-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, Nux0iAGZB9OijPnUojHQkIak0InfEylu4LFBMvCFKkaEU1yYW/4F7qSUqZkQhwTh b0feYz/MSzwc02QoVUPF+w== 0000950124-06-000874.txt : 20060228 0000950124-06-000874.hdr.sgml : 20060228 20060227185540 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950124-06-000874 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 3 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20060227 ITEM INFORMATION: Other Events ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20060228 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20060227 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ARVINMERITOR INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001113256 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: MOTOR VEHICLE PARTS & ACCESSORIES [3714] IRS NUMBER: 383354643 STATE OF INCORPORATION: IN FISCAL YEAR END: 0930 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-15983 FILM NUMBER: 06648114 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2135 W MAPLE ROAD CITY: TROY STATE: MI ZIP: 48084 BUSINESS PHONE: 2484351000 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: MU SUB INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 20000501 8-K 1 k02875e8vk.htm CURRENT REPORT DATED FEBRUARY 27, 2006 e8vk
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): February 27, 2006
ARVINMERITOR, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
         
Indiana   1-15983   38-3354643
         
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
  (Commission
File No.)
  (IRS Employer
Identification No.)
2135 West Maple Road
Troy, Michigan
(Address of principal executive offices)
48084-7186
(Zip code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (248) 435-1000
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
 
 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Item 8.01. Other Events
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits
SIGNATURES
Exhibit Index
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Revised Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Revised Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data


Table of Contents

Item 8.01. Other Events.
ArvinMeritor, Inc. (“company”) is filing this Current Report on Form 8-K to update the historical financial statements included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 2, 2005 (“Form 10-K”), for presentation of the light vehicle ride control business as discontinued operations.
As reported in the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended January 1, 2006 (“Form 10-Q”), the company sold its light vehicle ride control business located in Asti, Italy in December 2005, and this sale, together with the previous divestiture of the company’s shareholdings in its AP Amortiguadores, S.A. joint venture in the second quarter of fiscal year 2004, substantially completed the company’s plan to exit the company’s light vehicle ride control business. The exiting of this business meets the requirements under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (“SFAS No. 144”), for classification as discontinued operations. As a result, in the Form 10-Q the light vehicle ride control business was presented as discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of income and consolidated statement of cash flows for the three months ended December 31, 2005, and all prior periods in the Form 10-Q were restated to reflect that presentation.
Under requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the same classification as discontinued operations required by SFAS No. 144 is also required for previously issued financial statements included in the company’s Form 10-K, if those financial statements are to be incorporated by reference in filings with the SEC made under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, even though those financial statements relate to periods prior to the light vehicle ride control business being classified as discontinued operations.
Accordingly, the company’s revised audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003, and the related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A), reflecting this classification are filed as Exhibit 99 to this Current Report on Form 8-K. This reclassification has no effect on the company’s reported net income for any reporting period and has no material effect on the company’s results of operations or financial condition. The revised sections of the Form 10-K included in this Current Report have not otherwise been updated for events occurring after the date of the consolidated financial statements, which were originally presented in the Form 10-K filed on November 18, 2005. The MD&A included in this Current Report has also been revised to discuss cash flows from operations as that term is defined by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. All other information in the Form 10-K remains unchanged. This report should be read in conjunction with the Form 10-K (except for Items 7 and 8, which are included in this report).
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
     (d) Exhibits
  23.1   Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
  99   Revised Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and revised Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003 (Part II, Items 7 and 8 of the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 2, 2005, filed with the SEC on November 18, 2005).

 


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
             
    ARVINMERITOR, INC.    
 
           
 
  By:   /s/ Vernon G. Baker, II
 
     Vernon G. Baker, II
   
 
           Senior Vice President and    
 
           General Counsel    
Date: February 27, 2006

 


Table of Contents

Exhibit Index
     
Ex No.   Description
 
   
23.1
  Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
   
99
  Revised Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and revised Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003 (Part II, Items 7 and 8 of the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 2, 2005, filed with the SEC on November 18, 2005).

 

EX-23.1 2 k02875exv23w1.htm CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM exv23w1
 

EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements of ArvinMeritor, Inc. of our report dated November 15, 2005 (February 27, 2006, as to the effect of discontinued operations as discussed in Note 3), relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes explanatory paragraphs related to a change in method of determining the cost of certain inventories and accounting for variable interest entities) of ArvinMeritor, Inc., included in this Current Report on Form 8-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 of ArvinMeritor, Inc.:
         
Form   Registration No.   Purpose
 
       
S-8
  333-107913   ArvinMeritor, Inc. Savings Plan
 
       
S-3
  333-58760   Registration of debt securities
 
       
S-8
  333-123103   ArvinMeritor, Inc. Hourly Employees Savings Plan
 
       
S-8
  333-49610   1997 Long-Term Incentives Plan
 
       
S-3
  333-43146   Arvin Industries, Inc. Savings Plan
 
       
S-3
  333-43118   Arvin Industries, Inc. 1988 Stock Benefit Plan
 
       
S-3
  333-43116   Arvin Industries, Inc. 1998 Stock Benefit Plan
 
       
S-3
  333-43112   Arvin Industries, Inc. Employee Stock Benefit Plan
 
       
S-3
  333-43110   Arvin Industries, Inc. Employee Savings Plan
 
       
S-8
  333-42012   Employee Stock Benefit Plan, 1988 Stock Benefit Plan, and 1998 Employee Stock Benefit Plan
 
       
S-4
  333-130514   Registration of debt securities
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Detroit, Michigan
February 27, 2006

EX-99 3 k02875exv99.htm REVISED MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND REVISED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA exv99
 

EXHIBIT 99
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations.
Overview
          ArvinMeritor is a global supplier of a broad range of integrated systems, modules and components to the motor vehicle industry. The company serves light vehicle, commercial truck, trailer and specialty original equipment manufacturers and certain aftermarkets. Headquartered in Troy, Michigan, the company employs approximately 29,000 people at more than 120 manufacturing facilities in 25 countries. ArvinMeritor common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ARM.
          Our business continues to address a number of challenging industry-wide issues including:
  Excess capacity;
 
  High commodity prices, particularly steel and energy, including high oil prices;
 
  Weakened financial strength of some original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and suppliers;
 
  Changing production volumes at our OEM customers and changes in product mix in North America;
 
  OEM pricing pressures; and
 
  Currency exchange rate volatility.
          In response to these issues, we continue to rationalize, restructure and refocus our businesses. During fiscal year 2005, we announced certain restructuring plans, including the elimination of salaried positions and the consolidation, downsizing, closure or sale of 11 underperforming facilities. These actions, which are primarily targeted at our Light Vehicle Systems (LVS) business segment, are intended to align capacity with industry conditions, utilize assets more efficiently, improve operations and lower costs. We expect the total estimated cost of these actions to be approximately $135 million, of which approximately $110 million will be cash costs. These estimated costs are comprised of the following:
  Employee severance costs related to the reduction of approximately 400 to 500 salaried employees across the entire company;
 
  Employee severance and facility shutdown costs associated with the closure, sale or consolidation of a number of LVS facilities, and the reduction of approximately 250 salaried and 1,350 hourly employees associated with these facilities. These headcount reductions are in addition to the 400 to 500 salaried employees noted above;
 
  Employee severance and facility shutdown costs associated with the closure or consolidation of several Commercial Vehicle Systems (CVS) facilities, and the reduction of approximately 50 salaried and 200 hourly employees associated with these facilities. These headcount reductions are in addition to the 400 to 500 salaried employees noted above; and
 
