UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

Form 10-K

 

R ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
   
  For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011
   
  OR
   
£ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
   
  For the transition period from _______to_______

 

Commission File No. 001-34045

 

 

 

COLFAX CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

DELAWARE 54-1887631
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification Number)
   
8170 MAPLE LAWN BOULEVARD, SUITE 180 20759
FULTON, MARYLAND (Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices)  

 

301-323-9000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

 

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:

 

            TITLE OF EACH CLASS            

NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE

     ON WHICH REGISTERED     

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share The New York Stock Exchange

 

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:

 

None

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes R No £

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Act. Yes £ No R

 

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

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. R

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer £ Accelerated filer R Non-accelerated filer £ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company £

 

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

 

The aggregate market value of common shares held by non-affiliates of the Registrant on July 1, 2011 was $627.956 million based upon the aggregate price of the registrant’s common shares as quoted on the New York Stock Exchange composite tape on such date.

 

As of February 6, 2012, the number of shares of the Registrant’s common stock outstanding was 84,720,710.

 

EXHIBIT INDEX APPEARS ON PAGE 94

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Part III incorporates certain information by reference from the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement for its 2012 annual meeting of stockholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after the end of the Registrant’s fiscal year covered by this report. With the exception of the sections of the 2012 proxy statement specifically incorporated herein by reference, the 2012 proxy statement is not deemed to be filed as part of this Form 10-K.

 

 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Item   Description   Page
         
    Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements     2
         
    PART I    
         
1   Business     4
1A   Risk Factors   10
1B   Unresolved Staff Comments   23
2   Properties   24
3   Legal Proceedings   24
4   Mine Safety Disclosures   24
    Executive Officers of the Registrant   25
         
    PART II    
         
5   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities   26
6   Selected Financial Data   28
7   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   29
7A   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk   45
8   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data   46
9   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure   88
9A   Controls and Procedures   88
9B   Other Information   89
         
    PART III    
         
10   Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance   89
11   Executive Compensation   89
12   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters   89
13   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence   90
14   Principal Accounting Fees and Services   90
         
    PART IV    
         
15   Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules   91
         
    Signatures   92
    Exhibit Index   94

 

 
 

 

Unless otherwise indicated, references in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (this “Form 10-K”) to “Colfax”, “the Company”, “we”, “our” and “us” refer to Colfax Corporation and its subsidiaries.

 

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Some of the statements contained in this Form 10-K that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date this Form 10-K is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including statements regarding: projections of revenue, profit margins, expenses, tax provisions and tax rates, earnings or losses from operations, impact of foreign exchange rates, cash flows, pension and benefit obligations and funding requirements, synergies or other financial items; plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations including statements relating to potential acquisitions, compensation plans or purchase commitments; developments, performance or industry or market rankings relating to products or services; future economic conditions or performance; the outcome of outstanding claims or legal proceedings including asbestos-related liabilities and insurance coverage litigation; potential gains and recoveries of costs; assumptions underlying any of the foregoing; and any other statements that address activities, events or developments that we intend, expect, project, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future. Further, the forward-looking statements contained herein include statements about the expected effects of the acquisition of Charter International plc (“Charter”) by Colfax (the “Charter Acquisition”), the expected benefits from integrating Charter and other benefits associated with the Charter Acquisition, strategic options and all other statements contained herein regarding the Charter Acquisition other than historical facts. Forward-looking statements may be characterized by terminology such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “should,” “would,” “intend,” “plan,” “will,” “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “positioned,” “strategy,” “targets,” “aims,” “seeks,” “sees,” and similar expressions. These statements are based on assumptions and assessments made by our management in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe to be appropriate. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to the following:

 

risks related to the Charter Acquisition including, but not limited to:

 

risks related to any unforeseen liabilities of Charter;

 

our ability to deliver the expected returns and accretive effects on our earnings within our expected timeframes for such returns, or at all;

 

our ability to successfully integrate Charter;

 

our additional leverage as a result of the Charter Acquisition, which may limit our flexibility in operating our business;

 

covenants made to equity investors in the Charter Acquisition that may limit our flexibility in operating our business; and

 

increased exposure to foreign currency risk;

 

risks associated with our international operations;

 

significant movements in foreign currency exchange rates;

 

changes in the general economy, as well as the cyclical nature of our markets;

 

our ability to accurately estimate the cost of or realize savings from our restructuring programs;

 

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availability and cost of raw materials, parts and components used in our products;

 

the competitive environment in our industry;

 

our ability to identify, finance, acquire and successfully integrate attractive acquisition targets;

 

the amount of and our ability to estimate our asbestos-related liabilities;

 

material disruption at any of our significant manufacturing facilities;

 

the solvency of our insurers and the likelihood of their payment for asbestos-related costs;

 

our ability to manage and grow our business and execution of our business and growth strategies;

 

our recent substantial leadership turnover and realignment;

 

our ability and the ability of customers to access required capital at a reasonable cost;

 

our ability to expand our business in our targeted markets;

 

our ability to cross-sell our product portfolio to existing customers;

 

the level of capital investment and expenditures by our customers in our strategic markets;

 

our financial performance;

 

our ability to identify, address and remediate any material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting;

 

our ability to achieve or maintain credit ratings and the impact on our funding costs and competitive position if we do not do so; and

 

others risks and factors, listed in Item 1A. Risk Factors in Part I of this Form 10-K.

 

Any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results, developments and business decisions may differ materially from those envisaged by such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date this Form 10-K is filed with the SEC. We do not assume any obligation and do not intend to update any forward-looking statement except as required by law. See Item 1A. Risk Factors in Part I of this Form 10-K for a further discussion regarding some of the reasons that actual results may be materially different from those that we anticipate.

 

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PART I

 

Item 1. Business

 

General

 

Colfax Corporation is a diversified global industrial manufacturing and engineering company that provides gas- and fluid-handling and fabrication technology products and services to commercial and governmental customers around the world under the Howden and ESAB brand names and by Colfax Fluid Handling under the brand names described below. Our business began with an initial investment by our founders in 1995 with the intention to acquire, manage and create a world-class industrial manufacturing company. We seek to acquire businesses with leading market positions and brands that exhibit strong cash flow generation potential. With our management expertise and the introduction of the Colfax Business System (“CBS”) into our acquired businesses, we pursue growth in revenues and improvements in operating margins and cash flow. Colfax began as a fluid-handling business through the platform acquisitions of IMO and Allweiler in 1997 and 1998, respectively, and has broadened its fluid-handling product portfolio and geographic footprint through the following strategic acquisitions:

 

·In January 2007, we acquired LSC, a manufacturer of fluid-handling systems. LSC designs, manufactures, installs and maintains oil mist lubrication and oil purification systems in refineries, petrochemical plants and other processing facilities.

 

·In November 2007, we acquired Fairmount Automation, Inc. (“Fairmount”), an original equipment manufacturer of mission critical programmable automation controllers in fluid-handling applications primarily for the U.S. Navy.

 

·In August 2009, we acquired PD-Technik Ingenieurbüro GmbH (“PD-Technik”), a provider of marine aftermarket related products and services.

 

·In August 2010, we acquired Baric Group (“Baric”), a premier supplier of engineered fluid-handling systems primarily for the oil and gas market.

 

·In February 2011, we acquired Rosscor Holding, B.V. (“Rosscor”), a supplier of multiphase pumping technology and certain other highly engineered fluid-handling systems.

 

·In December 2011, we acquired COT-Puritech, Inc. (“COT-Puritech”), a domestic supplier of oil flushing and remediation services to power generation plants, refinery and petrochemical operators and other industrial manufacturing sites.

 

Our fluid-handling business is a supplier of a broad range of fluid-handling products, including pumps, fluid-handling systems and controls, and specialty valves. Our fluid-handling products are marketed principally under the Allweiler, Baric, Fairmount Automation, Houttuin, Imo, LSC, COT-Puritech, Portland Valve, Tushaco, Warren and Zenith brand names, which we believe are widely known and have a premium position in the fluid-handling industry. Allweiler, Houttuin, Imo and Warren are among the oldest and most recognized brands in the fluid-handling markets in which we participate, with Allweiler dating back to 1860. Our fluid-handling platform has a global manufacturing footprint, with production facilities in Europe, North America and Asia, as well as worldwide sales and distribution channels. We also opened a green-field production facility in Wuxi, China in 2005, which manufactures and assembles products and systems and supplies low cost components for our Asian market.

 

Our fluid-handling business serves the following end markets through a combination of direct sales and marketing associates and third-party distribution channels: commercial marine, oil and gas, power generation, global defense and general industrial. See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for further discussion regarding the end markets served by our fluid-handling business.

 

With the closing of the Charter Acquisition in the first quarter of 2012, Colfax has transformed from a fluid-handling business into a multi-platform enterprise with a strong global footprint. See “Acquisition of Charter International plc” below for further description of the Charter businesses and the Charter Acquisition.

 

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We employ a comprehensive set of tools that we refer to as CBS. CBS is a disciplined strategic planning and execution methodology designed to achieve excellence and world-class financial performance in all aspects of our business by focusing on the Voice of the Customer and continuously improving quality, delivery and cost.  Modeled on the Danaher Business System, CBS focuses on conducting root-cause analysis, developing process improvements and implementing sustainable systems. Our approach addresses the entire business, not just manufacturing operations.

 

Acquisition of Charter International plc

 

On January 13, 2012, we completed the Charter Acquisition pursuant to which Charter became our wholly owned subsidiary. Under the terms of the Charter Acquisition, Charter shareholders received 730 pence in cash and 0.1241 newly issued shares of Colfax Corporation Common stock in exchange for each share of Charter’s ordinary stock. The Charter Acquisition was financed by a combination of new bank debt, new equity and cash on hand. The total value of the Charter Acquisition was approximately $2.6 billion, using a foreign exchange rate of 1.5330 $/£ and the $32.90 closing price of Colfax Common stock on January 12, 2012. For 2011, Charter’s total revenues were £2.0 billion, of which approximately 67% and 33% were derived from ESAB and Howden divisions, respectively. See Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Borrowing Arrangements below for additional information.

 

We believe that the Charter Acquisition will accelerate our growth strategy and has moved us toward our vision: a multi-platform enterprise with a strong global footprint. Charter is a leading player in key industrial markets and we believe its strong brands will enhance our business mix and profile, as well as provide significant growth opportunities. Howden, which focuses on gas handling, is expected to complement and extend our existing fluid-handling business and ESAB, which provides fabrication technology solutions, is expected to become the foundation of a new growth platform.

 

The combination is expected to:

 

enhance our business profile by providing a meaningful recurring revenue stream and considerable exposure to emerging markets;

 

enable the combined company to benefit from strong secular growth drivers, with a balance of short- and long-cycle businesses;

 

improve both margin and return on invested capital at Charter through application of CBS;

 

provide an additional growth platform in the fragmented fabrication technology industry; and

 

deliver significant earnings accretion, as well as double digit returns on invested capital within three to five years.

 

Operating Segments

 

Gas and Fluid Handling

 

Subsequent to the Charter Acquisition, we design, manufacture, install and maintain gas- and fluid-handling products for use in a wide range of markets, including power generation, oil and gas, mining, petrochemical, commercial marine and defense.

 

Our gas-handling products are principally marketed under the Howden brand name. Howden’s primary products are heavy-duty fans, rotary heat exchangers and compressors. The fans and heat exchangers are used in coal-fired power stations, both in combustion and emissions control applications, underground mines, steel sintering plants and other industrial facilities that require movement of large volumes of air in harsh applications. Howden’s compressors are mainly used in the oil and gas and petrochemical markets.

 

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Howden’s principal manufacturing and engineering facilities are located in Asia, Europe, North and South America, Australia and Africa. Our gas-handling products are generally sold directly, though independent distributors are also used.

 

We design, manufacture and distribute fluid-handling products that transfer or control liquids in a variety of applications. We also sell replacement parts and perform repair services for our manufactured products. We manufacture and assemble our fluid-handling products at 13 principal locations in Europe, North America and Asia. This global manufacturing reach enables us to serve our customers wherever they choose to do business. Each of our fluid-handling manufacturing sites offers machining, fabrication and assembly capabilities that gives us the flexibility to source some of our products from multiple facilities. Our manufacturing facilities also benefit from the use of shared technology and collaboration across production lines, enabling us to increase operational efficiencies through the use of common suppliers and the duplication of production processes.

 

The manner in which our fluid-handling products and services are sold differs by region. Most of our sales in non-U.S. markets are made by subsidiaries located outside of the U.S., though we also sell into non-U.S. markets through various representatives and distributors and directly from the U.S. In countries with low sales volumes, we generally sell through representatives and distributors.

 

Our primary fluid-handling products, brands and their end uses include:

 

Fluid-Handling Products   Primary Brands   Primary End Uses
Pumps   Allweiler, Houttuin, Imo, Warren, Tushaco and Zenith   Commercial marine, oil and gas, machinery lubrication, power generation, defense, chemical and commercial construction
     
Fluid-Handling Systems   Allweiler, Baric, Fairmount Automation, Houttuin, Imo, LSC and Warren   Commercial marine, oil and gas, power generation and defense
     
Specialty Valves   Portland Valve   Global defense

 

Pumps

 

Rotary Positive Displacement Pumps — We believe that we are a leading manufacturer of rotary positive displacement pumps with a broad product portfolio and globally recognized brands. Rotary positive displacement pumps consist of a casing containing screws, gears, vanes or similar components that are actuated by the relative rotation of that component to the casing, which results in the physical movement of the liquid from the inlet to the discharge at a constant rate. Positive displacement pumps generally offer precise, quiet and highly efficient transport of viscous fluids.

 

Specialty Centrifugal Pumps— Centrifugal pumps use the kinetic energy imparted by rotating an impeller inside a configured casing to create pressure. While traditionally used to transport large quantities of thin liquids, our centrifugal pumps use specialty designs and materials to offer customers high quality, reliability and customized solutions for a wide range of viscosities, temperatures and applications. We position our specialty centrifugal pumps for applications where customers clearly recognize our brand value or in markets where centrifugal and rotary pumps are complimentary.

 

Systems

 

We manufacture complete fluid-handling systems used primarily in the oil and gas, power generation, commercial marine and global defense markets. We offer turnkey systems and support, including design, manufacture, installation, commission and service. Our systems include:

 

Ÿlubrication systems, which are used in rotating equipment in oil refineries and other process industries;

 

Ÿcustom designed packages used in crude oil pipeline applications;

 

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Ÿlubrication and fuel forwarding systems used in power generation turbines;

 

Ÿcomplete packages for commercial marine engine rooms; and

 

Ÿfire suppression systems for navy applications.

 

Specialty Valves

 

Our specialty valves are used primarily in naval applications. Our valve business has specialized machining, welding and fabrication capabilities that enable us to serve as a supplier to the U.S. Navy. In addition to designing and manufacturing valves, we also offer repair and retrofit services for products manufactured by other valve suppliers through our aftermarket support centers located in Portland, Maine and San Diego, California.

 

Fabrication Technology

 

Subsequent to the Charter Acquisition, we formulate, develop, manufacture and supply consumable products and equipment for use in the cutting and joining of steels, aluminum and other metals and metal alloys. Our fabrication technology products are principally marketed under the ESAB brand name, which we believe is a leading international welding company with roots dating back to the invention of the welding electrode. ESAB’s comprehensive range of welding consumables includes electrodes, cored and solid wires and fluxes. ESAB’s fabrication technology equipment ranges from portable units to large custom systems. Products are sold into a wide range of end markets, including wind power, shipbuilding, pipelines, mobile/off-highway equipment and mining.

 

Many of ESAB’s manufacturing facilities are located in low cost locations, in particular Central and Eastern Europe, South America and Asia. Our fabrication technology products are sold both through independent distributors and direct salespeople, depending on geography and end market.

 

The following discussions of Industry and Competition, International Operations, Research and Development, Intellectual Property, Raw Materials and Backlog, Seasonality, Working Capital, Associates, Government Contracts and Company Information and Access to SEC Reports include information that is common to both of our operating segments, unless indicated otherwise.

 

Industry and Competition

 

Our products and services are marketed worldwide. The markets served by our gas- and fluid-handling operating segment are highly fragmented and competitive. Because we compete in selected niches of these markets and the diversity of our products and services, no single company competes directly with us across all of our markets. We encounter a wide variety of competitors that differ by product line, including well-established regional competitors, competitors who are more specialized than we are in particular markets, as well as larger companies or divisions of companies that are larger than we are. The markets that our fabrication technology operating segment competes in are also served by the welding segments of Lincoln Electric and Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

 

Our customer base is broadly diversified across many sectors of the economy, and we believe customers place a premium on quality, reliability, availability, design and application engineering support. We believe the principal elements of competition in our served markets are the technical ability to meet customer specifications, product quality and reliability, brand names, price, application expertise and engineering capabilities and timely delivery and strong aftermarket support. Our management believes that we are a leading competitor in each of our markets.

 

Additionally, we utilize CBS to continuously improve our business, which we believe, in addition to our management team’s experience in the application of the CBS methodology, is one of our primary competitive strengths. CBS is our business system designed to encourage a culture of continuous improvement in all aspects of our operations and strategic planning. 

 

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International Operations

 

Our products and services are available worldwide. We believe this geographic diversity allows us to draw on the skills of a worldwide workforce, provides stability to our operations, allows us to drive economies of scale, provides revenue streams that may offset economic trends in individual economies and offers us an opportunity to access new markets for products. Our principal markets outside the United States are in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and South America. In addition, we believe that future growth is dependent in part on our ability to develop products and sales models that target developing countries. We believe that the Charter Acquisition has increased our presence in developing countries and expect that our revenues in future years will be almost equally balanced between developed countries and emerging markets.

 

Research and Development

 

Our research and development activities vary by operating segment. We closely integrate research and development with marketing, manufacturing and product engineering in meeting the needs of our customers. Our research and development efforts focus on innovation and developing new product applications, lowering the cost of manufacturing our existing products and redesigning existing product lines to increase efficiency and enhance performance. Our business product engineering teams are continuously enhancing our existing products and developing new product applications for our growing base of customers that require custom solutions. We believe these capabilities provide a significant competitive advantage in the development of high quality products.

 

Research and development expense for our fluid-handling business was $5.7 million, $6.2 million and $5.9 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. We expect to continue making significant expenditures for research and development in order to maintain and improve our competitive position.

 

Intellectual Property

 

We rely on a combination of intellectual property rights, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets and contractual provisions to protect our intellectual property. Although we highlight recent additions to our patent portfolio as part of our marketing efforts, we do not consider any one patent or trademark or any group thereof essential to our business as a whole or to any of our business operations. We also rely on proprietary product knowledge and manufacturing processes in our operations.

 

Raw Materials and Backlog

 

We obtain raw materials, component parts and supplies from a variety of sources, generally each from more than one supplier. Our principal raw materials are metals, castings, motors, seals and bearings. Our suppliers and sources of raw materials are globally based. We believe that our sources of raw materials are adequate for our needs for the foreseeable future and the loss of any one supplier would not have a material adverse effect on our business or results of operations.

 

Manufacturing turnaround time for our gas- and fluid-handling operating segment is generally sufficiently short to allow us to manufacture to order for most of our products, which helps to limit inventory levels. Backlog generally is a function of requested customer delivery dates and may range from days to several years. Backlog of fluid-handling orders as of December 31, 2011 was $347.2 million, compared with $313.5 million as of December 31, 2010. We expect to ship approximately 90% of our December 31, 2011 backlog during 2012; however, orders are subject to postponement or cancellation. In addition, on January 13, 2012 we acquired $922.0 million of gas-handling order backlog.

 

Seasonality

 

Our European operations typically experience a slowdown during the July and August holiday season. Additionally, as our customers generally seek to fully utilize capital spending budgets before the end of the year, historically our fluid-handling shipments have peaked during the fourth quarter, which we expect to also experience with our gas-handling customers going forward.

 

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Working Capital

 

We maintain an adequate level of working capital to support our business needs. There are no unusual industry practices or requirements related to working capital items.

 

Associates

 

The following table presents our worldwide associate base as of the dates indicated:

 

   December 31, 
   2011   2010   2009 
     
North America   728    638    598 
Europe   1,232    1,260    1,189 
Asia and Middle East   251    262    254 
Total associates   2,211    2,160    2,041 

 

There are 38 associates in the U.S. covered by a collective bargaining agreement with the International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Salaried, Machine and Furniture Workers-Communications Workers of America (IUE-CWA). During 2011, we extended our contract with the union through December 31, 2012 and provided a wage increase of 2.5%. In addition, approximately 44% of our associates are represented by foreign trade unions, by law, in Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands, which subjects us to arrangements very similar to collective bargaining agreements. We have not experienced any work stoppages or strikes that have had a material adverse impact on operations. We consider our relations with our associates to be good.

 

Subsequent to the Charter Acquisition on January 13, 2012, we increased our worldwide associate base by the following:

 

   January 13, 
   2012 
     
North America   1,800 
Europe   5,700 
Asia and Middle East   2,100 
Central and South America   1,800 
Other   700 
Total associates   12,100 

 

These new associates include 440 in the U.S. covered by a collective bargaining agreement with the United Steel Workers of America and International Union United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW). In addition, approximately 63% of these associates are represented by foreign trade unions, by law, in various countries across Europe, Asia, Central and South America, Canada, Africa and Australia which subjects us to arrangements very similar to collective bargaining agreements.

 

Government Contracts

 

Sales to U.S. government defense agencies and government contractors constituted approximately 7% of our revenue in 2011. We are subject to business and cost accounting regulations associated with our U.S. government defense contracts. Violations can result in civil, criminal or administrative proceedings involving fines, compensatory and treble damages, restitution, forfeitures, and suspension or debarment from U.S. government defense contracts.

 

Company Information and Access to SEC Reports

 

We were organized as a Delaware corporation in 1998. Our principal executive offices are located at 8170 Maple Lawn Boulevard, Suite 180, Fulton, MD 20759, and our main telephone number at that address is (301) 323-9000. Our corporate website address is www.colfaxcorp.com.

 

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We make available, free of charge through our website, our annual and quarterly reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q (including related filings in XBRL format), current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports as soon as practicable after filing or furnishing the material to the SEC. You may also request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at: Investor Relations, Colfax Corporation, 8170 Maple Lawn Boulevard, Suite 180, Fulton, MD 20759, telephone (301) 323-9000. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference in this report.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

An investment in our Common stock involves a high degree of risk, including significant risk related to the Charter Acquisition. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below, together with the information included elsewhere in this Form 10-K and other documents we file with the SEC. The risks and uncertainties described below are those that we have identified as material, but may not be the only risks to which Colfax might be exposed. Additional risks and uncertainties, which are currently unknown to us or that we do not currently consider to be material, may materially affect the business of Colfax and could have material adverse effects on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If any of the following risks were to occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected, the value of our Common stock could decline and investors could lose all or part of the value of their investment in Colfax shares. Our business is also subject to general risks and uncertainties that affect many other companies, such as overall U.S. and non-U.S. economic and industry conditions, a global economic slowdown, geopolitical events, changes in laws or accounting rules, fluctuations in interest rates, terrorism, international conflicts, natural disasters or other disruptions of expected economic or business conditions. We operate in a continually changing business environment, and new risk factors emerge from time to time which we cannot predict. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently believe are immaterial also may impair our business, including our results of operations, liquidity and financial condition.

 

Risks Related to Our Business

 

Changes in the general economy and the cyclical nature of markets could harm operations and financial performance.

 

Colfax's financial performance depends, in large part, on conditions in the markets we serve and on the general condition of the global economy. Any sustained weakness in demand, downturn or uncertainty in the global economy could reduce our sales and profitability, and result in restructuring efforts. Restructuring efforts are inherently risky and we may not be able to predict the cost and timing of such actions accurately or properly estimate the impact on demand, if any. We also may not be able to realize the anticipated savings we expected from restructuring activities. In addition, our products are sold in many industries, some of which are cyclical and may experience periodic downturns. Cyclical weakness in the industries that we serve could lead to reduced demand for our products and affect our profitability and financial performance. In 2011, the effects of the global economic slowdown continued to recede in some markets but we still see sluggish demand and less than robust growth in certain areas, particularly Europe.

 

We believe that many of our customers and suppliers are reliant on liquidity from global credit markets and, in some cases, require external financing to purchase products or finance operations. Lack of liquidity or inability to access the credit markets by our customers could impact our ability to collect amounts owed to us. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Acquisitions have formed a significant part of our growth strategy in the past and are expected to continue to do so. If we are unable to identify suitable acquisition candidates or successfully integrate the businesses we acquire, especially Charter, or realize the intended benefits, our growth strategy may not succeed. Acquisitions involve numerous risks, including risks related to integration and undisclosed or underestimated liabilities.

 

Historically, our business strategy has relied on acquisitions. We expect to derive a significant portion of our growth by acquiring businesses and integrating those businesses into our existing operations. We intend to seek acquisition opportunities both to expand into new markets and to enhance our position in our existing markets. However, our ability to do so will depend on a number of steps, including our ability to:

 

•     identify suitable acquisition candidates;

 

•     negotiate appropriate acquisition terms;

 

•     obtain debt or equity financing that we may need to complete proposed acquisitions;

 

•     complete the proposed acquisitions; and

 

•     integrate the acquired business into our existing operations.

 

If we fail to achieve any of these steps, our growth strategy may not be successful.

 

In addition, acquisitions involve numerous risks, including difficulties in the assimilation of the operations, technologies, services and products of the acquired company, the potential loss of key employees of the acquired company and the diversion of our management's attention from other business concerns. This is the case particularly in the fiscal quarters immediately following the completion of an acquisition because the operations of the acquired business are integrated into the acquiring businesses' operations during this period. We cannot be sure that we will accurately anticipate all of the changing demands that any future acquisition may impose on our management, our operational and management information systems and our financial systems. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We may underestimate or fail to discover liabilities relating to a future acquisition during the due diligence investigation and we, as the successor owner, might be responsible for those liabilities. For example, two of our acquired subsidiaries are each one of many defendants in a large number of lawsuits that claim personal injury as a result of exposure to asbestos from products manufactured with components that are alleged to have contained asbestos. Although our due diligence investigations in connection with these acquisitions uncovered the existence of potential asbestos-related liabilities, the scope of such liabilities were greater than we had originally estimated. Although we seek to minimize the impact of underestimated or potential undiscovered liabilities by structuring acquisitions to minimize liabilities and obtaining indemnities and warranties from the selling party, these methods may not fully protect us from the impact of undiscovered liabilities. Indemnities or warranties are often limited in scope, amount or duration, and may not fully cover the liabilities for which they were intended. The liabilities that are not covered by the limited indemnities or warranties could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We may require additional capital to finance our operating needs and to finance our growth. If the terms on which the additional capital is available are unsatisfactory, if the additional capital is not available at all or we are not able to fully access credit under the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement, we may not be able to pursue our growth strategy.

 

Our growth strategy will require additional capital investment to complete acquisitions, integrate the completed acquisitions into our existing operations, and to expand into new markets.

 

11
 

 

We intend to pay for future acquisitions using cash, capital stock, notes, assumption of indebtedness or any combination of the foregoing. To the extent that we do not generate sufficient cash internally to provide the capital we require to fund our growth strategy and future operations, we will require additional debt or equity financing. We cannot be sure that this additional financing will be available or, if available, will be on terms acceptable to us. Further, high volatility in the equity markets and in our stock price may make it difficult for us to access the equity markets for additional capital at attractive prices, if at all. If we are unable to obtain sufficient additional capital in the future, it may limit our ability to implement fully our business strategy. Even if future debt financing is available, it may result in (i) increased interest expense, (ii) increased term loan payments, (iii) increased leverage and (iv) decreased income available to fund further acquisitions and expansion. It may also limit our ability to withstand competitive pressures and make us more vulnerable to economic downturns. If future equity financing is available, issuances of our equity securities may dilute our existing stockholders.

 

In addition, our credit facility agreement includes restrictive covenants which could limit our financial flexibility. See “The Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement contains restrictions that may limit our flexibility in operating our business.” below.

 

Available insurance coverage, the number of future asbestos-related claims and the average settlement value of current and future asbestos-related claims of two of our subsidiaries could be different than we have estimated, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Two of our subsidiaries are each one of many defendants in a large number of lawsuits that claim personal injury as a result of exposure to asbestos from products manufactured with components that are alleged to have contained asbestos. Such components were acquired from third-party suppliers and were not manufactured by any of our subsidiaries nor were the subsidiaries producers or direct suppliers of asbestos. For the purposes of our financial statements, we have estimated the future claims exposure and the amount of insurance available based upon certain assumptions with respect to future claims and liability costs. We estimate the liability costs to be incurred in resolving pending and forecasted claims for the next 15-year period.

