Item 1. Business
General
Corning traces its origins to a glass business established in 1851. The present corporation was incorporated in the State of New York in December 1936. The Company’s name was changed from Corning Glass Works to Corning Incorporated on April 28, 1989.
Corning is a global, technology-based corporation that operates in five reportable segments: Display Technologies, Telecommunications, Environmental Technologies, Specialty Materials and Life Sciences. Corning manufactures and processes products at approximately 80 plants in 13 countries.
Display Technologies Segment
Corning’s Display Technologies segment manufactures glass substrates for active matrix liquid crystal displays (LCDs), that are used primarily in notebook computers, flat panel desktop monitors, and LCD televisions. Corning’s facilities in Kentucky, Japan, Taiwan, and China and those of Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd. (Samsung Corning Precision) in Korea develop, manufacture and supply high quality glass substrates using a proprietary fusion manufacturing process and technology expertise. Corning owns 50% of Samsung Corning Precision, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. owns 43% and three other shareholders own the remaining 7%. Samsung Corning Precision sells LCD glass to panel manufacturers in Korea, while panel manufacturers located in Japan, Taiwan, Singapore and China and other leading LCD-producing areas of the world are supplied by Corning. Samsung Corning Precision’s financial statements are attached in Item 15, Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
Corning is a technology leader in this market introducing large-sized glass substrates used by our customers in the production of larger LCDs for monitors and television. We are recognized for providing product innovations that help our customers produce larger, lighter, thinner and higher-resolution displays more affordably. In industry language, glass sizes advance in what are called generations. Glass substrates are currently available from Corning in sizes up to Generation 10 (2,850mm x 3,050mm). Generation 10 glass substrates are produced at an advanced manufacturing facility located at Sharp Corporation’s industrial complex in Sakai City, Japan, which eliminates the need for traditional packaging, shipping, and delivery methods. Large substrates (Generation 5 and higher) allow LCD manufacturers to produce larger and a greater number of panels from each substrate. The larger size leads to economies of scale for LCD manufacturers.
Corning invented its proprietary fusion manufacturing process, which is the cornerstone of the Company’s technology leadership in the LCD industry. The automated process yields high quality glass substrates with excellent dimensional stability and uniformity - essential attributes for the production of increasingly larger, high performance active matrix LCDs. Corning’s fusion process is scalable and is thought to be the most effective process in producing large size substrates. In 2006, Corning launched EAGLE XG®, the industry’s first environmentally-friendly LCD glass substrate that is free of heavy metals. In 2010, leveraging the EAGLE XG® composition, Corning introduced EAGLE XG® Slim glass, a new line of slim glass substrates which enables lighter-weight portable devices and thinner televisions and monitors. In 2011, Corning launched Corning Lotus™ Glass, an environmentally friendly, high-performance display glass developed to enable cutting-edge technologies, including organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays and next generation liquid crystal displays (LCD). Corning Lotus Glass helps support the demanding manufacturing processes of both OLED and liquid crystal displays for high performance, portable devices such as smart phones, tablets, and notebook computers.
LCD glass manufacturing is a highly capital intensive business. Corning has made significant investments to expand its LCD glass facilities in response to customer demand. The environment is very competitive. Important attributes for success include efficient manufacturing, access to capital, technology know-how, and patents.
Patent protection and proprietary trade secrets are important to this segment’s operations. Corning has a growing portfolio of patents relating to its products, technologies and manufacturing processes. Corning licenses certain of its patents to Samsung Corning Precision and other third parties and generates royalty income from these licenses. Refer to the material under the heading “Patents and Trademarks” for information relating to patents and trademarks.
The Display Technologies segment represented 40% of Corning’s sales for 2011.
Telecommunications Segment
The Telecommunications segment produces optical fiber and cable, and hardware and equipment products for the worldwide telecommunications industry. Corning invented the world’s first low-loss optical fiber approximately 40 years ago and now offers a range of optical fiber technology products and enhancements for a variety of applications, including premises, fiber-to-the-home access, metropolitan, long-haul and submarine networks. Corning makes and sells InfiniCor® fibers for local area networks, data centers and central offices; SMF-28e+™ single-mode optical fiber that provides additional transmission wavelengths in metropolitan and access networks; SMF-28® ULL fiber; LEAF® optical fiber for long-haul, regional and metropolitan networks; ClearCurve® ultra-bendable single-mode fiber for use in multiple dwelling units and fiber-to-the-home applications; ClearCurve® ultra-bendable multimode fiber for data centers and other enterprise networks; and Vascade® submarine optical fibers for use in submarine networks. Corning has two optical fiber manufacturing facilities in North Carolina and another facility in China.
A significant portion of Corning’s optical fiber is sold to subsidiaries and affiliates including Corning Cable Systems LLC, Beijing CCS Optical Fiber Cable Co., Ltd., Chengdu CCS Optical Fiber Cable Co., Ltd. and Corning Cable Systems Polska Sp. Z o.o. Optical fiber is cabled by these subsidiaries prior to being sold to end users. Corning’s remaining fiber production is sold directly to end users or third party cablers around the world. Corning’s cabling operations include facilities in North Carolina, Poland, China, Germany and smaller regional locations and equity affiliates.
Corning’s hardware and equipment products include cable assemblies, fiber optic hardware, fiber optic connectors, optical components and couplers, closures and pedestals, splice and test equipment and other accessories for optical connectivity. For copper connectivity, Corning’s products include subscriber demarcation, connection and protection devices, xDSL (different variations of digital subscriber lines) passive solutions and outside plant enclosures. Each of these product lines may be combined in Corning’s fiber-to-the-premises solutions. Corning also provides distributed antenna system solutions for flexible wireless coverage in the rapidly growing wireless market. Corning has manufacturing operations for hardware and equipment products in North Carolina, Arizona, Virginia and Texas, as well as Europe, Mexico, Israel and China. In addition, Corning offers products for the cable television industry, including coaxial connectors and associated tools.
Patent protection is important to the segment’s operations. The segment has an extensive portfolio of patents relating to its products, technologies and manufacturing processes. The segment licenses certain of its patents to third parties and generates revenue from these licenses, although the royalty income is not currently material to this segment’s operating results. Corning is licensed to use certain patents owned by others, which are considered important to the segment’s operations. Refer to the material under the heading “Patents and Trademarks” for information relating to the Company’s patents and trademarks.
The Telecommunications segment represented 26% of Corning’s sales for 2011.
Environmental Technologies Segment
Corning’s Environmental Technologies segment manufactures ceramic substrates and filter products for emissions control in mobile and stationary applications around the world. In the early 1970’s, Corning developed an economical, high-performance cellular ceramic substrate that is now the standard for catalytic converters in vehicles worldwide. As global emissions control regulations tighten, Corning has continued to develop more effective and durable ceramic substrate and filter products for gasoline and diesel applications. Corning manufactures substrate and filter products in New York, Virginia, China, Germany and South Africa. Corning sells its ceramic substrate and filter products worldwide to manufacturers of emission control systems who then sell to automotive and diesel vehicle or engine manufacturers. Although most sales are made to the emission control systems manufacturers, the use of Corning substrates and filters is generally required by the specifications of the automotive and diesel vehicle or engine manufacturers.
Patent protection is important to the segment’s operations. The segment has an extensive portfolio of patents relating to its products, technologies and manufacturing processes. Corning is licensed to use certain patents owned by others, which are considered important to the segment’s operations. Refer to the material under the heading “Patents and Trademarks” for information relating to the Company’s patents and trademarks.
The Environmental Technologies segment represented 13% of Corning’s sales for 2011.
Specialty Materials Segment
The Specialty Materials segment manufactures products that provide more than 150 material formulations for glass, glass ceramics and fluoride crystals to meet demand for unique customer needs. Consequently, this segment operates in a wide variety of commercial and industrial markets that include display optics and components, semiconductor optics components, aerospace and defense, astronomy, ophthalmic products, telecommunications components and protective cover glass that is optimized for portable display devices and televisions. Semiconductor optics manufactured by Corning includes high-performance optical material products, optical-based metrology instruments, and optical assemblies for applications in the global semiconductor industry. Corning’s semiconductor optics products are manufactured in New York. Our protective cover glass, known as Corning® Gorilla® Glass, is an environmentally friendly thin sheet glass designed specifically to function as a protective cover glass for display devices such as tablets, notebook PCs, televisions and mobile phones. Elegant and lightweight, Corning Gorilla Glass is durable enough to resist many real-world events that commonly cause glass failure, enabling exciting new applications in technology and design. Early in 2012, Corning introduced Corning® Gorilla® Glass 2, the next generation in our Corning Gorilla Glass suite of products. Corning Gorilla Glass 2 enables up to a 20% reduction in glass thickness, while maintaining the industry-leading damage resistance, toughness and scratch-resistance. Corning Gorilla Glass is manufactured in Kentucky, Japan and Taiwan. Other specialty glass products include glass lens and window components and assemblies and are made in New York, New Hampshire, Kentucky and France or sourced from China.
The Specialty Materials segment represented approximately 14% of Corning’s sales for 2011.
Life Sciences Segment
As a leading developer, manufacturer and global supplier of scientific laboratory products for more than 90 years, Corning’s Life Sciences segment collaborates with researchers seeking new approaches to increase efficiencies, reduce costs and compress timelines in the drug discovery process. Using unique expertise in the fields of materials science, surface science, optics, biochemistry and biology, the segment provides innovative solutions that improve productivity and enable breakthrough discoveries.
Life Sciences laboratory products include general labware and equipment as well as tools and reagents for cell culture and bioprocess, genomics and proteomics, and high-throughput screening. Corning manufactures these products in Maine, New York, New Jersey, California, Utah, Mexico, Virginia, France, Poland, and China. The products are marketed worldwide, primarily through distributors, to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic institutions, hospitals, government entities, and other research facilities. In addition to being a global leader in consumable glass and plastic laboratory tools for life science research, Corning continues to be a leader with the development and production of unique technologies such as the Corning® Epic® systems for high throughput screening, the Corning® HYPERFlask® Cell Culture Vessel for increased cell yields, novel surfaces, such as the Corning® CellBIND® Surface, the Corning® Osteo-Assay surface, and the Corning® Synthemax Surface, and, through a small acquisition completed in the fourth quarter of 2011, the cellgro® brand, which includes high-quality cell culture media and molecular biology reagents related to tissue and cell culture applications.
In September 2009, Corning acquired Axygen BioScience, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Axygen). Axygen is a leading manufacturer and distributor of high quality plastic consumables, liquid handling products and bench-top laboratory equipment. The acquisition of Axygen, which was integrated into Corning’s Life Sciences segment, supports Corning’s strategy to expand its portfolio of life sciences products and enhance global customer access in this business. In addition to its existing Corning, Costar and Pyrex brands, Corning now sells life science products under the Axygen, Sorenson BioScience, Labnet, HTL, Gosselin, ALP and cellgro® brands.
Patent protection is important to the segment’s operations. The segment has a growing portfolio of patents relating to its products, technologies and manufacturing processes. Brand recognition, through some well known trademarks, is important to the segment. Refer to the material under the heading “Patents and Trademarks” for information relating to the Company’s patents and trademarks.
The Life Sciences segment represented approximately 8% of Corning’s sales for 2011.
All Other
Other products primarily include development projects and new product lines, certain corporate investments, Samsung Corning Precision’s non-LCD business, Corning’s Eurokera and Keraglass equity affiliates with Saint Gobain Vitrage S.A. of France, which manufacture smooth cooktop glass/ceramic products, and Corsam, an equity affiliate established between Corning and Samsung Corning Precision to provide glass technology research. Development projects and new product lines involve the use of various technologies for new products such as advanced flow reactors, thin-film photovoltaics and adjacency businesses in pursuit of thin, strong glass applications.
All Other products represented less than 1% of Corning’s sales for 2011.
Additional explanation regarding Corning and its five reportable segments is presented in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition under Operating Review and Results of Operations and Note 20 (Reportable Segments) to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Corporate Investments
Corning and The Dow Chemical Company (Dow Chemical) each own half of Dow Corning Corporation (Dow Corning), an equity company headquartered in Michigan that manufactures silicone products worldwide. Dow Corning is a leader in silicon-based technology and innovation, offering more than 7,000 products and services. Dow Corning is the majority-owner of Hemlock Semiconductor Group, a market leader in the production of high purity polycrystalline silicon for the semiconductor and solar energy industries. Dow Corning’s sales were $6.4 billion in 2011. Additional discussion about Dow Corning appears in the Legal Proceedings section. Dow Corning’s financial statements are attached in Item 15, Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
Corning and PPG Industries, Inc. each own half of Pittsburgh Corning Corporation (PCC), an equity company in Pennsylvania that manufactures glass products for architectural and industrial uses. PCC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization in April 2000. Corning also owns half of Pittsburgh Corning Europe N.V. (PCE), a Belgian corporation that manufactures glass products for industrial uses primarily in Europe. Additional discussion about PCC and PCE appears in the Legal Proceedings section.
Additional information about corporate investments is presented in Note 7 (Investments) to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Competition
Corning competes across all of its product lines with many large and varied manufacturers, both domestic and foreign. Some of these competitors are larger than Corning, and some have broader product lines. Corning strives to maintain and improve its market position through technology and product innovation. For the future, Corning believes its competitive advantage lies in its commitment to research and development, and its commitment to quality. There is no assurance that Corning will be able to maintain or improve its market position or competitive advantage.
Display Technologies Segment
Corning, including Samsung Corning Precision, is the largest worldwide producer of glass substrates for active matrix LCD displays. Corning believes it has sustained its competitive advantages in LCD glass substrate products by investing in new products, such as Corning Lotus glass, providing a consistent and reliable supply and using its proprietary fusion manufacturing process. This process allows us to deliver glass that is larger, thinner and lighter, with exceptional surface quality and without heavy metals. Asahi Glass, Nippon Electric Glass and Avan Strate, Inc. are Corning’s principal competitors in display glass substrates.
Telecommunications Segment
Competition within the telecommunications equipment industry is intense among several significant companies. Corning is a leading competitor in the segment’s principal product lines, which include optical fiber and cable, and hardware and equipment. The competitive landscape includes industry consolidation, price pressure and competition for the innovation of new products. These competitive conditions are likely to persist.
Corning believes its large scale manufacturing experience, fiber process, technology leadership and intellectual property assets yield cost advantages relative to several of its competitors. The primary competing producers of optical fiber and cable products are Furukawa Electric/OFS, Fujikura Ltd., Sumitomo Electric and Prysmian Group.
For hardware and equipment products, significant competitors are 3M Company (3M), TE Connectivity, Furukawa OFS and CommScope.
Environmental Technologies Segment
For worldwide automotive ceramic substrate products, Corning has a leading market position that has remained relatively stable over the past year. Corning has also established a strong presence in the heavy duty and light duty diesel vehicle market and believes its competitive advantage in automotive ceramic substrate products for catalytic converters and diesel filter products for exhaust systems is based upon global presence, customer service, engineering design services and product innovation. Corning’s Environmental Technologies products face principal competition from NGK, Denso, and Ibiden.
Specialty Materials Segment
Corning is one of very few manufacturers with deep capabilities in materials science, optical design, shaping, coating, finishing, metrology, and system assembly. Additionally, we are addressing emerging needs of the consumer electronics industry with the development of chemically strengthened glass. Corning’s Gorilla Glass is an environmentally friendly thin-sheet glass that is better able to survive events that most commonly cause glass failure. Its advanced composition allows a deeper layer of chemical strengthening than is possible with most other chemically strengthened glasses, making it both durable and damage resistant. Our products and capabilities in this segment position the Company to meet the needs of a broad array of markets including aerospace/defense, display, semiconductor, astronomy, vision care, industrial/commercial, and telecommunications. For this segment, Schott, Shin-Etsu Quartz Products, Asahi Fine Glass, Carl Zeiss, Nikon, NEG, Transitions Optical, Oerlikon, Hoya and Heraeus are the main competitors.
Life Sciences Segment
Corning is a leading supplier of glass and plastic laboratory products, with a growing plastics products market presence in North America and Europe, and a solid laboratory glass products market presence. Corning seeks to maintain competitive advantages by emphasizing product quality, product availability, supply chain efficiency, a wide product line and superior product attributes. For laboratory products, Greiner, Becton Dickinson, Kimble-Chase, and Duran are the principal worldwide competitors. Corning also faces increasing competition from two large distributors that have pursued backward integration or introduced private label products.
Raw Materials
Corning’s production of specialty glasses, ceramics, and related materials requires significant quantities of energy, uninterrupted power sources, certain precious metals, and various batch materials.
Although energy shortages have not been a problem recently, the cost of energy remains volatile. Corning has achieved flexibility through engineering changes to take advantage of low-cost energy sources in most significant processes. Specifically, many of Corning’s principal manufacturing processes can be operated with natural gas, propane, oil or electricity, or a combination of these energy sources.
Availability of resources (ores, minerals, polymers, and processed chemicals) required in manufacturing operations, appears to be adequate. Corning’s suppliers, from time to time, may experience capacity limitations in their own operations, or may eliminate certain product lines. Corning believes it has adequate programs to ensure a reliable supply of batch materials and precious metals. For many products, Corning has alternate glass compositions that would allow operations to continue without interruption in the event of specific materials shortages.
Certain key materials and proprietary equipment used in the manufacturing of products are currently sole-sourced or available only from a limited number of suppliers. Any future difficulty in obtaining sufficient and timely delivery of components could result in lost sales due to delays or reductions in product shipments, or reductions in Corning’s gross margins.
Patents and Trademarks
Inventions by members of Corning’s research and engineering staff have been, and continue to be, important to the Company’s growth. Patents have been granted on many of these inventions in the United States and other countries. Some of these patents have been licensed to other manufacturers, including companies in which Corning has equity investments. Many of our earlier patents have now expired, but Corning continues to seek and obtain patents protecting its innovations. In 2011, Corning was granted over 250 patents in the U.S. and over 500 patents in countries outside the U.S.
Each business segment possesses a patent portfolio that provides certain competitive advantages in protecting Corning’s innovations. Corning has historically enforced, and will continue to enforce, its intellectual property rights. At the end of 2011, Corning and its wholly-owned subsidiaries owned over 4,750 unexpired patents in various countries of which about 2,500 were U.S. patents. Between 2012 and 2014, approximately 8% of these patents will expire, while at the same time Corning intends to seek patents protecting its newer innovations. Worldwide, Corning has over 7,400 patent applications in process, with about 1,700 in process in the U.S. Corning believes that its patent portfolio will continue to provide a competitive advantage in protecting Corning’s innovation, although Corning’s competitors in each of its businesses are actively seeking patent protection as well.
The Display Technologies segment has over 500 patents in various countries, of which over 190 are U.S. patents. No one patent is considered material to this business segment. Some of the important U.S.-issued patents in this segment include patents relating to glass compositions and methods for the use and manufacture of glass substrates for display applications. There is no group of important Display Technology segment patents set to expire between 2012 and 2014.
The Telecommunications segment has over 1,900 patents in various countries, of which over 900 are U.S. patents. No one patent is considered material to this business segment. Some of the important U.S.-issued patents in this segment include: (i) patents relating to optical fiber products including dispersion compensating fiber, low loss optical fiber and high data rate optical fiber and processes and equipment for manufacturing optical fiber, including methods for making optical fiber preforms and methods for drawing, cooling and winding optical fiber; (ii) patents relating to optical fiber ribbons and methods for making such ribbon, fiber optic cable designs and methods for installing optical fiber cable; and (iii) patents relating to optical fiber connectors, termination and storage and associated methods of manufacture. A few patents relating to optical fiber manufacturing and dispersion compensating fiber will expire between 2012 and 2014.
The Environmental Technologies segment has over 400 patents in various countries of which over 200 are U.S. patents. No one patent is considered material to this business segment. Some of the important U.S.-issued patents in this segment include patents relating to cellular ceramic honeycomb products, together with ceramic batch and binder system compositions, honeycomb extrusion and firing processes, and honeycomb extrusion dies and equipment for the high-volume, low-cost manufacture of such products. There is no group of important Environmental Technologies patents set to expire between 2012 and 2014.
The Specialty Materials segment has about 500 patents in various countries of which over 275 are U.S. patents. No one patent is considered material to this business segment. Some of the important U.S.-issued patents in this segment include patents relating to protective cover glass, ophthalmics glasses and polarizing dies, and semiconductor/microlithography optics and blanks, metrology instrumentation and laser/precision optics, glass polarizers, specialty fiber, and refractories. There is no group of important Specialty Materials patents set to expire between 2012 and 2014.
The Life Sciences segment has over 220 patents in various countries of which over 100 are U.S. patents. No one patent is considered material to this business segment. Some of the important U.S.-issued patents in this segment include patents relating to methods and apparatus for the manufacture and use of scientific laboratory equipment including nucleic acid arrays, multiwell plates, and cell culture products as well as equipment and processes for label independent drug discovery. There is no group of important Life Sciences patents set to expire between 2012 and 2014.
Products reported in All Other include development projects, new product lines, and other businesses or investments that do not meet the threshold for separate reporting.
Many of the Company’s patents are used in operations or are licensed for use by others, and Corning is licensed to use patents owned by others. Corning has entered into cross licensing arrangements with some major competitors, but the scope of such licenses has been limited to specific product areas or technologies.
Corning’s principal trademarks include the following: Axygen, Corning, Celcor, DuraTrap, Eagle XG, Epic, Evolant, HPFS, Lanscape, Pretium, Pyrex, ClearCurve, Steuben, SMF-28e, and Gorilla.
Protection of the Environment
Corning has a program to ensure that its facilities are in compliance with state, federal and foreign pollution-control regulations. This program has resulted in capital and operating expenditures during the past several years. In order to maintain compliance with such regulations, capital expenditures for pollution control in continuing operations were approximately $14 million in 2011 and are estimated to be $9 million in 2012.
Corning’s 2011 consolidated operating results were charged with approximately $39 million for depreciation, maintenance, waste disposal and other operating expenses associated with pollution control. Corning believes that its compliance program will not place it at a competitive disadvantage.
Employees
At December 31, 2011, Corning had approximately 28,800 full-time employees, including approximately 11,500 employees in the United States. From time to time, Corning also retains consultants, independent contractors, temporary and part-time workers. Unions are certified as bargaining agents for approximately 27% of Corning’s United States employees.
Executive Officers of the Registrant
Wendell P. Weeks Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President
Mr. Weeks joined Corning in 1983 and was named a vice president and deputy general manager of the Telecommunications Products division in 1995, vice president and general manager in 1996, senior vice president in 1997, senior vice president of Opto-Electronics in 1998, executive vice president in 1999, president, Corning Optical Communications in 2001, president and chief operating officer of Corning in 2002, and president and chief executive officer in 2005. Mr. Weeks became chairman and chief executive officer on April 26, 2007, and president on December 31, 2010. Mr. Weeks is a director of Merck & Co. Inc. Mr. Weeks has been a member of Corning’s Board of Directors since 2000. Age 52.
James B. Flaws Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Flaws joined Corning in 1973 and served in a variety of controller and business management positions. Mr. Flaws was elected assistant treasurer of Corning in 1993, vice president and controller in 1997 and vice president of finance and treasurer in May 1997, senior vice president and chief financial officer in December 1997, executive vice president and chief financial officer in 1999 and to his current position in 2002. Mr. Flaws is a director of Dow Corning Corporation. Mr. Flaws has been a member of Corning’s Board of Directors since 2000. Age 63.
Kirk P. Gregg Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer
Mr. Gregg joined Corning in 1993 as director of Executive Compensation. He was named vice president of Executive Resources and Employee Benefits in 1994, senior vice president, Administration in December 1997 and to his current position in 2002. He is responsible for Human Resources, Information Technology, Procurement and Transportation, Aviation, Community Affairs, Government Affairs, Business Services and Corporate Security. Prior to joining Corning, Mr. Gregg was with General Dynamics Corporation as corporate director, Key Management Programs, and was responsible for executive compensation and benefits, executive development and recruiting. Age 52.
Lawrence D. McRae Executive Vice President, Strategy and Corporate Development
Mr. McRae joined Corning in 1985 and served in various financial, sales and marketing positions. He was elected vice president Corporate Development in 2000, senior vice president Corporate Development in 2003, and senior vice president Strategy and Corporate Development in October 2005. He was elected to his present position in October 2010. Mr. McRae is on the board of directors of Dow Corning Corporation, and Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd. Age 53.
Joseph A. Miller Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer
Dr. Miller joined Corning in 2001 as senior vice president and chief technology officer. He was elected to his current position in 2002. Prior to joining Corning, Dr. Miller was with E.I. DuPont de Nemours, Inc., where he served as chief technology officer and senior vice president for research and development since 1994. He began his career with DuPont in 1966. Dr. Miller is a director of Greatbatch, Inc. and Dow Corning Corporation. Age 70.
Jeffrey Evenson Senior Vice President and Operations Chief of Staff
Dr. Evenson joined Corning in June 2011 and was elected to his current position at that time. He serves on the Management Committee and oversees a variety of strategic programs and growth initiatives. Prior to joining Corning, Dr. Evenson was a senior vice president with Sanford C. Bernstein, where he served as a senior analyst since 2004. Before that, Dr. Evenson was a partner at McKinsey & Company, where he led technology and market assessment for early-stage technologies. Age 46.
R. Tony Tripeny Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller and Principal Accounting Officer
Mr. Tripeny joined Corning in 1985 as the corporate accounting manager of Corning Cable Systems, and became the Keller facility’s plant controller in 1989. In 1993, he was appointed equipment division controller of Corning Cable Systems and, in 1996 corporate controller. Mr. Tripeny was appointed chief financial officer of Corning Cable Systems in July 2000. In 2003, he took on the additional role of group controller, Telecommunications, Corning Incorporated. He was appointed division vice president, operations controller in August 2004, and vice president, corporate controller in October 2005. Mr. Tripeny was elected to his current position in April 2009. Age 52.
Vincent P. Hatton Senior Vice President and General Counsel
Mr. Hatton joined Corning in 1981 as an assistant corporate counsel and became a division counsel in 1984. Mr. Hatton was named assistant general counsel, Specialty Materials in May 1993, and director of the Legal Department in 1995. Mr. Hatton was elected vice president in 1998 and senior vice president in 2003. Mr. Hatton was elected to his current position on March 1, 2007. Age 61.
Document Availability
A copy of Corning’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is available upon written request to Ms. Denise A. Hauselt, Vice President, Secretary and Assistant General Counsel, Corning Incorporated, HQ-E2-10, Corning, NY 14831. The Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act of 1934 and other filings are available as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed or furnished to the SEC, and can be accessed electronically free of charge, through the Investor Relations line on Corning’s web site at www.corning.com. The information contained on the Company’s website is not included in, or incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Other
Additional information in response to Item 1 is found in Note 20 (Reportable Segments) to the Consolidated Financial Statements and in Item 6 (Selected Financial Data).
Item 1A.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Set forth below are some of the principal risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual business results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report or otherwise have a detrimental affect on the Company. These risks should be considered in making any investment decisions in Corning. Future results could be affected materially by general industry and market conditions, changes in laws or accounting rules, general economic and political conditions, including a global economic slowdown, fluctuation of interest rates or currency exchange rates, terrorism, political unrest or international conflicts, political instability or major health concerns, natural disasters or other disruptions of expected business conditions. These risk factors should be considered in addition to our cautionary comments concerning forward-looking statements in this Annual Report. Other risks not described above, or unknown to us, may also adversely affect Corning or its results.
We operate a global business in over 100 countries that exposes both our consolidated operations and our equity method investments to additional risks. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
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Reduced consumer demand for the products our customers manufacture, notably automobiles and heavy duty trucks, LCD televisions and notebook computers resulting in lower demand for the products we sell.
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Increased competition resulting in lower sales, net income and cash flow.
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Deterioration in the financial condition of our customers resulting in reduced sales, an inability to collect receivables, payment delays or potentially their bankruptcy or insolvency.
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Increased risk of insolvency of financial institutions, which may limit Corning’s liquidity in the future or adversely affect its ability to use its revolving credit facility, or result in losses from hedged transactions or from counterparty risk on various financial transactions.
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Increased turmoil in the financial markets may limit Corning’s, its customers’ or its suppliers’ ability to access the capital markets or may result in terms and conditions for such access that are more restrictive and costly than in the past.
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Declines in our businesses that could result in material charges for restructuring or asset impairments.
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Increased risk that financial investments by our customers, suppliers or equity companies may not achieve historical levels of liquidity.
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Operations outside the U.S. are subject to many complex regulatory requirements affecting international trade and investment, including antidumping laws, export controls, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and local laws prohibiting corrupt payments. Our operations may be adversely affected by changes in the substance or enforcement of these regulatory requirements, and by actual or alleged violations of them.
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Emerging markets are a focus of our international growth strategy. The developing nature of these markets presents a number of risks, such as deterioration of social, political, labor or economic conditions in a specific country or region and difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations may also adversely affect our operations or financial results.
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Although we hedge a portion of our currency exposures, significant fluctuations in exchange rates may adversely affect our sales, net income and cash flow.
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Increased sovereign risks in various countries may affect Corning’s operations, expenses or assets in those countries.
Our sales could be negatively impacted by the actions or circumstances of one or more key customers leading to the substantial reduction in orders for our products
In 2011, Corning’s ten largest customers accounted for 51% of our sales.
In addition, a relatively small number of customers accounted for a high percentage of net sales in our reportable segments. For 2011, four customers of the Display Technologies segment accounted for 77% of total segment net sales when combined. In the Telecommunications segment, one customer accounted for 12% of segment net sales. In the Environmental Technologies segment, three customers accounted for 85% of total segment sales in aggregate. In the Specialty Materials segment, two customers accounted for 42% of segment sales in 2011. In the Life Sciences segment, two distributors accounted for 39% of segment sales in 2011. As a result of mergers and consolidations between customers, Corning’s customer base could become more concentrated.
Samsung Corning Precision’s sales were also concentrated in 2011, with sales to two LCD panel makers located in South Korea accounting for approximately 93% of total Samsung Corning Precision sales.
Any positive trends in the sales of LCD glass substrates in previous years may not continue. Our customers are LCD panel and color filter makers. Additionally, consumer preferences for panels of differing sizes, designs, price, or other seasonal factors, may lead to pauses in market growth from time to time. Our customers may not be able to maintain their profitability or access sufficient capital to fund routine maintenance and operations or planned expansions which may limit their pace of orders to us. Emerging material technologies could replace our glass substrates for certain applications resulting in a decline in demand for our LCD products. Existing or new production capacity for glass substrates may exceed the demand for them. Technologies for displays in competition with LCD panels may reduce or eliminate the need for our glass substrates. These technologies may include organic light emitting diodes and plasma display panels. New process technologies developed by our competitors may also place us at a cost or quality disadvantage. Our own process technologies may be acquired or used unlawfully by others, enabling them to compete with us. Our inability to manufacture glass substrates in the sizes and quantities needed by our customers may result in loss of revenue, margins and profits or liabilities for failure to supply. A scarcity of resources, limitations on technology, personnel or other factors resulting in a failure to produce commercial quantities of very large-size glass substrates could have adverse financial consequences to us.
Our Telecommunications segment customers’ purchases of our products are affected by their capital expansion plans, general market and economic uncertainty and regulatory changes, including broadband policy. Sales in the Telecommunications segment are expected to be impacted by the pace of fiber-to-the-premises deployments by our customers such as Bell Canada, Bell Aliant, NBN Co., and Verizon Communications Inc. Our sales will be dependent on planned targets for homes passed and connected. Changes in our customers’ deployment plans could adversely affect future sales in any quarter or for the full year.
In the Environmental Technologies segment, sales of our ceramic substrate and filter products for automotive and diesel emissions are expected to fluctuate with vehicle production. Changes in laws and regulations for air quality and emission controls may also influence future sales. Sales in our Environmental Technologies segment are mainly to three catalyzers and emission system control manufacturers. Our customers sell these systems to automobile and diesel engine original equipment manufacturers. Sales in this segment may be affected by adverse developments in the global vehicle or freight hauling industries or by such factors as higher fuel prices that may affect vehicle sales or downturns in freight traffic.
Certain sales in our Specialty Materials segment track worldwide economic cycles and our customers’ responses to that cycle. In addition, any positive trends in prior years in the sales of strengthened glass for personal handheld devices and LCD television cover glass may not continue. We may experience losses relating to our inability to supply contracted quantities of this glass and processes planned to produce new versions of this glass may not be successful.
Sales in our Life Sciences segment are through two large distributors, and the remaining balance is to a variety of government entities, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, hospitals, universities and other research facilities. In 2011, our two largest distributors accounted for 39% of Life Sciences’ segment sales. Changes in our distribution arrangements in this segment may adversely affect this segment’s financial results.
If the markets for our products do not develop and expand as we anticipate, demand for our products may decline, which would negatively impact our operations and financial performance
The markets for our products are characterized by rapidly changing technologies, evolving industry or government standards and new product introductions. Our success is expected to depend, in substantial part, on the successful introduction of new products, or upgrades of current products, and our ability to compete with new technologies. The following factors related to our products and markets, if they do not continue as in the recent past, could have an adverse impact on our operations:
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our ability to introduce leading products such as glass substrates for liquid crystal displays, optical fiber and cable and hardware and equipment, and environmental substrate and filter products at competitive prices;
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our ability to manufacture adequate quantities of increasingly larger glass substrates and strengthened glass for handheld devices, to satisfy our customers technical requirements and our contractual obligations;
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strong demand for notebook computers and LCD monitors;
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growth in purchases of LCD televisions to replace other technologies;
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screen size of LCD televisions, which affects glass demand;
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our ability to develop new products in response to government regulations and laws, particularly diesel filter products in the Environmental Technologies segment;
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growth of the fiber-to-the-premises build-out in North America, western Europe and Australia; and
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growth in emerging markets in other geographic regions such as Brazil, Russia, India and China.
We face pricing pressures in each of our leading businesses that could adversely affect our financial performance
We face pricing pressure in each of our leading businesses as a result of intense competition, emerging new technologies, or over-capacity. While we work consistently toward reducing our costs to offset pricing pressures, we may not be able to achieve proportionate reductions in costs or sustain our current rate of cost reduction. We anticipate pricing pressures will continue in the future in all our businesses.
We face risks related to our international operations and sales
We have customers and significant operations, including manufacturing and sales, located outside the U.S. We have large manufacturing operations for liquid crystal display glass substrates in Taiwan, China, Japan and Korea, including an equity investment in Samsung Corning Precision operating in South Korea that makes glass substrates for the Korean LCD market. All of our Display segment customers are located in the Asia-Pacific region. As a result of these and other international operations, we face a number of risks, including:
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geographical concentration of our factories and operations and regional shifts in our customer base;
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periodic health epidemic concerns;
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complexity of managing global operations;
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difficulty in protecting intellectual property or sensitive commercial and operations data or information technology systems generally;
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tariffs, duties and other trade barriers including anti-dumping duties;
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differing legal systems, including protection and treatment of intellectual property and patents;
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natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes; and
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potential power disruption or loss affecting glass production and possibly causing equipment damage.
Any of these items could cause our sales or profitability to be significantly reduced.
Additionally, a significant amount of the specialized manufacturing capacity for our Display Technologies segment is concentrated in three overseas countries and it is reasonably possible that the operations of one or more such facilities could be disrupted. Due to the specialized nature of the assets and the customers’ locations, it may not be possible to find replacement capacity quickly or substitute production from facilities in other countries. Accordingly, loss of these facilities could produce a near-term severe impact on our Display business and the Company as a whole.
We face risks due to foreign currency fluctuations
Because we have significant customers and operations outside the U.S., fluctuations in foreign currencies, especially the Japanese yen, New Taiwan dollar, Korean won, and Euro, affect our sales and profit levels. Foreign exchange rates may make our products less competitive in countries where local currencies decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar and Japanese yen. Sales in our Display Technologies segment, representing 40% of Corning’s sales in 2011, are denominated in Japanese yen. If sales grow in our Display Technologies segment, our exposure to currency fluctuations will increase. Corning hedges significant transaction and balance sheet currency exposures and uses derivative instruments to limit exposure to foreign currency fluctuations associated with certain monetary assets and liabilities as well as operating results. Although we selectively hedge these items, changes in exchange rates (especially the Japanese yen to U.S. dollar) will significantly impact our reported revenues and profits.
If the financial condition of our customers declines, our credit risks could increase
Although we have a rigorous process to administer credit and believe our allowance is adequate, we have experienced, and in the future may experience, losses as a result of our inability to collect our accounts receivable. If our customers or our indirect customers fail to meet their payment obligations for our products, we could experience reduced cash flows and losses in excess of amounts reserved. Many customers of our Display Technologies and Specialty Materials segments are thinly capitalized and/or marginally profitable. In our Environmental Technologies segment, the U.S. auto makers and certain of their suppliers have encountered credit downgrades or have filed for bankruptcy protection. These factors may result in an inability to collect receivables or a possible loss in business.
If we do not successfully adjust our manufacturing volumes and cost structure, or achieve manufacturing yields or sufficient product reliability, our operating results and cash flow could suffer, and we may not achieve anticipated profitability levels
Investments in additional manufacturing capacity of certain businesses, including liquid crystal display glass and diesel emission substrates and filters present challenges. We may face technical and process issues in moving to commercial production and there can be no assurance that Corning will be able to pace its capacity expansion to the actual demand. Economic results may adversely affect our ability to complete planned capacity expansion and products. It is possible that manufacturing capacity may exceed or lag customer demand during certain periods.
The manufacturing of our products involves highly complex and precise processes, requiring production in highly controlled and dust-free environments. Changes in our manufacturing processes could significantly reduce our manufacturing yields and product reliability. In some cases, existing manufacturing may be insufficient to achieve the requirements of our customers. We will need to develop new manufacturing processes and techniques to achieve targeted volume, pricing and cost levels that will permit profitable operations. While we continue to fund projects to improve our manufacturing techniques and processes, we may not achieve satisfactory cost levels in our manufacturing activities that will fully satisfy our profitability targets.
Our future financial performance depends on our ability to purchase a sufficient amount of materials, precious metals, parts, and manufacturing equipment components to meet the demands of our customers
Our ability to meet customer demand depends, in part, on our ability to obtain timely and adequate delivery of materials, precious metals, parts and components from our suppliers. We may experience shortages that could adversely affect our operations. Although we work closely with our suppliers to avoid shortages, there can be no assurances that we will not encounter these problems in the future. Furthermore, certain manufacturing equipment, raw materials or components are available only from a single source or limited sources. We may not be able to find alternate sources in a timely manner. A reduction, interruption or delay of supply, or a significant increase in the price for supplies, such as manufacturing equipment, precious metals, raw materials or energy, could have a material adverse effect on our businesses.
We have incurred, and may in the future incur, restructuring and other charges, the amounts of which are difficult to predict accurately
We have recorded several charges for restructuring, impairment of assets, and the write-off of cost and equity-based investments in the past. In 2011, we recorded a charge for the impairment of certain assets. Certain of our equity affiliates have also recorded restructuring charges. We and our affiliates may have additional actions that result in restructuring charges in the future.
We have incurred, and may in the future incur, goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges
At December 31, 2011, Corning had goodwill and other intangible assets of $926 million. While we believe the estimates and judgments about future cash flows used in the goodwill impairment tests are reasonable, we cannot provide assurance that future impairment charges will not be required if the expected cash flow estimates as projected by management do not occur, especially if an economic recession occurs and continues for a lengthy period or becomes severe, or if acquisitions and investments made by the Company fail to achieve expected returns.
