ITEM 1. BUSINESS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
The Company is engaged in the formulation, manufacture and sale of a broad line of coatings for use by the general public and industrial and commercial users in its two segments in the United States ("U.S.") and Canada, as well as in New Zealand and Australia. Transfers between geographic segments are not significant and are eliminated in consolidation. Business groups within these segments are trade sales coatings, production finishes coatings and retail. Trade sales coatings consist of water-thinnable and solvent-thinnable general purpose coatings (paints, stains and clear finishes) for use by the general public, painting contractors and industrial and commercial users, primarily for the decoration and preservation of the interiors and exteriors of residential, commercial, institutional and industrial buildings and allied structures. Production finishes coatings are usually produced to conform to the specific requirements of manufacturers who utilize such coatings in the manufacturing process. They are primarily used in the manufacture of various types of flexible packages, beverage and food containers, tanks, roof decking, coils, furniture and shelving, window blinds and flatwood products. Production finishes coatings and trade sales coatings serve both decorative and preservative functions. The Company owns interests in retail stores in the U.S. engaging in the sale of paint and other home decorating items. Reference is made to the information set forth in Note 16 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Part II, Item 8 hereof, with respect to assets and operating results by geographic segment.
The Company believes that it is one of the leading manufacturers of coatings in the United States and Canada.
Marketing and Distribution
It has always been the Company's policy to actively support the continued growth and prosperity of independently owned distributors and retail outlets, through which the trade sales coatings are sold. In furtherance of that policy, the Company provides financing to such enterprises under circumstances where it is deemed to be in the best interests of the Company to do so (see, e.g., Note 5 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Part II, Item 8 hereof). The trade sales coatings are sold under such trademarks as Benjamin Moore(R), Benjamin Moore Paints(R), Moore's(R), Moorglo(R), Moorgard(R), Moorwood(R), Moorwhite(R), Moorlife(R), Impervo(R), Moorcraft(R), Impervex(R), Regal(R) Wall Satin(R), Satin Impervo(R), AquaGlo(R), AquaPearl(R), AquaVelvet(R), Regal Aquagrip(R), Regal First Coat(R), Pristine(R), A Stroke of Brilliance(R), Colorscapes(R), and Benwood(R). Although a variety of ready-mixed colors is available in most of these products, a substantially wider selection can be obtained through the Company's Moor-O-Matic(R)III Color System, which provides in-store machine capability to tint formulated bases with colorants which are manufactured by the Company. The Company believes its Moor-O-Matic(R)III Color System has been of significant value in promoting the sales of its trade sales coatings. Moore's(R) Video Color Planner and Moore's(R) Computer Color Matching System provide the ability to plan color schemes and to quickly match almost any color by computer. Production finishes coatings are customarily sold by the Company directly to the ultimate user.
Sales
The Company is engaged in the formulation, manufacture and sale of coatings and related goods and services. Net sales in the U.S. accounted for 87.4%, 86.0%, and 86.7% of total revenue for the three years ending December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Net sales in Canada accounted for 10.5%, 11.4%, and 11.5% of total revenue for the three years ending December 31,1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively. The Company does not have any customer to which sales exceed 10% of total sales.
Foreign Operations
The Company operates in Canada, New Zealand and Australia. The Company's Canadian operations are carried on through Benjamin Moore & Co., Limited ("the Canadian Company"), which is an 84.4% owned subsidiary of the Company, and Technical Coatings Co. Limited, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Canadian Company. The Company's New Zealand operations are carried on through Benjamin Moore & Co (NZ) Limited, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and Benjamin Moore Pacific Limited, which is a 67.3% owned subsidiary of Benjamin Moore & Co (NZ) Limited. The Company's Australian operations are carried on through White Knight Paints Pty Ltd., which is a 57.9% owned subsidiary of the Company. During 1998, net sales to external customers attributable to those companies in total (which are included in the Company's consolidated financial statements) were approximately $89,840. Approximately 5.6% of the outstanding shares of the Canadian subsidiary are owned by persons who are associated with the Company, including employees of such subsidiary.
Research and Development and Quality Control
The Company considers its research and development and quality control activities to be among the most advanced in the industry, and of significant importance in enabling it to achieve and maintain its position as one of the leading companies in the coatings industry.
The Company maintains several laboratory facilities for the development of new products and processes, the improvement of existing products and the special formulation of products to meet the specific requirements of its customers. The Central Laboratories, which is the principal such facility, is located in Flanders, New Jersey. Quality control activities are carried out in laboratories located at each manufacturing facility.
The Company also maintains outdoor testing facilities in Lebanon, New Jersey, where its products, as well as those of its competitors, are evaluated for performance under varying weather conditions. Independent commercial facilities are also utilized for this purpose.
As of December 31, 1998, 109 chemists and technicians were employed by the Company in research and development and quality control activities. Research and development and quality control expenditures amounted to $13,091, $12,496 and $13,787 in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Quality control expenditures aggregated $4,064, $3,943 and $3,928, respectively, and are included herein because a substantial portion of such expenditures is related to development projects.
Competition
The coatings industry is highly competitive and has historically been subject to intense price competition. It is estimated that there are approximately 800 coatings manufacturers in the United States, many of which are small companies which provide intense competition within regional and local markets, especially with respect to lower priced coatings and custom made specialty items which are required on a short-time delivery basis. Other manufacturers are large diversified corporations, the assets of which are substantially greater than those of the Company, which compete on a nationwide basis. The competition which the Company encounters in Canada, New Zealand and Australia is similar in nature to that which it encounters in the United States. The Company estimates that it is one of the largest manufacturers of trade sales coatings in the United States and Canada. With respect to sales of production finishes coatings, the Company's overall position in the industry is relatively small.
Seasonal Aspects
Historically, sales of trade sales coatings have been seasonal in nature, with the heaviest concentration of such sales occurring in the second and third quarters of the year. Sales of production finishes coatings have been relatively stable throughout the year. During 1998, the percentages of the U.S. trade sales coatings which were made in the first, second, third and fourth quarters of the year were 21%, 28%, 29% and 22%, respectively. The percentages of Canadian trade sales coatings which were made in the first, second, third and fourth quarters of 1998 were 23%, 31%, 27% and 19%, respectively. Production and inventory schedules are timed to coincide with the aforementioned variations.
Employees
As of December 31, 1998, the Company had approximately 2,274 employees. Approximately 33% of these employees were salaried personnel, approximately 23% were sales representatives, and approximately 44% were hourly employees. The Company considers its relations with its employees to be excellent.
Raw Materials and Supplies
The Company purchases its raw material and supplies from a wide variety of sources, and does not consider its business to be dependent upon any one source of supply. However, the price and supply of some petrochemical intermediate products, which are important ingredients in the manufacture of coatings, are subject to world political and economic conditions. Certain raw materials are converted into synthetic resins which, when combined with pigments, are used in the production of both the trade sales coatings and the production finishes coatings.
Patents and Trademarks
The Company does not rely on patents in its business. The Company does, however, rely upon formulas developed by it, and upon its technical expertise and experience in meeting the requirements of its customers. The Company owns a large number of registered trademarks and trade names, several of which are referred to elsewhere herein, which it considers to be of significance in identifying the Company and its products.
Backlog
As is typical in the industry, backlog of orders is not significant in the business of the Company.
Environmental Affairs and Governmental Regulation
The operations of the Company, like those of other companies engaged in similar businesses, involve the use and disposal of substances regulated under extensive environmental protection laws. The Company believes that its operations are in compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment. Such laws and regulations have not had any material adverse effect upon the Company's capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position.
The Company places emphasis on environmental responsibility. New and existing facilities constructed or modified in the normal course of business incorporate designs to minimize waste.
The Company has entered into full or partial settlement agreements with governmental authorities or private parties with respect to fourteen sites under federal and state laws. Total settlement costs to date have been approximately $3,000.
The Company is involved in thirty-one unsettled sites. In all cases the Company believes its share of liability for environmental clean up costs is less than 1% of such costs for each site. A total of approximately $3,980 has been accrued as an estimate of such potential costs. These cost estimates are carefully reviewed and revised where necessary each quarter during the year. Possible insurance recoveries are not considered in estimating liabilities.
