 204,262     $ 202,449     $ 216,463  
                                                             
Cost of products sold
    292,501       312,814     $ (1,345 )   $ (1,029 )     142,032       153,809       151,814       160,034  
Selling, general & administrative expenses
    88,713       95,289                       35,397       37,469       53,316       57,820  
Impairment charges
    12,899       -                                       12,899       -  
Asbestos-related reorganization charges
    11,491       41,315                       11,491       41,315                  
Loss from operations
    (30,511 )     (28,693 )     1,345       1,029       (16,276 )     (28,331 )     (15,580 )     (1,391 )
Other income (expense)
                                                               
Interest income
    1,317       1,338                       1,261       1,224       56       114  
Bond interest reversal
    -       29,603                       -       29,603                  
Other interest expense
    (2,072 )     (3,438 )                     (404 )     (1,027 )     (1,668 )     (2,411 )
Other (expense) income, net
    (1,411 )     (78 )     (1,310 )     (1,011 )     (970 )     (447 )     869       1,380  
      (2,166 )     27,425       (1,310 )     (1,011 )     (113 )     29,353       (743 )     (917 )
(Loss) income before taxes and other items
    (32,677 )     (1,268 )     35       18       (16,389 )     1,022       (16,323 )     (2,308 )
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes
    (2,445 )     680                       (1,768 )     1,713       (677 )     (1,033 )
Noncontrolling interests
    157       (57 )                                     157       (57 )
                                                                 
Net loss from continuing operations
    (30,075 )     (2,005 )     35       18       (14,621 )     (691 )     (15,489 )     (1,332 )
Discontinued operation
    1,025       -                                       1,025       -  
                                                                 
Net loss
  $ (29,050 )   $ (2,005 )   $ 35     $ 18     $ (14,621 )   $ (691 )   $ (14,464 )   $ (1,332 )

   
2008
   
2007
   
Net loss per common share, basic and diluted:
             
Continuing operations
  $ (8.74 )   $ (0.58 )  
Discontinued operation
    0.30       -    
                   
Net loss per common share
  $ (8.44 )   $ (0.58 )  
Weighted average number of common and
equivalent shares outstanding
    3,441,551       3,441,551    

See accompanying notes.

 
50

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows with Consolidating Details – Operating Activities
(In thousands of dollars)


   
Years Ended December 31
   
Eliminations
   
Congoleum
   
American Biltrite
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
                                                 
Operating activities
                                               
Net loss
  $ (29,050 )   $ (2,005 )   $ 35     $ 18     $ (14,621 )   $ (691 )   $ (14,464 )   $ (1,332 )
Net income from discontinued operation
    (1,025 )     -                                       (1,025 )     -  
Net loss from continuing operations
    (30,075 )     (2,005 )     35       18       (14,621 )     (691 )     (15,489 )     (1,332 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used) provided by operating activities:
                                                               
Depreciation and amortization
    15,138       16,185                       10,238       10,690       4,900       5,495  
Provision for doubtful accounts and discounts
    3,802       2,826                                       3,802       2,826  
Deferred income taxes
    (1,969 )     (1,576 )                     (1,721 )     325       (248 )     (1,901 )
Asbestos-related charge
    11,491       41,315                       11,491       41,315                  
Bond interest (reversal) expense
    -       (29,603 )                     -       (29,603 )                
Impairment charges
    12,899       -                                       12,899       -  
Stock compensation charge
    160       35                       18       19       142       16  
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
                                                               
Accounts and notes receivable
    (80 )     (2,068 )     41       216       373       3,436       (494 )     (5,720 )
Inventories
    (4,241 )     4,876       (35 )     (18 )     (632 )     (962 )     (3,574 )     5,856  
Prepaid expenses & other current assets
    202       2,113                       48       1,965       154       148  
Proceeds from legal fees disgorgement
    9,168       -                       9,168       -                  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    (9,752 )     (1,359 )     (41 )     (216 )     (7,115 )     (1,097 )     (2,596 )     (46 )
Asbestos-related expenses
    (15,895 )     (13,048 )                     (15,895 )     (13,048 )                
Asbestos-related reimbursement from insurance settlement
    -       1,498                       -       1,498                  
Noncontrolling interests
    (258 )     6                                       (258 )     6  
Other
    (2,331 )     (1,226 )                     (1,494 )     (2,561 )     (837 )     1,335  
                                                                 
Net cash (used) provided by operating activities
  $ (11,741 )   $ 17,969     $ -     $ -     $ (10,142 )   $ 11,286     $ (1,599 )   $ 6,683  
                                                                 
See accompanying notes.

 
51

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows with Consolidating Details – Investing & Financing Activities
(In thousands of dollars)


   
Years Ended December 31
 
Eliminations
 
Congoleum
   
American Biltrite
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
2008
2007
 
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
                                         
Investing activities
                                       
Investments in property, plant and equipment
  $ (6,111 )   $ (6,219 )       $ (4,591 )   $ (4,541 )   $ (1,520 )   $ (1,678 )
Net cash used by investing activities
    (6,111 )     (6,219 )         (4,591 )     (4,541 )     (1,520 )     (1,678 )
                                                     
Financing activities
                                                   
Net short-term borrowings (payments)
    3,387       (2,393 )         3,443       (2,164 )     (56 )     (229 )
Payments on long-term debt
    (2,378 )     (2,301 )                         (2,378 )     (2,301 )
Net change in restricted cash
    40       3,155           40       3,155                  
Janus note receivable
    4,034       -                           4,034       -  
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities
    5,083       (1,539 )         3,483       991       1,600       (2,530 )
                                                     
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash
    656       (1,206 )                         656       (1,206 )
                                                     
Net (decrease) increase in cash
    (12,113 )     9,005           (11,250 )     7,736       (863 )     1,269  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    30,185       21,180           26,327       18,591       3,858       2,589  
                                                     
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 18,072     $ 30,185         $ 15,077     $ 26,327     $ 2,995     $ 3,858  

See accompanying notes.

 
52

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)
(In thousands of dollars)



   
Common
Stock
   
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
   
Treasury
Stock
   
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
(Deficit)
 
                                     
Balance at December 31, 2006
  $ 46     $ 19,591     $ 32,821     $ (19,291 )   $ (15,132 )   $ 18,035  
                                                 
Comprehensive income
                                               
Net loss for 2007
                    (2,005 )                     (2,005 )
Foreign currency translation adjustments
                            3,158               3,158  
Defined benefit plans adjustment, net of tax of $99
                            646               646  
Total comprehensive income
                                            1,799  
Stock compensation
            16                               16  
Effect of Congoleum stock compensation
                    19                       19  
                                                 
Balance at December 31, 2007
    46       19,607       30,835       (15,487 )     (15,132 )     19,869  
                                                 
Comprehensive income
                                               
Net loss for 2008
                    (29,050 )                     (29,050 )
Foreign currency translation adjustments
                            (4,040 )             (4,040 )
Defined benefit plans adjustment, net of tax of $155
                            (33,723 )             (33,723 )
Total comprehensive loss
                                            (66,813 )
Stock compensation
            142                               142  
Effect of Congoleum stock compensation
                    18                       18  
                                                 
Balance at December 31, 2008
  $ 46     $ 19,749     $ 1,803     $ (53,250 )   $ (15,132 )   $ (46,784 )

See accompanying notes.




 
53

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2008


1.  Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of American Biltrite Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (referred to as “ABI” or the “Company”), as well as entities over which it has voting control.  In 1995, ABI gained voting control over Congoleum Corporation ("Congoleum") and K&M Associates L.P. ("K&M").  Upon consolidation, intercompany accounts and transactions, including transactions with associated companies that result in intercompany profit, are eliminated.

As discussed more fully below and elsewhere in these notes to consolidated financial statements, the Company's subsidiary Congoleum filed for bankruptcy protection on December 31, 2003.  The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the results for Congoleum for all periods presented.  Congoleum’s results include losses (including other comprehensive losses) of $89.6 million in excess of the value of ABI’s investment in Congoleum at December 31, 2008.  ABI owns a majority of the voting stock of Congoleum, and expects to continue doing so until Congoleum’s reorganization proceedings are concluded.  Upon effectiveness of any plan of reorganization for Congoleum, ABI expects that the plan will provide that ABI’s ownership interests in Congoleum will be cancelled.  The Company has elected to continue to consolidate the financial statements of Congoleum in its consolidated results because it believes that is the appropriate presentation given its current voting control of Congoleum.  However, the accompanying financial statements also present the details of consolidation to separately show the financial condition, operating results and cash flows of ABI (including its non-debtor subsidiaries) and Congoleum, which may be more meaningful for certain analyses.

For more information regarding Congoleum's and ABI's asbestos liabilities and plans for resolving those liabilities, please refer to Notes 8 and 9.

AICPA Statement of Position 90-7, Financial Reporting by Entities in Reorganization Under the Bankruptcy Code ("SOP 90-7") provides financial reporting guidance for entities that are reorganizing under the Bankruptcy Code.  The Company implemented this guidance in its consolidated financial statements for periods after December 31, 2003.

Pursuant to SOP 90-7, companies are required to segregate pre-petition liabilities that are subject to compromise and report them separately on the balance sheet.  Liabilities that may be affected by a plan of reorganization are recorded at the amount of the expected allowed claims, even if they may be settled for lesser amounts.  Substantially all of Congoleum’s liabilities as of December 31, 2003 have been reclassified as liabilities subject to compromise.  Obligations arising post-petition, and pre-petition obligations that are secured, are not classified as liabilities subject to compromise.

 
54

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


1.  Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Additional pre-petition claims (liabilities subject to compromise) may arise due to the rejection of executory contracts or unexpired leases, or as a result of the allowance of contingent or disputed claims.

Use of Estimates and Critical Accounting Policies

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 the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent liabilities, at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Some of the more significant estimates include asbestos liabilities, environmental contingencies, valuation of deferred tax assets, and actuarial assumptions for the pension plan and post-retirement benefits.  Although the Company believes it uses reasonable and appropriate estimates and assumptions in the preparation of its financial statements and in the application of accounting policies, if business conditions were different, or if the Company used different estimates and assumptions, it is possible that actual results could differ from such estimates.

Concentration of Credit Risk

The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and generally does not require collateral.  Credit losses in previous years have generally been within management’s expectations.  For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company had two customers that accounted for 29% and 32% of net sales, respectively.  At December 31, 2008 and 2007, one customer accounted for 17% and 14% of trade receivables outstanding, respectively.

Cash

Cash equivalents represent highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase.  The carrying value of cash equivalents approximates fair value.


 
55

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


1.  Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Restricted Cash

Under the terms of its revolving credit agreement, payments on Congoleum’s accounts receivable are deposited in an account assigned by Congoleum to its lender, and the funds in that account are used by the lender to pay down any loan balance.  Funds deposited in this account but not immediately applied to the loan balance are recorded as restricted cash.  At December 31, 2008 and 2007, none of Congoleum’s cash was restricted under its financing agreement.  Additionally, Congoleum’s restricted cash includes certain insurance settlements to be paid to the Plan Trust under the terms of Congoleum’s reorganization plan.  Restricted cash at December 31, 2008 and 2007 represented the settlement amounts and interest earned.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts is determined based on a variety of factors that affect the potential collectibility of the related receivables, including length of time receivables are past due, customer credit ratings, financial stability of customers, specific one-time events and past customer history.  In addition, in circumstances where the Company is made aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, a specific allowance is established.  The majority of accounts are individually evaluated on a regular basis and reserves are established as deemed appropriate based on the criteria previously mentioned.  The remainder of the reserve is based on management’s estimates and takes into consideration historical trends, market conditions and the composition of the Company’s customer base.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market.  Cost is determined by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for most of the Company’s domestic inventories.  The use of LIFO results in a better matching of costs and revenues.  Cost is determined by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method for the Company’s foreign inventories.  The Company records as a charge to cost of products sold any amounts required to reduce the carrying value of inventories to net realizable value.

Inventory costs include expenses that are directly or indirectly incurred in the acquisition and production of merchandise and manufactured products for sale.  Expenses include the cost of materials and supplies used in production, direct labor costs and allocated overhead costs such as depreciation, utilities, insurance, employee benefits, and indirect labor.

 
56

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


1.  Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost.  Expenditures for improvements that increase asset values and extend useful lives are capitalized.  Depreciation, which is determined using the straight-line method, is provided over the estimated useful lives (thirty to forty years for buildings and building improvements, ten to fifteen years for production equipment and heavy-duty vehicles, and three to ten years for light-duty vehicles and office furnishings and equipment).

Debt Issue Costs

Costs incurred in connection with the issuance of debt have been capitalized and are being amortized over the life of the related debt agreements.  Debt issue costs at December 31, 2008 and 2007 amounted to $79 thousand and $282 thousand, respectively, net of accumulated amortization of $3.5 million and $3.3 million, respectively, and are included in other noncurrent assets.

Derivative Instruments

During 2006, in connection with its debt refinancing (see Note 5), the Company entered into two interest rate swap agreements to manage the Company’s exposure to fluctuations in interest rates on its term loan and portions of its revolver borrowings.  These derivative instruments were recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet.  The Company did not qualify for hedge accounting treatment under SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (“SFAS 133”) for these instruments.  Changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap agreements were recognized in Other income (expense) on the consolidated statement of operations in accordance with SFAS 133.  As of December 31, 2007, the fair value of the swap agreements was a loss of $327 thousand.  On December 30, 2008, the Company early terminated the swap agreements and paid $542 thousand.  For 2008, the Company recognized expense of $215 thousand for the further devaluation and termination of the swap agreements.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition costs over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired.  The Company evaluates the recoverability of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets annually in the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances, such as a decline in sales, earnings, or cash flows, or material adverse changes in the business climate, indicate that the carrying value of an asset might be impaired.  Goodwill is considered to be impaired when the net book value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value.


 
57

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


1.  Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Goodwill at December 31, 2007 includes $11.3 million recorded in connection with the Company’s acquisitions of partnership interests in K&M, the majority of which occurred in 1995.  During the fourth quarter of 2005, the Company acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of the Jay Jewelry division, a Florida distributor of costume jewelry of JayRam, Inc.  Goodwill of $305 thousand was recorded for this acquisition.

During 2008, the Company evaluated the recovery of goodwill and certain other capitalized intangibles related to the Jewelry segment in light of that segment’s recent operating performance, the economic environment, and market value conditions for similar businesses.  Based on that evaluation, a non-cash impairment charge of $12.0 million was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2008, which wrote off all goodwill ($11.6 million) and capitalized intangibles ($444 thousand) of the Company.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company assesses its long-lived assets other than goodwill and indefinite-lived assets for impairment whenever facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be fully recoverable.  To analyze recoverability, it projects undiscounted net future cash flows over the remaining life of such assets. If these projected cash flows are less than the carrying amount, an impairment would be recognized, resulting in a write-down of the assets with a corresponding charge to earnings.  The impairment loss is measured based upon the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the assets.  The Company evaluated the recoverability of its other long-lived assets and determined they were not impaired.

Product Warranties

The Company provides product warranties for specific product lines and accrues for estimated future warranty cost in the period in which the revenue is recognized.  The following table sets forth activity in the Company’s warranty reserves (in thousands):

   
2008
   
2007
 
             
Beginning balance
  $ 2,369     $ 2,940  
Accruals
    5,040       4,031  
Charges
    (4,998 )     (4,602 )
                 
Ending balance
  $ 2,411     $ 2,369  


 
58

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


1.  Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Environmental and Product Liabilities

The Company accrues for costs associated with its environmental claims when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated.  The most likely cost to be incurred is accrued based on an evaluation of currently available facts with respect to each individual site, including the extent of clean-up activities to be performed, the methods employed in the clean-up activities, the Company's relative share in costs at sites where other parties are involved, existing technology, current laws and regulations and prior remediation experience.  Where no amount within a range of estimates is more likely to occur than another, the minimum is accrued.  For sites with multiple potentially responsible parties, the Company considers its likely proportionate share of the anticipated remediation costs and the ability of the other parties to fulfill their obligations in establishing a provision for those costs.  When future liabilities have been recorded for a potential liability, a determination is made as to whether such liabilities are reimbursable by insurance coverage or other source of reimbursement, and a receivable is recorded related to the expected recovery provided such recovery is undisputed and deemed highly probable.  Legal fees associated with these claims are accrued when the Company deems that their occurrence is probable and the fees are reasonably estimable (see Notes 4, 6 and 8).

Asbestos Liabilities and Congoleum Plan of Reorganization

The Company is a party to a number of lawsuits stemming from its manufacture of asbestos-containing products years ago.  The Company records a liability and a corresponding insurance receivable based on its estimates of the future costs and related insurance recoveries to settle asbestos litigation.  In estimating the Company’s asbestos-related exposures, the Company analyzes and considers the possibility of any uncertainties including the anticipated costs to settle claims, the claims dismissal rate, the number of claims expected to be received, the applicability and allocation of insurance coverage to these costs, and the solvency of insurance carriers.  The same factors that affect developing forecasts of potential indemnity costs for asbestos-related liabilities also affect estimates of the total amount of insurance that is probable of recovery, as do a number of additional factors.  These additional factors include the financial viability of some of the insurance companies, the method in which losses will be allocated to the various insurance policies and the years covered by those policies, how legal and other loss handling costs will be covered by the insurance policies, and interpretation of the effect on coverage of various policy terms and limits and their interrelationships.  The Company does not include legal defense costs in its estimates of future costs and related insurance recoveries to settle asbestos litigation.