If our products, including materials purchased from our suppliers, experience performance issues, our business will suffer
Our business depends on the production of products of consistently high quality. Our products, components and materials purchased from our suppliers, are typically tested for quality. These testing procedures are limited to evaluating our products under likely and foreseeable failure scenarios. For various reasons, our products, including materials purchased from our suppliers, may fail to perform as a customer expected. In some cases, product redesigns or additional expense may be required to address such an issue. A significant or systemic product quality issue could result in customer relations problems, lost sales, and financial damages.
We face competition in most of our businesses
We expect that we will face continuous competition from existing competitors, low cost manufacturers and new entrants. We must invest in research and development, expand our engineering, manufacturing and marketing capabilities, and continue to improve customer service and support in order to remain competitive. We cannot provide assurance that we will be able to maintain or improve our competitive position.
We may have additional tax liabilities
We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and many foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide provision for income taxes. In the ordinary course of our business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. We regularly are under audit by tax authorities. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, the final determination of tax audits and any related litigation could be materially different from our historical income tax provisions and accruals. The results of an audit or litigation could have a material effect on our financial statements in the period or periods for which that determination is made.
We earn a significant amount of our operating income from outside the U.S., and any repatriation of funds currently held in foreign jurisdictions may result in higher effective tax rates for the company. In addition, there have been proposals to change U.S. tax laws that would significantly impact how U.S. multinational corporations are taxed on foreign earnings. Although we cannot predict whether or in what form this proposed legislation may pass, if enacted it could have a material adverse impact on our tax expense and cash flow.
Changes in our effective tax rate or tax liability may have an adverse effect on our results of operations
Our effective tax rate could be adversely impacted by several factors, some of which are outside of our control, including:
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changes in the relative amounts of income before taxes in the various jurisdictions in which we operate that have differing statutory tax rates;
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changes in tax treaties and regulations and the interpretation of them;
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changes to our assessments about the realizability of our deferred tax assets that are based on estimates of our future results, the prudence and feasibility of possible tax planning strategies, and the economic environments in which we do business;
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the outcome of current and future tax audits, examinations, or administrative appeals;
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changes in generally accepted accounting principles that affect the accounting for taxes; and
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limitations or adverse findings regarding our ability to do business in some jurisdictions.
In the ordinary course of our business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide provision for income taxes. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, the final determination could be materially different from our historical tax provisions and accruals.
Accounting and disclosure rules may affect financial results
Generally accepted accounting principles and accompanying accounting pronouncements, implementation guidelines, and interpretations for many areas of our business, such as revenue recognition, accounting for investments, fair value estimates and accounting for stock options, are very complex and involve significant and sometimes subjective judgments. Changes in these rules or their interpretation could significantly impact our reported earnings and operating income and could add significant volatility to those measures in the future, without a corresponding change in our cash flows.
Our business depends on our ability to attract and retain talented employees
The market for highly skilled workers and leaders in our industry is extremely competitive. We are limited in our ability to recruit internationally by restrictive domestic immigration laws. If we are less successful in our recruiting efforts, or if we are unable to retain key employees, our ability to develop and deliver successful products and services may be adversely affected. Effective succession planning is also important to our long-term success. Failure to ensure effective transfer of knowledge and smooth transitions involving key employees could hinder our strategic planning and execution. The loss of the services of any of our key research and development, engineering or operational personnel or senior management without adequate replacement, or the inability to attract new qualified personnel, could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial performance.
We are subject to strict environmental regulations and regulatory changes that could result in fines or restrictions that interrupt our operations
Various stages of our manufacturing processes generate chemical waste, waste water and other industrial waste and green-house gases, and we are subject to numerous laws and regulations relating to the use, storage, discharge and disposal of such substances. We have installed anti-pollution equipment for the treatment of chemical waste and waste water at our facilities. We have taken steps to control the amount of greenhouse gases created by our manufacturing operations. However, we cannot provide assurance that environmental claims will not be brought against us or that government regulators will not take steps toward adopting more stringent environment standards.
Any failure on our part to comply with any present or future environmental regulations could result in the assessment of damages or imposition of fines against us, or the suspension/cessation of production or operations. In addition, environmental regulations could require us to acquire costly equipment, incur other significant compliance expenses or limit or restrict production or operations and thus materially and negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Changes in regulations and the regulatory environment in the U.S. and other countries, such as those resulting from the regulation and impact of global warming and CO2 abatement, may affect our businesses and their results in adverse ways by, among other things, substantially increasing manufacturing costs, limiting availability of scarce resources, especially energy, or requiring limitations on production and sale of our products or those of our customers.
We may experience difficulties in enforcing our intellectual property rights and we may be subject to claims of infringement of the intellectual property rights of others
We may encounter difficulties in protecting our intellectual property rights or obtaining rights to additional intellectual property necessary to permit us to continue or expand our businesses. We cannot assure you that the patents that we hold or may obtain will provide meaningful protection against our competitors. Changes in or enforcement of laws concerning intellectual property, worldwide, may affect our ability to prevent or address the misappropriation of, or the unauthorized use of, our intellectual property. Litigation may be necessary to enforce our intellectual property rights. Litigation is inherently uncertain and the outcome is often unpredictable. Other companies hold patents on technologies used in our industries and are aggressively seeking to expand, enforce and license their patent portfolios.
The intellectual property rights of others could inhibit our ability to introduce new products. We are, and may in the future be, subject to claims of intellectual property infringement or misappropriation that may result in loss of revenue, require us to incur substantial costs, or lead to monetary damages or injunctive relief against us. We cannot assure you as to the outcome of any such claims.
Current or future litigation may harm our financial condition or results of operations
Pending, threatened or future litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties. Our financial condition or results of operations may be adversely affected by unfavorable outcomes, expenses and costs exceeding amounts estimated or insured. In particular, we have been named as a defendant in numerous lawsuits alleging personal injury from exposure to asbestos, and adverse rulings in such lawsuits or the inability to successfully resolve such matters may adversely affect the Company. As described in Legal Proceedings, an amended PCC Plan of Reorganization was filed with the Bankruptcy Court on January 29, 2009 proposing a resolution of PCC asbestos claims. It remains reasonably possible that changes to the amended PCC Plan may be negotiated, and the elements of the plan and its approval are subject to a number of contingencies before the resolution outlined in that Plan becomes final.
We face risks through our equity method investments in companies that we do not control
Corning’s net income includes significant equity earnings from associated companies. For the year ended December 31, 2011, we recognized $1.5 billion of equity earnings, of which 98% came from our two largest investments: Dow Corning (which makes silicone and high purity polycrystalline products) and Samsung Corning Precision (which primarily makes liquid crystal display glass). Samsung Corning Precision is located in the Asia-Pacific region and is subject to political and geographic risks mentioned above, as well as business and other risks within the Display Technologies segment. Our equity investments may not continue to perform at the same levels as in recent years. In 2007, we recognized equity losses associated with Samsung Corning Co., Ltd. (a 50% equity method investment that made glass panels and funnels for conventional televisions), which recorded fixed asset and other impairment charges. Dow Corning emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2004 and has certain obligations under its Plan of Reorganization to resolve and fund claims of its creditors and personal injury claimants. Dow Corning may incur further bankruptcy charges in the future, which may adversely affect its operations or assets.
We may not have adequate insurance coverage for claims against us
We face the risk of loss resulting from product liability, securities, fiduciary liability, intellectual property, antitrust, contractual, warranty, environmental, fraud and other lawsuits, whether or not such claims are valid. In addition, our product liability, fiduciary, directors and officers, property including business interruption, natural catastrophe and comprehensive general liability insurance may not be adequate to cover such claims or may not be available to the extent we expect in the future. Our insurance costs can be volatile and, at any time, can increase given changes in market supply and demand and our claim history. We may not be able to obtain adequate insurance coverage in the future at acceptable costs. A successful claim that exceeds or is not covered by our policies could require us to pay substantial sums. Some of the carriers in our historical primary and excess insurance programs are in liquidation and may not be able to respond if we should have claims reaching their policies. The financial health of other insurers may deteriorate. Several of our insurance carriers are litigating with us the extent, if any, of their obligation to provide insurance coverage for asbestos liabilities asserted against us. The results of that litigation may adversely affect our insurance coverage for those risks. In addition, we may not be able to obtain adequate insurance coverage for certain types of risk such as political risks, terrorism or war.
Our businesses may be subject to increased regulatory enforcement
Some of our reportable segments operate in industries with a concentrated number of competitors and customers, both foreign and domestic. While we have adopted a corporate-wide compliance program, we may become the subject of antitrust or other governmental investigations from many jurisdictions that may adversely impact our reputation or our ability to make and sell products in the future.
Acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic alliances may have an adverse effect on our business
We expect to continue making acquisitions and entering into joint ventures and strategic alliances as part of our long-term business strategy. These transactions involve significant challenges and risks including that the transaction does not advance our business strategy, that we don’t realize a satisfactory return on our investment, or that we experience difficulty integrating new employees, business systems, and technology, or diversion of management’s attention from our other businesses. It may take longer than expected to realize the full benefits, such as increased revenue, enhanced efficiencies, or market share, or those benefits may ultimately be smaller than anticipated, or may not be realized. These events could harm our operating results or financial condition.
Improper disclosure of personal data could result in liability and harm our reputation
We store and process personally identifiable information of our employees and, in some cases, our customers. At the same time, the continued occurrence of high-profile data breaches provides evidence of an external environment increasingly hostile to breaches of information security. This environment demands that we continuously improve our design and coordination of security controls across our business groups and geographies. Despite these efforts, it is possible our security controls over personal data, our training of employees and vendors on data security, and other practices we follow may not prevent the improper disclosure of personally identifiable information. Improper disclosure of this information could harm our reputation or subject us to liability under laws that protect personal data, resulting in increased costs or loss of revenue.
Adverse economic conditions may adversely affect our investments
We maintain an investment portfolio of various holdings, types, and maturities. These investments are subject to general credit, liquidity, market, and interest rate risks, which may be exacerbated by unusual events that have affected global financial markets. A significant part of our investment portfolio consists of U.S. government securities. If global credit and equity markets experience prolonged periods of decline, or if the U.S. federal government budget process results in a default or downgrade of its debt, our investment portfolio may be adversely impacted and we could determine that more of our investments have experienced an other-than-temporary decline in fair value, requiring impairment charges that could adversely impact our financial results.
Security vulnerabilities could lead to reduced revenue, liability claims, or competitive harm
We use electronic information technology (IT) in our manufacturing processes and operations and other aspects of our business. Despite our implementation of security measures, our IT systems are vulnerable to disruptions from computer viruses, natural disasters, unauthorized access, cyber attack and other similar disruptions. A material breach in the security of our IT systems could include the theft of our intellectual property or trade secrets. To the extent that any disruptions or security breaches result in the theft, unauthorized use or publication of our intellectual property and/or confidential business information, it could harm our competitive position, reduce the value of our investment in research and development and other strategic initiatives, or otherwise adversely affect our business.
Additionally, utilities and other operators of critical energy infrastructure that serve our facilities may face heightened security risks, including cyber attacks. In the event of such an attack, disruption in service from our utility providers could disrupt our manufacturing operations which rely on a continuous source of power (electrical, gas, etc).
Item 1B.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2.
Item 2. Properties
We operate over 80 manufacturing plants and processing facilities, of which approximately one-third are located in the U.S. We own substantially all of our executive and corporate buildings, which are located in Corning, New York. We also own approximately 90% of our research and development facilities and the majority of our manufacturing facilities. We own approximately 22% of our sales and administrative facilities, while the remaining facilities are leased.
For the years ended 2011, 2010 and 2009 we invested a total of $4.3 billion, primarily in facilities outside of the U.S. in our Display Technologies segment. Of the $2.4 billion spent in 2011, over $1.0 billion was for facilities outside the U.S.
Manufacturing, sales and administrative, and research and development facilities have an aggregate floor space of approximately 25 million square feet. Distribution of this total area follows:
Total assets and capital expenditures by operating segment are included in Note 20 (Reportable Segments) to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Information concerning lease commitments is included in Note 14 (Commitments, Contingencies, and Guarantees) to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In the fourth quarter of 2011, as a result of excess glass capacity in the market, we announced plans to reduce worldwide glass capacity in our Specialty Materials and Display Technologies segments by approximately 25%. These actions impact Corning Gorilla Glass capacity and LCD glass manufacturing capacity at both our wholly-owned LCD glass business and at our equity affiliate Samsung Corning Precision, and include delaying the start up of the new tanks, as well as postponing the relight of tanks that were under repair. Samsung Corning Precision also shut down several active tanks. Additionally, Corning recorded an impairment charge in the amount of $130 million in the fourth quarter of 2011 related to certain assets located in Japan used in the ion exchange process for the production of large cover glass. The large cover glass impairment charge represents a write-down of assets specific to the glass-strengthening process for large size cover glass to their relative fair market values as of the date of impairment. This asset group includes machinery and equipment used in the ion exchange process and facilities dedicated to the ion exchange process. Refer to Note 9 (Property, Net of Accumulated Depreciation) and Note 16 (Fair Value Measurements) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Item 3.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Environmental Litigation. Corning has been named by the Environmental Protection Agency (the Agency) under the Superfund Act or by state governments under similar state laws, as a potentially responsible party for 18 hazardous waste sites. Under the Superfund Act, all parties who may have contributed any waste to a hazardous waste site, identified by the Agency, are jointly and severally liable for the cost of cleanup unless the Agency agrees otherwise. It is Corning’s policy to accrue for its estimated liability related to Superfund sites and other environmental liabilities related to property owned by Corning based on expert analysis and continual monitoring by both internal and external consultants. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, Corning had accrued approximately $25 million (undiscounted) and $30 million (undiscounted), respectively, for the estimated liability for environmental cleanup and related litigation. Based upon the information developed to date, management believes that the accrued reserve is a reasonable estimate of the Company’s liability and that the risk of an additional loss in an amount materially higher than that accrued is remote.
Dow Corning Corporation. Corning and The Dow Chemical Company (Dow Chemical) each own 50% of the common stock of Dow Corning. In May 1995, Dow Corning filed for bankruptcy protection to address pending and claimed liabilities arising from many thousands of breast implant product lawsuits. On June 1, 2004, Dow Corning emerged from Chapter 11 with a Plan of Reorganization (the Plan) which provided for the settlement or other resolution of implant claims. The Plan also includes releases for Corning and Dow Chemical as shareholders in exchange for contributions to the Plan.
Under the terms of the Plan, Dow Corning has established and is funding a Settlement Trust and a Litigation Facility to provide a means for tort claimants to settle or litigate their claims. Inclusive of insurance, Dow Corning has paid approximately $1.7 billion to the Settlement Trust. As of December 31, 2011, Dow Corning had recorded a reserve for breast implant litigation of $1.6 billion. As a separate matter arising from the bankruptcy proceedings, Dow Corning is defending claims asserted by a number of commercial creditors who claim additional interest at default rates and enforcement costs, during the period from May 1995 through June 2004. As of December 31, 2011, Dow Corning has estimated the liability to commercial creditors to be within the range of $86 million to $280 million. As Dow Corning management believes no single amount within the range appears to be a better estimate than any other amount within the range, Dow Corning has recorded the minimum liability within the range. Should Dow Corning not prevail in this matter, Corning’s equity earnings would be reduced by its 50% share of the amount in excess of $86 million, net of applicable tax benefits. In addition, the London Market Insurers (the LMI Claimants) claimed a reimbursement right with respect to a portion of insurance proceeds previously paid by the LMI Claimants to Dow Corning. This claim was based on a theory that the LMI Claimants overestimated Dow Corning’s liability for the resolution of implant claims pursuant to the Plan. Based on settlement negotiations, Dow Corning had estimated that the most likely outcome would result in payment to the LMI Claimants in a range of $10 million to $20 million. During the third quarter, Dow Corning and the LMI Claimants settled the claim for an amount within that range. There are a number of other claims in the bankruptcy proceedings against Dow Corning awaiting resolution by the U.S. District Court, and it is reasonably possible that Dow Corning may record bankruptcy-related charges in the future. The remaining tort claims against Corning are expected to be channeled by the Plan into facilities established by the Plan or otherwise defended by the Litigation Facility.
Hemlock Semiconductor Group, of which Dow Corning owns 63%, brought an action against one of its customers to enforce multiyear supply agreements requiring the customer to purchase or pay for quantities of polycrystalline silicon used in the solar power industry. Hemlock Semiconductor Group and the customer resolved the dispute during the fourth quarter. The settlement resulted in Dow Corning recognizing pre-tax income of approximately $420 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, including previously deferred revenue. After income taxes and amounts attributable to non-controlling interests, net income attributable to Dow Corning for the year ended December 31, 2011, increased by approximately $177 million from this settlement.
Pittsburgh Corning Corporation. Corning and PPG Industries, Inc. (PPG) each own 50% of the capital stock of Pittsburgh Corning Corporation (PCC). Over a period of more than two decades, PCC and several other defendants have been named in numerous lawsuits involving claims alleging personal injury from exposure to asbestos. On April 16, 2000, PCC filed for Chapter 11 reorganization in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. At the time PCC filed for bankruptcy protection, there were approximately 11,800 claims pending against Corning in state court lawsuits alleging various theories of liability based on exposure to PCC’s asbestos products and typically requesting monetary damages in excess of one million dollars per claim. Corning has defended those claims on the basis of the separate corporate status of PCC and the absence of any facts supporting claims of direct liability arising from PCC’s asbestos products. Corning is also currently involved in approximately 9,900 other cases (approximately 38,300 claims) alleging injuries from asbestos and similar amounts of monetary damages per case. Those cases have been covered by insurance without material impact to Corning to date. As described below, several of Corning’s insurance carriers have filed a legal proceeding concerning the extent of any insurance coverage for these claims. Asbestos litigation is inherently difficult, and past trends in resolving these claims may not be indicators of future outcomes.
Corning, with other relevant parties, has been involved in ongoing efforts to develop a Plan of Reorganization that would resolve the concerns and objections of the relevant courts and parties. In 2003, a plan was agreed to by various parties (the 2003 Plan), but, on December 21, 2006, the Bankruptcy Court issued an order denying the confirmation of that 2003 Plan. On January 29, 2009, an amended plan of reorganization (the Amended PCC Plan) - which addressed the issues raised by the Court when it denied confirmation of the 2003 Plan - was filed with the Bankruptcy Court.
The proposed resolution of PCC asbestos claims under the Amended PCC Plan would have required Corning to contribute its equity interests in PCC and Pittsburgh Corning Europe N.V. (PCE), a Belgian corporation, and to contribute a fixed series of payments, recorded at present value. Corning would have had the option to use its shares rather than cash to make these payments, but the liability would have been fixed by dollar value and not the number of shares. The Amended PCC Plan would, originally, have required Corning to make (1) one payment of $100 million one year from the date the Amended PCC Plan becomes effective and certain conditions are met and (2) five additional payments of $50 million, on each of the five subsequent anniversaries of the first payment, the final payment of which is subject to reduction based on the application of credits under certain circumstances. Documents were filed with the Bankruptcy Court further modifying the Amended PCC Plan by reducing Corning’s initial payment by $30 million and reducing its second and fourth payments by $15 million each. In return, Corning would relinquish its claim for reimbursement of its payments and contributions under the Amended PCC Plan from the insurance carriers involved in the bankruptcy proceeding with certain exceptions.
On June 16, 2011, the Court entered an Order denying confirmation of the Amended PCC Plan. The Court’s memorandum opinion accompanying the order rejected some objections to the Amended PCC Plan and made suggestions regarding modifications to the Amended PCC Plan that would allow the Plan to be confirmed. Corning and other parties have filed a motion for reconsideration, objecting to certain points of this Order. Certain parties to the proceeding filed specific plan modifications in response to the Court’s opinion and Corning supported these filings. Corning and other parties also filed a motion for reconsideration objecting to certain points in the Court’s opinion and Order. Proposed plan modifications will be discussed during the hearing scheduled for February 17, 2012.
The Amended PCC Plan does not include certain non-PCC asbestos claims that may be or have been raised against Corning. Corning has recorded an additional $150 million for such claims in its estimated asbestos litigation liability. The liability for non-PCC claims was estimated based upon industry data for asbestos claims since Corning does not have recent claim history due to the injunction issued by the Bankruptcy Court. The estimated liability represents the undiscounted projection of claims and related legal fees over the next 20 years. The amount may need to be adjusted in future periods as more data becomes available.
The Amended PCC Plan with the modifications addressing issues raised by the Court’s June 16 opinion remains subject to a number of contingencies. Payment of the amounts required to fund the Amended PCC Plan from insurance and other sources are subject to a number of conditions that may not be achieved. The approval of the (further modified) Amended PCC Plan by the Bankruptcy Court is not certain and faces objections by some parties. If the modified Amended PCC Plan is approved by the Bankruptcy Court, that approval will be subject to appeal. For these and other reasons, Corning’s liability for these asbestos matters may be subject to changes in subsequent quarters. The estimate of the cost of resolving the non-PCC asbestos claims may also be subject to change as developments occur. Management continues to believe that the likelihood of the uncertainties surrounding these proceedings causing a material adverse impact to Corning’s financial statements is remote.
Several of Corning’s insurers have commenced litigation in state courts for a declaration of the rights and obligations of the parties under insurance policies, including rights that may be affected by the potential resolutions described above. Corning is vigorously contesting these cases. Management is unable to predict the outcome of this insurance litigation and therefore cannot estimate the range of any possible loss.
Seoul Guarantee Insurance Co. and other creditors against Samsung Group and affiliates. Prior to their merger, Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd. (Samsung Corning Precision) and Samsung Corning Co. Ltd. (Samsung Corning) were two of approximately thirty co-defendants in a lawsuit filed by Seoul Guarantee Insurance Co. and thirteen other creditors (SGI and Creditors) for alleged breach of an agreement that approximately twenty-eight affiliates of the Samsung group (Samsung Affiliates) entered into with SGI and Creditors on August 24, 1999 (the Agreement). The lawsuit is pending in the courts of South Korea. Under the Agreement, it is alleged that the Samsung Affiliates agreed to sell certain shares of Samsung Life Insurance Co., Ltd. (SLI), which had been transferred to SGI and Creditors in connection with the petition for court receivership of Samsung Motors Inc. In the lawsuit, SGI and Creditors allege a breach of the Agreement by the Samsung Affiliates and are seeking the loss of principal (approximately $1.95 billion) for loans extended to Samsung Motors Inc., default interest and a separate amount for breach. On January 31, 2008, the Seoul District Court ordered the Samsung Affiliates: to pay approximately $1.3 billion by disposing of 2,334,045 shares of SLI less 1,165,955 shares of SLI previously sold by SGI and Creditors and paying the proceeds to SGI and Creditors; to satisfy any shortfall by participating in the purchase of equity or subordinate debentures issued by them; and pay default interest of 6% per annum. The ruling was appealed. On November 10, 2009, the Appellate Court directed the parties to attempt to resolve this matter through mediation. On January 11, 2011, the Appellate Court ordered the Samsung Affiliates to pay 600 billion won in principal and 20 billion won in delayed interest to SGI and Creditors. Samsung promptly paid those amounts, which approximated $550 million when translated to United States dollars, from a portion of an escrow account established upon completion of SLI’s initial public offering (IPO) on May 7, 2010. On February 7, 2011, the Samsung Affiliates appealed the Appellate Court’s ruling to the Supreme Court of Korea and the appeal is currently in progress. Samsung Corning Precision has not contributed to any payment related to these disputes, and has concluded that no provision for loss should be reflected in its financial statements. Other than as described above, no claim in these matters has been asserted against Corning or any of its affiliates.
Ellsworth Industrial Park, Downers Grove, IL Environmental Litigation. Corning has settled claims for contribution for personal injury and property damage arising from the alleged release of solvents from the operations of several corporate defendants at the Ellsworth Industrial Park into soil and groundwater. Corning has also settled a cost-recovery action by the State of Illinois against a number of corporate defendants as a result of an alleged groundwater contamination at this industrial park site. Two additional corporate defendants have made claims for contribution for property damage and cost recovery for remediations at this industrial park site, one of which has been voluntarily dismissed as to Corning. The second case was dismissed by the Court on August 12, 2009. On November 17, 2009, the Court denied plaintiff’s request to file an amended complaint. On December 14, 2009, plaintiff gave notice of its appeal of the District Court’s opinion and order dismissing its case to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. On November 10, 2010, the Court of Appeals reversed the District Court and reinstated the case. At a February 3, 2011 status conference, the District Court set a date for responses to plaintiff’s complaint. On March 7, 2011, Corning filed a motion to dismiss the complaint. On August 11, 2011, the District Court granted Corning’s motion to dismiss. On August 15, 2011, the case was settled by agreement with respect to Corning’s subsidiary, H.W. Holding Co. On October 31, 2011, the District Court dismissed the case with prejudice pursuant to the settlement agreement.
Supply Disputes. Corning has notified customers of its Environmental Technologies segment that it will be unable to fully supply all future requests for certain diesel products, but will honor its existing legal obligations. At least one customer has taken the position that Corning has a legal obligation to supply its requirements for these products for some time in the future despite the absence of an executed supply agreement or accepted purchase orders. In response, Corning has indicated it does not agree with the customer’s position and Corning is under no current obligation to provide these products in the future to that customer. Corning filed an action for a declaratory judgment in the Western District of New York seeking confirmation of Corning’s position on these issues. The parties have since resolved the supply issues and Corning voluntarily dismissed the declaratory judgment complaint on December 6, 2011. Corning continues to discuss an appropriate resolution of supply matters with other customers.
Chinese Antidumping Investigation. On April 22, 2010, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce initiated an antidumping investigation against manufacturers of optical fiber based in the U.S. and the European Union, alleging that standard single-mode optical fiber was sold in China at lower prices than in the respective home country. This matter does not present a claim for damages, but the Ministry may prospectively impose additional duties on imported fiber products. On April 21, 2011, the Chinese authorities issued a final decision finding a dumping margin of approximately 5.4% on certain optical fiber imported by Corning into China, having previously rejected Corning’s arguments against the imposition of such duties.
Demodulation, Inc. On January 18, 2011, Demodulation, Inc. filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey against Applied DNA Sciences, Inc., Corning Incorporated, Alfred University, Alfred Technology Resources, Inc., and John and Jane Does 1-10. Demodulation filed an amended complaint on August 3, 2011, alleging a conspiracy by the defendants to steal Demodulation’s alleged trade secrets and other intellectual property related to glass covered amorphous metal microwires and seeks damages under various theories, including breach of contract, defamation, conspiracy, antitrust, unfair competition, interference with prospective business relations and misappropriation of trade secrets. Corning does not believe Demodulation’s allegations have merit and intends to defend the case vigorously. Recognizing that the outcome of litigation is uncertain, management believes that the likelihood of a materially adverse impact to Corning’s financial statements is remote.
Trade Secret Misappropriation Suits Concerning LCD Glass Technology. On July 18, 2011, in China, Corning Incorporated filed suit in the Beijing Second Intermediate People’s Court against Hebei Dongxu Investment Group Co., Ltd., which changed its name to Dongxu Group Co., Ltd. (Dongxu) for misappropriation of certain trade secrets related to the fusion draw process for manufacturing glass substrates used in active matrix liquid crystal displays (LCDs). Dongxu has filed an appeal to contest jurisdiction. On July 18, 2011, in Korea, Corning Incorporated and Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd. (Samsung Corning Precision) filed suits in the Daejeon District Court against Dongxu, one of its officers, and two other named individuals, for related trade secret misappropriation. Samsung Corning Precision is an equity company between Corning and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., which uses Corning LCD glass technology under license agreements with Corning. In these actions, Corning is seeking monetary damages and orders restraining Dongxu from using, disclosing, or permitting others to use, misappropriated Corning LCD glass manufacturing technology. Two of the individuals named in the Korean suit were previously convicted in Seoul Southern District Court on January 22, 2009, for the theft of certain Corning LCD glass technology that was being used by Samsung Corning Precision.
Item 4.
Item 4. Removed and reserved.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
(a) Corning Incorporated common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. In addition, it is traded on the Boston, Midwest, Pacific and Philadelphia stock exchanges. Common stock options are traded on the Chicago Board Options Exchange. The ticker symbol for Corning Incorporated is “GLW.”
The following table sets forth the high and low sales price of Corning’s common stock as reported on the Composite Tape.
As of December 31, 2011, there were approximately 20,788 record holders of common stock and approximately 631,350 beneficial shareholders.
Between the third quarter of 2007 and the third quarter of 2011, Corning paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share on the Company’s common stock. On October 5, 2011, Corning’s Board of Directors declared a 50% increase in the Company’s quarterly common stock dividend. Corning’s quarterly dividend increased from $0.05 per share to $0.075 per share of common stock.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table shows the total number of outstanding options and shares available for other future issuances of options under all of our existing equity compensation plans, including our 2005 Employee Equity Participation Program, our 2003 Equity Plan for Non-Employee Directors, and 2010 Equity Plan for Non-Employee Directors, as of December 31, 2011.
(1) Shares indicated are total grants under the most recent shareholder approved plans as well as any shares remaining outstanding from any prior shareholder approved plans.
Performance Graph
The following graph illustrates the cumulative total shareholder return over the last five years of Corning’s common stock, the S&P 500 and the S&P Communications Equipment Companies (in which Corning is currently included). The graph includes the capital weighted performance results of those companies in the communications equipment company classification that are also included in the S&P 500.
(b) Not applicable.
(c) The following table provides information about our purchases of our common stock during the fiscal fourth quarter of 2011:
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
(1) This column reflects the following transactions during the fiscal fourth quarter of 2011: (i) the deemed surrender to us of 6,765 shares of common stock to pay the exercise price and to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the exercise of employee stock options, and (ii) the surrender to us of 103,745 shares of common stock to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock issued to employees, and (iii) the purchase of 55,343,238 shares of common stock in conjunction with the repurchase program announced in the fourth quarter of 2011.
(2) On October 5, 2011, we publicly announced authorization to repurchase up to $1.5 billion of our common stock by December 31, 2013.
Item 6.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data (Unaudited)
(In millions, except per share amounts and number of employees)
Reference should be made to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Item 7.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Organization of Information
Management’s Discussion and Analysis provides a historical and prospective narrative on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. This discussion includes the following sections:
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Overview
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Results of Operations
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Reportable Segments
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
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Environment
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Critical Accounting Estimates
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New Accounting Standards
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Forward-Looking Statements
OVERVIEW
Although Corning’s net income declined in 2011 when compared to 2010, the majority of our segments experienced healthy sales growth, despite the challenging 2011 economic environment. The largest driver of Corning’s sales increase was the robust retail demand for portable display devices that utilize our Corning Gorilla Glass. Our Telecommunications segment also experienced significant sales growth in 2011 due to strong fiber-to-the-premises, enterprise network products, and optical fiber and cable sales. In addition, sales increased 22% in 2011 in our Environmental Technologies segment, reflecting increased demand worldwide for automotive and diesel products. Sales in the Life Sciences segment were higher primarily due to an increase in demand for the segment’s legacy products, combined with the impact of a small acquisition completed in the fourth quarter of 2010. Sales in our Display Technologies segment were only slightly higher in 2011 when compared to the prior year, reflecting volume growth and favorable movements in foreign exchange rates, offset by significantly lower prices. Results in this segment reflect the excess glass capacity in the market, driven by lower than anticipated worldwide glass volume growth in 2011. Corning is addressing the current imbalance between glass supply and demand by reducing worldwide glass capacity in our Display Technologies and Specialty Materials segments by approximately 25%, impacting LCD glass capacity as well as Corning Gorilla Glass capacity.
For the year ended December 31, 2011, we generated net income of $2.8 billion or $1.77 per share compared to net income of $3.6 billion or $2.25 per share for 2010. When compared to last year, the decrease in net income was due largely to the following items:
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Lower net income in the Display Technologies segment due to a significant decrease in equity earnings from our equity affiliate Samsung Corning Precision, reflecting higher taxes, lower volume and substantial price declines, combined with a decrease in net income in our wholly-owned business, driven by price declines;
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A decrease in equity earnings from our equity affiliate Dow Corning, primarily due to significantly higher raw materials costs, the absence of non-recurring favorable tax items recorded in 2010 and a sales shift from higher priced, higher margin silicones to lower priced, lower margin silicones. The decrease in equity earnings was offset somewhat by an $89 million gain associated with the resolution of a contract dispute by Hemlock Semiconductor Group against one of its customers relating to enforcement of long-term supply agreements. Hemlock Semiconductor Group is Dow Corning’s consolidated subsidiary that makes high purity polycrystalline silicon for the semiconductor and solar industries;
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The absence of the benefit of the settlement of business interruption and property damage insurance claims in 2010 impacting our Display Technologies segment in the amount of $324 million (pre-tax);
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A $130 million impairment charge (pretax) impacting our Specialty Materials segment related to certain assets located in Japan used in the ion exchange process for the production of large cover glass; and
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An increase in our effective tax rate due to the following:
¡
The absence of the favorable tax impact from the decision to repatriate earnings from certain foreign subsidiaries in 2010 in the amount of $265 million; and
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The expiration of tax holidays in Taiwan.
The decrease in net income in 2011 was offset somewhat from the favorable impact of movements in foreign exchange rates in the amount of $219 million, and higher net income in our Telecommunications and Environmental Technologies segments.
Corning remains committed to a strategy of growing through global innovation while preserving our independence. This strategy has served us well. Our key priorities for 2011 were similar to those in prior years: protect our financial health and invest in the future. During 2011, we made the following progress on these priorities:
Financial Health
Our financial position remained sound and we delivered strong cash flows from operating activities. Significant items in 2011 included the following:
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Our debt to capital ratio at December 31, 2011 was 10%, slightly lower than our debt to capital ratio of 11% at December 31, 2010.
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Operating cash flow for the year was $3.2 billion.
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We ended the year with over $5.8 billion of cash and short-term investments.
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Corning’s Board of Directors declared a 50% increase in the company’s quarterly common stock dividend.
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We repurchased 55 million shares of common stock for $780 million as part of a repurchase program announced in the fourth quarter. These actions reflect our significant cash balance and the belief that we will continue to achieve strong cash flows in the future.
Investing in our future
We continue to focus on the future and on what we do best - creating keystone components that enable high-technology systems. We remain committed to investing in research, development and engineering to drive innovation. We continue to work on new products, including glass substrates for high performance displays, OLED and LCD applications, diesel filters and substrates, and the optical fiber, cable and hardware and equipment that enable fiber-to-the-premises, and next generation data centers. In addition, in 2011, we increased our focused on wireless solutions for diverse venue applications such as Distributed Antenna Systems, fiber-to-the-cell and antennas. We have increased our research, development and engineering spending to support the advancement of new product attributes for our Corning Gorilla Glass suite of products. We will continue to focus on adjacent glass opportunities, including products such as glass substrates for thin-film photovoltaics in solar applications, which leverage existing materials or manufacturing processes.
Our research, development and engineering expenditures increased by $68 million in 2011 when compared to 2010, but remained relatively constant as a percentage of net sales. We believe our spending levels are appropriate to support our technology and innovation strategies.
Capital spending increased significantly in 2011 when compared to 2010, largely as a result of several multi-year investment plans announced in 2010 that will increase manufacturing capacity in several of our reportable segments. Specifically, the increase in spending in 2011 was driven by construction costs for an LCD glass substrate facility in China for our Display Technologies segment and a capacity expansion project for Specialty Materials’ Corning Gorilla Glass in Japan. Capital expenditures in 2011 also include spending in the Environmental Technologies segment to expand its existing automotive substrate facilities in Shanghai, China and Kaiserslautern, Germany, and in the Life Sciences segment to establish a manufacturing and distribution facility in WuJiang, China. Total capital expenditures for 2011 were $2.4 billion. In 2011, approximately $1.3 billion was invested in our Display Technologies segment and approximately $348 million was invested in our Specialty Materials segment.
We expect our 2012 capital spending to be about $1.8 billion. Approximately $800 million will be allocated to our Display Technologies segment, of which approximately $400 million will be related to 2011 capital projects.
Corporate Outlook
Corning expects moderate sales growth in 2012, led by an increase in demand in our Telecommunications and Environmental Technologies segments. We believe worldwide demand for LCD glass in 2012 will increase from 3.2 billion square feet to approximately 3.6 billion square feet when compared to 2011, driven by the combination of an increase in retail sales of LCD televisions and the demand for larger television screen sizes, coupled with growth in the personal computer market. We expect cumulative double-digit price declines in our Display segment over the two-quarter period beginning in the fourth quarter of 2011. We are hopeful that sequential quarterly price declines in 2012 will be moderate. Net income will be negatively impacted by lower equity earnings from our equity affiliate Dow Corning, driven by lower demand and price declines in both silicone products and at Hemlock Semiconductor Group, Dow Corning’s consolidated subsidiary that makes high purity polycrystalline silicon for the semiconductor and solar industries. We may take advantage of acquisition opportunities that support the long-term strategies of our businesses. We remain confident that our strategy to grow through global innovation, while preserving our financial stability, will enable our continued long-term success.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Selected highlights from our continuing operations follow (dollars in millions):
* The percentage change calculation is not meaningful.
Net Sales
Net sales in 2011 increased 19% when compared to the prior year, due to sales growth in all of our segments, with the largest increases occurring in the Specialty Materials, Telecommunications and Environmental segments. Sales in the Specialty Materials segment increased by 86%, due to the strong demand for Corning Gorilla Glass that is used as cover glass in portable handheld display devices, tablets and notebook computers. Telecommunications segment sales increased due to strength across all of their product lines, most significantly in optical fiber and cable and fiber-to-the-premises products. Sales in the Environmental Technologies segment were higher, driven by higher demand for our diesel products. Additionally, the net positive impact of movements in foreign exchange rates impacted sales in the amount of $345 million.
Net sales in 2010 increased 23% due to higher sales in all of our segments when compared to 2009, driven by volume growth in all of our segments and from the net positive impact of movements in foreign exchange rates. We saw demand increase for all of our LCD products, led by strong growth of LCD televisions outside of the United States. Sales in our Specialty Materials segment in 2010 increased 75% when compared to 2009, due to strong demand for Corning Gorilla Glass products. Sales were also strong in both our Environmental Technologies and Life Sciences segments, up 38% and 39%, respectively.
In 2011, net sales into international markets accounted for 78% of net sales. For 2010 and 2009, net sales into international markets accounted for 74% and 76%, respectively, of net sales.
Cost of Sales
The types of expenses included in the cost of sales line item are: raw materials consumption, including direct and indirect materials; salaries, wages and benefits; depreciation and amortization; production utilities; production-related purchasing; warehousing (including receiving and inspection); repairs and maintenance; inter-location inventory transfer costs; production and warehousing facility property insurance; rent for production facilities; and other production overhead.
Gross Margin
For 2011, gross margin dollars increased when compared to 2010, but declined slightly as a percentage of sales. Improvements in gross margin were driven by the impact of strong sales in the Specialty Materials segment, along with volume increases and manufacturing efficiency gains in the Environmental Technologies segment. Offsetting these gains was the impact of significant price declines in our Display Technologies segment.
For 2010, gross margin dollars and as a percentage of net sales increased significantly when compared to 2009, due primarily to the impact of volume increases in the Display Technologies segment, offset somewhat by price declines. Improvements were also driven by strong sales in the Environmental Technologies and Specialty Materials segments, as well as cost reduction efforts and manufacturing efficiency improvements.
Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general, and administrative expenses for 2011 increased slightly when compared to 2010, due primarily to an increase in salaries, partially as a result of three small acquisitions completed within the past 15 months, offset by an adjustment to performance-based compensation costs and a credit of $27 million resulting from a reduction in a contingent liability associated with an acquisition recorded in the first quarter of 2011. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general, and administrative expenses in 2011 were down considerably when compared to 2010, because the rate of increase in sales exceeded the rate of increase in spending for selling, general, and administrative costs.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses for 2010 were up when compared to 2009, due primarily to higher compensation-related costs and the costs of integrating new businesses, offset by the impact of restructuring actions completed in 2009. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general, and administrative expenses in 2010 were down slightly when compared to 2009, because the rate of increase in sales exceeded the rate of increase in spending for selling, general, and administrative costs.
The types of expenses included in the selling, general and administrative expenses line item are: salaries, wages and benefits; travel; sales commissions; professional fees; and depreciation and amortization, utilities, and rent for administrative facilities.
Research, Development and Engineering Expenses
Research, development and engineering expenses for 2011 increased by $68 million to $671 million in 2011 when compared to 2010, but remained relatively constant as a percentage of net sales. Corning’s research, development and engineering expenses are currently focused on our Specialty Materials and Telecommunications segments as we strive to capitalize on growth opportunities in those segments. We believe our spending levels are adequate to support our technology and innovation strategies.
Research, development and engineering expenses increased by $40 million in 2010 when compared to 2009, but declined slightly as a percentage of net sales. Increased spending in 2010 was driven primarily by the Display Technologies, Environmental Technologies and Telecommunications segments.
Restructuring, Impairment, and Other Charges and Credits
Corning recorded restructuring, impairment, and other charges and credits in 2011, 2010 and 2009, which affect the comparability of our results for the periods presented. A description of those charges and credits follows:
2011 Activity
In the fourth quarter of 2011, Corning recorded an impairment charge in the amount of $130 million related to certain assets located in Japan used in the ion exchange process for the production of large cover glass. Large cover glass is primarily used as a cover sheet of strengthened glass for frameless (bezel-less) LCD displays. The large cover glass impairment charge represents a write-down of assets specific to the glass-strengthening process for large size cover glass to their relative fair market values as of the date of impairment. This asset group includes machinery and equipment used in the ion exchange process and facilities dedicated to the ion exchange process. Additional information on the asset impairment is found in Note 9 (Property, Net of Accumulated Depreciation) and Note 16 (Fair Value Measurements) to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
2010 Activity
In the fourth quarter of 2010, we recorded $324 million in other credits as settlement of business interruption and property damage insurance claims resulting from two events which impacted production at several of our LCD glass manufacturing facilities. In August 2009, an earthquake halted production at one of our LCD glass manufacturing facilities in Japan and in October 2009, production at our facility in Taichung, Taiwan was impacted by a power disruption.
2009 Activity
In response to anticipated lower sales in 2009, we recorded charges of $228 million primarily for a corporate-wide restructuring plan to reduce our global workforce. The charges included costs for severance, special termination benefits, outplacement services, and the impact of a $32 million curtailment loss for postretirement benefits in 2009. Total cash expenditures associated with these actions were approximately $150 million, with the majority of spending for employee-related costs completed by 2010 and payments for exit activities substantially completed by the end of 2011. Annualized savings from these actions are about $224 million and are reflected largely in cost of sales and selling, general, and administrative expenses.
Asbestos Litigation
In 2011, we recorded an increase to our asbestos litigation liability of $24 million compared to a net decrease in 2010 of $49 million. The net decrease in 2010 was due primarily to a $54 million decrease to our estimated liability for asbestos litigation that was recorded in the first quarter of 2010, as a result of the change in terms of the proposed settlement of the PCC asbestos claims. For the remainder of 2010, we recorded net credit adjustments to our asbestos litigation liability of $5 million to reflect the change in value of the estimated settlement liability. In 2009, we recorded an increase to our asbestos litigation liability of $20 million.
Our asbestos litigation liability was estimated to be $657 million at December 31, 2011, compared with an estimate of $633 million at December 31, 2010. The entire obligation is classified as a non-current liability as installment payments for the cash portion of the obligation are not planned to commence until more than 12 months after the proposed Amended PCC Plan is ultimately effective, and a portion of the obligation fulfilled through the direct contribution of Corning’s investment in PCE (currently recorded as a non-current other equity method investment).
See Legal Proceedings for additional information about this matter.
Equity in Earnings of Affiliated Companies, Net of Impairments
The following provides a summary of equity earnings of affiliated companies, net of impairments (in millions):
Equity earnings of affiliated companies decreased in 2011, reflecting lower earnings performance at both Samsung Corning Precision and at Dow Corning, when compared to last year.
The change in equity earnings from Samsung Corning Precision is explained more fully in the discussion of the performance of the Display Technologies segment and in All Other.
Equity earnings from Dow Corning were lower in 2011 when compared to 2010. The decline in equity earnings was largely due to the following items:
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An increase in raw material costs of slightly above $100 million;
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A sales shift from higher priced, higher margin silicones to lower priced, lower margin silicones; and
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A decrease in advanced energy manufacturing tax credits.
The decrease in equity earnings from Dow Corning was partially offset by a gain in the amount of $89 million associated with the resolution of a contract dispute by Dow Corning’s consolidated subsidiary, Hemlock Semiconductor Group (Hemlock), a producer of high purity polycrystalline silicon for the semiconductor and solar industries, against one of its customers relating to enforcement of long-term supply agreements.
In the second half of 2011, Dow Corning began experiencing unfavorable industry conditions at Hemlock. Declines in governmental subsidies in the solar panel industry, especially in Europe, and over-capacity at all levels of the solar supply chain led to significant declines in polycrystalline spot prices. The decline in spot prices was large enough to potentially induce Hemlock customers to default on their long term contracts. In response, Hemlock modified a number of sales agreements to provide temporary pricing relief while preserving the long-term favorable relationships with its customers. In addition, Hemlock decided to delay certain plant expansion activities until market conditions for polycrystalline silicon have improved. Prices for polycrystalline silicon are expected to remain at these substantially lower levels throughout 2012, negatively impacting profitability at Hemlock and resulting in lower equity earnings from Dow Corning in 2012 when compared to 2011.
The increase in equity earnings from Dow Corning in 2010 when compared to 2009 was primarily due to the following items:
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An increase in sales of 18%, resulting from strength in Dow Corning’s traditional silicone products and improved volume at Hemlock;
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The positive impact of advanced energy manufacturing tax credits approved by the U.S. government for Dow Corning’s manufacturing expansion projects that support the solar industry. Corning’s share of these credits was $21 million;
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The release of valuation allowances on foreign deferred tax assets. The impact to Corning was $26 million; and
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The absence of restructuring charges in the amount of $29 million recorded in 2009 for our share of costs associated with Dow Corning’s global workforce reduction.
Other Income (Expense), Net
“Other income (expense), net” in Corning’s consolidated statements of income includes the following (in millions):
Income Before Income Taxes
In addition to the items identified under Gross margin, Restructuring, impairment and other charges (credits), Asbestos litigation charge (credit), and Other income, net, movements in foreign exchange rates also impacted results for the years presented. In 2011, Income before income taxes included $256 million from the positive impact of movements in foreign exchange rates when compared to 2010. In 2010, Income before income taxes included $229 million for the positive impact of movements in foreign exchange rates when compared to the previous year.
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes
Our provision (benefit) for income taxes and the related effective income tax rates were as follows (in millions):
The effective income tax rate for 2011 differed from the U.S. statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the following items:
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Rate differences on income/(losses) of consolidated foreign companies;
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The impact of equity in earnings of affiliated companies;
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The benefit of tax holidays and investment credits in foreign jurisdictions; and
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A $41 million tax benefit from amending our 2006 U.S. Federal return to claim foreign tax credits.
The effective income tax rate for 2010 differed from the U.S. statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the following items:
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Rate differences on income/(losses) of consolidated foreign companies;
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The impact of equity in earnings of affiliated companies;
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The benefit of tax holidays and investment credits in foreign jurisdictions;
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The benefit of excess foreign tax credits from repatriation of current year earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries; and
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The impact of the reversal of the deferred tax assets associated with a tax exempt subsidy attributable to our other postretirement benefits liability.
The effective income tax rate (benefit) for 2009 differed from the U.S. statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the following items:
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Rate differences on income/(losses) of consolidated foreign companies;
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The impact of equity in earnings of affiliated companies;
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The benefit of tax holidays and investment credits in foreign jurisdictions;
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The benefit of the U.S. Research and Experimentation tax credit for years 2005-2009;
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The benefit of recording additional deferred tax assets for a tax exempt subsidy attributable to our OPEB liability; and
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The impact of the net increase in valuation allowances due to changes in judgment on the realizability of certain state and foreign deferred tax assets.
Corning has valuation allowances on certain shorter-lived deferred tax assets such as those represented by capital loss carry forwards and state tax net operating loss carry forwards, as well as other foreign net operating loss carry forwards and federal and state tax credits, because we cannot conclude that it is more likely than not that we will earn income of the character required to utilize these assets before they expire. U.S. profits of approximately $7.8 billion will be required to fully realize the deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2011. Of that amount, $4.2 billion of U.S. profits will be required over the next 14 years to fully realize the deferred tax assets associated with federal net operating loss carry forwards. The remaining deferred tax assets will be realized as the underlying temporary differences reverse over an extended period. The amount of U.S. and foreign deferred tax assets that had valuation allowances at December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $219 million and $214 million, respectively.
We currently provide income taxes on the earnings of foreign subsidiaries and affiliated companies to the extent these earnings are currently taxable or expected to be remitted. As of December 31, 2011, taxes have not been provided on approximately $10.8 billion of accumulated foreign unremitted earnings that are expected to remain invested indefinitely. It is not practical to calculate the unrecognized deferred tax liability on those earnings.
Certain foreign subsidiaries in China and Taiwan are operating under tax holiday arrangements. The nature and extent of such arrangements vary, and the benefits of such arrangements phase out through 2015 according to the specific terms and schedules of the relevant taxing jurisdictions. The impact of the tax holidays on our effective rate is a reduction in the rate of 2.0, 3.1 and 7.3 percentage points for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
While we expect the amount of unrecognized tax benefits to change in the next 12 months, we do not expect the change to have a significant impact on the results of operations or our financial position.
Refer to Note 6 (Income Taxes) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details regarding income tax matters.
Net Income Attributable to Corning Incorporated
As a result of the items discussed above, net income and per share data was as follows (in millions, except per share amounts):
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS
Our reportable segments are as follows:
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Display Technologies - manufactures glass substrates for flat panel liquid crystal displays.
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Telecommunications - manufactures optical fiber and cable and hardware and equipment components for the telecommunications industry.
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Environmental Technologies - manufactures ceramic substrates and filters for automotive and diesel applications. This reportable segment is an aggregation of our Automotive and Diesel operating segments as these two segments share similar economic characteristics, products, customer types, production processes and distribution methods.
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Specialty Materials - manufactures products that provide more than 150 material formulations for glass, glass ceramics and fluoride crystals to meet demand for unique customer needs.
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Life Sciences - manufactures glass and plastic consumables for scientific applications.
All other reportable segments that do not meet the quantitative threshold for separate reporting have been grouped as “All Other”. This group is primarily comprised of development projects and results for new product lines.
We prepared the financial results for our segments on a basis that is consistent with the manner in which we internally disaggregate financial information to assist in making internal operating decisions. We included the earnings of equity affiliates that are closely associated with our reportable segments in the respective segment’s net income. We have allocated certain common expenses among our reportable segments differently than we would for stand-alone financial information. Segment net income may not be consistent with measures used by other companies. The accounting policies of our reportable segments are the same as those applied in the consolidated financial statements.
Effective January 1, 2009, we began providing U.S. income tax expense (or benefit) on U.S. earnings (losses) due to the change in our conclusion about the realizability of our U.S. deferred tax assets in 2008. As a result of the change in our tax position, we adjusted the allocation of taxes to our reportable segments in 2009 to reflect this difference. The impact of changing our allocation methodology was not significant.
Display Technologies
(dollars in millions):
2011 vs. 2010
The end market for LCD televisions was up slightly, with unit growth rates remaining consistent with or exceeding our expectations across all geographic regions. Additionally, larger-sized LCD televisions were the fastest growing size category in 2011 and have resulted in area growth rates that were even higher than unit growth rates. However, because Corning sells to panel makers and not to end market consumers, supply chain expansion and contraction for this industry are key factors in Corning’s sales volume. While end market demand continues to grow in all LCD applications, inventory levels within the LCD supply chain have not kept pace with this growth, and have, in fact, declined in absolute terms during 2011 when compared to 2010, resulting in lower volume and excess capacity in the supply chain. As a result, Corning announced in the fourth quarter of 2011 that it would reduce capacity at our wholly-owned business by delaying the start-up of new glass melting tanks, as well as postponing the relight of tanks that were removed from service for normal repair. Our equity affiliate, Samsung Corning Precision, took similar actions in the fourth quarter of 2011.
The slight increase in net sales in the Display Technologies segment in 2011, compared to 2010, was driven primarily by the favorable impact of approximately $300 million from movements in foreign exchange rates. Net sales of this segment are denominated in Japanese yen and, as a result, are susceptible to movements in the U.S. dollar-Japanese yen exchange rate. Volume growth in 2011 was more than offset by price declines, when compared to 2010.
When compared to 2010, the decrease in equity earnings from Samsung Corning Precision in 2011 reflected volume and price declines, offset somewhat by the favorable impact of approximately $120 million from movements in foreign exchange rates. Equity earnings of Samsung Corning Precision are impacted by movements in both the U.S. dollar - Japanese yen and U.S. dollar - Korean won exchange rates. The impact of the supply chain contraction and excess capacity has been more severe in Korea, resulting in higher price and volume declines at Samsung Corning Precision than at our wholly-owned business. Additionally, in the fourth quarter of 2011, although Samsung Corning Precision significantly reduced its glass pricing in light of the current state of glass supply in the industry, it did not recover market share that was lost in the third quarter. Due to these market dynamics, Samsung Corning Precision reduced its glass melting capacity, as described above. Equity earnings were also negatively impacted by higher taxes due to the partial expiration of a Korean tax holiday and the absence of a $61 million credit for our share of a revised tax holiday calculation agreed to by the Korean National Tax service recorded in 2010.
When compared to 2010, the decrease in net income in the Display Technologies segment in 2011 reflects the impact of lower equity earnings, price declines and a decrease in royalty income, partially offset by improved manufacturing efficiency and the favorable impact of approximately $230 million from foreign exchange rate movements. Net income was also negatively impacted by the absence of a pre-tax credit recorded in 2010 in the amount of $324 million as settlement of business interruption and property damage insurance claims.
A number of Corning’s patents and know-how are licensed to Samsung Corning Precision, as well as to third parties, which generates royalty income. Royalty income from Samsung Corning Precision decreased in 2011, when compared to 2010, reflecting the decline in sales volume at Samsung Corning Precision. Corning and Samsung Corning Precision have agreed that, for a five-year period commencing December 1, 2011, the applicable royalty rate will be reduced by approximately 50% compared to the prior five years. Refer to Note 7 (Investments) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information about related party transactions.
2010 vs. 2009
The increase in net sales in 2010 when compared to 2009 reflected an increase in volume of more than 25% and the positive impact of $179 million from movements in foreign exchange rates, offset by price declines of 8%. Volume gains in 2010 were led by strong growth in demand for LCD televisions outside of the United States, coupled with a replenishment of this industry’s supply chain.
Equity earnings of Samsung Corning Precision in 2010 increased by 32% when compared to 2009 due to volume gains of almost 20%, improved manufacturing performance, and by the positive impact of $90 million from movements in foreign exchange rates, offset somewhat by price declines of 7%. Equity earnings of Samsung Corning Precision are impacted by movements in both the U.S. dollar - Japanese yen and U.S. dollar - Korean won exchange rates. Equity earnings were also positively impacted by a $61 million credit for our share of a revised Samsung Corning Precision tax holiday calculation agreed to by the Korean National Tax service.
When compared to 2009, the increase in net income in 2010 primarily reflects the impact of the volume increases described above at both our wholly-owned business and Samsung Corning Precision and the impact of an insurance settlement for business interruption and property damage insurance claims, partially offset by price declines. The insurance settlement relates to two events in 2009 which impacted production at our LCD glass manufacturing facilities. In August 2009, an earthquake halted production at one of our LCD glass manufacturing facilities in Japan and, in October 2009, production at our facility in Taichung, Taiwan was impacted by a power disruption. We recorded a pre-tax credit in 2010 in the amount of $324 million as settlement of business interruption and property damage insurance claims related to these two events. Results also improved due to the absence of $31 million of restructuring charges impacting 2009 net income. Net income included royalty income from Samsung Corning Precision that was higher in 2010 when compared to 2009, reflecting the improvements in sales volume at Samsung Corning Precision. Net income in 2010 also includes the favorable impact of $182 million from movements in foreign exchange rates when compared to 2009.
Other Information
The Display Technologies segment has a concentrated customer base comprised of LCD panel and color filter makers primarily located in Japan, China and Taiwan. In 2011, four customers of the Display Technologies segment, which individually accounted for more than 10% of segment net sales, accounted for a combined 77% of total segment sales. For 2010 and 2009, three customers of the Display Technologies segment, which individually accounted for more than 10% of segment net sales, accounted for 72% and 62%, respectively, of total segment sales when totaled. Our customers face the same global economic dynamics as we do in this market. While we are not aware of any significant customer credit issues, our near-term sales and profitability would be impacted if any of these significant customers were unable to continue to purchase our products.
In addition, Samsung Corning Precision’s sales are concentrated across a small number of its customers. In 2011, 2010 and 2009, sales to two LCD panel makers located in Korea accounted for approximately 93% of Samsung Corning Precision sales in each of those three years.
Corning has invested heavily to expand capacity to meet the projected demand for LCD glass substrates. In 2011, 2010 and 2009, capital spending in this segment was $1.3 billion, $497 million, and $552 million, respectively. We expect capital spending for 2012 to be approximately $800 million, of which approximately $400 million will be related to spending from 2011 capital projects.
In 2005 and 2004, several of Corning’s customers entered into long-term purchase and supply agreements in which Corning’s Display Technologies segment would supply large-size glass substrates to these customers over periods of up to six years. As part of the agreements, these customers agreed to advance cash deposits to Corning for a portion of the contracted glass to be purchased. We received our last deposit of $105 million in July 2007 and do not expect to receive additional deposits related to these agreements. During 2011, 2010 and 2009, we issued $28 million, $83 million, and $253 million, respectively, in credits that were applied to customer receivable balances when payments were due. As of December 31, 2011, no additional deposits have been received and all amounts previously owed as credits have been applied to customer receivable balances when payments were due. Refer to Note 11 (Other Liabilities) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Outlook:
We expect the overall LCD glass retail market to increase from 3.2 billion square feet in 2011 to approximately 3.6 billion square feet in 2012. We believe that the long-term market drivers will be LCD television growth, driven by growth of larger-sized LCD televisions and increased demand in emerging regions, as well as continued growth in the personal computer market.
In the first quarter of 2012, we expect volume at our wholly-owned business to be consistent with the fourth quarter of 2011. We anticipate volume at Samsung Corning Precision to be flat to down in the double-digits, depending upon the outcome of negotiations with a key customer, when compared to the fourth quarter of 2011. We expect cumulative double-digit price declines over the two-quarter period beginning in the fourth quarter of 2011.
The end market demand for LCD televisions, monitors and notebooks is dependent on consumer retail spending, among other things. We are cautious about the potential negative impacts that economic conditions, particularly a global economic recession, excess market capacity and world political tensions could have on consumer demand. While the industry has grown rapidly in recent years, economic volatility along with consumer preferences for panels of differing sizes, prices, or other factors may lead to pauses in market growth. Therefore, it is possible that glass manufacturing capacity may exceed demand from time to time. We may incur further charges in this segment to reduce our workforce and consolidate capacity. In addition, changes in foreign exchange rates, principally the Japanese yen, will continue to impact the sales and profitability of this segment.
Telecommunications
(dollars in millions):
2011 vs. 2010
In 2011, net sales of the Telecommunications segment increased when compared to 2010 due to higher sales in all of the segment’s product lines, led by fiber-to-the-premises, optical fiber and cable, and enterprise network products. Sales of fiber-to-the-premises products increased 39%, driven by initiatives in Canada, Europe and Australia. Optical fiber and cable sales growth reflected record volume, moderating price declines and an increase in sales of premium products. Sales also increased due to a small acquisition completed in the first quarter of 2011 and the positive impact from movements in foreign exchange rates in the amount of $20 million.
The increase in net income in 2011 when compared to 2010 reflects higher volume across all product lines and an increase in sales of higher margin products, coupled with a credit in the amount of $27 million for the decrease in a contingent liability associated with a first quarter acquisition. The increase in net income was offset slightly by the impact of higher raw materials and project costs associated with our initiatives in Australia and Europe. Movements in foreign exchange rates did not have a significant impact on the comparability of net income for the periods presented.
The Telecommunications segment has a concentrated customer base. In 2011, one customer of the Telecommunications segment accounted for 12% of total segment net sales. In 2010, one customer of the Telecommunications segment accounted for 15% of total segment net sales. In 2009, one customer of the Telecommunications segment accounted for 12% of total segment net sales.
2010 vs. 2009
Net sales for the segment were up when compared to 2009. Higher sales of enterprise network products and optical fiber and cable in North America and Europe were offset somewhat by lower sales of fiber-to-the-premises products and optical fiber and cable products in Asia, as well as the absence of sales from two businesses sold in 2009. Sales from the two businesses sold totaled $49 million. Net sales in 2010 were negatively impacted by $11 million from movements in foreign exchange rates, when compared to 2009.
The increase in net income in 2010 reflected the absence of restructuring charges from 2009, volume strength in enterprise network products, and the impact of improved manufacturing efficiency and cost reduction efforts. Net income of this segment in 2009 included $42 million of restructuring charges associated with the Company’s corporate-wide restructuring plan to reduce its global workforce. Net income in 2010 includes the favorable impact of $10 million from movements in foreign exchange rates, when compared to 2009.
Outlook:
We expect another strong year of sales growth in the Telecommunications segment in 2012, driven by an increase in global demand for our optical fiber and cable, fiber-to-the-premises and enterprise network products. In the first quarter of 2012, we expect net sales of this segment to increase between 5% and 10% when compared to the fourth quarter of 2011.
Changes in our customers’ expected deployment plans, or additional reductions in their inventory levels of fiber-to-the-premises products, could also affect sales levels. Should these plans not occur at the pace anticipated, our sales and earnings would be adversely affected.
Environmental Technologies
(dollars in millions):
* The percentage change calculation is not meaningful.
2011 vs. 2010
When compared to 2010, net sales in the Environmental Technologies segment increased in 2011, primarily due to higher sales of diesel products. The increase was driven by an increase in truck production in the United States, implementation of European governmental regulations on light duty diesel vehicles, and the first stages of the implementation of off-road vehicle regulations in the United States. Sales of our automotive products also increased slightly in 2011, when compared to 2010, reflecting the continuing growth of worldwide automotive production. Net sales of this segment in 2011 were positively impacted by $13 million due to movements in foreign exchange rates when compared to 2010.
Net income in 2011 increased 181%, when compared to 2010, due to higher sales volume for our diesel products, combined with reduced air freight expense and improved manufacturing performance in both diesel and automotive product lines. The increase in net income was slightly offset by higher depreciation and project costs on manufacturing capacity expansion. Movements in foreign exchange rates negatively impacted the results of this segment in the amount of $3 million when compared to 2010.
The Environmental Technologies segment sells to a concentrated customer base of catalyzer and emission control systems manufacturers, who then sell to automotive and diesel engine manufacturers. Although our sales are to the emission control systems manufacturers, the use of our substrates and filters is generally required by the specifications of the automotive and diesel vehicle or engine manufacturers. For 2011, three customers of the Environmental Technologies segment, which individually accounted for more than 10% of segment sales, accounted for 85% of total segment sales. For 2010, three customers of the Environmental Technologies segment, which individually accounted for more than 10% of segment sales, accounted for 86% of total segment sales. For 2009, net sales to those same three customers accounted for 85% of total segment sales. While we are not aware of any significant customer credit issues with our direct customers, our near-term sales and profitability would be impacted if any individual customers were unable to continue to purchase our products.
2010 vs. 2009
Net sales for the Environmental Technologies segment in 2010 were up 38% when compared to 2009 and reflected higher volumes of both automotive and diesel products, offset somewhat by unfavorable foreign exchange rate movements. In 2009, automotive vehicle sales declined with the worldwide recession and production was significantly below vehicle sales volumes as manufacturers and dealers decreased inventories. In 2010, as automotive markets in the United States and Europe improved and China continued to expand, manufacturers and dealers increased inventories and production levels, resulting in a 25% increase in automotive production when compared to 2009. Diesel product sales increased 54% reflecting an improvement in the truck market in the United States and implementation of governmental regulations in Europe. Net sales of this segment in 2010 were negatively impacted by $11 million due to movements in foreign exchange rates when compared to 2009.
Net income in 2010 increased due to higher sales volumes and improvements in manufacturing performance, offset somewhat by higher freight costs, when compared to 2009. Net income in 2010 also reflected the absence of restructuring charges in comparison to the previous year. In 2009, net loss of this segment included $28 million of restructuring charges associated with the Company’s corporate-wide restructuring plan to reduce its global workforce in response to anticipated lower sales in 2009. Net income in 2010 included the negative impact of $9 million from movements in foreign exchange rates when compared to 2009.
Outlook:
We expect net sales of this segment to continue to be strong in 2012, due to strong growth in demand for diesel products in the United States freight market and related truck production, and continued implementation of governmental regulations of non-road regulations in the United States and Europe. In the first quarter of 2012, we expect net sales of this segment to be up slightly when compared to the fourth quarter of 2011.
Specialty Materials
(dollars in millions):
* The percentage change calculation is not meaningful.
2011 vs. 2010
The Specialty Materials segment manufactures products that provide more than 150 material formulations for glass, glass ceramics and fluoride crystals to meet demand for unique customer needs. Consequently, this segment operates in a wide variety of commercial and industrial markets that include display optics and components, semiconductor optics components, aerospace and defense, astronomy, ophthalmic products, telecommunications components and a protective cover glass that is optimized for portable display devices and televisions.
Net sales in 2011 increased significantly in the Specialty Materials segment, driven by sales of Corning Gorilla Glass, which more than doubled when compared to last year, and a modest increase in semiconductor optics and aerospace and defense products. Movements in foreign exchange rates did not significantly impact net sales of this segment in 2011. Sales of Corning Gorilla Glass increased considerably, especially during the first nine months of the year, due to a combination of strong retail demand for handheld display devices, tablets and notebook computers, and increased usage of our glass on these devices. Although sales of Corning Gorilla Glass used in our large cover glass products increased in 2011 when compared to 2010, sales were significantly below our expectations in 2011 and are expected to be lower than forecasted in 2012. As a result, certain assets located in Japan used in the ion exchange process for the production of large cover glass were impaired in the fourth quarter of 2011. This asset group includes machinery and equipment used in the ion exchange process and facilities dedicated to the ion exchange process. The Specialty Materials segment reduced capacity for its Corning Gorilla Glass products, including the impairment of large cover glass assets, in the fourth quarter of 2011 as part of Corning’s worldwide capacity reduction of approximately 25%.
The slight increase in net loss in 2011 when compared to 2010 was driven by the large cover glass asset impairment charge in the amount of $130 million (pre-tax), offset by the considerable increase in sales volume of our Corning Gorilla Glass used in handheld display devices, tablets and notebook computers. Net income was also impacted somewhat by declines in manufacturing efficiency caused primarily by start-up costs for large cover glass and glass tank conversions necessary to increase manufacturing capacity for Corning Gorilla Glass in 2011, as well as the negative impact of movements in foreign exchange rates in the amount of $22 million.
For 2011, two customers of the Specialty Materials segment, which individually accounted for more than 10% of segment sales, accounted for 42% of total segment sales. For 2010, three customers of the Specialty Materials segment, which individually accounted for more than 10% of segment sales, accounted for 43% of total segment sales. In 2009, there were no individual customers that accounted for 10% or more of this segment’s net sales.
2010 vs. 2009
Net sales increased in 2010 due to higher sales of Corning Gorilla Glass and an increase in sales of display components and semiconductor optics and components when compared to 2009. Sales of Corning Gorilla Glass increased as the Company moved to capitalize on market opportunities for this product.
The lower net loss in 2010 was driven by higher sales of our Corning Gorilla Glass products and the absence of restructuring charges, offset somewhat by the costs associated with adding capacity. The net loss in 2009 includes $17 million of restructuring charges for the Company’s corporate-wide restructuring plan to reduce its global workforce. In 2010, movements in foreign exchange rates did not significantly impact net sales or net income of this segment.
Outlook:
For 2012, we expect sales of this segment to be led by Corning Gorilla Glass. In the first quarter of 2012, we expect net sales to be up slightly driven by Corning Gorilla Glass, when compared to the fourth quarter of 2011.
Life Sciences
(dollars in millions):
* The percentage change calculation is not meaningful.
2011 vs. 2010
Net sales in 2011 increased when compared to 2010 due to a small acquisition completed in the fourth quarter of 2010 and higher sales in the segment’s existing product lines. Net sales in 2011 include the favorable impact of $7 million from movements in foreign exchange rates when compared to 2010.
Net income in 2011 was consistent with 2010, reflecting costs for manufacturing expansion projects, higher raw materials costs and the impact of the integration of the acquisition completed in 2010, offset by modest volume and price increases. Net income of this segment was positively impacted by $4 million due to movements in foreign exchange rates when compared to the prior year.
For 2011, two customers in the Life Sciences segment which individually accounted for more than 10% of total segment net sales collectively accounted for 39% of total segment sales. For 2010, two customers in the Life Sciences segment which individually accounted for more than 10% of total segment net sales collectively accounted for 37% of total segment sales. For 2009, two customers in the Life Sciences segment which individually accounted for more than 10% of total segment net sales collectively accounted for 45% of total segment sales.
2010 vs. 2009
The increase in net sales in 2010 was driven primarily by the acquisition of Axygen, which was completed in the third quarter of 2009, and a small acquisition completed in the fourth quarter of 2010. These acquisitions supported the Company’s strategy to expand Corning’s portfolio of life sciences products and enhance global customer access in this business, and accounted for $117 million of the increase in sales in 2010 when compared to 2009. The segment’s existing products lines also showed strong sales growth in 2010, improving $25 million when compared to 2009.
The improvement in net income in 2010 reflected the sales increases as described above, offset somewhat by higher cost of materials and expenses associated with the integration of Axygen. Net income for 2010 also reflected the absence of restructuring charges when compared to 2009. For 2009, net income of this segment included $8 million of restructuring charges associated with the Company’s corporate-wide restructuring plan. Movements in foreign exchange rates did not significantly impact the net sales or net income for this operating segment.
Outlook:
Sales of the Life Sciences segment for 2012 are expected to be strong, primarily due to an increase in organic sales and the impact of a small acquisition completed in the fourth quarter of 2011. In the first quarter of 2012, we expect net sales to be up approximately 10% when compared to the fourth quarter of 2011, driven partially by the impact of a full quarter of results for the small acquisition completed at the end of the fourth quarter of 2011.
All Other
(dollars in millions):
* The percentage change calculation is not meaningful.
All Other includes all other segments that do not meet the quantitative threshold for separate reporting. This group is primarily comprised of development projects that involve the use of various technologies for new products such as advanced flow reactors, thin-film photovoltaics and adjacency businesses in pursuit of thin, strong glass. This segment also includes results for certain corporate investments such as Samsung Corning Precision’s non-LCD glass businesses, Eurokera and Keraglass equity affiliates, which manufacture smooth cooktop glass/ceramic products, and Corsam Technologies LLC (Corsam), an equity affiliate established between Corning and Samsung Corning Precision to provide glass technology research. Refer to Note 7 (Investments) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about Samsung Corning Precision and related party transactions.
2011 vs. 2010
The increase in net loss in 2011 when compared to 2010 in this segment was driven by lower equity earnings from Samsung Corning Precision’s non-LCD glass businesses, partially offset by lower research, development and engineering expenses.
2010 vs. 2009
The decrease in the net loss in this segment for 2010 is primarily due to improved equity earnings from corporate investments and lower operating costs, offset by the costs of exiting our synthetic green laser program and the start-up costs for new business development projects.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Financing and Capital Structure
The following items impacted Corning’s financing and capital structure during 2011 and 2010:
•
On October 5, 2011, Corning’s Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to $1.5 billion of common stock between the date of the announcement and December 31, 2013. We repurchased 55 million shares of common stock for $780 million in the fourth quarter of 2011 as part of this program.
•
In the second quarter of 2011, a wholly-owned subsidiary entered into a credit facility that allows Corning to borrow up to Chinese Renminbi (RMB) 4.0 billion, or approximately $635 million when translated to United States dollars. Corning may request advances during the eighteen month period beginning on June 30, 2011 (the “Availability Period”). Corning will repay the aggregate principal amount and accrued interest outstanding at the end of the Availability Period in six installments, with the final payment due five years from the date of the first advance. Amounts borrowed are being used to finance capital expenditures related to the construction of a LCD glass substrate facility in Beijing, China. During 2011, Corning borrowed approximately $120 million on this credit facility.
•
In the fourth quarter of 2010, we completed the following debt-related transactions:
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We borrowed $1.1 billion under our revolving credit facility. Corning used the funds in connection with a previously announced plan to repatriate approximately $1.1 billion to the United States. The borrowing was repaid in full on December 16, 2010.
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We exercised our option to repurchase $100 million of 6.05% senior unsecured notes due June 15, 2015 at par. The net carrying amount of the debt repurchased was $100 million.
•
In the fourth quarter of 2010, we received a special dividend of almost $900 million, net of applicable withholding taxes, from our equity affiliate Samsung Corning Precision.
•
In the third quarter of 2010, we completed the following debt-related transactions:
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We issued $400 million of 5.75% senior unsecured notes that mature on August 15, 2040 and $300 million of 4.25% senior unsecured notes that mature on August 15, 2020. The net proceeds of $689 million from the offering were used to fund the repurchase of debt securities and for general corporate purposes.
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We repurchased $126 million of our 6.2% senior unsecured notes due 2016 and $100 million of our 5.9% senior unsecured notes due 2014 and recognized a pre-tax loss of $30 million upon the early redemption of these notes.
•
In the first quarter of 2010, we repaid $58 million of debt, which included the redemption of $48 million principal amount of our 6.25% notes due February 18, 2010.
On October 5, 2011, Corning’s Board of Directors declared a 50% increase in the company’s quarterly common stock dividend. Corning’s quarterly dividend increased from $0.05 per share to $0.075 per share.
In December 2010, we amended and restated our revolving credit facility to provide a $1.0 billion committed, unsecured multi-currency revolving line of credit through December 2015. The facility includes two financial covenants: a leverage ratio and an interest coverage ratio. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, we were in compliance with both financial covenants.
Capital Spending
Capital spending totaled $2.4 billion, $1.0 billion and $0.9 billion in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Capital spending increased significantly in 2011 when compared to 2010 and 2009, driven largely by several multi-year investment plans announced in 2010 that will increase manufacturing capacity in several of our reportable segments. Specifically, the increase in spending in 2011 was driven by construction costs for an LCD glass substrate facility in China for our Display Technologies segment and a capacity expansion project for Specialty Materials’ Corning Gorilla Glass in Japan. We expect our 2012 capital spending to be about $1.8 billion. Approximately $800 million will be allocated to our Display Technologies segment, of which approximately $400 million will be related to 2011 capital projects.
Cash Flows
Summary of cash flow data (in millions):
2011 vs. 2010
Net cash provided by operating activities decreased in 2011 when compared to 2010, driven largely by a non-recurring special dividend of almost $900 million received from Samsung Corning Precision in 2010 and a decrease in cash from changes in working capital. Additionally, in 2011, we received $66 million for the remainder of the settlement of business interruption and property damage insurance claims, a decrease of $193 million from the amount we received in 2010 as partial payment for these claims. These negative events were partially offset by a $350 million decrease in contributions to our defined benefit pension plans in 2011.
Net cash used in investing activities was higher in 2011 when compared to 2010 due to an increase in capital spending and two small acquisitions completed in 2011. Capital spending was driven primarily by capacity projects to support growth in demand in our Display Technologies and Specialty Materials segments. The increase in net cash used in investing activities was partially offset by higher cash received from short-term investments liquidations.
Net cash used in financing activities increased in 2011 when compared to 2010, driven by common stock repurchases and an increase in our dividend rate from $0.05 per share to $0.075 per share in the fourth quarter of 2011.
2010 vs. 2009
Operating cash flow increased significantly in 2010 when compared to 2009, driven largely by a special dividend of almost $900 million received from Samsung Corning Precision. We also recorded a credit in the amount of $324 million as settlement of business interruption and property damage insurance claims, and received cash totaling $259 million from our panel of insurance carriers representing a partial payment of this settlement. Additionally, we issued less credits against customer deposits in 2010 when compared to 2009. These positive events were partially offset by higher contributions to our defined benefit pension plan in 2010 and the decrease in cash from changes in working capital.
Net cash used in investing activities was higher in 2010 when compared to 2009 due to an increase in short-term investment purchases and higher capital expenditures, offset by lower costs for the acquisition of businesses.
Net cash provided by financing activities increased in 2010 primarily due to the increase in proceeds received from the exercise of stock options, offset somewhat by the net cash impact of financing activities.
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
We have defined benefit pension plans covering certain domestic and international employees. Our largest single pension plan is Corning’s U.S. qualified plan. At December 31, 2011, this plan accounted for 81% of our consolidated defined benefit pension plans’ projected benefit obligation and 91% of the related plans’ assets.
We have historically contributed to the U.S. qualified pension plan on an annual basis in excess of the IRS minimum requirements, and as a result, mandatory contributions are not expected to be required for this plan until some time after 2013. In 2011, we made no voluntary cash contributions to our domestic defined benefit pension plan and $5 million to our international pension plans. In 2010, we made voluntary cash contributions of $350 million to our domestic defined benefit pension plan and $5 million to our international pension plans.
In 2008, we experienced significant negative returns on our pension assets for our primary defined benefit plan as a result of deteriorating financial market conditions which increased pension expense for 2009 by $33 million. In 2011, 2010 and 2009, actual investment experience on the pension assets of our primary defined benefit plan was favorable driven by the performance of public equity markets, commodities and long duration fixed income securities.
Although we will not be subject to any mandatory contributions in 2012, we anticipate making voluntary cash contributions of up to $75 million to our U.S. pension plan and up to $30 million to our international pension plans in 2012.
Refer to Note 13 (Employee Retirement Plans) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Customer Deposits
Certain customers of our Display Technologies segment entered into long-term supply agreements and agreed to make advance cash deposits to secure supply of large-size glass substrates. The deposits were reduced through future product purchases, thus reducing operating cash flows in later periods as credits are applied for cash deposits received in earlier periods.
Between 2004 and 2007, we received a total of $937 million for customer deposit agreements. We received our last deposit of $105 million in 2007 and do not expect to receive additional deposits related to these agreements.