  Impairment of long-lived assets, primarily machinery and equipment associated with the closure or consolidation of these facilities.
          We recorded restructuring costs of $101 million related to these actions during fiscal year 2005, of which $31 million is included in discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of operations. Total restructuring costs included $71 million of employee termination benefits, $26 million of asset impairment charges and $4 million of other costs associated with the closure of facilities. In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, we expect the remainder of the restructuring costs to be recorded in the next 12 months.
          In addition to these actions, in the first quarter of fiscal year 2005, we announced the closure of a Sheffield, England, stabilizer bar facility owned by our 57-percent owned consolidated joint venture, Meritor Suspensions Systems Company (MSSC). Total restructuring costs recorded in fiscal year 2005 related to this action were $9 million and primarily related to severance and asset impairments.
          Despite the significant challenges that the entire automotive industry continues to face, our CVS business segment reported record sales. This was primarily due to higher production volumes at many of our CVS customers. When compared to the prior year, North American heavy-duty (commonly referred to as Class 8 trucks) increased approximately 38 percent, while Western European heavy and medium duty truck production volumes increased approximately 12 percent. Additionally, in the first quarter of fiscal year 2005, CVS formed two consolidated joint ventures in France with AB Volvo to manufacture and distribute axles. These joint ventures increased sales $226 million.
          A summary of our results for fiscal year 2005 is as follows:
  Sales were $8.8 billion, up 12 percent from fiscal year 2004. The increase in sales is primarily attributable to CVS.
 
  Operating margins were 2.0 percent, down from 3.2 percent a year ago. Fiscal year 2005 operating income includes $86 million of restructuring costs, of which $70 million is associated with our fiscal year 2005 programs announced in May.
 
  Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $0.83, compared to $1.68 per share in fiscal year 2004.
 
  Diluted loss per share from discontinued operations was $0.66, compared to diluted loss per share of $2.29 in fiscal year 2004. Fiscal year 2005 included an impairment charge in our LVA business of $0.40 per diluted share and restructuring charges of $0.29 per diluted share. Fiscal year 2004 included a goodwill impairment charge of $2.77 per diluted share.
 
  Net income was $12 million or $0.17 per diluted share, compared to net loss of $42 million, or $0.61 per diluted share, last year.
          During fiscal year 2005, the industries in which we operate continued to experience substantial increases in the cost of steel, a significant raw material we use to make our products. In fiscal year 2005, we experienced steel price increases, net of customer recoveries, of approximately $90 million compared to fiscal year 2004.

1


 

          In addition to higher steel costs, intense competition, coupled with global excess capacity most notably in the light vehicle industry, has created pressure from our customers to reduce our selling prices. We continuously work to address these competitive challenges and offset price decreases by reducing costs, improving productivity and restructuring operations. Excluding higher net steel costs, the company’s cost reduction and productivity programs offset the impact of lower selling prices to our customers.
          Also impacting our industry is the rising cost of pension and other post-retirement benefits. To partially address this issue, the company amended certain retiree medical plans in fiscal year 2004. These plan amendments will phase out the benefit currently provided by the company by fiscal year 2023. We expect these plan changes to reduce retiree medical expenses and benefit payments in the coming years. Including the impact of these amendments, retiree medical expenses in fiscal year 2005 were $32 million, down from $57 million in fiscal year 2004, and future annual benefit payments are expected to be reduced by $26 million by fiscal 2010. However, we expect pension expense to increase approximately $25 million in fiscal year 2006 as a result of the reduction in the discount rate used to measure the projected benefit obligation to 5.30 percent from 6.25 percent.
          In December 2005, we sold our light vehicle ride control business located in Asti, Italy. This sale, along with the previous divestiture of the company’s 75-percent shareholdings in AP Amortiguadores, S.A. (APA) in the second quarter of fiscal year 2004, substantially completes our plan to exit the LVS ride control business (ride control). The exiting of this business met the requirements for classification as discontinued operations and accordingly, ride control is presented as discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of operations and the consolidated statement of cash flows for all periods presented. Ride control provides shock absorbers, struts, ministruts, and corner modules to the light vehicle industry.
          We previously announced our intention to divest our Light Vehicle Aftermarket (LVA) business segment. We believe divesting this business will enable us to concentrate better on our core competencies while strengthening our balance sheet. For financial accounting and reporting purposes, LVA is reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Due to evolving industry dynamics, the timing to complete the divestiture of LVA has extended into fiscal year 2006. In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2005, management concluded that it is more likely that LVA’s North American businesses will be sold individually rather than as a whole. Although we do not believe this change in strategy materially impacts the aggregate expected value to be realized on the sale of the entire LVA business, it did require us, for accounting purposes, to evaluate fair value on an individual business basis rather than LVA North America as a whole. This resulted in a non-cash impairment charge of $43 million ($28 million after-tax, or $0.40 per diluted share) to record certain LVA businesses at fair value. Our previous strategy was to sell the LVA North American business as a whole. Accordingly, the company’s previous analysis of impairment was on the total North American business. This analysis indicated that the aggregate fair value of the North American LVA business, when taken as a whole, exceeded its carrying value.
          In addition to the divestiture of our LVS ride control business and the planned divestiture of LVA, we have completed other divestitures as part of our plan to rationalize operations and focus on core businesses. These divestitures include:
  Certain assets of our CVS off-highway brake business in October 2005;
 
  Our LVS Columbus, Indiana automotive stamping and components manufacturing business in December 2004;
 
  Our coil coating business in November 2004;
 
  Our commercial vehicle systems trailer beam fabrication facility in the third quarter of fiscal year 2004;
 
  Net assets related to the manufacturing and distribution of CVS off-highway planetary axles in fiscal year 2003; and
 
  Our LVS exhaust tube manufacturing facility in fiscal year 2003;
          Cash used for operating activities for fiscal year 2005 was $32 million, compared to $219 million of cash provided by operating activities last fiscal year. The decrease in cash flow was largely driven by lower income and higher uses of cash for working capital, including higher cash restructuring costs. This was partially offset by lower pension and retiree medical contributions. In addition, fiscal year 2004 operating cash flow was favorably impacted by ArvinMeritor’s accounting calendar, which included 53 weeks compared to 52 weeks in fiscal year 2005.
Market Outlook
          Historically, the company has experienced periodic fluctuations in demand for light, commercial and specialty vehicles and certain aftermarkets, most notably in our commercial vehicle markets in North America. Vehicle production in our principal markets for the last five fiscal years is shown below:
                                         
    Year Ended September 30,  
    2005     2004     2003     2002     2001  
Light Vehicles (in millions):
                                       
North America
    15.6       15.9       16.0       16.3       15.6  
South America
    2.7       2.3       2.0       1.9       2.2  
Western Europe (including Czech Republic)
    16.4       16.9       16.7       16.5       16.9  
Asia/Pacific
    22.5       20.9       18.9       17.3       16.9  
Commercial Vehicles (in thousands):
                                       
North America, Heavy-Duty Trucks
    324       235       164       169       150  
North America, Medium-Duty Trucks
    208       172       141       133       144  
United States and Canada, Trailers
    327       284       213       145       208  
Western Europe, Heavy- and Medium-Duty Trucks
    421       376       364       363       386  
Western Europe, Trailers
    115       109       98       101       110  
Source: Automotive industry publications and management estimates.