 
59

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


1.  Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

The Company’s subsidiary Congoleum is a defendant in a large number of asbestos-related lawsuits and has commenced proceedings under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code as part of its strategy to resolve this liability (see Notes 8 and 9).  The recorded liability for Congoleum’s asbestos-related exposures is based on the minimum estimated cost to resolve these liabilities through the confirmation of a plan of reorganization.  As noted in Note 9, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey (the “Bankruptcy Court”) has issued an order dismissing Congoleum’s bankruptcy 11 case (the “Order of Dismissal”) and that order is being appealed.  The Bankruptcy Court has issued a stay of the Order of Dismissal pending a final non-appealable decision affirming the Order of Dismissal.  There can be no assurance that Congoleum’s bankruptcy case will not be dismissed or converted or that a plan of reorganization for Congoleum will be approved, confirmed and become effective on terms consistent with the most recent amended joint plan of reorganization for Congoleum filed with the Bankruptcy Court or otherwise.

Accounting for asbestos-related costs includes significant assumptions and estimates, and actual results could differ materially from the estimates recorded.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized when products are shipped and title has passed to the customer.  Net sales are comprised of the total sales billed during the period less the sales value of estimated returns and sales incentives, which consist primarily of trade discounts and customers’ allowances.  The Company defers recognition of revenue for its estimate of potential sales returns under right-of-return agreements with its customers until the right-of-return period lapses.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses are charged to income as incurred.  Expenses incurred for promoting and selling products are classified as selling expenses and include such items as advertising, sales commissions and travel.  Advertising expense (including cooperative advertising) amounted to $2.4 million and $2.6 million for 2008 and 2007, respectively.  General and administrative expenses include such items as officers’ salaries, office supplies, insurance and office rental.  In addition, general and administrative expenses include other operating items such as provision for doubtful accounts, professional (accounting and legal) fees, and environmental remediation costs.  The Company also records shipping, handling, purchasing and finished goods inspection costs in general and administrative expenses.  Shipping and handling costs for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 were $6.3 million and $7.2 million, respectively.  Purchasing and finished goods inspection costs were $2.2 million for each of the years 2008 and 2007.


 
60

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


1.  Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Income Taxes

In accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, the Company recognizes deferred income taxes based on the expected future tax consequences of differences between the financial statement basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities, calculated using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to be reflected in the tax return.

The Company reduces its deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance if, based upon the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  Relevant evidence, both positive and negative, is considered in determining the need for a valuation allowance.  Information evaluated includes the Company’s financial position and results of operations for the current and preceding years as well as an evaluation of currently available information about future years.

The Company operates within multiple taxing jurisdictions and could be subject to audit in these jurisdictions.  These audits can involve complex issues, which may require an extended period of time to resolve and may cover multiple years.  In the Company’s opinion, adequate provisions for income taxes have been made for all years subject to audit.

Stock-Based Compensation

Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment, and related interpretations (“SFAS 123(R)”) using the modified prospective method and, accordingly, has not restated prior period results.  SFAS 123(R) establishes the accounting for equity instruments exchanged for employee services.  Under SFAS 123(R), share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the calculated fair value of the award.  The expense is recognized over the employees’ requisite service period, generally the vesting period of the award.  SFAS 123(R) also requires the related excess tax benefit received upon exercise of stock options or vesting of restricted stock, if any, to be reflected in the statement of cash flows as a financing activity rather than an operating activity.

The Company has elected to continue to use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of stock-based awards.  The use of a Black-Scholes option pricing model requires the input of assumptions determined by management of the Company at the measurement date.  These assumptions include the risk-free interest rate, expected dividend yield, volatility factor of the expected market price of the Company’s common stock and the expected life of stock option grants.

 
61

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


1.  Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Research and Development Costs

Expenditures relating to the development of new products are charged to operations as incurred and amounted to $6.0 million and $6.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Foreign Currency Translation

The functional currency for the Company’s foreign operations is the applicable local currency. Balance sheet accounts of foreign subsidiaries are translated at the current exchange rate, and income statement items are translated at the average exchange rate for the period; resulting translation adjustments are made directly to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity.  Realized exchange gains and losses (immaterial in amount) are included in current operations.

Issuances of Stock by Subsidiaries

The Company accounts for issuances of stock by its subsidiaries as capital transactions.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share have been computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted earnings per share have been computed based upon the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year, adjusted for the dilutive effect of shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options (common stock equivalent) unless their inclusion would be antidilutive.  In calculating diluted earnings per share, the dilutive effect of a stock option is computed using the average market price for the period.

Under its stock option plans, Congoleum grants stock options to employees and non-employee directors.  Congoleum’s outstanding stock options may have a dilutive effect on American Biltrite’s earnings per share.  The dilutive effect of Congoleum’s stock options is determined based on Congoleum’s diluted earnings per share and the number of shares of Congoleum stock owned by American Biltrite.


 
62

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


1.  Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Recently Issued Accounting Principles

In May 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“SFAS 162”).  SFAS 162 is intended to improve financial reporting by identifying a consistent framework, or hierarchy, for selecting accounting principles to be used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.  This Statement is effective 60 days following the Securities and Exchange Commission’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411, The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.  The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact, if any, of the provisions of SFAS 162 on its consolidated financial position, operations and cash flows.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(revised 2007), Business Combinations (“SFAS 141(R)”), and SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of ARB No. 51 (“SFAS 160”).  SFAS 141(R) will change how business acquisitions are accounted for and will impact financial statements both on the acquisition date and in subsequent periods.  SFAS 160 will change the accounting and reporting for minority interests, which will be recharacterized as noncontrolling interests and classified as a component of equity.  SFAS 141(R) and SFAS 160 are required to be adopted concurrently and are effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  The adoption of SFAS 141(R) will change our accounting treatment for business combinations on a prospective basis, beginning in the first quarter of 2009.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, that SFAS 141(R) may have on its financial condition and results of operations.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value.  The objective is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions.  SFAS 159 was effective in the first quarter of 2008, and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.


 
63

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


1.  Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157). SFAS 157 replaces multiple existing definitions of fair value with a single definition, establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value and expands financial statement disclosures regarding fair value measurements.  SFAS 157 applies only to fair value measurements that already are required or permitted by other accounting standards and does not require any new fair value measurements and was effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.  The adoption of SFAS 157 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

2.  Inventories

Inventories at December 31 consisted of the following (in thousands):

   
2008
   
2007
 
             
Finished goods
  $ 56,262     $ 55,478  
Work-in-process
    10,847       10,327  
Raw materials and supplies
    11,973       12,596  
                 
    $ 79,082     $ 78,401  

At December 31, 2008, domestic inventories determined by the LIFO inventory method amounted to $46.0 million ($45.6 million at December 31, 2007).  If the FIFO inventory method, which approximates replacement cost, had been used for these inventories, they would have been $14.0 million and $7.6 million higher at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  During 2008 and 2007, certain inventory quantities were reduced, which resulted in liquidations of LIFO inventory layers.  The liquidations increased cost of sales by $95 thousand and $7 thousand for 2008 and 2007, respectively.


 
64

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


3.  Property, Plant and Equipment

A summary of the major components of property, plant and equipment at December 31 is as follows (in thousands):

   
2008
   
2007
 
             
Land and improvements
  $ 5,527     $ 5,527  
Buildings
    77,340       78,717  
Machinery and equipment
    285,453       290,491  
Construction-in-progress
    3,896       2,976  
      372,216       377,711  
Less accumulated depreciation
    283,750       278,558  
                 
    $ 88,466     $ 99,153  

Depreciation expense amounted to $14.6 million and $15.5 million for 2008 and 2007, respectively.

4.  Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses at December 31 consisted of the following (in thousands):

   
2008
   
2007
 
             
Accrued advertising and sales promotions
  $ 17,625     $ 20,906  
Employee compensation and related benefits
    7,124       7,581  
Environmental liabilities
    815       849  
Royalties
    959       828  
Income taxes
    371       355  
Other
    4,986       6,394  
                 
    $ 31,880     $ 36,913  

As a result of Congoleum’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing and in accordance with SOP 90-7, certain liabilities are included in liabilities subject to compromise on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 (see Note 9).


 
65

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


5.  Financing Arrangements

Long-term debt and notes payable under revolving credit facilities at December 31 were as follows (in thousands):

   
2008
   
2007
 
             
Notes payable (current)
  $ 32,747     $ 30,309  
                 
Term loan
  $ 5,500     $ 7,500  
Other notes
    1,223       1,601  
Total term debt
    6,723       9,101  
Less current portion
    2,111       2,376  
                 
Non-current term debt
  $ 4,612     $ 6,725  

American Biltrite Inc.’s primary source of borrowings are the revolving credit facility (the “Revolver”) and the term loan (“Term Loan”) it has with Bank of America, National Association (“BofA”) and BofA acting through its Canada branch (the “Canadian Lender”) pursuant to an amended and restated credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”).  The Credit Agreement provides American Biltrite Inc. and its subsidiary K&M with (i) a $30.0 million commitment under the Revolver with a $12.0 million borrowing sublimit (the “Canadian Revolver”) for American Biltrite Inc.’s subsidiary American Biltrite (Canada) Ltd. (“AB Canada”) and (ii) a $10.0 million Term Loan.  The Credit Agreement also provides for domestic and Canadian letter of credit facilities with availability of up to $5.0 million and $1.5 million, respectively, subject to availability under the Revolver and the Canadian Revolver, respectively.

On March 12, 2008, American Biltrite Inc. and its subsidiaries, K&M and AB Canada, entered into an amendment, effective as of December 31, 2007, to the Credit Agreement with BofA and BofA acting through its Canada branch, each in their respective capacities as lenders and administrative agents under the Credit Agreement.  The amendment removed the financial covenant that required the Company not to have any consecutive quarterly net losses from continuing operations (reporting Congoleum on the equity method of accounting).  In addition, for purposes of determining the Company's compliance with the financial covenant requiring its Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA to exceed 100% of the Company's Consolidated Fixed Charges (in each case, as determined under the Credit Agreement), the amendment permits the Company to add certain amounts to its Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA to the extent those amounts are deducted in determining the Company's Consolidated Net Income (as determined under the Credit Agreement).  Further, under the amendment, the lenders waived defaults that may have otherwise existed as of December 31, 2007 with respect to the financial covenants that were amended by the amendment.  ABI paid BofA a fee of $50 thousand in connection with this

 
66

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


5.  Financing Arrangements (continued)

amendment.  On May 14, 2007, the same parties entered into an amendment, effective as of March 31, 2007, to the Credit Agreement to revise a financial covenant to provide that for each of the two consecutive fiscal quarters of the Company ending December 31, 2006 and March 31, 2007, the Company may not have a quarterly net loss from continuing operations in excess of $400 thousand.  As a result of the amendments, the Company was in compliance with the Credit Agreement as of each quarter end for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.

On September 25, 2006, American Biltrite Inc. entered into an amendment and restatement to the Credit Agreement with BofA and the Canadian Lender.  Pursuant to the amendment and restatement, the Term Loan was added to the Credit Agreement and the amount of the Revolver was increased by $10.0 million to its current $30.0 million amount.  In addition, the availability for domestic letters of credit issued under the Credit Agreement was increased from $4.0 million to $5.0 million.  In connection with that amendment and restatement, American Biltrite Inc. used approximately $17.0 million of new borrowings from the proceeds of the Term Loan, which was fully drawn, and under the Revolver to fully prepay $16.0 million of aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Company’s senior notes, all of which were held by The Prudential Insurance Company of America, together with approximately $1.0 million in interest and yield maintenance fees in connection with those notes and prepayment.  A charge of approximately $860 thousand for early extinguishment of debt was recorded in connection with this prepayment, which was included in other income (expense) during the third quarter of 2006.

The amount of borrowings available from time to time for American Biltrite Inc. and K&M under the Revolver may not exceed the lesser of (a) $30.0 million less the then outstanding amount of borrowings by AB Canada under the Canadian Revolver less any outstanding borrowings under the domestic letter of credit facility and (b) the applicable borrowing base.  The formula used for determining the domestic borrowing base is based upon inventory, receivables and fixed assets of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries (not including, among others, AB Canada and Congoleum), reduced by amounts outstanding under the Term Loan.

The amount of borrowings available from time to time for AB Canada under the Canadian Revolver is limited to the lesser of (a) $12 million less any outstanding borrowings under the Canadian letter of credit facility, (b) AB Canada's borrowing base amount, which is based upon AB Canada's accounts receivable, inventory and fixed assets, and (c) $30.0 million less the amount of domestic borrowings outstanding under the Revolver on behalf of the Company and K&M.  AB Canada may borrow amounts under the Canadian Revolver in United States or Canadian dollar denominations; however, solely for purposes of determining amounts outstanding and borrowing availability under the Revolver, all Canadian dollar denominated amounts will be converted into United States dollars in the manner provided in the Credit Agreement.

 
67

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


5.  Financing Arrangements (continued)

At December 31, 2008 and 2007, $18.8 million and $19.8 million were outstanding under the Revolver, respectively, and outstanding letters of credit totaled $1.7 million as of both year ends.  Unused borrowing availability under the Revolver at December 31, 2008 and 2007 was $9.5 million and $8.5 million, of which $8.2 million and $2.7 million, respectively, was available to AB Canada.

Interest is payable quarterly on the Term Loan and Revolver borrowings by American Biltrite Inc. and K&M under the Credit Agreement at rates which vary depending on the applicable interest rate in effect and are generally determined based upon: (a) if a LIBOR based rate is in effect, at a rate between a LIBOR based rate plus 1.0% to a LIBOR based rate plus 2.75%, depending on the Company's leverage ratio, as determined under the Credit Agreement, (b) if a fixed rate is in effect, at a rate between the fixed rate plus 1.0% to a fixed rate plus 2.75%, depending on the Company's leverage ratio, as determined under the Credit Agreement, and (c) for loans not based on a LIBOR or fixed rate, the higher of (i) BofA's applicable prime rate and (ii) 0.50% plus the federal funds rate, as determined under the Credit Agreement.  Under the Credit Agreement, American Biltrite Inc. and K&M may generally determine whether interest on domestic revolving loans will be calculated based on a LIBOR based rate, and if BofA elects to make a fixed rate option available, whether interest on revolving loans will be calculated based on a fixed rate.

Interest is payable quarterly on revolving loans under the Canadian Revolver at rates which vary depending on the applicable interest rate in effect and are generally determined based upon: (a) if a LIBOR based rate is in effect, at a rate between a LIBOR based rate plus 1.0% to a LIBOR based rate plus 2.75%, depending on the Company's leverage ratio, as determined under the Credit Agreement, and (b) if a LIBOR based rate is not in effect, for outstanding revolving loans denominated in Canadian dollars, the higher of (i) 0.50% plus the applicable 30-day average bankers' acceptance rate as quoted on Reuters CDOR page and (ii) the Canadian Lender's applicable prime rate for loans made in Canadian dollars to Canadian customers, and for outstanding revolving loans denominated in United States dollars, the higher of (i) 0.50% plus the federal funds rate as calculated under the Credit Agreement and (ii) the applicable rate announced by the Canadian Lender as its reference rate for commercial loans denominated in United States dollars made to a person in Canada.  Under the Credit Agreement, AB Canada may generally determine whether interest on Canadian revolving loans will be calculated based on a LIBOR based rate.

The Term Loan principal is payable in 20 quarterly installments of $500 thousand beginning December 31, 2006 and ending on September 30, 2011.  All indebtedness under the Credit Agreement, other than the Term Loan, is due on September 30, 2009.


 
68

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


5.  Financing Arrangements (continued)

The Credit Agreement contains certain covenants that the Company must satisfy.  The covenants included in the Credit Agreement include certain financial tests, restrictions on the ability of the Company to incur additional indebtedness or to grant liens on its assets and restrictions on the ability of the Company to pay dividends on its capital stock. The financial tests are required to be calculated based on the Company accounting for its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum on the equity method and include a maximum ratio of total liabilities to tangible net worth, a minimum ratio of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) less certain cash payments for taxes, debt service, and dividends to interest expense, a minimum level of tangible net worth, and a maximum level of capital spending.  Pursuant to the amendment and restatement to the Credit Agreement entered into on September 25, 2006, certain of the financial covenants under the Credit Agreement were amended to, among other things, (i) increase the permitted ratio of the Company's consolidated total liabilities to consolidated tangible net worth to 200%, (ii) to provide for a higher threshold for satisfying the consolidated tangible net worth test and (iii) to provide a higher permitted aggregate amount for capital expenditures in any fiscal year. The Credit Agreement also requires, for each fiscal quarter ending on and after September 30, 2006, the Company's consolidated adjusted EBITDA for the four consecutive fiscal quarters then ending to exceed 100% of the Company's consolidated fixed charges for the 12-month period ending on such date, as determined under the Credit Agreement.

The Company has had to amend its debt agreements in order to avoid being in default of those agreements as a result of failing to satisfy certain financial covenants contained in those agreements.  The Company does not anticipate it will meet the covenant with respect to the ratio of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA to Consolidated Fixed Charges for the period ended March 31, 2009 and subsequent periods. As a result, the Company is currently negotiating with its lenders to amend the Credit Agreement to address, or obtain a waiver for, any such breaches.  The credit facility under the Credit Agreement expires September 30, 2009 and will have to be extended, refinanced or replaced by that expiration date or any earlier time required by any waiver or amendment the Company may obtain or enter into to address the current and expected covenant breaches under the Credit Agreement.  Although the Company currently anticipates that it will be able to obtain a waiver or enter an amendment to address these matters, there can be no assurances that the Company will be successful in this regard.  Further, any waiver or amendment the Company may obtain is expected to be limited in scope and duration such that the Company would likely need to obtain further amendments or waivers in the future or obtain alternative financing. Based on the Company’s anticipated covenant breaches, the Company has classified the entire outstanding balance of the Term Loan ($5.5 million) as a current liability at December 31, 2008.