In 2011, 2010 and 2009, we issued credit memoranda which totaled $28 million, $83 million, and $253 million, respectively. These credit amounts were applied to customer receivable balances when payments were due. As of December 31, 2011, no additional deposits have been received and all amounts previously owed as credits have been applied to customer receivable balances when payments were due.
Dividends from Equity Companies
In the third quarter of 2011, Corning Hungary Data Services LLC and Samsung Electronics Corporation, as shareholders of Samsung Corning Precision, agreed to have Samsung Corning Precision increase its annual dividend to shareholders from 40% to 70% of its net income from the previous year, subject to the maintenance of minimum cash balances.
Restructuring
In 2009, we recorded charges of $228 million associated with a corporate-wide restructuring plan to reduce our global workforce in response to anticipated lower sales in 2009. The charge included costs for severance, special termination benefits, outplacement services, asset write-offs, and the impact of a curtailment loss for postretirement benefits. Total cash expenditures associated with these actions are expected to be approximately $150 million primarily related to termination benefits.
During 2011, 2010 and 2009, we made payments of $16 million, $66 million, and $89 million, respectively, related to employee severance and other exit costs resulting from restructuring actions. Refer to Note 2 (Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges (Credits)) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Key Balance Sheet Data
Balance sheet and working capital measures are provided in the following table (dollars in millions):
(1) Includes trade payables only.
Credit Ratings
As of February 13, 2012, our credit ratings were as follows:
Management Assessment of Liquidity
We ended the fourth quarter of 2011 with over $5.8 billion of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. The Company has adequate sources of liquidity and we are confident in our ability to generate cash to meet existing or reasonably likely future cash requirements. Our cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments are held in various locations throughout the world and are generally unrestricted. At December 31, 2011 approximately 65% of the consolidated amount was held outside of the U.S. Almost all of the amounts held outside of the U.S. are available for repatriation, subject to relevant tax consequences. We utilize a variety of tax planning and financing strategies to ensure that our worldwide cash is available in the locations in which it is needed. In the fourth quarter of 2010, we repatriated to the U.S. approximately $1.1 billion of 2010 earnings from certain foreign subsidiaries. We expect previously accumulated non-U.S. cash balances will remain outside of the U.S. In addition to the cash repatriated in 2010, we expect that we will meet U.S. liquidity needs through future cash flows, use of U.S. cash balances, external borrowings, or some combination of these sources.
Realized gains and losses for 2011 and 2010 were not significant. Volatility in financial markets may limit Corning’s access to capital markets and result in terms and conditions that by historical comparisons are more restrictive and costly to Corning. Still, from time to time, we may issue debt, the proceeds of which may be used to refinance certain debt maturities and for general corporate purposes. Refer to Note 3 (Available-for-Sale Investments) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
During 2011, we repurchased 55 million shares of common stock for $780 million as part of a share repurchase program announced on October 5, 2011. There were no repurchases in 2010 or 2009.
We complete comprehensive reviews of our significant customers and their creditworthiness by analyzing their financial statements at least annually or more frequently for customers where we have identified a measure of increased risk. We closely monitor payments and developments which may signal possible customer credit issues. We currently have not identified any potential material impact on our liquidity resulting from customer credit issues.
Our major source of funding for 2012 and beyond will be our operating cash flow and our existing balances of cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments, as well as proceeds from any potential issuances of debt. We believe we have sufficient liquidity for the next several years to fund operations, our share repurchase program, the asbestos litigation, research and development, capital expenditures, scheduled debt repayments, and dividend payments.
Corning also has access to two credit facilities, a $1.0 billion unsecured committed revolving line of credit and a 4.0 billion Chinese Renminbi (RMB) credit agreement (approximately $635 million when translated to USD). These two credit facilities include two financial covenants: a leverage ratio and an interest coverage ratio. The required leverage ratio, which measures debt to total capital, is a maximum of 50%. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, our leverage using this measure was 10% and 11%, respectively. The required interest coverage ratio, which is an adjusted earnings measure as defined by our facility, compared to interest expense, is a ratio of at least 3.5 times. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, our interest coverage ratio using this measure was 41.7 times and 40.2 times, respectively. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, we were in compliance with both financial covenants.
Our debt instruments contain customary event of default provisions, which allow the lenders the option of accelerating all obligations upon the occurrence of certain events. In addition, the majority of our debt instruments contain a cross default provision, whereby a default on one debt obligation of the Company in excess of a specified amount, also would be considered a default under the terms of another debt instrument. As of December 31, 2011, we were in compliance with all such provisions.
Management is not aware of any known trends, demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that will result in or that are reasonably likely to result in a material increase or decrease in our liquidity. In addition, other than items discussed, there are no known material trends, favorable or unfavorable, in our capital resources and no expected material changes in the mix and relative cost of such resources.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
Off balance sheet arrangements are transactions, agreements, or other contractual arrangements with an unconsolidated entity for which Corning has an obligation to the entity that is not recorded in our consolidated financial statements.
Corning’s off balance sheet arrangements include the following:
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Guarantee contracts; and
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Variable interests held in certain unconsolidated entities.
At the time a guarantee is issued, the Company is required to recognize a liability for the fair value or market value of the obligation it assumes. In the normal course of our business, we do not routinely provide significant third-party guarantees. Generally, third-party guarantees provided by Corning are limited to certain financial guarantees, including stand-by letters of credit and performance bonds, and the incurrence of contingent liabilities in the form of purchase price adjustments related to attainment of milestones. These guarantees have various terms, and none of these guarantees are individually significant.
Refer to Note 14 (Commitments, Contingencies, and Guarantees) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
For variable interest entities, we assess the terms of our interest in each entity to determine if we are the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity is the party that absorbs a majority of the entity’s expected losses, receives a majority of its expected residual returns, or both, as a result of holding variable interests, which are the ownership, contractual, or other pecuniary interests in an entity that change with changes in the fair value of the entity’s net assets excluding variable interests.
Corning has identified four entities that qualify as variable interest entities. None of these entities is considered to be significant to Corning’s consolidated statements of position.
Corning does not have retained interests in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity that serve as credit, liquidity or market risk support to that entity.
Contractual Obligations
The amounts of our obligations follow (in millions):
(1) At December 31, 2011, $41 million of the $59 million was included in other accrued liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.
(2) Capital expenditure obligations primarily reflect amounts associated with our capital expansion activities.
(3) At December 31, 2011, $2.4 billion was included on our balance sheet. Total debt above is stated at maturity value.
(4) The estimate of interest payments assumes interest is paid through the date of maturity or expiration of the related debt, based upon stated rates in the respective debt instruments.
(5) At December 31, 2011, $11 million was included on our balance sheet related to uncertain tax positions. Of this amount, we are unable to estimate when $5 million of that amount will become payable.
We are required, at the time a guarantee is issued, to recognize a liability for the fair value or market value of the obligation it assumes. In the normal course of our business, we do not routinely provide significant third-party guarantees. Generally, third-party guarantees provided by Corning are limited to certain financial guarantees, including stand-by letters of credit and performance bonds, and the incurrence of contingent liabilities in the form of purchase price adjustments related to attainment of milestones. These guarantees have various terms, and none of these guarantees are individually significant.
We have agreed to provide a credit facility related to Dow Corning. The funding of the Dow Corning credit facility will be required only if Dow Corning is not otherwise able to meet its scheduled funding obligations in its confirmed Bankruptcy Plan. The purchase obligations primarily represent raw material and energy-related take-or-pay contracts. We believe a significant majority of these guarantees and contingent liabilities will expire without being funded.
ENVIRONMENT
Corning has been named by the Environmental Protection Agency (the Agency) under the Superfund Act, or by state governments under similar state laws, as a potentially responsible party for 18 active hazardous waste sites. Under the Superfund Act, all parties who may have contributed any waste to a hazardous waste site, identified by the Agency, are jointly and severally liable for the cost of cleanup unless the Agency agrees otherwise. It is Corning’s policy to accrue for its estimated liability related to Superfund sites and other environmental liabilities related to property owned by Corning based on expert analysis and continual monitoring by both internal and external consultants. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, Corning had accrued approximately $25 million (undiscounted) and $30 million (undiscounted), respectively, for its estimated liability for environmental cleanup and related litigation. Based upon the information developed to date, management believes that the accrued reserve is a reasonable estimate of the Company’s liability and that the risk of an additional loss in an amount materially higher than that accrued is remote.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported therein. The estimates that required us to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments, including future projections of performance and relevant discount rates, follow.
Impairment of assets held for use
We are required to assess the recoverability of the carrying value of long-lived assets when an indicator of impairment has been identified. We review our long-lived assets in each quarter to assess whether impairment indicators are present. We must exercise judgment in assessing whether an event of impairment has occurred.
Manufacturing equipment includes certain components of production equipment that are constructed of precious metals, primarily platinum and rhodium. These metals are not depreciated because they have very low physical losses and are repeatedly reclaimed and reused in our manufacturing process over a very long useful life. Precious metals are reviewed for impairment as part of our assessment of long-lived assets. This review considers all of the Company’s precious metals that are either in place in the production process; in reclamation, fabrication, or refinement in anticipation of re-use; or awaiting use to support increased capacity. Precious metals are only acquired to support our operations and are not held for trading or other non-manufacturing related purposes.
Examples of events or circumstances that may be indicative of impairments include:
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A significant decrease in the market price of an asset;
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A significant change in the extent or manner in which a long-lived asset is being used or in its physical condition;
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A significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate that could affect the value of the asset, including an adverse action or assessment by a regulator;
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An accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or construction of an asset;
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A current-period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses or a projection or forecast that demonstrates continuing losses associated with the use of an asset; and
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A current expectation that, more likely than not, an asset will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life.
For purposes of recognition and measurement of an impairment loss, a long-lived asset or assets is grouped with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. We must exercise judgment in assessing the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. For the majority of our reportable segments, we concluded that locations or businesses which share production along the supply chain must be combined in order to appropriately identify cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities.
For long-lived assets, when impairment indicators are present, we compare estimated undiscounted future cash flows, including the eventual disposition of the asset group at market value, to the assets’ carrying value to determine if the asset group is recoverable. This assessment requires the exercise of judgment in assessing the future use of and projected value to be derived from the assets to be held and used. Assessments also consider changes in asset utilization, including the temporary idling of capacity and the expected timing for placing this capacity back into production. If there is an impairment, a loss is recorded to reflect the difference between the assets’ fair value and carrying value. This may require judgment in estimating future cash flows and relevant discount rates and residual values in estimating the current fair value of the impaired assets to be held and used.
For an asset group that fails the test of recoverability described above, the estimated fair value of long-lived assets is determined using an “income approach”, “market approach”, “cost approach”, or a combination of one or more of these approaches as appropriate for the particular asset group being reviewed. All of these approaches start with the forecast of expected future net cash flows including the eventual disposition at market value of long-lived assets, and also considers the fair market value of all precious metals if appropriate for the asset group being reviewed. Some of the more significant estimates and assumptions in our analysis include: market size and growth, market share, projected selling prices, manufacturing cost and discount rate. Our estimates are based upon our historical experience, our commercial relationships, and available external information about future trends. We believe fair value assessments are most sensitive to market growth and the corresponding impact on volume and selling prices and that these are also more subjective than manufacturing cost and other assumptions. The Company believes its current assumptions and estimates are reasonable and appropriate.
In the event the current net book value of an asset group is found to be greater than the net present value of the cash flows derived from the asset group, we determine the actual fair market value of long-lived assets with the assistance from valuation appraisals conducted by third parties. The results of these valuations generally represent the fair market value of the asset group that will remain after any necessary impairment adjustments have been recorded. The impairment charge will be allocated to assets within the asset group on a relative fair value basis.
At December 31, 2011, the carrying value of precious metals was higher than the fair market value by $304 million. At December 31, 2010, the fair market value of precious metals was higher than our carrying value by $415 million. For the current reporting period, the undiscounted cash flow test shows that these precious metal assets, primarily in the Display Technologies segment, are recoverable as part of their asset groupings. The potential for impairment exists in the future if negative events significantly decrease the cash flow of our segments. Such events include, but are not limited to, a significant decrease in demand for products or a significant decrease in profitability in our Display Technologies or Specialty Materials segments.
During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Specialty Materials segment recorded a $130 million impairment charge related to certain assets located in Japan used in the ion exchange process for the production of large cover glass. Large cover glass is primarily used as a cover sheet of strengthened glass for frameless (bezel-less) LCD displays. The large cover glass impairment charge represents a write-down of assets specific to the glass-strengthening process for large size cover glass to their relative fair market values as of the date of impairment. This asset group includes machinery and equipment used in the ion exchange process and facilities dedicated to the ion exchange process.
For the year ended December 31, 2010, we did not identify any instances where the carrying values of our long-lived assets were not recoverable.
Impairment of Goodwill
We are required to make certain subjective and complex judgments in assessing whether an event of impairment of goodwill has occurred, including assumptions and estimates used to determine the fair value of our reporting units.
Corning’s goodwill relates primarily to the Telecommunications, Specialty Materials and Life Sciences operating segments. Our annual goodwill recoverability assessment has historically been performed in the fourth quarter, as it is traditionally based on our annual strategic planning process. This process includes an extensive review of expectations for the long-term growth of our businesses and forecasted future cash flows. Our valuation method is an “income approach” using a discounted cash flow model in which cash flows anticipated over several periods, plus a terminal value at the end of that time horizon, are discounted to their present value using an appropriate rate of return. Our estimates are based upon our historical experience, our current knowledge from our commercial relationships, and available external information about future trends. Our latest detailed assessment was completed in the fourth quarter of 2009, and because we met the required criteria, was carried forward in 2010.
In the fourth quarter of 2011, we early adopted the guidance found in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-08, which simplifies how an entity tests goodwill for impairment. It provides an option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The following summarizes our process to assess our goodwill balances for impairment:
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On a quarterly basis, we assess qualitative factors in each of our reporting units which carry goodwill to determine whether it is necessary to perform the first step of the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. The impairment test is required only if we conclude that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount.
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The following events and circumstances will be considered when evaluating whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount:
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Macroeconomic conditions, such as a deterioration in general economic conditions, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and/or other developments in equity and credit markets;
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Market capital in relation to book value;
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Industry and market considerations, such as a deterioration in the environment in which an entity operates, material loss in market share and significant declines in product pricing;
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Cost factors, such as an increase in raw materials, labor or other costs;
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Overall financial performance, such as negative or declining cash flows or a decline in actual or forecasted revenue;
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Other relevant entity-specific events, such as material changes in management or key personnel; and
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Events affecting a reporting unit, such as a change in the composition or carrying amount of its net assets including acquisitions and dispositions.
The examples noted above are not all-inclusive, and the Company shall consider other relevant events and circumstances that affect the fair value of a reporting unit in determining whether to perform the first step of the goodwill impairment test.
We anticipate performing a detailed goodwill recoverability test in the second half of 2012 and every three years thereafter, unless indicators suggest otherwise.
Telecommunications
Goodwill for the Telecommunications segment is tested at the reporting unit level which is also the operating segment level.
In the fourth quarter of 2009, we performed a quantitative goodwill recoverability test for this reporting unit, which was evaluated in the fourth quarter of 2010. The results of our impairment tests in 2009 and the update in 2010 indicated that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its book value by a significant amount. A discount rate of 9% was used in 2009. We determined a range of discount rates between 7% and 11% would not have affected our conclusion. In evaluating goodwill recoverability in the Telecommunications segment in the fourth quarter of 2011, we assessed qualitative factors in this reporting unit to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. Based on our qualitative assessment, including but not limited to, consideration of the above factors, we concluded that it is more likely than not that there has not been a significant decrease in the amount that fair value exceeds the carrying value of goodwill in the Telecommunications reporting unit.
Specialty Materials
Goodwill for the Specialty Materials segment is tested at the reporting unit level, which is one level below an operating segment, as goodwill is the result of transactions associated with certain businesses within this operating segment.
In the fourth quarter of 2009, we performed a quantitative goodwill recoverability test for this reporting unit, which was evaluated in the fourth quarter of 2010. The results of our impairment tests in 2009 and the update in 2010 indicated that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its book value by a significant amount. A discount rate of 9% was used in 2009. We determined a range of discount rates between 7% and 11% would not have affected our conclusion. In evaluating goodwill recoverability in the fourth quarter of 2011, we assessed qualitative factors in this reporting unit to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. Based on our qualitative assessment, including but not limited to, consideration of the above factors, we concluded that it is more likely than not that there has not been a significant decrease in the amount that fair value exceeds the carrying value of goodwill in the Specialty Materials reporting unit. Additionally, the large cover glass impairment incurred in the fourth quarter of 2011 did not cause a triggering event for goodwill impairment in this reporting unit because the cash flow related to this lower level asset group is not material to this reporting unit.
Life Sciences
Goodwill for the Life Sciences segment is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level which is also the operating segment level.
In the fourth quarter of 2009, we performed a quantitative goodwill recoverability test for this reporting unit, which was evaluated in the fourth quarter of 2010. The results of our impairment tests in 2009 and the update in 2010 indicated that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its book value by a significant amount. A discount rate of 8% was used in 2009. We determined a range of discount rates between 6% and 10% would not have affected our conclusion. In evaluating goodwill recoverability in the fourth quarter of 2011, we assessed qualitative factors in this reporting unit to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. Based on our qualitative assessment, including but not limited to, consideration of the above factors, we concluded that it is more likely than not that there has not been a significant decrease in the amount that fair value exceeds the carrying value of goodwill in the Life Sciences reporting unit.
As a result of the assessment of the qualitative factors, we have determined it is not necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test on our reporting units.
Restructuring charges and impairments resulting from restructuring actions
We are required to assess whether and when a restructuring event has occurred and in which periods charges related to such events should be recognized. We must estimate costs of plans to restructure including, for example, employee termination costs. Restructuring charges require us to exercise judgment about the expected future of our businesses, of portions thereof, their profitability, cash flows and in certain instances eventual outcome. The judgment involved can be difficult, subjective and complex in a number of areas, including assumptions and estimates used in estimating the future profitability and cash flows of our businesses.
Restructuring events often give rise to decisions to dispose of or abandon certain assets or asset groups which, as a result, require impairment. We are required to carry assets to be sold or abandoned at the lower of cost or fair value. We must exercise judgment in assessing the fair value of the assets to be sold or abandoned.
Income taxes
We are required to exercise judgment about our future results in assessing the realizability of our deferred tax assets. Inherent in this estimation process is the requirement for us to estimate future book taxable income and possible tax planning strategies. These estimates require us to exercise judgment about our future results, the prudence and feasibility of possible tax planning strategies, and the economic environments in which we do business. It is possible that actual results will differ from assumptions and require adjustments to allowances.
Significant estimates and assumptions used in assessing the realizability of our deferred tax assets included: the long-term stabilization of U.S. income from forecasted royalty income in our Display Technologies operating segment, the long-term growth of our diesel business, and the future success of new products.
Equity method investments
At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the carrying value of our equity method investments was $4.7 billion and $4.4 billion, respectively, with our two largest equity method investments comprising approximately 95% of the balance. We review our equity method investments for indicators of impairment on a periodic basis or if an event or circumstances change to indicate the carrying amount may be other-than-temporarily impaired. When such indicators are present, we then perform an in-depth review for impairment. An impairment assessment requires the exercise of judgment related to key assumptions such as forecasted revenue and profitability, forecasted tax rates, foreign currency exchange rate movements, terminal value assumptions, historical experience, our current knowledge from our commercial relationships, and available external information about future trends.
As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, we have not identified any instances where the carrying values of our equity method investments were not recoverable.
Fair value measures
As required, Corning uses two kinds of inputs to determine the fair value of assets and liabilities: observable and unobservable. Observable inputs are based on market data or independent sources, while unobservable inputs are based on the Company’s own market assumptions. Once inputs have been characterized, we prioritize the inputs used to measure fair value into one of three broad levels. Characterization of fair value inputs is required for those accounting pronouncements that prescribe or permit fair value measurement. In addition, observable market data must be used when available and the highest-and-best-use measure should be applied to non-financial assets. Corning’s major categories of financial assets and liabilities required to be measured at fair value are short-term and long-term investments, certain pension asset investments and derivatives. These categories use observable inputs only and are measured using a market approach based on quoted prices in markets considered active or in markets in which there are few transactions.
Derivative assets and liabilities may include interest rate swaps and forward exchange contracts that are measured using observable quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities. In arriving at the fair value of Corning’s derivative assets and liabilities, we have considered the appropriate valuation and risk criteria, including such factors as credit risk of the relevant party to the transaction. Amounts related to credit risk are not material.
The Level 3 assets measured with unobservable inputs relate to certain pension asset investments and all long-lived assets fair valued on a nonrecurring basis related to the ion exchange process for the production of large cover glass, resulting in an impairment charge of $130 million, which was included in earnings for the period. Refer to Note 16 (Fair Value Measurements) of the Consolidated Financial Statements for further detail.
Probability of litigation outcomes
We are required to make judgments about future events that are inherently uncertain. In making determinations of likely outcomes of litigation matters, we consider the evaluation of legal counsel knowledgeable about each matter, case law, and other case-specific issues. See Part II - Item 3. Legal Proceedings for a discussion of the material litigation matters we face. The most significant matter involving judgment is the liability for asbestos litigation. There are a number of factors bearing upon our potential liability, including the inherent complexity of a Chapter 11 filing, our history of success in defending asbestos claims, our assessment of the strength of our corporate veil defenses, and our continuing dialogue with our insurance carriers and the claimants’ representatives. The proposed asbestos resolution (Amended PCC Plan) is subject to a number of contingencies. The approval of the Amended PCC Plan by the Bankruptcy Court is not certain and faces objections by some parties. Any approval of the Amended PCC Plan by the Bankruptcy Court is subject to appeal. For these and other reasons, Corning’s liability for these asbestos matters may be subject to changes in subsequent quarters. The estimate of the cost of resolving the non-PCC asbestos claims may also be subject to change as developments occur. Management continues to believe that the likelihood of the uncertainties surrounding these proceedings causing a material adverse impact to Corning’s financial statements is remote.
Other possible liabilities
We are required to make judgments about future events that are inherently uncertain. In making determinations of likely outcomes of certain matters, including certain tax planning and environmental matters, these judgments require us to consider events and actions that are outside our control in determining whether probable or possible liabilities require accrual or disclosure. It is possible that actual results will differ from assumptions and require adjustments to accruals.
Pension and other postretirement employee benefits (OPEB)
Pension and OPEB costs and obligations are dependent on assumptions used in calculating such amounts. These assumptions include discount rates, health care cost trend rates, benefits earned, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, mortality rates, and other factors. Actual results that differ from the assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods and, therefore, generally affect recognized expense and the recorded obligation in future periods. While management believes that the assumptions used are appropriate, differences in actual experience or changes in assumptions may affect Corning’s employee pension and other postretirement obligations and future expense.
As of December 31, 2011, the Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO) for U.S. pension plans was $2,855 million.
The following information illustrates the sensitivity to a change in certain assumptions for U.S. pension plans:
The above sensitivities reflect the impact of changing one assumption at a time. Note that economic factors and conditions often affect multiple assumptions simultaneously and the effects of changes in key assumptions are not necessarily linear. These changes in assumptions would have no effect on Corning’s funding requirements.
In addition, at December 31, 2011, a 25 basis point decrease in the discount rate would decrease stockholders’ equity by $104 million before tax, and a 25 basis point increase in the discount rate would increase stockholders’ equity by $101 million. In addition, the impact of greater than a 25 basis point decrease in discount rate would not be proportional to the first 25 basis point decrease in the discount rate.
The following table illustrates the sensitivity to a change in the discount rate assumption related to Corning’s U.S. OPEB plans:
* Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation (APBO).
The above sensitivities reflect the impact of changing one assumption at a time. Note that economic factors and conditions often affect multiple assumptions simultaneously and the effects of changes in key assumptions are not necessarily linear.
Revenue recognition
The Company recognizes revenue when it is realized or realizable and earned. In certain instances, revenue recognition is based on estimates of fair value of deliverables as well as estimates of product returns, allowances, discounts, and other factors. These estimates are supported by historical data. While management believes that the estimates used are appropriate, differences in actual experience or changes in estimates may affect Corning’s future results.
Share-Based Compensation
Share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period. Determining the fair value of stock-based awards at the grant date requires judgment, including estimating expected dividends. In addition, judgment is also required in estimating the amount of share-based awards that are expected to be forfeited. If actual results differ significantly from these estimates, share-based compensation expense and our results of operations could be impacted.
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Refer to Note 1 (Summary of Significant Accounting Policies) to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, in reports subsequently filed by Corning with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Form 10-Q, Form 8-K, and related comments by management that are not historical facts or information and contain words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” and similar expressions are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual outcome to be materially different. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:
- global business, financial, economic and political conditions;
- tariffs and import duties;
- currency fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and other currencies, primarily the Japanese yen, New Taiwan dollar, Euro, and Korean won;
- product demand and industry capacity;
- competitive products and pricing;
- availability and costs of critical components and materials;
- new product development and commercialization;
- order activity and demand from major customers;
- fluctuations in capital spending by customers;
- possible disruption in commercial activities due to terrorist activity, cyber attack, armed conflict, political or financial instability, natural disasters, or major health concerns;
- unanticipated disruption to equipment, facilities, or operations;
- facility expansions and new plant start-up costs;
- effect of regulatory and legal developments;
- ability to pace capital spending to anticipated levels of customer demand;
- credit rating and ability to obtain financing and capital on commercially reasonable terms;
- adequacy and availability of insurance;
- financial risk management;
- acquisition and divestiture activities;
- rate of technology change;
- level of excess or obsolete inventory;
- ability to enforce patents and protect intellectual property and trade secrets;
- adverse litigation;
- product and components performance issues;
- retention of key personnel;
- stock price fluctuations;
- trends for the continued growth of the Company’s businesses;
- the ability of research and development projects to produce revenues in future periods;
- a downturn in demand or decline in growth rates for LCD glass substrates;
- customer ability, most notably in the Display Technologies segment, to maintain profitable operations and obtain financing to fund their ongoing operations and manufacturing expansions and pay their receivables when due;
- loss of significant customers;
- fluctuations in supply chain inventory levels;
- equity company activities, principally at Dow Corning Corporation and Samsung Corning Precision;
- changes in tax laws and regulations;
- changes in accounting rules and standards;
- the potential impact of legislation, government regulations, and other government action and investigations;
- temporary idling of capacity or delaying expansion;
- the ability to implement productivity, consolidation and cost reduction efforts, and to realize anticipated benefits;
- restructuring actions and charges; and
- other risks detailed in Corning’s SEC filings.
Item 7A.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks
We operate and conduct business in many foreign countries and as a result are exposed to movements in foreign currency exchange rates. Our exposure to exchange rates has the following effects:
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Exchange rate movements on financial instruments and transactions denominated in foreign currencies that impact earnings; and
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Exchange rate movements upon conversion of net assets and net income of foreign subsidiaries for which the functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, which impact our net equity.
We have foreign currency exposure to many currencies including the Japanese yen, Euro, New Taiwan dollar and Korean won. We selectively enter into foreign exchange forward contracts with durations generally 18 months or less to hedge our exposure to exchange rate risk on foreign source income and purchases. These hedges are scheduled to mature coincident with the timing of the underlying foreign currency commitments and transactions. The objective of these contracts is to reduce the impact of exchange rate movements on our operating results. We also enter into foreign exchange forward contracts when situations arise where our foreign subsidiaries or Corning enter into lending situations, generally on an intercompany basis, denominated in currencies other than their local currency. We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. Corning uses derivative instruments (forwards) to limit the exposure to foreign currency fluctuations associated with certain monetary assets and liabilities. These derivative instruments are not designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes and, as such, are referred to as undesignated hedges. Changes in the fair value of undesignated hedges, along with foreign currency gains and losses arising from the underlying monetary assets or liabilities, are recorded in current period earnings in Other income, net in the consolidated statements of income.
Equity in earnings of affiliated companies has historically contributed a significant amount to our income from continuing operations. Equity in earnings of affiliated companies, net of impairments, were $1.5 billion and $2.0 billion in 2011 and 2010, respectively, with foreign-based affiliates comprising over 71% of this amount in 2011. Equity earnings from Samsung Corning Precision totaled $1.0 billion for 2011 and $1.5 billion for 2010. Exchange rate fluctuations and actions taken by management of these entities can affect the earnings of these companies.
We use a sensitivity analysis to assess the market risk associated with our foreign currency exchange risk. Market risk is defined as the potential change in fair value of assets and liabilities resulting from an adverse movement in foreign currency exchange rates. At December 31, 2011, with respect to open forward contracts, and foreign denominated debt with values exposed to exchange rate movements, a 10% adverse movement in quoted foreign currency exchange rates could result in a loss in fair value of these instruments of $275 million compared to $360 million at December 31, 2010. Specific to the Japanese yen, a 10% adverse movement in quoted yen exchange rates could result in a loss in fair value of these instruments of $241 million compared to $272 million at December 31, 2010. Specific to the Euro, a 10% adverse movement in quoted euro exchange rates could result in a loss in fair value of these instruments of $23 million compared to $83 million at December 31, 2010.
As we derive approximately 75% of our net sales from outside the U.S., our sales and net income could be affected if the U.S. dollar significantly strengthens or weakens against foreign currencies, most notably the Japanese yen and Euro. Our forecasts generally assume exchange rates during 2012 remain constant at January 2012 levels. As an example of impact changes in foreign currency exchange rates could have on our financial results, we compare 2011 actual sales in yen and Euro transaction currencies at an average currency exchange rate during the year to a 10% change in the currency exchange rate. A plus or minus 10% movement in the U.S. dollar - Japanese yen exchange rate would result in a change to 2011 net sales of approximately $410 million. A plus or minus 10% movement in the U.S. dollar - euro exchange rate would result in a change to 2011 net sales of approximately $96 million. Using 2011 net income attributable to Corning Incorporated as a percentage of net sales of 36%, we can estimate that a plus or minus 10% movement in the U.S. dollar - Japanese yen exchange rate would result in a change to 2011 net income attributable to Corning Incorporated of approximately $146 million. A plus or minus 10% movement in the U.S. dollar - euro exchange rate would result in a change to 2011 net income attributable to Corning Incorporated of approximately $34 million.
Interest Rate Risk Management
It is our policy to conservatively manage our exposure to changes in interest rates. At December 31, 2011, our consolidated debt portfolio contained less than 1% of variable rate instruments.
Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
See Item 15 (a) 1.
Item 9.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our principal executive and principal financial officers, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act) Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this report, have concluded that based on the evaluation of these controls and procedures required by paragraph (b) of Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15, that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
(a) Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate disclosure controls and procedures and adequate internal control over financial reporting for Corning. Management is also responsible for the assessment of the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.
Disclosure controls and procedures mean controls and other procedures of an issuer that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Corning’s disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Corning in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to Corning’s management, including Corning’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or other persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Corning’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Corning’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of Corning’s assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that Corning’s receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of Corning’s management and directors; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of Corning’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.
Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the system of internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that Corning’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2011. The effectiveness of Corning’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.
(b) Attestation Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Refer to Part IV, Item 15.
(c) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B.
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
PART III
Item 10.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Directors of the Registrant
The sections entitled “Nominees for Election as Directors” and “Directors Continuing in Office” in our Definitive Proxy Statement relating to our annual meeting of shareholders to be held on April 26, 2012, is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Information regarding executive officers is presented in Item I of this report on Form 10-K under the caption “Executive Officers of the Registrant.”
Audit Committee and Audit Committee Financial Expert
Corning has an Audit Committee and has identified three members of the Audit Committee as Audit Committee Financial Experts. See sections entitled “Meetings and Committees of the Board” and “Corporate Governance Matters” in our Definitive Proxy Statement relating to our annual meeting of shareholders to be held on April 26, 2012, which are incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act
The section entitled “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in our Definitive Proxy Statement relating to our annual meeting of shareholders to be held on April 26, 2012, is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Code of Ethics
Our Board of Directors adopted the (i) Code of Ethics for the Chief Executive Officer and Financial Executives and the (ii) Code of Conduct for Directors and Executive Officers, which supplements the Code of Conduct. These Codes have been in existence for more than ten years and govern all employees and directors. During 2011, no amendments to or waivers of the provisions of the Code of Ethics were made with respect to any of our directors or executive officers. A copy of the Code of Ethics is available on our website at www.corning.com/investor_relations/corporate_governance/codes_of_conduct.aspx. We will also provide a copy of the Code of Ethics to shareholders without charge upon written request to Ms. Denise A. Hauselt, Vice President, Secretary and Assistant General Counsel, Corning Incorporated, HQ-E2-10, Corning, NY 14831. We will disclose future amendments to, or waivers from, the Code of Ethics on our website within four business days following the date of such amendment or waiver.
Item 11.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The sections entitled “Executive Compensation,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Compensation Committee Report,” and “Directors Compensation” in our Definitive Proxy Statement relating to the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on April 26, 2012, are incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 12.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The section entitled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” in our Definitive Proxy Statement relating to the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on April 26, 2012, is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The information required by this item related to the Company’s securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2011 is included in Part I, “Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 13.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence
The section entitled “Corporate Governance Matters” in our Definitive Proxy Statement relating to the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on April 26, 2012, is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 14.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The sections entitled “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Fees Paid to Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” and “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Policy Regarding Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permitted Non-Audit Services of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in our Definitive Proxy Statement relating to the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on April 26, 2012, are incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
In October 2011, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) issued its annual Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Rule 3526 independence letter to the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors and therein reported that it is independent under applicable standards in connection with its audit opinion for the financial statements contained in this report. The Audit Committee has discussed with PwC its independence from Corning, and concurred with PwC.
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(a) Documents filed as part of this report:
(b) Exhibits filed as part of this report:
(c) Financial Statements
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused his report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Corning Incorporated
By
/s/ Wendell P. Weeks
Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and President
February 13, 2012
(Wendell P. Weeks)
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 date indicated.
*By
/s/ Vincent P. Hatton
(Vincent P. Hatton, Attorney-in-fact)
Corning Incorporated
2011 Annual Report
Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Corning Incorporated:
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Corning Incorporated and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in “Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting,” appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
February 13, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Income
Corning Incorporated and Subsidiary Companies
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Corning Incorporated and Subsidiary Companies
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Corning Incorporated and Subsidiary Companies
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
Corning Incorporated and Subsidiary Companies
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Corning Incorporated and Subsidiary Companies
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Organization
Corning Incorporated is a provider of high-performance glass for notebook computers, flat panel desktop monitors, LCD televisions, and other information display applications; optical fiber and cable and hardware and equipment products for the telecommunications industry; ceramic substrates for gasoline and diesel engines in automotive and heavy duty vehicle markets; laboratory products for the scientific community and specialized polymer products for biotechnology applications; advanced optical materials for the semiconductor industry and the scientific community; and other technologies. In these notes, the terms “Corning,” “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” mean Corning Incorporated and subsidiary companies.
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
Our consolidated financial statements were prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. and include the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of all majority-owned subsidiaries over which Corning exercises control.
The equity method of accounting is used for investments in affiliated companies that are not controlled by Corning and in which our interest is generally between 20% and 50% and we have significant influence over the entity. Our share of earnings or losses of affiliated companies, in which at least 20% of the voting securities is owned and we have significant influence but not control over the entity, is included in consolidated operating results.
We use the cost method to account for our investments in companies that we do not control and for which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies. In accordance with the cost method, these investments are recorded at cost or fair value, as appropriate.
All material intercompany accounts, transactions and profits are eliminated in consolidation.
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current-year presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on our results of operations, financial position, or changes in shareholders’ equity.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and related notes. Significant estimates and assumptions in these consolidated financial statements include estimates of fair value associated with goodwill and long-lived asset impairment tests, estimates of fair value of investments, equity interests, environmental and legal liabilities, income taxes and deferred tax valuation allowances, assumptions used in calculating pension and other postretirement employee benefit expenses and the fair value of stock based compensation. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results reported in future periods may be different from these estimates.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue for sales of goods is recognized when a firm sales agreement is in place, delivery has occurred and sales price is fixed or determinable and collection is reasonably assured. If customer acceptance of products is not reasonably assured, sales are recorded only upon formal customer acceptance. Sales of goods typically do not include multiple product and/or service elements.
At the time revenue is recognized, allowances are recorded, with the related reduction to revenue, for estimated product returns, allowances and price discounts based upon historical experience and related terms of customer arrangements. Where we have offered product warranties, we also establish liabilities for estimated warranty costs based upon historical experience and specific warranty provisions. Warranty liabilities are adjusted when experience indicates the expected outcome will differ from initial estimates of the liability.
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Other Income (Expense), Net
“Other income (expense), net” in Corning’s consolidated statements of income includes the following (in millions):
Research and Development Costs
Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred. Research and development costs totaled $563 million in 2011, $491 million in 2010, and $465 million in 2009.
Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions
The determination of the functional currency for Corning’s foreign subsidiaries is made based on the appropriate economic factors. For most foreign operations, the local currencies are generally considered to be the functional currencies. Corning’s most significant exception is our Taiwanese subsidiary, which uses the Japanese yen as its functional currency. For all transactions denominated in a currency other than a subsidiary’s functional currency, exchange rate gains and losses are included in income for the period in which the exchange rates changed.
Foreign subsidiary functional currency balance sheet accounts are translated at current exchange rates, and statement of operations accounts are translated at average exchange rates for the year. Translation gains and losses are recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity. The effects of remeasuring non-functional currency assets and liabilities into the functional currency are included in current earnings, except for those related to intra-entity foreign currency transactions of a long-term investment nature which are recorded together with translation gains and losses in other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity.
Stock-Based Compensation
Corning’s stock-based compensation programs include employee stock option grants, time-based restricted stock awards, time-based restricted stock units, performance based restricted stock awards, performance-based restricted stock units, and the Worldwide Employee Share Purchase Plan, as more fully described in Note 19 (Share-based Compensation) to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The cost of stock-based compensation awards is equal to the fair value of the award at the date of grant and compensation expense is recognized for those awards earned over the vesting period, except as noted below. Corning estimates the fair value of stock based awards using a multiple-point Black-Scholes option valuation model, which incorporates assumptions including expected volatility, dividend yield, risk-free rate, expected term and departure rates.
Corning offered a Worldwide Employee Share Purchase Plan (WESPP), under which substantially all employees could elect to have up to 10% of their annual wages withheld to purchase our common stock. The purchase price of the stock was 85% of the end-of-quarter closing market price. On February 3, 2010, Corning’s Board of Directors approved the recommendation to terminate on-going WESPP contributions effective March 31, 2010 and the WESPP terminated in May 2010.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into cash. We consider securities with contractual maturities of three months or less, when purchased, to be cash equivalents. The carrying amount of these securities approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments.
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information follows (in millions):
(1) Amounts represent credits applied to customer receivable balances for customers that made advance cash deposits under long-term purchase and supply agreements.
(2) Included in this amount are approximately $46 million, $20 million, and $29 million of interest costs that were capitalized as part of property, net in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Short-Term Investments
Our short-term investments consist of available-for-sale securities that are stated at fair value. Consistent with Corning’s cash investment policy, our short-term investments consist primarily of fixed-income securities. Preservation of principal is the primary principle of our cash investment policy that is carried out by limiting interest rate, reinvestment, security, quality and event risk. Our investments are generally liquid and all are investment grade quality. The portfolio is invested predominantly in U.S. Treasury securities and high quality short term government security money market funds. Unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, are computed on the first-in first-out basis and are reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in shareholders’ equity until realized. Realized gains and losses are recorded in other income (expense), net.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts is determined based on a variety of factors that affect the potential collectability 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 appropriate reserves are established as deemed appropriate based on the above criteria. The remainder of the reserve is based on management’s estimates and takes into consideration the length of time receivables are past due, historical trends, market conditions, and the composition of the Company’s customer base.