2


 

          Our fiscal year 2006 outlook for light vehicle production is 15.6 million vehicles in North America and 16.4 million vehicles in Western Europe. We expect that North American heavy-duty truck production will decrease about 6 percent in fiscal year 2006 to an estimated 305,000 units. In Western Europe, we expect production of heavy- and medium- duty trucks to increase slightly to an estimated 421,000 units.
Company Outlook
          We are beginning to see a moderating of steel price increases; however, we believe the price of steel will continue to challenge our industry in fiscal year 2006. We have taken actions to help mitigate this issue including finding new global steel sources, identifying alternative materials, finding ways to re-engineer our products to be less dependent on steel, consolidating and selling scrap from many of our facilities and negotiating with our customers to recover some of the increased costs. We continue to further consolidate and restructure our LVS businesses to address competitive challenges in the automotive supplier industry. In addition to the restructuring actions noted above, we continue to rationalize and refocus our core businesses and additional restructuring actions may be required.
          Significant factors that could affect the company’s results in fiscal year 2006 include:
  Our ability to recover steel, plastics and energy price increases from our customers;
 
  Additional restructuring actions and the timing and recognition of restructuring charges;
 
  Higher than planned price reductions to our customers;
 
  The financial strength of our suppliers and customers, including potential bankruptcies;
 
  Our ability to implement planned productivity and cost reduction initiatives;
 
  The impact of any acquisitions or divestitures;
 
  Production disruptions at customer and supplier facilities;
 
  Significant gains or losses of existing business from our customers;
 
  The impact of currency fluctuations on sales and operating income.
Non-GAAP Measures
          In addition to the results reported in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP), we have provided information regarding “cash flow from operations before accounts receivable securitization and factoring programs”, a non-GAAP financial measure. This non-GAAP measure is defined as net cash provided by operating activities before the net change in accounts receivable securitized and factored. The company believes it is appropriate to exclude the net change in securitized and factored accounts receivable since the sale of receivables may be viewed as a substitute for borrowing activity.
          We believe that this non-GAAP financial measure is useful as it is commonly utilized by management and investors to assess our ability to generate cash flow from business operations. This non-GAAP measure should not be considered a substitute for cash provided by operating activities or other cash flow statement data prepared in accordance with GAAP or as a measure of liquidity. In addition, cash provided by operations before receivable securitization and factoring programs does not reflect funds available for investment or other discretionary uses. See “Cash Flows” below for a reconciliation of cash flows from operating activities to cash flow from operations before accounts receivable securitization and factoring programs.

3


 

Results of Operations
          The following is a summary of our financial results for the last three fiscal years:
                         
    September 30,  
    2005     2004     2003  
    (in millions, except  
    per share amounts)  
Sales:
                       
Light Vehicle Systems
  $ 4,767     $ 4,642     $ 4,043  
Commercial Vehicle Systems
    4,054       3,215       2,422  
 
                 
SALES
  $ 8,821     $ 7,857     $ 6,465  
 
                 
Operating Income (Loss):
                       
Light Vehicle Systems
  $ (10 )   $ 113     $ 137  
Commercial Vehicle Systems
    193       164       111  
 
                 
SEGMENT OPERATING INCOME
    183       277       248  
Environmental remediation costs
    (7 )     (11 )      
Costs for withdrawn tender offer
          (16 )      
Unallocated corporate costs
    (3 )            
 
                 
OPERATING INCOME
    173       250       248  
Equity in earnings of affiliates
    28       19       8  
Gain on sale of marketable securities
          7        
Interest expense, net and other
    (127 )     (107 )     (104 )
 
                 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    74       169       152  
Provision for income taxes
    (13 )     (46 )     (43 )
Minority interests
    (3 )     (8 )     (5 )
 
                 
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
    58       115       104  
INCOME (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
    (46 )     (157 )     33  
 
                 
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE
    12       (42 )     137  
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax
                (4 )
 
                 
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 12     $ (42 )   $ 133  
 
                 
 
                       
DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
                       
Continuing operations
  $ 0.83     $ 1.68     $ 1.53  
Discontinued operations
    (0.66 )     (2.29 )     0.49  
Cumulative effect of accounting change
                (0.06 )
 
                 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
  $ 0.17     $ (0.61 )   $ 1.96  
 
                 
 
                       
DILUTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING
    69.9       68.6       67.9  
 
                 

4


 

2005 Compared to 2004
     Sales
          The following table reflects geographical business segment sales for fiscal years 2005 and 2004. The reconciliation is intended to reflect the trend in business segment sales and to illustrate the impact changes in foreign currency exchange rates and acquisitions and divestitures had on sales (in millions).
                                                         
                                    Dollar Change Due to
                    Dollar     %             Acquisitions/     Volume/  
    2005     2004     Change     Change     Currency     Divestitures     Other  
LVS:
                                                       
North America
  $ 2,042     $ 1,971     $ 71       4 %   $ 17     $ (70 )   $ 124  
Europe
    2,209       2,206       3             150       (17 )     (130 )
Asia and Other
    516       465       51       11 %     35       (33 )     49  
 
                                         
 
    4,767       4,642       125       3 %     202       (120 )     43  
 
                                         
CVS:
                                                       
North America
    2,475       2,014       461       23 %     4       9       448  
Europe
    1,106       827       279       34 %     54       226       (1 )
Asia and Other
    473       374       99       26 %     31             68  
 
                                         
 
    4,054       3,215       839       26 %     89       235       515  
 
                                         
SALES
  $ 8,821     $ 7,857     $ 964       12 %   $ 291     $ 115     $ 558  
 
                                         
     Continuing Operations
          Sales for fiscal year 2005 were $8,821 million, up $964 million, or 12 percent, from fiscal year 2004. The increase in sales was attributable to stronger commercial vehicle truck and trailer volumes in our CVS business segment; new business awards, principally associated with suspension modules in our LVS business; and foreign currency translation, primarily due to the stronger euro in relation to the U.S. dollar. These increases were partially offset by lower volumes in certain of our European LVS businesses. Acquisitions, primarily our two new consolidated joint ventures with AB Volvo, added sales of $235 million; divestitures of certain LVS businesses in fiscal years 2005 and 2004 reduced sales in fiscal year 2005 by $120 million.
     Business Segments
          Light Vehicle Systems (LVS) sales increased to $4,767 million in fiscal year 2005, up $125 million, or three percent, from $4,642 million in fiscal year 2004. The effect of foreign currency translation, primarily as a result of the stronger euro when compared to the US dollar, increased sales by $202 million. Divestitures, primarily the sale of an automotive stamping and components manufacturing operation in the first quarter of fiscal year 2005, reduced sales by $120 million. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation and divestitures, sales were up $43 million. Higher pass-through sales of approximately $300 million, principally associated with our new suspension module business, were partially offset by lower OE demand particularly in certain of our European businesses. Pass-through sales increased to approximately $1,300 million in fiscal year 2005 from approximately $1,000 million in fiscal year 2004. Pass-through sales are products sold to our customers where we acquire the material and assemble it into the final product. These pass-through sales carry minimal margins as we have little engineering or manufacturing responsibility.
          Commercial Vehicle Systems (CVS) sales were $4,054 million, up $839 million, or 26 percent, from fiscal year 2004. The increase in sales was primarily attributable to stronger commercial vehicle truck and trailer volumes. Compared to fiscal year 2004, production volumes in North America for commercial vehicle heavy-duty trucks (Class 8) increased approximately 38 percent, medium duty trucks increased 21 percent and trailer volumes increased 15 percent. South American truck volumes increased 17 percent. Acquisitions, primarily the formation of two joint ventures with AB Volvo in the first quarter of fiscal 2005, added sales of $235 million.
     Operating Income and Operating Margins
          The following table reflects operating income and operating margins for fiscal years 2005 and 2004 (dollars in millions).
                                                         