 
69

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


5.  Financing Arrangements (continued)

The Company is also currently negotiating for alternative financing to replace the Credit Agreement, including the Term Loan and the Revolver. The Company believes it will be successful in obtaining alternative financing during the second quarter of 2009, and that the replacement facility contemplated would provide the Company with sufficient financing on commercially reasonable terms for an extended period of time. It is possible, however, that the Company may not be successful in obtaining the alternative financing it is currently seeking and it may not be able to obtain financing from other alternative sources or under a different arrangement with its existing lenders.  Failure to obtain adequate financing on commercially reasonable terms would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition.

Any required amendments or replacement financing, if obtained, could result in significant cost to the Company.  If an event of default under the Credit Agreement were to occur, the lenders could cease to make borrowings available under the Revolver and require the Company to repay all amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement.  If the Company were unable to repay those amounts due, the lenders could have their rights over the collateral (most of the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ (excluding Congoleum) assets, as applicable) exercised, which would likely have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries previously granted BofA and the Canadian Lender a security interest in most of the Company's and its subsidiaries' assets.  The security interest granted does not include the shares of capital stock of Congoleum or the assets of Congoleum.  In addition, pursuant to the Credit Agreement, certain of the Company’s subsidiaries have agreed to guarantee the Company's obligations (excluding AB Canada's obligations) under the Credit Agreement.

The terms of the Company’s Credit Agreement include restrictions on incurring additional indebtedness, restrictions on some types of payments including dividends, and limitations on capital expenditures.  At December 31, 2008, the Company was restricted from making any distributions from retained earnings.

Other Notes

In 1998, the Company obtained loans from local banks in connection with the acquisition of buildings in Belgium and Singapore.  The loans were for 25,000 Belgian francs (US $681 thousand at the foreign currency exchange rate in effect when the loan was entered into) and 2,700 Singapore dollars (US $1.5 million at the foreign currency exchange rate in effect when the loan was obtained).  The loans are payable in equal installments through 2008 and 2018, respectively.  The interest rates on the loans are 5.6% for the Belgian loan and 4.5% for the Singapore loan.  The loans are secured by the property acquired with the proceeds of the applicable loan.  During 2008, the remaining balance of the Belgian loan was paid.

 
70

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


5.  Financing Arrangements (continued)

In connection with the acquisition of certain assets and assumption of certain liabilities of a Florida distributor in October 2005, the Company issued a note payable to the seller for $1.0 million.  The note was subsequently reduced by $251 thousand as a result of a purchase price adjustment in April 2006.  At December 31, 2007, the outstanding balance on the note was $221 thousand.  During 2008, the remaining balance was paid.

Congoleum Debt

In January 2004, the Bankruptcy Court authorized entry of a final order approving Congoleum’s debtor-in-possession financing, which replaced its pre-petition credit facility on substantially similar terms. The debtor-in-possession financing agreement (as amended and approved by the Bankruptcy Court to date) provides a revolving credit facility expiring on the earlier of (i) June 30, 2009 and (ii) the date the plan of reorganization in Congoleum's bankruptcy cases as confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court becomes effective.  Total borrowing under the facility may not exceed $30.0 million.  Interest is based on 0.25% above the prime rate.  This financing agreement contains certain covenants, which include the maintenance of minimum earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”).  In connection with the most recent amendment and extension of the agreement, the minimum level of EBITDA that Congoleum must maintain was reduced for quarters ending after June 30, 2008.  Congoleum paid a fee of $25 thousand for such amendment, plus an amendment fee in the amount of $15 thousand per month.  The financing agreement also includes restrictions on the incurrence of additional debt and limitations on capital expenditures. The covenants and conditions under this financing agreement must be met in order for Congoleum to borrow from the facility. Congoleum was in compliance with these covenants (as amended) at December 31, 2008.  Borrowings under this facility are collateralized by inventory and receivables.  At December 31, 2008, based on the level of receivables and inventory, $17.4 million was available under the facility, of which $2.0 million was utilized for outstanding letters of credit and $14.0 million was utilized by the revolving loan.  Congoleum anticipates that its debtor-in-possession financing facility (including anticipated extensions thereof) together with cash from operations will provide it with sufficient liquidity to operate during 2009 while under Chapter 11 protection.  There can be no assurances that Congoleum will continue to be in compliance with the required covenants under this facility or that the debtor-in-possession facility (as extended) will be renewed prior to its expiration if a plan of reorganization is not confirmed before that time.  For a plan of reorganization to be confirmed, Congoleum will need to obtain and demonstrate the sufficiency of exit financing.  Congoleum cannot presently determine the terms of such financing, nor can there be any assurances of its success obtaining it.



 
71

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


5.  Financing Arrangements (continued)

On August 3, 1998, Congoleum issued $100 million of the Senior Notes priced at 99.505% to yield 8.70%. The Senior Notes are redeemable at the option of Congoleum, in whole or in part, at any time on or after August 1, 2003 at predetermined redemption prices (ranging from 104% to 100%), plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption. The indenture governing the Senior Notes includes certain restrictions on additional indebtedness and uses of cash, including dividend payments.  The commencement of the Chapter 11 proceedings constituted an event of default under the indenture governing the Senior Notes.  During 2003, Congoleum and the trustee under the indenture governing the Senior Notes amended the indenture, and sufficient note holders consented, to explicitly permit Congoleum to take steps in connection with preparing and filing its prepackaged plan of reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.  The amount of accrued interest on the Senior Notes that was not paid as of the bankruptcy filing on December 31, 2003 was approximately $3.6 million. The accrued interest and the principal amount of the Senior Notes, are included in “Liabilities Subject to Compromise” (see Note 9) as of December 31, 2008.

Congoleum’s $100 million 8 5/8% Senior Notes due 2008 had a book value of $100 million with no fair market value information available at December 31, 2008 due to insufficient market activity.  These notes had a book value of $99.9 million and a fair market value of $72.0 million at December 31, 2007. 

Interest

Interest paid on all outstanding debt amounted to $2.1 million in each of the years 2008 and 2007.  As noted above, in connection with its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, Congoleum did not pay the interest due on its $100 million 8 5/8% Senior Notes during 2008 and 2007.


 
72

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


5.  Financing Arrangements (continued)

Future Payments

Principal payments on the Company’s long-term debt obligations (other than Congoleum debt classified as liability subject to compromise) due in each of the next five years are as follows (in thousands):

2009
$5,611
2010
117
2011
104
2012
109
2013
114
2014 and thereafter
668

6.  Other Liabilities

Other liabilities at December 31 consisted of the following (in thousands):

   
2008
   
2007
 
             
Pension benefit obligations
  $ 8,185     $ 2,817  
Environmental remediation and product related liabilities
    4,454       5,336  
Income taxes payable
    394       590  
Deferred income taxes
    131       1,337  
Other
    3,637       2,705  
                 
    $ 16,801     $ 12,785  

The Company’s pension benefit obligations increased during 2008 primarily as a result of a change in the funded status of certain plans (see Note 7).

As a result of Congoleum’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing and in accordance with SOP 90-7, certain liabilities are included in liabilities subject to compromise on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 (see Note 9).


 
73

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


7.  Pension Plans

The Company sponsors several noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering most of the Company’s employees. Benefits under the plan are based on years of service and employee compensation.  Amounts funded annually by the Company are actuarially determined using the projected unit credit and unit credit methods and are equal to or exceed the minimum required by government regulations.  The Company also maintains health and life insurance programs for retirees (reflected in the table below under “Other Benefits”).

The tables below summarize the change in the benefit obligation, the change in plan assets, reconciliation to the amounts recognized in the balance sheets for the pension benefits and other benefits plans, and the funded status of the plans.  The measurement date for all items set forth below is the last day of the fiscal year presented.

   
Pension Benefits
   
Other Benefits
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Change in Benefit Obligation:
                       
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
  $ 110,661     $ 107,527     $ 9,926     $ 9,664  
Service cost
    2,325       2,275       188       213  
Interest cost
    6,265       6,168       594       566  
Plan participants contributions
    184       180                  
Amendments
    150       -                  
Actuarial (gain) loss
    996       (2,025 )     1,186       (137 )
Foreign currency exchange rate changes
    (2,640 )     2,368                  
Benefits paid
    (6,176 )     (5,832 )     (407 )     (380 )
                                 
Benefit obligation at end of year
  $ 111,765     $ 110,661     $ 11,487     $ 9,926  

   
Pension Benefits
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Change in Plan Assets:
           
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
  $ 98,238     $ 90,371  
Actual return on plan assets
    (25,831 )     3,262  
Employer contribution
    3,633       7,685  
Plan participants contribution
    184       180  
Foreign currency exchange rate changes
    (2,833 )     2,572  
Benefits paid
    (6,176 )     (5,832 )
                 
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
  $ 67,215     $ 98,238  


 
74

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


7.  Pension Plans (continued)

The weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligation for the pension benefits as of year-end were as follows:

 
2008
 
2007
Discount rate
5.75% - 7.50%
 
5.50% - 6.00%
Rate of compensation increase
3.00% - 4.00%
 
4.00% - 5.00%

The funded status of the plans and the unrecognized amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 were as follows (in thousands):

   
Pension Benefits
   
Other Benefits
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
                         
Unfunded status
  $ (44,550 )   $ (12,423 )   $ (11,487 )   $ (9,926 )
Unrecognized net actuarial loss
    52,664       19,762       1,386       250  
Unrecognized transition obligations
    -       (10 )     -       3  
Unamortized prior service cost
    886       1,053                  
                                 
Net amount recognized
  $ 9,000     $ 8,382     $ (10,101 )   $ (9,673 )

The amounts recorded in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 were as follows (in thousands):

   
Pension Benefits
   
Other Benefits
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
                         
Other assets (noncurrent)
  $ 782     $ 1,165              
Accrued benefit liability (noncurrent liabilities)
    (45,332 )     (13,588 )   $ (11,487 )   $ (9,926 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    53,550       20,805       1,386       253  
                                 
Net amount recorded
  $ 9,000     $ 8,382     $ (10,101 )   $ (9,673 )

As a result of the adoption of SFAS 158, the Company recorded an asset of $782 thousand for the overfunded status of its pension plans covering employees of AB Canada.  The accrued benefit liability includes Congoleum’s pension liability of $37.0 million and $10.8 million as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The accrued benefit liability for other benefits is Congoleum’s liability for post-retirement benefits.  Congoleum’s pension and post-retirement benefit liabilities have been included in liabilities subject to compromise as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 (see Note 9).


 
75

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


7.  Pension Plans (continued)

At December 31, 2008 and 2007, accumulated other comprehensive loss also included the tax effect of pension liabilities recorded ($186 thousand and $341 thousand, respectively) and the effect of including the non-controlling interests’ portion of Congoleum’s pension liability adjustments ($14.7 million and $2.0 million, respectively) during periods when Congoleum has a deficit in retained earnings and stockholders’ equity (see Note 11).

Some of the Company’s pension plans have projected benefit obligations (PBO) and accumulated benefit obligations (ABO) in excess of plan assets.  The aggregate benefit obligations and fair value of plans assets for plans that were overfunded and underfunded as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 are as follows (in thousands):

   
2008
   
2007
 
Underfunded plans
           
PBO
  $ 100,984     $ 94,723  
Fair value of plan assets
    55,652       81,135  
Funded status
    (45,332 )     (13,588 )
ABO
    98,346       89,269  
Overfunded plans
               
PBO
  $ 10,781     $ 15,938  
Fair value of plan assets
    11,563       17,103  
Funded status
    782       1,165  
ABO
    9,648       13,620  
All plans
               
PBO
  $ 111,765     $ 110,661  
Fair value of plan assets
    67,215       98,238  
Funded status
    (44,550 )     (12,423 )
ABO
    107,994       102,889  

The components of net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 are as follows (in thousands):

   
Pension Benefits
   
Other Benefits
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
                         
Service cost
  $ 2,325     $ 2,368     $ 188     $ 213  
Interest cost
    6,265       6,168       594       566  
Expected return on plan assets
    (6,783 )     (6,574 )                
Recognized net actuarial loss
    1,153       1,235       50       71  
Amortization of prior service cost
    154       167       3       10  
Amortization of transition obligation
    (9 )     (51 )                
                                 
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 3,105     $ 3,313     $ 835     $ 860  

 
76

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


7.  Pension Plans (continued)

Changes recognized in Other Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

   
2008
   
2007
 
             
Net actual loss
  $ 33,527     $ 1,209  
Recognized actuarial loss
    (31 )     (1,435 )
Prior service cost (credit)
    56       (142 )
Recognized prior service (credit) cost
    (28 )     9  
Foreign exchange
    354       (188 )
                 
Total changes recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (before tax effect)
  $ 33,878     $ (547 )

For the Company’s pension plans, the estimated net loss and prior service cost to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss during 2009 is expected to be $4.3 million and $104 thousand, respectively.  For the Company’s post-retirement benefit plans, the estimated net loss to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss during 2009 is expected to be $65 thousand.

The weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost related to the pension benefits were as follows:

 
2008
 
2007
       
Discount rate
6.00% - 7.50%
 
5.50% - 6.00%
Expected long-term return on plan assets
7.00% - 7.50%
 
7.00% - 7.50%
Rate of compensation increase
4.00% - 5.00%
 
4.00% - 5.00%

The weighted-average discount rate used to determine net periodic benefit cost related to the Other Benefits was 6.00% for 2008 and 2007.

In developing the overall expected long-term return on plan assets assumption, a building block approach was used in which rates of return in excess of inflation were considered separately for equity securities, debt securities, and other assets.  The excess returns were weighted by the representative target allocation and added along with an appropriate rate of inflation to develop the overall expected long-term return on plan assets assumption.


 
77

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


7.  Pension Plans (continued)

Assumed healthcare cost trend rates as of year-end were as follows:

 
December 31
 
2008
2007
     
Healthcare cost trend rate assumed for next year
8.5%
9.5%
Ultimate healthcare cost trend rate
5.0%
5.0%
Year that the assumed rate reaches the ultimate rate
2012
2012

Assumed healthcare cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for healthcare benefits.  A one-percentage point change in assumed healthcare cost trend rates would have the following effects (in thousands):

 
1 Percentage
Point Increase
 
1 Percentage
Point Decrease
       
Effect on total of service and interest cost components
$  72
 
$  63
Effect on post-retirement benefit obligation
886
 
797

For the Company’s pension plans, the weighted-average asset allocation at December 31, 2008 and 2007, by asset category, were as follows:

 
December 31
 
2008
2007
     
Equity securities
52%
62%
Debt securities
45%
37%
Other
3%
1%
 
 
 
Total
100%
100%

The Company has an investment strategy for the pension plan that emphasizes total return; that is, the aggregate return from capital appreciation and dividend and interest income.  The primary investment management objective for the plan’s assets is long-term capital appreciation primarily through investment in equity and debt securities with an emphasis on consistent growth; specifically, growth in a manner that protects the Plan’s assets from excessive volatility in market value from year to year.  The investment policy takes into consideration the benefit obligations, including timing of distributions.  The Company selects professional money managers whose investment policies are consistent with the Company's investment strategy and monitors their performance against appropriate benchmarks.  The Company's target asset allocation is consistent with the weighted-average allocation at December 31, 2008.


 
78

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


7.  Pension Plans (continued)

Contributions

Congoleum expects to contribute $5.2 million to its pension plan and $571 thousand to its other postretirement plan in 2009.  American Biltrite expects to contribute $475 thousand to its pension plan in 2009.

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

The following benefit payments, which reflect future service as appropriate, are expected to be paid.  The benefit payments are based on the same assumptions used to measure the Company’s benefit obligation at the end of fiscal 2008.

   
Pension
Benefits
   
Other
Benefits
 
   
(In thousands)
 
             
2009
  $ 6,622     $ 571  
2010
    6,914       658  
2011
    7,067       740  
2012
    7,393       831  
2013
    7,502       941  
2014 - 2018
    40,584       5,969  

Defined Contribution Plans

The Company also has three 401(k) defined contribution retirement plans that cover substantially all employees.  Eligible employees may contribute up to 15% to 20% of compensation (subject to annual Internal Revenue Code limits) with the Company partially matching contributions.  Defined contribution pension expense for the Company was $885 thousand and $918 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

8.  Commitments and Contingencies

Leases

The Company occupies certain warehouse and office space and uses certain equipment and motor vehicles under lease agreements expiring at various dates through 2014.  The leases generally require the Company to pay for utilities, insurance, taxes and maintenance, and some contain renewal options.  Total rent expense charged to operations was $5.4 million in 2008 and $5.2 million in 2007.

 
79

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


8.  Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

Future minimum payments relating to operating leases are as follows (in thousands):

2009
  $ 4,447  
2010
    3,281  
2011
    812  
2012
    463  
2013
    269  
Thereafter
    2  
         
    $ 9,274  

Royalty and Advertising Commitments

K&M maintains certain license arrangements for branded jewelry products.  Under the terms of these arrangements, K&M must make minimum royalty and advertising payments based on defined percentages of net sales during the license terms.  These arrangements also include guaranteed minimum yearly royalty and advertising payments based either on minimum levels of net sales or fixed payment amounts.  At December 31, 2008, the Company’s commitments for minimum royalty and advertising payments were as follows (in thousands):

2009
  $ 1,802  
2010
    169  
2011
    212  
         
    $ 2,183  

Environmental and Other Liabilities

In the ordinary course of its business, the Company becomes involved in lawsuits, administrative proceedings, product liability and other matters, as more fully described elsewhere in this Note 8 and in Note 9.  In some of these proceedings, plaintiffs may seek to recover large and sometimes unspecified amounts, and the matters may remain unresolved for several years.

The Company records a liability for environmental remediation claims when it becomes probable that the Company will incur costs relating to a clean-up program or will have to make claim payments and the costs or payments can be reasonably estimated.  As assessments are revised and clean-up programs progress, these liabilities are adjusted to reflect such revisions and progress.