 

Our decision to use a 15-year period is based on our belief that this is the extent of our ability to forecast liability costs. We also estimate the amount of insurance proceeds available for such claims based on the current financial strength of the various insurers, our estimate of the likelihood of payment and applicable current law. We reevaluate these estimates regularly. Although we believe our current estimates are reasonable, a change in the time period used for forecasting our liability costs, the actual number of future claims brought against us, the cost of resolving these claims, the likelihood of payment by, and the solvency of, insurers and the amount of remaining insurance available could be substantially different than our estimates, and future revaluation of our liabilities and insurance recoverables could result in material adjustments to these estimates, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we incur defense costs related to those claims, a portion of which has historically been reimbursed by our insurers. We also incur litigation costs in connection with actions against certain of the subsidiaries' insurers relating to insurance coverage. While these costs may be significant, we may not be able to predict the amount or duration of such costs. Additionally, we may experience delays in receiving reimbursement from insurers, during which time we may be required to pay cash for settlement or legal defense costs. Any increase in the actual number of future claims brought against us, the defense costs of resolving these claims, the cost of pursuing claims against our insurers, the likelihood and timing of payment by, and the solvency of, insurers and the amount of remaining insurance available, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Further, another of our subsidiaries acquired in connection with the Charter Acquisition has also been named as a defendant in a number of asbestos-related actions in the U.S. See “—Certain of our newly acquired subsidiaries’ products may be subject to certain liability claims.” below.

 

12
 

 

A material disruption at any of our manufacturing facilities could adversely affect our ability to generate sales and meet customer demand.

 

If operations at our manufacturing facilities were to be disrupted as a result of significant equipment failures, natural disasters, power outages, fires, explosions, terrorism, adverse weather conditions, labor disputes or other reasons, our financial performance could be adversely affected as a result of our inability to meet customer demand for our products. Interruptions in production could increase our costs and reduce our sales. Any interruption in production capability could require us to make substantial capital expenditures to remedy the situation, which could negatively affect our profitability and financial condition. We maintain property damage insurance which we believe to be adequate to provide for reconstruction of facilities and equipment, as well as business interruption insurance to mitigate losses resulting from any production interruption or shutdown caused by an insured loss. However, any recovery under our insurance policies may not offset the lost sales or increased costs that may be experienced during the disruption of operations, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our international operations are subject to the laws and regulations of the U.S. and many foreign countries. Failure to comply with these laws may affect our ability to conduct business in certain countries and may affect our financial performance.

 

We are subject to a variety of laws regarding our international operations, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and regulations issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security, and the regulations of various foreign governmental agencies. We cannot predict the nature, scope or effect of future regulatory requirements to which our international sales and manufacturing operations might be subject or the manner in which existing laws might be administered or interpreted. Future regulations could limit the countries in which some of our products may be manufactured or sold, or could restrict our access to, and increase the cost of obtaining, products from foreign sources. In addition, actual or alleged violations of these laws could result in enforcement actions and financial penalties that could result in substantial costs. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We have done and may continue to do business in countries subject to U.S. sanctions and embargoes, and we may have limited managerial oversight over those activities. Failure to comply with these sanctions and embargoes may result in enforcement or other regulatory actions.

 

From time to time, certain of our foreign subsidiaries sell products to companies and entities located in, or controlled by the governments of, certain countries that are or have previously been subject to sanctions and embargoes imposed by the U.S. government and/or the United Nations, such as Syria. In March 2010, our Board of Directors affirmatively prohibited any sales to Iran by us and all of our foreign subsidiaries. With the exception of the U.S. sanctions against Cuba, the applicable sanctions and embargoes generally do not prohibit our foreign subsidiaries from selling non-U.S.-origin products and services to countries that are or have previously been subject to sanctions and embargoes from selling non-US-origin products and services in those countries. However, our U.S. personnel, each of our domestic subsidiaries, as well as our employees of foreign subsidiaries who are U.S. citizens, are prohibited from participating in, approving or otherwise facilitating any aspect of the business activities in those countries. These constraints may negatively affect the financial or operating performance of such business activities. We cannot be certain that our attempts to comply with U.S. sanction laws and embargoes will be effective, and as a consequence we may face enforcement or other actions if our compliance efforts are not effective. Actual or alleged violations of these laws could result in substantial fines or other sanctions which could result in substantial costs. In addition, Syria and certain other sanctioned countries currently are identified by the U.S. State Department as a state sponsor of terrorism, and may be subject to increasingly restrictive sanctions. Because certain of our foreign subsidiaries have contact with and transact business in such countries, including sales to enterprises controlled by agencies of the governments of such countries, our reputation may suffer due to our association with these countries, which may have a material adverse effect on the price of our shares. In addition, certain U.S. states and municipalities have recently enacted legislation regarding investments by pension funds and other retirement systems in companies that have business activities or contacts with countries that have been identified as state sponsors of terrorism and similar legislation may be pending in other states. As a result, pension funds and other retirement systems may be subject to reporting requirements with respect to investments in companies such as Colfax or may be subject to limits or prohibitions with respect to those investments that may have a material adverse effect on the price of our shares.

 

13
 

 

In addition, one of our foreign subsidiaries made a small number of sales from 2003 through 2007 totaling approximately $60,000 in the aggregate to two customers in Cuba which may have been made in violation of regulations of the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC. Cuba is also identified by the U.S. State Department as a state sponsor of terrorism. We have submitted a disclosure report to OFAC regarding these transactions. As a result of these sales, we may be subject to fines or other sanctions.

 

If we fail to comply with export control regulations, we could be subject to substantial fines or other sanctions.

 

Some of our products manufactured or assembled in the United States are subject to the U.S. Export Administration Regulations, administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, which require that an export license is obtained before such products can be exported to certain countries. Additionally, some of our products are subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, which restrict the export of certain military or intelligence-related items, technologies and services to non-U.S. persons. Failure to comply with these laws could harm our business by subjecting us to sanctions by the U.S. government, including substantial monetary penalties, denial of export privileges and debarment from U.S. government contracts. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The majority of our sales are derived from international operations. We are subject to specific risks associated with international operations.

 

In the year ended December 31, 2011, we derived approximately 70% of our sales from operations outside of the U.S. and we have principal manufacturing facilities in 23 countries. Sales from international operations, export sales and the use of manufacturing facilities outside of the U.S. by us are subject to risks inherent in doing business outside the U.S. These risks include:

 

economic or political instability;

 

partial or total expropriation of international assets;

 

trade protection measures, including tariffs or import-export restrictions;

 

currency exchange rate fluctuations and restrictions on currency repatriation;

 

significant adverse changes in taxation policies or other laws or regulations; and

 

the disruption of operations from political disturbances, terrorist activities, insurrection or war.

 

If any of these risks were to materialize, they may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Approximately 44% of our fluid-handling employees are represented by foreign trade unions. Charter also has employees that are represented by trade unions. If the representation committees responsible for negotiating with these unions on our behalf are unsuccessful in negotiating new and acceptable agreements when the existing agreements with employees covered by the unions expire or if the foreign trade unions chose not to support our restructuring programs, we could experience business disruptions or increased costs.

 

As of December 31, 2011, we had approximately 1,500 employees in foreign locations. In certain countries, labor and employment laws are more restrictive than in the U.S. and, in many cases, grant significant job protection to employees, including rights on termination of employment. In Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands, by law, some of our employees are represented by trade unions in these jurisdictions, which subject us to employment arrangements very similar to collective bargaining agreements. ESAB and Howden also have employees that are represented by trade unions. If our employees represented by foreign trade unions were to engage in a strike, work stoppage or other slowdown in the future, we could experience a significant disruption of our operations. Such disruption could interfere with our business operations and could lead to decreased productivity, increased labor costs and lost revenue. Although we have not experienced any material recent strikes or work stoppages, we cannot offer any assurance that the representation committees that negotiate with the foreign trade unions on our behalf will be successful in negotiating new collective bargaining agreements or other employment arrangements when the current ones expire. Furthermore, future labor negotiations could result in significant increases in our labor costs. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

14
 

 

Our manufacturing business is subject to the possibility of product liability lawsuits, which could harm our business.

 

In addition to the asbestos-related liability claims described above, as the manufacturer of equipment for use in industrial markets, we face an inherent risk of exposure to other product liability claims. Although we maintain quality controls and procedures, we cannot be sure that our products will be free from defects. In addition, some of our products contain components manufactured by third parties, which may also have defects. We maintain insurance coverage for product liability claims. The insurance policies have limits, however, that may not be sufficient to cover claims made. In addition, this insurance may not continue to be available at a reasonable cost. With respect to components manufactured by third-party suppliers, the contractual indemnification that we seek from our third-party suppliers may be limited and thus insufficient to cover claims made against us. If insurance coverage or contractual indemnification is insufficient to satisfy product liability claims made against us the claims could have an adverse effect on our business and financial condition. Even claims without merit could harm our reputation, reduce demand for our products, cause us to incur substantial legal costs and distract the attention of our management. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

As manufacturers, we are subject to a variety of environmental and health and safety laws for which compliance, or liabilities that arise as a result of noncompliance, could be costly.

 

Our businesses are subject to international, federal, state and local environmental and safety laws and regulations, including laws and regulations governing emissions of: regulated air pollutants; discharges of wastewater and storm water; storage and handling of raw materials; generation, storage, transportation and disposal of regulated wastes; and worker safety. These requirements impose on our businesses certain responsibilities, including the obligation to obtain and maintain various environmental permits. If we were to fail to comply with these requirements or fail to obtain or maintain a required permit, we could be subject to penalties and be required to undertake corrective action measures to achieve compliance. In addition, if our noncompliance with such regulations were to result in a release of hazardous materials to the environment, such as soil or groundwater, we could be required to remediate such contamination, which could be costly. Moreover, noncompliance could subject us to private claims for property damage or personal injury based on exposure to hazardous materials or unsafe working conditions. Changes in applicable requirements or stricter interpretation of existing requirements may result in costly compliance requirements or otherwise subject us to future liabilities. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

As the present or former owner or operator of real property, or generator of waste, we could become subject to liability for environmental contamination, regardless of whether we caused such contamination.

 

Under various federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances, and, in some instances, international laws, relating to the protection of the environment, a current or former owner or operator of real property may be liable for the cost to remove or remediate contamination on, under, or released from such property and for any damage to natural resources resulting from such contamination. Similarly, a generator of waste can be held responsible for contamination resulting from the treatment or disposal of such waste at any off-site location (such as a landfill), regardless of whether the generator arranged for the treatment or disposal of the waste in compliance with applicable laws. Costs associated with liability for removal or remediation of contamination or damage to natural resources could be substantial and liability under these laws may attach without regard to whether the responsible party knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of the contaminants. In addition, the liability may be joint and several. Moreover, the presence of contamination or the failure to remediate contamination at our properties, or properties for which we are deemed responsible, may expose us to liability for property damage or personal injury, or materially adversely affect our ability to sell our real property interests or to borrow using the real property as collateral. We cannot be sure that we will not be subject to environmental liabilities in the future as a result of historic or current operations that have resulted or will result in contamination. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

15
 

 

Failure to maintain and protect our trademarks, trade names and technology may affect our operations and financial performance.

 

The market for many of our products is, in part, dependent upon the goodwill engendered by our trademarks and trade names. Trademark protection is therefore material to a portion of our businesses. The failure to protect our trademarks and trade names may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Litigation may be required to enforce our intellectual property rights, protect our trade secrets or determine the validity and scope of proprietary rights of others. Any action we take to protect our intellectual property rights could be costly and could absorb significant management time and attention. As a result of any such litigation, we could lose any proprietary rights we have. In addition, it is possible that others will independently develop technology that will compete with our patented or unpatented technology. The development of new technologies by competitors that may compete with our technologies could reduce demand for our products and affect our financial performance. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The loss of key leadership could have a material adverse effect on ability to run our business.

 

We may be adversely affected if we lose members of our senior leadership. We are highly dependent on our senior leadership team as a result of their expertise. The loss of key leadership or the inability to attract, retain and motivate sufficient numbers of qualified management personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement contains restrictions that may limit our flexibility in operating our business.

 

The credit agreement with Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. and certain other lender parties named therein (the “Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement”) contains various covenants that will limit our ability to engage in specified types of transactions. These covenants would limit our ability to, among other things:

 

incur additional indebtedness;

 

pay dividends on, repurchase or make distributions in respect of, the capital stock of Colfax and its wholly-owned subsidiaries;

 

make certain investments;

 

create liens on certain assets to secure debt;

 

consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all our assets; and

 

enter into certain transactions with affiliates.

 

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In addition, under the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement, we are required to satisfy and maintain compliance with a total leverage ratio and an interest coverage ratio. The Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement's various covenants and the additional leverage taken on by us could increase our vulnerability to general economic slowdowns which could have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Any impairment in the value of our intangible assets, including Goodwill, would negatively affect our operating results and total capitalization.

 

Our Total assets reflect substantial intangible assets, primarily Goodwill. The Goodwill results from our acquisitions, representing the excess of cost over the fair value of the net assets we have acquired. We assess at least annually whether there has been impairment in the value of our intangible assets. If future operating performance at one or more of our business units were to fall significantly below current levels, if competing or alternative technologies emerge, or if market conditions for businesses acquired declines, we could incur, under current applicable accounting rules, a non-cash charge to operating earnings for Goodwill impairment. Any determination requiring the write-off of a significant portion of unamortized intangible assets would adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and total capitalization, the effect of which could be material.

 

Our defined benefit pension schemes and post-retirement medical and death benefit plans are or may become subject to funding requirements or obligations that could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We operate defined benefit pension schemes and post retirement medical and death benefit plans for our current and former employees worldwide, including the pension schemes of Howden and ESAB. Each scheme's funding position is affected by the investment performance of the scheme's investments, changes in the fair value of the scheme's assets, the type of investments selected by the trustees, the life expectancy of the scheme's members, changes in the actuarial assumptions used to value the scheme's liabilities, changes in the rate of inflation and interest rates, our financial position, as well as other changes in economic conditions. Furthermore, since a significant proportion of the schemes' assets are invested in publicly traded debt and equity securities, they are, and will be, affected by market risks. Any detrimental change in any of the above factors is likely to worsen the funding position of each of the relevant schemes, and this is likely to require the schemes' sponsoring employers to increase the contributions currently made to the schemes to satisfy our obligations. Any requirement to increase the level of contributions currently made could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Significant movements in foreign currency exchange rates may harm our financial results.

 

We are exposed to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. During the year ended December 31, 2011, approximately 70% of our sales were derived from operations outside the U.S. A significant portion of our revenues and income are denominated in foreign currencies. Consequently, depreciation of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar has had a negative impact on the income from operations of our European operations. Large fluctuations in the rate of exchange between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

In addition, we do not engage to a material extent in hedging activities intended to offset the risk of exchange rate fluctuations. Any significant change in the value of the currencies of the countries in which we do business against the U.S. dollar could affect our ability to sell products competitively and control our cost structure, which, in turn, could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We are dependent on the availability of raw materials, as well as parts and components used in our products.

 

While we manufacture many of the parts and components used in our products, we require substantial amounts of raw materials and purchase parts and components from suppliers. The availability and prices for raw materials, parts and components may be subject to curtailment or change due to, among other things, suppliers' allocations to other purchasers, interruptions in production by suppliers, changes in exchange rates and prevailing price levels. Any significant change in the supply of, or price for, these raw materials or parts and components could materially affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, delays in delivery of components or raw materials by suppliers could cause delays in our delivery of products to our customers.

 

17
 

 

We may be subject to risks arising from changes in technology.

 

The supply chains in which we operate are subject to technological changes and changes in customer requirements. We cannot provide any assurance that we will successfully develop new or modified types of products or technologies that may be required by our customers in the future. Should we not be able to maintain or enhance the competitive values of our products or develop and introduce new products or technologies successfully, or if new products or technologies fail to generate sufficient revenues to offset research and development costs, our business, financial condition and operating results could be materially or adversely affected.

 

The markets we serve are highly competitive and some of our competitors may have superior resources. Responding to this competition could reduce our sales and operating margins.

 

We sell most of our products in highly fragmented and competitive markets. We believe that the principal elements of competition in our markets are:

 

the ability to meet customer specifications;

 

application expertise and design and engineering capabilities;

 

product quality and brand name;

 

timeliness of delivery;

 

price; and

 

quality of aftermarket sales and support.

 

In order to maintain and enhance our competitive position, we intend to continue investing in manufacturing quality, marketing, customer service and support and distribution networks. We may not have sufficient resources to continue to make these investments and we may not be able to maintain our competitive position. Our competitors may develop products that are superior to our products, develop methods of more efficiently and effectively providing products and services, or adapt more quickly than us to new technologies or evolving customer requirements. Some of our competitors may have greater financial, marketing and research and development resources than we have. As a result, those competitors may be better able to withstand the effects of periodic economic downturns. In addition, pricing pressures could cause us to lower the prices of some of our products to stay competitive. We may not be able to compete successfully with our existing competitors or with new competitors. If we fail to compete successfully, the failure may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Additional Risks and Other Considerations Related to the Charter Acquisition

 

Certain of our newly acquired subsidiaries’ products may be subject to certain liability claims.

 

Certain subsidiaries acquired in conjunction with the Charter Acquisition have, since approximately 1985, been named as defendants in asbestos-related actions in the United States alleging liability in connection with the acts of a former partially owned subsidiary. Currently, the only pending cases are dormant and are not actively being pursued by the plaintiffs.

 

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One subsidiary acquired in connection with the Charter Acquisition has also been named as a defendant in a number of asbestos-related actions in the United States. Over the past few years, this subsidiary has sought and received dismissal from over 11,900 cases and settled 517 for nuisance value amounts, much less than the cost of defending the actions at trial.

 

Another subsidiary acquired in connection with the Charter Acquisition is currently named as a defendant in a number of lawsuits in state and federal courts alleging personal injuries from exposure to manganese in fumes generated by welding consumables. In each instance, this subsidiary is one of several defendants, including other current and former manufacturers of welding consumables. The claimants allege that exposure to manganese contained welding consumables caused the plaintiffs to develop adverse neurological conditions, including a condition known as manganism.

 

This subsidiary is currently a co-defendant in manganese cases involving approximately 834 claimants. This subsidiary has been a co-defendant in numerous other manganese cases that have been resolved as follows: 15,563 claims have been dismissed; 13 claims were tried to a defense verdict; four claims were decided in favor of this subsidiary following summary judgment motion; six claims were resolved by agreement for immaterial amounts; and four claims were tried to plaintiff verdicts – one was reversed and judgment was entered for the welding defendants, one was reversed and remanded for a new trial, one was reversed on the award of damages only and remanded for a new trial on damages and one is on appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

 

We intend to continue vigorous defense of these claims, although the outcome is of course uncertain. If any such claims were successful or the relevant plaintiff's sought to continue such claims, they may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We may fail to realize the anticipated benefits and operating synergies expected from the Charter Acquisition, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The success of the Charter Acquisition will depend, in significant part, on our ability to successfully integrate the acquired business, grow our revenue and realize the anticipated strategic benefits and operating synergies from the combination. We believe that the addition of Charter will complement our stated strategy by adding complementary growth platforms and providing scale and revenue diversity, accelerate our growth strategy and enable us to become a multi-platform business with a strong global footprint. Achieving these goals requires revenue growth and realization of the targeted operating synergies expected from the Charter Acquisition. This growth and the anticipated benefits of the transaction may not be realized fully or at all, or may take longer to realize than we expect. Actual operating, technological, strategic and sales synergies, if achieved at all, may be less significant than we expect or may take longer to achieve than anticipated. If we are not able to achieve these objectives and realize the anticipated benefits and synergies expected from the Charter Acquisition within a reasonable time, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

 

The Charter Acquisition will result in significant integration costs and any material delays or unanticipated additional expense may harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The complexity and magnitude of the integration effort associated with the Charter Acquisition are significant and require that we fund significant capital and operating expense to support the integration of the combined operations. Such expenses have included significant transaction, consulting and third party service fees. During the year ended December 31, 2011, we incurred a total of $31.1 million of professional service fees and other expenses related to the Charter Acquisition and we anticipate that we will incur an additional $40.0 million of transaction costs during 2012. We have incurred and expect to continue to incur additional operating expense as we build up internal resources or engage third party providers during integration. In addition to these transition costs, we have incurred and expect to continue to incur increased expense relating to, among other things, restructuring. Any material delays, difficulties or unanticipated additional expense associated with integration activities may harm our business, financial conditions and results of operations.

 

19
 

 

We may not be able to integrate Charter successfully.

 

The Charter Acquisition involves the integration of two businesses that previously operated independently. The integration of the departments, systems, business units, operating procedures and information technologies of the two businesses will present a significant challenge to management. There can be no assurance that we will be able to integrate and manage these operations effectively. The failure to successfully integrate the two businesses in a timely manner, or at all, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. The difficulties of combining Colfax with Charter include:

 

the necessity of coordinating geographically separated organizations;

 

implementing common systems and controls;

 

integrating personnel with diverse business backgrounds;

 

the challenges in developing new products and services that optimizes the assets and resources of the two businesses;

 

integrating the businesses' technology and products;

 

combining different corporate cultures;

 

unanticipated expenses related to integration, including technical and operational integration;

 

increased fixed costs and unanticipated liabilities that may affect operating results;

 

retaining key employees; and

 

retaining and maintaining relationships with existing customers, distributors and other partners.

 

Also, the process of integrating operations could cause an interruption of, or loss of momentum in our activities. The diversion of management's attention and any delays or difficulties encountered in connection with the transactions contemplated by an implementation agreement and the integration of the operations could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The Charter Acquisition may expose us to significant unanticipated liabilities that could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The Charter Acquisition may expose us to significant unanticipated liabilities of Charter. These liabilities could include employment, retirement or severance-related obligations under applicable law or other benefits arrangements, legal claims, warranty or similar liabilities to customers, and claims by or amounts owed to vendors. We may also incur liabilities or claims associated with our acquisition of Charter's technology and intellectual property including claims of infringement. Particularly in international jurisdictions, our acquisition of Charter, or our decision to independently enter new international markets where Charter previously conducted business, could also expose us to tax liabilities and other amounts owed by Charter. The incurrence of such unforeseen or unanticipated liabilities, should they be significant, could have a material adverse affect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

20
 

 

The complexity of the integration and transition associated with the Charter Acquisition, together with Charter's increased scale and global presence, may affect our internal control over financial reporting and our ability to effectively and timely report our financial results.

 

The additional scale of Charter's operations, together with the complexity of the integration effort, including changes to or implementation of critical information technology systems, may adversely affect our ability to report our financial results on a timely basis. In addition, we will have to train new employees and third party providers, and assume operations in jurisdictions where we have not previously had operations. We expect that the Charter Acquisition may necessitate significant modifications to our internal control systems, processes and information systems, both on a transition basis and over the longer-term as we fully integrate Charter. Due to the complexity of the Charter Acquisition, we cannot be certain that changes to our internal control over financial reporting during the 2012 fiscal year will be effective for any period, or on an ongoing basis. If we are unable to accurately report our financial results in a timely manner, or are unable to assert that our internal controls over financial reporting are effective, our business, results of operations and financial condition and the market perception thereof may be materially adversely affected.

 

Risks and Other Considerations Related to our Common Stock

 

The issuances of Common and Preferred stock pursuant to the Charter Acquisition may adversely affect the market price of Colfax Common stock.

 

As a result of the funding of the Charter Acquisition, there are an additional 41,014,762 shares of Colfax Common stock outstanding as well as an additional 12,173,291 shares of Colfax Common stock issuable upon conversion (at the initial conversion price) of the Series A Preferred Stock, which are entitled to participate with respect to any dividends or other distributions paid on Colfax Common stock. The shares of Colfax Common stock issued to Charter shareholders are freely transferable by former Charter shareholders who are not our affiliates.

 

In addition, we are unable to predict the potential effects of the issuance of the securities to BDT CF Acquisition Vehicle, LLC (the “BDT Investor”), Markel Corporation (“Markel”), Mitchell P. Rales and Steven M. Rales on the trading activity and market price of Colfax Common stock. Pursuant to the relevant registration rights agreements, we have granted the BDT Investor, Markel, Mitchell P. Rales and Steven M. Rales and their permitted transferees registration rights for the resale of the shares of Colfax Common stock acquired as a result of the Charter Acquisition and, with respect to the BDT Investor, shares of Colfax Common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock. These registration rights would facilitate the resale of such securities into the public market, and any such resale would increase the number of shares of Colfax Common stock available for public trading. Sales by the BDT Investor, Markel, Mitchell P. Rales or Steven M. Rales or their permitted transferees of a substantial number of shares of Colfax Common stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales might occur, could have a material adverse effect on the price of Colfax Common stock.

 

Also, under our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, there are additional authorized shares of Colfax Common stock, which, if subsequently issued, could have a further dilutive effect on outstanding Colfax Common stock.

 

Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation contains provisions that grant the BDT Investor certain rights which may limit our flexibility in operating our business.

 

So long as the BDT Investor and its permitted transferees beneficially own, in the aggregate, at least 50% of the Series A Preferred Stock issued to the BDT Investor under the securities purchase agreement with the BDT Investor (the “BDT Purchase Agreement”), the BDT Investor's written consent is required in order for us to take certain corporate actions, including:

 

the incurrence of certain indebtedness (excluding certain permitted indebtedness) if the ratio of such indebtedness to EBITDA (as defined in the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement) exceeds certain specified ratios, measured by reference to the last twelve-month period for which financial information is reported by Colfax (pro forma for acquisitions during such period);

 

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the issuance of any shares of preferred stock;

 

any change to our dividend policy or the declaration or payment of any dividend or distribution on any of our stock ranking subordinate or junior to the Series A Preferred Stock with respect to the payment of dividends and distributions (including the Colfax Common stock) under certain circumstances;

 

any voluntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Colfax;

 

any change in our independent auditor;

 

the election of anyone other than Mr. Mitchell P. Rales as Chairman of our Board of Directors;

 

any acquisition of another entity or assets for a purchase price exceeding 30% of our equity market capitalization;

 

any merger, consolidation, reclassification, joint venture or strategic partnership or similar transaction, or any disposition of any assets (excluding sale/leaseback transactions and other financing transactions in the ordinary course of business) of Colfax if the value of the resulting entity, level of investment by Colfax or value of the assets disposed, as applicable, exceeds 30% of our equity market capitalization;

 

any amendments to our organizational or governing documents, including the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the Amended and Restated Bylaws; and

 

any change in the size of our Board of Directors.

 

The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation also provides that, so long as the BDT Investor and certain permitted transferees beneficially own at least 10% of the Colfax Common stock (on a fully-diluted basis), the BDT Investor's written consent is required to alter, amend or repeal the provisions of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation which sets forth the authorized number of members of our Board and the BDT Investor's nomination rights in respect of members of our Board. The above factors could limit our financial and operational flexibility, and as a result could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The BDT Investor may exercise significant influence over us, including through its ability to elect up to two members of our Board of Directors.

 

The shares of Colfax Common stock and Series A Preferred Stock owned by the BDT Investor represent approximately 28% of the voting rights in respect of the Company's issued share capital. The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that the BDT Investor's consent is required before we may take certain actions for so long as the BDT Investor and its permitted transferees beneficially own in the aggregate at least 50% of the Series A Preferred Stock issued pursuant to the BDT Purchase Agreement. As a result, the BDT Investor may have the ability to significantly influence the outcome of any matter submitted for the vote of our stockholders. The BDT Investor may have interests that diverge from, or even conflict with, those of Colfax and our other stockholders.

 

The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation also provides that the BDT Investor will have the right to exclusively nominate two out of eleven directors to our Board of Directors so long as the BDT Investor holds at least 20% of the outstanding Colfax Common stock, with one of its nominees to serve on the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors and one of its nominees to serve on the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors, and one out of ten directors to our Board of Directors so long as the BDT Investor and its permitted transferees beneficially own in the aggregate less than 20% but more than 10% of the outstanding Colfax Common stock, with such nominee to serve on the audit committee and the compensation committee of our Board of Directors; in each case calculated on a fully diluted basis, assuming conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock at the then-existing conversion price.

 

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In addition, following the completion of the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreements (as defined and further discussed in Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Borrowing Arrangements), the ownership position of the BDT Investor, Mitchell P. Rales and Steven M. Rales and the governance rights of the BDT Investor could discourage a third party from proposing a change of control or other strategic transaction concerning Colfax.