Also, the Company is involved in remedial activities at three of its owned facilities as follows:
1. A water monitoring program was conducted at the Company's facility in Cuyahoga Heights, Ohio. No remediation activities are being conducted now. Total costs to date are $172.
2. Soil and shallow ground water contamination has been detected at the Company's plant at Milford, Massachusetts. The affected soils have been excavated. Further studies are being undertaken to assess the full extent of the water contamination. However, preliminary results indicate that the problem is moderate and is being remediated with appropriate technologies. Expenditures to date have been approximately $910.
3. The Company has expended approximately $5,000 over the last ten years to assess and remediate contamination of soil and water at the Company's facility at Santa Clara, California, operated by its subsidiary, Technical Coatings Co. The Company has installed an underground trench along two sides of its property. This trench is capable of capturing the contamination and preventing its migration off the plant site. At full operating capacity, the treatment system installed as part of the remediation process treats the pumped water to acceptable cleanup levels. The treated water would be used in the paint manufacturing process as cooling water before being discharged into the municipal sewer system or reinjected to the ground for recirculation. At this time there is a trial shut-down program of the treatment system which was approved by the California regulatory agency responsible for such oversight. Current operating and maintenance costs of the treatment system are approximately $30 per year.
Accrued costs for estimated cleanup expenses for these three facilities are approximately $589.
Federal and state laws require that potentially responsible parties ("PRP") fund remedial actions regardless of fault, legality of original disposal or ownership of a disposal site. In 1998, the Company spent approximately $372 on remedial cleanups and related studies compared with approximately $347 spent for such purposes in 1997 and $447 for such purposes in 1996.
The Company has recovered approximately $2,338 since 1994 under an environmental impairment insurance policy. The Company continues to negotiate further settlements.
It is difficult to estimate the ultimate level of future environmental expenditures due to a number of uncertainties, including uncertainties about the current status of the law and regulations, uncertainties surrounding remediation procedures, including the development of new technologies, the enactment of additional regulations, the identification of new sites for which the Company could be a PRP, the apportionment of responsibility among identified PRPs in addition to the Company and insurance recoveries of Company costs, as well as information relating to individual sites. Subject to the foregoing, Company management believes its estimates of its liability are reasonable and anticipates that capital expenditures and the cost of remedial actions to comply with the current laws governing environmental protection will not have a material adverse effect upon its consolidated financial statements.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Set forth below is certain information with respect to the Company's principal facilities:
Approximate Location Principal Use Square Feet Owned/Leased - -------- ------------- ----------- ------------
Newark, NJ Plant 267,600 Owned
Melrose Park, IL Plant 145,200 Owned
Jacksonville, FL Plant 130,200 Owned
Pell City, AL Plant 120,800 Owned
Toronto, ON Executive Offices- 118,800 Owned Subsidiary; Plant
Milford, MA Plant 110,500 Owned
Cuyahoga Heights, OH Warehouse 106,000 Owned
Colonial Heights, VA Plant 92,800 Owned
Mesquite, TX Plant 87,300 Owned
Flanders, NJ Central Laboratories, 78,000 Owned Management Information Services
St. Louis, MO Warehouse 76,800 Owned
Denver, CO Warehouse 73,500 Owned
Johnstown, NY Plant 69,000 Owned
Montreal, PQ Plant 63,500 Owned
Commerce, CA Plant 59,000 Owned
Montvale, NJ Corporate Offices 57,000 Owned
Glendale Heights, IL Executive Offices- 57,000 Leased (1) Subsidiary; Warehouse
Nutley, NJ Plant 50,000 Owned
Burlington, ON Plant 46,600 Owned
Seven Hills, NSW Plant 43,600 Leased (2)
Aldergrove, BC Plant 39,400 Owned
Santa Clara, CA Plant 39,400 Owned
- ------------------------------- (1) Lease expires December, 2006, not including renewal options.
(2) Lease expires October, 1999, not including renewal options.
(3) Lease expires June, 2001, not including renewal option.
Approximate Location Principal Use Square Feet Owned/Leased - -------- ------------- ----------- ------------
Auckland, NZ Executive Offices- 30,700 Owned Subsidiary; Plant
Seven Hills, NSW Executive Offices- 25,000 Leased (3) Subsidiary; Warehouse
The Company owns 9.32 acres of land in Lebanon, New Jersey, which is used as a testing facility. The Company also leases warehouse facilities in North Kansas City, Missouri; Bloomington, Minnesota; Newark, California; Auckland and Christchurch, New Zealand; Rocklea, QLD, Australia and in Concord, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Dartmouth and Mount Pearl, Canada. Warehouse arrangements also exist in Portland, Oregon. In addition, the Company leases approximately 40 retail locations.
All of the facilities which are stated above as being owned by the Company are owned in fee, free and clear of any mortgages or other material encumbrances. The Company believes that its properties and equipment are well maintained and in good condition, and that the rentals paid by it for its leased properties are at competitive rates. The Company also believes that its facilities are adequate for its existing needs.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is involved in a number of legal actions in which substantial monetary damages are sought. Management believes that the outcome of all such legal actions, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Also, see "Environmental Affairs and Governmental Regulation" above.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
There was no submission of matters to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 1998.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The executive officers of the Company are elected each year by the directors of the Company, and are as follows:
Name Office Age - ---- ------ ---
Richard Roob Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer 66
Yvan Dupuy President and Chief Operating Officer 47
Benjamin M. Belcher, Jr. Executive Vice President 64 (Retired 1/1/99)
Ward C. Belcher Vice President-Operations 52
Michael A. Bonner Vice President-Technology 49
Donald E. Devine II Vice President - Finance and Chief Financial Officer 40
James E. Henderson Treasurer 47
Michael A. Kolind Vice President - Business Development 46
John T. Rafferty Secretary and General Counsel 66
Ellen Singer Vice President - Marketing 42
Reid M. Squires Vice President - Human Resources 44
Charles C. Vail Senior Vice President 55
Bruce E. Zeh Vice President - Sales 47
- ------------------------------
All of the executive officers of the Company, except for Ms. Singer, and Messrs. Devine and Zeh have, during a period in excess of the past five years, been actively engaged in the business and affairs of the Company in various senior management capacities.
Ms. Singer was elected Vice President - Marketing in February 1998 and had been the Director of Marketing of the Company since January 1997 and the Corporate Marketing Manager from 1995 until 1996. Prior thereto, she was Business Director of Nabisco Foods Group from 1987 until 1995.
Mr. Devine joined the Company in November 1998 as Vice President - Finance and Chief Financial Officer. Prior to his joining the Company, he was Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer of the Dannon Company since 1992.
Mr. Zeh joined the Company in June 1998. Prior to his joining the Company, he was formerly employed by ICI Paints as Vice President of ICI Paints Canada, Inc. from 1980 through 1998. Prior to that he was a Vice President at Devoe.
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5. MARKET PRICE OF THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED SECURITY HOLDER MATTERS
Despite the absence of an established public trading market for shares of the Company's common stock, sporadic trading of the Company's shares has been reported on the over-the-counter bulletin board ("OTCBB"). This type of trading activity continues to be reported and, at times, has been at prices significantly above the per share price of the Company's common stock as determined by the independent appraisal firm, Management Planning, Inc. ("MPI"). The Company will continue to use the MPI price for small block purchases from shareholders and for purposes of the Company's Employees' Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP"). It is possible that officers and directors of the Company may buy or sell shares of Company common stock on the OTCBB from time to time. A broker or financial advisor should be consulted for information concerning this market.
In the past, the Company has purchased shares of its common stock from shareholders in privately negotiated transactions. However, except with respect to shares distributed from its ESOP, the Company is under no obligation to purchase shares from its shareholders and there can be no assurance that such purchases will be continued. As of December 31, 1998, the Company had approximately 1,900 shareholders.
In light of trading on the OTCBB, the Company is considering other avenues for achieving an organized public market for the Company's common stock to provide liquidity for share holdings.