 
80

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


8.  Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

Liabilities of Congoleum comprised the majority of the environmental and other liabilities reported on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 as shown in the table below.  As a result of Congoleum’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing and in accordance with SOP 90-7, certain liabilities are included in liabilities subject to compromise on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2008 and 2007.  Due to the relative magnitude and wide range of estimates of these liabilities and that recourse related to these liabilities is generally limited to Congoleum, these matters are discussed separately following the discussion of ABI liabilities.  However, because Congoleum is included in ABI’s consolidated financial statements, to the extent that Congoleum incurs a liability or expense, it will be reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.  Congoleum previously filed several amended plans of reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code as part of its efforts to resolve its asbestos-related liabilities.  See Notes 1 and 9 for a discussion of this subject.

The following table summarizes American Biltrite’s and Congoleum’s recorded assets and liabilities for environmental, asbestos and other contingencies:

   
December 31
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
Liability
   
Receivable
   
Liability
   
Receivable
 
   
(In thousands)
 
American Biltrite
                       
Environmental liabilities
                       
Accrued expenses
  $ 604           $ 639        
Other liabilities, non-current
    4,454             5,336        
Other assets, non-current
    -     $ 1,957       -     $ 2,203  
      5,058       1,957       5,975       2,203  
Asbestos product liability
                               
Asbestos-related liabilities, non-current
    13,563       -       12,600       -  
Insurance for asbestos-related liabilities
    -       13,509       -       11,140  
      13,563       13,509       12,600       11,140  
                                 
Other
                               
Other liabilities, current
    211       -       211       -  
Other liabilities, non-current
    1,053       -       1,039       -  
      1,264       -       1,250       -  
                                 
    $ 19,885     $ 15,466     $ 19,825     $ 13,343  

 
81

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


8.  Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

   
December 31
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
Liability
   
Receivable
   
Liability
   
Receivable
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Congoleum
                       
Environmental liabilities
                       
Liabilities subject to compromise, current
  $ 640           $ 640        
Liabilities subject to compromise, non-current
    3,719             3,802        
Other assets, non-current
    -     $ 2,113       -     $ 2,113  
      4,359       2,113       4,442       2,113  
Asbestos product liability
                               
Asbestos-related liabilities, current
    50,022       -       31,208       -  
Other assets, current
    -       1,322       -       10,490  
      50,022       1,322       31,208       10,490  
Other
                               
Liabilities subject to compromise, current
    49       -       49       -  
Liabilities subject to compromise, non-current
    813       -       825       -  
Other assets, non-current
    -       130       -       130  
      862       130       874       130  
                                 
    $ 55,243     $ 3,565     $ 36,524     $ 12,733  
Consolidated
                               
Environmental liabilities
                               
Accrued expenses
  $ 604             $ 639          
Liabilities subject to compromise, current
    640               640          
Liabilities subject to compromise, non-current
    3,719               3,802          
Other liabilities, non-current
    4,454               5,336          
Other assets, non-current
    -     $ 4,070       -     $ 4,316  
      9,417       4,070       10,417       4,316  
Asbestos product liability
                               
Asbestos-related liabilities, current
    50,022       -       31,208       -  
Asbestos-related liabilities, non-current
    13,563       -       12,600       -  
Other assets, current
    -       1,322       -       10,490  
Insurance for asbestos-related liabilities
    -       13,509       -       11,140  
      63,585       14,831       43,808       21,630  
Other
                               
Liabilities subject to compromise, current
    49       -       49       -  
Liabilities subject to compromise, non-current
    813       -       825       -  
Other liabilities, current
    211       -       211       -  
Other liabilities, non-current
    1,053       -       1,039       -  
Other assets, non-current
    -       130       -       130  
      2,126       130       2,124       130  
                                 
    $ 75,128     $ 19,031     $ 56,349     $ 26,076  


 
82

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


8.  Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

American Biltrite Inc.

ABI is a co-defendant with many other manufacturers and distributors of asbestos containing products in approximately 1,269 pending claims involving approximately 1,824 individuals as of December 31, 2008.  These claims relate to products of ABI’s former Tile Division, which ABI contributed to Congoleum in 1993. The claimants allege personal injury or death from exposure to asbestos or asbestos-containing products.  Activity related to asbestos claims during the years ended December 31 was as follows:

   
2008
   
2007
 
             
Claims at January 1
    1,360       1,332  
New claims
    356       523  
Settlements
    (13 )     (20 )
Dismissals
    (434 )     (475 )
                 
Claims at December 31
    1,269       1,360  

ABI has primary and multiple excess layers of insurance coverage for asbestos claims. The total indemnity costs incurred to settle claims were approximately $867 thousand in 2008 and $2.2 million in 2007 all of which were paid by ABI's primary insurance carriers, as were the related defense costs.  In June 2008, ABI’s primary layer insurance carriers advised ABI that coverage limits under the February 1996 coverage-in-place agreement had exhausted.  In August 2008, ABI and its applicable first-layer umbrella carriers reached an understanding on the coverage under ABI’s applicable first-layer excess umbrella policies (the “Umbrella Coverage”), including defense and indemnity obligations, allocation of claims to specific policies, and other matters. There was no gap in coverage following the exhaustion of the primary layer insurance coverage.

In addition to coverage available under the Umbrella Coverage, ABI has additional excess liability insurance policies that should provide further coverage if and when limits of certain policies within the Umbrella Coverage exhaust.  While ABI expects the Umbrella Coverage will result in the substantial majority of defense and indemnity for asbestos claims against ABI being paid by its insurance carriers for the foreseeable future, ABI may incur uninsured costs related to asbestos claims, and those costs could be material.  If ABI were to incur significant uninsured costs for asbestos claims, or its insurance carriers failed to fund insured costs for asbestos claims, such costs could have a material adverse impact on its liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.


 
83

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


8.  Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

In general, governmental authorities have determined that asbestos-containing sheet and tile products are nonfriable (i.e., cannot be crumbled by hand pressure) because the asbestos was encapsulated in the products during the manufacturing process.  Thus, governmental authorities have concluded that these products do not pose a health risk when they are properly maintained in place or properly removed so that they remain nonfriable.  The Company has issued warnings not to remove asbestos-­containing flooring by sanding or other methods that may cause the product to become friable.  The Company estimates its liability for indemnity to resolve current and reasonably anticipated future asbestos-related claims (not including claims asserted against Congoleum), based upon a strategy to actively defend against or strategically seek settlement for those claims on a case-by-case basis in the normal course of business.  Factors such as recent and historical settlement and trial results, the court dismissal rate of claims, the incidence of past and recent claims, the number of cases pending against it and asbestos litigation developments that may impact the exposure of the Company were considered in performing these estimates.  Changes in factors could have a material impact on the Company’s liability.  For example, it is estimated that a 1 percentage point increase in the Company’s acceptance rate of mesothelioma claims results in a 21% increase in mesothelioma liability assuming all other variables remained constant.

The Company utilizes an actuarial study to assist it in developing estimates of the Company’s potential liability for resolving present and possible future asbestos claims.  Projecting future asbestos claim costs requires estimating numerous variables that are extremely difficult to predict, including the incidence of claims, the disease that may be alleged by future claimants, future settlement and trial results, future court dismissal rates for claims, and possible asbestos legislation developments.  Furthermore, any predictions with respect to these variables are subject to even greater uncertainty as the projection period lengthens.  In light of these inherent uncertainties, the Company believes that six years is the most reasonable period over which to include future claims that may be brought against the Company for recognizing a reserve for future costs.  Due to the numerous variables and uncertainties, including the effect of Congoleum’s Chapter 11 case and any proposed plan of reorganization on the Company’s liabilities, the Company does not believe that reasonable estimates can be developed of liabilities for claims beyond a six year horizon.  The Company will continue to evaluate its range of future exposure, and the related insurance coverage available, and when appropriate, record future adjustments to those estimates, which could be material.


 
84

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


8.  Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

The estimated range of liability for settlement of current claims pending and claims anticipated to be filed through 2014 was $13.6 million to $44.0 million as of December 31, 2008.  The Company believes no amount within this range is more likely than any other, and accordingly has recorded a liability of $13.6 million in its financial statements which represents a probable and reasonably estimable amount for the future liability at the present time.  The Company also believes that based on this liability estimate, the corresponding amount of insurance probable of recovery is $13.5 million at December 31, 2008, which has been included in other assets.  The same factors that affect developing forecasts of potential indemnity costs for asbestos-related liabilities also affect estimates of the total amount of insurance that is probable of recovery, as do a number of additional factors.  These additional factors include the financial viability of some of the insurance companies, the method in which losses will be allocated to the various insurance policies and the years covered by those policies, how legal and other loss handling costs will be covered by the insurance policies, and interpretation of the effect on coverage of various policy terms and limits and their interrelationships.  These amounts were based on currently known facts by ABI and a number of assumptions.  However, projecting future events, such as the number of new claims to be filed each year, the average cost of disposing of each such claim, and the continuing solvency of various insurance companies, as well as numerous uncertainties surrounding asbestos legislation in the United States, could cause the actual liability and insurance recoveries for the Company to be higher or lower than those projected or recorded.

There can be no assurance that the Company’s accrued asbestos liabilities will approximate its actual asbestos-related settlement costs, or that it will receive the insurance recoveries which it has accrued.  The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that it will incur charges for resolution of asbestos claims in the future, which could exceed the Company’s existing reserves.  The Company’s strategy remains to vigorously defend against and strategically settle its asbestos claims on a case-by-case basis.  The Company believes it has substantial insurance coverage to mitigate future costs related to this matter.

ABI has been named as a Potentially Responsible Party ("PRP") within the meaning of the Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act, as amended ("CERCLA"), with respect to seven sites located in six separate states (the “CERCLA Sites”).  At one of the seven sites, which is located in Southington, Connecticut, (the "Southington Site"), an ABI subsidiary ("Ideal") is also named as a PRP.  At the Southington Site, in 2008, the other named PRPs offered a de minimus settlement to ABI and a performing party settlement to Ideal, which offers ABI and Ideal accept. ABI’s de minimus settlement amount was $106 thousand while Ideal’s performing party settlement amount was $671 thousand. ABI obtained a release for future obligations relating to this Site from the United States government and its agencies


 
85

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


8.  Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

including the EPA, the State of Connecticut, and the other PRP group defendants (the “Settling Parties”).  While Ideal did not receive a release from future obligations relating to this Site from the Settling Parties, it is not anticipated that any further assessments will be made against Ideal any time in the foreseeable future.  Under a preexisting agreement, Ideal shared a percentage of the settlement with the former owner of Ideal's assets.  Under a preexisting agreement between ABI and The Biltrite Corporation ("TBC"), TBC is liable for 37.5% of the remediation costs incurred by ABI with respect to the Southington Site which TBC paid to ABI.  Both the former owner of Ideal’s assets and TBC reimbursed ABI their respective shares of Ideal’s performing party settlement amount and ABI’s de minimus settlement amount, respectively.

At another site, ABI, together with a number of other named PRPs, entered a consent decree and site remediation agreement (the "Agreements") in September 1996, which, without admission of liability by the PRPs, requires remediation of the ILCO Superfund site located in Leeds, Alabama (the "ILCO Site").  The currently estimated aggregate future cost of remediation and associated transactional costs at the ILCO Site ranges from $1.5 million to $3.5 million.  Pursuant to a final allocation among consent decree participants, ABI's share of the currently estimated future remediation costs range from approximately $41 thousand to $93 thousand.  These estimates consider commitments from de minimis and de maximus settlors, the City of Leeds and its insurers, amounts currently held in an escrow fund, a RCRA Closure Fund refund, and TBC's share, which by agreement is 37.5% of the remediation costs incurred by ABI.  A substantial share of ABI’s future remediation costs with respect to the ILCO site will be payable over the next one to five years.

ABI’s ultimate liability and funding obligations in connection with the CERCLA Sites depends on many factors, including the volume of material contributed to the site, the number of other PRPs and their financial viability, the remediation methods and technology to be used and the extent to which costs may be recoverable from insurance.  However, under CERCLA and certain other laws, ABI, as a PRP, can be held jointly and severally liable for all environmental costs associated with a site.

ABI is involved in two United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) sites in Georgia.  At one of the EPA sites, ABI has been named along with seven other PRPs with respect to a site in Atlanta, Georgia involving three neighborhoods (“Atlanta Site”) where properties within the boundaries of the Atlanta Site contains lead in the surface soil in concentrations that exceed the EPA’s residential lead screening level.  The EPA has requested that ABI enter an Administrative Order on Consent (“AOC”).  ABI has reviewed the EPA notification letter and the AOC and is assessing its responsibility with respect to the Atlanta Site and whether it is in ABI’s interest to enter the consent order.  The former owners have entered an AOC and will remediate the Atlanta


 
86

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


8.  Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

site and seek contribution from the other PRPs.  At the other site which is in Fulton County (together with the Atlanta Site, the “Georgia Sites”), a former smelting and refinery site, ABI has not entered into any negotiations with other PRP's or the site owner.  ABI believes, based upon current information available, that its liability at the Georgia sites will not be material.  Pursuant to ABI’s preexisting agreement with TBC, TBC is liable for 37.5% of these remediation costs, incurred by ABI at these Georgia Sites.

A lawsuit was brought by Olin Corporation in 1993 in the Federal District Court of Massachusetts, the present owner of a former chemical plant site in Wilmington, Massachusetts (the "Olin Site"), against ABI and three other defendants, which alleged that ABI and the three other defendants were liable for a portion of the site's soil and groundwater response and remediation costs at the site.  A wholly-owned subsidiary of ABI owned and operated the Wilmington plant from 1959 to 1964 and for approximately one month during 1964, ABI held title to the property directly.

In 2000, ABI and TBC entered into a settlement agreement with Olin that resolved all claims and counterclaims among the parties.  Under the terms of the agreement, ABI and TBC together paid Olin $4.1 million in settlement of their share of Olin's $18.0 million of alleged past response costs incurred through December 31, 1998.  ABI and TBC also agreed to reimburse Olin for 21.7% of Olin's response costs incurred at the site after January 1, 1999, plus an annual reimbursement of $100 thousand for Olin's internal costs.  Pursuant to ABI’s preexisting agreement with TBC, TBC is liable for 37.5% of the costs that may be incurred by ABI in connection with this lawsuit and 37.5% of the amounts due under the settlement agreement with Olin.

Additional expenditures, principally consisting of remediation and oversight costs, will be required to remediate the site.  Olin has estimated that the total response costs for 2009 will be approximately $3.6 million.  ABI has estimated total costs, including for 2009, to be in the range of $16.0 million to $47.3 million.  As of December 31, 2008, ABI has estimated its potential liability to Olin to be in the range of $3.9 million to $10.7 million after allocation for the annual reimbursement of $100 thousand for Olin's internal costs and before any recoveries from insurance and TBC.  Costs are expected to be paid over approximately the next ten years.  In January 2006, the EPA assumed the responsibility for the oversight of the Olin Site from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.


 
87

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


8.  Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

The State of Maine Department of Environmental Protection (“Maine DEP”) has put Miller Industries, Inc, (“Miller”) the present owner of a former sheet vinyl plant in Lisbon Falls, Maine, on notice to clean up a dumpsite where there is exposed asbestos from sheet vinyl waste along with other hazardous substances.  In September of 2005, a lawsuit was brought by Miller against ABI, which alleged that ABI and one other named defendant were liable for costs to clean up a dumpsite (“Parcel A”) and a second parcel of land (“Parcel B”), which is alleged to contain polychlorinated biphenyls (“PCB’s”) in the soil.  The lawsuit, captioned Miller Industries, Inc. v American Biltrite Inc. et al, was filed on September 22, 2005 in the Androscoggin Superior Court of Maine.  Miller was seeking indemnification or contribution from ABI for the clean-up of both parcels of land (together, the “Maine Sites”).  The lawsuit was dismissed by the Superior Court of Maine on February 3, 2006 for lack of subject matter jurisdiction and failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted.  In January 2006, ABI was notified by the Maine DEP that it is a PRP as to both Parcel A and Parcel B.  Subsequently, Parcel B was named an EPA site. Prior to the commencement of the lawsuit by Miller, ABI had been investigating and reviewing the condition of Parcel A and its potential liability for its share of any clean-up costs.  ABI believes, at this time, that the cost of site investigation, remediation, maintenance and monitoring at the site will be between approximately $1.3 million and $2.3 million.  ABI has been advised by Miller that the clean-up for Parcel B has been completed under budget.  ABI has been assessing the potential availability of insurance coverage for such costs.  ABI is not at this time able to determine what its potential liability will be with regard to the Maine Sites since ABI has neither accepted nor negotiated its allocable share of the costs with Miller.  Pursuant to ABI’s preexisting agreement with TBC, TBC is liable for 37.5% of costs these incurred by ABI for the Maine Sites.

The Company has been placed on notice by a group of four companies that entered into a settlement agreement with the EPA agreeing to fund and carry out a time critical remedial action (the “Ward Performing Parties”) that it is a potential responsible party of a claim at the Ward Transformer Superfund Site in Raleigh, North Carolina (the “Ward Site”).  There are three areas in the Ward Site which are to be remediated in two phases.  ABI is to be treated as a de minimus party at this site.  A Phase I settlement offer is expected to be made by the Ward Performing Parties to the named PRPs for this site.  ABI expects that the settlement offer for ABI will be approximately $45 thousand for ABI’s portion of the Phase I costs.  It is also expected that the proposed settlement would provide that if the costs of Phase I exceed $55 million, then the excess costs will be treated as Phase II costs.  A Phase II settlement offer will be made when the scope of work at the Ward Site has been determined by the Ward Performing Parties.  Pursuant to ABI’s preexisting agreement with TBC, TBC is liable for 37.5% of these remediation costs, incurred by ABI at this North Carolina site.