Environmental Liabilities
The Company accrues for its environmental investigation, remediation, operating, and maintenance costs when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. For environmental matters, the most likely cost to be incurred is accrued based on an evaluation of currently available facts with respect to each individual site, current laws and regulations and prior remediation experience. For sites with multiple potential 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. Where no amount within a range of estimates is more likely to occur than another, the minimum amount is accrued. When future liabilities are determined to be reimbursable by insurance coverage, an accrual is recorded for the potential liability and a receivable is recorded related to the insurance reimbursement when reimbursement is virtually certain.
The uncertain nature inherent in such remediation and the possibility that initial estimates may not reflect the final outcome could result in additional costs being recognized by the Company in future periods.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out basis) or market.
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Property, Net of Accumulated Depreciation
Land, buildings, and equipment, including precious metals, are recorded at cost. Depreciation is based on estimated useful lives of properties using the straight-line method. Except as described in Note 2 (Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges (Credits)) to the Consolidated Financial Statements related to accelerated depreciation arising from restructuring programs and Note 9 (Property, Net of Accumulated Depreciation) of the Consolidated Financial Statements related to the depletion of precious metals, the estimated useful lives range from 10 to 40 years for buildings and 2 to 20 years for equipment.
Included in the subcategory of equipment are the following types of assets (excluding precious metals):
Manufacturing equipment includes certain components of production equipment that are constructed of precious metals. These assets are not depreciated because they have very low physical losses and are repeatedly reclaimed and reused in our manufacturing process over a very long useful life. We treat the physical loss of precious metals in the manufacturing and reclamation process as depletion and account for these losses as a period expense based on actual units lost. Precious metals are integral to many of our glass production processes. They are only acquired to support our operations and are not held for trading or other purposes.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill is the excess of cost of an acquired entity over the amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Goodwill is reviewed for indicators of impairment quarterly or if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicates that the carrying amount may be impaired. Impairment testing for goodwill is done at a reporting unit level. Reporting units are either operating segments or one level below the operating segment. Goodwill relates to and is assigned directly to a specific reporting unit. We anticipate performing a detailed goodwill recoverability assessment in the second half of 2012 and every three years thereafter, unless indicators suggest otherwise.
The qualitative process includes an extensive review of expectations for the long-term growth of our businesses and forecasting future cash flows. If we are required to perform the two-step impairment analysis, our valuation method is an “income approach” using a discounted cash flow model in which cash flows anticipated over several periods, plus a terminal value at the end of that time horizon, are discounted to their present value using an appropriate rate of return. Our estimates are based upon our historical experience, our current knowledge from our commercial relationships, and available external information about future trends. If the fair value is less than the carrying value, a loss is recorded to reflect the difference between the fair value and carrying value.
Other intangible assets include patents, trademarks, and other intangible assets acquired from an independent party. Such intangible assets have a definite life and are amortized on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives ranging from 4 to 50 years.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
We review the recoverability of our long-lived assets, such as plant and equipment and intangible assets, when events or changes in circumstances occur that indicate that the carrying value of the asset or asset group may not be recoverable. When impairment indicators are present, we compare estimated undiscounted future cash flows, including the eventual disposition of the asset group at market value, to the assets’ carrying value to determine if the asset group is recoverable. For an asset group that fails the test of recoverability, the estimated fair value of long-lived assets is determined using an “income approach” that starts with the forecast of all the expected future net cash flows including the eventual disposition at market value of long-lived assets, and also considers the fair market value of all precious metals. We assess the recoverability of the carrying value of long-lived assets at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. If there is an impairment, a loss is recorded to reflect the difference between the assets’ fair value and carrying value. Refer to Note 2 (Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges (Credits)) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more detail.
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Treasury Stock
Shares of common stock repurchased by us are recorded at cost as treasury stock and result in a reduction of shareholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheets. From time to time, treasury shares may be reissued as contributions to our employee benefit plans and for the retirement or conversion of certain debt instruments. When shares are reissued, we use an average cost method for determining cost. The difference between the cost of the shares and the reissuance price is added to or deducted from additional paid-in capital.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to operating loss and tax credit carry forwards and for differences between the carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.
The effective income tax rate reflects our assessment of the ultimate outcome of tax audits. In evaluating the tax benefits associated with our various tax filing positions, we record a tax benefit for uncertain tax positions using the highest cumulative tax benefit that is more likely than not to be realized. Adjustments are made to our liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the period in which we determine the issue is effectively settled with the tax authorities, the statute of limitations expires for the return containing the tax position or when more information becomes available. Our liability for unrecognized tax benefits, including accrued penalties and interest, is included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets and in income tax expense in our consolidated statements of earnings.
Discrete events such as audit settlements or changes in tax laws are recognized in the period in which they occur. Valuation allowances are established when management is unable to conclude that it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset will ultimately be realized.
The Company is subject to income taxes in the United States and in numerous foreign jurisdictions. No provision is made for U.S. income taxes on the undistributed earnings of wholly-owned foreign subsidiaries because substantially all such earnings are indefinitely reinvested in those companies. Provision for the tax consequences of distributions, if any, from consolidated foreign subsidiaries is recorded in the year in which the earnings are no longer indefinitely reinvested in those subsidiaries.
Equity Method Investments
Our equity method investments are reviewed for impairment on a periodic basis or if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. This assessment is based on a review of the equity investments’ performance and a review of indicators of impairment to determine if there is evidence of a loss in value of an equity investment. Factors we consider include:
•
Absence of our ability to recover the carrying amount;
•
Inability of the equity affiliate to sustain an earnings capacity which would justify the carrying amount of the investment; and
•
Significant litigation, bankruptcy or other events that could impact recoverability.
For an equity investment with impairment indicators, we measure fair value on the basis of discounted cash flows or other appropriate valuation methods, depending on the nature of the company involved. If it is probable that we will not recover the carrying amount of our investment, the impairment is considered other-than-temporary and recorded in earnings, and the equity investment balance is reduced to its fair value accordingly. We require our equity method affiliates to provide audited financial statements. Consequently, adjustments for asset recoverability are included in equity earnings. We also utilize these financial statements in our recoverability assessment.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Major categories of financial assets and liabilities, including short-term investments, other assets and derivatives are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Certain assets and liabilities including long-lived assets, goodwill, asset retirement obligations, and cost and equity investments are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Fair value is the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required to be recorded at fair value, we consider the principal or most advantageous market in which we would transact and consider assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions, and risk of nonperformance.
Derivative Instruments
We participate in a variety of foreign exchange forward contracts and foreign exchange option contracts entered into in connection with the management of our exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. We also entered into interest rate forwards to reduce the risk of changes in a benchmark interest rate from the probable forecasted issuance of debt. These financial exposures are managed in accordance with corporate policies and procedures.
All derivatives are recorded at fair value on the balance sheet. Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges and hedges of net investments in foreign operations are not recognized in current operating results but are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Amounts related to cash flow hedges are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) when the underlying hedged item impacts earnings. This reclassification is recorded in the same line item of the consolidated statement of operations as where the effects of the hedged item are recorded, typically sales, royalties, or cost of sales. Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as fair value hedges are recorded currently in earnings offset, to the extent the derivative was effective, by the change in the fair value of the hedged item. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are recorded currently in earnings in the other income line of the consolidated statement of operations.
We have issued foreign currency denominated debt that has been designated as a hedge of the net investment in a foreign operation. The effective portion of the changes in fair value of the debt is reflected as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) as part of the foreign currency translation adjustment.
New Accounting Standards
In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS. This update results in common principles and requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and IFRS. ASU 2011-04 is required to be applied prospectively in interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Early application is not permitted. Corning does not expect adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. This statement requires companies to present the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements of net income and other comprehensive income. This statement is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted and the amendments in this update will be applied retrospectively. Corning will adopt this standard in the first quarter of 2012. We do not expect adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our disclosure.
In September 2011, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-08, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment. This update simplifies how an entity tests goodwill for impairment. It provides an option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. Given this option, an entity no longer would be required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines, based on that qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. The amendments will be effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted. Corning adopted this standard during its fourth quarter impairment review process. Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on Corning’s consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
In September 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-09, Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Multiemployer Plans (Subtopic 715-80): Disclosures about an Employer’s Participation in a Multiemployer Plan. The ASU 2011-09 amendments require additional disclosures about an employer’s participation in a multiemployer plan. ASU 2011-09 is required to be applied retrospectively for all prior periods presented and is effective for annual periods for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. Corning will not early adopt this standard and does not expect adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our disclosure.
In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. The ASU 2011-11 amendments require companies to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. ASU 2011-11 is required to be applied retrospectively for all prior periods presented and is effective for annual periods for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual fiscal years. Corning does not expect adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-12, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05. The amendments are being made to allow the FASB time to redeliberate whether to present on the face of the financial statements the effects of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the components of net income and other comprehensive income for all periods presented. ASU 2011-12 requires companies to continue to report reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income consistent with the presentation requirements in effect before ASU No. 2011-05. ASU 2011-12 is required to apply these requirements retrospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. Corning will not early adopt this standard and does not expect adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
2. Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges (Credits)
2011 Activity
During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Specialty Materials segment recorded an impairment charge related to certain assets used in the ion exchange process for the production of large cover glass. Although sales of Corning Gorilla Glass used in our large cover glass products increased in 2011 when compared to 2010, gross margins continue to be weak and sales volumes were significantly below our expectations in 2011 and both sales and margins are expected to be lower than forecasted in 2012. As a result, certain assets located in Japan used in the ion exchange process for the production of large cover glass were written down to estimated fair value in the fourth quarter of 2011 and an impairment loss of $130 million was recognized. This asset group includes machinery and equipment used in the ion exchange process and facilities dedicated to the ion exchange process.
The following table summarizes the restructuring, impairment and other charges (credits) as of and for the year ended December 31, 2011 (in millions):
2. Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges (Credits) (continued)
2010 Activity
Corning recorded credits of $329 million in 2010. During 2009, we had two events which impacted production at several of our LCD glass manufacturing facilities. In August 2009, an earthquake halted production at one of our LCD glass manufacturing facilities in Japan and in October 2009, production at our facility in Taichung, Taiwan was impacted by a power disruption. In the fourth quarter of 2010, we recorded $324 million in other credits in our Display segment as settlement of business interruption and property damage insurance claims resulting from these events.
The following table summarizes the restructuring, and other charges (credits) as of and for the year ended December 31, 2010 (in millions):
Cash payments for employee-related costs were substantially completed in 2010. Payments for exit activities were substantially completed in 2011.
2009 Activity
Corning recorded net charges of $228 million in 2009. A summary of the charges follows:
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We recorded a charge of $228 million associated with a corporate-wide restructuring plan to reduce our global workforce in response to anticipated lower sales in 2009. The charge included costs for severance, special termination benefits, outplacement services, asset disposal costs, and the impact of a $32 million curtailment loss for postretirement benefits in 2009. Total cash expenditures associated with this plan are expected to be approximately $150 million with the majority of spending completed in 2010.
The following table summarizes the restructuring, and other charges (credits) as of and for the year ended December 31, 2009 (in millions):
2. Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges (Credits) (continued)
The year-to-date cost of these plans for each of our reportable segments was as follows (in millions):
3. Available-for-Sale Investments
The following is a summary of the fair value of available-for-sale securities (in millions):
We do not intend to sell, nor do we believe it is more likely than not that we would be required to sell, the long-term investment asset-backed securities (which are collateralized by mortgages) before recovery of their amortized cost basis. It is possible that a significant degradation in the delinquency or foreclosure rates in the underlying assets could cause further temporary or other-than-temporary impairments in the future.
The following table summarizes the contractual maturities of available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2011 (in millions):
(1) Included in the maturity table is $35 million of asset-based securities that mature over time and are being reported at their final maturity dates.
The following table provides the fair value and gross unrealized losses of the Company’s investments and unrealized losses that are not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2011 and 2010 (in millions):
(1) Unrealized losses in securities less than 12 months were not significant.
3. Available-for-Sale Investments (continued)
(1) Unrealized losses in securities less than 12 months were not significant.
The following table provides the gross realized gains and losses for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 (in millions):
A roll forward of the changes in credit losses recognized in earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 and nine months ended December 31, 2009 (in millions):
* The standard was implemented April 1, 2009. Therefore, there are no credit losses recognized in the first quarter of 2009.
The $1 million loss in 2011 and $2 million loss in 2010 and 2009 represents management’s estimate of credit losses inherent in the securities considering projected cash flows using assumptions of delinquency rates, loss severities, and other estimates of future collateral performance. These credit losses are limited to asset-backed securities in our investment portfolio.
As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, for securities that have credit losses, an other than temporary impairment loss of $18 million and $16 million, respectively, is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.
Proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term investments totaled $3.2 billion, $2.1 billion, and $1.3 billion in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.
4. Significant Customers
For 2011 and 2010, Corning’s sales to Sharp Electronics Corporation, a customer of our Display Technologies segment, represented 10% and 12% of the Company’s consolidated net sales, respectively. For 2010 and 2009, Corning’s sales to AU Optronics Corporation, a customer of our Display Technologies segment, represented 11% and 13%, respectively, of the Company’s consolidated net sales.
5. Inventories
Inventories comprise the following (in millions):
6. Income Taxes
Income before income taxes follows (in millions):
The current and deferred amounts of the provision (benefit) for income taxes follow (in millions):
Amounts are reflected in the preceding tables based on the location of the taxing authorities.
Reconciliation of the U.S. statutory income tax rate to our effective tax rate for continuing operations follows:
Significant items that cause our effective tax rate to vary from the U.S. statutory rate of 35% are as follows:
(1) Certain foreign subsidiaries in China and Taiwan are operating under tax holiday arrangements. The nature and extent of such arrangements vary, and the benefits of existing arrangements phase out in future years (through 2015) according to the specific terms and schedules of the relevant taxing jurisdictions. The impact of tax holidays on net income per share on a diluted basis was $0.04 in 2011, $0.08 in 2010, and $0.09 in 2009.
(2) Primarily related to investment tax credits in Taiwan, employment credits in Mexico and research and development credits in U.S. and France.
(3) In 2009, we recorded a $37 million tax credit for U.S. Research and Experimentation - expenses incurred from 2005-2009.
(4) Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates reported in the financials net of tax.
(5) In 2009, we recorded an additional deferred tax asset related to tax free OPEB subsidies. In 2010, we recorded $56 million charge to write-off deferred tax associated with OPEB subsidy due to a law change.
(6) In 2010, we recorded a $265 million tax benefit for excess foreign tax credits that resulted from the repatriation of current year earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries.
6. Income Taxes (continued)
The tax effects of temporary differences and carryforwards that gave rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities follows (in millions):
The net deferred tax assets are classified in our consolidated balance sheets, as follows (in millions):
Details on deferred tax assets for loss and tax credit carryforwards at December 31, 2011 follow (in millions):
The recognition of windfall tax benefits from stock-based compensation deducted on the tax return is prohibited until realized through a reduction of income tax payable. Cumulative tax benefits totaling $285 million will be recorded in additional paid-in-capital when the net operating loss carry forward is utilized and the windfall tax benefit can be realized.
Deferred tax assets are to be reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available positive and negative evidence, it is more likely than not (a likelihood of greater than 50 percent) that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Corning has valuation allowances on certain shorter-lived deferred tax assets such as those represented by capital loss carry forwards and state tax net operating loss carry forwards, as well as other foreign net operating loss carryforwards and federal and state tax credits, because we cannot conclude that it is more likely than not that we will earn income of the character required to utilize these assets before they expire. U.S. profits of approximately $7.8 billion will be required to fully realize the deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2011. Of that amount, $4.2 billion of U.S. profits will be required over the next 14 years to fully realize the deferred tax assets associated with federal net operating loss carry forwards. The remaining deferred tax assets will be realized as the underlying temporary differences reverse over an extended period. The amount of U.S. and foreign deferred tax assets that have remaining valuation allowances at December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $ 219 million and $214 million, respectively.
6. Income Taxes (continued)
The following is a tabular reconciliation of the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits (in millions):
Included in the balance at December 31, 2011 and 2010 are $15 million and $18 million, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits that would impact our effective tax rate if recognized.
We recognize accrued interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions as part of tax expense. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the amounts recognized in interest expense and income were immaterial. The amounts accrued at December 31, 2011 and 2010 for the payment of interest and penalties were not significant.
While we expect the amount of unrecognized tax benefits to change in the next 12 months, we do not expect the change to have a significant impact on the results of operations or our financial position.
Corning Incorporated, as the common parent company, and all 80%-or-more-owned U.S. subsidiaries join in the filing of consolidated U.S. federal income tax returns. All such returns for periods ended through December 31, 2004, have been audited by and settled with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The statute of limitations to audit the 2005, 2006 and 2007 U.S. federal income tax expired in 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively, except to the extent that the loss generated in 2005 is utilized in a subsequent year. In that instance, the statute for the 2005 year may be re-opened.
Corning Incorporated and U.S. subsidiaries file income tax returns on a combined, unitary or stand-alone basis in multiple state and local jurisdictions, which generally have statutes of limitations ranging from 3 to 5 years. Various state income tax returns are currently in the process of examination or administrative appeal.
Our foreign subsidiaries file income tax returns in the countries in which they have operations. Generally, these countries have statutes of limitations ranging from 3 to 7 years. Years still open to examination by foreign tax authorities in major jurisdictions include Japan (2008 onward) and Taiwan (2009 onward).
Under U.S. GAAP, a deferred tax liability should be recorded for any book basis greater than tax basis in a foreign subsidiary attributable to unremitted book earnings under the presumption that such earnings will ultimately be distributed and that such distribution would be subject to additional tax at the parent company level. However, such presumption is rebuttable and no tax would be accrued to the extent the temporary difference is not expected to reverse in the foreseeable future because the unremitted foreign earnings are expected to be reinvested indefinitely.
As required by U.S. GAAP, Corning completes an annual detailed analysis to determine the extent to which its foreign unremitted earnings are indefinitely reinvested considering various factors including the following:
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U.S. cash needs and liquidity;
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International working capital, debt service and capital expansion needs;
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Local regulatory, statutory or other legally enforceable restrictions on the distribution of foreign subsidiary and affiliate earnings;
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Foreign joint venture agreement limitations on distributions; and
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The current and/or future tax costs associated with repatriation, including potential legislative changes that could impact such costs.
Quarterly, Corning updates its analysis for material changes.
In the quarter ended March 31, 2010, Corning included in the computation of its estimated annual effective tax rate a tax benefit of $265 million related to an expected fourth quarter repatriation of $1.1 billion of 2010 foreign earnings. The repatriated earnings represented a portion of the current year earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries and affiliates located in Asia and thus were not previously permanently reinvested.
6. Income Taxes (continued)
There were two factors influencing Corning’s decision to consider repatriating these 2010 earnings. One was Corning’s decision, as announced early in 2010, to pursue acquisitions that were expected to require cash to be available in the U.S. in excess of amounts expected to be generated from domestic sources. The second factor was proposed federal tax legislation which, if enacted, could significantly increase the tax cost of repatriation after 2010. Because there had been no change in our longer term international capital expansion plans as of the first quarter, our intent to indefinitely reinvest foreign earnings accumulated through the year ended December 31, 2009 was not changed by these factors.
As of the year ended December 31, 2010, Corning had $8.9 billion of foreign unremitted earnings that it intends to keep indefinitely reinvested.
Of this amount, nearly 70% consists of:
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Non-liquid operating assets or short term liquidity required to meet current international working capital needs; and
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Samsung Corning Precision or other joint venture unremitted earnings that require a joint determination with our partners to remove any indefinitely reinvested representation.
Additionally, in the third quarter of 2010, Corning announced a significant multi-year investment plan that was expected to result in 2011 capital investment of $2.4 billion to $2.7 billion, the substantial majority of which would be spent internationally and would include over the term of the plan: $800 million for additional LCD capacity in China; capacity expansion for Eagle XG LCD glass and Corning Gorilla Glass in Asia; expansion of automotive substrate facilities in China and Germany; and a new manufacturing and distribution center in China for our Life Sciences businesses. In addition to the $2.4 billion spent in 2011, approximately $1.1 billion of non-U.S. capital spending is planned for 2012. These factors in addition to the fact that Corning has sufficient access to funds in the U.S. to fund currently anticipated domestic needs result in our ability and intent to indefinitely reinvest our foreign unremitted earnings of $8.9 billion and $10.8 billion as of December 31, 2010 and 2011, respectively. It is not practical to calculate the unrecognized deferred tax liability on these earnings with reasonable accuracy.
7. Investments
Investments comprise the following (in millions):
(1) Amounts reflect Corning’s direct ownership interests in the respective affiliated companies. Corning does not control any of such entities.
7. Investments (continued)
Affiliated Companies at Equity
The results of operations and financial position of the investments accounted for under the equity method follow (in millions):
(1) In 2009, equity in earnings of affiliated companies included a charge of $29 million ($27 million after-tax) for our share of the restructuring charges and a credit of $29 million ($27 million after-tax) primarily for excess foreign tax credits that Dow Corning generated from foreign dividends.
(2) Corning purchases machinery and equipment on behalf of Samsung Corning Precision to support its capital expansion initiatives. The machinery and equipment are transferred to Samsung Corning Precision at our cost basis, resulting in no revenue or gain being recognized on the transaction.
7. Investments (continued)
We have contractual agreements with several of our equity affiliates which include sales, purchasing, licensing and technology agreements.
At December 31, 2011, approximately $5 billion of equity in undistributed earnings of equity companies was included in our retained earnings.
A discussion and summarized results of Corning’s significant affiliates at December 31, 2011 follows:
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd. (Samsung Corning Precision)
Samsung Corning Precision is a South Korea-based manufacturer of liquid crystal display glass for flat panel displays. In 2010, they changed their name from Samsung Corning Precision Glass Co., Ltd. to Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
Samsung Corning Precision’s financial position and results of operations follow (in millions):
(1) Corning purchases machinery and equipment on behalf of Samsung Corning Precision to support its capital expansion initiatives. The machinery and equipment are transferred to Samsung Corning Precision at our cost basis, resulting in no revenue or gain being recognized on the transaction.
Balances due from Samsung Corning Precision were $16 million at December 31, 2011. Balances due to Samsung Corning Precision were $11 million at December 31, 2011. Balances due from Samsung Corning Precision were $29 million at December 31, 2010. Balances due to Samsung Corning Precision were $5 million at December 31, 2010.
In 2010, Samsung Corning Precision’s earnings were positively impacted from a revised tax holiday calculation agreed to by the Korean National Tax service. Corning’s share of this adjustment was $61 million.
Corning owns 50% of Samsung Corning Precision. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. owns 43% and other shareholders own the remaining 7%.
7. Investments (continued)
In April 2011, Korean tax authorities completed a tax audit of Samsung Corning Precision. As a result, the tax authorities issued a pre-assessment of approximately $46 million for an asserted underpayment of withholding tax on dividends paid from September 2006 through March 2009. Our first level of appeal was denied on October 5, 2011 and a formal assessment was issued. The assessment was paid in full in the fourth quarter of 2011, which will allow us to continue the appeal process. Samsung Corning Precision and Corning believe we will maintain our position when all available appeal remedies have been exhausted.
Additionally, the 2011 Korean Board of Audit and Inspection’s (the BoAI) review of tax exemptions previously granted to Samsung Corning Precision by the National Tax Service (NTS) was closed without being remanded back to the NTS for adjustment or re-examination.
On December 31, 2007, Samsung Corning Precision acquired all of the outstanding shares of Samsung Corning Co., Ltd. (Samsung Corning). After the transaction, Corning retained its 50% interest in Samsung Corning Precision. Prior to their merger, Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd. (Samsung Corning Precision) and Samsung Corning Co. Ltd. (Samsung Corning) were two of approximately thirty co-defendants in a lawsuit filed by Seoul Guarantee Insurance Co. and thirteen other creditors (SGI and Creditors) for alleged breach of an agreement that approximately twenty-eight affiliates of the Samsung group (Samsung Affiliates) entered into with SGI and Creditors on August 24, 1999 (the Agreement). The lawsuit is pending in the courts of South Korea. Under the Agreement, it is alleged that the Samsung Affiliates agreed to sell certain shares of Samsung Life Insurance Co., Ltd. (SLI), which had been transferred to SGI and Creditors in connection with the petition for court receivership of Samsung Motors Inc. In the lawsuit, SGI and Creditors allege a breach of the Agreement by the Samsung Affiliates and are seeking the loss of principal (approximately $1.95 billion) for loans extended to Samsung Motors Inc., default interest and a separate amount for breach. On January 31, 2008, the Seoul District Court ordered the Samsung Affiliates: to pay approximately $1.3 billion by disposing of 2,334,045 shares of SLI less 1,165,955 shares of SLI previously sold by SGI and Creditors and paying the proceeds to SGI and Creditors; to satisfy any shortfall by participating in the purchase of equity or subordinate debentures issued by them; and pay default interest of 6% per annum. The ruling was appealed. On November 10, 2009, the Appellate Court directed the parties to attempt to resolve this matter through mediation. On January 11, 2011, the Appellate Court ordered the Samsung Affiliates to pay 600 billion won in principal and 20 billion won in delayed interest to SGI and Creditors. Samsung promptly paid those amounts, which approximated $550 million when translated to United States Dollars, from a portion of an escrow account established upon completion of SLI’s initial public offering (IPO) on May 7, 2010. On February 7, 2011, the Samsung Affiliates appealed the Appellate Court’s ruling to the Supreme Court of Korea and the appeal is currently in progress. Samsung Corning Precision has not contributed to any payment related to these disputes, and has concluded that no provision for loss should be reflected in its financial statements. Other than as described above, no claim in these matters has been asserted against Corning or any of its affiliates.
In September 2009, Corning and Samsung Corning Precision formed Corsam Technologies LLC (Corsam), a new equity affiliate established to provide glass technology research for future product applications. Samsung Corning Precision invested $124 million in cash and Corning contributed intellectual property with a corresponding value. Corning and Samsung Corning Precision each own 50% of the common stock of Corsam, and Corning has agreed to provide research and development services at arms length to Corsam. Corning does not control Corsam because Samsung Corning Precision’s other investors maintain significant participating voting rights. In addition, Corsam has sufficient equity to finance its activities, the voting rights of investors in Corsam are considered substantive, and the risks and rewards of Corsam’s research are shared only by those investors noted. As a result, Corsam is accounted for under the equity method of accounting for investments.
7. Investments (continued)
Dow Corning Corporation (Dow Corning)
Dow Corning is a U.S.-based manufacturer of silicone products. Corning and the Dow Chemical Company (Dow Chemical) each own half of Dow Corning.
Dow Corning’s financial position and results of operations follow (in millions):
At December 31, 2011, Dow Corning’s marketable securities included approximately $172 million of auction rate securities, net of impairments of $18 million. As a result of a temporary impairment, unrealized losses of $17 million, net of $1 million for a minority interests’ share, were included in accumulated other comprehensive income in Dow Corning’s consolidated balance sheet. Corning’s share of this unrealized loss was $9 million and is included in Corning’s accumulated other comprehensive income.
In February 2011, Dow Corning amended and restated its revolving credit agreement to provide $1 billion senior, unsecured revolving line of credit through February 2016. Dow Corning believes it has adequate liquidity to fund operations, its capital expenditure plans, breast implant settlement liabilities, and shareholder dividends.
In January 2010, Dow Corning received approval for U.S. Federal Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credits of approximately $169 million. The tax credits were granted as part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009, and are focused on job creation from U.S. manufacturing capacity which supplies clean and renewable energy products.
In response to economic challenges, Dow Corning incurred restructuring charges associated with a global workforce reduction in 2009. Our share of these charges was $29 million.
In 1995, Corning fully impaired its investment in Dow Corning after it filed for bankruptcy protection. Corning did not recognize net equity earnings from the second quarter of 1995 through the end of 2002. Corning began recognizing equity earnings in the first quarter of 2003 when management concluded that Dow Corning’s emergence from bankruptcy was probable. Corning considers the $249 million difference between the carrying value of its investment in Dow Corning and its 50% share of Dow Corning’s equity to be permanent.
Corning and The Dow Chemical Company (Dow Chemical) each own 50% of the common stock of Dow Corning. In May 1995, Dow Corning filed for bankruptcy protection to address pending and claimed liabilities arising from many thousands of breast implant product lawsuits. On June 1, 2004, Dow Corning emerged from Chapter 11 with a Plan of Reorganization (the Plan) which provided for the settlement or other resolution of implant claims. The Plan also includes releases for Corning and Dow Chemical as shareholders in exchange for contributions to the Plan.
7. Investments (continued)
Under the terms of the Plan, Dow Corning has established and is funding a Settlement Trust and a Litigation Facility to provide a means for tort claimants to settle or litigate their claims. Inclusive of insurance, Dow Corning has paid approximately $1.7 billion to the Settlement Trust. As of December 31, 2011, Dow Corning had recorded a reserve for breast implant litigation of $1.6 billion. As a separate matter arising from the bankruptcy proceedings, Dow Corning is defending claims asserted by a number of commercial creditors who claim additional interest at default rates and enforcement costs, during the period from May 1995 through June 2004. As of December 31, 2011, Dow Corning has estimated the liability to commercial creditors to be within the range of $86 million to $280 million. As Dow Corning management believes no single amount within the range appears to be a better estimate than any other amount within the range, Dow Corning has recorded the minimum liability within the range. Should Dow Corning not prevail in this matter, Corning’s equity earnings would be reduced by its 50% share of the amount in excess of $86 million, net of applicable tax benefits. In addition, the London Market Insurers (the LMI Claimants) claimed a reimbursement right with respect to a portion of insurance proceeds previously paid by the LMI Claimants to Dow Corning. This claim was based on a theory that the LMI Claimants overestimated Dow Corning’s liability for the resolution of implant claims pursuant to the Plan. Based on settlement negotiations, Dow Corning had estimated that the most likely outcome would result in payment to the LMI Claimants in a range of $10 million to $20 million. During the third quarter of 2011, Dow Corning and the LMI Claimants settled the claim for an amount within that range. There are a number of other claims in the bankruptcy proceedings against Dow Corning awaiting resolution by the U.S. District Court, and it is reasonably possible that Dow Corning may record bankruptcy-related charges in the future. The remaining tort claims against Corning are expected to be channeled by the Plan into facilities established by the Plan or otherwise defended by the Litigation Facility.
Pittsburgh Corning Corporation (PCC)
Corning and PPG Industries, Inc. (PPG) each own 50% of the capital stock of Pittsburgh Corning Corporation (PCC). Over a period of more than two decades, PCC and several other defendants have been named in numerous lawsuits involving claims alleging personal injury from exposure to asbestos. On April 16, 2000, PCC filed for Chapter 11 reorganization in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. At the time PCC filed for bankruptcy protection, there were approximately 11,800 claims pending against Corning in state court lawsuits alleging various theories of liability based on exposure to PCC’s asbestos products and typically requesting monetary damages in excess of one million dollars per claim. Corning has defended those claims on the basis of the separate corporate status of PCC and the absence of any facts supporting claims of direct liability arising from PCC’s asbestos products. Corning is also currently involved in approximately 9,900 other cases (approximately 38,300 claims) alleging injuries from asbestos and similar amounts of monetary damages per case. Those cases have been covered by insurance without material impact to Corning to date. As described below, several of Corning’s insurance carriers have filed a legal proceeding concerning the extent of any insurance coverage for these claims. Asbestos litigation is inherently difficult, and past trends in resolving these claims may not be indicators of future outcomes.
Corning, with other relevant parties, has been involved in ongoing efforts to develop a Plan of Reorganization that would resolve the concerns and objections of the relevant courts and parties. In 2003, a plan was agreed to by various parties (the 2003 Plan), but, on December 21, 2006, the Bankruptcy Court issued an order denying the confirmation of that 2003 Plan. On January 29, 2009, an amended plan of reorganization (the Amended PCC Plan) - which addressed the issues raised by the Court when it denied confirmation of the 2003 Plan - was filed with the Bankruptcy Court.
The proposed resolution of PCC asbestos claims under the Amended PCC Plan would have required Corning to contribute its equity interests in PCC and Pittsburgh Corning Europe N.V. (PCE), a Belgian corporation, and to contribute a fixed series of payments, recorded at present value. Corning would have had the option to use its shares rather than cash to make these payments, but the liability would have been fixed by dollar value and not the number of shares. The Amended PCC Plan would, originally, have required Corning to make (1) one payment of $100 million one year from the date the Amended PCC Plan becomes effective and certain conditions are met and (2) five additional payments of $50 million, on each of the five subsequent anniversaries of the first payment, the final payment of which is subject to reduction based on the application of credits under certain circumstances. Documents were filed with the Bankruptcy Court further modifying the Amended PCC Plan by reducing Corning’s initial payment by $30 million and reducing its second and fourth payments by $15 million each. In return, Corning would relinquish its claim for reimbursement of its payments and contributions under the Amended PCC Plan from the insurance carriers involved in the bankruptcy proceeding with certain exceptions.
7. Investments (continued)
On June 16, 2011, the Court entered an Order denying confirmation of the Amended PCC Plan. The Court’s memorandum opinion accompanying the order rejected some objections to the Amended PCC Plan and made suggestions regarding modifications to the Amended PCC Plan that would allow the Plan to be confirmed. Corning and other parties have filed a motion for reconsideration, objecting to certain points of this Order. Certain parties to the proceeding filed specific plan modifications in response to the Court’s opinion and Corning supported these filings. Corning and other parties also filed a motion for reconsideration objecting to certain points in the Court’s opinion and Order. Proposed plan modifications will be discussed during the hearing scheduled for February 17, 2012.
The Amended PCC Plan does not include certain non-PCC asbestos claims that may be or have been raised against Corning. Corning has recorded an additional $150 million for such claims in its estimated asbestos litigation liability. The liability for non-PCC claims was estimated based upon industry data for asbestos claims since Corning does not have recent claim history due to the injunction issued by the Bankruptcy Court. The estimated liability represents the undiscounted projection of claims and related legal fees over the next 20 years. The amount may need to be adjusted in future periods as more data becomes available.
The liability for the Amended PCC Plan and the non-PCC asbestos claims was estimated to be $657 million at December 31, 2011, compared with an estimate of liability of $633 million at December 31, 2010. For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, Corning recorded asbestos litigation expense of $24 million and $5 million, respectively. In the first quarter of 2010, Corning recorded a credit of $54 million to reflect the change in terms of Corning’s proposed payments under the Amended Plan. The entire obligation is classified as a non-current liability as installment payments for the cash portion of the obligation are not planned to commence until more than 12 months after the Amended PCC Plan becomes effective and the PCE portion of the obligation will be fulfilled through the direct contribution of Corning’s investment in PCE (currently recorded as a non-current other equity method investment).
The Amended PCC Plan with the modifications addressing issues raised by the Court’s June 16, 2011, opinion remains subject to a number of contingencies. Payment of the amounts required to fund the Amended PCC Plan from insurance and other sources are subject to a number of conditions that may not be achieved. The approval of the (further modified) Amended PCC Plan by the Bankruptcy Court is not certain and faces objections by some parties. If the modified Amended PCC Plan is approved by the Bankruptcy Court, that approval will be subject to appeal. For these and other reasons, Corning’s liability for these asbestos matters may be subject to changes in subsequent quarters. The estimate of the cost of resolving the non-PCC asbestos claims may also be subject to change as developments occur. Management continues to believe that the likelihood of the uncertainties surrounding these proceedings causing a material adverse impact to Corning’s financial statements is remote.
Several of Corning’s insurers have commenced litigation in state courts for a declaration of the rights and obligations of the parties under insurance policies, including rights that may be affected by the potential resolutions described above. Corning is vigorously contesting these cases. Management is unable to predict the outcome of this insurance litigation and therefore cannot estimate the range of any possible loss.
At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the fair value of PCE significantly exceeded its carrying value of $138 million and $129 million, respectively. There have been no impairment indicators for our investment in PCE and we continue to recognize equity earnings of this affiliate. PCC filed for Chapter 11 reorganization in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court on April 16, 2000. At that time, Corning determined it lacked the ability to recover the carrying amount of its investment in PCC and its investment was other than temporarily impaired. As a result, we reduced our investment in PCC to zero.
8. Acquisition
On September 15, 2009, Corning acquired all of the shares of Axygen Bioscience, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Axygen) from American Capital Ltd. for $410 million, net of $7 million cash received. Axygen is a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-quality life sciences plastic consumable labware, liquid handling products, and bench-top laboratory equipment.
The purchase price of the acquisition was allocated to the net tangible and other intangible assets acquired, with the remainder recorded as goodwill on the basis of fair value. The following amounts represent the final valuation of the acquisition (in millions):
(1) None of the goodwill recognized is deductible for U.S. income tax purposes. The goodwill was allocated to the Life Sciences segment.
Goodwill is primarily related to the value of Axygen’s product portfolio and distribution network and its combination with Corning’s existing life sciences platform, as well as synergies and other intangibles that do not qualify for separate recognition. Acquisition-related costs of $4 million in 2009 included costs for legal, accounting, valuation and other professional services and were included in selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Supplemental pro forma information was not provided because Axygen is not material to Corning’s consolidated financial statements.
9. Property, Net of Accumulated Depreciation
Property, net follows (in millions):
Approximately $46 million, $20 million, and $29 million of interest costs were capitalized as part of property, net in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Manufacturing equipment includes certain components of production equipment that are constructed of precious metals. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the recorded value of precious metals totaled $2.5 billion and $2.0 billion, respectively. Depletion expense related to the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 totaled $21 million, $22 million, and $12 million, respectively.
During the fourth quarter of 2011, Corning recorded a $130 million impairment charge related to certain assets located in Japan used in the ion exchange process for the production of large cover glass. The large cover glass impairment charge represents a write-down of assets specific to the glass-strengthening process for large size cover glass to their relative fair market values as of the date of impairment. As a result of the impairment, assets included in the categories of equipment and buildings decreased approximately $55 million and $75 million, respectively.
10. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows (in millions):
(1) The Company recorded goodwill associated with a small acquisition completed in the fourth quarter of 2010.
(2) The Company recorded goodwill associated with two small acquisitions completed in 2011.
Corning’s gross goodwill balance for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 were $7.1 billion and 7.0 billion, respectively. Accumulated impairment losses were $6.5 billion for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, and were generated entirely through goodwill impairments related to the Telecommunications segment.
Other Intangible Assets
Other intangible assets follow (in millions):
(1) The Company recorded other identifiable intangible assets associated with the purchase of Axygen Bioscience in 2009, and small acquisitions completed in 2010 and 2011. Refer to Note 8 (Acquisition) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
(2) Certain intangible assets were fully amortized in 2011.
Amortized intangible assets are primarily related to the Telecommunications and Life Sciences segments. Amortization expense related to these intangible assets was $15 million, $8 million and $10 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Amortization expense is estimated to be approximately $16 million for 2012, and $16 million thereafter.