 

Provisions in our charter documents and Delaware law may delay or prevent an acquisition of Colfax, which could decrease the value of its shares.

 

Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, amended and restated bylaws, and Delaware law contain provisions that may make it difficult for a third-party to acquire us without the consent of our Board of Directors. These provisions include prohibiting stockholders from taking action by written consent, prohibiting special meetings of stockholders called by stockholders and prohibiting stockholder nominations and approvals without complying with specific advance notice requirements. In addition, our Board of Directors has the right to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval, which our Board of Directors could use to effect a rights plan or “poison pill” that could dilute the stock ownership of a potential hostile acquirer and may have the effect of delaying, discouraging or preventing an acquisition of Colfax. Delaware law also imposes some restrictions on mergers and other business combinations between Colfax and any holder of 15% or more of its outstanding voting stock. Although Mitchell P. Rales and Steven M. Rales, both individually hold more than 15% of our outstanding voting stock, and the BDT Investor will hold more than 25% of our outstanding voting stock, this provision of Delaware law does not apply to them.

 

The market price of Colfax Common stock may experience a high level of volatility.

 

Stock markets in general have experienced extreme volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of a particular company. These broad fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of Colfax Common stock, regardless of our operating performance.

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

 

None.

 

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Item 2. Properties

 

As of December 31, 2011, we had 13 principal production facilities in eight countries. The following table lists our primary facilities as of December 31, 2011, indicating the location, square footage, whether the facilities are owned or leased, and principal use.

 

Location   Sq. Footage   Owned/Leased   Principal Use
Fulton, Maryland   7,000   Leased   Corporate headquarters
Columbia, Kentucky   75,000   Owned   Production
Warren, Massachusetts   147,000   Owned   Production
Monroe, North Carolina   187,000   Owned   Production
Houston, Texas   25,000   Leased   Production
Tours, France   26,000   Leased   Production
Bottrop, Germany   40,000   Owned   Production
Radolfzell, Germany   284,000   Owned   Production
Utrecht, Netherlands   50,000   Owned   Production
Hengelo, Netherlands   29,000   Leased   Production
Stockholm, Sweden   130,000   Owned   Production
Daman, India   32,000   Owned   Production
Wuxi, China   60,000   Leased   Production
Blyth, United Kingdom   98,000   Leased   Production

 

As a result of the Charter Acquisition, our gas- and fluid-handling operating segment increased its production facilities by two in the U.S., representing a total of 350,000 square feet of owned space, and by 15 outside the U.S., representing a total of 954,000 and 836,000 square feet of owned and leased facilities, respectively, in 12 countries in Asia, Europe, Mexico, Australia, Brazil and South Africa. Our fabrication technology operating segment has a total of 5 production facilities in the U.S., representing a total of 1.6 million square feet of owned space and 33 outside the U.S., representing a total of 7.3 million and 12,000 square feet of owned and leased facilities, respectively, in over 16 countries in Central and Eastern Europe, South America and Asia.

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

 

Discussion of legal matters is incorporated by reference to Part II, Item 8, Note 17, “Commitments and Contingencies,” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

 

None.

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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

 

Set forth below are the names, ages, positions and experience of our executive officers. All of our executive officers hold office at the pleasure of our Board of Directors.

 

Name   Age   Position
Clay H. Kiefaber   56   President and Chief Executive Officer and Director, Colfax Corporation and Acting President, ESAB
C. Scott Brannan   53   Senior Vice President, Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
William E. Roller   49   Executive Vice President, Colfax Fluid Handling
Daniel A. Pryor   43   Senior Vice President, Strategy and Business Development
A. Lynne Puckett   49   Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
William F. Rothenbach   57   Senior Vice President, Human Resources
Stephen J. Wittig   49   Senior Vice President, Colfax Business System and Supply Chain Strategy
Ian Brander   50   Chief Executive Officer, Howden

 

Clay H. Kiefaber became President and Chief Executive Officer in January 2010. Mr. Kiefaber has served on the Colfax Board of Directors since the Company's initial public offering in 2008. Before joining Colfax as President and Chief Executive Officer in 2010‚ he spent nearly 20 years in increasingly senior executive positions at Masco Corporation. Most recently‚ he was a Group President‚ where he was responsible for a $2.8 billion group of architectural coatings‚ windows‚ and spa business units. Prior to becoming a Group President at Masco Corporation‚ Mr. Kiefaber was Group Vice President of Masco Builder Cabinet Group. He previously spent 14 years in increasingly senior positions in Masco Corporation’s Merillat Industries subsidiary. Mr. Kiefaber holds an M.B.A. degree from the University of Colorado and a B.A. degree from Miami University.

 

C. Scott Brannan has been the Senior Vice President, Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since October 2010. Mr. Brannan served on the Colfax Board of Directors and was Chairman of the Audit Committee from 2008 to September 2010. Prior to joining Colfax in his current role‚ he was a partner at Aronson & Company‚ a public accounting firm‚ from 2003 to 2010. He was also previously employed at Danaher Corporation for 12 years in roles of increasing responsibility‚ including Chief Accounting Officer‚ Controller and Vice President of Administration. Prior to Danaher Corporation‚ he spent 8 years with Arthur Andersen & Co. He holds bachelors and masters degrees in accounting from Loyola University Maryland and is a certified public accountant.

 

William E. Roller has served as our Executive Vice President, Colfax Fluid Handling since November 2010. He most recently served as Executive Vice President‚ Colfax Americas and was responsible for Colfax’s business in the Americas as well as the global oil & gas and defense solutions organizations. He joined Colfax in 1999 as General Manager‚ Imo Pump. In addition to Imo Pump‚ he managed Zenith Pump‚ Lubrication Systems Company and Baric Group upon the acquisition of those businesses. He joined Colfax from Precision Auto Care‚ Inc. where he was Senior Vice President of Manufacturing and Distribution for 2 years. From 1991 until 1997‚ Mr. Roller worked for AMF Industries in several increasingly responsible manufacturing roles. Previous to AMF‚ he spent 4 years with FMC Corporation in various manufacturing roles. Mr. Roller is a graduate of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University‚ with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and an M.B.A. from the University of Virginia Darden School.

 

Daniel A. Pryor has served as our Senior Vice President‚ Strategy and Business Development since January 2011. Prior to joining Colfax‚ he was a Partner and Managing Director with The Carlyle Group‚ a global alternative asset manager, where he focused on industrial leveraged buyouts and led numerous portfolio company and follow-on acquisitions. While at The Carlyle Group, he served on the boards of portfolio companies Veyance Technologies, Inc., John Maneely Co., and HD Supply Inc. Prior to The Carlyle Group‚ he spent 11 years at Danaher Corporation in roles of increasing responsibility‚ most recently as Vice President – Strategic Development. Mr. Pryor earned his M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and his B.A. in Economics from Williams College.

 

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A. Lynne Puckett has served as our Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since September 2010. Prior to joining Colfax‚ she was a Partner with the law firm of Hogan Lovells US LLP from 1999 to 2010. Her experience includes a broad range of corporate and transactional matters‚ including mergers and acquisitions‚ venture capital financings‚ debt and equity offerings‚ and general corporate and securities law matters. Before entering the practice of law‚ Ms. Puckett worked for the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency and a major U.S. defense contractor. Ms. Puckett holds a J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law and a B.S. degree from James Madison University.

 

William F. Rothenbach has served as our Senior Vice President, Human Resources since April 2011. Prior to joining Colfax, he was the Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Old Mutual Financial Network from 2002 to 2011, where he also served on the Board of Directors of Old Mutual Financial Life Insurance Company. Mr. Rothenbach’s experience includes over 30 years of broad-based domestic and international human resources executive experience with companies from a variety of industries, including Black & Decker, Bausch & Lomb, Procter & Gamble and Sara Lee. He is also a member of the adjunct faculty at Towson University where he teaches in the Graduate School Human Resources Management Program. He holds his M.A. degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of Akron and his B.A. in Psychology from Edinboro University.

 

Stephen J. Wittig has been the Senior Vice President, Colfax Business System and Supply Chain Strategy since August 2011. Prior to joining Colfax, he was the Vice President of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma for the Masco Cabinet Group of Masco Corporation. His experience includes over 20 years of experience in engineering, manufacturing, logistics and supply chain management and held a number of operations positions with Lear Corporation, Preferred Technical Group, Sumitomo Electric and United Technologies. He has also been a member of the adjunct faculty in the School of Management with the University of Michigan where he taught a number of operations management courses. Mr. Wittig is a Six Sigma Master Black Belt with a certification from the Juran Institute. He holds his M.S. in Engineering from the University of Michigan and his B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Kettering University (formerly General Motors Institute).

 

Ian Brander has been the Chief Executive Officer of Howden since August 1, 2011. Prior to becoming Chief Executive Officer of Howden, he served as Operations Director beginning in 2008. His experience includes over 20 years at Howden in various roles in technical, project, commercial and general management positions associated with a wide range of products. He holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Strathclyde.

 

PART II

 

Item 5.Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

Our Common stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CFX on May 8, 2008. As of February 6, 2012, there were approximately 17,990 holders of record of our Common stock. The high and low sales prices per share of our Common stock, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange, for the fiscal periods presented are as follows:

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2011   2010 
   High   Low   High   Low 
First Quarter  $23.50   $17.79   $12.46   $10.44 
Second Quarter  $25.34   $20.46   $13.97   $10.00 
Third Quarter  $28.75   $20.10   $15.17   $10.17 
Fourth Quarter  $32.69   $17.90   $19.04   $14.46 

 

We have not paid any dividends on our Common stock since inception, and we do not anticipate the declaration or payment of dividends at any time in the foreseeable future. The Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement (as defined and further discussed in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources) limits the amount of cash dividends and Common stock repurchases the Company may make to a total of $50 million annually.

 

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Performance Graph

 

The graph below compares the cumulative total stockholder return on our Common stock with the cumulative total return of the Russell 2000 Index and the Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) Industrial Machinery Index since the date of our initial public offering on May 8, 2008. The graph assumes that $100 was invested on May 8, 2008 in each of our Common stock, the Russell 2000 Index and the S&P Industrial Machinery Index, and that all dividends were reinvested.

 

 

Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities

 

On November 4, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $20 million (up to $10 million per year in 2008 and 2009) of the Company’s Common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The repurchase program was to be conducted pursuant to SEC Rule 10b5-1. The timing and amount of shares repurchased was determined by the Share Repurchase Committee, constituting three members of the Company’s Board of Directors, based on its evaluation of market conditions and other factors. There were no Common stock repurchases during 2011 or 2010.

 

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Item 6. Selected Financial Data

 

   Year Ended and As of December 31, 
   2011(1)   2010(2)   2009(3)   2008(4)   2007(5) 
   (In thousands, except per share data) 
Statement of Operations Data:                         
Net sales  $693,392   $541,987   $525,024   $604,854   $506,305 
Cost of sales   453,293    350,579    339,237    387,667    330,714 
Gross profit   240,099    191,408    185,787    217,187    175,591 
Selling, general and administrative expense   144,817    119,426    112,503    124,105    97,426 
Research and development expense   5,707    6,205    5,930    5,856    4,162 
Initial public offering-related cost               57,017     
Charter acquisition-related expense   31,052                 
Restructuring and other related charges   9,680    10,323    18,175         
Asbestos liability and defense cost (income)   12,237    7,876    (2,193)   (4,771)   (63,978)
Asbestos coverage litigation expense   10,700    13,206    11,742    17,162    13,632 
Operating income   25,906    34,372    39,630    17,818    124,349 
Interest expense   5,919    6,684    7,212    11,822    19,246 
Provision for income taxes   15,432    11,473    8,621    5,465    39,457 
Net income  $4,555   $16,215   $23,797   $531   $65,646 
Net income (loss) per share—basic and diluted  $0.10   $0.37   $0.55   $(0.08)  $1.82 
                          
Balance Sheet Data:                         
Cash and cash equivalents  $75,108   $60,542   $49,963   $28,762   $48,093 
Goodwill and Intangible assets, net   245,873    200,636    175,370    175,210    181,517 
Asbestos insurance asset, including current portion   370,290    374,351    389,449    304,015    305,228 
Total assets   1,088,543    1,022,077    1,006,301    907,550    899,522 
Asbestos liability, including current portion   431,094    429,651    443,769    357,258    376,233 
Total debt, including current portion   111,518    82,500    91,485    97,121    206,493 

 

 

(1)During 2011, we completed the acquisitions of Rosscor and COT-Puritech in February and December, respectively. See Part I, Item 1. Business and Note 4, “Acquisitions” in the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K for additional information.

 

(2)In August 2010, we acquired Baric. See Part I, Item 1. Business and Note 4, “Acquisitions” in the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K for additional information.

 

(3)In August 2009, we acquired PD Technik for $1.3 million, net of cash acquired. See Part I, Item 1. Business in this Form 10-K for additional information.

 

(4)In May 2008, in conjunction with our initial public offering, we refinanced our Debt in conjunction with our May 2008 initial public offering.

 

(5)During 2007, we completed the acquisitions of LSC and Fairmount in January and November, respectively. See Part I, Item 1. Business in this Form 10-K for additional information.

 

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is designed to provide a reader of our financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of Company’s management. This MD&A is divided into four main sections:

 

§Overview
§Results of Operations
§Liquidity and Capital Resources
§Critical Accounting Policies

 

The following MD&A should be read together with Item 6. Selected Financial Data, Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors and the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K. The MD&A includes forward-looking statements. For a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results referred to in these forward-looking statements, see “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

 

Overview

 

Please see Part I, Item 1. Business for a discussion of Colfax’s objectives and methodologies for delivering shareholder value, as well as a description of the Charter Acquisition. During the first quarter of 2012, Colfax completed the Charter Acquisition which has transformed Colfax from a fluid-handling organization into a multi-platform enterprise with a strong global footprint. Following the Charter Acquisition, Colfax conducts business in the following operating segments:

 

§Gas & Fluid Handling - a global supplier of a broad range of fluid- and gas-handling products, including pumps, fluid-handling systems and controls, specialty valves, heavy-duty centrifugal and axial fans, rotary heat exchangers and gas compressors; and
§Fabrication Technology a global supplier of welding equipment and consumables, cutting equipment and automated welding and cutting systems.

 

Colfax has a global geographic footprint, with production facilities in Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Australia and Africa. Through our operating segments, we serve a global customer base across multiple markets through a combination of direct sales and third-party distribution channels. Our customer base is highly diversified and includes commercial, industrial and government customers.

 

Outlook

 

We believe that we are well positioned to grow our businesses organically over the long term by enhancing our product offerings and expanding our customer base. Subsequent to the Charter Acquisition in the first quarter of 2012, our business mix is expected to be well balanced between long- and short-cycle businesses, sales in emerging markets and developed nations and fore- and aftermarket products and services. Given this balance, management no longer uses indices other than general economic trends to predict the overall outlook for the Company. Instead, the individual businesses monitor key competitors and customers, including to the extent possible their sales, to gauge relative performance and outlook for the future.

 

Given the Charter Acquisition, we face a number of challenges and opportunities, including the successful integration, application and expansion of our CBS tools to improve margins and working capital management, rationalization of assets and back office functions, and consolidation of manufacturing facilities.

  

We expect to continue to grow as a result of strategic acquisitions. We believe that the extensive experience of our leadership team in acquiring and effectively integrating acquisition targets should enable us to capitalize on opportunities in the future.

 

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Results of Operations

 

The following discussion of Results of Operations addresses the comparison of the periods presented, which do not include our gas-handling or fabrication technology operations which will be included beginning in the first quarter of 2012.

 

Key Performance Measures

 

The discussion of our results of operations that follows focuses on some of the key financial measures that we use to evaluate our business. We evaluate our business using several measures, including Net sales, orders and order backlog. Our Net sales, orders and order backlog are affected by many factors, particularly the impact of acquisitions, the impact of fluctuating foreign exchange rates and change from our existing businesses, which may be driven by market conditions and other factors. To facilitate the comparison between reporting periods, we describe the impact of each of these three factors, to the extent they impact the periods presented, on our Net sales, orders and order backlog in tabular format under the heading “Sales and Orders.”

 

Orders and order backlog are highly indicative of our future revenue and thus are key measures of anticipated performance. Orders consist of contracts for products or services from our customers, net of cancellations. Order backlog consists of unfilled orders.

 

Items Affecting the Comparability of Our Reported Results

 

Our financial performance and growth are driven by many factors, principally our ability to serve global markets, fluctuations in the relationship of foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar, general economic conditions, the global economy and capital spending levels, the availability of capital, our estimates concerning the availability of insurance proceeds to cover asbestos litigation expense and liabilities, the amount of asbestos liabilities and litigation expense, the impact of restructuring initiatives, our ability to pass cost increases on through pricing, the impact of sales mix, and our ability to continue to grow through acquisitions. These key factors have impacted our results of operations in the past and are likely to affect them in the future.

 

Global Operations

 

Our products and services are available worldwide. The manner in which our products and services are sold differs by region. Most of our sales in non-U.S. markets are made by subsidiaries located outside the U.S., though we also sell into non-U.S. markets through various representatives and distributors and directly from the U.S. In countries with low sales volumes, we generally sell through representatives and distributors. During 2011, approximately 79% of our sales were shipped to locations outside of the U.S. Accordingly, we are affected by levels of industrial activity and economic and political factors in countries throughout the world. Our ability to grow and our financial performance will be affected by our ability to address a variety of challenges and opportunities that are a consequence of our global operations, including efficiently utilizing our global sales, manufacturing and distribution capabilities, the expansion of market opportunities in Asia, successfully completing global strategic acquisitions and engineering innovative new product applications for end users in a variety of geographic markets. However, we believe that our geographic, end market and product diversification may limit the impact that any one country or economy could have on our consolidated results. We believe that the Charter Acquisition will further diversify our business and mitigate the impact of any one country or economy on our consolidated results.

 

Foreign Currency Fluctuations

 

A significant portion of our sales, approximately 70% for 2011, are derived from operations outside the U.S., with the majority of those sales denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, especially the Euro. Because much of our manufacturing and employee costs are outside the U.S., a significant portion of our costs are also denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Changes in foreign exchange rates can impact our results and are quantified when significant in our discussion of our operations.

 

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Economic Conditions

 

Demand for our products depends on the level of new capital investment and planned maintenance by our customers. The level of capital expenditures depends, in turn, on the general economic conditions as well as access to capital at reasonable cost. While demand can be cyclical, we believe that the Charter Acquisition will diversify our operations and limit the impact of a downturn in any one market on our consolidated results.

 

Seasonality

 

We experience seasonality in our gas- and fluid-handling business. As our customers seek to fully utilize capital spending budgets before the end of the year, historically our shipments have peaked during the fourth quarter. Also, our European operations typically experience a slowdown during the July and August holiday season.

 

Pricing

 

We believe our customers place a premium on quality, reliability, availability, design and application engineering support. Our highly engineered fluid-handling products typically have higher margins than products with commodity-like qualities. However, we are sensitive to price movements in our raw materials supply base. Our largest material purchases are for components and raw materials including steel, iron, copper and aluminum. Historically, we have been generally successful in passing raw material price increases on to our customers. While we seek to take actions to manage this risk, including commodity hedging where appropriate, such increased costs may adversely impact earnings.

 

Sales and Cost Mix

 

Our profit margins vary in relation to the relative mix of many factors, including the type of product, the geographic location in which the product is manufactured, the end market for which the product is designed, and the percentage of total revenue represented by aftermarket sales and services. Aftermarket business, including spare parts and other value added services, is generally a higher margin business and is a significant component of our profitability. However, our recent acquisitions of Rosscor and Baric, discussed in more detail below, and the strong sales by these entities during 2011 shifted a higher proportion of our business toward foremarket.

 

The mix of foremarket and aftermarket sales was as follows for the periods presented:

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2011   2010   2009 
     
Foremarket   78%   76%   76%
Aftermarket   22%   24%   24%

 

Howden’s aftermarket sales for 2011 represented approximately 40% of total sales. Accordingly, we expect that beginning in the first quarter of 2012, our combined revenues for our gas- and fluid-handling operating segment will be comprised of a greater percentage of aftermarket sales.

 

Strategic Acquisitions

 

We complement our organic growth with strategic acquisitions. Acquisitions can significantly affect our reported results and can complicate period to period comparisons of results. As a consequence, we report the change in our Net sales between periods both from existing and acquired businesses. We intend to continue to pursue acquisitions of complementary businesses that will broaden our product portfolio, expand our geographic footprint or enhance our position within our strategic end markets.

 

During 2011, we recognized $31.1 million of increased costs related to advisory, legal, audit, valuation and other professional service fees incurred and unrealized losses on acquisition-related foreign exchange derivatives in connection with the Charter Acquisition. Due to the relative scale of Charter’s operations, the Charter Acquisition has significantly transformed our business and will materially affect our operations, financial results, liquidity and employee headcount which may make period to period comparisons in subsequent periods difficult. See Part I, Item 1. Business—Acquisition of Charter International plc and “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Borrowing Arrangements” below for additional information.

 

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On December 6, 2011, we completed the acquisition of COT-Puritech, Inc. for a total purchase price, net of cash acquired, of $39.4 million which includes the fair value of estimated additional contingent cash payments of $4.3 million. The additional contingent cash payments will be paid over two years subject to the achievement of certain performance goals. COT-Puritech, Inc. is a national supplier of oil flushing and remediation services to power generation plants, refinery and petrochemical operations and other manufacturing sites, with its primary operations based in Canton, Ohio.

 

On February 14, 2011, we completed the acquisition of Rosscor for $22.3 million, net of cash acquired and subject to final adjustments under the purchase agreement. Rosscor is a supplier of multiphase pumping technology and certain other highly engineered fluid-handling systems, with its primary operations based in Hengelo, The Netherlands.

 

On August 19, 2010, we completed the acquisition of Baric, a supplier of highly engineered fluid-handling systems primarily for lubrication applications, with its primary operations based in Blyth, United Kingdom.

 

On August 31, 2009, we completed the acquisition of PD-Technik, a provider of marine aftermarket related products and services located in Hamburg, Germany. The acquisition of PD-Technik supports our marine aftermarket growth initiatives, broadening our served market as well as service capabilities.

 

Restructuring and Other Related Charges

 

We initiated a series of restructuring actions beginning in 2009 in response to then current and expected future economic conditions. During 2011, we relocated our Richmond, Virginia corporate headquarters to Fulton, Maryland in order to provide improved access to international travel and to our key advisors and eliminated an executive position in our German operations.

 

Additionally, during 2011, we communicated initiatives to improve productivity and reduce structural costs in our fluid-handling operations by rationalizing and leveraging our existing assets and back office functions. These initiatives include the consolidation of our commercial marine end market operations, reduction in the back office personnel at several distribution centers in Europe, the closure of a small facility that previously produced units sold to certain customers located in the Middle East that we ceased supplying to during 2010, and the closure of a Portland, Maine production facility and consolidation of the operations with a Warren, Massachusetts facility.

 

Accordingly, we incurred pre-tax expense and made payments during the periods presented as follows:

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2011   2010   2009 
   (In millions) 
Restructuring and other related charges  $9.7   $10.3   $18.2 
Cash payments   6.8    16.3    7.9 

 

We expect to incur an additional $0.8 million of employee termination benefit costs and other relocation expenses related to our existing restructuring initiatives during 2012. It is anticipated that net annual savings of approximately $4.1 million pre-tax will be realized beginning in the first quarter of 2012 as a result of our restructuring initiatives. See Note 12, “Restructuring and Other Related Charges” in the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion regarding our restructuring activities.

 

Additionally, we expect to incur a significant amount of expense during 2012 related to restructuring initiatives in our fabrication technology operating segment.

 

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Asbestos Liability and Defense Costs (Income)

 

Our financial results have been, and will likely in the future be, affected by our asbestos liabilities and the availability of insurance to cover these liabilities and defense costs related to asbestos personal injury litigation against two of our subsidiaries, as well as costs arising from our legal action against our insurers. Assessing asbestos liabilities and insurance assets requires judgments concerning matters such as the uncertainty of litigation, anticipated outcome of settlements, the number and cost of pending and future claims, the outcome of legal action against our insurance carriers, and their continued solvency. For a further discussion of these estimates and how they may affect our future results, see “—Critical Accounting Policies—Asbestos Liabilities and Insurance Assets.”

 

Asbestos liability and defense costs (income) is comprised of projected indemnity cost, changes in the projected asbestos liability, changes in the probable insurance recovery of the projected asbestos-related liability, changes in the probable recovery of asbestos liability and defense costs paid in prior periods, and actual defense costs expensed in the period.

 

The table below presents Asbestos liability and defense costs (income) for the periods indicated:

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2011   2010   2009 
   (In millions) 
Asbestos liability and defense costs (income)  $12.2   $7.9   $(2.2)

 

Asbestos liability and defense costs increased by $4.3 million during 2011 compared to 2010 primarily due to a $2.1 million provision related to a court judgment received for one of our subsidiaries’ litigation against a number of its insurers and former parent, a $1.8 million pre-tax charge because of a statistically significant increase in mesothelioma claims had occurred and is expected to continue to occur related to one of our subisidiaries and a $0.7 million pre-tax charge resulting from higher settlement values per mesothelioma claim in a specific region, which is not a trend that is expected to continue, related to the other subsidiary. Additionally, lower levels of legal spending in 2010 and a higher level of projected insurance recovery driven by insurance policies triggered during the 2010 periods contributed to the fluctuation in comparison to the comparable 2010 periods.

 

Asbestos liability and defense costs were $7.9 million in 2010 compared to income of $2.2 million in 2009. The increase in Asbestos liability and defense costs was primarily attributable to a net pre-tax gain of $7.8 million recorded in 2009, comprised of a $19.4 million gain to increase the insurance asset as a result of favorable court rulings in October and December of 2009 concerning allocation methodology, partially offset by an $11.6 million charge to increase asbestos-related liabilities by $111.3 million, offset by an increase to expected insurance recoveries of $99.7 million arising from a revision to our 15-year estimate of asbestos-related liabilities. Additionally, we recorded charges totaling $4.0 million in the third and fourth quarters of 2010 as a result of developments in the litigation, which was partially offset by a $0.7 million gain resulting from a settlement received from an insolvent carrier.

 

Asbestos Coverage Litigation Expense

 

Asbestos coverage litigation expense includes legal costs related to the actions against two of our subsidiaries’ respective insurers and a former parent company of one of the subsidiaries.

 

The table below presents Asbestos coverage litigation expense for the periods indicated:

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2011   2010   2009 
   (In millions) 
Asbestos coverage litigation expense  $10.7   $13.2   $11.7 

 

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Legal costs related to our subsidiaries’ actions against their asbestos insurers decreased by $2.5 million during 2011 primarily due to more trial days being conducted in 2010 than 2011. Legal costs related to our subsidiaries’ actions against their asbestos insurers increased by $1.5 million during 2010 primarily due to costs associated with the trial by one of our subsidiaries against insurers and former parent that began in January 2010. The trial phase of litigation against insurers concluded during the third quarter of 2011 for one of our subsidiaries and is expected to conclude during the fourth quarter of 2012 for the other subsidiary.

 

Sales and Orders

 

The following tables present the components of our sales, order and backlog growth, as well as, Net sales by fluid-handling product for the periods indicated:

 

   Net Sales   Orders(1)   Backlog at Period End 
   $   %   $   %   $   % 
   (In millions) 
As of and for the year ended December 31, 2009  $525.0        $462.4        $290.9      
Components of Change:                              
Existing businesses(2)   16.1    3.1%   71.1    15.4%   (6.6)   (2.3)%
Acquisitions(3)   10.0    1.9%   6.1    1.3%   38.7    13.3%
Foreign currency translation(4)   (9.1)   (1.8)%   (6.8)   (1.5)%   (9.5)   (3.2)%
    17.0    3.2%   70.4    15.2%   22.6    7.8%
As of and for the year ended December 31, 2010  $542.0        $532.8        $313.5      
Components of Change:                              
Existing businesses(2)   48.8    9.0%   65.0    12.2%   (1.1)   (0.4)%
Acquisitions(3)   81.3    15.0%   64.0    12.0%   40.2    12.8%
Foreign currency translation(4)   21.3    3.9%   21.0    4.0%   (5.4)   (1.7)%
    151.4    27.9%   150.0    28.2%   33.7    10.7%
As of and for the year ended December 31, 2011  $693.4        $682.8        $347.2      

 

 

(1)Represents contracts for products or services, net of cancellations for the period.