 
88

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


8.  Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

ABI has made demands against its insurance carriers to provide defense and indemnity for ABI's liabilities at the CERCLA Sites and the state­ supervised sites in Maine as well as the Olin Site with respect to the previous supervision of that site by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.  An agreement was executed by ABI and its carriers regarding the payment of the defense costs for the Olin Site.  ABI has reached agreements with four of its insurance carriers whereby the carriers have reimbursed the Company $6.5 million for past and current environmental claims and ABI shared 37.5% of the amount of that reimbursement with TBC pursuant to ABI’s preexisting agreement with TBC.  Included in this insurance reimbursement is a payment of $4.6 million by one carrier in December 2005.  Another carrier has agreed to reimburse the Company for 2.5% of the Company’s liabilities regarding the future environmental expenses related to the Olin Site, $117 thousand of which was reimbursed through December 31, 2008 and 37.5% of the amount of that reimbursement was shared with TBC pursuant to ABI’s preexisting agreement with TBC.  ABI and one of its insurance carriers continue to discuss ABI’s remaining demands for insurance coverage for these sites.

In connection with the transfer of ABI's Trenton, NJ tile plant to Congoleum in 1993, the Company entered an administrative consent order from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for any environmental remediation the state may require at that location.  Pursuant to the contribution in 1993 of the Company's former tile division to Congoleum, Congoleum assumed liability for the cost of cleaning up the site.  Congoleum has established a remediation trust fund of $100 thousand as financial assurance for certain remediation funding obligations.  The Company remains contingently liable in the event that Congoleum fails to perform or fund any required remediation relating to this site.

The outcome of these matters could result in significant expenses incurred by, or judgments assessed against, the Company, which could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations and financial position of the Company.

In accordance with SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies, as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, ABI recorded a reserve of $5.1 million and $6.0 million, respectively, which represent probable and reasonably estimable amounts to cover the anticipated remediation costs described above based on facts and circumstances known to the Company.  The Company has also recorded a receivable of $2.0 million and $2.2 million as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, for ABI's estimable and probable recoveries for the contingencies described above.  These projects tend to be long-term in nature, and these assumptions are subject to refinement as facts change.  As such, it is possible that the Company may need to revise its recorded liabilities and receivables for environmental costs in future periods resulting in potentially material adjustments to the Company's earnings in future periods.  The Company closely monitors existing and potential environmental matters to consider the reasonableness of its estimates and assumptions.


 
89

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


8.  Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

Congoleum

Congoleum is a defendant in a large number of asbestos-related lawsuits and has commenced proceedings under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code for purposes of resolving its asbestos-related liabilities (see Note 9).

Congoleum records a liability for environmental remediation claims when a cleanup program or claim payment becomes probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated.  As assessments and cleanup programs progress, these liabilities are adjusted based upon the progress in determining the timing and extent of remedial actions and the related costs and damages. The recorded liabilities, totaling $4.4 million at December 31, 2008 and $4.4 million at December 31, 2007, are not reduced by the amount of insurance recoveries.  Such estimated insurance recoveries approximated $2.1 million at December 31, 2008 and $2.1 million at December 31, 2007, and are reflected in other non-current assets. Receivables for expected insurance recoveries are recorded if the related carriers are solvent and paying claims under a reservation of rights or under an obligation pursuant to coverage in place or a settlement agreement.  Substantially all of Congoleum’s recorded insurance asset for environmental matters is collectible from a single carrier.

Congoleum is named, together with a large number (in most cases, hundreds) of other companies, as a PRP in pending proceedings under CERCLA, and similar state laws.  In addition, in four other instances, although not named as a PRP, Congoleum has received a request for information.  The pending proceedings relate to eight disposal sites in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland in which recovery from generators of hazardous substances is sought for the cost of cleaning up the contaminated waste sites.  Congoleum’s ultimate liability and funding obligations in connection with those sites depends on many factors, including the volume of material contributed to the site, the number of other PRPs and their financial viability, the remediation methods and technology to be used and the extent to which costs may be recoverable from insurance.  However, under CERCLA and certain other laws, Congoleum, as a PRP, can be held jointly and severally liable for all environmental costs associated with a site.

The most significant exposure for which Congoleum has been named a PRP relates to a recycling facility site in Elkton, Maryland (the “Galaxy/Spectron Superfund Site”). The PRP group at this site is made up of 81 companies, substantially all of which are large financially solvent entities.  Two removal actions were substantially complete as of December 31, 1998 and a groundwater treatment system was installed thereafter.  The EPA has selected a remedy for the soil and shallow groundwater (“Operable Unit 1” or OU-1); however, the remedial investigation/feasibility study related to the deep groundwater (OU-2) has not been completed.  The PRP group, of which Congoleum is a part, has entered into a Consent Decree to perform the remedy for OU-1 and resolve natural resource damage claims. The Consent Decree also requires the PRPs to perform


 
90

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


8.  Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

the OU-2 remedy, assuming that the estimated cost of the remedy is not more than $10 million.  If the estimated cost of the OU-2 remedy is more than $10 million, the PRPs may decline to perform it or they may elect to perform anyway. Cost estimates for the OU-1 and OU-2 work combined (including natural resource damages) range between $22 million and $34 million, with Congoleum’s share ranging between approximately $1.0 million and $1.6 million.  This assumes that all parties participate and that none cash-out and pay a premium; those two factors may account for some fluctuation in Congoleum’s share. Fifty percent (50%) of Congoleum’s share of the costs is presently being paid by one of its insurance carriers, Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, whose remaining policy limits for this claim are expected to cover approximately $300 thousand in additional costs.  Congoleum expects to fund the balance to the extent further insurance coverage is not available.

Congoleum filed a motion before the Bankruptcy Court seeking authorization and approval of the Consent Decree and related settlement agreements for the Galaxy/Spectron Superfund Site, as well authorization for Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and Congoleum to make certain payments that have been invoiced to Congoleum with respect to the Consent Decree and related settlement agreements.  An order authorizing and approving the Consent Decree and related settlement agreements was issued by the Bankruptcy Court in August 2006.

Congoleum also accrues remediation costs for certain of Congoleum’s owned facilities on an undiscounted basis. Congoleum has entered into an administrative consent order with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and has established a remediation trust fund of $100 thousand as financial assurance for certain remediation funding obligations.  Estimated total cleanup costs of $1.3 million, including capital outlays and future maintenance costs for soil and groundwater remediation, are primarily based on engineering studies.  Of this amount, $300 thousand is included in current liabilities subject to compromise and $1.0 million is included in non-current liabilities subject to compromise.

Congoleum anticipates that these matters will be resolved over a period of years and that after application of expected insurance recoveries, funding the costs will not have a material adverse impact on Congoleum’s financial position.  However, unfavorable developments in these matters could result in significant expenses or judgments that could have a material adverse effect on the financial position of Congoleum.

Other

In the ordinary course of its business, ABI and Congoleum become involved in lawsuits, administrative proceedings, product liability and other matters.  In some of these proceedings, plaintiffs may seek to recover large and sometimes unspecified amounts, and the matters may remain unresolved for several years.

 
91

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


9.  Congoleum Asbestos Liabilities and Planned Reorganization

On December 31, 2003, Congoleum filed a voluntary petition with the Bankruptcy Court seeking relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code as a means to resolve claims asserted against it related to the use of asbestos in its products decades ago.  During 2003, Congoleum had obtained the requisite votes of asbestos personal injury claimants necessary to seek approval of a proposed, pre-packaged Chapter 11 plan of reorganization.  In January 2004, Congoleum filed its proposed plan of reorganization and disclosure statement with the Bankruptcy Court.  From that filing through 2007, several subsequent plans were negotiated with representatives of the Asbestos Claimants’ Committee (“ACC”), the Future Claimants’ Representative (“FCR”) and other asbestos claimant representatives.  In addition, an insurance company, Continental Casualty Company, and its affiliate, Continental Insurance Company (collectively, “CNA”), filed a plan of reorganization and the Official Committee of Bondholders (“Bondholders’ Committee”) (representing holders of Congoleum’s 8 5/8% Senior Notes due August 1, 2008 (the “Senior Notes”)) also filed a plan of reorganization.  In May 2006, the Bankruptcy Court ordered the principal parties in interest in Congoleum’s reorganization proceedings to participate in reorganization plan mediation discussions.  Several mediation sessions took place during 2006, culminating in two competing plans, one which Congoleum filed jointly with the ACC in September 2006 (the “Tenth Plan”) and the other filed by CNA, both of which the Bankruptcy Court subsequently ruled were not confirmable as a matter of law.    In March 2007, Congoleum resumed global plan mediation discussions with the various parties seeking to resolve the issues raised in the Bankruptcy Court’s ruling with respect to the Tenth Plan.  In July 2007, the FCR filed a plan of reorganization and proposed disclosure statement.   After extensive further mediation sessions, on February 5, 2008, the FCR, the ACC, the Bondholders’ Committee and Congoleum jointly filed the Joint Plan.  The Bankruptcy Court approved the disclosure statement for the Joint Plan in February 2008, and the Joint Plan was solicited in accordance with court-approved voting procedures.  Various objections to the Joint Plan were filed, and on May 12, 2008 the Bankruptcy Court heard oral argument on summary judgment motions relating to certain of those objections.  On June 6, 2008, the Bankruptcy Court issued a ruling that the Joint Plan was not legally confirmable, and issued an Order to Show Cause why the case should not be converted or dismissed pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 1112.  Following a further hearing on June 26, 2008, the Bankruptcy Court issued an opinion that vacated the Order to Show Cause and instructed the parties to submit a confirmable plan by the end of calendar year 2008.  Following further negotiations, the Bondholders’ Committee, the ACC, the FCR, representatives of holders of pre-petition settlements and Congoleum reached an agreement in principle which the Company understands that Congoleum believed addressed the issues raised by the Bankruptcy Court in the ruling on the Joint Plan and in the court's prior decisions.  A term sheet describing the proposed material terms of a contemplated new plan of reorganization and a settlement of avoidance litigation with respect to pre-petition claim settlements (the “Litigation Settlement”) was entered into by those parties and was filed with the Bankruptcy Court on August 14, 2008.


 
92

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


9.  Congoleum Asbestos Liabilities and Planned Reorganization (continued)

Certain insurers and a large bondholder have filed objections to the Litigation Settlement and/or reserved their rights to object to confirmation of the New Plan.  The Bankruptcy Court approved the Litigation Settlement following a hearing on October 20, 2008, but the court reserved certain issues, including whether any plan of reorganization embodying the settlement meets the standards required for confirmation of a plan of reorganization.  On November 14, 2008, Congoleum, the ACC and the Bondholders’ Committee filed an amended joint plan of reorganization for Congoleum, et al. with the Bankruptcy Court (the “Amended Joint Plan”).  In January 2009, an insurer filed a motion for summary judgment seeking denial of confirmation of the Amended Joint Plan, and a hearing was held on February 5, 2009.  On February 26, 2009, the Bankruptcy Court rendered an opinion denying confirmation of the Amended Joint Plan.  Pursuant to the opinion, the Bankruptcy Court entered the Order of Dismissal dismissing Congoleum’s bankruptcy case.  On February 27, 2009, Congoleum and the Bondholders’ Committee appealed the Order of Dismissal to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.  On March 3, 2009, an order was entered by the Bankruptcy Court granting a stay of the Bankruptcy Court’s Order of Dismissal pending a final non-appealable decision affirming the Order of Dismissal.  Under the terms of the Amended Joint Plan, ABI's ownership interest in Congoleum would be eliminated.  ABI expects its ownership interest in Congoleum would be eliminated under any alternate plan or outcome in Congoleum’s Chapter 11 case.

Under the terms of the Amended Joint Plan, a trust will be created that will assume the liability for Congoleum’s current and future asbestos claims (the “Plan Trust”).  That trust will receive the proceeds of various settlements Congoleum has reached with a number of insurance carriers, and will be assigned Congoleum’s rights under its remaining policies covering asbestos product liability.  The trust would also receive 70% of the newly issued common stock of reorganized Congoleum when the plan takes effect (the “Trust Shares”) and $5 million in new 9.75% senior secured notes that mature five years from issuance.

Holders of Congoleum’s Senior Notes would receive on a pro rata basis $70 million in new 9.75% senior secured notes that mature five years from issuance.  The new senior secured notes would be subordinated to the working capital facility that provides Congoleum’s financing upon exiting reorganization.  In addition, holders of the Senior Notes would receive 30% of the newly issued common stock of reorganized Congoleum.  Congoleum’s obligations for the Senior Notes, including interest accrued as of the date of the bankruptcy filing of $3.6 million, would be satisfied by the new senior secured notes and the common stock issued when the Joint Plan took effect.


 
93

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


9.  Congoleum Asbestos Liabilities and Planned Reorganization (continued)

Under the terms of the Amended Joint Plan, existing Class A and Class B common shares of Congoleum would be cancelled when the plan took effect and holders of those shares, including ABI, would not receive anything on account of their cancelled shares.

The Amended Joint Plan also includes certain terms that would govern an intercompany settlement and ongoing intercompany arrangements among American Biltrite and its subsidiaries and reorganized Congoleum which would be effective when the Amended Joint Plan takes effect and would have a term of two years.  Those intercompany arrangements include the provision of management services by American Biltrite to reorganized Congoleum and other business relationships substantially consistent with their traditional relationships.  The Amended Joint Plan provides that the final terms of the intercompany arrangements among American Biltrite and its subsidiaries and reorganized Congoleum would be memorialized in a new agreement to be entered into by reorganized Congoleum and American Biltrite in form and substance mutually agreeable to the Bondholders’ Committee, the ACC and American Biltrite. Expiration or termination of these existing arrangements, failure to reach definitive agreement on final terms of future arrangements, or failure to consummate such arrangements in connection with the effectiveness of a plan of reorganization for Congoleum could have a material adverse impact on the business relationships between ABI and Congoleum, and ABI’s business, operations and financial condition.

There can be no assurance that the appeal of the Order of Dismissal will be granted by the District Court or any other court which may be appealed to or that the Bankruptcy Court will not subsequently vacate its grant of a stay of its Order of Dismissal.  If the appeal were denied, Congoleum’s bankruptcy case could be dismissed, resulting in Congoleum no longer benefiting from the protection from creditor claims currently afforded to it by the chapter 11 case and the Bankruptcy Code.  Further, as indicated in the Order of Dismissal, Congoleum’s ability to refile another bankruptcy petition may be limited, which could result in Congoleum having to attempt to conduct its business and operations outside of the protections of the Bankruptcy Code, including attempting to defend against, satisfy or defray its creditor claims, such as its substantial asbestos liabilities and its Senior Notes, and continued litigation against its insurers to attempt to obtain insurance coverage for Congoleum’s asbestos liabilities.  It is unclear what effect the Order of Dismissal, the stay of the Bankruptcy Court’s Order of Dismissal pending a final non-appealable decision affirming the Order of Dismissal and the continued litigation may have on Congoleum’s business and operations, including with regard to its relationships with its vendors, suppliers, customers, lenders and other constituencies.


 
94

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


9.  Congoleum Asbestos Liabilities and Planned Reorganization (continued)

Even if the appeal of the Order of Dismissal is successful for Congoleum, there can be no assurance that the Amended Joint Plan or any other plan will receive the acceptances necessary for confirmation, that the Amended Joint Plan will not be modified further, that the conditions to the Amended Joint Plan or any other plan will be satisfied or waived, that the Amended Joint Plan or any other plan will timely receive necessary court approvals from the Bankruptcy Court and the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, that the Amended Joint Plan or any other  plan will be confirmed, that the Amended Joint Plan or any other plan, if confirmed, will become effective, or that Congoleum will have sufficient funds to pay for completion of the appellate process with respect to the Amended Joint Plan, continued litigation over any plan of reorganization and the state court insurance coverage litigation.  Any other plan of reorganization that may be proposed for Congoleum may contain terms substantially different from those contained in the Amended Joint Plan.

In anticipation of Congoleum's commencement of the Chapter 11 cases, Congoleum entered into the Claimant Agreement, which provides settlement of certain prepetition asbestos claims against Congoleum and provides for an aggregate settlement value of at least $466 million as well as an additional number of individually negotiated trial listed settlements with an aggregate value of approximately $25 million, for total settlements in excess of $491 million.  Participants in the Claimant Agreement signed releases limiting their recourse against Congoleum to what they would receive from the Plan Trust and Congoleum has therefore estimated its liability under the Claimant Agreement as the cost of effecting the settlement through confirmation of a plan of reorganization.  In addition, as a result of tabulating ballots on a previous plan, Congoleum is also aware of claims by claimants whose claims were not determined under the Claimant Agreement but who have submitted claims with a value of approximately $512 million based on the settlement values applicable in a previous plan.  It is also likely that additional new claims may be asserted in connection with solicitation of acceptances of any future plan.  Congoleum does not believe it can reasonably estimate the liability associated with claims that may be pending.

During 2007, Congoleum paid $15.9 million (net of recoveries) in fees and expenses related to implementation of its planned reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code and litigation with certain insurance companies.  Given the terms of the proposed Amended Joint Plan, Congoleum has made provision in its financial statements for the minimum estimated cost to effect its plan to settle asbestos liabilities through confirmation of a plan that complies with section 524(g) of the Bankruptcy Code.


 
95

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


9.  Congoleum Asbestos Liabilities and Planned Reorganization (continued)

Liabilities Subject to Compromise

Pursuant to SOP 90-7, Congoleum is required to segregate pre-petition liabilities that are subject to compromise and report them separately on the consolidated balance sheet.  Liabilities that may be affected by a plan of reorganization are recorded at the amount of the expected allowed claims, even if they may be settled for lesser amounts.  Substantially all of Congoleum’s pre-petition debt is recorded at face value and is classified within liabilities subject to compromise.  In addition, Congoleum’s accrued interest expense on its Senior Notes is also recorded in liabilities subject to compromise. Additional pre-petition claims (liabilities subject to compromise) may arise due to the rejection of executory contracts or unexpired leases, or as a result of the allowance of contingent or disputed claims.