    Operating Income     Operating Margins  
                      $       %                        
    2005     2004     Change     Change     2005     2004     Change  
LVS
  $ (10 )   $ 113     $ (123 )     (109 )%     (0.2 )%     2.4 %   (2.6)pts
CVS
    193       164       29       18 %     4.8 %     5.1 %   (0.3)pts
 
                                                 
Total Segment
    183       277       (94 )     (34 )%     2.1 %     3.5 %   (1.4)pts
Environmental remediation costs
    (7 )     (11 )     4       36 %                        
Costs for withdrawn tender offer
          (16 )     16       100 %                        
Unallocated corporate costs
    (3 )           (3 )                              
 
                                                 
TOTAL
  $ 173     $ 250     $ (77 )     (31 )%     2.0 %     3.2 %   (1.2)pts
 
                                                 

5


 

          Operating income for fiscal year 2005 was $173 million, a decrease of $77 million, compared to fiscal year 2004. Operating margin was 2.0 percent, down from 3.2 percent. We recorded restructuring costs of $86 million during fiscal year 2005 as follows (in millions):
                         
    LVS     CVS     Total  
New actions (1)
                       
Facility rationalization
  $ 40     $ 19     $ 59  
Asset impairments
    11             11  
 
                 
Total new actions
    51       19       70  
Previous actions
    16             16  
 
                 
Total restructuring costs
  $ 67     $ 19     $ 86  
 
                 
 
(1)   New actions are programs announced in May 2005
          In addition to the new restructuring actions, we recorded additional restructuring charges of $16 million in fiscal year 2005. These costs were primarily for severance and other employee termination costs, related to a reduction of approximately 20 salaried and 355 hourly employees, and asset impairments. These costs relate to the closure of the Sheffield, England, stabilizer bar facility, the consolidation of two facilities in Brazil and a reduction in workforce in our operations in Spain.
          We recorded restructuring charges of $15 million in fiscal year 2004. These costs included severance and other employee termination costs of $10 million related to a reduction of approximately 50 salaried employees and 575 hourly employees in our LVS business, and $5 million associated with certain administrative and managerial employee termination costs.
          Despite the higher sales levels, operating income in fiscal year 2005 was negatively impacted by the restructuring costs noted above and steel costs, which, net of recoveries, were approximately $90 million higher than in fiscal year 2004. Also impacting operating income in fiscal year 2005 were $14 million of charges associated with certain customer bankruptcies; $7 million of environmental remediation costs, primarily associated with a former Rockwell facility; and a $4 million gain on the sale of an automotive stamping and components manufacturing operation in the first quarter of fiscal year 2005. Retiree medical and pension costs were $16 million lower than fiscal year 2004. This is a result of amending certain retiree medical plans in fiscal year 2004, which reduced retiree medical expense by $22 million compared to fiscal year 2004.
          Operating income in fiscal year 2004 includes the costs associated with the withdrawn tender offer for the outstanding shares of Dana Corporation (Dana) of $16 million (before a non-operating gain of $7 million on the sale of Dana stock owned by the company) and environmental remediation costs of $11 million (associated with a different Rockwell facility).
          Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales decreased to 4.2 percent in fiscal year 2005 from 4.8 percent in fiscal year 2004 due to reduced headcount resulting from the restructuring actions and our continued efforts to reduce selling, general and administrative spending.
     Business Segments
          LVS operating loss was $10 million, a decrease of $123 million from operating income of $113 million in fiscal year 2004 and operating margins decreased to a negative 0.2 percent from 2.4 percent. The decrease in operating income is primarily due to the previously mentioned restructuring actions and higher steel costs in fiscal year 2005. LVS continued its restructuring efforts in fiscal year 2005 and recorded $67 million of restructuring charges associated with facility closures and consolidations and workforce reductions compared to $10 million a year ago. These costs include $40 million of employee termination costs and $11 million of asset impairments related to the restructuring actions announced in May 2005. Additionally, LVS recorded $16 million of restructuring costs associated with the closure of its Sheffield, England, stabilizer bar facility, the consolidation of two facilities in Brazil and a reduction in workforce in its operations in Spain. The $16 million relates to employee termination benefits and other costs of $11 million and asset impairments of $5 million. Total headcount reductions associated with all of these actions were approximately 2,250, of which 500 were salaried employees and 1,750 were hourly employees.
          LVS continued to experience narrowing margins in fiscal year 2005 due primarily to higher steel costs. LVS incurred higher net steel costs of approximately $40 million in fiscal year 2005. Also impacting operating income in fiscal year 2005, were lower value added sales volumes (non pass-through sales), $11 million of charges associated with certain customer bankruptcies and a $4 million net charge associated with a product warranty matter. LVS operating income improved by $13 million from fiscal year 2004 due to a reduction in foreign exchange loss in 2005 attributable to the impact of hedging foreign exchange transactions in fiscal year 2005 that were not hedged in fiscal year 2004. LVS also recorded a $4 million gain on the sale of an automotive stamping and components manufacturing operation in the first quarter of fiscal year 2005.
          CVS operating income was $193 million, an increase of $29 million from fiscal year 2004. Operating margin declined to 4.8 percent, down from 5.1 percent in fiscal year 2004. The increase in operating income was largely attributable to higher sales volumes. The benefits of the higher sales volumes were partially offset by higher net steel costs of $50 million, $19 million of restructuring costs principally associated with the reduction of approximately 225 salaried employees and 200 hourly employees. Also negatively impacting operating income was a $3 million charge associated with the bankruptcy of a European trailer customer. Retiree medical and pension costs were $18 million lower than the previous year, as a result of the amendment to certain retiree medical plans in fiscal year 2004. Fiscal year 2004 operating income included a $4 million charge in the fourth quarter associated with the settlement of a TRW warranty matter.
     Other Income Statement Items
          Equity in earnings of affiliates was $28 million in fiscal year 2005, compared to $19 million in fiscal year 2004. The increase was primarily related to improved performance and higher earnings of our commercial vehicle affiliates. The increase was also partially driven by the reduction in losses associated with the dissolution of our CVS transmission joint venture with ZF Friedrichshafen in the second quarter of fiscal year 2004. We recorded equity losses of $4 million in fiscal year 2004 related to this joint venture.
          Interest expense, net and other was $127 million in fiscal year 2005 compared to $107 million in fiscal year 2004. The increase in interest expense was primarily attributable to higher interest rates on our variable rate debt compared with fiscal year 2004. Also included in interest expense, net and other in fiscal year 2005 was a $4 million loss on debt extinguishment associated with the debt exchange completed in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2005. The loss on debt extinguishment primarily consisted of the premium paid to note holders to exchange their notes. See “Liquidity and Contractual Obligations” for further details concerning the debt extinguishment.
          Provision for income taxes was $13 million in fiscal year 2005, resulting in an effective rate of 17 percent. The effective tax rate was 27 percent in fiscal year 2004. The decline in the tax rate is principally associated with lower income levels relative to our structural tax position.