 

(2)Excludes the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations and acquisitions, thus providing a measure of growth due to factors such as price, product mix and volume.

 

(3)Represents the incremental sales, orders and order backlog as a result of acquisitions.

 

(4)Represents the difference between sales from existing businesses valued at current year foreign exchange rates and sales from existing businesses at prior year foreign exchange rates.

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2011   2010   2009 
   (In millions) 
Net Sales by Product:               
Pumps, including aftermarket parts and services  $522.5   $444.9   $443.1 
Systems, including installation services   150.8    78.6    69.3 
Valves   14.2    14.6    10.1 
Other   5.9    3.9    2.5 
Total Net sales  $693.4   $542.0   $525.0 

 

As detailed above, Net sales increased by $151.4 million, or 27.9%, during 2011 compared to 2010 due to an increase in demand in all end markets, except defense. The timing of sales and orders to customers in our defense end market vary from period to period due to the timing of specific ship programs. Net sales were positively impacted by the changes in foreign exchange rates during 2011 in comparison to 2010.

 

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Orders, net of cancellations, from existing businesses increased during 2011 in comparison to 2010 due to increased demand in all end markets, except defense. Additionally, we experienced a decline in commercial marine order cancellations from $16.4 million during 2010 to $6.1 million in 2011 primarily due to the impact of improved economic conditions.

 

Sales from existing businesses increased 3.1% for 2010 over 2009 primarily attributable to higher demand in all end markets except the oil and gas market. Foreign currency translation negatively impacted sales by 1.8%, primarily due to a stronger average U.S. dollar against the Euro for year 2010 compared to 2009.

 

Orders, net of cancellations, from existing businesses increased 15.4% for 2010 over 2009 primarily due to increased demand in the general industrial, commercial marine and oil and gas end markets, partially offset by lower demand in the defense end market. We experienced commercial marine order cancellations of approximately $16.4 million during 2010, compared to $21.9 million during 2009. Backlog as of December 31, 2010, of $313.5 million decreased $6.6 million, or 2.3% from December 31, 2009, excluding the impact of foreign currency translation and acquisitions. The Baric acquisition added $38.7 million to backlog in 2010.

 

Gross Profit

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2011   2010   2009 
   (In millions) 
Gross profit  $240.1   $191.4   $185.8 
Gross profit margin   34.6%   35.3%   35.4%

 

The $48.7 million increase in Gross profit during 2011 in comparison to 2010 was attributable to increases of $20.0 million from existing businesses and $20.8 million due to the acquisitions of Rosscor and Baric. Additionally, changes in foreign exchange rates had a $7.9 million positive impact on Gross profit for 2011 in comparison to 2010. Gross profit margin for 2011 decreased compared to 2010 primarily due to the lower gross profit margin associated with the foremarket sales of Rosscor and Baric during the period, partially offset by positive leverage of fixed costs given substantially higher sales volume in 2011.

 

Gross profit increased $5.6 million for 2010 compared to 2009. Gross profit from existing businesses increased $6.5 million, with an additional increase of $1.8 million due to the acquisitions of Baric and PD-Technik. Foreign currency translation negatively impacted gross profit by $2.7 million. Gross profit margin for 2010 was relatively flat compared to 2009, as margin declines driven by lower pricing and an unfavorable product mix shift were partially offset by restructuring program cost savings and higher productivity.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2011   2010   2009 
   (In millions) 
Selling, general and administrative expense  $144.8   $119.4   $112.5 
Selling, general and administrative expense as a percentage of Net sales   20.9%   22.0%   21.4%

 

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Selling, general and administrative expense increased $25.4 million during 2011 in comparison to 2010, $15.8 million of which resulted from the acquisitions of Rosscor, Baric and COT-Puritech. Selling, general and administrative expense from existing businesses increased $5.4 million in 2011 primarily due to higher selling and commission costs and higher corporate overhead including the operation of two offices during the transition of our corporate headquarters to Maryland. Additionally, changes in foreign exchange rates resulted in an increase in Selling, general and administrative expense of $4.2 million in 2011 in comparison to 2010. The decrease in Selling, general and administrative expense as a percentage of Net sales during 2011 in comparison to 2010 resulted primarily from higher sales volumes.

 

Selling, general and administrative expense increased $6.9 million to $119.4 million for 2010. Excluding a $2.2 million net increase related to acquisitions and foreign exchange rates, Selling, general and administrative expense increased $4.7 million from 2009, primarily due to higher selling and commission costs and higher incentive compensation. There was also a $2.9 million increase in pension costs due to the Company’s assumption of the pension obligation for a group of former employees of a divested subsidiary as a result of an agreement reached in the fourth quarter of 2010. However, this was substantially offset by the reversal of an accrual established in prior years for this matter.

 

Operating Income

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2011   2010   2009 
   (In millions) 
Operating income  $25.9   $34.4   $39.6 
Operating margin   3.7%   6.3%   7.5%

 

Operating income decreased by $8.5 million in 2011 in comparison to 2010. This decrease was primarily attributable to the $31.1 million increase in Charter acquisition-related expense, the $25.4 million increase in Selling, general and administrative expense and the $4.3 million increase in Asbestos liability and defense cost, which were partially offset by the $48.7 million increase in Gross profit, the $2.5 million decrease in Asbestos coverage litigation expense and the $0.6 million decrease in Restructuring and other related charges. For 2011, the components of Operating income were negatively impacted by a total of $7.0 million in increased acquisition-related amortization expense as a result of our Rosscor, Baric and COT-Puritech acquisitions.

 

Operating income for 2010 decreased $5.2 million from 2009. Excluding a $2.9 million net unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates and acquisitions, Operating income decreased by $2.3 million. Increased asbestos claims and litigation expense and unfavorable pricing and product mix shift were partially offset by lower restructuring costs, higher sales volumes and manufacturing cost reductions, including restructuring program cost savings.

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

The effective income tax rate for 2011 was 77.2% as compared to an effective tax rate of 41.4% for 2010. Our effective tax rate for 2011 was higher than the U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to a net increase in our valuation allowance that was partially offset by foreign earnings where international tax rates are lower than the U.S. tax rate and a net decrease in our liability for unrecognized tax benefits. The 77.2% effective tax rate for 2011 was higher than the 41.4% effective tax rate for 2010 primarily due to a $16.7 million net increase in our valuation allowance in 2011 compared to a net increase of $4.2 million in 2010 impacting the Provision for income taxes for those periods.

 

The effective income tax rate for 2010 was 41.4% as compared to an effective tax rate of 26.6% for 2009. The effective tax rate for 2010 was higher than the U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to a net increase in our valuation allowance, offset in part by international tax rates which are lower than the U.S. tax rate, and a net decrease to our unrecognized tax benefit liability. The 41.4% effective tax rate for 2010 was higher than the 26.6% effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2009 primarily due to a $4.2 million increase in our valuation allowance in 2010.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Overview

 

Historically, we have financed our capital and working capital requirements through a combination of cash flows from operating activities and borrowings under our Bank of America Credit Agreement (defined and discussed below). Additionally, during the first quarter of 2012, we were successful in our efforts to raise additional funds in the form of debt and equity, as further discussed below. We expect that our primary ongoing requirements for cash will be for working capital, funding of acquisitions, capital expenditures, asbestos-related cash outflows and funding of our pension plans. If additional funds are needed for strategic acquisitions or other corporate purposes, we believe we could raise additional funds in the form of debt or equity.

 

Borrowing Arrangements

 

In connection with the financing of the Charter Acquisition, on September 12, 2011, we entered into the BDT Purchase Agreement with the BDT Investor as well as BDT Capital Partners Fund I-A, L.P., and Mitchell P. Rales, Chairman of our Board of Directors, and his brother, Steven M. Rales (for the limited purpose of tag-along sales rights provided to the BDT Investor in the event of a sale or transfer of shares of our Common stock by either or both of Mitchell P. Rales and Steven M. Rales). Pursuant to the BDT Purchase Agreement, we sold to the BDT Investor (i) 14,756,945 newly issued shares of Colfax Common stock and (ii) 13,877,552 shares of newly created Series A perpetual convertible preferred stock, referred to as the Series A Preferred Stock, for an aggregate of $680 million (representing $24.50 per share of Series A Preferred Stock and $23.04 per share of Common stock). Under the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock, holders are entitled to receive cumulative cash dividends, payable quarterly, at a per annum rate of 6% of the liquidation preference (defined as $24.50, subject to customary antidilution adjustments), provided that the dividend rate shall be increased to a per annum rate of 8% if Colfax fails to pay the full amount of any dividend required to be paid on such shares until the date that full payment is made.

 

The Series A Preferred Stock is convertible, in whole or in part, at the option of the holders at any time after the date the shares are issued into shares of Colfax Common stock at a conversion rate determined by dividing the liquidation preference by a number equal to 114% of the liquidation preference, subject to certain adjustments. The Series A Preferred Stock is also convertible, in whole or in part, at our option on or after the third anniversary of the issuance of the shares at the same conversion rate if, among other things: (i) for the preceding thirty trading days, the closing price of Colfax Common stock on the New York Stock Exchange exceeds 133% of the applicable conversion price and (ii) Colfax has declared and paid or set apart for payment all accrued but unpaid dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock.

 

On September 12, 2011, we entered into separate securities purchase agreements (together with the BDT Purchase Agreement, the “Purchase Agreements”) with Mitchell P. Rales, Chairman of Colfax’s Board of Directors, and his brother Steven M. Rales, each of whom were beneficial owners of 20.9% of Colfax’s Common stock, and Markel. Thomas S. Gayner, a member of Colfax’s Board of Directors, is President and Chief Investment Officer of Markel. Pursuant to these agreements Colfax sold 2,170,139 to each of Mitchell P. Rales and Steven M. Rales and 1,085,070 to Markel of newly issued Colfax Common stock at $23.04 per share, for a total aggregate of $125 million.

 

We entered into the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement on September 12, 2011. In connection with the closing of the Charter Acquisition, the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement was amended on January 13, 2012 and we terminated our Bank of America Credit Agreement (defined and further discussed below) as well as Charter’s outstanding indebtedness. The Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement has four tranches of term loans: (i) a $200 million term A-1 facility, (ii) a $500 million term A-2 facility, (iii) a $200 million term A-3 facility to be borrowed in Euros and (iv) a $900 million term B facility. In addition, the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement has two revolving credit facilities which total $300 million in commitments (the “Revolver”). The Revolver includes a $200 million letter of credit sub-facility and a $50 million swingline loan sub-facility. The term A-1, term A-2, term A-3 and the Revolver variable-rate borrowings are subject to interest payments of LIBOR or EURIBOR plus a margin ranging from 2.50% to 3.25%, determined by our leverage ratio. Borrowings under the term B facility are also variable rate and are subject to interest payments of LIBOR plus a margin of 3.5%. The Revolver is subject to a commitment fee ranging from 37.5 and 50 basis points, determined by our leverage ratio. Additionally, an original issue discount of $68.5 million and deferred financing fees of $5.1 million were recognized in connection with the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement, which will be accreted to Interest expense primarily using the effective interest method. As a result of the increase in our borrowings and the associated Interest expense, including accretion of the related original issue discount and deferred financing fees, we expect that our Interest expense will be significantly higher in future periods.

 

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As of December 31, 2011, we were party to a credit agreement (the “Bank of America Credit Agreement”), led and administered by Bank of America, which included a senior secured revolving credit facility and a term credit facility. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the term credit facility bore interest of 2.55% and 2.76%, respectively, which included a margin of 2.25% and 2.50%, respectively. There was $72.5 million and $82.5 million outstanding under the term credit facility as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. During the first quarter of 2011, the Credit Agreement was amended to, among other items, eliminate the $6.0 million commitment of a defaulted lender, which resulted in a reduction of the revolving credit facilities’ total capacity from $150.0 million to $144.0 million. As of December 31, 2011, there was $39.0 million outstanding on the revolving credit facility. There were no amounts outstanding on the revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2010. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, there was $12.9 million and $14.1 million, respectively, outstanding on the letter of credit sub-facility, resulting in available capacity of $92.1 million and $129.9 million, respectively. We are also party to additional letter of credit facilities with total capacity of $48.8 million and $21.0 million outstanding as of December 31, 2011. In the first quarter of 2012, our total capacity under letter of credit facilities increased to $213.9 million. Upon the early termination of the Bank of America Credit Agreement, we incurred a total pre-tax charge of $1.5 million in the first quarter of 2012, which includes the write-off of $1.0 million of deferred financing fees and $0.5 million of losses reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss for the related interest rate swap.

 

In connection with the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement, we have pledged substantially all of our domestic subsidiaries’ assets and 65% of the shares of certain first tier international subsidiaries as collateral against borrowings to our U.S. companies. In addition, subsidiaries in certain foreign jurisdictions have guaranteed our obligations on borrowings of one of our European subsidiaries, as well as pledged substantially all of the assets for such borrowings of this European subsidiary under the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement. The Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement contains customary covenants limiting our ability to, among other things, pay dividends, incur debt or liens, redeem or repurchase equity, enter into transactions with affiliates, make investments, merge or consolidate with others or dispose of assets. In addition, the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement contains financial covenants requiring us to maintain a total leverage ratio of not more than 4.95 to 1.0 and a minimum interest coverage ratio of 2.0 to 1.0, measured at the end of each quarter, through 2012. The minimum interest coverage ratio increases by 25 basis points each year beginning in 2012 until it reaches 3.0 to 1.0 for 2016. The maximum total leverage ratio decreases to 4.75 to 1.0 for 2014 and decreases by 25 basis points for the two subsequent fiscal years until it reaches 4.25 to 1.0 for 2016. The Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement contains various events of default, including failure to comply with such financial covenants, and upon an event of default the lenders may, subject to various customary cure rights, require the immediate payment of all amounts outstanding under the Term Loans and Revolver and foreclose on the collateral. We believe that our sources of liquidity, including the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement, are adequate to fund our operations for the next twelve months.

 

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Cash Flows

 

As of December 31, 2011, we had $75.1 million of Cash and cash equivalents, an increase of $14.6 million from $60.5 million as of December 31, 2010. The following table summarizes the change in Cash and cash equivalents during the periods indicated:

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2011   2010   2009 
   (In millions) 
Net cash provided by operating activities  $57.2   $62.0   $38.7 
                
Purchases of fixed assets, net   (14.8)   (12.5)   (11.0)
Acquisitions, net of cash received   (56.3)   (28.0)   (1.7)
Other sources, net   1.1    0.1    0.2 
Net cash used in investing activities   (70.0)   (40.4)   (12.5)
                
Proceeds from (repayments of) borrowings, net   29.0    (8.8)   (5.0)
Other sources (uses), net   3.7    0.8    (0.4)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   32.7    (8.0)   (5.4)
                
Effect of exchange rates on Cash and cash equivalents   (5.3)   (3.0)   0.4 
                
Increase in Cash and cash equivalents  $14.6   $10.6   $21.2 

 

Cash flows from operating activities can fluctuate significantly from period to period due to changes in working capital and the timing of payments for items such as pension funding. Changes in significant operating cash flow items are discussed below.

 

ŸNet cash received or paid for asbestos-related costs, net of insurance proceeds, including the disposition of claims, defense costs and legal expenses related to litigation against our insurers, creates variability in our operating cash flows. We had net cash outflows of $7.9 million, $11.4 million and $19.7 million for asbestos-related costs paid, net of insurance settlements received compared during 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 

ŸFunding requirements of our defined benefit plans, including pension plans and other post-retirement benefit plans, can vary significantly from period to period due to changes in the fair value of plan assets and actuarial assumptions. For 2011, 2010 and 2009, cash contributions for defined benefit and other post-employment benefit plans were $9.3 million, $12.1 million and $8.3 million, respectively.

 

ŸDuring 2011, 2010 and 2009, cash payments of $6.8 million, $16.3 million and $7.9 million, respectively were made related to our restructuring initiatives.

 

ŸChanges in net working capital also affected the operating cash flows for the periods presented. We define working capital as Trade receivables, net and Inventories, net reduced by Accounts payable. During 2011, net working capital increased, primarily due to an increase in Trade receivables, net which reduced our cash flows from operating activities. A decrease in net working capital, primarily as a result of a decrease in Inventories, net, positively impacted cash flows from operating activities during 2010 and 2009.

 

Cash flows from investing activities consist primarily of cash flows related to acquisitions and the purchase of fixed assets. During the 2011, we used $29.6 million more cash in our investing activities in comparison to 2010. The fluctuation in cash flows from our investing activities was primarily due to an increase of $28.3 million in net cash flows related to acquisitions. In all periods presented, capital expenditures were invested in new and replacement machinery, equipment and information technology. We generally target capital expenditures at approximately 2.0% to 2.5% of annual revenues.

 

Cash flows from financing activities generally consist of the borrowing and repayment of our long-term indebtedness. During 2011, we had net borrowings of $29.0 million in comparison to net repayments of $8.8 million during 2010. Net borrowings during 2011 were primarily related to the funding of the Company’s acquisitions of Rosscor and COT-Puritech. See “—Borrowing Arrangements” above for additional information regarding our outstanding indebtedness as of December 31, 2011.

 

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Contractual Obligations

 

The following table summarizes our future contractual obligations as of December 31, 2011.

 

  

Less Than

One Year

   1-3 Years   3-5 Years  

More Than

5 Years

   Total 
   (In millions) 
Debt  $10.0   $101.5   $   $   $111.5 
Interest payments on debt(1)   0.5    4.7            5.2 
Foreign exchange option contract(2)   6.2                6.2 
Operating leases   3.9    6.1    3.0    1.9    14.9 
Capital leases   0.1    0.1            0.2 
Purchase obligations(3)   51.8    0.7    0.3    0.2    53.0 
Total  $72.5   $113.1   $3.3   $2.1   $191.0 

 

 

(1)Includes estimated interest rate swap payments. Variable interest payments are estimated using a static rate of 4.6%.

 

(2)Excludes open purchase orders for goods or services that are provided on demand, the timing of which is not certain.

 

(3)Represents the settlement of a foreign exchange option contract entered into related to the Charter Acquisition. See Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” for further discussion regarding our derivative instruments.

 

We have cash funding requirements associated with our pension and other post-retirement benefit plans as of December 31, 2011, which are estimated to be approximately $3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Other long-term liabilities, such as those for asbestos and other legal claims, employee benefit plan obligations, and deferred income taxes, are excluded from the above table since they are not contractually fixed as to timing and amount.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that provide liquidity, capital resources, market or credit risk support that expose us to any liability that is not reflected in our Consolidated Financial Statements other than outstanding letters of credit of $33.9 million and $25.4 million of bank guarantees at December 31, 2011 and future operating lease payments of $14.9 million.

 

The Company and its subsidiaries have in the past divested certain of its businesses and assets. In connection with these divestitures, certain representations, warranties and indemnities were made to purchasers to cover various risks or unknown liabilities. We cannot estimate the potential liability, if any, that may result from such representations, warranties and indemnities because they relate to unknown and unexpected contingencies; however, we do not believe that any such liabilities will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The methods, estimates and judgments we use in applying our critical accounting policies have a significant impact on our results of operations and financial position. We evaluate our estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis. Our estimates are based upon our historical experience, our evaluation of business and macroeconomic trends and information from other outside sources, as appropriate. Our experience and assumptions form the basis for our judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may vary from what our management anticipates and different assumptions or estimates about the future could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial position.

 

We believe the following accounting policies are the most critical in that they are important to the financial statements and they require the most difficult, subjective or complex judgments in the preparation of the financial statements. For a detailed discussion on the application of these and other accounting policies, see Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.

 

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Asbestos Liabilities and Insurance Assets

 

Two of our subsidiaries are each one of many defendants in a large number of lawsuits that claim personal injury as a result of exposure to asbestos from products manufactured with components that are alleged to have contained asbestos. Such components were acquired from third-party suppliers, and were not manufactured by any of the Company’s subsidiaries nor were the subsidiaries producers or direct suppliers of asbestos. The manufactured products that are alleged to have contained asbestos generally were provided to meet the specifications of the subsidiaries’ customers, including the U.S. Navy.

 

We have projected each subsidiary’s future asbestos-related liability costs with regard to pending and future unasserted claims based upon the Nicholson methodology. The Nicholson methodology is a standard approach used by experts and has been accepted by numerous courts. This methodology is based upon risk equations, exposed population estimates, mortality rates, and other demographic statistics. In applying the Nicholson methodology for each subsidiary we performed: 1) an analysis of the estimated population likely to have been exposed or claim to have been exposed to products manufactured by the subsidiaries based upon national studies undertaken of the population of workers believed to have been exposed to asbestos; 2) the use of epidemiological and demographic studies to estimate the number of potentially exposed people that would be likely to develop asbestos-related diseases in each year; 3) an analysis of the subsidiaries’ recent claims history to estimate likely filing rates for these diseases and 4) an analysis of the historical asbestos liability costs to develop average values, which vary by disease type, jurisdiction and the nature of claim, to determine an estimate of costs likely to be associated with currently pending and projected asbestos claims. Our projections, based upon the Nicholson methodology, estimate both claims and the estimated cash outflows related to the resolution of such claims for periods up to and including the endpoint of asbestos studies referred to in item 2) above. It is our policy to record a liability for asbestos-related liability costs for the longest period of time that we can reasonably estimate. 

 

Projecting future asbestos-related liability costs is subject to numerous variables that are difficult to predict, including, among others, the number of claims that might be received, the type and severity of the disease alleged by each claimant, the latency period associated with asbestos exposure, dismissal rates, costs of medical treatment, the financial resources of other companies that are co-defendants in the claims, funds available in post-bankruptcy trusts, uncertainties surrounding the litigation process from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and from case to case, including fluctuations in the timing of court actions and rulings, and the impact of potential changes in legislative or judicial standards, including potential tort reform. Furthermore, any projections with respect to these variables are subject to even greater uncertainty as the projection period lengthens. These trend factors have both positive and negative effects on the dynamics of asbestos litigation in the tort system and the related best estimate of our asbestos liability, and these effects do not move in linear fashion but rather change over multiple year periods. Accordingly, we monitor these trend factors over time and periodically assesses whether an alternative forecast period is appropriate. Taking these factors into account and the inherent uncertainties, we believe that we can reasonably estimate the asbestos-related liability for pending and future claims that will be resolved in the next 15 years and have recorded that liability as our best estimate. While it is reasonably possible that the subsidiaries will incur costs after this period, we do not believe the reasonably possible loss or range of reasonably possible loss is estimable at the current time. Accordingly, no accrual has been recorded for any costs which may be paid after the next 15 years. Defense costs associated with asbestos-related liabilities as well as costs incurred related to litigation against the subsidiaries’ insurers are expensed as incurred.

 

We assessed the subsidiaries’ existing insurance arrangements and agreements, estimated the applicability of insurance coverage for existing and expected future claims, analyzed publicly available information bearing on the current creditworthiness and solvency of the various insurers, and employed such insurance allocation methodologies as we believed appropriate to ascertain the probable insurance recoveries for asbestos liabilities. The analysis took into account self-insurance retentions, policy exclusions, pending litigation, liability caps and gaps in coverage, existing and potential insolvencies of insurers as well as how legal and defense costs will be covered under the insurance policies.

 

41
 

 

Each subsidiary has separate insurance coverage acquired prior to our ownership of each independent entity. In our evaluation of the insurance asset, we use differing insurance allocation methodologies for each subsidiary based upon the applicable law pertaining to the affected subsidiary.

 

Management’s analyses are based on currently known facts and a number of assumptions. However, projecting future events, such as new claims to be filed each year, the average cost of resolving each claim, coverage issues among layers of insurers, the method in which losses will be allocated to the various insurance policies, interpretation of the effect on coverage of various policy terms and limits and their interrelationships, the continuing solvency of various insurance companies, the amount of remaining insurance available, as well as the numerous uncertainties inherent in asbestos litigation could cause the actual liabilities and insurance recoveries to be higher or lower than those projected or recorded which could materially affect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flow.

 

As of December 31, 2011, we had total asbestos liabilities, including current portion, of $431.1 million and total asbestos insurance assets, including current portion, of $370.3 million. See Note 17, “Commitments and Contingencies” in the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our asbestos liabilities and insurance assets.

 

Retirement Benefits

 

Pension obligations and other post-retirement benefits are actuarially determined and are affected by several assumptions, including the discount rate, assumed annual rates of return on plan assets, and per capita cost of covered health care benefits. Changes in discount rate and differences from actual results for each assumption will affect the amounts of pension expense and other post-retirement expense recognized in future periods. These assumptions may also have an effect on the amount and timing of future cash contributions. See Note 13, “Defined Benefit Plans” in the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

 

Impairment of Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

 

Goodwill represents the costs in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired associated with our acquisitions.

 

We evaluate the recoverability of Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets annually or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change in the interim that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the asset below its carrying amount. Goodwill is considered to be impaired when the net book value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value.

 

During 2010, we changed the date of our annual Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment testing from the last day of the fourth quarter to the first day of the fourth quarter. We adopted this change in timing in order to provide additional time to quantify the fair value of our reporting units and, if necessary, to determine the implied fair value of goodwill. This change in timing will also reduce the likelihood that the annual impairment analysis would not be completed by the required filing date of our annual financial statements. The revised date also better aligns with our strategic planning and budgeting process, which is an integral component of the impairment testing. In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., the Company will also perform interim impairment testing should circumstances requiring it arise. We believe this accounting change is preferable and does not result in the delay, acceleration, or avoidance of an impairment charge.

 

In the evaluation of Goodwill for impairment, we first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting entity is less than its carrying value. If we determine that it is not likely for a reporting unit’s fair value to be less than its carrying value, a calculation of the fair value is not performed. If we determine that it is likely for a reporting unit’s fair value to be less than its carrying value, a calculation of the reporting entity’s fair value is performed and compared to the carrying value of that entity. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, Goodwill of that reporting unit is potentially impaired and step two of the impairment analysis is performed. In step two of the analysis, an impairment loss is recorded equal to the excess of the carrying value of the reporting unit’s Goodwill over its implied fair value should such a circumstance arise.

 

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We measure fair value of reporting units based on a present value of future discounted cash flows or a market valuation approach. The discounted cash flows model indicates the fair value of the reporting units based on the present value of the cash flows that the reporting units are expected to generate in the future. Significant estimates in the discounted cash flows model include: the weighted average cost of capital; long-term rate of growth and profitability of our business; and working capital effects. The market valuation approach indicates the fair value of the business based on a comparison of the Company against certain market information. Significant estimates in the market approach model include identifying appropriate market multiples and assessing earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization in estimating the fair value of the reporting units.

 

The analysis performed as of October 1, 2011, October 2, 2010 and December 31, 2009 indicated no impairment to be present. However, actual results could differ from our estimates and projections, which would affect the assessment of impairment. As of December 31, 2011, we have Goodwill of $204.8 million that is subject to at least annual review of impairment. See Note 7, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets” in the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

 

Income Taxes

 

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be recognized using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, we take into account various factors, including the expected level of future taxable income and available tax planning strategies. If actual results differ from the assumptions made in the evaluation of our valuation allowance, we record a change in valuation allowance through income tax expense in the period such determination is made.

 

During 2011, the valuation allowance increased from $52.9 million to $79.9 million with $16.7 million and $10.3 million of the increase recognized in Provision for income taxes and in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, respectively. The $27.0 million net increase in 2011 was primarily attributable to U.S. deferred tax assets we believe may not be realized. Consideration was given to U.S. tax planning strategies and future U.S. taxable income as to how much of the total U.S. deferred tax asset could be realized on a more likely than not basis. The Charter Acquisition and related financing may significantly impact expected future U.S. taxable income and may result in significant additional valuation allowances in the first quarter of 2012.

 

During 2010, the valuation allowance increased from $45.1 million to $52.9 million with $4.2 million and $3.6 million of the increase recognized in Provision for income taxes and in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, respectively. The $7.8 million net increase in 2010 was primarily attributable to U.S. deferred tax assets we believe may not be realized. Consideration was given to U.S. tax planning strategies and future U.S. taxable income as to how much of the total U.S. deferred tax asset could be realized on a more likely than not basis.