Liabilities subject to compromise at December 31 were as follows (in thousands):

   
2008
   
2007
 
Current
           
Pre-petition other payables and accrued interest
  $ 4,997     $ 4,997  
Non-current
               
Debt (at face value)
    100,000       100,000  
Pension liability
    37,022       10,772  
Other post-retirement benefit obligation
    10,938       9,337  
Pre-petition other liabilities
    13,543       13,115  
      161,503       133,224  
Elimination—Payable to American Biltrite
    (117 )     (126 )
      161,386       133,098  
                 
Total liabilities subject to compromise
  $ 166,383     $ 138,095  


 
96

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


10.  Income Taxes

The Company is subject to income taxes in the United States and certain foreign jurisdictions.  For tax return purposes, ABI and Congoleum are not part of a consolidated group and, consequently, file separate federal and state tax returns.  Judgment is required in determining the consolidated provision for income taxes and recording the related assets and liabilities.

The components of (loss) income from continuing operations before the provision for or benefit from income taxes and other items for the years ended December 31 were as follows (in thousands):

   
2008
   
2007
 
             
Domestic
  $ (34,144 )   $ (1,526 )
Foreign
    1,467       258  
                 
    $ (32,677 )   $ (1,268 )

Significant components of the provision for (benefit from) income taxes for the years ended December 31 were as follows (in thousands):

   
2008
   
2007
 
Current:
           
Federal
  $ (891 )   $ 1,542  
Foreign
    164       298  
State
    251       361  
Total current
    (476 )     2,201  
                 
Deferred:
               
Federal
    (4,292 )     829  
Foreign
    -       (201 )
State
    (443 )     (453 )
Valuation allowance
    2,766       (1,696 )
Total deferred
    (1,969 )     (1,521 )
    $ (2,445 )   $ 680  


 
97

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


10.  Income Taxes (continued)

The reconciliation of income tax (benefit) provision computed at the U.S. federal statutory tax rate to the effective tax rate of the Company’s tax (benefit) provision for the years ended December 31 was as follows:

   
2008
   
2007
 
             
U.S. statutory rate
    (34.0 )%     (34.0 )%
State income taxes, net of federal benefits
    (4.6 )     (5.3 )
Foreign tax rate difference
    (0.2 )     19.6  
Non-deductible items
    4.4       220.6  
Valuation allowance
    25.5       (133.8 )
Prior year estimates
    -       (16.0 )
Change in tax liability reserves
    0.6       (7.5 )
Other
    0.8       10.0  
                 
Effective tax rate
    (7.5 )%     53.6 %

Excluding Congoleum, ABI’s effective tax rate was 4.2% and (44.8)% for 2008 and 2007, respectively.  Congoleum’s effective tax rate was 10.8% and 167.6% for 2008 and 2007, respectively.


 
98

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


10.  Income Taxes (continued)

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.  Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 were as follows (in thousands):

   
2008
   
2007
 
Deferred tax assets:
     
Inventory
  $ 719          
Investments
    3,639          
Accruals and reserves
    3,460     4,664  
Environmental reserves
    23,382       15,681  
Postretirement benefit obligations
    21,560       5,368  
Depreciation and amortization
    222       -  
Net operating losses and credit carryforwards
    17,470       22,890  
Total deferred tax assets
    70,452       48,603  
Less valuation allowance
    (17,708 )     (8,581 )
Net deferred tax assets
    52,744       40,022  
                 
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    8,427       12,263  
Insurance receivable
    3,769       6,780  
Inventory
    -       663  
Accrued interest
    19,806       15,296  
Postretirement benefit obligations
    19,110       4,922  
Other
    197       799  
Total deferred tax liabilities
    51,309       40,723  
                 
Net deferred tax asset (liability)
  $ 1,435     $ (701 )

As of December 31, 2008, ABI had state net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of $8.3 million and federal and state tax credit carryforwards of $329 thousand.  These NOL’s and credit carryforwards began to expire in 2008.  As of December 31, 2008, AB Canada had NOL’s in the amounts of $7.6 million, a significant portion of which will expire in 2010.  Due to the uncertainty surrounding the realization of the Company’s deferred tax assets and as a result of the Company’s cumulative losses in recent years, the Company has provided a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets that are not more likely than not to be realized, resulting in a net deferred tax liability of $131 thousand as of December 31, 2008.  As of December 31, 2007, the Company had provided a full valuation allowance only against its state NOLs and credit carryforwards.  ABI’s valuation allowance increased by $6.3 million during 2008.


 
99

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


10.  Income Taxes (continued)

At December 31, 2008, Congoleum had available federal and state NOL’s of approximately $21.4 million and $37.6 million, respectively.  The federal NOLs will begin to expire in 2025 and the state NOLs will begin to expire in 2009.  Congoleum also had available federal and state tax credit carry forwards of $2.3 million and $1.8 million as of December 31, 2008, respectively.  The federal and state tax credit carry forwards will begin to expire in 2020 and 2009, respectively.  Congoleum has determined that a partial valuation allowance is necessary to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized, and at December 31, 2008 and 2007, Congoleum had recorded a valuation allowance of $6.7 million and $3.9 million, thereby increasing its valuation allowance by $2.8 million during 2008.

Through December 31, 2008, the Company has not provided U.S. income taxes on approximately $18.6 million of unremitted foreign earnings because such earnings are intended to be indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S.  It is not practical to estimate the amount of income taxes payable on the earnings that are indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations.

In the ordinary course of the Company’s business, there are transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain.  Accruals for tax contingencies are provided for in accordance with the requirements of FIN 48.  The Company’s FIN 48 reserves for uncertain tax positions are not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.  The Company records tax penalties and interest as a component of income tax expense.

ABI and Congoleum’s federal and state income tax returns are subject to examination for all tax years from 2005 to the present.  However, the tax years in which losses arose may be subject to audit when such NOL and tax credit carryforwards are utilized to offset taxable income and tax liabilities in future periods.  AB Canada’s federal and provincial tax returns are subject to examination from 2002 to the present.

During 2008 and 2007, the Company made net payments for income taxes of $350 thousand and $820 thousand, respectively.


 
100

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


11.  Other Comprehensive Income

The Company records unrealized gains or losses on foreign currency translation adjustments and changes in pension liabilities in other comprehensive income.  Components of other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 were as follows (in thousands):

   
2008
   
2007
 
             
Foreign currency translation adjustments
  $ (4,040 )   $ 3,158  
Defined benefits plan adjustment
    (33,878 )     547  
Tax effect of defined benefit plan adjustments
    155       99  
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss
  $ (37,763 )   $ 3,804  

During 2008 and 2007, the Company recorded significant unrealized losses and gains, respectively, as a result of the change in the exchange rate used to convert Canadian dollars to U.S. dollars.  The exchange rate used to translate the Canadian division’s balance sheet as of December 31, 2008 was approximately 19% lower than the exchange rate used as of December 31, 2007.  The exchange rate used to translate the Canadian division’s balance sheet as of December 31, 2007 was approximately 18% higher than the exchange rate used as of December 31, 2006.

During 2008, the Company recorded a net adjustment of $33.7 million to accumulated other comprehensive income as a result of significant changes in the funded status of its pension plans (see Note 7).

As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes, were as follows (in thousands):

   
2008
   
2007
 
             
Foreign currency translation adjustments
  $ (541 )   $ 3,499  
Pension liability
    (52,709 )     (18,986 )
                 
    $ (53,250 )   $ (15,487 )


 
101

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


12.  Income (Loss) Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted loss per share for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 (in thousands, except share and per share amounts):

   
2008
   
2007
 
Numerator:
           
Net loss
  $ (29,050 )   $ (2,005 )
Denominator:
               
Basic income per share:
Weighted-average shares
    3,441,551       3,441,551  
Dilutive employee stock options
    -       -  
Diluted income per share:
Adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions
    3,441,551       3,441,551  
                 
Basic loss per share
  $ (8.44 )   $ (0.58 )
                 
Diluted loss per share
  $ (8.44 )   $ (0.58 )

13.  Stock Option Plans

ABI Stock Plans

ABI maintains a stock award and incentive plan which permits the issuance of options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), limited SARs, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other stock-based awards of ABI to selected employees and independent contractors of the Company.  At the annual meeting of ABI’s stockholders held on May 6, 2008, ABI's stockholders approved an increase of 250,000 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the plan, bringing the total reserved under the amended plan to 800,000 shares of common stock.  The amended plan also provides that the term of each award be determined by the committee of the Board of Directors (the "Committee") charged with administering the plan.

Under the terms of the stock award and incentive plan, options granted may be either nonqualified or incentive stock options and the exercise price may not be less than the fair market value of a share on the date of grant (as determined under the plan), as determined by the Committee.  SARs and limited SARs granted in tandem with an option shall be exercisable only to the extent the underlying option is exercisable and the exercise price shall be equal to the exercise price of the underlying option.  In addition, the Committee may grant restricted stock to participants of the plan.  No SARs or restricted stock have been granted under the plan since its adoption.  Other than the restrictions that limit the sale and transfer of restricted stock granted under the plan, recipients of restricted stock granted under the plan generally are entitled to all the rights of a shareholder.

 
102

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


13.  Stock Option Plans (continued)

At the annual meeting of ABI’s stockholders held on May 6, 2008, ABI's stockholders approved the American Biltrite Inc. Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors, which permits the issuance of options to purchase up to 100,000 shares of ABI common stock to non-employee directors.  Prior to this approval, the Company granted such options to its non-employee directors pursuant to a stock option plan that ABI adopted in 1999.  Under the terms of the plan, options granted are nonqualified and are issued at a price equal to 100% of fair market value at the date of grant (as determined under the plan).  Options granted under the plan are exercisable six months after the date of grant.

On March 17, 2008 and August 14, 2008, ABI granted 250,000 and 8,000 options, respectively, to certain employees of ABI under its employee stock option plan.  The weighted-average grant date fair value of the options was $3.49 and $2.40, respectively.  The fair value of the options was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions, respectively: risk-free interest rate of 2.71% and 3.46%, expected dividend yield of zero percent for each of the two years, volatility factor of the expected market price of the Company’s common stock of 45.7% and 46.5%, and a weighted-average expected life of the options of seven years.  The options vest 20% on the anniversary of the grant date for five years.  The Company recognizes compensation expense ratably over the vesting period.  During 2008, ABI recognized stock compensation expense of $132 thousand for the employee options.

On each July 1st of each year, ABI grants options to each of its non-employee directors under the amended and restated plan adopted in 2008.  On July 1, 2008 and 2007, 4,000 options were granted.  The weighted-average grant date fair value of the options was $2.52 and $4.11, respectively.  The fair value of the options was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions for 2008 and 2007, respectively: risk-free interest rate of 3.62% and 4.52%, expected dividend yield of zero percent for each of the two years, volatility factor of the expected market price of the Company’s common stock of 44.3% and 33.9%, and a weighted-average expected life of the options of seven and one-half years.  The options vested on January 1st of the following year, and during 2008 and 2007, ABI recognized expense of $10 thousand and $16 thousand, respectively.

The total fair value of ABI options that vested during 2008 and 2007 was $16 thousand and $21 thousand, respectively.


 
103

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


13.  Stock Option Plans (continued)

The following tables summarize information about ABI’s stock options:

   
2008
   
2007
 
   
Shares
   
Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
   
Shares
   
Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
 
                         
Outstanding at beginning of year
    301,500     $ 10.31       486,000     $ 15.40  
Granted
    262,000       6.41       4,000       8.77  
Exercised
    -       -       -       -  
Forfeited
    (28,000 )     10.56       (188,500 )     23.44  
                                 
Outstanding at end of year
    535,500       8.39       301,500       10.31  
                                 
Options exercisable at end of year
    277,500     $ 10.23       298,000     $ 10.33  
Available for grant at end of year
    347,520               281,020          

Range of
Exercise Price
Outstanding at
December 31,
2008
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
Exercisable at
December 31,
2008
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
(Years)
           
$  4.56 -$10.96
499,000
$  7.95
241,000
$  9.59
7.31
$10.97 -$14.00
14,500
$12.29
14,500
$12.29
5.06
$14.01 - $17.25
16,000
$14.06
16,000
$14.06
1.17
$17.26 - $23.625
6,000
$20.50
6,000
$20.50
0.50

Stock option information related to nonvested shares for ABI’s stock option plans for the year ended December 31, 2008 was as follows:

   
Shares
 
Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 
             
Nonvested at December 31, 2007
    4,000    
$4.11 
 
Granted
    262,000    
 3.44
 
Vested
    (4,000 )  
 4.11
 
Forfeited
    (4,000 )  
 3.49
 
           
 
 
Nonvested at December 31, 2008
    258,000    
 3.44
 

The compensation expense the Company will recognize as the options vest ratably from January 2009 through March 2013 is approximately $750 thousand.

 
104

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


13.  Stock Option Plans (continued)

Congoleum Stock Option Plans

Congoleum maintains a Stock Option Plan and a Directors’ Stock Option Plan.  Under these plans, options to purchase up to 850,000 shares of Congoleum’s Class A common stock may be issued to directors, officers and key employees.  These options may be either incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options, and the options’ exercise price must be at least equal to the fair value of Congoleum’s Class A common stock on the date of grant (as determined under the plan).

The following table summarizes information about Congoleum’s stock options:

   
2008
   
2007
 
   
Shares
   
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
   
Shares
   
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
 
                         
Outstanding at beginning of year
    662,000     $ 2.04       662,000     $ 2.04  
Granted
    2,500       0.02       2,500       0.95  
Canceled
    -               -          
Exercised
    -               -          
Forfeited
    (18,000 )     2.28       (2,500 )     2.05  
                                 
Outstanding at end of year
    646,500       2.02       662,000       2.04  
                                 
Weighted-average remaining contractual life of options outstanding (years)
    3.74               4.64          
Options exercisable at end of year
    637,400       2.02       637,300       2.04  
Available for grant at end of year
    189,300               173,800          

The total fair value of Congoleum options that vested during 2008 and 2007 was $21 thousand and $225 thousand, respectively.

Stock option information related to nonvested shares for the Congoleum Stock Option Plans for the year ended December 31, 2008 was as follows:

   
Shares
   
Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
             
Nonvested at December 31, 2007
    24,700       $1.66  
Granted
    2,500       0.02  
Vested
    (15,200 )     1.36  
Forfeited
    (400 )     5.74  
                 
Nonvested at December 31, 2008
    11,600       1.55  

 
105

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


13.  Stock Option Plans (continued)

The intrinsic value of stock options exercised during 2008 and 2007 and stock options outstanding (whether or not then exercisable) and stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2008 and 2007 under the ABI Stock Plans and the Congoleum Stock Option Plans were insignificant as a result of each companies’ stock price during each of the two years ended December 31, 2008.

Upon exercise of stock options, ABI and Congoleum issue shares which are issuable upon such exercise from their respective treasury stock.

14.  Industry Segments

Description of Products and Services

The Company has four reportable segments: flooring products, tape division, jewelry, and a Canadian division that produces flooring and rubber products.  The flooring segment consists of Congoleum, which manufactures vinyl and vinyl composition floor coverings and sells them primarily through floor covering distributors, to retailers and contractors for commercial and residential use.  The tape division consists of two production facilities in the United States, and finishing and sales facilities in Belgium, Italy and Singapore.  The tape division manufactures paper, film, HVAC, electrical, shoe, and other tape products for use in industrial and automotive markets.  The jewelry segment consists of K&M Associates L.P., a national costume jewelry supplier to mass merchandisers and department stores.  The Company’s Canadian division produces flooring, rubber products, including materials used by footwear manufacturers, and other industrial products.

Factors Used to Identify Reportable Segments

Reportable segments are business units that offer different products and are each managed separately.  The Company’s Canadian division manufactures certain products which are similar to products of the flooring segment; however, the Canadian division is managed and reports separately from the flooring segment.


 
106

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


14.  Industry Segments (continued)

Measurement of Segment Profit or Loss and Segment Assets

Costs specific to a segment, such as pension expense, are charged to the segment.  Certain Corporate office expenses are allocated to certain segments based on resources allocated.  Significant assets of the Corporate office include cash, insurance assets related to accrued liabilities, and deferred tax assets.  The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies.

Intersegment sales and transfers are recorded at cost plus an agreed upon intercompany profit on intersegment sales or transfers.

Segment Profit and Assets

   
Years ended December 31
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Revenues
     
Revenues from external customers:
           
Flooring products
  $ 172,644     $ 204,262  
Tape products
    90,120       97,895  
Jewelry
    55,410       63,114  
Canadian division
    56,919       55,454  
Total revenues from external customers
    375,093       420,725  
Intersegment revenues:
               
Flooring products
    -       -  
Tape products
    -       -  
Jewelry
    -       -  
Canadian division
    3,767       4,629  
Total intersegment revenues
    3,767       4,629  
Total revenues
    378,860       425,354  
Reconciling items
               
Intersegment revenues
    (3,767 )     (4,629 )
Total consolidated revenues
  $ 375,093     $ 420,725  


 
107

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


14.  Industry Segments (continued)

Approximately 48% and 51% of the Canadian division’s revenues from external customers were for flooring products for 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The remaining revenues from the Canadian division’s external customers were from sale of rubber and other industrial products.

For 2008 and 2007, one customer of the flooring division accounted for 19% and 20%, respectively, of the Company’s consolidated revenues.  Another customer of the flooring division accounted for 10% and 12% of the Company’s consolidated revenues for 2008 and 2007, respectively.