Price Range Dividends Paid 1998 1997 1998 1997 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- High Low High Low 1st quarter $83.68 $78.12 $74.61 $72.23 $ .45 $ .42 2nd quarter 84.73 82.11 76.24 71.81 .45 .42 3rd quarter 86.70 73.14 79.87 76.10 .45 .42 4th quarter 84.65 71.73 80.15 74.62 .45 .42 4th quarter-extra .45 .37 ------------ Total $2.25 $2.05 ============
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Certain reclassifications have been made to the above selected financial data to conform to the method of presentation used in 1998.
(1) See Note 13 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Part II, Item 8, hereof. (2) Book value per outstanding share of common stock is computed based on shareholders' equity before deduction of employees' stock ownership and stock purchase plan notes.
ITEM 7.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
OPERATING RESULTS 1998 VS. 1997
The Company achieved record sales and net income for the year ended December 31, 1998.
Net sales of $710,993 in 1998 increased by $44,699, or 6.7% over 1997. Excluding the effect of purchasing a majority interest in a retail operation in July of 1997, net sales increased 3.9% for the year versus 1997.
Net sales in the United States ("U.S.") of $621,513 increased by 8.4% as compared to 1997. Excluding the effect of purchasing a majority interest in a retail operation in July of 1997, net sales in the U.S. increased by 5.2% compared to 1997, on unit volume growth of 7.3%. The difference between net sales and unit volume growth rates was primarily due to a change in product mix. Net sales to external customers in Canada for the current year were $74,345, a decrease of 1.8%, on unit volume growth of 6.3%. The difference between Canadian net sales and unit volume growth rates was primarily due to a decline in foreign currency exchange rates. Excluding the effect of such exchange rate fluctuations, 1998 Canadian net sales increased by 5.1% as compared to last year.
Gross margin increased from 41.6% in 1997 to 42.3% in 1998. The improved gross margin in 1998 primarily resulted from manufacturing savings achieved from the 1997 restructuring. These improvements were partially offset by an increase in certain key raw material prices as well as the effect of additional retail operations included in 1998.
Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") of $197,453 decreased by $1,708 as compared to 1997. SG&A as a percentage of sales was 27.8% in 1998 as compared to 29.9% in 1997. The decrease in SG&A results from efficiencies achieved from the 1997 restructuring as well as the effects of certain one-time charges recorded in 1997. Included in 1998 SG&A is approximately $5,600 of impairment write-downs relating to identifiable assets, intangibles and goodwill associated with the Company's investments in Benjamin Moore Pacific Ltd. ("Pacific") and White Knight Paints Pty Ltd. ("White Knight"). During the fourth quarter of 1998, the Company signed a memorandum of understanding to sell certain assets of White Knight in early 1999. The impending sale of such assets resulted in the Company recording certain impairment losses in the fourth quarter of 1998. Also, due to recurring losses at Pacific, the Company recorded additional write-downs associated with long-lived assets in 1998. Recent assessments made of Pacific's long-lived assets based on projections of undiscounted future cash flows from operations indicated that the carrying value of such assets was not recoverable.
The change in "other (income) expense, net" from expense to income resulted from increased interest income on a higher average cash position during 1998 as compared to 1997. In addition, interest expense declined in 1998 due to significantly reduced bank borrowings throughout 1998 as compared to 1997.
Income before taxes, minority interest and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle was $107,183, an increase of $62,478 compared to the previous year. The increase is primarily attributable to the $33,388 restructuring charge recorded in 1997, efficiencies achieved in 1998 from the restructuring, the Company's concerted effort to reduce SG&A spending and strong sales volume growth. The effective income tax rate in 1998 was 42.8% as compared to 45.9% in 1997. The reduction in the effective tax rate in 1998 is primarily due to the effects of foreign operations on the Company's tax provision.
As a result of the foregoing, the Company generated net income of $60,095 in 1998 as compared to $30,635 in 1997. Included in 1997's net income is the 1997 effect, and related cumulative effect, of the change from accelerated methods to the straight-line method of calculating depreciation on property, plant and equipment, as discussed in Note 2 to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Basic and diluted net income per share for 1998 were $6.78 and $6.77, respectively, an increase of $3.36 and $3.35, respectively, compared to 1997.
OPERATING RESULTS 1997 vs. 1996
Net sales of $666,294 in 1997 represented an increase of $41,104, or 6.6%, over the comparable period in 1996. Excluding the effect of purchasing a majority interest of a retail operation in July of 1997, net sales increased 4.2% for the year versus 1996.
Net sales in the U.S. of $573,090 increased by 5.8% as compared to 1996, primarily as a result of volume increases. Excluding the effect of purchasing a majority interest in a retail operation in July of 1997, net sales in the U.S. increased by 3.0% compared to 1996. Net sales to external customers in Canada for 1997 were $75,710, an increase of 5.4%, also resulting from volume increases.
Gross margin increased from 38.8% in 1996 to 41.6% in 1997. The improved gross margin in 1997 was the result of efficiencies in purchasing and manufacturing as well as lower raw material costs as compared to 1996.
During the third quarter of 1997, the Company changed its method of computing depreciation on its fixed assets from accelerated methods used in previous periods to the straight-line method, which became effective at the beginning of 1997 (see Note 2 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). The change was made to produce a more effective matching of the depreciation expense of the assets to the revenue produced by them. The effect on gross margin for 1997 resulted in an increase to gross margin of $1,734. Excluding the change in depreciation, the Company's 1997 gross margin would have been 41.4%. The change in depreciation method also reduced SG&A by $1,663 in 1997.
SG&A increased by $32,791 in 1997, primarily as a result of several factors. The Company sold approximately $12,500 of dealer notes receivable to a bank and recorded additional expense relating to recourse provisions contained in the agreement. The Company also recorded additional reserves on trade accounts and notes receivable as a result of adverse developments with certain customers and tightened credit policies during 1997. Approximately $4,400 of impairment write-downs were recorded relating to identifiable assets, intangibles and goodwill associated with the Company's investment in Pacific, smaller domestic acquisitions and, to a lesser extent, deferred software/systems costs. With respect to the write-downs of the identifiable intangibles and goodwill, such assessments were made on the basis of recent projections of undiscounted future cash flows from operations. The Company also recorded a charge of approximately $3,500 for obsolete advertising materials associated with SKU reductions and the discontinuation of certain products in 1997. Other increases to SG&A reflect costs associated with higher sales volume and increased advertising and promotion expenses, principally related to the nationwide introduction of new products. These increases were partially offset by the reduction in depreciation expense discussed above.
During the third quarter of 1997, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $33,388, including employee separation costs of $29,683, asset impairments of $1,975 and other costs of $1,730 (see Note 18 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). This charge was the result of the Company's plan to streamline its operations by reducing its workforce, consolidating certain manufacturing facilities and disposing of excess equipment at closed facilities. This plan is expected to improve the Company's production operations through the consolidation of manufacturing production facilities in those plants which are the most cost effective. In connection with this plan, the Company closed two plants in 1997, closed another in early 1998 and has offered severance programs to affected employees. The charge also includes two Company-wide voluntary early retirement programs which were offered to all eligible employees. In total, more than 275 employees either accepted early retirement or received severance benefits as a result of the plant closings and the consolidation of certain functions. The costs of these programs, combined with the cost of other severance arrangements for employees not eligible to retire and certain one-time costs relating to pension and medical plan enhancements and curtailment charges for these employees have been reflected in the restructuring charge as employee separation costs. Finally, asset impairments and other costs included in the restructuring charge consist of the write-down of property, plant and equipment as well as estimated decommissioning and maintenance costs of the closed facilities. As a result of the above mentioned restructuring, the Company expects to realize significant future cost savings.
The decrease in "other (income) expense, net" reflects lower interest expense on reduced bank borrowings in the U.S. and Canada. During the second half of 1997, there were no outstanding bank borrowings in the U.S. and Canadian manufacturing operations. This decrease is also the result of increased interest income from the significant cash balance on hand during the second half of 1997 as compared to 1996.