11. Other Liabilities
Other accrued liabilities follow (in millions):
Asbestos Litigation
The proposed resolution of PCC asbestos claims under the Amended PCC Plan would have required Corning to contribute its equity interests in PCC and Pittsburgh Corning Europe N.V. (PCE), a Belgian corporation, and to contribute a fixed series of payments, recorded at present value. Corning would have had the option to use its shares rather than cash to make these payments, but the liability would have been fixed by dollar value and not the number of shares. The Amended PCC Plan would, originally, have required Corning to make (1) one payment of $100 million one year from the date the Amended PCC Plan becomes effective and certain conditions are met and (2) five additional payments of $50 million, on each of the five subsequent anniversaries of the first payment, the final payment of which is subject to reduction based on the application of credits under certain circumstances. Documents were filed with the Bankruptcy Court further modifying the Amended PCC Plan by reducing Corning’s initial payment by $30 million and reducing its second and fourth payments by $15 million each. In return, Corning would relinquish its claim for reimbursement of its payments and contributions under the Amended PCC Plan from the insurance carriers involved in the bankruptcy proceeding with certain exceptions.
The Amended PCC Plan does not include certain non-PCC asbestos claims that may be or have been raised against Corning. Corning has recorded an additional $150 million for such claims in its estimated asbestos litigation liability. The liability for non-PCC claims was estimated based upon industry data for asbestos claims since Corning does not have recent claim history due to the injunction issued by the Bankruptcy Court. The estimated liability represents the undiscounted projection of claims and related legal fees over the next 20 years. The amount may need to be adjusted in future periods as more data becomes available. Refer to Note 7 (Investments) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the asbestos litigation.
Customer Deposits
In 2005 and 2004, several of Corning’s customers entered into long-term purchase and supply agreements in which Corning’s Display Technologies segment would supply large-size glass substrates to these customers over periods of up to six years. As part of the agreements, these customers agreed to make advance cash deposits to Corning for a portion of the contracted glass to be purchased.
Upon receipt of the cash deposits made by customers, we recorded a customer deposit liability. This liability is reduced at the time of future product sales over the life of the agreements. As product is shipped to a customer, Corning recognized revenue at the selling price and issued credit memoranda for an agreed amount of the customer deposit liability. The credit memoranda were applied against customer receivables resulting from the sale of product, thus reducing operating cash flows in the periods these credits were applied for cash deposits received in earlier periods.
Between 2004 and 2007, we received a total of $937 million for customer deposit agreements. In 2007, we received our last deposit of $105 million. We do not expect to receive additional deposits related to these agreements. In 2011, 2010 and 2009, we issued $28 million, $83 million, and $253 million, respectively, in credits that were applied to customer receivable balances when payments were due. As of December 31, 2011, no additional deposits have been received and all amounts previously owed as credits have been applied to customer receivable balances when payments were due.
12. Debt
(In millions):
At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the weighted-average interest rate on current portion of long-term debt was 2.1% and 4.9%, respectively.
Based on borrowing rates currently available to us for loans with similar terms and maturities, the fair value of long-term debt was $2.6 billion at December 31, 2011 and $2.4 billion at December 31, 2010.
The following table shows debt maturities by year at December 31, 2011 (in millions):
In the fourth quarter of 2010, we amended and restated our existing revolving credit facility. The amended facility provides a $1.0 billion unsecured multi-currency line of credit and expires in December 2015. The facility includes two financial covenants, including a leverage test (debt to capital ratio), and an interest coverage ratio (calculated on the most recent four quarters). As of December 31, 2011, we were in compliance with these covenants.
Debt Issuances and Retirements
In the second quarter of 2011, a wholly-owned subsidiary entered into a credit facility that allows Corning to borrow up to Chinese Renminbi (RMB) 4.0 billion, or approximately $635 million when translated to United States Dollars. Corning may request advances during the eighteen month period beginning on June 30, 2011 (the “Availability Period”). Corning will repay the aggregate principal amount and accrued interest outstanding at the end of the Availability Period in six installments, with the final payment due five years from the date of the first advance. In 2011, Corning borrowed approximately $120 million under this credit facility.
In the fourth quarter of 2010, we exercised our option to repurchase $100 million of 6.05% senior unsecured notes due June 15, 2015 at par. The net carrying amount of the debt repurchased was $100 million.
12. Debt (continued)
In the third quarter of 2010, we issued $400 million of 5.75% senior unsecured notes and $300 million of 4.25% senior unsecured notes for net proceeds of approximately $394 million and $295 million, respectively. The 5.75% notes mature on August 15, 2040 and the 4.25% notes mature on August 15, 2020. We may redeem these notes at any time, subject to certain payments.
In the third quarter of 2010, we repurchased $126 million of 6.2% senior unsecured notes due March 15, 2016 and $100 million of 5.9% senior unsecured notes due March 15, 2014. The net carrying amount of the debt repurchased was $234 million. We recognized a pre-tax loss of $30 million upon early redemption of these notes.
Corning redeemed $48 million principal amount of our 6.25% notes due February 18, 2010. There were no other significant debt reductions during 2010.
During the year ended December 31, 2009, we recorded the impact of a capital lease obligation associated with a manufacturing facility in our Display Technologies segment. The balance of this obligation at December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $182 million and $172 million, respectively, and is included in our long-term debt balance.
In the second quarter of 2009, we issued $250 million of 6.625% senior unsecured notes and $100 million of 7% senior unsecured notes for net proceeds of approximately $248 million and $98 million, respectively. The 6.625% notes mature on May 15, 2019 and the 7% notes mature on May 15, 2024. We may redeem these notes at any time, subject to certain payments.
Corning redeemed $54 million principal amount of our 6.3% notes due March 1, 2009. There were no other significant debt reductions during 2009.
13. Employee Retirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plans
We have defined benefit pension plans covering certain domestic and international employees. Our funding policy has been to contribute, as necessary, an amount in excess of the minimum requirements in order to achieve the Company’s long-term funding targets. In 2011, we made a voluntary contribution of $5 million to our international pension plans. In 2010, we made voluntary contributions of $355 million to our domestic and international pension plans.
In 2000, we amended our U.S. pension plan to include a cash balance pension feature. Certain salaried and non-union hourly employees remain in the traditional defined benefit plan. All salaried and non-union hourly employees hired after July 1, 2000, are automatically participants in the new cash balance plan. Under the cash balance plan, employee accounts are credited monthly with a percentage of eligible pay based on age and years of service. The Pension Protection Act of 2006 requires vesting after three years for cash balance plans by January 1, 2008. Corning adopted this measure on January 1, 2008.
Corning offers postretirement plans that provide health care and life insurance benefits for retirees and eligible dependents. Certain employees may become eligible for such postretirement benefits upon reaching retirement age. Prior to January 1, 2003, our principal retiree medical plans required retiree contributions each year equal to the excess of medical cost increases over general inflation rates. For current retirees (including surviving spouses) and active employees eligible for the salaried retiree medical program, we have placed a “cap” on the amount we will contribute toward retiree medical coverage in the future. The cap is equal to 120% of our 2005 contributions toward retiree medical benefits. Once our contributions toward salaried retiree medical costs reach this cap, impacted retirees will have to pay the excess amount in addition to their regular contributions for coverage. This cap was attained for post-65 retirees in 2008 and has impacted their contribution rate in 2009 and going forward. The pre-65 retirees have triggered the cap in 2010, which impacted their contribution rate in 2011 and going forward. Furthermore, employees hired or rehired on or after January 1, 2007 will be eligible for Corning retiree medical benefits upon retirement; however, these employees will pay 100% of the cost.
In 2009, Corning recorded restructuring charges of $50 million for U.S. pension and postretirement benefit plans. This included a curtailment charge of $33 million for the qualified defined benefit plan (U.S. pension plan) and the U.S. postretirement benefit plan. Accordingly, we remeasured the U.S. pension and postretirement benefit plan as of March 31, 2009. The remeasurement resulted in an increase of $115 million to the Company’s U.S. pension liability and a decrease of $12 million to the U.S. postretirement benefit plan liability. As part of the remeasurement, we updated the assumed discount rate for both plans to 6.25%, which reflected a 25 basis point increase from December 31, 2009.
13. Employee Retirement Plans (continued)
Obligations and Funded Status
The change in benefit obligation and funded status of our employee retirement plans follows (in millions):
The accumulated benefit obligation for defined benefit pension plans was $3.1 billion and $2.9 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
13. Employee Retirement Plans (continued)
The following information is presented for pension plans where the projected benefit obligation and the accumulated benefit obligation as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 exceeded the fair value of plan assets (in millions):
In 2011, the fair value of plan assets exceeded the accumulated benefit obligation for the United States and United Kingdom pension plans.
The components of net periodic benefit expense for our employee retirement plans follow (in millions):
The Company expects to recognize $67 million of net loss and $5 million of net prior service cost as components of net periodic pension cost in 2012 for its defined benefit pension plans. The Company expects to recognize $15 million of net loss and $6 million of net prior service credit as components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost in 2012.
Corning uses a hypothetical yield curve and associated spot rate curve to discount the plan’s projected benefit payments. Once the present value of projected benefit payments is calculated, the suggested discount rate is equal to the level rate that results in the same present value. The yield curve is based on actual high-quality corporate bonds across the full maturity spectrum, which also includes private placements as well as Eurobonds that are denominated in U.S. currency. The curve is developed from yields on approximately 350-375 bonds from four grading sources, Moody’s, S&P, Fitch and the Dominion Bond Rating Service. A bond will be included if at least half of the grades from these sources are Aa, non-callable bonds. The very highest 10th percentile yields and the lowest 40th percentile yields are excluded from the curve to eliminate outliers in the bond population.
13. Employee Retirement Plans (continued)
Measurement of postretirement benefit expense is based on assumptions used to value the postretirement benefit obligation at the beginning of the year.
The weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31 follow:
The weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for years ended December 31 follow:
(1) The discount rate at December 31, 2008 was 6.00%. At March 31, 2009 remeasurement date, the discount rate was changed to 6.25%.
The assumed rate of return was determined based on the current interest rate environment and historical market premiums relative to fixed income rates of equities and other asset classes. Reasonableness of the results is tested using models provided by the plan actuaries.
Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects (in millions):
Plan Assets
The Company’s overall investment strategy is to obtain sufficient return and provide adequate liquidity to meet the benefit obligations of the pension plan. Investments are made in public securities to ensure adequate liquidity to support benefit payments. Domestic and international stocks and bonds provide diversification to the portfolio. The target allocation range for domestic equity investment is 10.0%-12.5% which includes large, mid and small cap companies. The target allocation range of international equities is 10.0%-12.5%, which includes investments in both developed and emerging markets. The target allocation for bond investments is 60%, which predominately includes both government and corporate bonds. Long duration fixed income assets are utilized to mitigate the sensitivity of funding ratios to changes in interest rates. The target allocation range for non-public investments in private equity and real estate is 5%-15%, and is used to enhance returns and offer additional asset diversification. The target allocation range for commodities is 0%-5%, which provides some inflation protection to the portfolio.
13. Employee Retirement Plans (continued)
The following tables provide fair value measurement information for the Company’s major categories of defined benefit plan assets (in millions):
(1) This category includes venture capital, leverage buyouts and distressed debt limited partnerships invested primarily in the U.S. companies. The inputs are valued by internally generated Discounted Cash Flow Analysis and comparable sale analysis.
(2) This category includes industrial, office, apartments, hotels, infrastructure, and retail investments which are limited partnerships predominately in the U.S. The inputs are valued by internally generated Discounted Cash Flow Analysis; compare sale analysis and periodic external appraisals.
(3) This category includes investments in energy, industrial metals, precious metals, agricultural and livestock primarily through futures, options, swaps, and exchange traded funds.
(1) This category includes venture capital, leverage buyouts and distressed debt limited partnerships invested primarily in the U.S. companies. The inputs are valued by internally generated Discounted Cash Flow Analysis and comparable sale analysis.
(2) This category includes industrial, office, apartments, hotels, infrastructure, and retail investments which are limited partnerships predominately in the U.S. The inputs are valued by internally generated Discounted Cash Flow Analysis; comparable sale analysis and periodic external appraisals.
(3) This category includes investments in energy, industrial metals, precious metals, agricultural and livestock primarily through futures, options, swaps, and exchange traded funds.
13. Employee Retirement Plans (continued)
The tables below set forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the defined benefit plans Level 3 assets for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 (in millions):
Credit Risk
57% of plan assets are invested in long duration bonds. The average rating for these bonds is A. These bonds are subject to credit risk, such that a decline in credit ratings for the underlying companies, countries or assets (for assets backed securities) would result in a decline in the value of the bonds. These bonds are also subject to default risk.
Currency Risk
11% of assets are valued in non U.S. dollar denominated investments that are subject to currency fluctuations. The value of these securities will decline if the U.S. dollar increases in value relative to the value of the currencies in which these investments are denominated.
Liquidity Risk
13% of the securities are invested in Level 3 securities. These are long-term investments in private equity and private real estate investments that may not mature or be sellable in the near-term without significant loss.
At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the amount of Corning common stock included in equity securities was not significant.
Cash Flow Data
We anticipate making voluntary cash contributions of approximately $105 million to our domestic and international plans in 2012.
The following reflects the gross benefit payments that are expected to be paid for the domestic and international plans and the gross amount of annual Medicare Part D federal subsidy expected to be received (in millions):
13. Employee Retirement Plans (continued)
Other Benefit Plans
We offer defined contribution plans covering employees meeting certain eligibility requirements. Total consolidated defined contribution plan expense was $44 million, $46 million and $50 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
14. Commitments, Contingencies, and Guarantees
The amounts of our obligations follow (in millions):
(1) At December 31, 2011, $41 million of the $59 million was included in other accrued liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.
(2) Capital expenditure obligations primarily reflect amounts associated with our capital expansion activities.
(3) At December 31, 2011, $2.4 billion was included on our balance sheet. Total debt above is stated at maturity value.
(4) The estimate of interest payments assumes interest is paid through the date of maturity or expiration of the related debt, based upon stated rates in the respective debt instruments.
(5) At December 31, 2011, $11 million was included on our balance sheet related to uncertain tax positions. Of this amount, we are unable to estimate when $5 million of that amount will become payable.
We are required, at the time a guarantee is issued, to recognize a liability for the fair value or market value of the obligation it assumes. In the normal course of our business, we do not routinely provide significant third-party guarantees. Generally, third-party guarantees provided by Corning are limited to certain financial guarantees, including stand-by letters of credit and performance bonds, and the incurrence of contingent liabilities in the form of purchase price adjustments related to attainment of milestones. These guarantees have various terms, and none of these guarantees are individually significant.
We have agreed to provide up to a $75 million credit facility to Dow Corning. The funding of the Dow Corning credit facility will be required only if Dow Corning is not otherwise able to meet its scheduled funding obligations in its confirmed Bankruptcy Plan. The purchase obligations primarily represent raw material and energy-related take-or-pay contracts. We believe a significant majority of these guarantees and contingent liabilities will expire without being funded.
Minimum rental commitments under leases outstanding at December 31, 2011 follow (in millions):
Total rental expense was $84 million for 2011, $70 million for 2010 and $65 million for 2009.
14. Commitments, Contingencies, and Guarantees (continued)
A reconciliation of the changes in the product warranty liability for the year ended December 31 follows (in millions):
Corning is a defendant in various lawsuits, including environmental, product-related suits, the Dow Corning and PCC matters discussed in Note 7 (Investments) to the Consolidated Financial Statements, and is subject to various claims that arise in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, the likelihood that the ultimate disposition of these matters will have a material adverse effect on Corning’s consolidated financial position, liquidity, or results of operations, is remote. Other than certain asbestos related claims, there are no other material loss contingencies related to litigation.
Corning has been named by the Environmental Protection Agency (the Agency) under the Superfund Act, or by state governments under similar state laws, as a potentially responsible party for 18 active hazardous waste sites. Under the Superfund Act, all parties who may have contributed any waste to a hazardous waste site, identified by the Agency, are jointly and severally liable for the cost of cleanup unless the Agency agrees otherwise. It is Corning’s policy to accrue for its estimated liability related to Superfund sites and other environmental liabilities related to property owned by Corning based on expert analysis and continual monitoring by both internal and external consultants. At December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, Corning had accrued approximately $25 million (undiscounted) and $30 million (undiscounted), respectively, for the estimated liability for environmental cleanup and related litigation. Based upon the information developed to date, management believes that the accrued reserve is a reasonable estimate of the Company’s liability and that the risk of an additional loss in an amount materially higher than that accrued is remote.
The ability of certain subsidiaries and affiliated companies to transfer funds is limited by provisions of foreign government regulations, affiliate agreements and certain loan agreements. At December 31, 2011, the amount of equity subject to such restrictions for consolidated subsidiaries was not significant. While this amount is legally restricted, it does not result in operational difficulties since we have generally permitted subsidiaries to retain a majority of equity to support their growth programs.
15. Hedging Activities
Corning operates in many foreign countries and is therefore exposed to movements in foreign currency exchange rates. The areas in which exchange rate fluctuations affect us include:
•
Financial instruments and transactions denominated in foreign currencies, which impact earnings; and
•
The translation of net assets in foreign subsidiaries for which the functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, which impacts our net equity.
Our most significant foreign currency exposures relate to the Japanese yen, Korean won, New Taiwan dollar and the Euro. We manage our foreign currency exposure primarily by entering into foreign exchange forward contracts with durations of generally 18 months or less to hedge foreign currency risk. The hedges are scheduled to mature coincident with the timing of the underlying foreign currency commitments and transactions. The objective of these contracts is to reduce the impact of exchange rate movements on our operating results.
The forward and option contracts we use in managing our foreign currency exposures contain an element of risk in that the counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the agreements. However, we minimize this risk by limiting the counterparties to a diverse group of highly-rated major domestic and international financial institutions with which we have other financial relationships. We are exposed to potential losses in the event of non-performance by these counterparties. However, we do not expect to record any losses as a result of counterparty default. Neither we nor our counterparties are required to post collateral for these financial instruments.
15. Hedging Activities (continued)
Cash Flow Hedges
Our cash flow hedging activities utilize foreign exchange forward and option contracts to reduce the risk that movements in exchange rates will adversely affect the eventual net cash flows resulting from the sale of products to foreign customers and purchases from foreign suppliers. Our cash flow hedging activities also utilize interest rate forwards to reduce the risk of changes in a benchmark interest rate from the probable forecasted issuance of debt. Corning uses a regression analysis to monitor the effectiveness of its cash flow hedges both prospectively and retrospectively. Corning defers net gains and losses from cash flow hedges into accumulated other comprehensive income on the consolidated balance sheet until such time as the hedged item impacts earnings. At December 31, 2011, the amount of net losses expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months was $35 million.
Undesignated Hedges
Corning uses other foreign exchange forward contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes. The undesignated hedges limit exposures to foreign currency fluctuations related to certain monetary assets, monetary liabilities and net earnings in foreign currencies.
Net Investment in Foreign Operations
In February 2000, we issued $500 million of Euro-denominated notes that were designated as a hedge of a net investment in foreign operations. The effective portion of the changes in fair value of the outstanding debt balance has been included as a component of the foreign currency translation adjustment (CTA) within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). In February 2010, we repaid the remaining $48 million balance of this debt. At that time, the cumulative amount of CTA related to this debt was a net loss of $140 million, which will remain in accumulated other comprehensive income until ultimate disposition of the underlying Euro investment.
The following table summarizes the notional amounts and respective fair values of Corning’s derivative financial instruments (in millions):
15. Hedging Activities (continued)
The following tables summarize the effect on the consolidated financial statements relating to Corning’s derivative financial instruments (in millions):
(1) The amount of hedge ineffectiveness at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was insignificant.
16. Fair Value Measurements
Fair value standards under U.S. GAAP define fair value, establish a framework for measuring fair value in applying generally accepted accounting principles, and require disclosures about fair value measurements. The standards also identify two kinds of inputs that are used to determine the fair value of assets and liabilities: observable and unobservable. Observable inputs are based on market data or independent sources while unobservable inputs are based on the Company’s own market assumptions. Once inputs have been characterized, the inputs are prioritized into one of three broad levels (provided in the table below) used to measure fair value.
Fair value standards apply whenever an entity is measuring fair value under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurement and require the use of observable market data when available.
16. Fair Value Measurements (continued)
The following tables provide fair value measurement information for the Company’s major categories of financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis (in millions):
(1) Short-term investments are measured using observable quoted prices for similar assets.
(2) Derivative assets and liabilities include foreign exchange contracts which are measured using observable quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities.
(1) Short-term investments are measured using observable quoted prices for similar assets.
(2) Derivative assets and liabilities include foreign exchange contracts which are measured using observable quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities.
As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company did not have any financial assets or liabilities that were measured on a recurring basis using unobservable (or Level 3) inputs.
16. Fair Value Measurements (continued)
The following table provides fair value measurement information for the Company’s major categories of financial assets and liabilities measured on a nonrecurring basis during the period (in millions):
Long-lived assets held and used related to certain assets used in the ion exchange process for the production of large cover glass, with a carrying amount of $237 million were written down to their fair value of $107 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $130 million, which was included in earnings for the period. The impairment charge was determined using a market value approach to fair value the asset base after indicators of impairment were identified. The valuation methodology determined fair value by comparing market transactions of similar assets as well as an evaluation of the fair value of the underlying assets through the application of the cost approach and income approach. The cost approach determines current replacement cost adjusted for physical deterioration and the income approach starts with the forecasts of all expected future cash flows including the eventual disposition at market value of the long-lived assets and applies a risk adjusted discount rate. The key assumptions used in these approaches, which requires significant management judgment, include business assumptions, growth rate, terminal value, physical deterioration, and discount rate. The Company believes its current assumptions and estimates of the impairment are reasonable.
There was no asset or liability measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of December 30, 2010.
17. Shareholders’ Equity
The following table presents changes in capital stock for the period from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2011 (in millions):
17. Shareholders’ Equity (continued)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
A summary of the components of other comprehensive income (loss), including our proportionate share of equity method investee’s other comprehensive income (loss), is as follows (in millions):
(1) Includes adjustments from Dow Corning.
(2) Net of tax effect of $(1) million in 2010 and $0.3 million in 2009. Refer to Note 6 (Income Taxes) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for an explanation of Corning’s tax paying position.
(3) Net of tax effect of $(5) million in 2010 and $(18) million in 2009.
(4) Net of tax effect of $73 million in 2011, $55 million in 2010 and $(7) million in 2009.
(5) Net of tax effect of $3 million in 2011, $14 million in 2010 and $(19) million in 2009.
18. Earnings Per Common Share
Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing income attributable to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share assumes the issuance of common shares for all potentially dilutive securities outstanding.
The reconciliation of the amounts used to compute basic and diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations follows (in millions, except per share amounts):
The following potential common shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. In addition, the following performance-based restricted stock awards have been excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share because the number of shares ultimately issued is contingent on our performance against certain targets established for the performance period (in millions):
19. Share-based Compensation
Stock Compensation Plans
Corning’s share-based compensation programs include the following: employee stock options, time-based restricted stock and restricted stock units, and performance-based restricted stock and restricted stock units. At December 31, 2011, our stock compensation programs were in accordance with the 2005 Employee Equity Participation Program, as amended, the 2003 Equity Plan for Non-Employee Directors, as amended, and the 2010 Equity Plan for Non-Employee Directors. Any ungranted shares from prior years will be available for grant in the current year. Any remaining shares available for grant, but not yet granted, may be carried over and used in the following year. At December 31, 2011, there were approximately 48 million shares available for grant.
The Company measures and recognizes compensation cost for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors based on estimated fair values. Fair values for stock options granted prior to January 1, 2010 were estimated using a lattice-based binomial valuation model. In 2010, Corning began estimating fair values for stock options granted using a multiple-point Black-Scholes model. Both models incorporate the required assumptions and meet the fair value measurement objective.
19. Share-based Compensation (continued)
The fair value of awards granted subsequent to January 1, 2006 that are expected to ultimately vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods. The number of options expected to vest equals the total options granted less an estimation of the number of forfeitures expected to occur prior to vesting. The forfeiture rate is calculated based on 15 years of historical data and is adjusted if actual forfeitures differ significantly from the original estimates. The effect of any change in estimated forfeitures would be recognized through a cumulative adjustment that would be included in compensation cost in the period of the change in estimate.
Total share-based compensation cost of $86 million, $92 million, and $127 million was disclosed in operating activities on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Stock Options
Our stock option plans provide non-qualified and incentive stock options to purchase authorized but unissued, or treasury shares, at the market price on the grant date and generally become exercisable in installments from one to five years from the grant date. The maximum term of non-qualified and incentive stock options is 10 years from the grant date.
The following table summarizes information concerning options outstanding including the related transactions under the options plans for the year ended December 31, 2011:
The aggregate intrinsic value (market value of stock less option exercise price) in the preceding table represents the total pretax intrinsic value, based on the Company’s closing stock price on December 31, 2011, which would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options as of that date. The total number of in-the-money options exercisable on December 31, 2011, was approximately 28 million.
The weighted-average grant-date fair value for options granted for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $9.22, $8.56, and $4.47, respectively. The total fair value of options that vested during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was approximately $57 million, $63 million, and $57 million, respectively. Compensation cost related to stock options for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, was approximately $48 million, $53 million, and $65 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2011, there was approximately $24 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options granted under the Plan. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2 years.
Proceeds received from the exercise of stock options were $90 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, which were included in financing activities on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The total intrinsic value of options exercised for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was approximately $77 million, $57 million, and $24 million, respectively, which is currently deductible for tax purposes. Refer to Note 6 (Income Taxes) to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
19. Share-based Compensation (continued)
An award is considered vested when the employee’s retention of the award is no longer contingent on providing subsequent service (the “non-substantive vesting period approach”). Prior to December 1, 2008, the terms and conditions of Corning’s stock option agreement specified that employees continue to vest in option awards after retirement without providing any additional services. For awards granted from January 1, 2006 to December 1, 2008, compensation cost was recognized immediately for awards granted to retirement eligible employees or over the period from the grant date to the date retirement eligibility is achieved, if that is expected to occur during the stated or nominal vesting period. Corning amended the terms and conditions of its stock option agreement on December 1, 2008 for awards to retirement eligible employees. Awards are earned ratably each month that the employee provides service over the twelve months following the grant date, and the related compensation expense is recognized over this twelve month service period or over the period from the grant date to the date of retirement eligibility for employees that become age 55 during the vesting period.
Corning used a binomial lattice model to estimate the fair values of stock option grants through December 31, 2009. Effective January 1, 2010, Corning began using a multiple point Black-Scholes model to estimate the fair value of stock option grants. The financial impact of the change in valuation models is insignificant.
For stock options granted in 2011 and 2010, Corning utilized a blended approach for calculating the volatility assumption used in the multiple-point Black-Scholes model defined as the weighted average of the short-term implied volatility, the most recent volatility for the period equal to the expected term, and the most recent 15-year historical volatility. The expected term assumption is the period of time the options are expected to be outstanding, and is calculated using a combination of historical exercise experience adjusted to reflect the current vesting period of options being valued, and partial life cycles of outstanding options. The risk-free rates used in the multiple-point Black-Scholes model are the implied rates for a zero-coupon U.S. Treasury bond with a term equal to the option’s expected term. The ranges given below result from separate groups of employees exhibiting different exercise behavior.
For stock options granted in 2009, expected volatility was based on the blended short-term volatility (the arithmetic average of the implied volatility and the short-term historical volatility), and the most recent 15-year historical volatility of Corning’s stock. The expected time to exercise of options granted in 2009 was derived using a regression model and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free rates used in the lattice-based binomial model were derived from the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect from the grant date to the option’s expiration date.
The following inputs were used for the valuation of option grants under our Stock Option Plans:
Incentive Stock Plans
The Corning Incentive Stock Plan permits restricted stock and stock unit grants, either determined by specific performance goals or issued directly, in most instances, subject to the possibility of forfeiture and without cash consideration. Restricted stock and stock units under the Incentive Stock Plan are granted at-the-money, contingently vest over a period of generally 1 to 10 years, and generally have contractual lives of 1 to 10 years.
The fair value of each restricted stock grant or restricted stock unit awarded under the Incentive Stock Plans was estimated on the date of grant for performance based grants assuming that performance goals will be achieved. The expected term for grants under the Incentive Stock Plans is generally 1 to 10 years.
Time-Based Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units:
Time-based restricted stock and restricted stock units are issued by the Company on a discretionary basis, and are payable in shares of the Company’s common stock upon vesting. The fair value is based on the market price of the Company’s stock on the grant date. Compensation cost is recognized over the requisite vesting period and adjusted for actual forfeitures before vesting.
19. Share-based Compensation (continued)
The following table represents a summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested time-based restricted stock and restricted stock units as of December 31, 2010, and changes during the year ended December 31, 2011:
As of December 31, 2011, there was approximately $25 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested time-based restricted stock and restricted stock units compensation arrangements granted under the Plan. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2 years. The total fair value of time-based restricted stock that vested during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was approximately $15 million, $11 million, and $5 million, respectively. Compensation cost related to time-based restricted stock and restricted stock units was approximately $29 million, $23 million, and $14 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Performance-Based Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units:
Performance-based restricted stock and restricted stock units are earned upon the achievement of certain targets, and are payable in shares of the Company’s common stock upon vesting typically over a three-year period. The fair value is based on the market price of the Company’s stock on the grant date and assumes that the target payout level will be achieved. Compensation cost is recognized over the requisite vesting period and adjusted for actual forfeitures before vesting. During the performance period, compensation cost may be adjusted based on changes in the expected outcome of the performance-related target.
The following table represents a summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested performance-based restricted stock and restricted stock units as of December 31, 2010, and changes during the year ended December 31, 2011:
As of December 31, 2011, there was approximately $2 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested performance-based restricted stock and restricted stock unit compensation arrangements granted under the Plan. The cost is expected to be recognized over the first quarter of 2012. The total fair value of performance-based restricted stock that vested during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, was approximately $10 million, $44 million, and $50 million, respectively. Compensation cost related to performance-based restricted stock and restricted stock units was approximately $9 million, $14 million, and $44 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Worldwide Employee Share Purchase Plan
In addition to the Stock Option Plan and Incentive Stock Plans, Corning offered a Worldwide Employee Share Purchase Plan (WESPP). Under the WESPP, substantially all employees could elect to have up to 10% of their annual wages withheld to purchase our common stock. The purchase price of the stock was 85% of the end-of-quarter closing market price. Compensation cost related to the WESPP for all periods presented is immaterial.
On February 3, 2010, Corning’s Board of Directors approved the recommendation to terminate on-going WESPP contributions effective March 31, 2010 and the WESPP terminated in May 2010.
20. Reportable Segments
Our reportable segments are as follows:
•
Display Technologies - manufactures glass substrates for flat panel liquid crystal displays.
•
Telecommunications - manufactures optical fiber and cable and hardware and equipment components for the telecommunications industry.
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Environmental Technologies - manufactures ceramic substrates and filters for automotive and diesel applications. This reportable segment is an aggregation of our Automotive and Diesel operating segments as these two segments share similar economic characteristics, products, customer types, production processes and distribution methods.
•
Specialty Materials - manufactures products that provide more than 150 material formulations for glass, glass ceramics and fluoride crystals to meet demand for unique customer needs.
•
Life Sciences - manufactures glass and plastic consumables for scientific applications.
All other reportable segments that do not meet the quantitative threshold for separate reporting have been grouped as “All Other.” This group is primarily comprised of development projects and results for new product lines.
We prepared the financial results for our reportable segments on a basis that is consistent with the manner in which we internally disaggregate financial information to assist in making internal operating decisions. We included the earnings of equity affiliates that are closely associated with our reportable segments in the respective segment’s net income. We have allocated certain common expenses among reportable segments differently than we would for stand-alone financial information. Segment net income may not be consistent with measures used by other companies. The accounting policies of our reportable segments are the same as those applied in the consolidated financial statements.
20. Reportable Segments (continued)
The following provides historical segment information as described above:
Segment Information (in millions)
(1) Depreciation expense for Corning’s reportable segments includes an allocation of depreciation of corporate property not specifically identifiable to a segment.
(2) Research, development and engineering expenses include direct project spending that is identifiable to a segment.
(3) In 2011, Corning recorded a $130 million impairment charge in the Specialty Materials segment related to certain assets located in Japan used for the production of large cover glass. In 2010, Corning recorded $324 million on the settlement of business interruption and property damage insurance claims in the Display Technologies segment resulting from earthquake activity near the Shizuoka, Japan facility and a power disruption at the Taichung, Taiwan facility in 2009.
(4) In 2010, equity in earnings of affiliated companies in the Display Technologies segment included a $61 million credit for our share of a revised Samsung Corning Precision tax holiday calculation agreed to by the Korean National Tax service.
(5) Many of Corning’s administrative and staff functions are performed on a centralized basis. Where practicable, Corning charges these expenses to segments based upon the extent to which each business uses a centralized function. Other staff functions, such as corporate finance, human resources and legal are allocated to segments, primarily as a percentage of sales.
(6) Segment assets include inventory, accounts receivable, property and associated equity companies and cost investments.
20. Reportable Segments (continued)
For the year ended December 31, 2011, the following number of customers, which individually accounted for 10% or more of each segment’s sales, represented the following concentration of segment sales:
•
In the Display Technologies segment, four customers accounted for 77% of total segment sales.
•
In the Telecommunications segment, one customer accounted for 12% of total segment sales.
•
In the Environmental Technologies segment, three customers accounted for 85% of total segment sales.
•
In the Specialty Materials segment, two customers accounted for 42% of total segment sales.
•
In the Life Sciences segment, two customers accounted for 39% of total segment sales.
A significant amount of specialized manufacturing capacity for our Display Technologies segment is concentrated in Asia. It is at least reasonably possible that the use of a facility located outside of an entity’s home country could be disrupted. Due to the specialized nature of the assets, it would not be possible to find replacement capacity quickly. Accordingly, loss of these facilities could produce a near-term severe impact to our display business and the Company as a whole.
A reconciliation of reportable segment net income (loss) to consolidated net income (loss) follows (in millions):
(1) Net financing costs include interest expense, interest income, and interest costs and investment gains and losses associated with benefit plans.
(2) Equity in earnings of affiliated companies, net of impairments, is primarily equity in earnings of Dow Corning, which includes the following items:
•
In 2011, an $89 million credit for our share of Dow Corning’s settlement of a dispute related to long term supply agreements.
•
In 2010, a $21 million credit for our share of U.S. advanced energy manufacturing tax credits and a $26 million credit for our share of a release of valuation allowances on foreign deferred tax assets. Corning also recorded a $16 million credit for our share of excess foreign tax credits from foreign dividends.
•
In 2009, a $29 million credit primarily for our share of excess foreign tax credits from foreign dividends and a $29 million charge for our share of restructuring charges.
(3) In 2011, Corning recorded charges of $24 million to adjust the asbestos liability for the change in value of the components of the Amended PCC Plan. In 2010, Corning recorded a net credit of $49 million primarily reflecting the change in the terms of the proposed asbestos settlement. In 2009, Corning recorded charges of $20 million to adjust the asbestos liability for the change in value of certain components of the amended PCC Plan and the estimated liability for non-PCC asbestos claims.
(4) Other corporate items include the tax impact of the unallocated amounts and the following significant items:
•
In 2011, Corning recorded a $41 million tax benefit from the filing of an amended 2006 U.S. Federal Tax return to claim foreign tax credits.
•
In 2010, Corning recorded a loss of $30 million ($19 million after tax) from the repurchase of $126 million principal amount of our 6.2% senior unsecured notes due March 15, 2016 and $100 million principal amount of our 5.9% senior unsecured notes due March 15, 2014.
•
In 2009, Corning recorded $10 million of additional valuation allowance due to a change in judgment about the realizability of U.S. and United Kingdom deferred tax assets in future years; a $41 million tax benefit to reflect a deferred tax asset associated with Medicare Part D subsidies; a $27 million U.S. tax credit for research and experimentation expenses incurred from 2005 to 2008; and $98 million of restructuring charges.
20. Reportable Segments (continued)
A reconciliation of reportable segment net assets to consolidated net assets follows (in millions):
(1) Includes current corporate assets, primarily cash, short-term investments and deferred taxes.
(2) Represents corporate investments in affiliated companies, at both cost and equity (primarily Dow Corning Corporation).
(3) Represents corporate property not specifically identifiable to an operating segment.
(4) Includes non-current corporate assets, pension assets and deferred taxes.
In our 2010 Form 10-K, reported sales in our geographic disclosures from Japan for the year ended December 31, 2010 excluded sales in the amount of approximately $365 million.
Information concerning principal geographic areas was as follows (in millions):
(1) Long-lived assets primarily include investments, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets. Assets in the U.S. and Korea include investments in Dow Corning Corporation and Samsung Corning Precision.
Corning Incorporated and Subsidiary Companies
Schedule II - Valuation Accounts and Reserves
(in millions)
Quarterly Operating Results
(unaudited)
(In millions, except per share amounts)
DOW CORNING CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the period ended December 31, 2011
DOW CORNING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and
Board of Directors of
Dow Corning Corporation
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows and equity present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Dow Corning Corporation and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements 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. An audit 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.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
February 6, 2012
DOW CORNING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in millions of U.S. dollars, except for per share amounts)
(See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements)
DOW CORNING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions of U.S. dollars)
(See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements)
(1) Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (“OCI”)
DOW CORNING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions of U.S. dollars)
(See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements)
DOW CORNING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions of U.S. dollars)
(See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements)
DOW CORNING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions of U.S. dollars)
(See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements)
DOW CORNING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(in millions of U.S. dollars)
(See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements)
(1) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (“AOCI”)
DOW CORNING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DOW CORNING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in millions of U.S. dollars, except where noted)
NOTE 1 - BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Dow Corning Corporation (“Dow Corning”) was incorporated in 1943 and is equally owned by Corning Incorporated (“Corning”) and The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow Chemical”). Its main purpose is to develop and produce polymers and other materials based on silicon chemistry. Dow Corning operates in various countries around the world through numerous wholly owned or majority owned subsidiary corporations (hereinafter, the consolidated operations of Dow Corning and its subsidiaries may be referred to as the “Company”).
Dow Corning built its business based on silicon chemistry. Silicon is one of the most abundant elements in the world. Most of Dow Corning’s products are based on polymers known as silicones, which have a silicon-oxygen-silicon backbone. Through various chemical processes, Dow Corning manufactures silicones that have an extremely wide variety of characteristics, in forms ranging from fluids, gels, greases and elastomeric materials to resins and other rigid materials. Silicones combine the temperature and chemical resistance of glass with the versatility of plastics. Regardless of form or application, silicones generally possess such qualities as electrical resistance, resistance to extreme temperatures, resistance to deterioration from aging, water repellency, lubricating characteristics, relative chemical and physiological inertness and resistance to ultraviolet radiation.