6


 

          Minority interest expense was $3 million in fiscal year 2005 compared to $8 million in fiscal year 2004. Minority interests represent our minority partners share of income or loss associated with our less than 100-percent owned consolidated joint ventures. The decrease in minority interest expense in fiscal year 2005 is primarily related to our minority partners’ share of $9 million of restructuring costs associated with the closure of the Sheffield, England, stabilizer bar facility in our MSSC joint venture.
          Income from continuing operations for fiscal year 2005 was $58 million, or $0.83 per diluted share, compared to $115 million, or $1.68 per diluted share in fiscal 2004. The decrease was primarily attributable to the $86 million of restructuring costs and higher net steel costs of approximately $90 million, offset partially by the higher CVS sales volumes.
          Loss from discontinued operations was $46 million in fiscal 2005 compared to a loss from discontinued operations of $157 million in fiscal 2004. As previously described, in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2005, management concluded that it is more likely that LVA’s North American businesses will be sold individually. As a result, the company evaluated fair value on an individual business basis rather than LVA North America as a whole. This resulted in a non-cash impairment charge of $43 million ($28 million after-tax) to record certain LVA North American businesses at fair value. Also impacting fiscal year 2005, were $6 million of after-tax changeover costs in LVA, associated with a new supply agreement with a significant customer, which were more than offset by lower depreciation expense. In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, our LVA business segment discontinued depreciating fixed assets as of September 30, 2004. Depreciation expense for LVA in fiscal year 2004 was approximately $14 million after-tax. In an effort to lower fixed costs and improve profitability resulting from weakening demand in the aftermarket business, LVA recorded restructuring costs totaling $2 million and $3 million during fiscal years 2005 and 2004, respectively. We recorded after-tax restructuring costs of $19 million related to our LVS ride control business. These costs included $10 million of employee termination benefits and $9 million of asset impairment charges.
          Also impacting loss from discontinued operations in fiscal year 2005 was the loss of approximately $6 million of Roll Coater income as a result of the sale of this business in November 2004. This loss of net income was offset partially by a $2 million gain on the sale of Roll Coater.
          The effective tax rate for discontinued operations was 30 percent in fiscal year 2005, up from an effective rate of negative 10 percent in fiscal year 2004. The negative tax rate in fiscal year 2004 was primarily due to the $190 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge, for which no tax benefit was provided.
          The fiscal year 2004 results included a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $190 million ($2.77 per diluted share) in our LVA business. For more information on this impairment charge see Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Fiscal year 2004 also included a $20 million gain on the sale of APA.
2004 Compared to 2003
     Sales
          The following table reflects geographical business segment sales for fiscal years 2004 and 2003. The reconciliation is intended to reflect the trend in business segment sales and to illustrate the impact changes in foreign currency exchange rates and acquisitions and divestitures had on sales (in millions).
                                                         
                                    Dollar Change Due to  
                    Dollar     %             Acquisitions/     Volume/  
    2004     2003     Change     Change     Currency     Divestitures     Other  
LVS:
                                                       
North America
  $ 1,971     $ 1,875     $ 96       5 %   $ 8     $ (15 )   $ 103  
Europe
    2,206       1,738       468       27 %     224       203       41  
Asia and Other
    465       430       35       8 %     36       (26 )     25  
 
                                         
 
    4,642       4,043       599       15 %     268       162       169  
 
                                         
CVS:
                                                       
North America
    2,014       1,492       522       35 %           10       512  
Europe
    827       652       175       27 %     90             85  
Asia and Other
    374       278       96       35 %     15             81  
 
                                         
 
    3,215       2,422       793       33 %     105       10       678  
 
                                         
SALES
  $ 7,857     $ 6,465     $ 1,392       22 %   $ 373     $ 172     $ 847  
 
                                         
     Continuing Operations
     Sales for fiscal year 2004 were $7,857 million, up $1,392 million, or 22 percent, over fiscal year 2003. The increase in sales was primarily attributable to stronger North American commercial vehicle truck and trailer volumes in our CVS business segment. Acquisitions, primarily Zeuna Starker in the second quarter of fiscal year 2003, added sales of $240 million. Divestitures reduced sales in fiscal year 2004 by $68 million. Favorable foreign currency translation, primarily due to the stronger euro, increased sales by $373 million.
     Business Segments
          LVS sales increased to $4,642 million in fiscal year 2004, up $599 million, or 15 percent, from $4,043 million in fiscal year 2003. Foreign currency translation, primarily as a result of the stronger euro, favorably impacted sales by $268 million. The acquisition of Zeuna Starker in the second quarter of fiscal year 2003 added incremental sales of $203 million in fiscal year 2004. Divestitures reduced sales in fiscal year 2004 by $41 million. Net new business increased sales in fiscal year 2004 by approximately $270 million, primarily in our Door Systems and Emissions Technologies businesses. Included in LVS sales in fiscal years 2004 and 2003 are approximately $1,000 million and $775 million, respectively, of pass-through sales.
          CVS sales were $3,215 million, up $793 million, or 33 percent, from fiscal year 2003. The increase in sales was primarily attributable to stronger North American commercial vehicle truck and trailer production volumes, which increased approximately 30 percent from fiscal 2003. Foreign currency translation increased sales by $105 million, as compared to fiscal year 2003.

7


 

     Operating Income and Operating Margins
          The following table reflects operating income and operating margins for fiscal years 2004 and 2003 (dollars in millions).
                                                         
    Operating Income     Operating Margins  
                    $     %                    
    2004     2003     Change     Change     2004     2003     Change  
LVS
  $ 113     $ 137     $ (24 )     (18 )%     2.4 %     3.4 %   (1.0)pts
CVS
    164       111       53       48 %     5.1 %     4.6 %   0.5pts
 
                                         
Total Segment
    277       248       29       12 %     3.5 %     3.8 %   (0.3)pts
Environmental remediation costs
    (11 )           (11 )                                
Costs for withdrawn tender offer
    (16 )           (16 )                                
 