 

The determination of our Provision for income taxes requires significant judgment, the use of estimates, and the interpretation and application of complex tax laws. Significant judgment is required in assessing the timing and amounts of deductible and taxable items. We establish reserves when, despite the belief that the tax return positions are fully supportable, we believe that certain positions may be successfully challenged. When facts and circumstances change, the reserves are adjusted through the Provision for income taxes. Tax benefits are not recognized until minimum recognition thresholds are met as prescribed by applicable accounting standards.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

We recognize revenue and costs from product sales when all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the price is fixed or determinable, product delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, there are no further obligations to customers, and collectibility is probable. Product delivery occurs when title and risk of loss transfer to the customer. Our shipping terms vary based on the contract. If any significant obligations to the customer with respect to such sale remain to be fulfilled following shipment, typically involving obligations relating to installation and acceptance by the buyer, revenue recognition is deferred until such obligations have been fulfilled. Any customer allowances and discounts are recorded as a reduction in reported revenues at the time of sale because these allowances reflect a reduction in the purchase price for the products purchased. These allowances and discounts are estimated based on historical experience and known trends. Revenue related to service agreements is recognized as revenue over the term of the agreement.

 

43
 

 

We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. These allowances are based on recent trends of certain customers estimated to be a greater credit risk as well as general trends of the entire pool of customers. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $2.6 million as of both December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

 

The foregoing criteria are used for all classes of customers including original equipment manufacturers, distributors, government contractors and other end users.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

Pursuant to our 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan, our Board of Directors may make awards in the form of shares of restricted stock, stock options and restricted stock units and other stock-based awards. We measure and recognize the cost of employee service received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. That cost is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award—the requisite service period or vesting period. No compensation cost is recognized for equity instruments for which employees do not render the requisite service. We have equity incentive plans to encourage employees and non-employee directors to remain with us and to more closely align their interests with those of our shareholders.

 

For purposes of calculating stock-based compensation expense, the fair value of restricted stock or restricted stock units granted is equal to the market value of a share of Common stock on the date of the grant. For grants that were awarded on May 7, 2008 in conjunction with our initial public offering, we used the initial public offering price as the fair value of the restricted stock and restricted stock units granted. For stock options, we estimate the fair value on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The determination of fair value using the Black-Scholes model requires a number of complex and subjective variables. One key input into the model is the fair value of our Common stock on the date of grant, the initial public offering price in the case of stock options issued on May 7, 2008. Other key variables in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model include the expected volatility of our Common stock price, the expected term of the award and the risk-free interest rate. In addition, we are required to estimate forfeitures of unvested awards when recognizing compensation expense. Significant assumptions used to calculate stock-based compensation expense for awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 were a stock price volatility of 52.5% and 52.2%, respectively, an expected option life of 4.5 years for both years, a risk-free interest rate based on the 5-year treasury note yield on the date of grant ranging from 1.0% to 2.2% in 2011 and 1.1% to 2.6% in 2010 and a 0% expected dividend yield for both years.

 

Stock-based compensation expense recognized for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $4.9 million, $3.1 million and $2.6 million, respectively. We cannot predict with certainty the impact of stock-based compensation expense to be recognized in the future because the actual amount of stock-based compensation expense we record in any fiscal period will be dependent on a number of factors, including the number of shares subject to the stock awards issued, the fair value of our Common stock at the time of issuance and the expected volatility of our stock price over time. However, based on awards we currently expect to make in 2012, stock-based compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2012 is projected to be approximately $6.0 million.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

For detailed information regarding recently issued accounting pronouncements and the expected impact on our financial statements, see Note 3, “Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements” in the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.

 

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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

We are exposed to market risk from changes in short-term interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices that could impact our results of operations and financial condition. We address our exposure to these risks through our normal operating and financing activities.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

We are subject to exposure from changes in short-term interest rates related to interest payments on our borrowing arrangements. Under our credit facility, all of our borrowings as of December 31, 2011 are variable rate facilities based on LIBOR or EURIBOR. In order to mitigate our interest rate risk, we periodically enter into interest rate swap or collar agreements. A hypothetical increase in the interest rate of 1.00% during 2011 would have increased Interest expense on the unhedged portion of our borrowings by approximately $0.5 million. On January 11, 2012, we terminated the interest rate swap in conjunction with the repayment of the Bank of America Credit Facility. Additionally, our historical exposure to fluctuations in interest rates may not be indicative of our exposure in future periods due to Interest expense associated with our Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Borrowing Arrangements” above for additional information regarding the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement.

 

Exchange Rate Risk

 

We have manufacturing sites throughout the world and sell our products globally. As a result, we are exposed to movements in the exchange rates of various currencies against the U.S. dollar and against the currencies of other countries in which we manufacture and sell products and services. During 2011, approximately 70% of our sales were derived from operations outside the U.S., with approximately 57% generated from our European operations. In particular, we have more sales in European currencies than we have expenses in those currencies. Therefore, when European currencies strengthen or weaken against the U.S. dollar, operating profits are increased or decreased, respectively. To assist with the matching of revenues and expenses and assets and liabilities in foreign currencies, we may periodically enter into derivative instruments such as cross currency swaps or forward contracts.

 

During 2011, we entered into foreign exchange contracts in order to mitigate the potential foreign exchange risk through the closing date of the Charter Acquisition. The notional amount of these contracts was a total of 2.7 billion GBP, or $4.4 billion, the fair value as of December 31, 2011 was a liability of $15.0 million, and $21.0 million of unrealized losses were recognized in Charter acquisition-related expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations during 2011. During the first quarter of 2012, we realized $28.2 million of losses related to foreign exchange contracts used to mitigate the foreign exchange risk related to the Charter Acquisition and recognized an additional loss of $7.2 million.

 

To illustrate the potential impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, assuming a 10% increase in average foreign exchange rates compared to the U.S. dollar, Income before income taxes would have increased by $2.7 million during 2011.

 

Commodity Price Risk

 

We are exposed to changes in the prices of raw materials used in our production processes. Commodity futures contracts are periodically used to manage such exposure. As of December 31, 2011, we had no open commodity futures contracts.

 

See Note 14, “Financial Instruments” in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for additional information regarding our derivative instruments.

 

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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

INDEX TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  

  Page
   
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 47
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 49
Consolidated Statements of Operations 50
Consolidated Balance Sheets 51
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Loss 52
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 53
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 54
Note 1. Organization and Nature of Operations 54
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 54
Note 3. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements 59
Note 4. Acquisitions 59
Note 5. Net Income Per Share 62
Note 6. Income Taxes 63
Note 7. Goodwill and Intangible Assets 65
Note 8. Property, Plant and Equipment, Net 66
Note 9. Inventories, Net 67
Note 10. Debt 67
Note 11. Shareholders’ Equity 68
Note 12. Restructuring and Other Related Charges 72
Note 13. Defined Benefit Plans 73
Note 14. Financial Instruments 80
Note 15. Concentration of Credit Risk 82
Note 16. Operations by Geographical Area 83
Note 17. Commitments and Contingencies 83
Note 18. Selected Quarterly Data—(unaudited) 87
Note 19. Subsequent Events 87

 

46
 

 

Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm,

on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Colfax Corporation

 

We have audited Colfax Corporation’s 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 (the COSO criteria). Colfax Corporation’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit 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 effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

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 (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) 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 (3) 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.

 

As indicated in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, management’s assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of Rosscor Holding, B.V. (“Rosscor”) and COT-Puritech, Inc. (“COT-Puritech”), which are included in the 2011 consolidated financial statements of the Company and collectively constitute 8% and 10% of total and net assets, respectively as of December 31, 2011 and 9% of net sales for the year then ended. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of the Company did not include an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of Rosscor and COT-Puritech.

 

In our opinion, Colfax Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on the COSO criteria.

 

47
 

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Colfax Corporation as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and comprehensive loss and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011 of Colfax Corporation and our report dated February 23, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

 

Richmond, Virginia

February 23, 2012

 

48
 

 

Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Colfax Corporation

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Colfax Corporation as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and comprehensive loss, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedules are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedules based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. 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, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Colfax Corporation at December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Colfax Corporation's 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 and our report dated February 23, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

  

Richmond, Virginia

February 23, 2012

 

49
 

 

COLFAX CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2011   2010   2009 
             
Net sales  $693,392   $541,987   $525,024 
Cost of sales   453,293    350,579    339,237 
Gross profit   240,099    191,408    185,787 
Selling, general and administrative expense   144,817    119,426    112,503 
Research and development expense   5,707    6,205    5,930 
Charter acquisition-related expense   31,052         
Restructuring and other related charges   9,680    10,323    18,175 
Asbestos liability and defense cost (income)   12,237    7,876    (2,193)
Asbestos coverage litigation expense   10,700    13,206    11,742 
Operating income   25,906    34,372    39,630 
Interest expense   5,919    6,684    7,212 
Income before income taxes   19,987    27,688    32,418 
Provision for income taxes   15,432    11,473    8,621 
Net income  $4,555   $16,215   $23,797 
Net income per share – basic and diluted  $0.10   $0.37   $0.55 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

50
 

 

COLFAX CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share data)

 

   December 31, 
   2011   2010 
ASSETS          
CURRENT ASSETS:          
Cash and cash equivalents  $75,108   $60,542 
Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,578 and $2,562   117,475    98,070 
Inventories, net   56,136    57,941 
Deferred income taxes, net   9,407    6,108 
Asbestos insurance asset   43,452    34,117 
Asbestos insurance receivable   33,696    46,108 
Prepaid expense   9,190    11,851 
Other current assets   6,744    6,319 
Total current assets   351,208    321,056 
Deferred income taxes, net   43,989    52,385 
Property, plant and equipment, net   90,939    89,246 
Goodwill   204,844    172,338 
Intangible assets, net   41,029    28,298 
Long-term asbestos insurance asset   326,838    340,234 
Long-term asbestos insurance receivable   14,034    5,736 
Other assets   15,662    12,784 
Total assets  $1,088,543   $1,022,077 
           
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
CURRENT LIABILITIES:          
Current portion of long-term debt  $10,000   $10,000 
Accounts payable   54,035    50,896 
Accrued asbestos liability   48,700    37,875 
Accrued payroll   22,682    21,211 
Advance payment from customers   14,704    17,250 
Accrued taxes   4,911    6,173 
Accrued restructuring liability   4,573    2,180 
Other accrued liabilities   80,437    45,925 
Total current liabilities   240,042    191,510 
Long-term debt, less current portion   101,518    72,500 
Long-term asbestos liability   382,394    391,776 
Pension and accrued post-retirement benefits   140,429    112,257 
Deferred income tax liability   13,145    13,529 
Other liabilities   21,740    24,134 
Total liabilities   899,268    805,706 
Shareholders’ equity:          
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding        
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 43,697,570 and 43,413,553 issued and outstanding   44    43 
Additional paid-in capital   415,527    406,901 
Accumulated deficit   (55,503)   (60,058)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (170,793)   (130,515)
Total shareholders’ equity   189,275    216,371 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $1,088,543   $1,022,077 

  

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

51
 

 

COLFAX CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(In thousands)

 

  

Common

Stock

  

Additional

Paid-In

Capital

  

Accumulated

Deficit

  

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

Loss

   Total 
Balance at December 31, 2008  $43   $400,259   $(100,070)  $(118,857)  $181,375 
Comprehensive income (loss):                         
Net income           23,797        23,797 
Foreign currency translation, net of income taxes of $(7)               5,401    5,401 
Unrealized loss on hedging activities               (866)   (866)
Changes in unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost, net of income taxes of $(572)               (910)   (910)
Amounts reclassified to Net income:                         
Realized loss on hedging activities               2,881    2,881 
Net pension and other postretirement benefit cost, net of income taxes of $1,438               2,554    2,554 
Total comprehensive income           23,797    9,060    32,857 
Stock-based award activity       2,593            2,593 
Balance at December 31, 2009   43    402,852    (76,273)   (109,797)   216,825 
Comprehensive income (loss):                         
Net income           16,215        16,215 
Foreign currency translation, net of income taxes of $(1,224)               (8,260)   (8,260)
Unrealized loss on hedging activities               (1,201)   (1,201)
Changes in unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost, net of income taxes of $(1,717)               (18,690)   (18,690)
Amounts reclassified to Net income:                         
Realized loss on hedging activities               2,447    2,447 
Net pension and other postretirement benefit cost, net of income taxes of $89               4,986    4,986 
Total comprehensive income (loss)           16,215    (20,718)   (4,503)
Stock-based award activity       4,049            4,049 
Balance at December 31, 2010   43    406,901    (60,058)   (130,515)   216,371 
Comprehensive income (loss):                         
Net income           4,555        4,555 
Foreign currency translation, net of income taxes of $(18)               (11,465)   (11,465)
Unrealized loss on hedging activities               (161)   (161)
Changes in unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost, net of income taxes of $(654)               (34,291)   (34,291)
Amounts reclassified to Net income:                         
Realized loss on hedging activities               1,479    1,479 
Net pension and other postretirement benefit cost, net of income taxes of $114               4,160    4,160 
Total comprehensive income (loss)           4,555    (40,278)   (35,723)
Stock-based award activity   1    8,626            8,627 
Balance at December 31, 2011  $44   $415,527   $(55,503)  $(170,793)  $189,275 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

52
 

 

  

COLFAX CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2011   2010   2009 
Cash flows from operating activities:               
Net income  $4,555   $16,215   $23,797 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:               
Depreciation, amortization and fixed asset impairment charges   22,598    16,130    15,074 
Stock-based compensation expense   4,908    3,137    2,593 
Unrealized loss on acquisition-related foreign currency derivatives   21,146         
Amortization of deferred loan costs   735    677    677 
Loss (gain) on sale of fixed assets   679    90    (64)
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense   (1,722)   (296)   2,689 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:               
Trade receivables, net   (5,972)   (6,060)   16,280 
Inventories, net   10,844    11,598    10,763 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses, excluding asbestos-related accrued expenses   (10,902)   21,759    (20,899)
Other current assets   514    (934)   2,605 
Asbestos liability and asbestos-related accrued expense, net of asbestos insurance asset and receivable   15,035    9,659    (10,166)
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities   (5,265)   (10,010)   (4,645)
Net cash provided by operating activities   57,153    61,965    38,704 
                
Cash flows from investing activities:               
Purchase of fixed assets   (14,786)   (12,527)   (11,006)
Acquisitions, net of cash received   (56,346)   (27,960)   (1,678)
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets   1,162    74    219 
Net cash used in investing activities   (69,970)   (40,413)   (12,465)
                
Cash flows from financing activities:               
Payments under term credit facility   (10,000)   (8,750)   (5,000)
Proceeds from borrowings on revolving credit facilities   141,203    5,500     
Repayments of borrowings on revolving credit facilities   (102,180)   (5,500)    
Payments on capital leases       (205)   (417)
Proceeds from stock-based awards   3,719    912     
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   32,742    (8,043)   (5,417)
                
Effect of foreign exchange rates on Cash and cash equivalents   (5,359)   (2,930)   379 
                
Increase in Cash and cash equivalents   14,566    10,579    21,201 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period   60,542    49,963    28,762 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period  $75,108   $60,542   $49,963 
                
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:               
Interest payments  $5,209   $6,105   $6,615 
Income tax payments, net   16,731    5,819    16,596 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

  

53
 

  

COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1. Organization and Nature of Operations

 

Colfax Corporation (the “Company” or “Colfax”) is a global supplier of a broad range of fluid-handling products, including pumps, fluid-handling systems and controls, and specialty valves. The Company has a global manufacturing footprint, with production facilities in Europe, North America and Asia, as well as worldwide sales and distribution channels. The Company’s products serve a variety of applications in five strategic end markets: commercial marine, oil and gas, power generation, defense and general industrial. Colfax designs and engineers its products to high quality and reliability standards for use in critical fluid-handling applications where performance is paramount, and it offers customized fluid-handling solutions to meet individual customer needs based on its in-depth technical knowledge of the applications in which its products are used. The Company’s products are marketed principally under the Allweiler, Baric, Fairmount Automation, Houttuin, Imo, LSC, COT-Puritech, Portland Valve, Tushaco, Warren, and Zenith brand names.

 

On January 13, 2012, the Company completed an acquisition of Charter International plc (“Charter”) pursuant to which Charter became Colfax’s wholly owned subsidiary (the “Charter Acquisition”). The addition of Charter to the Company’s operations will significantly transform the Company’s organization and nature of operations. See Note 4, “Acquisitions” for additional information regarding the Charter Acquisition.

 

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The Company uses the equity method to account for any equity investments in instances in which it owns Common stock or similar interests and has the ability to exercise significant influence, but does not have control over the investee.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company generally recognizes revenues and costs from product sales when all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the price is fixed and determinable, product delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, there are no further obligations to customers, and collectibility is reasonably assured. Product delivery occurs when title and risk of loss transfer to the customer. The Company’s shipping terms vary based on the contract. If any significant obligations to the customer with respect to such sale remain to be fulfilled following shipments, typically involving obligations relating to installation and acceptance by the buyer, revenue recognition is deferred until such obligations have been fulfilled. Any customer allowances and discounts are recorded as a reduction in reported revenues at the time of sale because these allowances reflect a reduction in the sales price for the products sold. These allowances and discounts are estimated based on historical experience and known trends. Revenue related to service agreements is recognized as revenue over the term of the agreement.

 

In some cases, customer contracts may include multiple deliverables for product shipments and installation or maintenance labor. Deliverables are determined to be separate units of accounting if they have standalone value and there is a general right of return relative to the deliverable. Revenues from product shipments on this type of contract are recognized when title and risk of loss transfer to the customer, and the service revenue components are recognized as services are performed.

 

Customers may also request that the Company store products on their behalf until the product is needed. Under these arrangements, revenue is recognized when title and risk of loss have passed to the customer.

 

Amounts billed for shipping and handling are recorded as revenue. Shipping and handling expenses are recorded as a component of Cost of sales. Progress billings are generally shown as a reduction of Inventories, net unless such billings are in excess of accumulated costs, in which case such balances are included in Advance payment from customers in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

  

54
 

 

COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

 

Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities

 

The Company collects various taxes and fees as an agent in connection with the sale of products and remits these amounts to the respective taxing authorities. These taxes and fees have been presented on a net basis in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and are recorded as a component of Accrued taxes in the Consolidated Balance Sheet until remitted to the respective taxing authority.

 

Research and Development Expense

 

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

 

Advertising Costs

 

Advertising costs of $1.2 million, $0.5 million, and $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, are expensed as incurred and are included in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents include all financial instruments purchased with an initial maturity of three months or less.

 

Trade Receivables

 

Accounts receivable are presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company records an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon estimates of amounts deemed uncollectible and a specific review of significant delinquent accounts factoring in current and expected economic conditions. Estimated losses are based on historical collection experience, and are reviewed periodically by management.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories, net include the cost of material, labor and overhead and are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is primarily determined using the first-in, first-out method. The Company periodically reviews its quantities of inventories on hand and compares these amounts to the expected usage of each particular product. The Company records as a charge to Cost of sales any amounts required to reduce the carrying value of inventories to net realizable value.

 

Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Property, plant and equipment, net are stated at historical cost, which includes the fair values of such assets acquired. Depreciation of Property, plant and equipment is recorded on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives and is included as a component of Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Assets recorded under capital leases are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the lease terms, which range from three to 15 years. Repair and maintenance expenditures are expensed as incurred unless the repair extends the useful life of the asset.

 

Impairment of Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

 

Goodwill represents the costs in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired associated with acquisitions by the Company. Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of trade names.

 

The Company evaluates the recoverability of Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets annually or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change in the interim that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the asset below its carrying amount.

 

55
 

 

COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

 

During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company changed the date of its annual impairment test for Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets from the last day of the fourth quarter to the first day of the fourth quarter. The Company adopted this change in timing in order to provide additional time to quantify the fair value of its reporting units and, if necessary, to determine the implied fair value of Goodwill. This change in timing will also reduce the likelihood that the annual impairment analysis would not be completed by the required filing date of the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The revised date also better aligns with our strategic planning and budgeting process, which is an integral component of the impairment testing. In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), the Company will also perform interim impairment testing should circumstances requiring it arise. We believe this accounting change is preferable and does not result in the delay, acceleration, or avoidance of an impairment charge.

 

In the evaluation of Goodwill for impairment, the Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting entity is less than its carrying value. If the Company determines that it is not likely for a reporting unit’s fair value to be less than its carrying value, a calculation of the fair value is not performed. If the Company determines that it is likely for a reporting unit’s fair value to be less than its carrying value, a calculation of the reporting entity’s fair value is performed and compared to the carrying value of that entity. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Goodwill attributable to that reporting unit is potentially impaired and step two of the impairment analysis is performed. In step two of the analysis, an impairment loss is recorded equal to the excess of the carrying value of the reporting unit’s Goodwill over its implied fair value should such a circumstance arise.

 

The Company measures fair value of reporting units based on a present value of future discounted cash flows or a market valuation approach. The discounted cash flows model indicates the fair value of the reporting units based on the present value of the cash flows that the reporting units are expected to generate in the future. Significant estimates in the discounted cash flows model include: the weighted-average cost of capital; long-term rate of growth and profitability of our business; and working capital effects. The market valuation approach indicates the fair value of the business based on a comparison of the Company against certain market information. Significant estimates in the market approach model include identifying appropriate market multiples and assessing earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization in estimating the fair value of the reporting units.

 

The Company tests its indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment using the “relief from royalty” method. Significant estimates in this approach include royalty and discount rates for each trade name evaluated.

 

The analysis performed as of October 1, 2011, October 2, 2010 and December 31, 2009 indicated no impairment to be present.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Other than Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

 

Intangibles primarily represent acquired customer relationships, acquired order backlog, acquired technology and software license agreements. Acquired order backlog is amortized in the same period the corresponding revenue is recognized. A portion of the Company’s acquired customer relationships is being amortized over seven years based on the present value of the future cash flows expected to be generated from the acquired customers. All other intangibles are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, generally ranging from three to 20 years.

 

The Company assesses its long-lived assets other than Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be fully recoverable. To analyze recoverability, the Company projects undiscounted net future cash flows over the remaining lives of such assets. If these projected cash flows are less than the carrying amounts, an impairment loss would be recognized, resulting in a write-down of the assets with a corresponding charge to earnings. The impairment loss is measured based upon the difference between the carrying amounts and the fair values of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amounts or fair value less cost to sell. Management determines fair value using the discounted cash flow method or other accepted valuation techniques. The Company recorded asset impairment losses totaling $0.1 million and $0.6 million during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2009, respectively, in connection with facility closures as a component of Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. No such impairments were recorded during the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

56
 

 

COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

 

Derivatives

 

Derivative instruments are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets in either Other current assets, Other assets, Other accrued liabilities or Other liabilities depending upon their respective fair value and maturity date.

 

The Company designates a portion of its derivative instruments as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes. For all derivatives designated as hedges, the Company formally documents the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item, as well as the risk management objective and the strategy for using the hedging instrument. The Company assesses whether the hedging relationship between the derivative and the hedged item is highly effective at offsetting changes in the cash flows both at inception of the hedging relationship and on an ongoing basis. Unrealized gains and losses are recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Consolidated Balance Sheets to the extent that it is effective at offsetting changes in the hedged cash flows. Realized gains and losses and any change in the fair value that is not effective at offsetting changes in the cash flows or fair values of the hedged item are reclassified to the Consolidated Statement of Operations, specifically to Interest expense in the case of interest rate swaps. Changes in the fair value of certain derivatives not designated as hedges, related to the Charter Acquisition are recognized in Charter acquisition-related expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations, while the changes in the fair value of all other derivatives not designated as hedges are recognized as a component of Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

See Note 14, “Financial Instruments” for further information regarding the Company’s derivative instruments.

 

Self-Insurance

 

The Company is self-insured for a portion of its product liability, workers’ compensation, general liability, medical coverage and certain other liability exposures. The Company accrues loss reserves up to the retention amounts when such amounts are reasonably estimable and probable. The Company’s reserves, included in Other accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, related to self-insurance are as follows:

   December 31, 
   2011   2010 
   (In thousands) 
Medical insurance  $1,086   $702 
Workers’ compensation   246    153 
Total self-insurance reserves  $1,332   $855 

 

Warranty Costs

 

Estimated expenses related to product warranties are accrued at the time products are sold to customers and included in Cost of sales in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Estimates are established using historical information as to the nature, frequency, and average costs of warranty claims.

 

57
 

 

COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

 

The activity in the Company’s warranty liability, which is included in Other accrued liabilities in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements consisted of the following:

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2011   2010   2009 
   (In thousands) 
Warranty liability, beginning of period  $2,963   $2,852   $3,108 
Accrued warranty expense   2,491    2,079    1,651 
Changes in estimates related to pre-existing warranties   (368)   (589)   (798)
Cost of warranty service work performed   (2,479)   (1,264)   (1,191)
Acquisitions   477         
Foreign exchange translation effect   (97)   (115)   82 
                
Warranty liability, end of period  $2,987   $2,963   $2,852 

 

Income Taxes

 

Income taxes for the Company are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Financial Statements and their respective tax basis. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to be applied to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on Deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is generally recognized in Provision for income taxes in the period that includes the enactment date.

 

Valuation allowances are recorded if it is more likely than not that some portion of the Deferred income taxes will not be realized. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, the Company takes into account various factors, including the expected level of future taxable income and available tax planning strategies. If actual results differ from the assumptions made in the evaluation of the Company’s valuation allowance, it records a change in the valuation allowance through the Provision for income taxes or Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the period such determination is made.

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Gains and Losses

 

The Company’s financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars. The functional currencies of the Company’s operating subsidiaries are the local currencies of the countries in which each subsidiary is located. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange in effect during the year. The amounts recorded in each year are net of income taxes to the extent the underlying equity balances in the entities are not deemed to be permanently reinvested.

 

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate in effect at the date of each transaction. Differences in exchange rates during the period between the date a transaction denominated in a foreign currency is consummated and the date on which it is either settled or translated for inclusion in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are recognized in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for that period. The net foreign currency transaction gain (loss) was $0.2 million, $(0.4) million and $(1.4) million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 

Debt Issuance Costs

 

Costs directly related to the placement of debt are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method over the term of the related obligation. Deferred issuance costs of $4.3 million and $1.6 million, respectively, were included in Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 net of $2.5 million and $1.8 million, respectively, of accumulated amortization. Deferred issuance costs as of December 31, 2011 include $3.3 million of issuance costs incurred related to the Company’s Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement (as defined and further discussed in Note 10, “Debt”).

 

58
 

 

COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

 

Use of Estimates

 

The Company makes certain estimates and assumptions in preparing its Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with GAAP. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the period presented. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentations.

 

3. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-08, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other” (“ASU No. 2011-08”). ASU No. 2011-08 was intended to reduce the complexity and cost by providing an option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The Company adopted ASU No. 2011-08 in conjunction with its October 1, 2011 Goodwill impairment analysis. The adoption of ASU No. 2011-08 did not have an impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-13, “Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements—a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force” (“ASU No. 2009-13”). ASU No. 2009-13 addresses the unit of accounting for arrangements involving multiple deliverables and how arrangement consideration should be allocated to the separate units of accounting. The Company adopted the provisions of ASU No. 2009-13 prospectively beginning January 1, 2011. The adoption of ASU No. 2009-13 did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

4. Acquisitions

 

Charter International plc

 

On January 13, 2012, Colfax Corporation completed the Charter Acquisition for a total purchase price of $2.6 billion. Under the terms of the Charter Acquisition, Charter shareholders received 730 pence in cash and 0.1241 newly issued shares of Colfax Corporation Common stock in exchange for each share of Charter’s ordinary stock. Charter is a global industrial manufacturing company focused on welding, cutting and automation and air and gas handling. The acquisition is expected to:

 

enhance the Company’s business profile by providing a meaningful recurring revenue stream and considerable exposure to emerging markets;

 

enable Colfax to benefit from strong secular growth drivers, with a balance of short- and long-cycle businesses; and

 

provide an additional growth platform in the fragmented fabrication technology industry.

 

See Note 10, “Debt” and Note 11, “Shareholders’ Equity” for discussion of the respective financing components of the Charter Acquisition.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company incurred $31.1 million of advisory, legal, audit, valuation and other professional service fees and unrealized losses on acquisition-related foreign exchange derivatives in connection with the Charter Acquisition, which are included in Charter acquisition-related expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. As of December 31, 2011, $29.4 million and $2.0 million related to these expenses were included in Other accrued liabilities and Accounts payable, respectively, in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. See Note 14, “Financial Instruments” for additional information regarding the Company’s derivative instruments.

59
 

 

COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

 

The Charter Acquisition will be accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting and accordingly, the Consolidated Financial Statements will include the financial position and results of operations from the date of acquisition. The following unaudited proforma financial information presents Colfax’s consolidated financial information assuming the acquisition had taken place on January 1, 2010. These amounts are presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, consistent with the Company’s accounting policies.