The Company engages primarily in the discovery, development, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of silicon-based materials and offers related services. Since its inception, Dow Corning has been engaged in a continuous program of basic and applied research on silicon-based materials to develop new products and processes, to improve and refine existing products and processes and to develop new applications for existing products. The Company manufactures over 7,000 products and serves approximately 25,000 customers worldwide, with no single customer accounting for more than five percent of the Company’s sales in any of the past three years. Dow Corning’s silicon-based materials are used in a broad range of products and applications across multiple sectors such as electronics, automotive, construction, textiles and healthcare. The Company, through its Hemlock Semiconductor joint ventures, is a provider of polycrystalline silicon and other silicon-based products used in semiconductor and solar applications. Principal United States manufacturing plants are located in Kentucky and Michigan. Principal foreign manufacturing plants are located in Belgium, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom. The Company operates research and development facilities and/or technical service centers in the United States, Belgium, Brazil, China, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Management has evaluated subsequent events through February 6, 2012, the date the financial statements were available to be issued. Certain prior period items have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Dow Corning and all of its wholly owned and majority owned domestic and foreign subsidiaries. The Company’s interests in 20% to 50% owned subsidiaries are carried on the equity basis and are included in “Other noncurrent assets” in the consolidated balance sheets. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company’s policy is to include the accounts of entities in which the Company holds a controlling interest based on exposure to economic risks and potential rewards (variable interests), and for which it is the primary beneficiary, in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of 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, the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Fair Value Measurements
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Level 1 inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 inputs are quoted prices, not included in Level 1, that are either directly or indirectly observable, including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs and include the Company’s assumptions that may be used by market participants.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of ninety days or less. The carrying amounts for cash equivalents approximate their fair values. Cash equivalents are measured at fair value using Level 1 inputs.
Accounts Receivable
The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts that reduces receivables to amounts that are expected to be collected. In estimating the allowance, management considers factors such as current overall geographic and industry-specific economic conditions, statutory requirements, historical and anticipated customer performance, historical experience with write-offs and the level of past-due amounts. Changes in these conditions may result in additional allowances. After all attempts to collect a receivable have failed and local legal requirements are met, the receivable is written off against the allowance.
Inventories
The value of inventories is determined using the lower of cost or market as the basis. Produced goods are valued using a first-in, first-out cost flow methodology, while purchased materials and supplies are valued using an average cost flow methodology.
Property and Depreciation
Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost less any impairment and are depreciated over estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. The Company periodically monitors actual experience to determine whether events and circumstances have occurred that may warrant revision of the estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment. Engineering and other costs directly related to the construction of property, plant and equipment are capitalized as construction in progress until construction is complete and such property, plant and equipment is ready and available to perform its specifically assigned function. Upon retirement or other disposal, the asset cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the net amount, less any proceeds, is charged or credited to income. If an asset is determined to be impaired, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its fair value and the difference is charged to income in the period incurred.
The Company capitalizes the costs of internal-use software and includes the costs in “Property, plant and equipment.” The amounts capitalized and subsequently amortized do not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged against income as incurred. Expenditures that significantly increase asset value, extend useful asset lives or adapt property to a new or different use are capitalized.
The Company capitalizes interest as a component of the cost of capital assets constructed for its own use. The Company includes interest expense incurred on all liabilities, including interest related to commercial creditor obligations, in the amount of interest expense subject to capitalization. See Note 16 for additional details on interest payable to the Company’s commercial creditors.
The Company accounts for asset retirement obligations by recording an asset and related liability for the costs associated with the retirement of long-lived tangible assets when a legal liability to retire the assets exists. These obligations may result from acquisition, construction, or the normal operation of a long-lived asset. The Company records asset retirement obligations at fair value in the period in which they are incurred. The Company’s asset retirement obligations do not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
In addition, the Company has identified conditional asset retirement obligations, such as for the removal of asbestos and records such obligations when there are plans in place to undertake major renovations or plans to exit a facility. Due to the nature of the Company’s operations, the Company believes that there is an indeterminate settlement date for the existing conditional asset retirement obligations as the range of time over which the Company may settle the obligation is unknown or cannot be estimated. Therefore, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the fair value of the liability.
Marketable Securities
The Company accounts for investments in debt and equity securities at fair value for trading or available for sale securities. The amortized cost method is used to account for investments in debt securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity. Investments in debt and equity securities are included in “Marketable securities” in the current and noncurrent sections of the consolidated balance sheets. All such investments are considered to be available for sale. The Company regularly evaluates whether it intends to sell, or if it is more likely that not it will be forced to sell its available for sale securities to determine if an other-than-temporary impairment loss has occurred. In addition, the Company regularly evaluates available evidence to determine whether or not it will be able to recover the cost of these securities. If the Company is unable to recover the cost of the securities, an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred and credit losses are charged to income in the period incurred. Temporary declines in the fair value of investments are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss.” For the purpose of computing realized gain or loss on the disposition of investments, the specific identification method is used. The Company’s policy is to purchase investment grade securities.
Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash, investments, derivative financial instruments and trade receivables. The Company’s policies limit the amount of credit exposure to any single counterparty for cash and investments. The Company uses major financial institutions with high credit ratings to engage in transactions involving investments and derivative instruments. The Company minimizes credit risk in its receivables from customers through its sale of products to a wide variety of customers and markets in locations throughout the world. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and generally does not require collateral. The Company maintains reserves for potential credit losses, and historically such losses have been within expectations.
Intangibles
Intangible assets of the Company include goodwill, patents and licenses and other assets acquired by the Company that are separable and measurable apart from goodwill. Goodwill, representing the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets of businesses acquired, is tested at least annually for impairment. The Company completed its annual test for impairment of goodwill during the three month period ended September 30, 2011. Other intangible assets with finite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives.
Revenue
The Company recognizes revenue only when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price to the customer is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Revenue is recognized when title and risk of loss transfer to the customer for products and as work is performed for professional services. Amounts billed to a customer in a sale transaction related to shipping costs are classified as revenue. The Company reduces revenue for product returns, allowances and price discounts at the time the sale is recognized. Amounts billed to customers in excess of amounts recognized as revenue are reported as deferred revenue in the consolidated balance sheets.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales includes material, labor and overhead costs associated with the manufacture and shipment of the Company’s products, as well as research and development costs. Shipping costs are primarily comprised of payments to third party shippers. Research and development costs are primarily comprised of labor costs, outside services and depreciation. Research and development costs were $259.4, $251.8 and $216.6 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Income Taxes
The income tax provision includes federal, state and foreign income taxes that are both currently payable and deferred. The Company records deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company’s financial statements or tax returns. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Company records a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not the expected future tax benefits will not be realized. In determining the appropriate valuation allowance, certain judgments are made relating to recoverability of deferred tax assets, use of tax loss carryforwards, level of expected future taxable income and available tax planning strategies. These judgments are routinely reviewed by management. Further, the Company recognizes the financial statement effects of uncertain tax liabilities stemming from uncertain tax positions when it is more likely than not that those positions will not be sustained upon examination.
The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. Accrued interest and penalties were not material to the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.
Currency Translation
The value of the U.S. dollar fluctuates against foreign currencies. Because the Company conducts business in many countries, these fluctuations affect the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.
Subsidiaries in Europe, Japan and China translate their assets and liabilities, stated in their functional currency, into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the end of the current period. The resulting gains or losses are reflected in “Cumulative translation adjustment” in the stockholders’ equity section of the consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the functional currency value of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognized in “Other nonoperating income/expenses” in the consolidated statements of income. The revenues and expenses of these non-U.S. subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates that prevailed during the period. Therefore, the reported U.S. dollar results included in the consolidated statements of income fluctuate from period to period, depending on the value of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies.
For non-U.S. subsidiaries outside of Europe, Japan and China, where the U.S. dollar is the functional currency, inventories, property, plant and equipment and other non-monetary assets, together with their related elements of expense, are translated at historical exchange rates. All other assets and liabilities are translated at current exchange rates. All other revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates. Translation gains and losses for these subsidiaries are recognized in “Other nonoperating income/expenses” in the consolidated statements of income.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company uses derivative financial instruments to reduce the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates on its earnings, cash flows and fair values of assets and liabilities. In addition, the Company uses derivative financial instruments to reduce the impact of changes in natural gas and other commodity prices on its earnings and cash flows.
The Company designates derivatives as either (1) a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment (fair value hedge), (2) a hedge of the exposure to variability in cash flows of a forecasted transaction (cash flow hedge), or (3) a hedge of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation. Where an instrument is designated as a hedge, the Company formally documents all relationships between the hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes relating all derivatives that are designated as fair value or cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet or to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions. The Company also formally assesses both at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, whether each derivative is highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged item. If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge, or if a derivative ceases to be a highly effective hedge, the Company will discontinue hedge accounting with respect to that derivative prospectively.
The Company measures derivative financial instruments at fair value and classifies them as “Other current assets,” “Other noncurrent assets,” “Other current liabilities,” or “Other noncurrent liabilities” in the consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized gains and losses related to the Company’s derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss.” These gains and losses are reclassified from “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” as the underlying hedged item affects earnings. Realized derivative gains and losses related to cash flow hedges, foreign exchange contracts and commodity contracts are recognized in the Company’s income statement in “Other nonoperating income/expenses” and “Cost of sales,” respectively. Both unrealized and realized gains and losses related to derivative instruments used to hedge the economic exposure to foreign currency fluctuations and not designated as hedging instruments are recognized in “Other nonoperating income/expenses” and “Income tax provision.”
Cash flows from derivatives designated as hedges are classified in the same category of the consolidated statements of cash flows as the items being hedged. Cash flows from derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are classified in the investing activities section of the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Litigation
The Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims arising out of the normal course of business. The Company routinely assesses the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes to these matters, as well as ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of the reserves required, if any, for these contingencies is made after analysis of each known issue and an analysis of historical claims experience for incurred but not reported matters. The Company expenses legal costs, including those expected to be incurred in connection with a loss contingency, as incurred. The Company has an active risk management program consisting of numerous insurance policies secured from many carriers. These policies provide coverage that is utilized to mitigate the impact, if any, of certain of the legal proceedings. The required reserves may change in the future due to new developments in each matter.
Environmental Matters
The Company determines the costs of environmental remediation for its facilities, facilities formerly owned by the Company and third party waste disposal facilities based on evaluations of current law and existing technologies. Inherent uncertainties exist in these evaluations primarily due to unknown conditions, changing governmental regulations and legal standards regarding liability and evolving technologies. The Company records a charge to earnings for environmental matters when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the Company’s costs can be reasonably estimated. The liabilities recorded are adjusted periodically as remediation efforts progress, or as additional technical or legal information becomes available.
Warranties
In the normal course of business to facilitate sales of its products, the Company has issued product warranties, and it has entered into contracts and purchase orders that often contain standard terms and conditions that typically include a warranty. The Company’s warranty activities do not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
New Accounting Standards
In October 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance related to revenue recognition for multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements expanding the disclosure requirements related to such arrangements. The guidance was effective for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. The adoption did not impact the Company’s financial position and results of operations.
In May 2011, the FASB issued guidance that amends certain principles and requirements for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The guidance is effective for interim or annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011 with prospective application. The adoption is not expected to impact the Company’s financial position and results of operations.
In June 2011, the FASB issued guidance that changes the requirements for presentation of comprehensive income. This guidance eliminates the current option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in equity and requires that all nonowner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted the requirements of the new guidance effective December 31, 2011 for all periods presented. The adoption did not impact the Company’s financial position and results of operations.
In September 2011, the FASB issued guidance that amends the requirements for goodwill impairment testing. The guidance permits the Company to assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative analysis. The guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption is not expected to impact the Company’s financial position and results of operations.
NOTE 3 - ADVANCED ENERGY MANUFACTURING TAX CREDITS
On January 8, 2010, the Company was approved to receive Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credits of $169.0. The tax credits were granted as part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 and are focused on job creation from increased domestic manufacturing capacity supplying clean and renewable energy projects. The credits granted to the Company are related to the Company’s manufacturing expansion projects supporting the solar industry. The Company accounts for investment tax credits under the flow-through method, which results in the recognition of the credit as a reduction of federal income taxes in the year in which the credit arises. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company recognized $24.3 of the credits resulting in a reduction of the tax liability, a reduction in the income tax provision of $15.8 and an increase in deferred tax liabilities of $8.5. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company recognized $141.9 of the credits resulting in a reduction of the tax liability, a reduction in the income tax provision of $92.2 and an increase in deferred tax liabilities of $49.7. The income tax benefit of $92.2 included $69.9 as a discrete benefit as it related to qualifying expenditures through December 31, 2009. The impact of these tax credits on net income for the year ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $15.8 and $58.3, net of the noncontrolling interests’ share.
NOTE 4 - RESTRUCTURING
In February 2009, in response to economic challenges, Dow Corning announced it would reduce its workforce through reduction-in-force programs and site closures globally. These actions were part of broader cost-saving measures taken by the Company, including efforts to maximize operational efficiency and tightly control expenses. The Company recorded restructuring expenses of $101.6 during the year ended December 31, 2009. This amount was comprised of approximately $95.6 for employee-related costs associated with ongoing benefit arrangements and one-time termination benefits and $6.0 for lease terminations, asset disposals and demolitions. As of December 31, 2010, the program was complete.
NOTE 5 - ACQUISITIONS OF BUSINESS INTERESTS
Globe Metais Industria e Comercio S.A. and West Virginia Alloy
On November 5, 2009, the Company paid $174.9 and acquired 100% of the equity of Globe Metais Industria e Comercio S.A. (“Metais”), a silicon metal producer with manufacturing operations in Brazil and a 49% equity interest of Globe Metallurgical Inc.’s silicon manufacturing operation, WVA Manufacturing LLC (“WVA”), a silicon metal producer with manufacturing operations in West Virginia (collectively, the “Transaction”). Direct costs related to the Transaction were approximately $3.6, primarily for legal and advisory services. The Company believes that the Transaction enhances both the security of supply and cost effectiveness of a key raw material.
The acquisition of the controlling interest of Metais was accounted for as a business combination. The results of operations of Metais were included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. The investment in WVA was accounted for by the equity method of accounting for investments and was included in “Other noncurrent assets” in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The results of operations of Metais and the equity results of WVA were not material to the consolidated statement of income.
The Company’s initial estimates for the Transaction resulted in a fair value of assets and liabilities which exceeded the purchase price by $14.8. This amount was recorded as a bargain purchase gain in “Other nonoperating income/expenses” of the consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2009. The gain was primarily related to access to a stable and favorably priced supply of electricity under a long-term contract, the relative condition of property, plant and equipment in relation to replacement cost and the benefit of a net operating loss carryforward that the Company expects to be able to utilize based on its strategic plans for this business.
The fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed on November 5, 2009 related to the Transaction were as shown in the table below. In 2010, net adjustments of $18.5 were made to the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with a corresponding adjustment to the bargain purchase gain, as summarized in the table below. The adjustments were primarily due to the completed valuation of forestry assets, the final evaluation of contingent liabilities and the related deferred tax impacts. The December 31, 2009 financial statement balances and disclosures impacted by these adjustments have been retrospectively adjusted.
Quebec Silicon Limited Partnership
On October 1, 2010, the Company acquired 49% of the equity of Quebec Silicon Limited Partnership (“Quebec Silicon LP”), a silicon metal manufacturing company with operations in Canada. The Company paid $40.3 in exchange for the equity interests in Quebec Silicon LP. The Company believes that this transaction enhances both the security of supply and cost effectiveness of a key raw material. The investment in Quebec Silicon LP was accounted for by the equity method of accounting for investments and included in “Other noncurrent assets” in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The results of operations from Quebec Silicon LP were not material to the consolidated statement of income.
NOTE 6 - INVESTMENTS
Investments reflected in “Marketable securities” in the current and noncurrent sections of the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 were $183.8 and $544.3, respectively. These investments have been classified as available for sale.
The cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and fair value of the investments were as follows:
As of December 31, 2011, securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more were valued at $40.4, net of unrealized losses of $17.0. As of December 31, 2010, securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more were valued at $172.0, net of unrealized losses of $22.0.
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The classifications as of the balance sheet dates were as follows:
The changes in fair value of Level 3 assets were as follows:
Level 3 available for sale securities with a par value of $368.2 were redeemed or sold during the year ended December 31, 2011. These redemptions were related to securities backed by student loans and were redeemed or sold at a weighted average price of 95.9% of par.
As of December 31, 2011, debt securities with a fair value of $113.9, excluding auction rate preferred securities, have maturities greater than five years.
Level 3 Assets
Auction Rate Securities
As of December 31, 2011, the Company held auction rate securities of $171.6 included in the consolidated balance sheet. These securities consisted principally of revenue bonds backed by student loans that are guaranteed by the U.S. Government, revenue bonds backed by insured student loans and bundled preferred equity securities.
Historically, the cost of the auction rate securities approximated fair value. The Company had experienced a long history of successful auctions. However, in mid-February 2008, auctions began to fail and continued to fail for virtually all of these securities because there were an insufficient number of buy bids. Upon failure of an auction, the Company is required to hold the security until the next auction date at a contractually predetermined interest rate generally higher than the risk-free treasury rate. A failed auction reduces the immediate liquidity available to the Company.
Due to the absence of observable prices in an active market for the same or similar securities, the fair value of auction rate securities backed by student loans was based on a discounted cash flow analysis using forecasts of future cash flows based on variable coupon payments and future interest rates. The data used for the forecasts included benchmark interest rates such as LIBOR and U.S. Treasury rates, commercial paper rates and other interest rate indices reflecting market required rates of return. The value of auction rate preferred securities was based on market required effective interest rates as indicated by market prices of the underlying preferred securities. Both valuation methodologies considered similar transactions observed in the market, variable coupon payments, the restriction in liquidity due to failed auctions, the credit risk related to each group of securities and the probability of recovery or replacement of the auction rate securities market. Other considerations included the nature of the collateralizations, guarantees, contractual structures of the securities and issuer’s indication of intent to redeem. The auction rate securities were included in Level 3 as of December 31, 2011 because certain model inputs were not readily observable.
Auction Rate Securities Backed by Student Loans
The Company held auction rate securities backed by student loans valued at $113.9 included in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2011. The entire portfolio of securities had investment grade credit ratings. These auction rate securities were variable rate debt instruments with underlying securities that have contractual maturities that range from 19 to 31 years and whose interest rates are reset every 28 to 35 days through an auction process. Since the auctions have failed, default interest rates are applicable and each issuer has continued to pay required interest payments.
During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company began to actively market its auction rate securities backed by student loans. As the Company had the intent to sell these securities and their fair value at December 31, 2011 was lower than the cost, an other-than-temporary impairment had occurred and the securities were written down to their fair value, establishing a new cost basis. A loss of $11.7 ($7.4 net of the noncontrolling interests’ share) was included in “Other nonoperating expenses, net” as of December 31, 2011. Due to the Company’s positive intent to sell and expectation that the sales will occur within one year, the Company included the auction rate securities backed by student loans in “Marketable securities” in the current section of the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2011.
Auction Rate Preferred Securities
The Company held auction rate securities backed by preferred equity securities valued at $57.7 included in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2011. The interest rates reset on these variable rate instruments quarterly through an auction process. Since the auctions have failed, default dividend allocation methods are in effect. While 70% of the securities were rated below investment grade, the issuers of the underlying preferred equity securities have continued to remit dividends consistent with historical practices.
As of December 31, 2011, the Company was not actively marketing, had no intent to sell, nor was it expected to be required to sell, its auction rate preferred securities before the anticipated recovery in market value. In determining that the unrealized losses related to these securities were not other-than-temporary, the Company considered several other factors. These factors included the financial condition and prospects of the issuers, continuation of dividend payments, the magnitude of losses compared with the cost of the investments, the length of time the investments have been in an unrealized loss position and the credit rating of the security. Management believes the decline in fair value is primarily related to the current interest rate environment and market inefficiencies and not to the credit deterioration of the individual issuers. Unrealized losses of $16.9, net of $1.4 for the noncontrolling interests’ share, related to auction rate preferred securities were included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2011. The fair value of these securities could be subject to further adjustments in the future if indicated by either observable prices in an active market or a change in the results of valuations.
NOTE 7 - INVENTORIES
The components of inventories were as follows:
Produced goods include both work-in-process and finished goods. Due to the nature of the Company’s operations, it is impractical to classify inventory between work-in-process and finished goods as such classifications can be interchangeable for certain inventoriable items. Purchased materials primarily consist of the Company’s raw material inventories. Maintenance and supplies included in inventory primarily represent spare component parts that are critical to the Company’s manufacturing processes.
NOTE 8 - INCOME TAXES
The components of income before income taxes and noncontrolling interests were as follows:
The components of the income tax provision were as follows:
The tax effects of the principal temporary differences giving rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:
The Company believes that it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets will be realized. The criteria that management considered in making this determination were historical and projected operating results, the ability to utilize tax planning strategies and the period of time over which the tax benefits can be utilized.
Tax effected operating loss carryforwards as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 were $167.8 and $176.8, respectively. Of the tax effected operating loss carryforwards, $141.5 are subject to an indefinite carryforward period and were generated by the Company’s subsidiaries in Brazil and the United Kingdom. Substantially all of the remaining operating loss carryforwards relate to the Company’s subsidiaries in China. The net operating losses in China have a five year carryforward period. The Company has determined that no valuation allowance is needed for the net operating losses.
The valuation allowance as of December 31, 2011 was $56.1. Of this amount, $39.8 is attributable to realized and unrealized capital losses on marketable securities and $7.9 from outside basis differences in the Company’s joint ventures.
Tax credit carryforwards of $87.9 as of December 31, 2011 were attributable to foreign tax credits. These credits expire in 2019 through 2021. The Company has determined that no valuation allowance is needed for the tax credit carryforwards.
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds received, was $225.9, $191.1 and $234.4 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
The effective rate of the income tax provision may differ from the United States federal statutory tax rate. A reconciliation of the tax rate is illustrated in the following table:
As of December 31, 2009, the Company had a valuation allowance of $44.0 on the deferred tax assets of a China subsidiary. During 2010, the allowance was increased by $24.4. As of December 31, 2010, management concluded that the weight of all available evidence, both positive and negative, warranted the release of the valuation allowance of $68.4 when the China subsidiary achieved operational performance.
Also during 2010, the Company was approved to receive Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credits of approximately $169.0 that resulted in a $15.8 and $92.2 reduction in the income tax provision for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
During 2009, the Company’s subsidiary in the Netherlands paid a dividend to the United States that resulted in a reduction in the income tax provision for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009. Substantially all of the reduction in the income tax provision from the U.S. tax effect of foreign earnings and dividends in 2010 and 2009 related to this dividend.
As of December 31, 2011, income and remittance taxes have not been recorded on $660.3 of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries, either because any taxes on dividends would be offset substantially by foreign tax credits or because the Company intends to reinvest those earnings indefinitely.
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state, local and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, local or non-U.S. income tax examination by tax authorities for years before 2005.
The following table indicates, for each significant jurisdiction, the earliest tax year that remains subject to examination:
The Company is participating in the IRS Compliance Assurance Process for the 2009, 2010 and 2011 tax years. In addition, certain foreign jurisdictions and certain states have commenced examinations of returns filed by the Company and some of its foreign subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2011, no jurisdiction has proposed any significant adjustments to the Company’s tax returns that management believes would be sustained and would materially affect the Company’s financial position. In addition, the Company does not anticipate that any material adjustments will result from settlements, closing of tax examinations or expiration of applicable statutes of limitation in various jurisdictions within the next 12 months.
During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company received proposed adjustments from the IRS related to the Company’s consolidated federal income tax returns for 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. The Company filed protests and appeals in response to the proposed adjustments for the years 2006 through 2008. Management believes that the deficiencies asserted by the IRS will not be sustained and is vigorously contesting the IRS’ claims. However, if the IRS prevails, the resulting tax deficiency would be approximately $207.8. Management believes that the resolution of the issues will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. In July 2010, the Company made voluntary protective bond deposits of $145.0 to the IRS related to these tax positions for the earlier tax years. Additional tax payments of $62.8 were made for the 2008 through 2011 tax years to cover anticipated adjustments for these years. The deposits and the additional payments were made to alleviate the potential for interest expense and penalties as well as to generate competitive interest income on the funds.
The Company’s liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits, which include interest and penalties, were $3.7 and $10.6 for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Tax Effect of Other Comprehensive Income
The following table details the tax (expense) benefit of other comprehensive income amounts recognized:
NOTE 9 - DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
The Company enters into derivative financial contracts based on analysis of specific and known economic exposures. The Company’s policy prohibits holding or issuing derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. The types of instruments typically used are forward contracts, but may also include option combinations and purchased option contracts.
Cash Flow Hedges
The Company uses forward contracts and options to hedge the exposure to changes in the prices of commodities, primarily natural gas. Net unrealized gains and losses on these contracts are recorded as a component of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and are reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the underlying hedged item impacts earnings. As of December 31, 2011, the Company had outstanding commodity forward contracts and options to hedge forecasted purchases of 7.3 million mmbtu of natural gas. The forward contracts and options outstanding at December 31, 2011 hedge forecasted transactions expected to occur within the next 24 months.
Foreign exchange options are also used by the Company to reduce the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates related to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions by locking in exchange rates for such anticipated cash flows. Gains and losses on these instruments are recorded as a component of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” in the consolidated balance sheets until the forecasted transaction occurs. As of December 31, 2011, the total notional amount of the Company’s foreign currency cash flow hedges was $23.7 expressed as U.S. dollars. The options outstanding as of December 31, 2011 hedge forecasted transactions expected to occur within the next 11 months.
Gains or losses on the derivatives representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness are recognized in current earnings and were immaterial for the periods ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.
Economic Hedges
Contracts used to hedge the economic exposure to foreign currency fluctuations associated with certain monetary assets and liabilities are not designated as hedging instruments. Changes in the fair value of these items are recorded in earnings to offset the foreign exchange gains and losses of the monetary assets and liabilities. As of December 31, 2011, the total notional amount of the Company’s non-designated foreign currency fair value hedges was $672.5, expressed as U.S. dollars.
Financial Statement Impact
The impacts of derivative instruments on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and income statements are detailed below:
(1) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (“AOCI”)
(2) Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (“OCI”)
Net losses expected to be reclassified from AOCI into the income statement in the next 12 months were $7.9 ($5.0 after tax) as of December 31, 2011.
Derivative options held by the Company as of December 31, 2011 were valued using observable market inputs and the Black-Scholes model. Forward contracts were also valued using observable market inputs. The inputs used in valuation were considered Level 2 because the inputs are readily observable for the derivative asset or liability.
NOTE 10 - VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
The Company holds minority voting interests in certain joint ventures that produce key raw material inputs for the Company. These joint ventures operate under supply agreements that sell inventory to the equity owners using pricing mechanisms that guarantee a return, therefore shielding the joint ventures from the right or ability to absorb expected gains or losses. As a result of the pricing mechanisms of these agreements, these entities are determined to be variable interest entities. As the Company does not hold the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of these entities, it is not the primary beneficiary and therefore does not consolidate the results of these entities.
The Company accounts for its investment in these entities under the equity method of accounting. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with these variable interest entities is determined to be the carrying value of the investment in these entities plus the maximum amount of potential future payments under the Company’s guarantees of nonconsolidated subsidiaries’ debt. As of December 31, 2011 the maximum exposure to loss was $238.8.
NOTE 11 - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
The components of property, plant and equipment were as follows:
The Company recorded depreciation expense of $357.2, $291.7 and $192.7 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
The amount of interest capitalized as a component of the cost of capital assets constructed for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $68.9, $71.2 and $49.1, respectively.
NOTE 12 - GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had gross goodwill of $68.1 and 70.0, respectively. Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill related primarily to currency translation. The gross and net amounts of intangible assets, excluding goodwill, were as follows:
The Company recorded amortization expense related to these intangible assets of $10.1, $9.6 and $6.2 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The estimated aggregate amortization expense to be recorded in each of the next five years is as follows: 2012 - $7.5, 2013 - $7.2, 2014 - $6.9, 2015 - $6.9, 2016 - $6.9.
NOTE 13 - NOTES PAYABLE, CREDIT FACILITIES AND GUARANTEES
Short-Term Borrowings
The Company had outstanding short-term debt of $134.7 and $232.5 in Asia as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The borrowings in Asia were primarily denominated in Renminbi with an interest rate generally set by the People’s Bank of China at the time of borrowing. The weighted average interest rate for the outstanding short-term borrowings was 5.7% as of December 31, 2011. Since the interest rates for the borrowing in Asia are reset regularly based on market conditions, management believes the carrying value of the debt approximates its fair value for these borrowings. The Company is in compliance with its debt covenants related to the short-term borrowings.
Credit Facilities
In March 2011, the Company entered into a five-year $1,000.0 revolving credit facility agreement with various U.S. and foreign banks. The facility allows for borrowing in various currencies for working capital needs and general corporate purposes of the Company. Borrowings bear interest at a LIBOR-plus rate or an alternate rate based on LIBOR, the Prime Rate or the Federal Funds Effective rate plus various spreads based on the terms of the agreement. As of December 31, 2011, the Company had no outstanding balance on the facility. This facility replaced the Company’s existing $500.0 revolving credit arrangement, which was set to expire in July 2011. As of December 31, 2010, the Company had borrowed the maximum amount and it was classified as short-term borrowings in the consolidated balance sheet.
In addition, the Company had unused and committed credit facilities with various U.S. and foreign banks totaling $183.4 and $216.0 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. These credit facilities require the payment of commitment fees. The Company intends to renew these facilities at their respective maturities. These facilities are available to support working capital requirements.
Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consisted of the following:
In March 2011, the Company issued senior unsecured fixed rate notes at par with an aggregate principal amount of $700.0, including $350.0 of 4.1% Series A Notes due March 2018 and $350.0 of 4.8% Series B notes due March 2021. Valuation of the senior notes is conducted on a quarterly basis using the benchmark risk-free interest rate with a credit spread based on comparable companies with a similar investment rating and considering business-specific risks. As of December 31, 2011, the fair values of Series A Notes and Series B Notes were $375.4 and $387.4, respectively.
In August 2010, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company entered into a secured term loan with a bank in China. The amount of the loan was 193.5 Renminbi ($30.7 U.S. dollars) and permits borrowing in Renminbi only. As of December 31, 2011, the subsidiary had $26.9 outstanding under the loan. As of December 31, 2010, the subsidiary had borrowed the maximum amount under the loan. Repayment began in December 2011 with various amounts due each year through June 2015. No further borrowings are available under this facility.
In October 2009, a majority owned subsidiary of the Company entered into an unsecured term loan facility with a syndicate of commercial banks in China. The amount of the facility was 1.6 billion Renminbi ($253.9 U.S. dollars) and permits borrowing in Renminbi only. As of December 31, 2011, the subsidiary had $228.5 outstanding under the facility. As of December 31, 2010, the subsidiary had borrowed the maximum amount under the loan. Repayment began in April 2011 with various amounts due each year through April 2014. No further borrowings are available under this facility.
In April 2009, a majority owned subsidiary of the Company entered into an unsecured five-year term loan facility with a syndicate of commercial banks in China. The amount of the facility was 4.2 billion Renminbi ($666.6 U.S. dollars). The facility permits borrowing in U.S. dollars and Renminbi with required repayments commencing two years after the drawdown date. As of December 31, 2011, the subsidiary had $592.8 outstanding under the facility in Renminbi. As of December 31, 2010, the subsidiary had borrowed the maximum amount under the loan. Repayment began in April 2011 with various amounts due each year through April 2014. No further borrowings are available under this facility.
Since the interest rates for the borrowings in China are reset regularly based on market conditions, management believes the carrying value of the debt approximates the fair value of these borrowings.
The Company and its subsidiaries are in compliance with its debt covenants, including leverage ratios and interest coverage ratios.
Annual aggregate maturities of the long-term debt of the Company are: 2012 - $195.2, 2013 - $195.5, 2014 - $470.1, 2015 - $9.2 and $765.1 thereafter.
Cash paid for interest during the year ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $91.8, $66.8 and $51.7, respectively.
Sales of Receivables
The Company maintains an accounts receivable facility with a bank in Japan. The discount rate under this facility is the equivalent of TIBOR plus 0.25%. The Company sold receivables in the amount of $322.3 and $275.5 to this bank in exchange for cash proceeds of $322.1 and $275.3 during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Under the facility, the Company continues to collect the receivables from the customer but retains no interest in the receivables. The facility agreement does not permit the Company to transfer the receivables to any other institution and the Company is not permitted to repurchase the transferred receivables. The transfer of receivables provides additional liquidity to the Company. The counterparty for the receivables facility is a financial institution that specializes in receivables securitization transactions and is financed through the issuance of commercial paper.
Additionally, the Company has access to a short term borrowing facility securitized by receivables in the U.S. which expires in October 2013. The interest rate under this facility is based on commercial paper pool rates. The facility requires the payment of commitment fees on the unused portion. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, there were no outstanding amounts under this agreement. The facility agreement does not permit the Company to transfer the receivables to any other institution and the Company is not permitted to repurchase the transferred receivables. The counterparty for the accounts receivables facility is a financial institution that specializes in securitization transactions and is financed through the issuance of commercial paper.
Guarantees and Letters of Credit
Guarantees arise in the normal course of business from relationships with customers, employees and nonconsolidated affiliates when the Company undertakes an obligation to guarantee the performance of others (via delivery of cash or other assets) if specified triggering events occur. Non-performance under a contract by the guaranteed party triggers the obligation of the Company. The Company maintained agreements to guarantee the debt of certain nonconsolidated affiliates. The maximum amount of potential future payments under these guarantees was $84.1 as of December 31, 2011. The obligations under these guarantees are due to be repaid by February 2019. The Company does not expect to be required to make any payments related to these agreements and no liability has been recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010. The Company’s potential obligation under other guarantees was not material to the consolidated financial statements.
The Company had outstanding letters of credit of $27.1 and $15.2 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
NOTE 14 - DEFERRED REVENUE
The Company enters into long-term product sales agreements with certain customers. Under certain agreements, customers are obligated to purchase minimum quantities of product and make specified payments. Most of these product sales agreements extend over various periods and the revenue associated with the agreements is recognized using the average sales price over the life of the agreements. Differences between amounts invoiced to customers under the agreements and amounts recognized using the average price methodology are reported as deferred revenue in the consolidated balance sheets. When agreements are modified, the Company reviews the revised terms to determine whether continued use of the average price methodology remains appropriate, or whether the use of invoice-based pricing, a ratable recognition of existing deferred revenue amounts, or a combination of these methods is required.
Under certain agreements, customers were required to make initial non-refundable advanced cash payments. During the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, advanced payments of $588.0 and $981.8, respectively, were received by the Company. Under the agreements, the Company expects to receive advanced payments of $366.7 in the next twelve months and $355.8 in periods thereafter. These amounts are recorded as deferred revenue and are typically applied ratably on a per kilogram basis as products are shipped over the life of the agreements. However, modification to terms of the agreements may alter the timing of future advanced payments receipts or their application to future purchases. In the event that certain product delivery timelines are not met, subject to specific conditions outlined in the agreements, customers may be entitled to damages up to the amount of the advanced cash payments. The advanced payments received are reported as cash flows from operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Deferred revenue reflected in “Current deferred revenue” and “Deferred revenue” in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, was $3,632.7 and $3,396.7, respectively. The current portion of $336.5 and $266.0 was recorded in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The current portion is determined based upon contractual application of advanced payments to customer purchases.
In December 2011, the Company resolved a contract dispute related to certain long-term sales agreements. The resolution was mainly comprised of a cash payment of $195.2, which was received by the Company in January 2012, and recognition of previously recorded deferred revenue of $229.9 . The Company has no remaining obligation to perform under the agreements. The pre-tax impact of the resolution was reflected in the “Gain on long-term sales agreements” line within the consolidated statement of income. After income taxes and amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests, net income attributable to the Company for the year ended December 31, 2011 increased by $182.9.
NOTE 15 - PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
The Company maintains defined benefit employee retirement plans covering most domestic and certain non-U.S. employees. The components of pension expense for the Company’s U.S. and non-U.S. plans were as follows:
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations that were recognized in or reclassified from other comprehensive income as of December 31 were as follows:
The Company’s defined benefit employee retirement plans have a measurement date of December 31 of the applicable year. The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for defined benefit plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets as of December 31 were as follows:
The following table provides a reconciliation of beginning and ending balances of the projected benefit obligation, beginning and ending balances of the fair value of plan assets and the funded status of the plans as of December 31:
The following table represents assets by category and fair value level of the U.S and non-U.S. defined benefit employee retirement plans:
The changes in fair value of Level 3 assets for the year ended December 31, 2011 were as follows:
Level 1 assets were valued based on quoted prices in active markets. Level 2 assets were primarily comprised of assets held in investment funds. The value of these funds was determined based on quoted prices in active markets for assets that are identical to the underlying assets held by the funds.
Level 3 assets were investments in a long term property lease fund. Due to the absence of observable prices in an active market for the same or similar securities, the fair value of the securities was based on the last available market price for the underlying assets.
The following table represents amounts recorded in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31:
The Company expects to recognize $76.4 of net loss and $3.7 of net prior service cost as a component of net periodic pension cost in 2012 for its defined benefit pension plans.
The expected return on plan assets is a long-term assumption based on projected returns for assets and the approved asset allocations of the plan. For the purpose of pension expense recognition, the Company uses a market-related value of assets that amortizes the difference between the expected return and the actual return on plan assets over a three-year period. The Company had approximately $12.5 of net unrecognized asset losses associated with its U.S. pension plans as of December 31, 2011 that will be recognized in the calculation of the market-related value of assets and subject to amortization in future periods.
For the United States defined benefit plan, as of December 31, 2011, the fair value of plan assets included 38% of equity securities and 62% of debt securities. The plan targets an asset allocation of 40% equity securities and 60% debt securities. The plan’s expected long-term rate of return is based on the asset allocation and expected future rates of return on equity and fixed income securities based on the investment outlook provided by the Company’s actuary.
Given the relatively long horizon of the Company’s aggregate obligation, its investment strategy is to improve and maintain the funded status of its U.S. and non-U.S. plans over time without exposure to excessive asset value volatility. The Company manages this risk primarily by maintaining actual asset allocations between equity and fixed income securities for the plans within a specified range of its target asset allocation. In addition, the Company ensures that diversification across various investment subcategories within each plan are maintained within specified ranges.
All of the Company’s pension assets are managed by outside investment managers and held in trust by third-party custodians. The selection and oversight of these outside service providers is the responsibility of investment committees. The selection of specific securities is at the discretion of the investment manager and is subject to the provisions set forth by written investment management agreements and related policy guidelines regarding permissible investments and risk control practices.
The Company’s funding policy is to contribute to defined benefit plans when pension laws and economics either require or encourage funding. Contributions of approximately $115.1 are planned for the U.S. plans in 2012. Contributions of approximately $31.0 are planned for non-U.S. plans in 2012.
The weighted-average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation and to determine the net benefit costs are shown in the following table. Discount rates and rates of increase in future compensation are weighted based upon the projected benefit obligations of the respective plans. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is weighted based on total plan assets for each plan at year end. The long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption is determined considering historical returns and expected future asset allocation and returns for each plan.
The Company uses the Citigroup Pension Discount Curve and matches points along the curve to the estimated future benefit payments of the U.S. defined benefit plans to arrive at an effective discount rate. The discount rates for non-U.S. defined benefit plans are based on benchmark rate indices specific to the respective countries and durations similar to those of the plans’ liabilities.
The Company expects to pay benefits under its defined benefit plans in future periods as detailed in the following table. The expected benefits have been estimated based on the same assumptions used to measure the Company’s benefit obligation as of December 31, 2011 and include benefits attributable to future employee service.
Other Postretirement Plans
In addition to providing pension benefits, the Company provides certain health care and life insurance benefits for most retired employees, primarily in the U.S. The cost of providing these benefits to retirees outside the U.S. is not significant. Net periodic postretirement benefit cost included the following components:
Other changes in benefit obligations that were recognized in or reclassified from other comprehensive income included:
The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation:
The Company expects to recognize $7.5 of net loss and $4.7 of net prior service credit as a component of net periodic postretirement benefit cost in 2012.