                                         
TOTAL
  $ 250     $ 248     $ 2       1 %     3.2 %     3.8 %   (0.6)pts
 
                                         
          Operating income in fiscal year 2004 was $250 million, an increase of $2 million, compared to fiscal year 2003, reflecting an operating margin of 3.2 percent, down from 3.8 percent. Operating income in fiscal year 2004 included the costs associated with the withdrawn tender offer for Dana of $16 million (before a non-operating gain of $7 million on the sale of Dana stock owned by the company). Also included in operating income in fiscal year 2004 were environmental remediation costs of $11 million. Operating income for fiscal year 2003 included a gain on the sale of the exhaust tube manufacturing facility of $20 million and $11 million of costs related to account reconciliations and information system implementation issues in a facility in Mexico.
          The lack of availability and the price of raw materials, primarily steel, negatively impacted operating income in fiscal year 2004. Steel costs, net of recoveries, were approximately $32 million higher compared to fiscal year 2003. Also negatively impacting operating income in fiscal year 2004 were higher retiree medical and pension costs of $22 million, higher premium product launch costs of approximately $10 million and additional investments in commercial vehicle exhaust technology. Reductions in our selling prices, as a result of contractual or other commitments, primarily in our LVS segment, were largely offset by cost reductions.
          We recorded restructuring charges of $15 million in fiscal year 2004 and $19 million in fiscal year 2003. These costs included severance and other employee termination costs related to a reduction of approximately 300 salaried employees and 975 hourly employees. Fiscal year 2003 restructuring charges included $8 million of asset impairment charges from the rationalization of operations. The purpose of these actions was primarily to reduce costs in our LVS business so that it can be better positioned to address the competitive challenges in the automotive supply industry.
          Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales decreased to 4.8 percent in fiscal year 2004 from 5.1 percent in fiscal year 2003 due to our continued efforts to reduce selling, general and administrative spending.
     Business Segments
          LVS operating income was $113 million in fiscal year 2004, a decrease of $24 million from fiscal year 2003. LVS continued to experience narrowing margins due primarily to higher steel costs. LVS incurred higher net steel costs of $21 million in fiscal year 2004. As a result, operating margins decreased to 2.4 percent from 3.4 percent. Also impacting fiscal year 2004 operating income were higher premium product launch costs of approximately $10 million and higher retiree medical and pension costs. Fiscal year 2003 operating income included a $20 million gain on the sale of the exhaust tube manufacturing facility partially offset by the $11 million charge in Mexico.
          As part of an ongoing strategy to implement actions to improve profitability and to better align LVS’ capacity with market conditions, LVS continued its restructuring efforts and recorded $10 million and $18 million of restructuring charges in fiscal years 2004 and 2003, respectively. These charges included costs associated with facility closures and consolidations and workforce reductions.
          CVS operating income was $164 million in fiscal year 2004, an increase of $53 million from fiscal year 2003. Operating margin improved to 5.1 percent, up from 4.6 percent in fiscal year 2003. The increase in operating income was largely attributable to higher sales volumes. The benefits of the higher sales volumes were offset partially by higher net steel costs. CVS incurred $11 million of higher net steel costs in fiscal year 2004. Operating income was also impacted by higher retiree medical and pension costs of $12 million and additional investments in commercial vehicle exhaust technology.
     Other Income Statement Items
          Equity in earnings of affiliates was $19 million in fiscal year 2004, compared to $8 million in fiscal year 2003. The increase was primarily related to improved performance and higher earnings of our commercial vehicle affiliates.
          The effective income tax rate from continuing operations for fiscal year 2004 was approximately 27 percent, down slightly from 28 percent in fiscal year 2003. The impact of recently issued IRS regulations supporting the recoverability of previously disallowed capital losses and various legal entity restructurings to more closely align our organizational structure with the underlying operations of the businesses helped to reduce the effective tax rate.
          Minority interests increased to $8 million in fiscal year 2004 from $5 million in fiscal year 2003. Minority interests represent our minority partners’ share of income or loss associated with our less than 100 percent owned consolidated joint ventures. The increase in minority interests was due primarily to the improved earnings of our Chinese commercial vehicle joint venture.
          Loss from discontinued operations was $157 million in fiscal year 2004 compared to income from discontinued operations of $33 million in fiscal year 2003. The fiscal year 2004 results included a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $190 million ($2.77 per diluted share) in our LVA business. For more information on the goodwill impairment charge see Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Lower sales volumes, customer pricing pressures and higher steel costs in our LVA business also contributed to the decline. Fiscal year 2004 also included a $20 million gain on the sale of APA. The effective tax rate for discontinued operations was approximately negative 10 percent in fiscal year 2004, compared to 42 percent in fiscal 2003. The negative tax rate in fiscal year 2004 was primarily due to the $190 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge, for which no tax benefit was provided.
          Net loss for fiscal year 2004 was $42 million, or $0.61 per diluted share, compared to net income of $133 million, or $1.96 per diluted share, in the prior year. Net income in fiscal year 2003 included a fourth quarter charge for the cumulative effect of accounting change upon adoption of FASB Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” of $6 million ($4 million after-tax, or $0.06 per diluted share).
Non-Consolidated Joint Ventures
At September 30, 2005, our continuing operations had investments in 10 joint ventures that were not majority-owned or controlled and were accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Our investment in non-consolidated joint ventures was $114 million and $95 million at September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
8


 

          These strategic alliances provide for sales, product design, development and manufacturing in certain product and geographic areas. Aggregate sales of our non-consolidated joint ventures were $1,488 million, $1,100 million and $843 million in fiscal years 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
          We received cash dividends from our affiliates of $18 million in fiscal year 2005, $15 million in fiscal year 2004 and $19 million in fiscal 2003.
          For more information about our non-consolidated joint ventures see Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Financial Condition
     Capitalization
                 
    September 30,  
    2005     2004  
Short-term debt and current maturities
  $ 131     $ 3  
Long-term debt
    1,451       1,487  
 
           
Total debt
    1,582       1,490  
Minority interests
    58       61  
Shareowners’ equity
    875       988  
 
           
Total capitalization
  $ 2,515     $ 2,539  
 
           
Ratio of debt to capitalization
    63 %     59 %
          We remain committed to strong cash flow generation, the reduction of debt and regaining an investment grade credit rating. Our primary source of liquidity in fiscal year 2005 was cash proceeds from the divestitures of certain businesses, supplemented by our accounts receivables securitization and factoring programs and, as required, borrowings on our revolving credit facility. Our total debt to capitalization ratio was 63 percent at September 30, 2005 compared to 59 percent at September 30, 2004. In September 2005, our U.S. accounts receivable securitization facility expired and we entered into a new securitization arrangement. Amounts outstanding under this new program are reported in short-term debt and amounted to $112 million at September 30, 2005. Under the previous program, amounts outstanding were reported as a reduction in accounts receivable because they were accounted for as a sale of receivables.
     Cash Flows
                         
    Fiscal Year September 30,  
    2005     2004     2003  
OPERATING CASH FLOWS
                       
Income from continuing operations
  $ 58     $ 115     $ 104  
Depreciation and amortization
    180       177       177  
Deferred income taxes
    (101 )     21       (38 )
Pension and retiree medical expense
    110       130       99  
Pension and retiree medical contributions
    (164 )     (212 )     (163 )
Restructuring costs, net of payments
    44       (3 )     5  
Proceeds from termination of interest rate swaps
    22              
Decrease (increase) in working capital
    (33 )     130       (88 )
Other
    12       8       39  
 
                 
Net cash provided by continuing operations before receivable securitization and factoring
    128       366       135  
Net cash provided by (used for) discontinued operations
    (141 )     40       49  
 
                 
Operating cash flow before receivable securitization and factoring
    (13 )     406       184  
Receivable securitization and factoring
    (19 )     (187 )     90  
 
                 
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  $ (32 )   $ 219     $ 274  
 
                 
          Cash Flows used for operating activities was $32 million in fiscal year 2005, down $251 million from fiscal year 2004. This decrease was driven largely by lower income and higher uses of cash for working capital, including higher cash restructuring costs. We used approximately $110 million of cash for working capital requirements at our new joint ventures with AB Volvo and to support the higher CVS volumes. In addition, cash flow in fiscal year 2004 was favorably impacted by our fiscal calendar, which included 53 weeks in fiscal year 2004, compared to 52 weeks in fiscal year 2005. The higher uses of cash for working capital were offset partially by lower pension and retiree medical contributions of $48 million. Also, in May 2005, we partially terminated certain interest rate swaps and received proceeds from these terminations, including interest received, of $22 million. We used $19 million of cash to reduce balances outstanding under the accounts receivable securitization and factoring programs.
          Cash used for discontinued operations was $141 million compared to cash provided by discontinued operations of $40 million a year ago. Higher working capital levels contributed to this decline. LVA ceased participating in our accounts receivable securitization program in fiscal year 2005. This increased LVA’s outstanding receivables by approximately $80 million since September 30, 2004.
          In fiscal year 2004, cash flows provided by operating activities was $219 million, down $55 million from fiscal year 2003. We used cash from operations and cash generated from the disposition of property, businesses and marketable securities to reduce our balances outstanding under the accounts receivable securitization and factoring programs by $187 million and our revolving credit facility by $55 million in fiscal year 2004. In addition, pension and retiree medical contributions were $49 million higher than in fiscal year 2003. These uses of cash were partially offset by lower working capital levels.
          During fiscal year 2003 we increased our balance outstanding under the accounts receivable securitization and factoring programs by $90 million and used the proceeds from these receivables sales to fund the acquisition of the remaining 51-pecent interest in Zeuna Starker and for other general corporate purposes.