   
Years ended December 31
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Interest income
           
Flooring products
  $ 1,261     $ 1,224  
Tape products
    -       -  
Jewelry
    -       -  
Canadian division
    -       -  
Total segment interest revenue
    1,261       1,224  
Corporate
    56       114  
Total consolidated interest income
  $ 1,317     $ 1,338  
                 
Interest expense
               
Flooring products
  $ 404     $ 1,027  
Tape products
    51       52  
Jewelry
    742       1,125  
Canadian division
    150       427  
Total segment interest expense
    1,347       2,631  
Corporate
    725       807  
Total consolidated interest expense
  $ 2,072     $ 3,438  
                 
Depreciation and amortization expense
               
Flooring products
  $ 10,238     $ 10,690  
Tape products
    2,133       2,295  
Jewelry
    850       998  
Canadian division
    1,809       2,196  
Total segment depreciation and amortization
    15,030       16,179  
Corporate
    108       6  
Total consolidated depreciation and amortization
  $ 15,138     $ 16,185  

 
108

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


14.  Industry Segments (continued)

   
Years ended December 31
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Segment (loss) profit
           
Flooring products
  $ (16,389 )   $ 1,022  
Tape products
    (3,869 )     (1,135 )
Jewelry
    (3,102 )     1,508  
Canadian division
    1,581       (1,099 )
Total segment (loss) profit
    (21,779 )     296  
Reconciling items
               
Corporate expenses
    (10,933 )     (1,582 )
Intercompany profit
    35       18  
Total consolidated loss from continuing operations
before income taxes and other items
  $ (32,677 )   $ (1,268 )

Segment profit or loss is before income tax expense or benefit.  During 2008, the Company recorded non-cash impairment charges aggregating $12.9 million.  The jewelry segment’s loss for 2008 includes a charge of $749 thousand for the write off of goodwill and other intangible assets acquired in the segment’s purchase of Jay Jewelry.  Corporate expenses for 2008 include non-cash impairment charges for the write off of goodwill associated with the Company’s acquisition of partnership interests in the jewelry segment ($11.3 million) and the write off of the Company’s investment in Hulera Sula ($850 thousand.)  These non-cash charges reduced the Company’s goodwill, other intangible assets and investment in Hulera Sula to zero.  During 2008 and 2007, the flooring products segment recorded charges of $11.5 million and $41.3 million, respectively, for asbestos-related reorganization costs.  In addition, the segment recognized a gain of $29.6 million for the reversal of bond interest previously accrued (see Note 9).

   
December 31
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Segment assets
           
Flooring products
  $ 171,867     $ 172,705  
Tape products
    48,115       52,287  
Jewelry
    24,038       38,046  
Canadian division
    29,866       37,907  
Total segment assets
    273,886       300,945  
Reconciling items
               
Corporate assets
    35,948       31,991  
Intersegment accounts receivable
    (14,626 )     (10,417 )
Intersegment profit in inventory
    (90 )     (126 )
Intersegment other asset
    (117 )     (126 )
Total consolidated assets
  $ 295,001     $ 322,267  

 
109

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


14.  Industry Segments (continued)

For the purposes of presenting segment assets, the jewelry segment goodwill was classified as an asset of that segment.  The jewelry segment assets as of December 31, 2007 included goodwill of $11.6 million.

   
Years ended December 31
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Additions to long-lived assets
           
Flooring products
  $ 4,591     $ 4,541  
Tape products
    365       527  
Jewelry
    169       406  
Canadian division
    986       745  
Corporate
    -       -  
Total additions to long-lived assets
  $ 6,111     $ 6,219  

Geographic Area Information

   
December 31
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Long-lived assets by area
           
United States
  $ 110,724     $ 127,767  
Canada
    10,287       13,688  
Europe
    819       909  
Asia
    1,970       2,041  
Total long-lived assets
  $ 123,800     $ 144,405  

   
Years ended December 31
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Revenues from external customers
           
United States
  $ 290,300     $ 332,021  
Canada
    40,324       43,920  
Mexico
    1,153       2,204  
Europe
    25,023       23,526  
Asia
    15,874       16,858  
Other
    2,419       2,196  
Total revenues from external customers
  $ 375,093     $ 420,725  

Revenues are attributed to regions based on the location of customers.


 
110

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


15.  Discontinued Operation

During the second quarter of 2003, the Company reassessed operations at its Toronto, Canada subsidiary, Janus Flooring Corporation (“Janus”), a manufacturer of prefinished hardwood flooring, and decided to exit and dispose of this business before the end of 2003 due to its history of operating losses.  In connection with this decision to exit and dispose of Janus, the Company recorded a charge of $8.5 million in the second quarter of 2003.  Results of Janus, including this charge, have been reported as a discontinued operation.

During 2006, the Company disposed of Janus’ remaining assets by completing the sale of a building and land owned by Janus.  The gain on the sale of the building and land was deferred and was not recognized until the second quarter of 2008, when the Company completed its obligation to provide an environmental certification on the land sold and the Company received payment on a $4.0 million (Canadian dollars) note payable by the purchaser of the building and land.  The gain of approximately $1.0 million has been recorded as income from discontinued operations.


 
111

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


16.  Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

   
First
Quarter
   
Second
Quarter
   
Third
Quarter
   
Fourth
Quarter
 
   
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2008
                       
Net sales
  $ 95,757     $ 101,239     $ 97,351     $ 80,746  
Gross profit
    23,164       23,562       22,021       13,845  
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    972       (1,095 )     (10,366 )     (19,586 )
Discontinued operation
    -       1,025       -       -  
Net income (loss)
    972       (70 )     (10,366 )     (19,586 )
                                 
Net income (loss) per share, basic and diluted:
                               
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    0.28       (0.32 )     (3.01 )     (5.69 )
Discontinued operation
    -       0.30       -       -  
Net income (loss)
    0.28       (0.02 )     (3.01 )     (5.69 )
                                 
2007
                               
Net sales
  $ 100,031     $ 115,558     $ 107,403     $ 97,733  
Gross profit
    25,836       29,500       28,163       24,412  
(Loss) income from continuing operations
    (741 )     1,131       675       (3,070 )
Discontinued operation
    -       -       -       -  
Net (loss) income
    (741 )     1,131       675       (3,070 )
                                 
Net (loss) income per share, basic and diluted:
                               
(Loss) income from continuing operations
    (0.22 )     0.33       0.20       (0.89 )
Discontinued operation
    -       -       -       -  
Net (loss) income
    (0.22 )     0.33       0.20       (0.89 )

During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company recorded non-cash impairment charges for the write off of goodwill, other intangible assets and the Company’s investment in Hulera Sula.  The total impairment charge was $12.9 million ($3.75 per share) (see Note 14).  During the third quarter of 2008, Congoleum recorded a charge of $11.5 million ($3.34 per share) to increase its reserve for estimated bankruptcy related expenses (see Note 9).  During the fourth quarter of 2007, Congoleum recorded adjustments to reverse bond interest previously accrued ($29.6 million or $8.60 per share), to write off legal fee recoveries ($14.9 million or $4.33 per share) and to increase its reserves for estimated bankruptcy related expenses ($26.4 million or $7.67 per share).  These adjustments resulted in a deferred tax liability of $1.7 million, which was included in the provision recorded in the fourth quarter of 2007 (see Notes 9 and 10).

 
112

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


Board of Directors and Stockholders
American Biltrite Inc.

 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of American Biltrite Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations with consolidating details, shareholders' equity, and cash flows with consolidating details for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2008.  Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our 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 audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures  that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.  Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes 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. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of American Biltrite Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2008, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
 
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that American Biltrite Inc. will continue as a going concern. As more fully described in Note 5, the Company’s need to refinance its credit facility raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters also are described in Note 5. The December 31, 2008 financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
 

 /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Boston, Massachusetts
March 24, 2009


 
113

 

ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 9A(T).
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a)  Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.  The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, or CEO, and Chief Financial Officer, or CFO, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of December 31, 2008.  Based on this evaluation, the Company’s CEO and CFO concluded that, as of December 31, 2008, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective, in that they provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b)  Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

The management of American Biltrite Inc. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as that term is defined under Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  The management of American Biltrite Inc. designed American Biltrite Inc.’s internal control system to provide reasonable assurance to management and the Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of American Biltrite Inc.’s 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 applicable policies or procedures may deteriorate.

The management of American Biltrite Inc. assessed the effectiveness of American Biltrite Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008.  In making this assessment, the management of American Biltrite Inc. used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control—Integrated Framework.  Based on its assessment, the management of American Biltrite Inc. believes that, as of December 31, 2008, American Biltrite Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting is effective at a reasonable assurance level based on these criteria.


 
114

 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of the Company's registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.  This  Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting was not subject to attestation by the Company's registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management's report in this annual report.

(c)  Changes in Internal Controls.  No change in the Company’s 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) occurred during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION

On March 30, 2009, the Company issued a press release announcing its financial results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2008.  A copy of that press release is being furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to this Part II, Item 9B of Form 10-K and is attached hereto as Exhibit 99(16).


PART III

ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

The Company has adopted a code of ethics (as that term is defined in Item 406 of Regulation    S-K of the regulations promulgated by the SEC), which is included in the Company's written code of conduct or corporate policies, that applies to the principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, controller and all other employees of the Company.  The text of the Company's code of ethics is posted on our Internet website www.ambilt.com or may be obtained without charge by sending a written request to Mr. Henry W. Winkleman, Secretary of the Company, at the Company's office at 57 River Street, Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 02481.  We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding an amendment to, or a waiver from, a provision of our code of ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial and accounting officer or controller by posting such information on our website at www.ambilt.com.

Other information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to ABI's Proxy Statement for its Annual Stockholders' Meeting to be held on May 12, 2009, which is to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2008.


 
115

 

ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to ABI's Proxy Statement for its Annual Stockholders' Meeting to be held on May 12, 2009, which is to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2008.

ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference in part to Item 5 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in part to ABI's Proxy Statement for its Annual Stockholders' Meeting to be held on May 12, 2009, which is to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2008.

ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to ABI's Proxy Statement for its Annual Stockholders' Meeting to be held on May 12, 2009, which is to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2008.

ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to ABI's Proxy Statement for its Annual Stockholders' Meeting to be held on May 12, 2009, which is to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2008.

 
116

 

PART IV

ITEM 15.
EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)        List of Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules

 
(1)
The following consolidated financial statements of American Biltrite Inc. and its subsidiaries are included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

 
Consolidated Balance Sheets with Consolidating Details - December 31, 2008 and 2007, pages 48 & 49

 
Consolidated Statements of Operations with Consolidating Details - Years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, page 50

 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows with Consolidating Details - Years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, page 51 & 52

 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) - Years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, page 53

 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, pages 54 through 112

 
(2)
The following financial statement schedule is included in Item 15(c)

SCHEDULE II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.

 
(3)
Listing of Exhibits

The listing of exhibits required under this item is incorporated herein by reference to pages 121 through 134 of this Form 10-K.

(b)
Exhibits:  The required exhibits are filed herewith or incorporated by reference following the required Exhibit Index.

(c)
Financial Statement Schedule:  The required consolidated financial statement schedule is included on page 118 of this Form 10-K.


 
117

 

American Biltrite Inc. and Subsidiaries

Schedule II -- Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007

(In thousands of dollars)


COL. A
COL. B
COL. C
COL. D
COL. E
COL. F
COL. G
   
Additions
   
Description
Balance at
Beginning of
Period
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses
Charged to
Other
Accounts --
Describe
Other
Deductions -
Describe
Balance at
End of Period
             
2008
           
Allowances for doubtful accounts
and cash discounts
$2,917
$3,802
   
$3,999(A)
$2,720
             
2007
           
Allowances for doubtful accounts
and cash discounts
$3,070
$2,826
   
$2,979(A)
$2,917

 
(A)
Represents accounts charged off during the year, net of recoveries.

 
118

 

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.

 
  AMERICAN BILTRITE INC. 
   
 
(Registrant) 
   
Date:           March 27, 2009        
by:            /s/ Howard N. Feist III        
 
Howard N. Feist III, Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


Date:           March 27, 2009        
by:            /s/ Roger S. Marcus        
 
Roger S. Marcus, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Director
   
Date:           March 27, 2009        
by:            /s/ Richard G. Marcus        
 
Richard G. Marcus, President, Chief Operating Officer and Director
   
Date:           March 27, 2009        
by:            /s/ William M. Marcus        
 
William M. Marcus, Executive Vice President, Treasurer, Chairman of the Executive Committee and Director
   
Date:           March 27, 2009        
by:            /s/ Leo R. Breitman            
 
Leo R. Breitman, Director
   
Date:           March 27, 2009        
by:            /s/ Gilbert K. Gailius           
 
Gilbert K. Gailius, Director
   
Date:           March 27, 2009        
by:              /s/ John C. Garrels III             
 
John C. Garrels III, Director
   
Date:           March 27, 2009        
by:            /s/ Frederick H. Joseph             
 
Frederick H. Joseph, Director
   
Date:           March 27, 2009        
by:            /s/ Mark N. Kaplan            
 
Mark N. Kaplan, Director
   
Date:           March 27, 2009        
by:            /s/ James S. Marcus           
 
James S. Marcus, Director


 
119

 


   
Date:           March 27, 2009        
by:            /s/ Natalie S. Marcus        
 
Natalie S. Marcus, Director
   
Date:           March 27, 2009        
by:            /s/ Kenneth I. Watchmaker    
 
Kenneth I. Watchmaker, Director
   
Date:           March 27, 2009        
by:            /s/ Howard N. Feist III          
 
Howard N. Feist III, Vice President Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer


 
120

 

 EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.
Description
   
3 (1) VI
Restated Certificate of Incorporation
   
3 (2) XXVI
By-Laws, amended and restated as of November 7, 2007
   
4 (1) XVIII
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of September 25, 2006, among American Biltrite Inc., K&M Associates L.P., and American Biltrite (Canada) Ltd., Bank of America, National Association, both in its capacity as a domestic lender and as a domestic administrative agent, Bank of America, National Association, acting through its Canada branch, both in its capacity as a Canadian lender and as Canadian administrative agent, and the other lenders from time to time party thereto
   
4 (2) XIX
Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2006, among American Biltrite Inc, K&M Associates L.P., and American Biltrite (Canada) Ltd., Bank of America, National Association, both in its capacity as a domestic lender and as a domestic administrative agent, Bank of America, National Association, acting through its Canada branch, both in its capacity as a Canadian lender and as Canadian administrative agent, and the other lenders from time to time party thereto
   
4 (3) XXII
Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2007, among American Biltrite Inc., K&M Associates L.P., and American Biltrite (Canada) Ltd., Bank of America, National Association, both in its capacity as a domestic lender and as a domestic administrative agent for the lenders, Bank of America, National Association, acting through its Canada branch, both in its capacity as a Canadian lender and as Canadian administrative agent for the lenders, and the other lenders from time to time party thereto
   
4 (4) XXVII
Amendment No. 3 to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of December  14, 2007, among American Biltrite Inc., K&M Associates L.P., and American Biltrite (Canada) Ltd., Bank of America, National Association, both in its capacity as a domestic lender and as a domestic administrative agent for the lenders, Bank of America, National Association, acting through its Canada branch, both in its capacity as a Canadian lender and as Canadian administrative agent for the lenders, and the other lenders from time to time party thereto


 
121

 


Exhibit No.
Description
   
4 (5) XXV
Amendment No. 4 to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2007, among American Biltrite Inc., K&M Associates L.P., and American Biltrite (Canada) Ltd., Bank of America, National Association, both in its capacity as a domestic lender and as a domestic administrative agent for the lenders, Bank of America, National Association, acting through its Canada branch, both in its capacity as a Canadian lender and as Canadian administrative agent for the lenders, and the other lenders from time to time party thereto
   
4 (6) XXIX
Amendment No. 5 to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2008, among American Biltrite Inc., K&M Associates L.P., and American Biltrite (Canada) Ltd., Bank of America, National Association, both in its capacity as a domestic lender and as a domestic administrative agent for the lenders, Bank of America, National Association, acting through its Canada branch, both in its capacity as a Canadian lender and as Canadian administrative agent for the lenders, and the other lenders from time to time party thereto
   
4 (7) XIII
Security Agreement, dated as of October 14, 2003, among American Biltrite Inc., K&M Associates L.P., Fleet National Bank and the subsidiaries of American Biltrite Inc. from time to time party thereto
   
4 (8) XIV
Intercreditor and Collateral Agency Agreement, dated as of May 20, 2005, by and among Fleet National Bank, a Bank of America company, The Prudential Insurance Company of America, and the other banks from time to time party thereto, and Fleet National Bank, a Bank of America company, as administrative agent, and the Acknowledgment of and Consent and Agreement to Intercreditor and Collateral Agency Agreement by American Biltrite Inc. and certain of its domestic guarantor subsidiaries
   
4 (9) XIII
Guarantee Agreement dated as of October 14, 2003, among Abtre, Inc., Aimpar, Inc., American Biltrite Intellectual Properties, Inc., Ideal Tape Co., Inc., Majestic Jewelry, Inc., Ocean State Jewelry, Inc., 425 Dexter Associates, L.P. and Fleet National Bank
   
4 (10) XIV
Joinder Agreement, dated as of May 20, 2005, between Abimex, LLC and Fleet National Bank, a Bank of America company, as domestic agent
   
4 (11) XIV
Joinder Agreement, dated as of May 20, 2005, between ABItalia, Inc. and Fleet National Bank, a Bank of America company, as domestic agent
   


 
122

 


Exhibit No.
Description
   
4 (12) XIV
Joinder Agreement, dated as of May 20, 2005, between American Biltrite Far East, Inc. and Fleet National Bank, a Bank of America company, as domestic agent
   
4 (13) XIV
Joinder Agreement, dated as of May 20, 2005, between K&M Legendary Services, Inc. and Fleet National Bank, a Bank of America company, as domestic agent
   
4 (14) XIV
Deed of Hypothec and Issue of Mortgage Bonds, dated May 20, 2005, by American Biltrite (Canada) Ltd. in favor of Bank of America, National Association
   
4 (15) XIV
Hypothec and Pledge of Bonds, dated May 20, 2005, between American Biltrite (Canada) Ltd. and Bank of America, National Association
   
4 (16) I
Indenture, dated as of August 3, 1998, by and between Congoleum Corporation and First Union National Bank, as trustee
   
4 (17) I
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 28, 2003, between Congoleum Corporation and Wachovia Bank, National Association (as successor to First Union National Bank), as trustee
   
4 (18) I
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 7, 2003, between Congoleum Corporation and Wachovia Bank, National Association (as successor to First Union National Bank), as trustee
   
4 (19)
Instrument of Resignation, Appointment and Acceptance dated as of November 15, 2005 among the Company, Wachovia Bank, National Association and HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as Successor Trustee
   
10 (1) III
Joint Venture Agreement dated as of December 16, 1992 by and among American Biltrite Inc., Resilient Holdings Incorporated, Congoleum Corporation, Hillside Industries Incorporated and Hillside Capital Corporation
   
10 (2) IV
Closing Agreement dated as of March 11, 1993 by and among American Biltrite Inc., Resilient Holdings Incorporated, Congoleum Corporation, Hillside Industries Incorporated and Hillside Capital Corporation
   
10 (3) VII, II
1993 Stock Award and Incentive Plan as Amended and Restated as of March 4, 1997


 
123

 


Exhibit No.
Description
   
10 (4) XXVIII
First Amendment to the1993 Stock Award and Incentive Plan as Amended and Restated as of March 4, 1997
   
10 (5) V
K&M Associates L.P. Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership
   
10 (6) XVII
Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of K&M Associates L.P., dated as of January 1, 2006
   
10 (7) VI, II
Split-Dollar Agreement dated as of December 20, 1996 by and between American Biltrite Inc. and The Richard G. Marcus Irrevocable Insurance Trust of 1990 Dated June 1, 1990
   
10 (8) VI, II
Split-Dollar Agreement dated as of January 9, 1997 by and between American Biltrite Inc. and Joseph D. Burns
   
10 (9) VI, II
Description of Supplemental Retirement Benefits for Gilbert K. Gailius
   
10 (10) VIII
American Biltrite 1999 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors (as in effect prior to the Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors)
   
10 (11) XXVIII
American Biltrite Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors
   
10 (12) IX, II
Description of Employment Arrangement for Gilbert K. Gailius.
   