Income before taxes, minority interest and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle was $44,705, a decrease of $29,483 when compared to the previous year due to the factors discussed above. The effective income tax rate in 1997 was 45.9% as compared to 42.7% in 1996. The increase in the effective tax rate in 1997 is due to increased losses in one of the Company's foreign subsidiaries.
As a result of the foregoing, the Company generated net income of $30,635 in 1997 as compared to $43,339 in 1996. Included in 1997's net income is the 1997 effect, and related cumulative effect, of the change from accelerated depreciation methods to the straight-line method as previously discussed.
Basic and diluted net income per share for 1997 was $3.42, a decrease of $1.25, as compared to 1996.
FINANCIAL POSITION AND LIQUIDITY
Net cash flows provided by operating activities were $91,244 in 1998, which was $10,648 lower and $38,273 greater than in 1997 and 1996, respectively. Cash flows from operations continues to be the primary source of financing the Company's growth. The most significant elements affecting this decline compared to 1997 were the effects from the 1997 restructuring. During 1998, the Company paid approximately $9,000 in severance and other employee benefit costs, thus reducing the restructuring reserve recorded in 1997. Though net sales were up 6.7% in 1998 compared to 1997, the Company was able to decrease short-term and long-term accounts and notes receivable by $2,513 compared to a decrease of $36,827 last year. A significant portion of the decrease in accounts and notes receivable in 1997 resulted from the sale of $12,500 of dealer notes to a bank and the tightened credit policies initiated in 1997.
Net cash flows used in investing activities were $9,802 in 1998, a decrease of $9,589 compared to 1997 and $1,098 compared to 1996. No major construction projects were in progress during 1998 and overall capital spending was flat compared to 1997 and 1996. Included in 1997's cash flows used in investing activities is the purchase of a majority interest in a retail operation in July of 1997.
Net cash flows used in financing activities of $27,363 represented a decrease of $22,358 and $14,692 over the two years prior. Cash flows relating to financing activities were principally used for payment of dividends and the purchase of treasury stock. The Company expects the purchase of treasury stock to continue to decline since more and more shares are traded on the over-the-counter bulletin board ("OTCBB"); see discussion above at Item 5, "Market Price of the Registrants' Common Stock and Related Security Holder Matters". During the three years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company purchased 135,325, 165,075 and 434,580 shares, respectively, of its common stock.
The Company increased short-term borrowings, net by $655 in 1998, compared to net repayments of $21,610 and $3,013 in 1997 and 1996, respectively. There were no facility or line of credit borrowings by the U.S. and Canadian manufacturing operations at December 31, 1998.
Working capital increased to $205,406 at December 31, 1998 and the current ratio increased to 4.0:1 from 3.3:1 for the comparable period last year. Cash and cash equivalents were $97,249 at December 31, 1998, as compared to $43,899 at December 31, 1997, reflecting the Company's continued commitment to strengthening its balance sheet and cash position. The Company maintains excellent relations with its banks and other financial institutions that may serve as available resources for future growth opportunities, if the need arises.
Year 2000
The Year 2000 ("Y2K") issue is the result of computer programs which were written using two digits rather than four digits to define the applicable year. The Company is very much aware of the issues that Y2K will bring to its computer systems and other equipment with embedded micro controllers. The Company is actively addressing its information technology ("IT") infrastructure, including hardware, software and facilities, with the goal of achieving substantial Y2K compliance in all significant areas of its operations, including, to the extent practicable, its relationships with vendors, suppliers and customers.
During 1998, the Company established a Company-wide Y2K Program Team made up of Company leaders and outside experts to establish a disciplined project management approach, issue inventory and assessment guidelines and coordinate worldwide Y2K compliance efforts. The Company's Y2K Program Team has oversight responsibility for monitoring the compliance efforts.
The program team developed a multi-phase approach to assessing and resolving Y2K issues. These phases are:
1. A review of the Company's end-to-end business processes. This phase helped to create a thorough inventory of all date and non-date dependent systems, internal and external stakeholders, vendors, customers and suppliers. Materials, services and informational inputs and outputs were identified and prioritized based on impacts to the business if any should fail as a result of a Y2K problem.
2. Assessment of all inventoried systems, applications and stakeholders to identify and locate Y2K issues. The Company has established a data repository for Y2K documentation. The database includes the information gathered in Phase 1. External stakeholders, vendors, suppliers and other entities were polled to determine if they are Y2K compliant. Databases were researched for the current status of available fixes for items identified with Y2K issues. Listings of compliant and non-compliant items were generated. Planned and available fixes are being documented for non-compliant items and have formed the basis for Phase 3-Test Planning.
3. Test planning and remediation of systems presenting Y2K issues. This step included the development of a detailed test plan based on the business priority assessment of the items identified in Phases 1 and 2. Units and applications were then tested. Based on the test results, a remediation plan was developed to renovate, retire, re-host, replace, redevelop or outsource as appropriate. Contingency plans are being developed at this time based on the remediation plan.
4. Testing/validating of systems to measure the effectiveness of the remediation.
5. Continued monitoring of the remedied systems for ongoing compliance.
The Company recognizes the importance of resolving these issues at an early date so as not to adversely impact its own operations or its relationships with its customers and other third parties. The Company has active implementation teams focusing on this program and has made it a high priority to substantially complete its Y2K compliance efforts in a timely manner.
Currently the results of the assessment and remediation efforts being conducted under the Y2K program are as follows:
o IT AS400 Systems and Applications - Most of the Company's IT systems and applications have been made substantially Y2K compliant. All remaining systems and applications will be substantially compliant by the end of the first quarter of 1999.
o Embedded Systems - Embedded systems, which include building services, operations, network services, personal computers and non-IT applications have been inventoried and are currently under assessment to determine the appropriate course of action. A preliminary assessment of inventoried embedded systems was completed in December 1998. Business priorities will drive the development of contingency plans based on detailed assessment results and the impact on the business. Testing and remediation of non-compliant components is scheduled for substantial completion by mid-year 1999.
o Third Parties - The Company has also completed an inventory of its key business stakeholders, which includes customers, suppliers, vendors and third party agents and has assessed their impact on its business. The Company has issued and is continuing to issue requests for Y2K compliance status from its key business stakeholders.
The majority of requests for stakeholder status have been received. Where possible, the Company is also working closely with each of its key business stakeholders to determine if their Y2K issues might impact the Company's business. Contingency plans will be established to mitigate the risk associated with each
business stakeholders' response and the impact of non-compliance on the Company.
The total estimated pre-tax cost for resolving Y2K issues is approximately $2,000, with approximately $1,000 of expenditures planned for 1999. The Company will incur costs that include internal resources, external consulting, software and certain equipment upgrades. The majority of these costs relate to software modifications. The $1,000 of costs incurred have been expensed in 1998. System replacement costs have been, or will be, capitalized and expensed over their estimated useful lives. The cost of new hardware and software for recent replacements is not included in the Y2K costs, as the Company had already planned to replace these systems and did not accelerate the replacement due to Y2K issues.
Although the Company anticipates minimal business disruption will occur as a result of Y2K issues, there is no guarantee that possible "worst case" Y2K issues of third party vendors and suppliers would not impact the Company. To date, the Company has not completed a formal contingency plan for non-compliance but continues to develop such plans based on the information obtained from third parties with whom it has material relationships, as well as the completion of the evaluation of its IT and non-IT systems.
The foregoing discussion regarding the Y2K project's timing, effectiveness, implementation and cost contains forward-looking statements, which are based on management's best estimates derived utilizing numerous assumptions of future events including the continued availability of certain resources, third party modification plans and other factors. However, there can be no guarantee that these estimates will be achieved, and actual results could differ materially from those contemplated estimates. Specific factors that might cause such material differences include, but are not limited to, the availability and cost of personnel trained in this area, the ability to locate and correct all relevant computer codes and similar uncertainties and the remediation success of the Company's customers and suppliers.