9


 

                         
    Fiscal Year September 30,  
    2005     2004     2003  
INVESTING CASH FLOWS
                       
Capital expenditures
  $ (142 )   $ (148 )   $ (167 )
Acquisitions of businesses and investments, net of cash acquired
    (31 )     (3 )     (107 )
Proceeds from disposition of property and businesses
    49       37       104  
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities
          18        
Net cash provided by (used for) discontinued operations
    149       (24 )     (21 )
 
                 
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) INVESTING ACTIVITIES
  $ 25     $ (120 )   $ (191 )
 
                 
          Cash provided by investing activities was $25 million in fiscal year 2005, compared to cash used for investing activities of $120 million in fiscal year 2004 and $191 million in fiscal year 2003. During fiscal year 2005, we used $31 million of cash for the acquisition of businesses, primarily the formation of two joint ventures with AB Volvo, and we received proceeds of $49 million from the disposition of certain property and businesses principally associated with the sale of our Columbus, Indiana automotive stamping and components manufacturing business.
          Capital expenditures decreased to $142 million in fiscal year 2005 from $148 million in fiscal 2004. We continue to manage our capital expenditures and leverage our global supply base and the assets of our affiliate partners. As a result, capital expenditures as a percentage of sales continued to decline and were 1.6 percent in fiscal year 2005, compared to 1.9 percent and 2.6 percent of sales in fiscal years 2004 and 2003, respectively.
          During fiscal year 2004, we received proceeds from the disposition of certain property and businesses of $37 million principally from the sale of our trailer beam fabrication facility. We also received $18 million in cash from the sale of Dana stock. We received proceeds of $104 million from the disposition of property and businesses in fiscal year 2003 principally from the sale of our exhaust tube manufacturing facility and our off-highway planetary axle business. Also in fiscal year 2003, we used $107 million of cash for the acquisition of businesses and other investments, primarily for the acquisition of Zeuna Starker, which used cash of $69 million.
          Discontinued operations provided investing cash flows of $149 million in fiscal year 2005, primarily related to $163 million of proceeds received from the sale of Roll Coater. In fiscal year 2005, discontinued operations used $14 million of cash for capital expenditures. In fiscal year 2004 cash used by discontinued operations was $24 million, which included $54 million related to the buy-out of a lease associated with our Roll Coater business and capital expenditures, partially offset by $48 million of proceeds received from the sale of APA. In fiscal year 2003 cash used by discontinued operations was primarily used for capital expenditures.
                         
    Fiscal Year September 30,  
    2005     2004     2003  
FINANCING CASH FLOWS
                       
Net increase (decrease) in revolving credit facilities
  $     $ (53 )   $ 26  
Borrowings on accounts receivable securitization program
    112              
Payments on lines of credit and other
    (5 )     (2 )     (55 )
Purchase of notes
    (21 )            
 
                 
Net change in debt
    86       (55 )     (29 )
Cash dividends
    (28 )     (28 )     (27 )
Payment of issuance costs associated with debt exchange
    (10 )            
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    6       6        
 
                 
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  $ 54     $ (77 )   $ (56 )
 
                 
          Cash provided by financing activities was $54 million in fiscal year 2005. Cash used for financing activities was $77 million in fiscal year 2004 and $56 million in fiscal 2003. In September 2005, we entered into a new accounts receivable securitization arrangement. Amounts outstanding under this new arrangement are reported as short-term debt in the consolidated balance sheet and related borrowings are reported as cash flows from financing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows. At September 30, 2005, $112 million was outstanding under this facility. In May 2005, we purchased, at a discount, $20 million and $1 million of our 8-3/4 percent notes and 6.8 percent notes, respectively, on the open market. In September 2005, we paid $10 million of debt issuance costs to complete an offer to exchange a new series of debt securities for $194 million of our $499 million 6.8 percent notes due in 2009, and $59 million of our $150 million 7-1/8 percent notes also due in 2009.
          During fiscal year 2004, we decreased amounts outstanding under our revolving credit facility by $53 million. In fiscal year 2003, we used cash to repay lines of credit and other debt of $55 million, principally related to the payoff of $23 million of debt directly associated with the sale of the exhaust tube manufacturing facility. Also in fiscal year 2003, we paid down certain higher cost debt assumed in the acquisition of Zeuna Starker.
          We paid dividends of $28 million in fiscal years 2005 and 2004 and $27 million in fiscal year 2003. In fiscal years 2005 and 2004, proceeds of $6 million were received from the exercise of stock options.

10


 

Liquidity and Contractual Obligations
          We are contractually obligated to make payments as follows (in millions):
                                                 
                                    2009–     There-  
    Total     2006     2007     2008     2010     after  
Total debt (1)
  $ 1,567     $ 131     $ 262     $ 100     $ 403     $ 671  
Operating leases
    77       22       17       14       19       5  
Interest payments on long-term debt (2)
    634       106       102       88       128       210  
Purchase option for joint venture
    21                   21              
Residual value guarantees under certain leases
    30             30                    
 
                                   
Total
  $ 2,329     $ 259     $ 411     $ 223     $ 550     $ 886  
 
                                   
 
(1)   Excludes fair value adjustment of notes of $17 million, unamortized debt discount and debt of the discontinued operations of $5 million.
 