10 (13) X, II
Split-Dollar Agreement dated as of November 20, 2000 by and between American Biltrite Inc. and Howard N. Feist III
   
10 (14) XI
Personal Services Agreement, dated as of March 11, 1993, by and between Congoleum Corporation and the Company; First Amendment dated as of February 8, 1995; Second Amendment dated as of November 15, 1996; Third Amendment dated as of March 10, 1998; Fourth Amendment dated as of November 7, 2002
   
10 (15) XXV
Fifth Amendment to Personal Services Agreement, dated as of March 11, 2008, by and between American Biltrite Inc. and Congoleum Corporation
   


 
124

 


Exhibit No.
Description
   
10 (16) XXX
Sixth Amendment to Personal Services Agreement, dated as of September 23, 2008, by and between American Biltrite Inc. and Congoleum Corporation
   
10 (17) XVIII
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of September 25, 2006, among American Biltrite Inc., K&M Associates L.P., and American Biltrite (Canada) Ltd., Bank of America, National Association, both in its capacity as a domestic lender and as a domestic administrative agent, Bank of America, National Association, acting through its Canada branch, both in its capacity as a Canadian lender and as Canadian administrative agent, and the other lenders from time to time party thereto
   
10 (18) XIX
Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2006, among American Biltrite Inc, K&M Associates L.P., and American Biltrite (Canada) Ltd., Bank of America, National Association, both in its capacity as a domestic lender and as a domestic administrative agent, Bank of America, National Association, acting through its Canada branch, both in its capacity as a Canadian lender and as Canadian administrative agent, and the other lenders from time to time party thereto.
   
10 (19) XXII
 
 
Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2007, among American Biltrite Inc., K&M Associates L.P., and American Biltrite (Canada) Ltd., Bank of America, National Association, both in its capacity as a domestic lender and as a domestic administrative agent for the lenders, Bank of America, National Association, acting through its Canada branch, both in its capacity as a Canadian lender and as Canadian administrative agent for the lenders, and the other lenders from time to time party thereto
   
10 (20) XXVII
Amendment No. 3 to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of December  14, 2007, among American Biltrite Inc., K&M Associates L.P., and American Biltrite (Canada) Ltd., Bank of America, National Association, both in its capacity as a domestic lender and as a domestic administrative agent for the lenders, Bank of America, National Association, acting through its Canada branch, both in its capacity as a Canadian lender and as Canadian administrative agent for the lenders, and the other lenders from time to time party thereto
   


 
125

 


Exhibit No.
Description
   
10 (21) XXV
Amendment No. 4 to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2007, among American Biltrite Inc., K&M Associates L.P., and American Biltrite (Canada) Ltd., Bank of America, National Association, both in its capacity as a domestic lender and as a domestic administrative agent for the lenders, Bank of America, National Association, acting through its Canada branch, both in its capacity as a Canadian lender and as Canadian administrative agent for the lenders, and the other lenders from time to time party thereto
   
10 (22) XXIX
Amendment No.5 to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2008, among American Biltrite Inc., K&M Associates L.P., and American Biltrite (Canada) Ltd., Bank of America, National Association, both in its capacity as a domestic lender and as a domestic administrative agent for the lenders, Bank of America, National Association, acting through its Canada branch, both in its capacity as a Canadian lender and as Canadian administrative agent for the lenders, and the other lenders from time to time party thereto
   
10 (23) XIII
Security Agreement, dated as of October 14, 2003, among American Biltrite Inc., K&M Associates L.P., Fleet National Bank and the subsidiaries of American Biltrite Inc. from time to time party thereto
   
10 (24) XIV
 
Intercreditor and Collateral Agency Agreement, dated as of May 20, 2005, by and among Fleet National Bank, a Bank of  America company, The Prudential Insurance Company of America, and the other banks from time to time party thereto, and Fleet National Bank, a Bank of America company, as administrative agent, and the Acknowledgment of and Consent and Agreement to Intercreditor and Collateral Agency Agreement by American Biltrite Inc. and certain of its domestic guarantor subsidiaries
   
10 (25) XIII
Guarantee Agreement dated as of October 14, 2003, among Abtre, Inc., Aimpar, Inc., American Biltrite Intellectual Properties, Inc., Ideal Tape Co., Inc., Majestic Jewelry, Inc., Ocean State Jewelry, Inc., 425 Dexter Associates, L.P. and Fleet National Bank
   
10 (26) XIV
Joinder Agreement, dated as of May 20, 2005, between Abimex, LLC and Fleet National Bank, a Bank of America company, as domestic agent
   
10 (27) XIV
Joinder Agreement, dated as of May 20, 2005, between ABItalia, Inc. and Fleet National Bank, a Bank of America company, as domestic agent
   


 
126

 


Exhibit No.
Description
   
10 (28) XIV
Joinder Agreement, dated as of May 20, 2005, between American Biltrite Far East, Inc. and Fleet National Bank, a Bank of America company, as domestic agent
   
10 (29) XIV
Joinder Agreement, dated as of May 20, 2005, between K&M Legendary Services, Inc and Fleet National Bank, a Bank of America company, as domestic agent
   
10 (30) XIV
Deed of Hypothec and Issue of Mortgage Bonds, dated May 20, 2005, by American Biltrite (Canada) Ltd. in favor of Bank of America, National Association
   
10 (31) XIV
Hypothec and Pledge of Bonds, dated May 20, 2005, between American Biltrite (Canada) Ltd. and Bank of America, National Association
   
10 (32) XV
Form of Stock Option Agreement for American Biltrite Inc.'s 1993 Stock Award and Incentive Plan, as amended and restated as of March 4, 1997 (for awards issued under the plan prior to March 17, 2008)
   
10 (33) XXVIII
Form of Stock Option Agreement for American Biltrite Inc.'s 1993 Stock Award and Incentive Plan, as amended and restated as of March 4, 1997 (for awards issued under the plan on and after March 17, 2008)
   
10 (34) XV
Form of Stock Option Agreement for American Biltrite Inc.'s 1999 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors (for awards issued under the plan prior to March 31, 2008)
   
10 (35) XXIX
Form of Stock Option Agreement for American Biltrite Inc.'s 1999 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors (for awards issued under the plan on or after March 31, 2008)
   
10 (36) XII
Settlement Agreement Between Congoleum Corporation and Various Asbestos Claimants dated April 10, 2003
   
10 (37) XII
First Amendment to Settlement Agreement Between Congoleum Corporation and Various Asbestos Claimants dated June 6, 2003
   
10 (38) XII
Collateral Trust Agreement, dated April 16, 2003, by and between Congoleum Corporation, Arthur J. Pergament, solely in his capacity as the Collateral Trustee of the Collateral Trust, and Wilmington Trust Company, solely in its capacity as Delaware Trustee of the Collateral Trust
   


 
127

 


Exhibit No.
Description
   
10 (39) XII
First Amendment to Collateral Trust Agreement, dated June 6, 2003, by and between Congoleum Corporation, Arthur J. Pergament, solely in his capacity as the Collateral Trustee of the Collateral Trust, and Wilmington Trust Company, solely in its capacity as Delaware Trustee of the Collateral Trust
   
10 (40) XII
Security Agreement, dated April 16, 2003, by and between Congoleum Corporation and Arthur J. Pergament, solely in his capacity as the Collateral Trustee of the Collateral Trust
   
10 (41) XII
Second Security Agreement, dated April 17, 2003, by and between Congoleum Corporation and Arthur J. Pergament, solely in his capacity as the Collateral Trustee of the Collateral Trust
   
10 (42) XII
Termination Agreement, dated June 6, 2003, by and between Congoleum Corporation and Arthur J. Pergament, solely in his capacity as the Collateral Trustee of the Collateral Trust
   
10 (43) XII
Superseding Security Agreement, dated June 11, 2003, by and between Congoleum Corporation and Arthur J. Pergament, solely in his capacity as the Collateral Trustee of the Collateral Trust
   
10 (44) I
 
Loan and Security Agreement, dated December 10, 2001 by and between Congress Financial Corporation and Congoleum Corporation
   
10 (45) I
Amendment No. 1 to Loan and Security Agreement, dated September 24, 2002, by and between Congress Financial Corporation and Congoleum Corporation
   
10 (46) I
Amendment No. 2 to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of February 27, 2003, by and between Congress Financial Corporation and Congoleum Corporation
   
10 (47) I
Ratification and Amendment Agreement dated January 7, 2004, by and between Congoleum Corporation and Congress Financial Corporation
   
10 (48) I
 
Amendment No. 1 to Ratification and Amendment Agreement and Amendment No. 3 to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of December 14, 2004
   
10 (49) XXI
 
Amendment No. 2 to Ratification and Amendment Agreement and Amendment No. 4 to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of January 13, 2005
   

 
128

 


Exhibit No.
Description
   
10(50) XXI
Amendment No. 3 to Ratification and Amendment Agreement and Amendment No. 5 to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of June 7, 2005
   
10 (51) XX
 
Amendment No. 4 to Ratification and Amendment Agreement and Amendment No. 6 to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of December 19, 2005
   
10 (52) XXI
Amendment No. 5 to Ratification and Amendment Agreement and Amendment No. 7 to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of September 27, 2006
   
10 (53) XXI
Amendment No. 6 to Ratification and Amendment Agreement and Amendment No. 8 to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of November 27, 2006
   
10 (54) XXIV
Amendment No. 7 to Ratification and Amendment Agreement and Amendment No. 9 to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of June 12, 2007
   
10 (55) XXVIII
Amendment No. 8 to Ratification and Amendment Agreement and Amendment No. 10 to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of December 11, 2007
   
10 (56)
Amendment No. 9 to Ratification and Amendment Agreement and Amendment No. 11 to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of June 4, 2008
   
10 (57)
Amendment No. 10 to Ratification and Amendment Agreement and Amendment No. 12 to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of October 6, 2008
   
10 (58)
Amendment No. 11 to Ratification and Amendment Agreement and Amendment No. 13 to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of March 16, 2009
   
10 (59) XXIII
Response Cost Sharing And Alternative Dispute Resolution Agreement, dated as of May 21, 2007, by American Biltrite Inc. and Miller Industries, Inc.
   
10 (60) XXVII
Business Relations Agreement dated as of March 11, 1993 by and between American Biltrite Inc. and Congoleum


 
129

 


Exhibit No.
Description
   
10 (61) XXVI
First Amendment to the Business Relations Agreement, dated as of August 19, 1997
   
10 (62) XXVI
Second Amendment to the Business Relations Agreement, dated as of March 11, 2008
   
10 (63) XXX
Amendment to the Business Relations Agreement, dated as of September  23, 2008
   
21 (1)
Subsidiaries of the Registrant (including each subsidiary's jurisdiction of incorporation or organization and the name under which each subsidiary does business)
   
23 (1)
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
   
31 (1)
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
   
31 (2)
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
   
32
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
99 (1) XXXI
Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code of the Debtors, the Official Asbestos Claimants' Committee and the Official Committee of Bondholders for Congoleum Corporation, et al., dated as of November 14, 2008.
   
99 (2) XXXI
Disclosure Statement with respect to the Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code of the Debtors, the Official Asbestos Claimants' Committee and the Official Committee of Bondholders for Congoleum Corporation et al, dated as of November 14, 2008, not including the exhibits thereto with the exception of Exhibit I, which is included herein as Exhibit 99 (3).


 
130

 


Exhibit No.
Description
   
99 (3) XXXI
Form of Management Services and Commercial Agreement, Which is Exhibit I to the Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code of the Debtors, the Official Asbestos Claimants' Committee and the Official Committee of Bondholders for Congoleum Corporation, et al., dated as of November 14, 2008.
   
99 (4) XIV
Settlement Agreement and Release, dated June 18, 2004, by and between Congoleum Corporation and Liberty Mutual Insurance Company
   
99 (5) XIV
Settlement Agreement and Release, dated May 12, 2005, by, between and among Congoleum Corporation, Congoleum Sales, Inc., Congoleum Fiscal, Inc. and AIG Domestic Claims, Inc., as authorized agent for the applicable AIG companies, and the Plan Trust
   
99 (6) XIV
Confidential Settlement Agreement and Release, dated June 22, 2005, by and between Congoleum Corporation, the Plan Trust and certain underwriters at Lloyd's, London
   
99 (7) XIV
Amendment, dated July 29, 2005, to the Confidential Settlement Agreement and Release dated June 22, 2005, among Congoleum Corporation, the Plan Trust and certain underwriters at Lloyd's, London
   
99 (8) XXVII
Second Amendment, dated November 8, 2007, to the Confidential Settlement Agreement and Release, among Congoleum Corporation, the Plan Trust and certain underwriters at Lloyd’s, London
   
99 (9) XV
Settlement Agreement and Release dated August 3, 2005 by, between and among Congoleum Corporation and Federal Insurance Company
   
99 (10) XXVIII
Amended and Restated Plan Trust Settlement Agreement and Release dated as of January 18, 2008 among  Congoleum Corporation, the Plan Trust and Mt. McKinley Insurance Company and Everest Reinsurance Company
   
99 (11) XVI
Settlement Agreement and Release by and between Congoleum Corporation and Harper Insurance Limited, formerly known as Turegum Insurance Company


 
131

 


Exhibit No.
Description
   
99 (12) XVI
Settlement and Policy Buyback Agreement and Release, dated as of April 25, 2006, by and among Congoleum Corporation, the Plan Trust, American Biltrite Inc. and Travelers Casualty and Surety Co., formerly known as The Aetna Casualty and Surety Company, and St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company
   
99 (13) XXVII
Letter Agreement, dated as of March 18, 2008, amending the Settlement and Policy Buyback Agreement and Release, dated as of April 25, 2006, by and among Congoleum Corporation, the Plan Trust, American Biltrite Inc. and Travelers Casualty and Surety Co., formerly known as The Aetna Casualty and Surety Company, and St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company
   
99 (14) XVI
Settlement Agreement, made as of April 27, 2006, by and between Congoleum Corporation and Fireman's Fund Insurance Company
   
99 (15) XIX
Settlement and Policy Buyback Agreement and Release, made as of August 17, 2006, by and between Congoleum Corporation and Century Indemnity Company and its affiliates
   
99 (16)
Press release dated March 30, 2009
 
   
_____________________________________________________________ 
     
I
 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits filed with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004
     
II
 
Compensatory plans required to be filed as exhibits pursuant to Item 15 of Form 10-K
     
III
 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits filed with the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 21, 1992  (1-4773)
     
IV
 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits filed with the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 25, 1993  (1-4773)
     
V
 
Incorporated by reference to  the exhibits to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995  (1-4773)
     
VI
 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Company's Annual Report on Form  10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996  (1-4773)
     
VII
 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 28, 1997  (1-4773)
     
VIII
 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 3, 1999
     

 
132

 


IX
 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999
     
X
 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Company's Annual Report on Form  10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000
     
XI
 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002
     
XII
 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003
     
XIII
 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Company's Current Report on Form    8-K filed on October 17, 2003
     
XIV
 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005
     
XV
 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005
     
XVI
 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006
     
XVII
 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006
     
XVIII
 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Company's Current Report on Form    8-K filed on September 27, 2006
     
XIX
 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006
     
XX
 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits filed with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005
     
XXI
 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits filed with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006
     
XXII
 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007
     
XXIII
 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 21, 2007
     
XXIV
 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007
     
XXV
 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 17, 2008
     

 
133

 


XXVI
 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007
     
XXVII
 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007
     
XXVIII
 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008
     
XXIX
 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008
     
XXX
 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 24, 2008
     
XXXI
 
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 20, 2008
     

 
134