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2011   2010 
   (Unaudited, in thousands) 
Net sales  $3,776,774   $3,204,619 
Net (loss) income available to Colfax common shareholders   (16,124)   4,864 

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s best estimate of the aggregate fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. These amounts are determined based upon certain valuations and studies that have yet to be finalized, and accordingly, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as detailed below, are subject to adjustment once the detailed analyses are completed. Substantially all of the Goodwill recognized is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

 

   January 13, 
   2012 
   (In thousands) 
Trade receivables  $671,914 
Inventories   469,172 
Property, plant and equipment   591,265 
Goodwill   1,635,679 
Intangible assets   715,643 
Accounts payable   (511,481)
Debt   (396,701)
Other assets and liabilities, net   (387,183)
    2,788,308 
Less: net assets attributable to noncontrolling interest   (236,257)
Net cash consideration  $2,552,051 

  

The following table summarizes Intangible asset acquired, excluding Goodwill:

 

   Intangible   Weighted-Average 
   Asset   Amortization 
   (In thousands)   Period (Years) 
     
Trade names – indefinite life  $363,628                       n/a 
Customer relationships   215,310    7.10 
Acquired technology   77,485    10.33 
Backlog   54,805    1.00 
Trademarks   4,415    5.00 
Intangible assets  $715,643    6.84 

 

The following acquisitions were accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting and, accordingly, the Consolidated Financial Statements include the financial position and results of operations from the respective date of acquisition:

 

COT-Puritech, Inc.

 

On December 6, 2011, the Company completed the acquisition of COT-Puritech, Inc. (“COT-Puritech”), a domestic supplier of oil flushing and remediation services to power generation plants, refinery and petrochemical operators and other industrial manufacturing sites, with primary operations based in Canton, Ohio, for a total purchase price, net of cash acquired, of $39.4 million which includes the fair value of estimated additional contingent cash payments of $4.3 million. The additional contingent cash payments will be paid over two years subject to the achievement of certain performance goals. As a result of this acquisition, the Company has expanded its lubrication services offerings in the oil and gas and power generation end markets to include oil flushing and remediation services. All Goodwill recognized related to this acquisition is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

60
 

   

COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

 

The following table summarizes the aggregate estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:

 

   December 6, 
   2011 
   (In thousands) 
Trade receivables  $4,495 
Inventories   229 
Property, plant and equipment   1,948 
Goodwill   25,073 
Intangible assets   10,070 
Accounts payable   (1,001)
Other assets and liabilities, net   (1,413)
Total purchase price, net of cash acquired (1)  $39,401 

 

__________

(1)See Note 14, “Financial Instruments” for discussion regarding the Company’s $4.3 million liability for contingent payment associated with the acquisition of COT-Puritech, which is included in the total purchase price.

 

The following table summarizes the Intangible assets acquired, excluding Goodwill:

 

   Intangible   Weighted-Average 
   Asset   Amortization 
   (In thousands)   Period (Years) 
Customer relationships  $8,020    10.00 
Trade names – Indefinite life   2,050    n/a 
Intangible assets  $10,070      

 

Rosscor Holding, B.V.

 

On February 14, 2011, the Company completed the acquisition of Rosscor Holding, B.V. (“Rosscor”) for $22.3 million, net of cash acquired. Rosscor is a supplier of multiphase pumping technology and certain other highly engineered fluid-handling systems, with its primary operations based in Hengelo, The Netherlands. As a result of this acquisition, the Company has expanded its product offerings in the oil and gas end market to include multiphase pump systems that many of its customers already purchase. None of the Goodwill recognized is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

 

The following table summarizes the aggregate estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:

 

   February 14, 
   2011 
   (In thousands) 
Trade receivables  $8,475 
Inventories   11,439 
Property, plant and equipment   1,121 
Goodwill   10,212 
Intangible assets   10,726 
Accounts payable   (8,851)
Customer advance payments   (7,466)
Other assets and liabilities, net   (3,357)
Net cash consideration  $22,299 

 

61
 

 

COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

 

The following table summarizes the Intangible assets acquired, excluding Goodwill:

  

   Intangible   Weighted-Average 
   Asset   Amortization 
   (In thousands)   Period (Years) 
Backlog  $1,828    0.98 
Acquired technology   8,898    20.00 
Intangible assets  $10,726    16.76 

 

Baric Group

 

On August 19, 2010, the Company completed the acquisition of Baric Group (“Baric”) for $27.0 million, net of cash acquired. Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2010, a final working capital settlement of $0.2 million was paid pursuant to terms of the purchase agreements. Baric is a supplier of highly engineered fluid-handling systems primarily for lubrication applications, with its primary operations based in Blyth, United Kingdom. The Company recognized $12.9 million of Goodwill related to the Baric acquisition, none of which is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

 

The following table summarizes the Intangible assets acquired, excluding Goodwill:

 

   Intangible   Weighted-Average 
   Asset   Amortization 
   (In thousands)   Period (Years) 
Acquired customer relationships  $7,053    10.00 
Acquired technology   6,492    9.60 
Backlog   3,339    2.30 
Trade names – indefinite life   2,770    n/a 
Other amortizable intangible assets   395    8.60 
Intangible assets(1)  $20,049      

__________

(1)The weighted-average amortization period for total amortizable intangible assets related to the Baric acquisition is 8.3 years.

 

Fairmount Automation

 

On November 29, 2007, the Company acquired Fairmount Automation, Inc. (“Fairmount”), an original equipment manufacturer of mission critical programmable automation controllers in fluid-handling applications primarily for the U.S. Navy. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the final target under the purchase agreement was achieved, resulting in a contingent payment of $0.7 million, which was recorded as an increase in Goodwill.

 

5. Net Income Per Share

 

Net income per share was computed as follows:

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2011   2010   2009 
   (In thousands, except share data) 
Net income  $4,555   $16,215   $23,797 
                
Weighted-average shares of Common stock outstanding – basic   43,634,937    43,389,878    43,222,616 
Net effect of potentially dilutive securities(1)   633,173    277,347    103,088 
Weighted-average shares of Common stock outstanding – diluted   44,268,110    43,667,225    43,325,704 
                
Net income per share – basic and diluted  $0.10   $0.37   $0.55 

__________

(1)Potentially dilutive securities consist of stock options and restricted stock units.

 

62
 

 

COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

 

The weighted-average computation of the dilutive effect of potentially issuable shares of Common stock under the treasury stock method for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 excludes approximately 0.5 million, 1.3 million and 0.6 million outstanding stock-based compensation awards, respectively, as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

 

6.Income Taxes

  

 Income before income taxes and Provision for income taxes consisted of the following:

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2011   2010   2009 
   (In thousands) 
(Loss) income before income taxes:               
Domestic operations  $(27,645)  $(12,737)  $698 
Foreign operations   47,632    40,425    31,720 
   $19,987   $27,688   $32,418 
                
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes:               
Current:               
Federal  $182   $(30)  $(1,323)
State   (94)   261    344 
Foreign   17,066    11,538    6,911 
   $17,154    11,769    5,932 
Deferred:               
Domestic operations           2,241 
Foreign operations   (1,722)   (296)   448 
    (1,722)   (296)   2,689 
   $15,432   $11,473   $8,621 

 

The Company’s Provision for income taxes differs from the amount that would be computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory rate as follows:

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2011   2010   2009 
   (In thousands) 
Taxes calculated at the U.S. federal statutory rate  $6,995   $9,691   $11,346 
State taxes   (421)   (5)   34 
Effect of international tax rates   (2,988)   (2,522)   (2,260)
Changes in valuation allowance and tax reserves   11,177    3,827    (710)
Other   669    482    211 
Provision for income taxes  $15,432   $11,473   $8,621 

  

63
 

 

COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

 

Deferred income taxes, net reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

  

   December 31, 
   2011   2010 
   Current   Non-Current   Current   Non-Current 
   (In thousands) 
Deferred tax assets:                    
Post-retirement benefit obligation  $861   $38,311   $1,076   $28,688 
Expenses currently not deductible   16,724    33,397    7,401    30,042 
Net operating loss carryover       51,614        49,789 
Tax credit carryover       5,882        5,728 
Other   671    687    918    823 
Total deferred tax assets   18,256    129,891    9,395    115,070 
Valuation allowance   (8,062)   (71,793)   (2,987)   (49,904)
Deferred tax assets, net  $10,194   $58,098   $6,408   $65,166 
                     
Deferred tax liabilities:                    
Depreciation and amortization  $   $13,437   $   $14,901 
Other   873    13,815    503    11,410 
Total deferred tax liabilities  $873   $27,252   $503   $26,311 
                     
Total deferred tax assets, net  $9,321   $30,846   $5,905   $38,855 

 

The Company presents net current and non-current tax assets and liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet for each taxing jurisdiction. The above table is presented prior to the netting of the current and non-current deferred tax items. The Company evaluates the recoverability of its deferred tax assets on a jurisdictional basis by considering whether deferred tax assets will be realized on a more likely than not basis. To the extent a portion or all of the applicable deferred tax assets do not meet the more likely than not threshold, a valuation allowance is recorded. During the year ending December 31, 2011, the valuation allowance increased from $52.9 million to $79.9 million with $16.7 million and $10.3 million of the increase recognized in Provision for income taxes and Accumulated other comprehensive loss, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the valuation allowance increased by $7.8 million, with $4.2 million and $3.6 million of the increase recognized in Provision for income taxes and Other comprehensive income, respectively, primarily due to U.S. deferred tax assets that the Company believed that it is more likely than not that they would be realized. Consideration was given to U.S. tax planning strategies and future U.S. taxable income as to how much of the relevant deferred tax asset could be realized on a more likely than not basis.

 

The Company has U.S. net operating loss carryforwards of $135.3 million expiring in years 2021 through 2031, and minimum tax credits of $1.9 million that may be carried forward indefinitely. Tax credit carryforwards include foreign tax credits that have been offset by a valuation allowance. A portion of the Company’s net operating loss carryforwards relate to prior to the Company’s initial public offering, which was considered to be an “ownership change” within the meaning of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. As a result, the Company’s ability to use these various carryforwards to offset any taxable income generated in future taxable periods may be limited under Section 382 and other federal tax provisions.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, all undistributed earnings of the Company’s controlled international subsidiaries is considered to be permanently reinvested and no tax expense in the U.S. has been recognized under the applicable accounting standard, for these reinvested earnings. The amount of unremitted earnings from these international subsidiaries, subject to local statutory restrictions, as of December 31, 2011 is $194.8 million. The amount of deferred tax liability that would have been recognized had such earnings not been permanently reinvested is not reasonably determinable.

 

64
 

 

COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

 

In accordance with GAAP, the Company records a liability for unrecognized income tax benefits for the amount of benefit included in its previously filed income tax returns and in its financial results expected to be included in income tax returns to be filed for periods through the date of its Consolidated Financial Statements for income tax positions for which it is more likely than not that a tax position will not be sustained upon examination by the respective taxing authority. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

 

    (In thousands) 
Balance, December 31, 2009  $8,746 
Addition for tax positions taken in prior periods   590 
Addition for tax positions taken in the current period   412 
Reduction for tax positions taken in prior periods   (1,076)
Other, including the impact of foreign currency translation   (81)
Balance, December 31, 2010   8,591 
Addition for tax positions taken in prior periods   685 
Addition for tax positions taken in the current period   188 
Reduction for tax positions taken in prior periods   (5,695)
Other, including the impact of foreign currency translation   (60)
Balance, December 31, 2011  $3,709 

 

The Company’s total unrecognized tax benefits were $4.1 million and $8.9 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, inclusive of $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively, of interest and penalties. These amounts were offset in part by tax benefits of $0.5 million and $0.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The net liabilities for uncertain tax positions for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 were $3.6 million and $8.3 million, respectively, and if recognized, would favorably impact the effective tax rate. The Company records interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions as a component of Provision for income taxes, which amounted to $0.1 million, $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 

The Company is subject to income tax in the U.S. (including state jurisdictions) and international locations. The Company’s significant operations outside the U.S. are located in Germany and Sweden. In Sweden, Germany and the U.S. tax years 2006 to 2011 remain subject to examination, and in the U.S. the tax year ending in 2003 that has U.S. tax attributes available that have been carried forward to open tax years or are available to be carried forward to future tax years also remains open for examination by federal and state tax authorities.

 

Due to the difficulty in predicting with reasonable certainty when tax audits will be fully resolved and closed, the range of reasonably possible significant increases or decreases in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits that may occur within the next 12 months is difficult to ascertain. Currently, the Company estimates that it is reasonably possible that the expiration of various statutes of limitations and resolution of tax audits may reduce its tax expense in the next 12 months in amounts ranging from zero to $0.5 million.

 

7.Goodwill and Intangible Assets

 

  The following table summarizes the activity in Goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:

 

   (In thousands) 
Balance, January 1, 2010  $163,418 
Contingent purchase price payment for Fairmount acquisition   736 
Goodwill attributable to Baric acquisition   12,940 
Impact of foreign currency translation   (4,756)
Balance, December 31, 2010   172,338 
Goodwill attributable to Rosscor acquisition   10,212 
Goodwill attributable to COT-Puritech acquisition   25,073 
Impact of foreign currency translation   (2,779)
Balance, December 31, 2011  $204,844 

 

65
 

 

COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

 

The following table summarizes the Intangible assets, excluding Goodwill:

 

   December 31, 
   2011   2010 
  

Gross

Carrying

Amount

  

Accumulated

Amortization

  

Gross

Carrying

Amount

  

Accumulated

Amortization

 
   (In thousands) 
Acquired customer relationships  $29,798   $(12,987)  $22,084   $(10,719)
Trade names – indefinite life   6,803        4,819     
Acquired technology   17,961    (2,791)   12,231    (3,331)
Acquired backlog   3,451    (2,033)   3,311    (474)
Other intangible assets   4,962    (4,135)   591    (214)
   $62,975   $(21,946)  $43,036   $(14,738)

 

See Note 4, “Acquisitions” for additional information regarding the activity in Goodwill and Intangible assets, net associated with acquisitions made by the Company during the periods presented.

 

Amortization expense related to amortizable intangible assets was included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as follows:

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2011   2010   2009 
   (In thousands) 
Selling, general and administrative expense  $7,821   $3,501   $2,578 

 

Total amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets as of December 31, 2011 is expected to be $6.6 million, $4.0 million, $3.7 million, $3.3 million and $3.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively.

 

8.Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

 

      December 31, 
  Depreciable Life   2011   2010 
   (In years)   (In thousands) 
Land   n/a   $14,786   $15,106 
Buildings and improvements   5-40    38,642    39,666 
Machinery and equipment   3-15    134,548    121,933 
Software   3-5    16,948    17,063 
       204,924    193,768 
Accumulated depreciation       (113,985)   (104,522)
Property, plant and equipment, net      $90,939   $89,246 

  

Depreciation expense, including the amortization of assets recorded under capital leases, for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, was $13.1 million, $12.1 million and $11.8 million, respectively. These amounts include depreciation expense related to software for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 of $1.7 million, $1.9 million and $1.7 million, respectively.

 

66
 

 

COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

 

9.Inventories, Net

 

Inventories, net consisted of the following:

 

   December 31, 
   2011   2010 
   (In thousands) 
Raw materials  $25,241   $23,758 
Work in process   26,376    32,224 
Finished goods   20,378    20,121 
    71,995    76,103 
Less: customer progress billings   (9,124)   (10,385)
Less: allowance for excess, slow-moving and obsolete inventory   (6,735)   (7,777)
Inventories, net  $56,136   $57,941 

 

10.Debt

 

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

 

   December 31, 
   2011   2010 
   (In thousands) 
Term credit facility  $72,500   $82,500 
Revolving credit facility   39,018     
Total Debt   111,518    82,500 
Less: current portion   (10,000)   (10,000)
Long-term debt  $101,518   $72,500 

 

As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company was party to a credit agreement (the “Bank of America Credit Agreement”), led and administered by Bank of America, which is a senior secured structure with a revolving credit facility and term credit facility. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Credit Agreement was amended to, among other items, eliminate the $6.0 million commitment of a defaulted lender, which resulted in a reduction of the revolving credit facility’s total capacity from $150.0 million to $144.0 million.

 

The term credit facility bears interest at the London Interbank Offered Rate plus a margin ranging from 2.25% to 2.75% determined by the total leverage ratio calculated at the end of each quarter. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the interest rate was 2.55% and 2.76%, respectively, inclusive of a margin of 2.25% and 2.50%, respectively.

 

The revolving credit facility contains a $50.0 million letter of credit sub-facility, a $25.0 million swing line loan sub-facility and permits borrowings in dollars, Euros and sterling, subject to certain limits. The annual commitment fee on the revolver ranges from 0.4% to 0.5% determined by the Company’s total leverage ratio calculated at the end of each quarter. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the commitment fee was 0.4% and 0.5%, respectively, and there was $12.9 million and $14.1 million outstanding on the letter of credit sub-facility, respectively. As of December 31, 2011, the Company’s availability under the revolving credit facility was $92.1 million.

 

The Company is also party to additional letter of credit facilities with total capacity of $48.8 million and $21.0 million outstanding as of December 31, 2011.

 

67
 

 

COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

 

The contractual maturities of the Company’s debt as of December 31, 2011 are as follows(1):

 

   (In thousands) 
2012  $10,000 
2013   101,518 
Total  $111,518 

 __________

(1)The Company’s contractual maturities as of December 31, 2011 represent amounts payable under the Bank of America Credit Facility, which was terminated on January 13, 2012.

 

On January 13, 2012, the Company terminated the Bank of America Credit Facility in conjunction with the financing of the Charter Acquisition. Upon the early termination of the Bank of America Credit Agreement, the Company incurred a total pre-tax charge of $1.5 million, which includes the write-off of $1.0 million of deferred financing fees and $0.5 million of losses reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss for the related interest rate swap.

 

On January 13, 2012 and January 25, 2012, Colfax issued four tranches of term loans: (i) a $200 million term A-1 facility, (ii) a $500 million term A-2 facility, (iii) a $200 million term A-3 facility to be borrowed in Euros and (iv) a $900 million term B facility pursuant to a credit agreement (the “Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement”) with Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. and certain other lender parties named therein. In addition, the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement has two revolving credit facilities which total $300 million in commitments (the “Revolver”). The Revolver includes a $200 million letter of credit sub-facility and a $50 million swingline loan sub-facility. As of December 31, 2011, the Company had $3.3 million of deferred financing fees related to the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement included in Other assets in the Consolidated Balance sheet, which will be accreted to Interest expense using the effective interest method.

 

In connection with the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement, the Company has pledged substantially all of its domestic subsidiaries’ assets and 65% of the shares of certain first tier international subsidiaries as collateral against borrowings to its U.S. companies. In addition, subsidiaries in certain foreign jurisdictions have guaranteed the Company’s obligations on borrowings of one of its European subsidiaries, as well as pledged substantially all of the assets for such borrowings to this European subsidiary under the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement. The Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement contains customary covenants limiting the Company’s ability to, among other things, pay dividends, incur debt or liens, redeem or repurchase equity, enter into transactions with affiliates, make investments, merge or consolidate with others or dispose of assets. In addition, the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement contains financial covenants requiring the Company to maintain a total leverage ratio of not more than 4.95 to 1.0 and a minimum interest coverage ratio of 2.0 to 1.0, measured at the end of each quarter, through the year ended December 31, 2012. The minimum interest coverage ratio increases by 25 basis points each year beginning in the year ended December 31, 2012 until it reaches 3.0 to 1.0 for the year ended December 31, 2016. The maximum total leverage ratio decreases to 4.75 to 1.0 for the year ended December 31, 2014 and decreases by 25 basis points for the two subsequent fiscal years until it reaches 4.25 to 1.0 for the year ended December 31, 2016. The Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement contains various events of default, including failure to comply with such financial covenants, and upon an event of default the lenders may, subject to various customary cure rights, require the immediate payment of all amounts outstanding under the Term Loans and Revolver and foreclose on the collateral. In addition, the Bank of America Credit Agreement contained financial covenants requiring the Company to maintain a total leverage ratio of not more than 3.25 to 1.0 and a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.50 to 1.0, measured at the end of each quarter. If the Company was not in compliance with the various covenants under the Bank of America Credit Agreement and related agreements, the lenders could have, subject to various customary cure rights, required the immediate payment of all amounts outstanding under the term credit facility and revolving credit facility. 

  

11.Shareholders’ Equity

 

Common and Preferred Stock

 

During the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, 248,017 and 194,999 shares of Common stock, respectively, were issued in connection with stock option exercises and employee share-based payment arrangements that vested during the year.

 

68
 

 

 

COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

 

On January 24, 2012, following approval by the Company’s stockholders, the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation was amended to increase the number of authorized shares from 210,000,000 shares to 420,000,000 shares, comprised of an increase in Common stock from 200,000,000 shares to 400,000,000 shares and an increase in Preferred stock from 10,000,000 shares to 20,000,000 shares.

 

In connection with the financing of the Charter Acquisition, on January 24, 2012, the Company sold (i) 14,756,945 newly issued shares of Colfax Common stock and (ii) 13,877,552 shares of newly created Series A perpetual convertible preferred stock, referred to as the Series A Preferred Stock, for an aggregate of $680 million (representing $24.50 per share of Series A Preferred Stock and $23.04 per share of Common stock) pursuant to a securities purchase agreement (the “BDT Purchase Agreement”) with BDT CF Acquisition Vehicle, LLC (the “BDT Investor”) as well as BDT Capital Partners Fund I-A, L.P., and Mitchell P. Rales, Chairman of Colfax’s Board of Directors, and his brother, Steven M. Rales (for the limited purpose of tag-along sales rights provided to the BDT Investor in the event of a sale or transfer of shares of Colfax Common stock by either or both of Mitchell P. Rales and Steven M. Rales). Under the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock, holders are entitled to receive cumulative cash dividends, payable quarterly, at a per annum rate of 6% of the liquidation preference (defined as $24.50, subject to customary antidilution adjustments), provided that the dividend rate shall be increased to a per annum rate of 8% if Colfax fails to pay the full amount of any dividend required to be paid on such shares until the date that full payment is made.

The Series A Preferred Stock is convertible, in whole or in part, at the option of the holders at any time after the date the shares were issued into shares of Colfax Common stock at a conversion rate determined by dividing the liquidation preference by a number equal to 114% of the liquidation preference, subject to certain adjustments. The Series A Preferred Stock is also convertible, in whole or in part, at the option of Colfax on or after the third anniversary of the issuance of the shares at the same conversion rate if, among other things: (i) for the preceding thirty trading days, the closing price of Colfax Common stock on the New York Stock Exchange exceeds 133% of the applicable conversion price and (ii) Colfax has declared and paid or set apart for payment all accrued but unpaid dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock.

On January 24, 2012, Colfax sold 2,170,139 to each of Mitchell P. Rales, Chairman of Colfax’s Board of Directors, and his brother Steven M. Rales and 1,085,070 to Markel Corporation, a Virginia corporation (“Markel”) of newly issued Colfax Common stock at $23.04 per share, for a total aggregate of $125 million, pursuant to separate securities purchase agreements with Mitchell P. Rales and Steven M. Rales, each of whom were beneficial owners of 20.9% of Colfax’s Common stock, and Markel. Thomas S. Gayner, a member of Colfax’s Board of Directors, is President and Chief Investment Officer of Markel.

Consideration paid to Charter shareholders included 0.1241 shares of newly issued Colfax Common stock in exchange for each share of Charter’s ordinary stock, which resulted in the issuance of 20,735,493 shares of Common stock on January 24, 2012.

In conjunction with the issuance of the Common and Preferred stock discussed above, the Company recognized $0.5 million in deferred equity issuance costs as of December 31, 2011 which are included in Other current assets and will be reclassified to Additional paid-in capital upon issuance of the related shares.

 

Dividend Restrictions

The Company’s Bank of America Credit Agreement limits the amount of cash dividends and Common stock repurchases the Company may make to a total of $10 million annually. Beginning on January 13, 2012, the Company is subject to dividend restrictions under the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement, which increases the Company’s limit on the total amount of cash dividends and Common stock repurchases to $50 million annually.

 

69
 

 

COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:

 

   December 31, 
   2011   2010 
   (In thousands) 
Foreign currency translation adjustment  $(5,537)  $5,928 
Unrealized loss on hedging activities   (471)   (1,789)
Net unrecognized pension and other post-retirement benefit cost   (164,785)   (134,654)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  $(170,793)  $(130,515)

 

Share-Based Payments

The Company adopted the Colfax Corporation 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2008 Plan”) on April 21, 2008. The 2008 Plan provides the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors discretion in creating employee equity incentives. Awards under the 2008 Plan may be made in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, dividend equivalent rights, performance shares, performance units, and other stock-based awards.

 

The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense related to share-based payments based on the fair value of the instruments issued. Stock-based compensation expense is generally recognized as a component of Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, as payroll costs of the employees receiving the awards are recorded in the same line item.

 

The Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations reflect the following amounts related to stock-based compensation:

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
    2011(1)   2010(2)   2009 
   (In thousands) 
Stock-based compensation expense  $4,908   $3,137   $2,593 
Deferred tax benefit   1,719    1,120    907 

 

(1)Includes $0.2 million of stock-based compensation expense included in Restructuring and other related charges in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations related to the accelerated vesting of certain awards as part of the termination benefits of one employee.

 

(2)Includes $0.6 million of stock-based compensation expense included in Restructuring and other related charges in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations related to the accelerated vesting of certain awards due to the departure of the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer. Additionally, $0.4 million of stock-based compensation included in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations related to the accelerated vesting and extended exercise terms related to the departures of the Company’s Former Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel.

As of December 31, 2011, the Company had $7.9 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to stock-based awards that will be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.9 years. The intrinsic value of awards exercised or converted was $3.8 million, $1.2 million and $0.1 million during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 

Stock Options

Under the 2008 Plan, the Company may grant options to purchase Common stock, with a maximum term of 10 years at a purchase price equal to the market value of the Company’s Common stock on the date of grant. In the case of an incentive stock option granted to a holder of 10% of the Company’s outstanding Common stock, the Company may grant options to purchase Common stock with a maximum term of 5 years, at a purchase price equal to 110% of the market value of the Company’s Common stock on the date of grant. One-third of the options granted pursuant to the 2008 Plan vest on each anniversary of the grant date and the options expire seven years from the date of grant.

 

70
 

 

COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

 

Stock-based compensation expense for stock option awards is based upon the grant-date fair value using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company recognizes compensation expense for stock option awards on a ratable basis over the requisite service period of the entire award. The following table shows the weighted-average assumptions used to calculate the fair value of stock option awards using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, as well as the weighted-average fair value of options granted:

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2011   2010   2009 
             
Expected period that options will be outstanding (in years)   4.50    4.50    4.50 
Interest rate (based on U.S. Treasury yields at the time of grant)   2.10%   2.38%   1.87%
Volatility   52.50%   52.22%   32.50%
Dividend yield            
Weighted-average fair value of options granted  $9.68   $5.63   $2.24 

Expected volatility is estimated based on the historical volatility of comparable public companies. The Company considers historical data to estimate employee termination within the valuation model. Separate groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior are considered separately for valuation purposes. Since the Company has limited option exercise history, it has elected to estimate the expected life of an award based upon the Securities and Exchange Commission-approved “simplified method” noted under the provisions of Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 with the continued use of this method extended under the provisions of Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 110.

  

Stock option activity is as follows:

 

           Weighted-     
           Average     
       Weighted-   Remaining   Aggregate 
       Average   Contractual   Intrinsic 
   Number   Exercise   Term   Value(1) 
   of Options   Price   (In years)   (In thousands) 
Outstanding at January 1, 2009   514,991   $17.93           
Granted   844,165    7.44           
Forfeited   (91,523)   11.70           
Outstanding at December 31, 2009   1,267,633    11.40           
Granted   756,471    12.48           
Exercised   (152,490)   7.48           
Forfeited   (295,125)   10.71           
Expired   (35,833)   15.94           
Outstanding at December 31, 2010   1,540,656    12.34           
Granted   385,682    21.55           
Exercised   (282,108)   12.09           
Forfeited   (175,295)   12.53           
Expired   (7,778)   19.82           
Outstanding at December 31, 2011   1,461,157   $14.76    5.03   $20,047 
Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2011   1,329,511   $15.50    4.98   $17,255 
Exercisable at December 31, 2011   632,434   $13.30    4.18   $9,603 

 

(1)The aggregate intrinsic value is based upon the difference between the Company’s closing stock price at the date of the Consolidated Balance Sheet and the exercise price of the stock option for in-the-money stock options. The intrinsic value of outstanding stock options fluctuates based upon the trading value of the Company’s Common stock.