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Company operates internationally, resulting in exposure to foreign exchange rate risk. This risk primarily relates to the consolidation of foreign subsidiary earnings, resulting in a foreign currency translation adjustment. This adjustment is included in the consolidated financial statements presented in Part II, Item 8
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The consolidated financial statements of the registrant and its subsidiaries, together with notes thereto and the independent auditors' report, are set forth on pages 18 through 37. The additional financial information set forth in Part IV and included herein should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
BENJAMIN MOORE & CO.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Benjamin Moore & Co. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998. 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 in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. 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. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Benjamin Moore & Co. and Subsidiaries at December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, in 1997 the Company changed its method of computing depreciation.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
February 17, 1999 Parsippany, New Jersey
Benjamin Moore & Co. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income
For the Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
1998 1997 1996 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Sales $710,993 $666,294 $625,190 ------------------------------ Costs and Expenses: Cost of products sold 410,103 388,994 382,556 Selling, general and administrative 197,453 199,161 166,370 Restructuring 33,388 Other (income) expense, net (3,746) 46 2,076 ------------------------------ Total costs and expenses 603,810 621,589 551,002 ------------------------------ Income Before Taxes, Minority Interest and Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle 107,183 44,705 74,188
Income Tax Provision 45,922 20,500 31,672 ------------------------------ Income Before Minority Interest and Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle 61,261 24,205 42,516
Minority Interest in Net Income (Loss) of Consolidated Subsidiaries 1,166 (99) (823) ------------------------------ Income Before Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle 60,095 24,304 43,339
Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle 6,331 ------------------------------ Net Income $ 60,095 $ 30,635 $ 43,339 ------------------------------ Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax:
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment (2,105) (539) (363) (Net of tax of $1,575, $457 and $271 for 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively) ------------------------------ Comprehensive Income $ 57,990 $ 30,096 $ 42,976 ============================= Basic Net Income Per Share $6.78 $3.42 $4.67 ============================= Diluted Net Income Per Share $6.77 $3.42 $4.67 ============================= Cash Dividends Declared Per Share of Common Stock $2.30 $2.08 $1.92 ============================= Pro forma amounts assuming new method of depreciation applied retroactively:
Pro forma net income $ 60,095 $ 24,304 $ 45,471 ============================= Pro forma basic net income per share $6.78 $2.71 $4.90 ============================= Pro forma diluted net income per share $6.77 $2.71 $4.90 =============================
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Benjamin Moore & Co. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 1998 and 1997 (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Benjamin Moore & Co. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
For the Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Benjamin Moore & Co. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 (Dollars in thousands)
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Benjamin Moore & Co. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The financial statements include the operations of Benjamin Moore & Co. and all majority-owned subsidiaries ("the Company") except for Temporary Co-Ownerships as explained in Note 5 below. All balances and transactions between subsidiaries are eliminated in consolidation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include commercial paper of $73,934 and a short-term investment fund of $10,011 in 1998 and commercial paper of $37,654 in 1997, all with original maturities of less than three months. The carrying amount of these investments approximates fair value.
Inventories
Inventories are valued at lower of cost or market, determined primarily by the use of the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost and is depreciated using the straight-line method. The major classes of property along with their estimated useful lives are set forth below:
Estimated Asset Useful Life - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Buildings 40 yrs. Machinery and equipment 5-10 yrs. Furniture and fixtures 5-10 yrs. Automobiles and trucks 3-6 yrs. Leasehold improvements Over Life of Lease
As discussed in Note 2, during 1997, the Company changed the method of computing depreciation on its fixed assets and modified certain of its assets' estimated useful lives.
Intangible Assets
Included in Other Assets, intangible assets resulting from acquisitions amounted to $14,854 and $15,634 at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, and are valued at cost. These assets are being amortized over their estimated useful lives, which range from six to thirty-five years. During 1998, 1997 and 1996, amortization of such intangibles amounted to $2,033, $4,085 and $923, respectively. Included in the 1998 and 1997 amortization of intangibles are the effects of impairment write-downs of intangibles and goodwill associated with the Company's investment in Benjamin Moore Pacific Limited ("Pacific"), White Knight Paints Pty Ltd. ("White Knight") and other small acquisitions, amounting to approximately $1,433 and $3,700, respectively.
Long-Lived Assets
The Company evaluates the recoverability of its long-lived assets over their remaining useful lives by projecting operating cash flows to be generated on an undiscounted basis. As of December 31, 1998, the Company believes that the existing balances of its long-lived assets are recoverable.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues are recorded when products are shipped.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Pension Expense
It is the Company's policy to fund all qualified pension costs based on calculations made by independent actuaries. Unrecognized net assets are being amortized over 16-2/3 years for the United States ("U.S.") plan and 15 years for the Canadian plan.
Stock Options
The Company accounts for its stock options under the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 ("APB 25"), "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees."
Advertising Expenses
The cost of advertising is expensed as incurred. Advertising expenses amounted to $48,223, $44,626 and $37,659 in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Research and Development Costs
Research and development and quality control expenditures amounted to $13,091, $12,496 and $13,787 in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Quality control expenditures aggregated $4,064, $3,943 and $3,928, respectively in 1998, 1997 and 1996 and are included herein because a substantial portion of such expenditures is related to development projects.
Provision for Income Taxes
The Company and its 80% or more owned subsidiaries file a consolidated tax return. The Company provides deferred income taxes on temporary differences between amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and such amounts as measured by enacted tax laws. Tax credits are included as a reduction of income tax expense in the year the credits arise.
Foreign Currency Translation
All balance sheet accounts of foreign subsidiaries are translated to U.S. dollars at current exchange rates and income statement accounts are translated using the average exchange rates for the period. Adjustments for currency exchange rate fluctuations are excluded from net income and reflected as a separate component of shareholders' equity and comprehensive income.
Estimates
The preparation of the Company's financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the year. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income." Comprehensive Income is defined as the total change in shareholders' equity during the period from transactions other than with shareholders. For the Company, Comprehensive Income is comprised of net income and the net change in the accumulated foreign currency translation adjustment account. The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 130 in 1998.
In 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 131, "Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information." SFAS No. 131, which the Company adopted in 1998, supercedes SFAS No. 14, "Financial Reporting for Segments of a Business Enterprise." SFAS No. 131 requires the Company to report segment information in line with the information used by management for making operating decisions and assessing performance. SFAS No. 131 also requires disclosures about products and services, geographic areas, and major customers. All information previously presented under SFAS No. 14 has been modified to conform to the provisions of SFAS No. 131 (see Note 16).
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
In 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 132, "Employers' Disclosures About Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits." As required by the standard, the Company began reporting under SFAS No. 132 in 1998 (see Note 7). All information previously presented under SFAS Nos. 87, 88 and 106 has been modified to conform to the provisions of SFAS No. 132.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the 1997 and 1996 financial statements to conform to the method of presentation used in 1998.
2. CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE
In 1997, the Company changed the method of computing depreciation on its fixed assets from accelerated methods used in previous periods to the straight-line method. The change was made because the straight-line method better matches the depreciation costs of the assets to the revenue produced by them. This change also makes the Company's depreciation policy more comparable to the policies used within its industry. The retroactive application of the new method resulted in a cumulative effect adjustment of $6,331 (net of $4,234 in income taxes) which is included in net income for the year ended December 31, 1997. The effect of the change on the year ended December 31, 1997 was to increase net income before the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle by $1,960 million ($.22 per share). In conjunction with this change, the Company also changed estimated useful lives of certain of its assets to more appropriately reflect the period of time over which such assets are expected to generate revenues. Pro forma amounts are presented in the Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income showing the effect of applying the new method retroactively.
3. ACCOUNTS AND NOTES RECEIVABLE December 31, 1998 1997 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Trade $92,456 $93,300 Other 1,702 1,183 ---------------------- Total 94,158 94,483 Less allowance for doubtful accounts 11,058 10,517 ---------------------- Net $83,100 $83,966 ======================
Trade notes receivable due after one year, net of reserves, amounted to $2,667 and $4,911 at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, and are included in Other Assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The carrying amount of notes receivable approximates fair value.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
4. INVENTORIES
December 31, 1998 1997 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Finished goods $ 41,759 $ 51,369 Raw materials 29,965 23,573 ----------------------- Total 71,724 74,942 Less reserve 2,693 2,000 ----------------------- Net $ 69,031 $ 72,942 =======================
If the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method of inventory accounting, which approximates current cost, had been used, inventory would have been $9,676 and $13,817 greater than reported at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
Work-in-process is not significant, due to the brief production cycle, and is included with raw materials.