The health care cost trend rate used in measuring the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was 8.4% in 2011 and was assumed to decrease gradually to 5.0% in 2033 and remain at that level thereafter. The health care cost trend rate assumption has an effect on the amounts reported, but is offset by plan provisions that limit the Company’s share of the total postretirement health care benefits cost for the vast majority of participants. The Company’s portion of the total annual health care benefits cost is capped at specified dollar amounts for participants who retired in 1994 or later and such limits are expected to be reached in all subsequent years. Increasing the assumed health care cost trend rate by one percentage point in each year would increase the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation by 2.1% and the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost for 2011 by 1.6%. Decreasing the assumed health care cost trend rates by one percentage point in each year would decrease the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation by 1.8% and the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost for 2011 by 1.3%.
The discount rate used in determining the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was 4.25% and 5.25% at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company uses the Citigroup Pension Discount Curve and matches points along the curve to the estimated future benefit payments of the U.S. postretirement health care benefit plans to arrive at an effective discount rate.
The Company funds most of the cost of the postretirement health care and life insurance benefits as incurred. Benefit payments to retirees were $18.7 for the year ended December 31, 2011. Reimbursements received under Medicare Part D were $1.0 for the year ended December 31, 2011. The Company expects to pay future benefits under its postretirement health care and life insurance benefit plans and expects to receive reimbursements from annual Medicare Part D subsidy as detailed in the following table. The expected payments have been estimated based on the same assumptions used to measure the Company’s postretirement benefit obligations as of December 31, 2011.
Defined Contribution Plans
The Company has various defined contribution and savings plans covering certain employees. The Company made matching contributions under defined contribution plans of $22.9, $20.6 and $19.7 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The U.S. plan is the largest of the defined contribution and savings plans maintained by the Company. Employer matching contributions for the U.S. defined contribution plan for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $16.2. The Company expects to make additional contributions of $22.9 to all defined contribution plans during 2012.
NOTE 16 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Chapter 11 Related Matters
On May 15, 1995 (the “Filing Date”), the Company voluntarily filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Northern Division in order to resolve the Company’s breast implant liabilities and related matters (the “Chapter 11 Proceeding”). The Joint Plan of Reorganization was confirmed in November 1999 and provides funding for the resolution of breast implant and other products liability litigation covered by the Chapter 11 Proceeding through several settlement options or through litigation and for the satisfaction of commercial creditor claims in the Chapter 11 Proceeding. The Company emerged from the Chapter 11 Proceeding on June 1, 2004 (the “Effective Date”) and is implementing its Joint Plan of Reorganization.
Breast Implant and Other Products Liability Claims
Products liability claims to be resolved by settlement are administered by a settlement facility (the “Settlement Facility”), and products liability claims to be resolved by litigation are defended by a litigation facility (the “Litigation Facility”). Products liability claimants choosing to litigate their claims are required to pursue their claims through litigation against the Litigation Facility. Under the Joint Plan of Reorganization, the total amount of payments by the Company committed to resolve products liability claims will not exceed a net present value of $2.35 billion determined as of the Effective Date using a discount rate of 7%. Of this amount, no more than a net present value of $400.0 determined as of the Effective Date will be used to fund the Litigation Facility.
Funding the Settlement and Litigation Facilities
The Company has an obligation to fund the Settlement Facility and the Litigation Facility (collectively, the “Facilities”) over a 16-year period, commencing at the Effective Date. The Company anticipates that it will be able to meet its remaining payment obligations to the Facilities utilizing cash flow from operations, insurance proceeds and/or prospective borrowings. If the Company is unable to meet its remaining obligations to fund the Facilities, the Company will also have access to a ten-year unsecured revolving credit commitment, established by Dow Chemical and Corning, in an original maximum aggregate amount of $300.0. Beginning June 1, 2009, the amount available decreases by $50.0 per year and will fully expire June 1, 2014. As of December 31, 2011 the maximum aggregate amount available to the Company under this revolving credit commitment was $150.0. As of December 31, 2011, the Company had not drawn any amounts against the revolving credit commitment.
Funds are paid by the Company (a) to the Settlement Facility with respect to products liability claims, as such claims are processed and allowed by the Settlement Facility and (b) via the Settlement Facility with respect to products liability claims processed through the Litigation Facility, as such claims are resolved. Insurance settlements are paid by the Company’s insurers directly to the Settlement Facility on behalf of the Company. The amount of funds paid by or on behalf of the Company is subject to annual and aggregate funding limits. The Company has made payments of $1,681.9 to the Settlement Facility through December 31, 2011.
In accordance with the Joint Plan of Reorganization, and subject to the annual and aggregate funding limits, future payments to the Settlement Facility will be made on a periodic basis as necessary to preserve the liquidity of the Settlement Facility until such payment obligations cease as provided for in the Plan. Based on these funding agreements, the recorded liability is adjusted to maintain the present value of $2.35 billion determined as of the Effective Date using a discount rate of 7% (“Time Value Adjustments”). The Company has made early payments to the Settlement Facility in advance of their due dates and has recognized Time Value Adjustments for certain of those early payments consisting primarily of insurance proceeds. The actual amounts payable and the timing of payments by the Company to the Settlement Facility are uncertain and will be affected by, among other things, the rate at which claims are resolved by the Facilities, the rate at which insurance proceeds are received by the Company from its insurers and the degree to which Time Value Adjustments are recognized.
As of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company’s “Implant reserve” recorded in the consolidated balance sheets was $1,595.2 and $1,566.8 respectively. These amounts reflect the Company’s estimated remaining obligation to fund the resolution of breast implant and other medical device claims pursuant to the Company’s Joint Plan of Reorganization and other breast implant litigation related matters.
During 2010, the Company recorded an out of period adjustment of $25.6 to reflect prior years’ settlements of products liability claims. The adjustment reduced the Company’s liability to fund the Settlement Facility as recorded in “Implant reserve” on the consolidated balance sheet and increased “Other nonoperating expenses, net” on the consolidated statement of income. The adjustment increased the Company’s pretax income by $25.6 and net income by $16.1.
Insurance Proceeds - London Market Insurers
The London Market Insurers (the “LMI Claimants”) have claimed a reimbursement right with respect to a portion of insurance proceeds based on a theory that the LMI Claimants overestimated the Company’s products liability. As of December 31, 2010, the Company had estimated its liability to be between $10.0 and $20.0. During the period ended March 31, 2011, the Company and the LMI Claimants settled for an amount within that range. The settlement amount was paid during the period ended June 30, 2011.
Insurance Allocation Agreement between the Company and Dow Chemical
A number of the products liability insurance policies relevant to claims against the Company name the Company and Dow Chemical as co-insureds (the “Shared Insurance Assets”). In order to resolve issues related to the amount of the Shared Insurance Assets that would be available to the Company for resolution of its products liability claims, the Company and Dow Chemical entered into an insurance allocation agreement. Under this agreement, 25% of certain of the Shared Insurance Assets were paid by the Company to Dow Chemical subsequent to the Effective Date. In accordance with the agreement, a portion of any such amounts paid to Dow Chemical, to the extent not offset by certain qualifying product liability claims paid by Dow Chemical, will be paid over to the Company after the expiration of a 17.5-year period commencing on the Effective Date. As of December 31, 2011, Dow Chemical had given notice to the Company that it has thus far incurred $168.8 of potentially qualifying claims.
The maximum $285.0 liability was paid in full as of September 30, 2009. However, as the settlement with the LMI Claimants was a return of Shared Insurance Assets, Dow Chemical was required to return insurance proceeds equal to 25% of the settlement, reducing the insurance proceeds paid by the Company to less than the maximum liability. As a result of this reduction and subsequent remittances of insurance proceeds, $2.2 was reflected in “Other noncurrent liabilities” as of December 31, 2011.
Commercial Creditor Issues
The Joint Plan of Reorganization provides that each of the Company’s commercial creditors (the “Commercial Creditors”) would receive in cash the sum of (a) an amount equal to the principal amount of their claims and (b) interest on such claims. The actual amount of interest that will ultimately be paid to these Commercial Creditors is uncertain due to pending litigation between the Company and the Commercial Creditors regarding the appropriate interest rates to be applied to outstanding obligations from the Filing Date through the Effective Date (the “Pendency Interest”) as well as the presence of any recoverable fees, costs and expenses.
The Company’s position is that (a) Pendency Interest should be (i) an amount determined by applying non-default rates of interest for floating rate obligations in accordance with the formulas in the relevant contracts, except that the aggregate amount of interest cannot be less than that resulting from the application of a fixed rate of 6.28% through the Effective Date and (ii) the higher of the relevant contract rates or 6.28% for all other obligations to the Commercial Creditors through the Effective Date, (b) interest payable to the Commercial Creditors for periods following the Effective Date should be computed at 5% and (c) default interest rates should not apply (the “Company’s Position”). The Commercial Creditors’ position is that (a) Pendency Interest should be an amount determined by applying default rates of interest with respect to amounts overdue under the terms of the relevant debt and commercial agreements until the Effective Date, (b) interest payable to the Commercial Creditors for periods following the Effective Date should be computed at 5% and (c) certain of the Commercial Creditors are entitled to unspecified fees, costs and expenses. The Company has paid to the Commercial Creditors an amount of interest that the Company considers to be undisputed, which was calculated by application of the Company’s Position (the “Undisputed Portion”).
In July 2006, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit concluded that there is a general presumption that contractually specified default interest should be paid by a solvent debtor to unsecured creditors (the “Interest Rate Presumption”) and permitting the Company’s Commercial Creditors to recover fees, costs and expenses where allowed by relevant loan agreements and state law. The matter was remanded to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan for further proceedings to determine the presence of equitable considerations that would preclude the application of the Interest Rate Presumption or, in the absence of equitable considerations, what the default rates of interest will be, along with any recoverable fees, costs and expenses.
As of December 31, 2011, the Company has paid approximately $1.5 billion to the Commercial Creditors, representing principal and the Undisputed Portion. As of December 31, 2011, the Company has estimated its liability payable to the Commercial Creditors to be within a range of $85.5 to $280.2. However, no single amount within the range appears to be a better estimate than any other amount within the range. Therefore, the Company has recorded the minimum liability within the range. As of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the amount of interest included in “Accrued interest” recorded in the consolidated balance sheets related to the Company’s potential obligation to pay additional interest to its Commercial Creditors in the Chapter 11 Proceeding was $84.0 and $79.9, respectively. The actual amount of interest that will be paid to these creditors is uncertain and will ultimately be resolved through continued proceedings in the District Court.
Risks and Uncertainties
While the Company does not anticipate a need to further revise amounts recorded in its consolidated financial statements for these Chapter 11 related matters, as additional facts and circumstances develop, it is at least reasonably possible that amounts recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements may be revised. Future revisions, if required, could have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations in the period or periods in which such revisions are recorded. Since any specific future developments, and the impact such developments might have on amounts recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, are unknown at this time, an estimate of possible future adjustments cannot be made.
Environmental Matters
The Company was previously advised by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) or by similar state and non-U.S. national regulatory agencies that the Company, together with others, is a Potentially Responsible Party (“PRP”) with respect to a portion of the cleanup costs and other related matters involving a number of waste disposal sites. Management believes that there are 24 sites at which the Company may have some liability, although management expects to settle the Company’s liability for nine of these sites for amounts that are immaterial.
Based upon preliminary estimates by the EPA or the PRP groups formed with respect to these sites, the aggregate liabilities for all PRP’s at those sites at which management believes the Company may have more than a de minimis liability is $31.0. Management cannot estimate the aggregate liability for all PRP’s at all of the sites at which management expects the Company has a de minimis liability. The Company records accruals for environmental matters when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the Company’s costs can be reasonably estimated. The amount accrued for environmental matters as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $4.9 and $2.1, respectively.
As additional facts and circumstances develop, it is at least reasonably possible that the accrued liability related to environmental matters may be revised. While there are a number of uncertainties with respect to the Company’s estimate of its ultimate liability for cleanup costs at these waste disposal sites, management believes that any costs incurred in excess of those accrued will not have a material adverse impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. This opinion is based upon the number of identified PRP’s at each site, the number of such PRP’s that are believed by management to be financially capable of paying their share of the ultimate liability, and the portion of waste sent to the sites for which management believes the Company might be held responsible based on available records.
Other Regulatory Matters
Companies that manufacture and sell chemical products may experience risks under current or future laws and regulations which may result in significant costs and liabilities. The Company routinely conducts health, toxicological and environmental tests of its products. The Company cannot predict what future legal, regulatory or other actions, if any, may be taken regarding the Company’s products or the consequences of their production and sale. Such actions could result in significant losses, and there can be no assurance that significant losses would not be incurred. However, based on currently available information, the Company’s management does not believe that any such actions would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
Polycrystalline Silicon Market Conditions
The Company is a provider of polycrystalline silicon and other silicon-based products used in the manufacturing of semiconductor devices and solar cells and modules. Pricing for these products declined sharply during the fourth quarter of 2011 and future market conditions are uncertain. These products account for a significant portion of the Company’s operating results.
As of December 31, the Company has approximately $152.9 in construction-in-progress assets related to a plant expansion that is in the process of being delayed. The Company may incur additional capital spending prior to full delay of the expansion activities. The Company determined that the pending delay is temporary as of December 31, 2011. However, it is possible that unfavorable market conditions in the future could result in a decision to abandon certain expansion activities, resulting in write-off of all or a portion of these assets.
Leases
The Company leases certain real and personal property under agreements that generally require the Company to pay for maintenance, insurance and taxes. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 lease expense was $55.9, $51.8 and $51.1, respectively. The minimum future lease payments required under noncancellable operating leases at December 31, 2011 in the aggregate, are $212.6 including the following amounts due in each of the next five years: 2012 - $42.4, 2013 - $30.3, 2014 - $25.7, 2015 - $20.4 and 2016 - $18.0.
NOTE 17 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company has transactions in the normal course of business with its shareholders, Dow Chemical and Corning and their affiliates. The following tables summarize related party transactions and balances with the Company’s shareholders:
In addition, non-wholly owned consolidated subsidiaries of the Company have transactions in the normal course of business with their noncontrolling shareholders. The following tables summarize related party transactions and balances between these non-wholly owned consolidated subsidiaries and their minority owners:
Management believes the costs of such purchases and the prices for such sales were competitive with purchases from other suppliers and sales to other customers.
In addition, the Company loans excess funds to Toray Industries, Inc., which is the minority shareholder of one of the Company’s non-wholly owned consolidated subsidiaries. The amount of loans receivable at December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $92.2 and $42.1, respectively. These balances are included in “Notes and other receivables” in the consolidated balance sheets. Management believes that interest earned from this loan arrangement is at rates commensurate with market rates for companies of similar credit standing.
Samsung Corning Precision
Materials Co., Ltd.
Consolidated Financial Statements
As of December 31, 2011 and 2010
and for the years ended
December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
Index
December 31, 2011 and 2010 and for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements 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. An audit 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.
/s/ Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers
Seoul, Korea
February 13, 2012
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2011 and 2010
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2011 and 2010
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Organization and Nature of Operations
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) are providers of flat glass substrates which are used to manufacture TFT-LCD (Thin-Film Transistor Liquid Crystal Display) panels for notebook computers, LCD monitors, LCD TVs and other handheld devices, and glass panels and funnels for Cathode Ray Tubes (“CRT”) which are used to manufacture televisions and computer monitors. The Company’s major customers are Korean LCD panel makers such as Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and LG Display Co., Ltd. The Company’s current market is primarily companies incorporated in Korea.
The Company was incorporated on April 20, 1995 under the laws of the Republic of Korea in accordance with a joint venture agreement between Corning Incorporated (“Corning”) located in the U.S.A. and domestic companies in Korea. On December 31, 2007, the Company acquired all of outstanding shares of Samsung Corning Co., Ltd. (“SSC”) which owned 70% interest in Samsung Corning (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (“SCM”), 60% interest in SSH Limited (“SSH”) and 51% interest in Global Technology Video Co., Ltd. (“GTV”). These SSC investments were accounted for as consolidated subsidiaries. SCM purchased Samsung SDI’s 30% shares in SCM for $ 26 million and retired the treasury stock in September 2011.
As of December 31, 2011, the issued and outstanding number of common shares of the Company is 17,617,462, 49.4% of which are owned by Corning Hungary Data Services Limited Liability Company, a subsidiary of Corning, 42.6% by Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., and the remaining of 8.0% by individuals and Samsung Life Insurance Co., Ltd.
The Company has evaluated subsequent events through February 13, 2012, the date the financial statements are available to be issued.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”). Significant accounting policies followed by the Company in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements are summarized below.
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, including its subsidiaries in which a controlling interest is held. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Equity investments in which the Company exercises significant influence but does not control are accounted for using the equity method.
Foreign Currency Translation
The Company operates primarily in Korean Won, its local and functional currency. The Company has chosen the U.S. dollar as its reporting currency. In accordance with ASC 830, Foreign Currency Matters, revenues and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rates on the balance sheet date. Equity accounts are translated at historical rates and the resulting translation gain or loss are recorded directly as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity. Transaction gains or losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in the comprehensive income statement as incurred. Assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are translated at the exchange rates at the balance sheet date and the related exchange gains or losses are recorded in the statement of comprehensive income.
Translation of Foreign Currency Financial Statements of Subsidiaries
The consolidated financial position and results of operations of SCM are measured using its functional currency of the U.S. dollar. All other subsidiaries use their local currency as their functional currency. The financial statements of these subsidiaries are translated into Korean won, the Korean parent company’s functional currency, using the current exchange rate method. Income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates at the balance sheet date. Equity accounts are translated at historical rates and the resulting translation adjustments are recorded directly in accumulated other comprehensive income as a component of shareholder’s equity.
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the products have been delivered and all risks of ownership have been transferred to the customers, the sale price is fixed and determinable, and collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. Utilizing these criteria, product revenue is recognized upon delivery of the product at customer’s location or upon customer acceptance, depending on the terms of the arrangements. At the time revenue is recognized, allowances are recorded, with the related reduction to revenue, for estimated product returns and price discounts based upon historical experience and the related terms of customer arrangements.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and disclosures. The most significant estimates and assumptions relate to the useful life of property, plant and equipment, estimates of fair value of investments, allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable, contingent liabilities, inventory valuation, impairment of long-lived assets and allocated expenses, income taxes and deferred tax valuation allowances. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions that the Company may undertake in the future, actual results may be different from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into cash. The Company considers securities with contractual maturities of three months or less, when purchased, to be cash equivalents. The carrying amount of these securities approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments.
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information follows:
Short-Term Financial Instruments
The Company’s short-term financial instruments are time deposits with financial institutions. These time deposits have original maturities of twelve months or less, and their carrying values approximate fair value.
Available-for-Sale Securities
The Company’s other non-current assets include available-for-sale securities that are recorded at fair value. These securities are equity securities that have readily determinable fair values. Unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred income taxes, are reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity until realized.
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Available-for sale securities reflected in “other non-current assets” in the consolidated balance sheets as at December 31, 2011 and 2010 were $3,331 thousand and $33,832 thousand, respectively. The cost, gross unrealized gains and fair value of the available-for-sale securities were as follows:
Gross realized gains for the year ended December 31, 2011 were $22,923 thousand and there were no realized gains or losses during the year ended December 31, 2010.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost being determined by the average cost method, which approximates the first-in, first-out method. The cost of inventories is determined based on the normal capacity of the production facility. In case the capacity utilization is lower than a level that management believes to be normal, the fixed overhead costs per production unit which exceeds those under normal capacity, are charged to cost of sales rather than capitalized as inventories.
Property and Depreciation
Property, plant and equipment, including precious metals, are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method based on the following estimated useful lives except for the depreciation of precious metals.
Manufacturing equipment includes certain components of production equipment that are constructed of precious metals. These assets are not depreciated because they have very low physical losses and are repeatedly reclaimed and reused in the Company’s manufacturing process over a very long useful life. The Company treats the physical loss of precious metals in the manufacturing and reclamation process as depletion and accounts for these losses as a period expense based on reasonably estimated units lost. Precious metals are integral to many of the Company’s glass production processes. Precious metals are only acquired to support the Company’s operations and are not held for trading or other purposes.
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets consist of patents acquired in a business combination and a license agreement for the use of Corning’s technology (Frit Sealing). Such intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from three to five years, which approximate their estimate useful life. Intangible assets are included in other non-current assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by comparing the carrying amount of an asset or asset group against future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the asset or asset group. The Company assesses the recoverability of the carrying value of long-lived assets at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. If the sum of the expected future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset or asset group, an impairment loss is measured as the difference between the estimated fair value and the carrying value.
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Accrued Severance Benefits
Employees and directors with one or more years of service are entitled to severance benefits upon the termination of their employment based on their length of service and rate of pay. As of December 31, 2011, approximately 98% of all employees of the Company were eligible for severance benefits. Accrued severance benefits represent the amount which would be payable assuming eligible employees and directors were to terminate their employment with the Company as of the balance sheet date.
Changes in accrued severance benefits for each period are as follows:
A portion of the accrued severance benefits of the Company are funded through a group severance insurance plan with Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Co., Ltd., and Samsung Life Insurance Co., Ltd. as of December 31, 2009. During 2010, under new tax and labor laws, the Company elected to fund the accrued severance benefits through severance plan assets (which are comprised of insured time deposits) for which Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Co., Ltd., has guaranteed the certain rate of return to the Company. The severance insurance deposits and the severance plan assets are classified as a reduction from the accrued severance benefits. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the accrued severance benefits are approximately 78% and 70% funded.
Also, in accordance with the National Pension Act of the Republic of Korea, a portion of accrued severance benefits was deposited with the National Pension Fund and deducted from the accrued severance benefits. The contributed amount is paid to employees from the National Pension Fund upon their separation from the Company.
Research and Development Costs
Research and development expenditures, which include costs in relation to new product, development, research, process improvement and product use technology, are expensed as incurred and included in operating expenses.
Income Taxes and Investment Tax Credit
The Company recognizes deferred income taxes for anticipated future tax consequences resulting from temporary differences between amounts reported for financial reporting and income tax purposes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed on the temporary differences by applying the enacted statutory tax rates applicable to the years when such differences are expected to reverse. Deferred income tax assets are recognized when it is more likely than not that they will be realized. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. The total income tax provision includes the current income tax expense under the applicable tax regulation and the change in the balance of deferred income tax assets and liabilities during the year.
The Company is eligible to use investment tax credits that are temporarily allowed for qualified plant and equipment expenditures. The investment tax credit is recognized as a reduction of tax expense in the year in which the qualified plant and equipment expenditure is incurred.
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
In determining the Company’s provision for income taxes, the Company uses an annual effective income tax rates. The effective tax rate also reflects the Company’s assessment of the ultimate outcome of tax audits. In evaluating the tax benefits associated with the Company’s various tax filing positions, the Company assesses its income tax positions and records a tax benefit for uncertain tax positions using the highest cumulative tax benefit that is more likely than not to be realized. Adjustments are made to the Company’s liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the period in which the Company determines the issue is effectively settled with the tax authorities, the statute of limitations expires for the return containing the tax position or when more information becomes available. The Company’s policy is to include interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within income tax expense line item in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Discrete events such as tax audit settlements or changes in tax laws are recognized in the period in which they occur. Valuation allowances are established when management is unable to conclude that it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset will ultimately be realized.
Equity Method Investments
The equity method of accounting is used for investments in affiliated companies that are not controlled by the Company and in which the Company’s interest is generally between 20% and 50% and the Company has significant influence over the entity. The Company’s share of earnings or losses of affiliated companies, in which at least 20% of the voting securities is owned and the Company has significant influence but not control over the entity, is included in consolidated operating results.
The Company uses the cost method to account for the Company’s investments in companies that the Company does not control and for which the Company does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies. In accordance with the cost method, these investments are recorded at cost or fair value, as appropriate.
All material intercompany accounts, transactions and profits are eliminated in consolidation.
The Company’s equity method investments are reviewed for impairment on a periodic basis or if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. This assessment is based on a review of the equity investments’ performance and a review of indicators of impairment to determine if there is evidence of a loss in value of an equity investment. Factors the Company considers include:
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Absence of the Company’s ability to recover the carrying amount;
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Inability of the equity affiliate to sustain an earnings capacity which would justify the carrying amount of the investment; and
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Significant litigation, bankruptcy or other events that could impact recoverability.
For an equity investment with impairment indicators, the Company measures fair value on the basis of discounted cash flows or other appropriate valuation methods, depending on the nature of the company involved. If it is probable that the Company will not recover the carrying amount of their investment, the impairment is considered other-than-temporary and recorded in earnings, and the equity investment balance is reduced to its fair value accordingly. The Company requires their equity method affiliates to provide audited financial statements. Consequently, required assessments of asset recoverability are included in their results. The Company also includes these financial statements in their recoverability assessment.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS. This update results in common principles and requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and IFRS. ASU 2011-04 is required to be applied prospectively in interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Early application is not permitted. The Company does not expect adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. This statement requires companies to present the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements of net income and other comprehensive income. This statement is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted and the amendments in this update will be applied retrospectively. The Company will adopt this standard in the year ending at December 31, 2012.
In September 2011, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-08, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment. This update simplifies how an entity tests goodwill for impairment. It provides an option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. Given this option, an entity no longer would be required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines, based on that qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. The amendments will be effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted. Adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. The ASU 2011-11 amendments require companies to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. ASU 2011-11 is required to be applied retrospectively for all prior periods presented and is effective for annual periods for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual fiscal years. The Company does not expect adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-12, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05. The amendments are being made to allow the FASB time to redeliberate whether to present on the face of the financial statements the effects of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the components of net income and other comprehensive income for all periods presented. ASU 2011-12 requires companies to continue to report reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income consistent with the presentation requirements in effect before ASU No. 2011-05. ASU 2011-12 is required to apply these requirements prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. The Company will not early adopt this standard and does not expect adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
3. Inventories
Inventories consist of the following:
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
4. Other Current Assets
Other current assets consist of the following:
5. Equity Method Investments
Equity method investments comprise the following:
Amounts reflect the Company’s direct ownership interests in the respective affiliated companies. The Company does not control any of these entities.
Summarized results of the Company’s affiliates are as follows:
Corsam Technologies LLC
During September 2009, the Company entered into an operating agreement with Corning. Pursuant to the operating agreement, the parties established Corsam Technologies LLC (“Corsam”), a new equity affiliate established to provide glass technology research for future product applications. The Company invested $124 million in cash and Corning contributed intellectual property with a corresponding value. The Company and Corning each own 50% of the common stock of Corsam and Corning has agreed to provide research and development services to Corsam. The Company does not control Corsam as Corning maintains significant participating voting rights. In addition, Corsam has sufficient equity to finance its activities, the voting rights of investors in Corsam are considered substantive, and the risks and rewards of Corsam’s research are shared only by those investors noted. As a result, the Company accounts for its investment in Corsam under the equity method of accounting for investments.
The Company’s share of Corsam net losses of $ 27,758 thousand and $ 21,002 thousand, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, has been included in equity losses of affiliated companies in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Shenzhen SEG Samsung Group
During 2009, the Company decided to exit the China CRT market. The Company and Shenzhen Electronics Group Co., Ltd. (“SEG”) entered into a Production and Operation Adjustment Arrangement Agreement (the “Operation Agreement”) on August 17, 2009. In accordance with the Operation Agreement, the Company agreed to provide Shenzhen SEG Samsung Glass (“SSG”) with financial support of $20,307 thousand. The financial support was comprised of a cash investment of $12,155 thousand and a commitment to provide additional cash investment of $8,152 thousand as at December 31, 2009. The Company has recorded a current liability for the commitment to provide additional cash funding. The Company’s share of SSG’s losses include $20,307 thousand of financial support in the equity losses of affiliated companies in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2009. As of December 31, 2011, the Company is in process of share disposal subject to relevant laws and regulations and no additional equity losses were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010. The Company has no further obligation to provide any additional financial support to SSG.
6. Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment comprise the following:
Manufacturing equipment includes certain components of production equipment that are constructed with precious metals. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the recorded amount of precious metals totaled $841 million and $996 million, respectively.
7. Other Non-current Assets
Other non-current assets consist of the following:
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
8. Impairment Charges
On December 2, 2011, the Company decided to exit from the CRT glass business operated in SCM, and the manufacturing of the CRT glass was ceased in December 2011 in response to anticipated lower sales in 2012. An impairment charge was needed for asset dismantling and restoration costs and costs for special termination benefits. Total cash payments with this plan are expected to be approximately $14,461 thousand with the majority of spending made in 2012. Accordingly, the Company recorded restructuring costs totaling $14,461 thousand in accordance with ASC 420, Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations, in the year ended December 31, 2011. These amounts are included as part of selling and administrative expenses in the statements of comprehensive income. The remaining accrual as of December 31, 2011 was $10,954 thousand. There were no impairment charges recorded in the year ended December 31, 2010.
In the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company recorded impairment charges totaling $12,393 thousand in accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment. The amount is included as part of selling and administrative expenses in the statements of comprehensive income. The impairment charges recorded in 2009 related to projected decline in earnings of PDP-Filters business. The net book value of the asset group before the impairment charges was approximately $40,209 thousand for 2009.
The impairment charges were measured as the excess of the carrying value of the asset group over its estimated fair value. The fair value of the asset group was estimated using a present value technique, in which expected future cash flows from the use and eventual disposal of the asset group were discounted by an interest rate commensurate with the risk of the cash flows.
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
9. Transactions with Related Parties
In the normal course of business, the Company sells its products to Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and Corning, purchases semi-finished goods from Corning and purchases property, plant and equipment from Samsung affiliates and Corning. The Company also obtains services from Samsung affiliated companies. In addition, the Company paid a 6% royalty on net sales amounts of certain products to Corning up to November 30, 2011. The royalty rate has been lowered to 3% under the revised royalty agreement effective from December 1, 2011. Also effective in January 2012, the Company signed a five-year renewal of its long term LCD supply contract with Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. A summary of these transactions and related receivable and payable balances as of December 31 is as follows:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment are included.
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
10. Fair Value Measurements
Fair value accounting standards define fair value, establish a framework for measuring fair value in applying generally accepted accounting principles, and require disclosures about fair value measurements. The accounting standards also identify two kinds of inputs that are used to determine the fair value of assets and liabilities: observable and unobservable. Observable inputs are based on market data or independent sources while unobservable inputs are based on the Company’s market assumptions. Once inputs have been characterized, the inputs are prioritized into one of three broad levels used to measure fair value as follows. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liabilities, including interest rates, yield curves and credit risks, or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data through correlation. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on the Company’s assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. A financial asset or liability’s classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Fair value standards apply whenever an entity is measuring fair value under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurement and require the use of observable market data when available. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company did not have any financial assets or liabilities that were measured using unobservable (or Level 3) inputs.
As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company’s financial assets consisted of short-term financial instruments and available-for-sale securities. These financial assets are measured at fair value and are classified within the Level 1 valuation hierarchy.
The Company’s available for sale investments include equity investments with a fair value of $3,331 thousand and $33,832 thousand at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively that are traded in active market. They are measured at fair value using closing stock prices from active markets.
Certain financial instruments that are not carried at fair value on the balance sheets are carried at amounts that approximate fair value due to their short-term nature and generally negligible credit risk. These instruments include cash and cash equivalents, short-term financial instruments, accounts and notes receivable, prepaid expenses, accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
11. Income Taxes
The Company’s income tax expenses are composed of domestic and foreign income taxes depending on the relevant tax jurisdiction.
Income tax expense consists of the following:
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following table reconciles the expected amount of income tax expense based on consolidated statutory rates to the actual amount of taxes recorded by the Company:
The statutory income tax rate of the Company, including tax surcharges, is 24.2%, but the effective income tax rate is 18.88%, 10.35% and 12.83% for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, primarily due to tax exemption benefits for a foreign invested company under the Korean Tax Preference Control Law (“TPCL”). In accordance with the TPCL and the approval of the Korean government, the Company was fully exempt from the corporate income taxes on the taxable income arising from the sales of manufactured goods in proportion to the percentage of qualified foreign shareholder’s equity until 2003 and 50% exemption for the subsequent two years. In 2006, the Company issued additional shares to extend the tax exemption period. As a result, the Company is fully exempt from corporate income taxes until 2010, and thereafter is subject to a 50% tax exemption for a period of 2 years to 2012.
During 2010, as a result of the revised Korean Tax Code, Korean National Tax Service (“NTS”) approved an increase in the tax exemption rate with an effective date from January 1, 2008. The income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2010 reflects this increase to the tax exemption rate. Included in the income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2010 is $123,057 thousand of tax benefit related to the 2010 increase in the tax exemption rate. Included in the $123,057 thousand benefit is $78,985 thousand which relates to the 2009 and 2008 tax years.
In November 2010, the NTS commenced a review of the Company’s 2008 tax year and a review of the SSC 2006 tax year. In April 2011, the tax review by the NTS was closed without claiming additional taxes for adjustment.
The corporate income tax rates including resident tax surcharge is 11 % on the taxable income of up to 0.2 billion won, 24.2% on the taxable income exceeding 0.2 billion won. The higher tax rate of 24.2% was scheduled to decrease to 22% from 2012. On December 31, 2011, the Ministry of Strategy and Finance announced tax amendments to the Corporate Income Tax Law and the amendments are effective from January 1, 2012. According to the amendments, the scheduled reduction of corporate tax rates from 2012 was modified and the middle income bracket (a threshold of 20 billion won) has been introduced. As a result, the revised tax rate for 2012 and afterwards are a) 11 % on the taxable income of up to 0.2 billion won, b) 22 % over taxable income exceeding 0.2 billion won up to 20 billion won, and c) 24.2 % for the taxable income exceeding 20 billion won. The Company recognized its deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2011 based on the enacted future tax rates and the expiration schedule of tax exemption for foreign investment.
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The primary components of the temporary differences that gave rise to the Company’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows:
A valuation allowance on deferred income tax assets is recognized when it is more likely than not that the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. Realization of the future tax benefit related to the deferred income tax assets is dependent on many factors, including the Company’s ability to generate taxable income within the period during which the temporary differences reverse, the outlook for the economic environment in which the Company operates, and the overall future industry outlook. Based upon analysis of these factors, the Company has recorded a valuation allowance of $6,811 thousand on its consolidated net deferred income tax assets at December 31, 2010. The valuation allowance is primarily attributable to the uncertainty regarding the generation of sufficient future taxable income of SCM to allow the benefit of the deferred income tax assets.
On January 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of ASC 740, Income taxes. The Company believes that it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits of a tax position, that the Company is entitled to economic benefits resulting from positions taken in its income tax returns.
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
12. Shareholders’ Equity
The components of and changes in shareholders’ equity are as follows:
Preferred Stock
There were 41,107 shares of non-voting preferred stock with a par value of $8.51 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2011 and 2010. Each share is entitled to non-cumulative dividends at the rate of 5% on par value. In addition, if the dividend ratio of common stock exceeds that of preferred stock, the additional dividend on preferred stock may be declared by a resolution of the general shareholders’ meeting.
Retained Earnings
Retained earnings as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 comprised of the following:
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Legal Reserve
The Commercial Code of the Republic of Korea requires the Company to appropriate a portion of the retained earnings as a legal reserve equal to a minimum of 10% of its cash dividends until such reserve equals 50% of its capital stock. The reserve is not available for dividends, but may be transferred to capital stock or used to reduce accumulated deficit, if any, through resolution by the Company’s shareholders.
Reserve for Business Development
Pursuant to the Corporate Income Tax Law of Korea, the Company is allowed to appropriate a portion of the retained earnings as a reserve for business development. This reserve is not available for dividends, but may be transferred to capital stock or used to reduce accumulated deficit, if any, through resolution by the Company’s shareholders.
Reserve for Research and Manpower Development
Pursuant to the former Korean Tax Exemption and Reduction Control Law and the Korean Tax Preference Control Law, the Company appropriates a portion of the retained earnings as a reserve for research and manpower development. This reserve is not available for dividends until it is used for the specified purpose or reversed.
Voluntary Reserve
The Company appropriates a certain portion of retained earnings pursuant to shareholder resolution as a voluntary reserve. This reserve may be reversed and transferred to unappropriated retained earnings by the resolution of shareholders and may be distributed as dividends after reversal.
13. Commitments and Contingencies
Credit Facilities
The Company has an unused credit facility totaling $ 145,111 thousand at December 31, 2011. There have been no borrowings under this facility as of and for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.
Business and Credit Risk Concentration
The Company sells its products on a credit basis to its customers including certain related parties. Management estimates the collectibility of accounts receivable based on the financial condition of the customers and prevailing economic trends. Based on management’s estimates, the Company established allowances for doubtful accounts receivable which management believes are adequate. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable are limited to the credit worthiness of the Company’s customers. Major customers of the Company are domestic TFT-LCD makers incorporated in Korea. Trade accounts receivables from these five major customers are 93% and 90% of total trade accounts receivable of the Company as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and revenues from these five major customers constitute 93%, 94% and 93% of total revenues of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Pending Litigation
Based on the agreement entered on August 24, 1999 with respect to Samsung Motor Inc.’s (“SMI”) bankruptcy proceedings, Samsung Motor Inc.’s creditors (“the Creditors”) filed a civil action against Mr. Kun Hee Lee, former chairman of the Company, and 28 Samsung Group affiliates including the Company under joint and several liability for failing to comply with such agreement. Under the suit, the Creditors have sought 2,450 billion won (approximately $1.95 billion) for loss of principal on loans extended to SMI, a separate amount for breach of the agreement, and an amount for default interest. 2011.
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
SLI completed its Initial Public Offering (“IPO”) on May 7, 2010. After disposing 2,277,787 shares and paying the principal balance owed to the Creditors, 878 billion won (approximately $ 0.80 billion) was deposited in to an escrow account. That remaining balance was to be used to pay the Creditors interest due to the delay in the SLI IPO. On January 11, 2011, the Seoul High Court ordered Samsung Group affiliates to pay 600 billion won (approximately $ 0.53 billion) to the Creditors and pay 5% annual interest for the period between May 8, 2010 and January 11, 2011, and pay 20% annual interest for the period after January 11, 2011 until the amounts owed to the Creditors are paid. In accordance with the Seoul High Court order, 620.4 billion won (which includes penalties and interest owed) was paid to the Creditors from the funds held in escrow during January 2011. On February 7, 2011, the Samsung Group affiliates and the Creditors appealed the Seoul High Court’ ruling to the Korean Supreme Court and the appeal is currently in progress. Accordingly, the Company has concluded that no provision for loss related to this matter should be reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2011.
In connection with an investigation by the European Commission, Competition DG, of alleged anticompetitive behavior relating to the worldwide production of LCD glass, Corning and the Company received a request for certain information from the Competition DG in 2009. Corning and the Company have responded to that request and various related requests from the European Commission concerning special glass product. The Company has also responded to the European Commission and authorities in other jurisdictions, including the United States in connection with similar investigations of alleged anticompetitive behavior relating to worldwide production of CRT glass. On October 7, 2011, the Company was informed by the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) that the DOJ had closed its investigation of CRT glass. On October 19, 2011, the European Commission announced that it had settled its cartel investigation of CRT glass. The Company received full immunity, and no fines were imposed on it, because of its early cooperation in the Commission’s investigation.
In the ordinary course of business, the Company is subject to certain litigation and other claims. These matters, individually and in the aggregate, are not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.