 

71
 

 

COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

 

Restricted Stock Units

Under the 2008 Plan, the Compensation Committee may award performance-based restricted stock units (“PRSUs”) whose vesting is contingent upon meeting various performance goals. The vesting of the stock units is determined based on whether the Company achieves the applicable performance criteria established by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. If the performance criteria are satisfied, the units are subject to additional time vesting requirements, by which units will vest fully in two equal installments on the fourth and fifth anniversary of the grant date, provided the individual remains an employee during this period. Under the 2008 Plan, the Compensation Committee may award non-performance-based restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to select executives, key employees and outside directors. The Compensation Committee determines the terms and conditions of each award, including the restriction period and other criteria applicable to the awards. The employee RSUs vest either 100% at the 1st anniversary of the grant date or 50% at the 1st anniversary and 50% at the 2nd anniversary of the grant date. Director RSUs generally vest in three equal installments on each anniversary of the grant date over a 3-year period. Directors may also elect to defer their annual board fees into RSUs with immediate vesting. Delivery of the shares underlying these director restricted stock units is deferred until termination of the director’s service on the Company’s Board of Directors.

The fair value of PRSUs and RSUs are equal to the market value of a share of Common stock on the date of grant and the related compensation expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period and, for PRSUs when it is expected that any of the performance criterion will be achieved. The performance criterion for PRSUs granted during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 was met, including PRSUs granted to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) during 2010 as part of his initial employment agreement in January 2010 and are subject to separate criterion that was achieved during the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

The activity in the Company’s PRSUs and RSUs is as follows:

 

   PRSUs   RSUs 
       Weighted-       Weighted- 
       Average       Average 
   Number   Grant Date   Number   Grant Date 
   of Units   Fair Value   of Units   Fair Value 
Nonvested at January 1, 2009   124,347   $17.89    72,189   $18.00 
Granted   337,716    7.44    69,610    8.35 
Vested           (48,871)   15.72 
Forfeited   (31,566)   10.69         
Nonvested at December 31, 2009   430,497    10.22    92,928    11.97 
Granted   263,454    12.10    44,693    12.88 
Vested   (25,000)   18.00    (53,828)   13.69 
Forfeited   (385,456)   8.72         
Nonvested at December 31, 2010   283,495    13.33    83,793    11.35 
Granted   115,922    21.78    30,154    22.77 
Vested           (49,684)   13.94 
Forfeited   (74,970)   14.84         
Nonvested at December 31, 2011   324,447   $15.99    64,263   $14.71 

 

The fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $1.1 million, $1.0 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

12.Restructuring and Other Related Charges

The Company initiated a series of restructuring actions beginning in 2009 in response to then current and expected future economic conditions. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company relocated its Richmond, Virginia corporate headquarters to Fulton, Maryland in order to provide improved access to international travel and to its key advisors and eliminated an executive position in its German operations. The Company also communicated initiatives to improve productivity and reduce structural costs by rationalizing and leveraging its existing assets and back office functions. These initiatives include the consolidation of the Company’s commercial marine end-market operations, reduction in the back office personnel at several distribution centers in Europe, the closure of a small facility that previously produced units sold to certain customers located in the Middle East that the Company ceased supplying to during the year ended December 31, 2010, and the closure of a Portland, Maine production facility and consolidation of the operations with a Warren, Massachusetts facility.

72
 

 

COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued) 

  

During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company participated in a German government-sponsored furlough program in which the government paid the wage-related costs for participating associates. Payroll taxes and other employee benefits related to employees’ furlough time are included in restructuring costs. During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company closed a repair facility in Aberdeen, North Carolina and a manufacturing facility in Sanford, North Carolina and moved its production to the Company’s facilities in Monroe, North Carolina and Columbia, Kentucky.

 

The Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations reflect the following amounts related to its restructuring activities:

  

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2011(1)   2010(2)   2009(3) 
   (In thousands) 
Restructuring and other related charges  $9,680   $10,323   $18,175 

 

(1)Includes $0.2 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense.

 

(2)Includes $0.6 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense related to the departure of the Company’s former CEO in January 2010.

 

(3)Includes $0.6 million of non-cash impairment charges to reduce the carrying value of real estate and equipment to their estimated fair values.

  

A summary of the activity in the Company’s restructuring liability included in Accrued restructuring liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets is as follows:

  

   Year Ended December 31, 2011 
   Balance at           Foreign   Balance at 
   Beginning           Currency   End of 
   of Period   Provisions   Payments   Translation   Period 
   (In thousands) 
     
Restructuring and other related charges:                    
Termination benefits(1)  $2,180   $7,032   $(5,062)  $(282)  $3,868 
Facility closure costs(2)       1,503    (861)   (9)   633 
Other related charges       966    (889)   (5)   72 
   $2,180    9,501   $(6,812)  $(296)  $4,573 
Non-cash termination benefits(3)        179                
        $9,680                

 

 

(1)Includes severance and other termination benefits, including outplacement services. The Company recognizes the cost of involuntary termination benefits at the communication date or ratably over any remaining expected future service period. Voluntary termination benefits are recognized as a liability and an expense when employees accept the offer and the amount can be reasonably estimated.

 

(2)Includes the cost of relocating and training associates, relocating equipment and lease termination expense in connection with the closure of facilities, discussed above.

 

(3)Represents non-cash stock-based compensation expense.

The Company expects to incur an additional $0.8 million of employee termination benefits, facility closure costs, relocation expense and operating lease exit costs during the year ended December 31, 2012 related to these restructuring activities.

13.Defined Benefit Plans

The Company sponsors various defined benefit plans, defined contribution plans and other post-retirement benefits plans, including health and life insurance, for certain eligible employees or former employees. The Company uses December 31st as the measurement date for all of its employee benefit plans.

 

73
 

 

COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

  

The following table summarizes the total changes in the Company’s Pension and accrued post-retirement benefits and plan assets and includes a statement of the plans’ funded status: 

 

       Other Post-Retirement 
   Pension Benefits   Benefits 
   Year Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31, 
   2011   2010   2011   2010 
   (In thousands) 
Change in benefit obligation:                    
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year  $331,288   $306,571   $13,803   $10,859 
Service cost   1,383    1,168         
Interest cost   16,408    16,514    690    553 
Actuarial loss   25,764    20,344    1,507    3,671 
Settlement(1)   (2,857)            
Plan combinations(2)       12,639         
Foreign exchange effect   (1,921)   (4,827)        
Benefits paid   (22,154)   (21,121)   (603)   (1,280)
Projected benefit obligation, end of year  $347,911   $331,288    15,397    13,803 
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year  $343,767   $327,498   $   $ 
Change in plan assets:                    
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year  $231,240   $209,921   $   $ 
Actual return on plan assets   6,864    22,886         
Employer contribution   8,684    10,797    603    1,280 
Settlement(1)   (3,388)            
Plan combinations(2)       9,762         
Foreign exchange effect   (242)   (1,005)        
Benefits paid   (22,154)   (21,121)   (603)   (1,280)
Fair value of plan assets, end of year  $221,004   $231,240   $   $ 
Funded status, end of year  $(126,907)  $(100,048)  $(15,397)  $(13,803)
                     
Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at  December 31:                    
Non-current assets  $   $290   $   $ 
Current liabilities   (1,079)   (1,050)   (795)   (834)
Non-current liabilities   (125,828)   (99,288)   (14,602)   (12,969)
Total  $(126,907)  $(100,048)  $(15,397)  $(13,803)

 

(1)Represents the change in benefit obligation and plan assets related to the termination of a frozen pension plan of one of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries.

 

(2)In October 2010, the Company assumed directly the pension obligation for a group of former employees of a divested subsidiary in place of an obligation to indemnify the purchaser of the subsidiary for all pension-related costs of the former employees. The pension plan covering those employees transferred the rights to the assets and liabilities to one of the Company’s foreign pension plans. The net underfunded position of $2.9 million was recorded as pension expense during the year ended December 31, 2010, which was substantially offset within Selling, general and administrative expense by the reversal of an accrual established in previous periods related to this matter.

 

The accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for the pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $343.8 million and $221.0 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2011 and $324.8 million and $228.1 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2010.

 

The projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for the pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $347.9 million and $221.0 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2011 and $328.5 million and $228.1 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2010.

 

74
 

 

COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

 

The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s foreign Pension and accrued post-retirement benefits and plan assets, included in the table above, and includes a statement of the plans’ funded status:

 

   Foreign Pension Benefits 
   Year Ended December 31, 
   2011   2010 
   (In thousands) 
Change in benefit obligation:          
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year  $95,136   $80,960 
Service cost   1,383    1,168 
Interest cost   5,132    4,138 
Actuarial loss   5,704    5,494 
Settlement(1)   (2,857)    
Plan combinations(2)       12,639 
Foreign exchange effect   (1,921)   (4,827)
Benefits paid   (5,469)   (4,436)
Projected benefit obligation, end of year  $97,108   $95,136 
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year  $92,964   $91,346 
Change in plan assets:          
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year  $34,071   $24,841 
Actual return on plan assets   3,039    1,638 
Employer contribution   4,328    3,271 
Settlement(1)   (3,388)    
Plan combinations(2)       9,762 
Foreign exchange effect   (242)   (1,005)
Benefits paid   (5,469)   (4,436)
Fair value of plan assets, end of year  $32,339   $34,071 
Funded status, end of year  $(64,769)  $(61,065)

 

(1)Represents the change in benefit obligation and plan assets related to the termination of a frozen pension plan of one of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries.

 

(2)As discussed further above, this amount represents the pension obligation assumed by the Company for a group of former employees of a divested subsidiary in place of an obligation to indemnify the purchaser of the subsidiary for all pension-related costs of the former employees.

Expected contributions to the Company’s pension and other post-employment benefit plans for the year ended December 31, 2012, related to plans as of December 31, 2011, are $3.0 million. The following benefit payments are expected to be paid during each respective fiscal year:

 

       Other Post- 
   Pension Benefits(1)   Retirement 
   All Plans   Foreign Plans   Benefits(1) 
   (In thousands) 
2012  $22,664   $5,175   $795 
2013   22,694    5,379    839 
2014   22,682    5,435    864 
2015   22,710    5,525    875 
2016   22,661    5,597    899 
Thereafter   110,787    28,964    4,307 

 

 

(1)Represents pension and other post-retirement benefits expected to be paid as of December 31, 2011 and does not include payments that may be required for obligations assumed in connection with the Company’s subsequent Charter Acquisition. See Note 4, “Acquisitions” for further discussion of the Charter Acquisition.
   
75
 

  

COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

  

The Company’s primary investment objective for its pension plan assets is to provide a source of retirement income for the plans’ participants and beneficiaries. The assets are invested with the goal of preserving principal while providing a reasonable real rate of return over the long term. Diversification of assets is achieved through strategic allocations to various asset classes. Actual allocations to each asset class vary due to periodic investment strategy changes, market value fluctuations, the length of time it takes to fully implement investment allocation positions, and the timing of benefit payments and contributions. The asset allocation is monitored and rebalanced as required, as frequently as on a quarterly basis in some instances. The following are the actual and target allocation percentages for the Company’s pension plan assets:

  

   Actual Asset Allocation  
   December 31,   Target
  2011   2010   Allocation
U.S. Plans:         
Equity securities:         
U.S.   32%   34%  30% - 40%
International   16%   16%  15% - 30%
Fixed income mutual funds   33%   32%  20% - 35%
Hedge funds   19%   18%  15% - 20%
Foreign Plans:         
Large cap equity securities   22%   11%  0% - 25%
Fixed income securities   54%   57%  80% - 100%
Cash and cash equivalents   23%   32%  0% - 25%
Other   1%      0% -5%

 

A summary of the Company’s pension plan assets for each fair value hierarchy level for the periods presented follows (See Note 14, “Financial Instruments” for further description of the levels within the fair value hierarchy):

 

   December 31, 2011 
   Level   Level   Level     
   One   Two   Three   Total 
   (In thousands) 
U.S. Plans:                    
Equity securities:                    
U.S. large cap  $50,572   $   $   $50,572 
U.S. small/mid cap   10,633            10,633 
International   29,400            29,400 
Fixed income mutual funds:                    
U.S. government and corporate   40,561            40,561 
High-yield bonds   15,258            15,258 
Emerging markets debt   5,920            5,920 
Multi-strategy hedge funds           36,321    36,321 
Foreign Plans:                    
Cash and cash equivalents   7,595            7,595 
Large cap equity securities   6,953            6,953 
Non-U.S. government bonds       17,576        17,576 
Other(1)       215        215 
   $166,892   $17,791   $36,321   $221,004 

 

 

(1)Represents diversified portfolio funds and reinsurance contracts maintained for certain foreign plans.

 

76
 

 

COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

  

   December 31, 2010 
  

Level

One

  

Level

Two

  

Level

Three

  

 

Total

 
   (In thousands) 
U.S. Plans:                    
Cash and cash equivalents  $3   $   $   $3 
Equity securities:                    
U.S. large cap   54,086            54,086 
U.S. small/mid cap   12,339            12,339 
International   32,271            32,271 
Fixed income mutual funds:                    
U.S. government and corporate   39,923            39,923 
High-yield bonds   16,011            16,011 
Emerging markets debt   6,194            6,194 
Multi-strategy hedge funds           36,342    36,342 
Foreign Plans:                    
Cash and cash equivalents   10,638            10,638 
Large cap equity securities   3,885            3,885 
Non-U.S. government bonds       13,520        13,520 
Other(1)       6,028        6,028 
   $175,350   $19,548   $36,342   $231,240 

 

 

(1)Represents diversified portfolio funds maintained for certain foreign plans.

 

The Company’s pension assets included in Level Three of the fair value hierarchy consist of multi-strategy hedge funds and the fair value is equal to the aggregate net asset value of units held by the Company’s pension plans. There were no transfers in or out of Level Three during the years ended December 31, 2011 or 2010. A summary of changes in the fair value of the Company’s pension assets included in Level Three of the fair value hierarchy is as follows:

 

   (In thousands) 
Balance, January 1, 2009  $25,983 
Unrealized gain   786 
Balance, December 31, 2009   26,769 
Net purchases and sales   9,036 
Realized loss   (316)
Unrealized gain   853 
Balance, December 31, 2010   36,342 
Unrealized loss   (21)
Balance, December 31, 2011  $36,321 

 

77
 

   

COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

 

The following table sets forth the components of net periodic benefit cost and Other comprehensive loss (income) of the non-contributory defined benefit pension plans and the Company’s other post-retirement employee benefit plans:

   Pension Benefits   Other Post-Retirement Benefits 
   Year Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31, 
   2011   2010   2009   2011   2010   2009 
   (In thousands) 
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost:                              
Service cost  $1,383   $1,168   $1,381   $   $   $ 
Interest cost   16,408    16,514    17,577    690    553    525 
Amortization   5,839    4,593    3,639    852    482    353 
Plan combinations(1)       2,877                 
Settlement loss   1,499                     
Expected return on plan assets   (18,101)   (19,331)   (19,570)            
Net periodic benefit cost  $7,028   $5,821   $3,027   $1,542   $1,035   $878 
Change in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Loss (Income):                              
Current year net actuarial loss  $37,037   $16,736   $710   $1,507   $3,671   $772 
Less amounts included in net periodic benefit cost:                              
Amortization of net loss   (5,839)   (4,593)   (3,639)   (604)   (234)   (104)
Settlement loss   (835)                    
Amortization of prior service cost               (248)   (248)   (249)
Total recognized in Other comprehensive loss (income)  $30,363   $12,143   $(2,929)  $655   $3,189   $419 

 __________

 

(1)Represents the transfer of assets associated with the pension obligation assumed by the Company for a group of former employees, discussed in more detail above.

The following table sets forth the components of net periodic benefit cost and Other comprehensive loss (income) of the foreign non-contributory defined benefit pension plans and the Company’s other post-retirement employee benefit plans, included in the table above:

 

   Foreign Pension Benefits 
   Year Ended December 31, 
   2011   2010   2009 
   (In thousands) 
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost:               
Service cost  $1,383   $1,168   $1,381 
Interest cost   5,132    4,138    4,668 
Amortization   588    385    808 
Plan combinations(1)       2,877     
Settlement loss   1,499         
Expected return on plan assets   (1,400)   (1,259)   (1,204)
Net periodic benefit cost  $7,202   $7,309   $5,653 
Change in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Loss (Income):               
Current year net actuarial loss (gain)  $4,101   $5,062   $(6,464)
Less amounts included in net periodic benefit cost:               
Amortization of net loss   (588)   (385)   (808)
Settlement loss   (835)        
Total recognized in Other comprehensive loss (income)  $2,678   $4,677   $(7,272)

 __________

(1)Represents the transfer of assets associated with the pension obligation assumed by the Company for a group of former employees, discussed in more detail above.

 

 

78
 

 

COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

  

The components of net unrecognized pension and other post-retirement benefit cost included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Consolidated Balance Sheets that have not been recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:

 

       Other Post-Retirement 
   Pension Benefits   Benefits 
   December 31,   December 31, 
   2011   2010   2011   2010 
   (In thousands) 
Net actuarial loss  $184,532   $153,757   $7,677   $6,774 
Prior service cost           1,552    1,800 
Total  $184,532   $153,757   $9,229   $8,574 

 

The components of net unrecognized pension and other post-retirement benefit cost included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Consolidated Balance Sheets that are expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost during the year ended December 31, 2012 are as follows:

 

       Other Post- 
       Retirement 
   Pension Benefits   Benefits 
   (In thousands) 
Net actuarial loss  $7,744   $682 
Prior service cost       248 
Total  $7,744   $930 

 

The key economic assumptions used in the measurement of the Company’s pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations are as follows:

 

       Other Post-Retirement 
   Pension Benefits   Benefits 
   December 31,   December 31, 
   2011   2010   2011   2010 
Weighted-average discount rate:                    
All plans   4.2%   5.1%   4.2%   5.2%
Foreign plans   4.9%   5.4%        
                     
Weighted-average rate of increase in compensation levels for active foreign plans   2.6%   2.6%        

 

The key economic assumptions used in the computation of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:

 

   Pension Benefits   Other Post-Retirement Benefits 
   Year Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31, 
   2011   2010   2009   2011   2010   2009 
Weighted-average discount rate:                              
All plans   5.0%   5.7%   6.1%   5.2%   5.6%   6.0%
Foreign plans   5.1%   5.6%   5.8%            
Weighted-average expected return on plan assets:                              
All plans   7.7%   8.3%   8.3%            
Foreign plans   4.7%   5.4%   5.0%            
Weighted-average rate of increase in compensation levels for active foreign plans   2.6%   2.2%   2.1%            

 

In determining discount rates, the Company utilizes the single discount rate equivalent to discounting the expected future cash flows from each plan using the yields at each duration from a published yield curve as of the measurement date.

 

79
 

 

COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

 

For measurement purposes, an annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits of approximately 16.0% was assumed. The rate was assumed to decrease gradually to 5.0% by 2022 and remain at that level thereafter for benefits covered under the plans.

 

The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was based on the Company’s investment policy target allocation of the asset portfolio between various asset classes and the expected real returns of each asset class over various periods of time that are consistent with the long-term nature of the underlying obligations of these plans.

 

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 pre-tax effects:

 

   1% Increase   1% Decrease 
   (in thousands) 
Effect on total service and interest cost components for the year ended December 31, 2011  $85   $(70)
Effect on post-retirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2011   2,124    (1,697)

 

The Company maintains defined contribution plans covering substantially all of their non-union and certain union domestic employees. Under the terms of the plans, eligible employees may generally contribute from 1% to 50% of their compensation on a pre-tax basis. The Company’s contributions are based on 50% of the first 6% of each participant’s pre-tax contribution. Additionally, the Company makes a unilateral contribution of 3% of all employees’ salary (including non-contributing participants) to the defined contribution plans. The Company’s expense for each of the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $2.4 million.

 14.Financial Instruments

 

The carrying values of financial instruments, including Trade receivables, Accounts payable and Other accrued liabilities approximate their fair values due to their short-term maturities. The estimated fair value of the Company’s debt of $110.9 million and $81.6 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, was based on current interest rates for similar types of borrowings. The estimated fair values may not represent actual values of the financial instruments that could be realized as of the date of the Consolidated Balance Sheets or that will be realized in the future.

 

   December 31, 2011 
   Level   Level   Level     
   One   Two   Three   Total 
   (In thousands) 
Assets:                    
Cash equivalents  $15,540   $   $   $15,540 
Foreign currency contracts – primarily related to customer sales contracts       5        5 
   $15,540   $5   $   $15,545 
                     
Liabilities:                    
Interest rate swap  $   $471   $   $471 
Foreign currency contracts – acquisition-related       14,986        14,986 
Foreign currency contracts – primarily related to customer sales contracts       371        371 
Liability for contingent payments           4,359    4,359 
   $   $15,828   $4,359   $20,187 

 

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COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

 

   December 31, 2010 
   Level   Level   Level     
   One   Two   Three   Total 
   (In thousands) 
Assets:                    
Cash equivalents  $24,925   $   $   $24,925 
   $24,925   $   $   $24,925 
                     
Liabilities:                    
Interest rate swap  $   $1,789   $   $1,789 
Foreign currency contracts       257        257 
   $   $2,046   $   $2,046 

 

There were no transfers in or out of Level One, Two or Three during the years ended December 31, 2011 or 2010.

 

Cash Equivalents

The Company’s cash equivalents consist of investments in interest-bearing deposit accounts and money market mutual funds which are valued based on quoted market prices. The fair value of these investments approximate cost due to their short-term maturities and the high credit quality of the issuers of the underlying securities.

 

Derivatives

The Company periodically enters into foreign currency, interest rate swap and commodity derivative contracts. The Company uses interest rate swaps to manage exposure to interest rate fluctuations. Foreign currency contracts are used to manage exchange rate fluctuations and generally hedge transactions between the Euro and the U.S. dollar. Commodity futures contracts are used to manage costs of raw materials used in the Company’s production processes.

 

The Company’s derivative instruments are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant observable inputs and are included in Level Two of the fair value hierarchy.

 

Interest Rate Swap. The Company’s interest rate swap is valued based on forward curves observable in the market. The notional value of the Company’s interest rate swap was $25 million and $50 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, whereby it exchanged its LIBOR-based variable-rate interest for a fixed rate of 4.1375%. On June 30, 2011, the notional value decreased from $50 million to $25 million, and it expires on June 29, 2012. The interest rate swap agreement was designated as a cash flow hedge. There has been no significant ineffectiveness related to this arrangement since its inception. On January 11, 2012, the Company terminated its interest rate swap in conjunction with the repayment of the Bank of America Credit Facility and reclassified $0.5 million of net losses from Accumulated other comprehensive loss to Interest expense. See Note 10, “Debt” for additional discussion regarding the termination of the Company’s Bank of America Credit Facility.

 

Foreign Currency Contracts. Foreign currency contracts are measured using broker quotations or observable market transactions in either listed or over-the-counter markets. The Company primarily uses foreign currency contracts to mitigate the risk associated with customer forward sale agreements denominated in currencies other than the applicable local currency. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had foreign currency contracts used primarily to mitigate the risk associated with forward sale agreements with notional values of $5.1 million and $13.1 million, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company entered into foreign exchange contracts to mitigate the potential foreign exchange risk through the closing date of the Charter Acquisition. The total notional amount of these contracts was a total of 2.7 billion GBP, or $4.4 billion as of December 31, 2011. As of December 31, 2011, approximately $6.0 million was included in Other accrued liabilities related to amounts payable related to an acquisition-related foreign exchange derivative contract. During the three months ended March 30, 2012, the Company realized $28.2 million of losses related to foreign exchange contracts used to mitigate the foreign exchange risk related to the Charter Acquisition and recognized an additional loss of $7.1 million. See Note 4, “Acquisitions” for additional discussion regarding the Company’s agreement to acquire Charter International plc. The Company has not elected hedge accounting for these contracts.

 

81
 

 

COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

 

The Company enters into derivative contracts with financial institutions of good standing, and the total credit exposure related to non-performance by those institutions is not material to the operations of the Company. The Company does not enter into derivative contracts for trading purposes.

 

The Company recognized the following in its Consolidated Financial Statements related to its derivative instruments:

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2011   2010   2009 
   (In thousands) 
Contract Designated as a Cash Flow Hedge:               
Interest Rate Swap:               
Unrealized loss  $(161)  $(1,201)  $(866)
Realized loss   (1,479)   (2,447)   (2,881)
Contracts Not Designated in a Hedge Relationship:               
Foreign Currency Contracts – Acquisition-Related:               
Unrealized loss, net   (21,013)        
Foreign Currency Contracts – Primarily Related to Customer Sales Contracts:               
Unrealized (loss) gain, net   (123)   93    (730)
Realized gain (loss), net   132    (838)   886 
Commodity Futures Contracts – Primarily Related to the Purchase of Copper and Nickel:               
Unrealized gain           1,991 
Realized loss           (977)

 

Liability for Contingent Payments

The Company’s liability for contingent payments represents the fair value of estimated additional cash payments related to its acquisition of COT-Puritech in December of 2011, which are subject to the achievement of certain performance goals, and is included in Other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The fair value of the liability for contingent payments represents the present value of probability weighted expected cash flows based upon the Company’s internal model and projections and is included in Level Three of the fair value hierarchy. During the year ended December 31, 2011, an insignificant amount of accretion was recognized in Interest expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations related to the Company’s liability for contingent payments. Realized or unrealized gains or losses in future periods will be recognized in Interest expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

15.Concentration of Credit Risk

 

The Company is potentially subject to a concentration of risk with respect to its Trade receivables, net. The Company performs credit evaluations of its customers prior to delivery or commencement of services and normally does not require collateral. Letters of credit are occasionally required for international customers when the Company deems necessary. The Company maintains an allowance for potential credit losses and losses have historically been within management’s expectations. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company did not have any significant customer concentrations as no single customer represented more than 8% of the Company’s sales.

 

The Company may be exposed to credit-related losses in the event of non-performance by counterparties to financial instruments. Counterparties to the Company’s financial instruments represent, in general, international financial institutions or well-established financial institutions.

 

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COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

16.Operations by Geographic Area

 

The Company’s operations during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 have been aggregated into a single reportable operating segment for the design, production and distribution of fluid-handling products.

 

The detail of the Company’s operations by geography and product type are as follows:

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2011   2010   2009 
   (In thousands) 
Net Sales by Origin:               
United States  $207,459   $183,803   $177,373 
Foreign locations:               
Germany   208,594    196,399    180,917 
Other   277,339    161,785    166,734 
Total foreign locations   485,933    358,184    347,651 
Total Net sales  $693,392   $541,987   $525,024 
Net Sales by Product:               
Pumps, including aftermarket parts and services  $522,477   $444,907   $443,073 
Systems, including installation services   150,803    78,598    69,339 
Valves   14,153    14,568    10,081 
Other   5,959    3,914    2,531 
Total Net sales  $693,392   $541,987   $525,024 

 

   December 31, 
   2011   2010 
   (In thousands) 
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net:          
United States  $28,699   $27,757 
Foreign locations:          
Germany   40,822    42,619 
Other   21,418    18,870 
Total foreign locations   62,240    61,489 
Property, plant and equipment, net  $90,939   $89,246 

17.Commitments and Contingencies

 

Asbestos Liabilities and Insurance Assets

 

Two of the Company’s subsidiaries are each one of many defendants in a large number of lawsuits that claim personal injury as a result of exposure to asbestos from products manufactured with components that are alleged to have contained asbestos. Such components were acquired from third-party suppliers, and were not manufactured by any of the Company’s subsidiaries nor were the subsidiaries producers or direct suppliers of asbestos. The manufactured products that are alleged to have contained asbestos generally were provided to meet the specifications of the subsidiaries’ customers, including the U.S. Navy.

The subsidiaries settle asbestos claims for amounts the Company considers reasonable given the facts and circumstances of each claim. The annual average settlement payment per asbestos claimant has fluctuated during the past several years. The Company expects such fluctuations to continue in the future based upon, among other things, the number and type of claims settled in a particular period and the jurisdictions in which such claims arise. To date, the majority of settled claims have been dismissed for no payment.