During 1998, the reduction of inventory resulted in the liquidation of certain LIFO layers. The liquidation reduced net income by approximately $601 or $.07 per share.
5. INVESTMENTS IN TEMPORARY CO-OWNERSHIPS
Investments in Temporary Co-Ownerships are carried at cost less a reserve for impairments. These investments in the capital stock of retail paint stores are non-interest bearing financing arrangements. All increases in equity from earnings accrue solely to the benefit of the independent co-owners. The Company sells its products to Temporary Co-Ownerships at the same prices and terms used in transactions with other customers. A reasonable estimate of fair value of the investments in Temporary Co-Ownerships could not be made without incurring excessive costs.
6. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
December 31, 1998 1997 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Land $ 8,468 $ 8,012 Buildings 62,490 65,489 Machinery, equipment and leasehold improvements 112,906 104,582 ----------------------- Total 183,864 178,083 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 97,213 90,021 ----------------------- Net $ 86,651 $ 88,062 =======================
7. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Pension and Postretirement Plans
The Company has retirement income plans covering substantially all employees. The benefits are based upon years of service and the employee's highest average compensation during any thirty-six consecutive full calendar months of employment.
The Company also provides medical and life insurance benefits that cover U.S. and Canadian employees of the Company. Substantially all employees are covered by a postretirement health care plan which is contributory for employees retiring on or after January 1, 1993, with retiree contributions adjusted annually; the life insurance plan is non-contributory. The accounting for the health care plan anticipates future cost-sharing changes to the written plan that are consistent with the Company's expressed intent to increase retiree contributions each year by the same percent increase experienced by the net incurred charges through 1998, after which all future cost increases will be passed on to the retirees. As of December 31, 1998, the Company has not established any specific funding policy for these plans.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
The weighted-average assumptions employed at December 31, 1998 and 1997 were:
* Assumed to decrease to 6% by 2009 and remain at that level thereafter.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Net pension and postretirement benefit costs include the following components:
As described in Note 18, the Company offered two voluntary early retirement programs during 1997 that provided employees electing to retire within the prescribed period with enhanced benefits. During 1997, the Company recorded net charges for enhanced pension and other postretirement benefits of $5,777 and $8,696, respectively.
Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plan. A one-percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:
Postemployment Benefits
The Company accrues for benefits provided to former or inactive employees after employment but before retirement. The liability related to these benefits at December 31, 1998 is approximately $1,933 and is recorded in Pension and Other Long-Term Benefits.
Employees' Stock Ownership Plan
The Company maintains a qualified Employees' Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") covering substantially all of its U.S. employees. The Board of Directors of the Company is authorized to make contributions from time to time to the plan trust fund.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
In 1989, the Company and its ESOP entered into a leveraged transaction whereby the Company borrowed $10,000 from a bank and loaned such funds to the ESOP. The ESOP used the loan proceeds to purchase, as restated to reflect the 1990 stock dividend, 239,792.236 shares of the Company's common stock; 87,590 shares from estates and 152,202.236 shares from the Company's treasury stock account. The bank loan bears interest at 7.85% and is payable in ten graduated annual installments through June 30, 1999. Based upon the borrowing rates currently available to the Company for bank loans with similar terms and average maturities, the carrying value of the bank loan approximates its current fair value. The common stock purchased by the ESOP is held by the ESOP trustees as collateral for the loan from the Company to the ESOP in a restricted account. Each year the Company will make contributions to the plan, which the plan's trustees will use to repay the loan from the Company in an amount sufficient for the Company to make interest and principal payments on the loan. The collateralized shares of common stock will be released from restriction and allocated to participating employees annually, as of December 31, based upon the percentage of debt service paid during the year then ended to the projected total amount of debt service to be paid under the loan agreement.
Contributions to the ESOP amounted to $1,369, $1,317 and $1,272 in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The fair value of the shares held by the ESOP was $32,943 and $33,592 at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
The Company's Canadian subsidiary maintains a similar plan which covers substantially all of the Canadian Company's employees. The Canadian subsidiary contributed approximately $236, $217 and $183 to the Canadian plan trust fund in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Stock Option and Stock Incentive Plans
During 1993, the Company adopted a Stock Option Plan ("1993 Plan"). The 1993 Plan provides for the granting of non-statutory stock options to officers and other employees of the Company. Options for the purchase of 400,000 shares of common stock, par value $10 per share, could be granted. The options began vesting on the second anniversary of the grant date and vest over the succeeding two years. The options also become fully vested upon retirement or death. Expiration is ten years from date of grant, six months after retirement or ninety days after termination.
In 1998, a new Stock Incentive Plan ("1998 Plan") was adopted by the Company. Grants under the 1993 Plan were frozen. Options for the purchase of 400,000 shares of stock, par value of $10 per share, may be granted. Vesting occurs over a four year period beginning one year after grant date. The options also become fully vested upon death. Expiration is ten years from date of grant, five years after retirement or three months after termination.
Pursuant to SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," the Company has elected to account for its employee stock option plans under APB 25. Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for these plans. Had compensation cost for the plans been determined based on the fair value at the grant date consistent with SFAS No. 123, the Company's net income and income per share would have been as follows:
Year Ended December 31, -------------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income As reported $60,095 $30,635 $43,339 Pro forma 60,095 29,881 42,599 Net income per common share Basic As reported $6.78 $3.42 $4.67 Pro forma 6.78 3.36 4.59 Diluted As reported $6.77 $3.42 $4.67 Pro forma 6.77 3.36 4.59
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Binomial option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
Year Ended December 31, ---------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest rate 5.26% 6.35% 6.44% Dividend yield 2.71% 2.62% 2.63%
Expected volatility 15% 15% 16% Expected life in years 10 10 10
Stock option activity for both the 1993 and 1998 plans were as follows:
1998 1997 1996 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Outstanding, January 1 195,122 229,357 229,357 Granted 159,000 26,000 Exercised (8,310) (2,085) Canceled (33,360) (58,150) ------------------------------- Outstanding, December 31 312,452 195,122 229,357 Exercisable 127,452 169,122 152,904 Available for grant 241,000 204,878 170,643 Weighted average price: Outstanding, beginning of year $73.50 $73.26 $73.26 Granted 83.06 75.09 Exercised 73.26 73.26 Canceled 73.26 73.26 Outstanding, end of year 78.40 73.50 73.26 Exercisable, end of year 73.26 73.26 73.26 Weighted average fair value of options at grant date 18.69 16.91
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 1998:
Weighted Average Weighted Average Remaining Price Number Outstanding Exercise Price Contractual Life - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 70 to 75 137,452 73.26 4.7 Years
76 to 80 18,500 76.74 8.6
81 to 85 156,500 83.11 9.2
The following table summarizes information about stock options exercisable at December 31, 1998:
Weighted Average Price Number Exercisable Exercise Price - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 70 to 75 127,452 $73.26
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
8. SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS
Information regarding the Company's arrangements with banks in the U.S., Canada, New Zealand and Australia for short-term lines of credit follows:
December 31, 1998 1997 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Outstanding borrowings $ 5,576 $ 4,967
Weighted average interest rate on outstanding borrowings 6.4% 6.5%
Unused portion of lines of credit $78,075 $89,659
There are no significant compensating cash balances or commitment fees that relate to the above arrangements. Due to the short maturity of these borrowings, the carrying amount approximates fair value.
9. OTHER LIABILITIES AND ACCRUED EXPENSES
December 31, 1998 1997 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income taxes payable $ 5,018 $ 3,285 Restructuring reserve - current portion 1,002 11,311 Salaries, wages and commissions 6,970 6,568 Customer discounts and allowances 5,614 4,129 Other 9,456 8,711 -------------------------- Total $28,060 $34,004 ==========================
The current portion of the restructuring reserve shown above primarily consists of dismantling and facility costs.
10. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
The Company operates in an industry subject to extensive environmental regulations and is subject to potential liability under various claims and legal actions which are pending or may be asserted in the future against the Company regarding environmental remediation matters. Estimates of the future costs to be incurred relating to such matters are necessary due to various uncertainties surrounding remediation procedures, including the development of new technologies, the enactment of additional regulations, the identification of new sites for which the Company could be a potentially responsible party ("PRP") and the apportionment of responsibility among identified PRPs in addition to the Company. The Company establishes reserves for environmental matters when remediation expenditures are probable and estimable. It is reasonably possible that the final resolution of some of these matters may require significant expenditures by the Company in excess of its existing reserves.
The Company has accrued approximately $3,980 for estimated potential cleanup costs based upon its monitoring of ongoing activities and its past experience with these matters.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
11. LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS
Included in long-term obligations is long-term debt as follows:
December 31, 1998 1997 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ESOP loan payable $1,400 $2,700 Bank debt (interest ranging from 6% - 11%) 1,775 1,332 ----------------------- Total 3,175 4,032 Less current maturities 1,821 1,628 ----------------------- Long-term debt $1,354 $2,404 =======================
Aggregate maturities of long-term debt are as follows: 1999 - $1,821; 2000 - $345; 2001 - $340; 2002 - $175; 2003 - $44; and $450 thereafter.
At December 31, 1998 and 1997, the Company was contingently liable for guarantees of indebtedness owed by third parties in the amount of $17,754 and $16,800, respectively, relating to financing arrangements between a bank and such third parties, to whom the Company sells merchandise. It is not practical to estimate the fair value of the guarantee. As of December 31, 1998, the Company has a reserve of $6,038 included in Long-Term Obligations for recourse provisions under these financing arrangements.
12. LEASES
The Company leases data processing equipment, buildings, transportation equipment, autos and miscellaneous equipment under operating leases expiring at various dates.
Minimum future obligations under leases as of December 31, 1998 are as follows:
Year ending December 31, Total - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1999 $ 8,061
2000 7,361
2001 5,685
2002 3,475
2003 2,987
Thereafter 6,090 ------- Total minimum lease payments $33,659 =======
Rent expense on operating leases was approximately $10,375, $9,857 and $8,291 for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
13. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
In 1978, the Board of Directors, with shareholder approval, adopted an Employees' Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP"). Under the Plan, as restated to reflect stock dividends, up to an aggregate of 1,600,000 shares of Common Stock held in treasury may be offered and sold from time to time to employees of the Company and its subsidiaries at the fair value price per share as determined by an independent appraisal firm at the date of offering. Since 1979, 738,165 shares have been sold to employees under the Plan.
Notes receivable outstanding with respect to the above referenced Plan, as well as the 1993 and 1998 Stock Option Plans and the ESOP note receivable, are reflected in the balance sheets as reductions in shareholders' equity. The notes received by the Company relative to the ESPP offerings since 1991 are non-interest bearing. Notes received by the Company relative to the 1993 and 1998 Plans bear interest at the then-current rates of interest.
Treasury stock is reflected at acquisition value, determined by the use of the FIFO method. Sales and distributions of treasury shares are recorded at fair value price per share. Any excess of such fair value proceeds over the FIFO cost is reflected as additional paid-in capital.
A reconciliation of the number of common shares outstanding is as follows:
Shares of Common Stock Issued Treasury Outstanding - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance, January 1, 1996 13,164,312 3,696,419 9,467,893
Sale and distribution of treasury stock (272) 272
Treasury stock purchases 434,580 (434,580) ------------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1996 13,164,312 4,130,727 9,033,585
Sale and distribution of treasury stock (15,187) 15,187
Treasury stock purchases 165,075 (165,075) ------------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1997 13,164,312 4,280,615 8,883,697
Sale of treasury stock (108,510) 108,510
Treasury stock purchases 135,325 (135,325) ------------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1998 13,164,312 4,307,430 8,856,882 ====================================
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
14. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The components of the denominator for basic and diluted net income per common share are as follows:
In 1997, the Company changed its method of computing depreciation (see Note 2). This change resulted in basic and diluted net income per common share of income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle of $2.71 and basic and diluted net income per share of $.71 for the cumulative effect of change in accounting principle.
15. INCOME TAXES
The composition of the income tax provision is as follows:
1998 1997 1996 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal income taxes: Current $34,971 $ 24,629 $23,054 Deferred (1,214) (11,684) 52 --------------------------------------- Total federal 33,757 12,945 23,106 --------------------------------------- State and local income taxes Current 8,267 3,523 5,148 Deferred 193 --------------------------------------- Total state and local 8,460 3,523 5,148 Foreign income taxes 3,705 4,032 3,418 --------------------------------------- Total $45,922 $ 20,500 $31,672 =======================================
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Deferred income taxes represent the tax effects of differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and are comprised of the following:
December 31, 1998 1997 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deferred Tax Assets: Pension and employee benefit related items $ 9,436 $ 9,713 Accounts receivable and recourse reserves 5,063 4,621 Restructuring 1,030 4,327 Inventory reserves 3,372 3,098 Claims reserves 2,464 2,204 Miscellaneous reserves 2,213 1,791 Foreign items 3,394 State deferred taxes 2,107 Other 2,615 1,409 ---------------------- Total deferred tax assets 31,694 27,163 Valuation allowance (2,542) ---------------------- Net deferred tax assets $29,152 $27,163 ======================
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment $ 9,152 $ 8,557 Temporary Co-Ownership related items 2,679 2,306 ---------------------- Total deferred tax liabilities $11,831 $10,863 ======================
Net long-term deferred tax assets of $3,000 are reflected in Other Assets.
At December 31, 1998, the Company has a valuation allowance recorded against available foreign tax credits and certain other foreign related items. Management believes it is more likely than not that the benefits related to these items may not be realized.
The Company has available for utilization $509 of foreign tax credits. Such credits expire as follows: 1999 - $58; 2000 - $233; 2001 - $140; and 2002 - $78.
A reconciliation of the statutory federal tax rate and effective tax rate is as follows:
1998 1997 1996 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Statutory tax rate 35.0% 35.0% 35.0% Effect of: State and local income taxes 5.1 5.1 4.5 Foreign income taxes 2.4 5.0 2.5 Valuation allowance 1.6 Other - net (1.3) .8 .7 ----------------------------------- Effective tax rate 42.8% 45.9% 42.7% ===================================
The Company does not accrue Federal income taxes on its equity in the undistributed earnings of its Canadian subsidiary, which amounted to $36,175, $33,619 and $30,293 at December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively, because the Company intends to reinvest such earnings indefinitely.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
16. SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company manufactures and sells coatings for use by the general public and industrial and commercial users in the U.S., Canada, New Zealand and Australia. Transfers between geographic areas are eliminated in consolidation. The Company has two reportable segments - (1) U.S. and (2) Canada. Business groups within these two segments are trade sales coatings, production finishes coatings, and retail. Also included in the Company's consolidated financial statements, but not considered a reportable segment, are the international businesses in Australia and New Zealand.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1. Segment data includes intersegment net sales. The Company evaluates the performance of its segments based upon net sales to external customers and net income (loss).
The Company does not have any customers to which sales exceed 10% of total sales.
Assets and operating results by reportable segment and geographic area are as follows:
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Concluded)
Reconciling items primarily consist of (a) the elimination of sales and cost of sales between segments, and (b) the elimination of intersegment investments and advances.
The following table represents net sales to external customers by business group:
1998 1997 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Trade Sales Coatings $601,583 $585,052 $563,957 Production Finishes Coatings 55,054 51,375 51,995 Retail 54,356 29,867 9,238 ---------------------------------------- Total $710,993 $ 666,294 $625,190 ========================================
17. OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET
The components of other (income) expense, net are as follows:
1998 1997 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other income $(5,530) $(2,663) $(1,698) Interest expense 927 2,664 3,626 Net loss on the disposal of fixed assets 279 45 75 Other expenses 578 73 --------------------------------- Net $(3,746) $ 46 $ 2,076 =================================
18. RESTRUCTURING
During the third quarter of 1997, the Board of Directors approved and implemented a strategic restructuring program designed to improve operating efficiency and industry competitiveness. This plan resulted in the Company recording a pre-tax charge of $33,388 including employee separation costs of $29,683 and asset impairments and other charges of $3,705. The Company streamlined its operations by reducing its workforce, consolidating certain manufacturing facilities and disposing of excess equipment.
Over 90% of all separations were completed by December 31, 1997 with the remainder being completed during 1998. Exclusive of pension and postretirement enhancements, the remaining restructuring liability as of December 31, 1998, relating primarily to dismantling and facility costs, is $2,762. During 1998 and 1997, cash payments charged against the reserve were $9,019 and $4,400, respectively.
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Reference is made to the information set forth under the captions (i) "ELECTION OF DIRECTORS" at pages 4 and 5 and "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" at page 22 of the Company's Proxy Statement dated March 18, 1999, for use in connection with its 1999 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which information is hereby incorporated by reference, and (ii) "EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT" at pages 9 and 10 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Reference is made to the information set forth under the caption "DIRECTOR COMPENSATION", "EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION" and "SEVERANCE ARRANGEMENTS" at pages 8 - - 12 and 17 of the Company's Proxy Statement dated March 18, 1999, for use in connection with its 1999 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which information is hereby incorporated by reference.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
(a) Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
Reference is made to the information set forth under the caption "PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS" at pages 2 and 3 of the Company's Proxy Statement dated March 18, 1999, for use in connection with its 1999 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which information is hereby incorporated by reference.
(b) Security Ownership of Management
Reference is made to the information set forth under the caption "ELECTION OF DIRECTORS - Ownership of Securities by Nominees and Directors" at pages 6 and 7 of the Company's Proxy Statement dated March 18, 1999, for use in connection with its 1999 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which information is hereby incorporated by reference.
(c) Changes in Control
To the knowledge of the Company, there are no arrangements the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of the Company.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Reference is made to the information set forth under the caption "COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION" at page 12 of the Company's Proxy Statement dated March 18, 1999, for use in connection with its 1999 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which information is hereby incorporated by reference.
PART IV
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) (1) List of Financial Statements Included Under Item 8 of this Report
Independent Auditors' Report 18
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 19
Consolidated Balance Sheets, December 31, 1998 and 1997 20
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 21
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 22
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 23 - 37
(2) Financial Statement Supplemental Schedule
II Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts For the Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 44
All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are omitted because of the absence of conditions under which they are required or because the information required thereby is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.
The individual financial statements of the Company have been omitted because the Company is primarily an operating Company and all subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements being filed. In addition, in the aggregate, such subsidiaries do not have minority equity interests and/or indebtedness to any person other than the Company or its consolidated subsidiaries in amounts which together exceed 5 percent of the total assets of the Company at December 31, 1998 and 1997.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
No reports on Form 8-K have been filed by the Company during the last quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998.
(c) List of Exhibits
(3) Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Company.
(i) Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(a) of the Company's Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on Form S-1 Registration No. 2-62626).
Reference is made to the information set forth under the caption "Amendment of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation" at pages 10 and 11 of the Company's Proxy Statement dated March 22, 1985, for use in connection with its 1985 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which information is hereby incorporated by reference.
Reference is made to the information set forth under the caption "Limitation of Liability of Directors and Officers to the Maximum Extent Permitted by New Jersey Law" at pages 10, 11, 12 and 13 of the Company's Proxy Statement dated March 28, 1988, for use in connection with its 1988 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which information is hereby incorporated by reference.
Reference is made to the information set forth under the caption "Amendment of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation" at pages 11 and 12 of the Company's Proxy Statement dated March 21, 1989, for use in connection with its 1989 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which information is hereby incorporated by reference.
Reference is made to the information set forth under the caption "Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation" at pages 15, 16 and 17 of the Company's Proxy Statement dated March 28, 1994, for use in connection with its 1994 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which information is hereby incorporated by reference.
(ii) Bylaws of the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(b) of the Company's Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on Form S-1 - Registration No. 2-62626).
Reference is made to the information set forth under the caption "Indemnification of Directors, Officers and Employees" at pages 13 and 14 of the Company's Proxy Statement dated March 28, 1988, for use in connection with its 1988 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which information is hereby incorporated by reference.
Reference is made to the information set forth under the caption "Approval of Amendments of the Company Bylaws" at pages 17 through 21 of the Company's Proxy Statement dated March 28, 1994, for use in connection with its 1994 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which information is hereby incorporated by reference.
(10) Material Contracts
(iii) (A) Employees' Stock Purchase Plan of the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4(a) of the Company's Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on Form S-8 - Registration No. 33-2694).
Reference is made to the information set forth under the caption "Amendment of Employees' Stock Purchase Plan" at pages 11 and 12 of the Company's Proxy Statement dated March 25, 1991, for use in connection with its 1991 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which information is hereby incorporated by reference.
Reference is made to the information set forth under the caption "Approval of the Stock Option Plan" at pages 13, 14 and 15 of the Company's Proxy Statement dated March 22, 1993, for use in connection with its 1993 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which information is hereby incorporated by reference.
Reference is made to the information set forth under the caption "Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan" and "Severance Arrangements" at pages 10, 11 and 15 of the Company's Proxy Statement dated March 21, 1997, for use in connection with its 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which information is hereby incorporated by reference.
Reference is made to the information set forth under the caption "Approval of the 1998 Stock Incentive Plan" at pages 16 - 21 of the Company's Proxy Statement dated March 23, 1998, for use in connection with its 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which information is hereby incorporated by reference.
(21) Subsidiaries of the Company Page 46
(23) Independent Auditors' Consent Page 47
(27) Financial Data Schedule Page 48
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Annual Report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Montvale, New Jersey, on the 23rd day of March, 1999.
BENJAMIN MOORE & CO.
By /s/ Yvan Dupuy ------------------- Yvan Dupuy President and Chief Operating Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each individual whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Yvan Dupuy and Richard Roob, and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
-------------------------
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date --------- ----- ----
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer; (Principal Executive /s/ Richard Roob Officer) and Director March 23, 1999 - ------------------------------ Richard Roob
President and Chief Operating Officer; /s/ Yvan Dupuy Director March 23, 1999 - ------------------------------ Yvan Dupuy
/s/ Donald E. Devine II Vice President-Finance March 23, 1999 - ------------------------------ and Chief Financial Officer Donald E. Devine II
/s/ Benjamin M.Belcher, Jr. Director March 23, 1999 - ------------------------------ Benjamin M. Belcher, Jr.
/s/ W.C. Belcher Director March 23, 1999 - ------------------------------ Ward C. Belcher
Director March 23, 1999 - ------------------------------ Charles H. Bergmann, Jr.
Director March 23, 1999 - ------------------------------ Frederick J. Costello
Director March 23, 1999 - ------------------------------ Robert J. Hodgson
/s/ G. Moore Director March 23, 1999 - ------------------------------ Gerald W. Moore
/s/ John C. Moore, Jr. Director March 23, 1999 - ------------------------------ John C. Moore, Jr.
Director March 23, 1999 - ------------------------------ Robert H. Mundheim
/s/ Charles C. Vail Director March 23, 1999 - ------------------------------ Charles C. Vail
Director March 23, 1999 - ------------------------------ Ward B. Wack
Director March 23, 1999 - ------------------------------ Sara B. Wardell
/s/ M.C. Workman Director March 23, 1999 - ------------------------------ Maurice C. Workman
SCHEDULE II
BENJAMIN MOORE & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996
(1) Accounts and Notes Receivable Written Off - Net of Recoveries (2) Foreign exchange gain or (loss)
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
Benjamin Moore & Co.:
We have audited the financial statements of Benjamin Moore & Co. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998, and have issued our report thereon dated February 17, 1999, which report includes an explanatory paragraph relating to the change in 1997 in the method of computing depreciation; such financial statements and report are included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule of Benjamin Moore & Co. and Subsidiaries, listed in Item 14. This financial statement schedule is the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits. In our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
February 17, 1999 Parsippany, New Jersey