Of the 23,682 pending claims as of December 31, 2011, approximately 3,700 of such claims have been brought in the Supreme Court of New York County, New York; approximately 550 of such claims have been brought in the U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan; approximately 200 of such claims have been brought in the Superior Court, Middlesex County, New Jersey; and approximately 50 claims have been brought in various federal and state courts in Mississippi. The remaining pending claims have been filed in various other state and federal courts.

 

83
 

 

COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

 

Claims activity related to asbestos is as follows(1):

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2011   2010   2009 
   (Number of Claims) 
Claims unresolved, beginning of period   24,764    25,295    35,357 
Claims filed(2)   4,927    3,692    3,323 
Claims resolved(3)   (6,009)   (4,223)   (13,385)
Claims unresolved, end of period   23,682    24,764    25,295 
                
    (In Dollars) 
Average cost of resolved claims(4)  $15,397   $12,037   $11,106 

 __________

(1)Excludes claims filed by one legal firm that have been “administratively dismissed.”

 

(2)Claims filed include all asbestos claims for which notification has been received or a file has been opened.

 

(3)Claims resolved include all asbestos claims that have been settled, dismissed or that are in the process of being settled or dismissed based upon agreements or understandings in place with counsel for the claimants.

 

(4)Excludes claims settled in Mississippi for which the majority of claims have historically been resolved for no payment and insurance recoveries.

 

The Company has projected each subsidiary’s future asbestos-related liability costs with regard to pending and future unasserted claims based upon the Nicholson methodology. The Nicholson methodology is a standard approach used by experts and has been accepted by numerous courts. It is the Company’s policy to record a liability for asbestos-related liability costs for the longest period of time that it can reasonably estimate. 

 

The Company believes that it can reasonably estimate the asbestos-related liability for pending and future claims that will be resolved in the next 15 years and has recorded that liability as its best estimate. While it is reasonably possible that the subsidiaries will incur costs after this period, the Company does not believe the reasonably possible loss or range of reasonably possible loss is estimable at the current time. Accordingly, no accrual has been recorded for any costs which may be paid after the next 15 years. Defense costs associated with asbestos-related liabilities as well as costs incurred related to litigation against the subsidiaries’ insurers are expensed as incurred.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2009, an analysis of claims data including filing and dismissal rates, alleged disease mix, filing jurisdiction, as well as settlement values resulted in the determination that the Company should revise its rolling 15-year estimate of asbestos-related liability for pending and future claims. The analysis reflected that a statistically significant increase in mesothelioma filings had occurred and was expected to continue for both subsidiaries. As a result, the Company recorded an $11.6 million pretax charge, which was comprised of an increase to its asbestos-related liabilities of $111.3 million offset by expected insurance recoveries of $99.7 million, during the year ended December 31, 2009.

Each subsidiary has separate insurance coverage acquired prior to Company ownership of each independent entity. In its evaluation of the insurance asset, the Company used differing insurance allocation methodologies for each subsidiary based upon the applicable law pertaining to the affected subsidiary.

 

For one of the subsidiaries, the Delaware Court of Chancery ruled on October 14, 2009 that asbestos-related costs should be allocated among excess insurers using an “all sums” allocation (which allows an insured to collect all sums paid in connection with a claim from any insurer whose policy is triggered, up to the policy’s applicable limits) and that the subsidiary has rights to excess insurance policies purchased by a former owner of the business. Based upon this ruling mandating an “all sums” allocation, as well as the language of the underlying insurance policies and the assertion and belief that defense costs are outside policy limits, during the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company increased its future expected recovery percentage from 67% to 90% of asbestos-related costs following the exhaustion of its primary and umbrella layers of insurance and recorded a pretax gain of $17.3 million. The subsidiary expects to be responsible for approximately 10% of its future asbestos-related costs.

 

84
 

 

COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

 

For this subsidiary, during the year ended December 31, 2010, an insolvent carrier that had written approximately $1.4 million in limits for which the subsidiary had assumed no recovery made a cash settlement offer of approximately $0.7 million. As such, the subsidiary recorded a gain for this amount.

 

The subsidiary was notified in 2010 by the primary and umbrella carrier who had been fully defending and indemnifying the subsidiary for 20 years that the limits of liability of its primary and umbrella layer policies had been exhausted. Since then, the subsidiary has sought coverage from certain excess layer insurers whose terms and conditions follow form to the umbrella carrier. Certain first-layer excess insurers have defended and/or indemnified the subsidiary, subject to their reservations of rights and their applicable policy limits. Litigation between this subsidiary and its excess insurers is continuing and a trial date has been set for the fourth quarter of 2012. The subsidiary continues to work with its excess insurers to obtain defense and indemnity payments while the litigation is proceeding. Given the uncertainties of litigation, there is a variety of possible outcomes, including but not limited to the subsidiary being required to fund all or a portion of the subsidiary’s defense and indemnity payments until such time a final ruling orders payment by the insurers. While not impacting the results of operations, the funding requirement could range up to $10 million per quarter until final resolution. In addition, because a statistically significant increase in mesothelioma claims had occurred and was expected to continue to occur in certain regions, this subsidiary recorded a $1.8 million pre-tax charge, which was comprised of an increase in its asbestos-related liabilities of $18.1 million partially offset by an increase in expected insurance recoveries of $16.3 million, during the fourth quarter of the year ended December 31, 2011.

In 2003, the other subsidiary filed a lawsuit against a large number of its insurers and its former parent to resolve a variety of disputes concerning insurance for asbestos-related bodily injury claims asserted against it. Although none of these insurance companies contested coverage, they disputed the timing, reasonableness and allocation of payments.

For this subsidiary it was determined by court ruling in 2007, that the allocation methodology mandated by the New Jersey courts will apply. Further court rulings in December of 2009, clarified the allocation calculation related to amounts currently due from insurers as well as amounts the Company expects to be reimbursed for asbestos-related costs incurred in future periods. As a result, during the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company increased its receivable for past costs by $11.9 million and decreased its insurance asset for future costs by $9.8 million and recorded a pretax gain of $2.1 million.

In connection with this litigation, the court engaged a special master to review the appropriate information and recommend an allocation formula in accordance with applicable law and the facts of the case. During 2010, the court-appointed special allocation master made its recommendation. As a result, during the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company reduced the current asbestos receivable by $2.8 million, decreased the long-term asbestos asset by $1.2 million and recorded a net charge to asbestos liability and defense costs of $4.0 million. In May 2011, the court accepted the recommendation with modifications. A final judgment at the trial court level in this litigation was rendered during the year ended December 31, 2011, but appeals have been entered. As a result of this judgment, the Company recorded a provision for $2.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2011, which is reflected in the Balance Sheet as an increase of $1.4 million in Other accrued liabilities and a reduction of $0.7 million in Asbestos insurance asset. The Company made a payment of $5.0 million, which was previously accrued for, to return certain overpayments to the insurers. In addition, because of the higher settlement values per mesothelioma claim in 2011 in a specific region, this subsidiary recorded a $0.7 million pre-tax charge, which was comprised of an increase to its asbestos-related liabilities of $4.7 million partially offset by an increase in expected insurance recoveries of $4.0 million, during the fourth quarter of the year ended December 31, 2011. This trend is not expected to continue for this subsidiary. The subsidiary expects to be responsible for approximately 16% of all future asbestos-related costs.

85
 

COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

The Company has established reserves of $431.1 million and $429.7 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, for the probable and reasonably estimable asbestos-related liability cost it believes the subsidiaries will pay through the next 15 years. It has also established recoverables of $370.3 million and $374.4 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, for the insurance recoveries that are deemed probable during the same time period. Net of these recoverables, the expected cash outlay on a non-discounted basis for asbestos-related bodily injury claims over the next 15 years was $60.8 million and $55.3 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. In addition, the Company has recorded a receivable for liability and defense costs previously paid in the amount of $47.7 million and $51.8 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, for which insurance recovery is deemed probable. The Company has included the reserves for the asbestos liabilities in Accrued asbestos liability and Long-term asbestos liability and the related insurance recoveries in Asbestos insurance asset and Long-term asbestos insurance asset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The receivable for previously paid liability and defense costs is recorded in Asbestos insurance receivable and Long-term asbestos insurance receivable in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company also has reflected in Other accrued liabilities $27.6 million and $23.3 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, for overpayments by certain insurers and unpaid legal costs related to defending itself against asbestos-related liability claims and legal action against the Company’s insurers.

Management’s analyses are based on currently known facts and a number of assumptions. However, projecting future events, such as new claims to be filed each year, the average cost of resolving each claim, coverage issues among layers of insurers, the method in which losses will be allocated to the various insurance policies, interpretation of the effect on coverage of various policy terms and limits and their interrelationships, the continuing solvency of various insurance companies, the amount of remaining insurance available, as well as the numerous uncertainties inherent in asbestos litigation could cause the actual liabilities and insurance recoveries to be higher or lower than those projected or recorded which could materially affect the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flow.

General Litigation

 

On June 3, 1997, one of the Company’s subsidiaries was served with a complaint in a case brought by Litton Industries, Inc. in the Superior Court of New Jersey which alleges damages in excess of $10.0 million incurred as a result of losses under a government contract bid transferred in connection with the sale of its former Electro-Optical Systems business. In 2004, this case was tried and the jury rendered a verdict of $2.1 million for the plaintiffs. After appeals by both parties, the Supreme Court of New Jersey upheld the plaintiffs’ right to a refund of their attorney’s fees and costs of trial, but remanded the issue to the trial court to reconsider the amount of fees using a proportionality analysis of the relationship between the fee requested and the damages recovered. The date for the new trial on additional claims allowed by the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court and the recalculation of attorney’s fees has not been set. The court issued a schedule for summary judgment motions. After the summary judgment motions have been briefed, the court is expected to issue a ruling. The subsidiary intends to continue to defend this matter vigorously. As of both December 31, 2011 and 2010, $9.5 million was included in Other liabilities in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets related to this matter.

 

The Company is also involved in various other pending legal proceedings arising out of the ordinary course of the Company’s business. None of these legal proceedings are expected to have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations or cash flow of the Company. With respect to these proceedings and the litigation and claims described in the preceding paragraphs, management of the Company believes that it will either prevail, has adequate insurance coverage or has established appropriate reserves to cover potential liabilities. Any costs that management estimates may be paid related to these proceedings or claims are accrued when the liability is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. There can be no assurance, however, as to the ultimate outcome of any of these matters, and if all or substantially all of these legal proceedings were to be determined adverse to the Company, there could be a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations or cash flow of the Company.

Guarantees

 

As of December 31, 2011, the Company issued $25.4 million of bank guarantees securing primarily customer prepayments, performance and product warranties in its European and Asian operations. Additionally, see Note 10, “Debt” for discussion regarding the Company’s letters of credit outstanding as of December 31, 2011.

 

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COLFAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

  

Minimum Lease Obligations

 

The Company’s minimum rental obligations under non-cancelable operating leases are as follows:

 

   December 31, 2011(1) 
   (In thousands) 
2012  $3,941 
2013   3,312 
2014   2,751 
2015   1,670 
2016   1,345 
Thereafter   1,875 
Total  $14,894 

__________

(1)Represents expected payments for minimum lease obligations as of December 31, 2011 and does not include payments that may be required for obligations assumed in connection with the Company’s subsequent Charter Acquisition. See Note 4, “Acquisitions” for further discussion of the Charter Acquisition.

 

The remaining lease terms for the Company’s operating leases range from 1 to 7 years. During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company’s net rental expense related to operating leases was $4.9 million, $4.6 million and $4.8 million, respectively.

18.Selected Quarterly Data–(unaudited)

 

Provided below is selected unaudited quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.

 

   Quarter Ended 
   April 1,   July 1,   September 30,   December 31, 
   2011   2011   2011   2011(1) 
   (In thousands, except per share data) 
Net sales  $158,558   $186,749   $170,294   $177,791 
Gross profit   53,254    64,674    60,627    61,544 
Net income (loss)   6,555    10,390    3,690    (16,080)
Net income (loss) per share – basic  $0.15   $0.24   $0.08   $(0.37)
Net income (loss) per share – diluted  $0.15   $0.23   $0.08   $(0.37)

 

   Quarter Ended 
   April 2,   July 2,   October 1,   December 31, 
   2010   2010   2010   2010 
   (In thousands, except per share data) 
Net sales  $119,971   $122,968   $132,397   $166,651 
Gross profit   41,756    42,981    47,097    59,574 
Net (loss) income   (374)   2,088    5,851    8,650 
Net (loss) income per share – basic and diluted  $(0.01)  $0.05   $0.13   $0.20 

 

 

(1)Net loss and Net loss per share for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2011 include $5.7 million and $25.3 million, respectively, of pre-tax Charter acquisition-related expense. See Note 4, “Acquisitions” for additional information regarding the Company’s acquisition of Charter.

19.Subsequent Events

 

On January 13, 2012, the Company completed the Charter Acquisition. See Note 4, “Acquisitions,” Note 10, “Debt,” Note 11, “Shareholders’ Equity,” and Note 14, “Financial Instruments” for further discussion regarding events that occurred subsequent to December 31, 2011 related to the Charter Acquisition.

 

87
 

 

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

None.

 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as of the end of the period covered by this report on this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in providing reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed in this report on Form 10-K has been recorded, processed, summarized and reported as of the end of the period covered by this report on Form 10-K.

 

Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “SEC’s”) rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f)) identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rule 13a-15(d) of the Exchange Act that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Management’s assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting does not include the internal controls of Rosscor Holding, B.V. (“Rosscor”) and COT-Puritech, Inc. (“COT-Puritech”), which are included in the Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2011 and constitute 4% and 4% of Total assets, respectively, and 9% and 0.2% of Net sales, respectively.

 

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

The management of Colfax Corporation is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Internal control over financial reporting includes 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 company’s assets;

 

(ii)provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principals generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with the authorization 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 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 existing policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

88
 

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, our management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011 based on the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2011.

 

In making its assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, management excluded Rosscor and COT-Puritech from its assessment because these entities were acquired by Colfax Corporation in February and December 2011, respectively, and the Company has not yet fully incorporated the internal control procedures of these businesses into the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Rosscor and COT-Puritech are wholly owned subsidiaries of Colfax that represent 4% and 4% of Total assets and 9% and 0.2% of Net sales as of and for the year ended December 31, 2011, respectively. See Note 4, “Acquisitions” in the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion regarding these acquisitions.

 

Our independent registered public accounting firm is engaged to express an opinion on our internal control over financial reporting, as stated in their report which is included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K under the caption “Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.”

 

Item 9B. Other Information

 

None.

 

PART III

 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 

Information relating to our Executive Officers is set forth in Part I of this Form 10-K under the caption “Executive Officers of the Registrant.” Additional information regarding our Directors, Audit Committee and compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act is incorporated by reference to such information included in our proxy statement for our 2012 annual meeting to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K (the “2012 Proxy Statement”) under the captions “Election of Directors”, “Board of Directors and its Committees – Audit Committee” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance”.

 

As part of our system of corporate governance, our Board of Directors has adopted a code of ethics that applies to all employees, including our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. A copy of the code of ethics is available on our website at www.colfaxcorp.com. We intend to satisfy any disclosure requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding an amendment to, or a waiver from, a provision of our code of ethics by posting such information on our website at the address above.

 

Item 11. Executive Compensation

 

Information responsive to this item is incorporated by reference to such information included in our 2012 Proxy Statement under the captions “Executive Compensation”, “Director Compensation”, “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”, “Compensation Committee Report” and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation.”

 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

 

Information responsive to this item is incorporated by reference to such information included in our 2012 Proxy Statement under the captions “Beneficial Ownership of Our Common Stock” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information.”

 

89
 

 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

 

Information responsive to this item is incorporated by reference to such information included in our 2012 Proxy Statement under the captions “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions” and “Director Independence.”

 

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

Information responsive to this item is incorporated by reference to such information included in our 2012 Proxy Statement under the captions “Independent Registered Public Accountant Fees and Services” and “Audit Committee’s Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures”.

 

90
 

 

PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report.
   
(1)  Financial Statements. The financial statements are set forth under “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this report on Form 10-K.
   
(2)  Schedules. An index of Exhibits and Schedules is on page 93 of this report. Schedules other than those listed below have been omitted from this Annual Report because they are not required, are not applicable or the required information is included in the financial statements or the notes thereto.
   
(b) Exhibits. The exhibits listed in the accompanying Exhibit Index are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this report.
   
(c) Not applicable.

 

91
 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on February 23, 2012.

 

COLFAX CORPORATION
   
By:   /s/ CLAY H. KIEFABER
    Clay H. Kiefaber
    President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

 

Date: February 23, 2012
 
/s/ CLAY H. KIEFABER
Clay H. Kiefaber
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
/s/ C. SCOTT BRANNAN
C. Scott Brannan
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
/s/ MITCHELL P. RALES
Mitchell P. Rales
Chairman of the Board
 
/s/ PATRICK W. ALLENDER
Patrick W. Allender
Director
 
/s/ JOSEPH O. BUNTING III
Joseph O. Bunting III
Director
 
/s/ THOMAS S. GAYNER
Thomas S. Gayner
Director
 
/s/ RHONDA L. JORDAN
Rhonda L. Jordan
Director
 
/s/ SAN W. ORR, III
San W. Orr, III
Director
 
/s/ A. CLAYTON PERFALL
A. Clayton Perfall
Director
 
/s/ STEVEN E. SIMMS
Steven E. Simms
Director
 
/s/ RAJIV VINNAKOTA
Rajiv Vinnakota
Director

 

92
 

 

COLFAX CORPORATION

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, SUPPLEMENTARY DATA AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

  Page Number in
Form 10-K
Schedules:  
   
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 100

 

93
 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

No.

  Description   Location*
3.1   Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Colfax Corporation   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.01 to Colfax Corporation’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-34045) as filed with the Commission on January 30, 2012.
         
3.2   Colfax Corporation Amended and Restated Bylaws   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Colfax Corporation’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-34045) as filed with the Commission on May 13, 2008
         
3.3   Certificate of Designations of Series A Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock of Colfax Corporation   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.02 to Colfax Corporation’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-34045) as filed with the Commission on January 30, 2012
         
4.1   Specimen Common Stock Certificate    
         
10.1   Colfax Corporation 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan**    
         
10.1a   Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for grants pursuant to the Colfax Corporation 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan**    
         
10.1b   Form of Performance Stock Unit Agreement for grants pursuant to the Colfax Corporation 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan**    
         
10.1c   Form of Outside Director Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for grants pursuant to the Colfax Corporation 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan**    
         
10.1d   Form of Outside Director Deferred Stock Unit Agreement for grants pursuant to the Colfax Corporation 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan**    
         
10.1e   Form of Outside Director Deferred Stock Unit Agreement for deferral of grants of restricted stock made pursuant to the Colfax Corporation 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan**    
         
10.1f   Form of Outside Director Deferred Stock Unit Agreement for deferral of director fees**    
         
10.2   Service Contract for Board Member, dated November 14, 2006, between the Company and Dr. Michael Matros**    
         
10.3   Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into between the Company and each of its directors and officers**    

 

94
 

 

Exhibit

No.

  Description   Location*
10.4   Colfax Corporation Amended and Restated Excess Benefit Plan**    
         
10.5   Retirement Plan for salaried U.S. Employees of Imo Industries, Inc. and Affiliates**    
         
10.6   Colfax Corporation Excess Benefit Plan**    
         
10.7   Allweiler AG Company Pension Plan**    
         
10.8   Colfax Corporation Director Deferred Compensation Plan**    
         
10.9   Employment Agreement between Colfax Corporation and Clay Kiefaber**   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Colfax Corporation’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-34045) as filed with the Commission on January 11, 2010
         
10.10   Employment Agreement between Colfax Corporation and C. Scott Brannan**   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Colfax Corporation’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-34045) as filed with the Commission on September 22, 2010
         
10.11   Employment Agreement between Colfax Corporation and John A. Young**    
         
10.12   Employment Agreement between Colfax Corporation and Thomas M. O’Brien**    
         
10.13   Employment Agreement between Colfax Corporation and William E. Roller**   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Colfax Corporation’s Form 10-Q (File No. 001-34045) as filed with the Commission on May 8, 2009
         
10.14   Letter to William E. Roller   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.07 to Colfax Corporation’s Form 10-Q (File No. 001-034045) as filed with the Commission on October 27, 2011
         
10.15   Employment Agreement between Colfax Corporation and G. Scott Faison**    
         
10.16   Amendment to the Employment Agreement between Colfax Corporation and John A. Young**   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to Colfax Corporation’s Form 10-K (File No. 001-034045) as filed with the Commission on March 6, 2009
         
10.17   Amendment to the Employment Agreement between Colfax Corporation and Thomas B. O’Brien**   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to Colfax Corporation’s Form 10-K (File No. 001-034045) as filed with the Commission on March 6, 2009
         
10.18   Amendment to the Employment Agreement between Colfax Corporation and William E. Roller**   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Colfax Corporation’s Form 10-Q (File No. 001-34045) as filed with the Commission on May 8, 2009
         

 

95
 

 

Exhibit

No.

  Description   Location*
10.19   Amendment to the Employment Agreement between Colfax Corporation and G. Scott Faison**   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to Colfax Corporation’s Form 10-K (File No. 001-034045) as filed with the Commission on March 6, 2009
         
10.20   Separation Agreement between Colfax Corporation and John A. Young**   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Colfax Corporation’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-34045) as filed with the Commission on January 11, 2010
         
10.21   Termination Agreement between Colfax Corporation and  Dr. Matros**   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Colfax Corporation’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-034045) as filed with the Commission on April 16, 2010
         
10.22   Financial Advisory Services Agreement between Colfax Corporation and G. Scott Faison**   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Colfax Corporation’s Form 10-Q (File No. 001-034045) as filed with the Commission on December 13, 2010
         
10.23   Legal Advisory Services Agreement between Colfax Corporation and Thomas M. O’Brien**   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Colfax Corporation’s Form 10-Q (File No. 001-034045) as filed with the Commission on December 13, 2010
         
10.24   Employment Agreement between Colfax Corporation and Steven W. Weidenmuller**   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.06 to Colfax Corporation’s Form 10-Q (File No. 001-034045) as filed with the Commission on July 29, 2011
         
10.25   Amendment to the Employment Agreement between Colfax Corporation and Steven W. Weidenmuller**   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.07 to Colfax Corporation’s Form 10-Q (File No. 001-034045) as filed with the Commission on July 29, 2011
         
10.26   Letter Agreement between Colfax Corporation and Steven W. Weidenmuller**   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.08 to Colfax Corporation’s Form 10-Q (File No. 001-034045) as filed with the Commission on July 29, 2011
         
10.27   Employment Agreement between Colfax Corporation and Joseph B. Niemann**   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.02 to Colfax Corporation’s Form 10-Q (File No. 001-034045) as filed with the Commission on July 29, 2011
         
10.28   Amendment to the Employment Agreement between Colfax Corporation and Joseph B. Niemann**   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.03 to Colfax Corporation’s Form 10-Q (File No. 001-034045) as filed with the Commission on July 29, 2011
         
10.29   Letter Agreement between Colfax Corporation and Joseph B. Niemann**   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.04 to Colfax Corporation’s Form 10-Q (File No. 001-034045) as filed with the Commission on July 29, 2011
         
10.30   Letter Agreement between Colfax Corporation and Joseph B. Niemann**   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.05 to Colfax Corporation’s Form 10-Q (File No. 001-034045) as filed with the Commission on July 29, 2011

 

96
 

 

Exhibit

No.

  Description   Location*
10.31   Letter Agreement between Colfax Corporation and Joseph B. Niemann**   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.06 to Colfax Corporation’s Form 10-Q (File No. 001-034045) as filed with the Commission on October 27, 2011
         
10.32   Consulting Agreement between Colfax Corporation and Joseph B. Niemann**   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Colfax Corporation’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-034045) as filed with the Commission on January 6, 2012
         
10.33   Colfax Corporation Annual Incentive Plan**   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Colfax Corporation’s Form 10-Q (File No. 001-34045) as filed with the Commission on August 4, 2009
         
10.34   Credit Agreement, dated September 12, 2011, by and among the Colfax Corporation, certain subsidiaries of Colfax Corporation identified therein, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch and the lenders identified therein   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.6 to Colfax Corporation’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-34045) as filed with the Commission on September 15, 2011
         
10.35   Amendment No. 1 to the Credit Agreement, dated January 13, 2012, by and among the Colfax Corporation, certain subsidiaries of Colfax Corporation identified therein, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch and the lenders identified therein   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Colfax Corporation’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-34045) as filed with the Commission on January 17, 2012
         
10.36   Implementation Agreement, dated September 12, 2011, among Colfax Corporation, Colfax UK Holdings Ltd, and Charter International plc.   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Colfax Corporation’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-34045) as filed with the Commission on September 15, 2011
         
10.37   Securities Purchase Agreement, dated September 12, 2011, between BDT CF Acquisition Vehicle, LLC and Colfax Corporation   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to Colfax Corporation’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-34045) as filed with the Commission on September 15, 2011
         
10.38   Securities Purchase Agreement, dated September 12, 2011, between Mitchell P. Rales and Colfax Corporation   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to Colfax Corporation’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-34045) as filed with the Commission on September 15, 2011
         
10.39   Securities Purchase Agreement, dated September 12, 2011, between Steven M. Rales and Colfax Corporation   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4 to Colfax Corporation’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-34045) as filed with the Commission on September 15, 2011
         
10.40   Securities Purchase Agreement, dated September 12, 2011, between Markel Corporation and Colfax Corporation   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.5 to Colfax Corporation’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-34045) as filed with the Commission on September 15, 2011
         
10.41   Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of January 24, 2012, between Colfax Corporation and BDT CF Acquisition Vehicle, LLC   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.01 to Colfax Corporation’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-34045) as filed with the Commission on January 30, 2012

 

97
 

 

Exhibit

No.

  Description   Location*
10.42   Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of January 24, 2012, between Colfax Corporation and Mitchell P. Rales   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.02 to Colfax Corporation’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-34045) as filed with the Commission on January 30, 2012
         
10.43   Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of January 24, 2012, between Colfax Corporation and Steven M. Rales   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.03 to Colfax Corporation’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-34045) as filed with the Commission on January 30, 2012
         
10.44   Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of January 24, 2012, between Colfax Corporation and Markel Corporation   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.04 to Colfax Corporation’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-34045) as filed with the Commission on January 30, 2012
         
21.1   Subsidiaries of registrant   Filed herewith
         
23.1   Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   Filed herewith
         
31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Item 601(b)(31) of Regulation S-K, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.   Filed herewith
         
31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Item 601(b)(31) of Regulation S-K, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.   Filed herewith
         
32.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002   Filed herewith
         
32.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002   Filed herewith
         
101.INS***   XBRL Instance Document   Filed herewith
         
101.SCH***   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document   Filed herewith
         
101.CAL***   XBRL Extension Calculation Linkbase Document   Filed herewith
         
101.DEF***   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document   Filed herewith
         
101.LAB***   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document   Filed herewith
         
101.PRE***   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document   Filed herewith

 

98
 

 

*    Unless otherwise noted, all exhibits are incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 001-34045).

 

**  Unless otherwise noted, all exhibits are incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 001-34045).

 

*** In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the XBRL related information in Exhibit 101 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

 

99
 

 

COLFAX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE II–VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

 

   Balance at
Beginning
of Period
  

Charged to
Cost and

Expense(1)

  

Charged to

Other

Accounts(2)

  

Write-Offs
Write-
Downs and

Deductions

   Foreign
Currency
Translation
  

Balance at

End of
Period

 
   (In thousands) 
Year Ended December 31, 2011:                        
Allowance for doubtful accounts  $2,562   $112   $   $(70)  $(26)  $2,578 
Allowance for excess slow-moving and obsolete inventory   7,777    181        (1,258)   35    6,735 
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets   52,891    16,621    10,346        (3)   79,855 
Year Ended December 31, 2010:                              
Allowance for doubtful accounts  $2,837   $218   $   $(405)  $(88)  $2,562 
Allowance for excess slow-moving and obsolete inventory   8,025    1,942        (1,849)   (341)   7,777 
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets   45,053    4,407    3,666    (180)   (55)   52,891 
Year Ended December 31, 2009:                              
Allowance for doubtful accounts  $2,486   $405   $   $(178)  $124   $2,837 
Allowance for excess slow-moving and obsolete inventory   6,923    1,368        (413)   147    8,025 
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets   45,206    (82)           (71)   45,053 

 

 

(1)Amounts charged to other accounts is net of recoveries for the respective period.

 

(2)Represents amount charged to Accumulated other comprehensive loss.

 

100