(2)   Includes the estimated impact of our interest rate swaps
          In addition to the obligations above, we sponsor defined benefit pension plans that cover most of our U.S. employees and certain non-U.S. employees. Our funding practice provides that annual contributions to the pension trusts will be at least equal to the minimum amounts required by ERISA in the U.S. and the actuarial recommendations or statutory requirements in other countries. Management expects funding for our retirement pension plans of approximately $123 million in fiscal year 2006.
          We also sponsor retirement medical plans that cover the majority of our U.S. and certain non-U.S. employees and provide for medical payments to eligible employees and dependents upon retirement. Management expects retiree medical plan benefit payments of approximately $50 million in fiscal year 2006; $40 million in fiscal year 2007; $39 million in fiscal year 2008; $38 million in fiscal year 2009 and $36 million in fiscal year 2010.
          Revolving and Other Debt — In September 2005, we completed an offer to exchange a new series of debt securities for $194 million of our $499 million 6.8 percent notes due in 2009, and $59 million of our $150 million 7-1/8 percent notes also due in 2009 for $253 million of new 8-1/8 percent notes due in 2015.
          Also in fiscal year 2005, we purchased, at a discount, $20 million and $1 million of our 8-3/4 percent notes and 6.8 percent notes, respectively, on the open market.
          We have a $900 million revolving credit facility that expires in 2008. Under the facility, borrowings are subject to interest based on quoted LIBOR rates plus a margin, and a facility fee, both of which are based upon the company’s credit rating. At September 30, 2005, the margin over the LIBOR rate was 150 basis points, and the facility fee was 37.5 basis points. Certain of our domestic subsidiaries, as defined in the credit agreement, irrevocably and unconditionally guarantee amounts outstanding under the credit facility.
          The credit facility requires us to maintain a total net debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) ratio no greater than 3.25x and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio (EBITDA less capital expenditures to interest expense) no less than 1.50x. At September 30, 2005, we were in compliance with all covenants.
          On May 10, 2005, Standard & Poor’s lowered the company’s credit rating to BB from BB+ and on June 23, 2005, Moody’s lowered the company’s credit rating to Ba2 from Ba1.
          We also have an arrangement with a non-consolidated joint venture that allows the company to borrow funds from time to time, at LIBOR plus 50 basis points. No amounts were outstanding under this arrangement at September 30, 2005 and 2004.
          We have $150 million of debt securities remaining unissued under the shelf registration filed with the SEC in April 2001 (see Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).
          Leases — One of our operating leases requires us to maintain financial ratios that are similar to those required by our revolving credit agreement. At September 30, 2005, we were in compliance with all covenants. We have a residual value guarantee of $30 million related to one of our leases.
          Accounts Receivable Securitization and Factoring — In September 2005, the company entered into a new $250 million accounts receivable securitization arrangement to improve financial flexibility and lower interest costs. Under the new arrangement, the company sells substantially all of the trade receivables of certain U.S. subsidiaries to ArvinMeritor Receivables Corporation (ARC), a wholly owned, consolidated special purpose subsidiary, which funds these purchases with borrowings under a loan agreement with a bank. Amounts outstanding under this agreement are collateralized by eligible receivables of ARC and are reported as short-term debt in the consolidated balance sheet. As of September 30, 2005, we had utilized $112 million of this accounts receivable securitization facility. As of September 30, 2004 we utilized $24 million of the old facility.
          If certain receivables performance-based covenants were not met, it would constitute a termination event, which, at the option of the banks, could result in termination of the accounts receivable securitization arrangement. At September 30, 2005, we were in compliance with all covenants.
          We previously participated in a European accounts receivable securitization program that expired in March 2005.
          In addition, several our European subsidiaries factor eligible accounts receivable with financial institutions. The amounts of factored receivables were $23 million and $10 million at September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. There can be no assurance that these factoring arrangements will be used or available to us in the future.
          Restructuring Actions — As previously mentioned, approximately $110 million of the $135 million of restructuring charges related to actions announced during fiscal year 2005, are expected to be cash costs. Of the $110 million cash costs, approximately $25 million was spent in fiscal year 2005 and we expect the remainder to be spent in fiscal year 2006 and 2007.
Tender Offer
          In the first quarter of fiscal year 2004, as a result of the company’s decision to withdraw its all cash tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Dana Corporation, the company recorded a net charge of $9 million ($6 million after-tax, or $0.09 per diluted share). The pre-tax charge included $16 million in direct incremental acquisition costs, less a gain on the sale of Dana stock of $7 million.

11


 

Critical Accounting Policies
          Critical accounting policies are those that are most important to the portrayal of the company’s financial condition and results of operations. These policies require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments in the preparation of the financial statements and accompanying notes. Management makes estimates and assumptions about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain, relating to the reporting of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Our most critical accounting policies are discussed below.
          Pensions — Our pension obligations are determined on an actuarial basis annually and are measured as of June 30. The U.S. plans include a qualified and non-qualified pension plan. Significant non-U.S. plans are located in the United Kingdom, Canada and Germany. The following are the significant assumptions used in the measurement of the projected benefit obligation (PBO) and net periodic pension expense:
                                 
    2005   2004
    U.S.   Non-U.S.   U.S.   Non-U.S.
Assumptions as of June 30
                               
Discount rate
    5.30 %     4.00%–5.00 %     6.25 %     5.50%–6.25 %
Assumed return on plan assets
    8.50 %     7.75%–8.50 %     8.50 %     8.00%–8.50 %
Rate of compensation increase
    3.75 %     3.00%–3.50 %     3.75 %     3.00%–3.75 %
          The discount rate is used to calculate the present value of the PBO. The rate is determined based on high-quality fixed income investments that match the duration of expected benefit payments. The company uses a portfolio of long-term corporate AA/Aa bonds that match the duration of the expected benefit payments to establish the discount rate for this assumption.
          The assumed return on plan assets is used to determine net periodic pension expense. The rate of return assumptions are based on projected long-term market returns for the various asset classes in which the plans are invested, weighted by the target asset allocations. An incremental amount for active management, where appropriate, is included in the rate of return assumption. The return assumption is reviewed annually.
          The rate of compensation increase represents the long-term assumption for expected increases to salaries for pay-related plans.
These assumptions reflect our historical experience and our best judgments regarding future expectations. The effects of the indicated increase and decrease in selected assumptions, assuming no changes in benefit levels and no amortization of gains or losses for the plans in 2005, is shown below (in millions):
                                 
    Effect on All Plans — June 30, 2005
                    Increase    
                    (Decrease) in   Increase
                    Accumulated   (Decrease)
    Percentage   Increase   Other   in 2005
    Point   (Decrease)   Comprehensive   Pension
    Change   in PBO   Loss   Expense
Assumption
                               
Discount rate
  – 0.5pts   $ 150     $ 92     $ 15  
 
  + 0.5pts     (137 )     (94 )     (14 )
Assumed return on plan assets
  – 1.0pts   NA     NA       12  
 
  + 1.0pts   NA     NA       (12 )
 
NA — Not Applicable
          Accounting guidance applicable to pensions does not require immediate recognition of the effects of a deviation between actual and assumed experience and the revision of an estimate. This approach allows the favorable and unfavorable effects that fall within an acceptable range to be netted and disclosed as an unrecognized gain or loss in the footnotes. At September 30, 2005 and 2004, we had an unrecognized loss of $866 million and $642 million, respectively. A portion of this loss will be recognized into earnings in fiscal year 2006. The effect on fiscal years after 2006 will depend on the actual experience of the plans.
          In recognition of the long-term nature of the liabilities of the pension plans, we have targeted an asset allocation strategy that intends to promote asset growth while maintaining an acceptable level of risk over the long term. Asset-liability studies are performed periodically to validate the continued appropriateness of these asset allocation targets. The asset allocation for the U.S. plan is targeted at 70–75 percent equity securities, 20–25 percent debt securities, and 0–5 percent alternative assets. The target asset allocation ranges for the non-U.S. plans are 65–75 percent equity securities, 20–35 percent debt securities, and 0–5 percent real estate.
          The investment strategies for the pension plans are designed to achieve an appropriate diversification of investments as well as safety and security of the principal invested. Assets invested are allocated to certain global sub-asset categories within prescribed ranges in order to promote international diversification across security type, issuer type, investment style, industry group, and economic sector. Assets of the plans are both actively and passively managed. Policy limits are placed on the percentage of plan assets that can be invested in a security of any single issuer and minimum credit quality standards are established for debt securities. ArvinMeritor securities comprised less than one-half percent of the value of our worldwide pension assets as of September 30, 2005.
          The fiscal year 2006 pension expense is estimated to be $104 million. This may vary depending upon the accuracy of our original and future assumptions.

12


 

          Retiree Medical — We have retirement medical plans that cover the majority of our U.S. and certain non-U.S. employees and provide for medical payments to eligible employees and dependents upon retirement. Our retiree medical obligations are measured as of June 30.
          The following are the significant assumptions used in the measurement of the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO):
                 
    2005   2004
Assumptions as of June 30
               
Discount rate
    5.00 %     6.25 %
Health care cost trend rate (weighted average)
    9.00 %     9.50 %
Ultimate health care trend rate
    5.00 %     5.00 %
Year ultimate rate is reached
    2011       2011  
          The discount rate is the rate used to calculate the present value of the APBO. The rate is determined based on high-quality fixed income investments that match the duration of expected benefit payments. We have typically used the corporate AA/Aa bond rate for this assumption.
          The health care cost trend rate represents the company’s expected annual rates of change in the cost of health care benefits. The trend rate noted above represents a forward projection of health care costs as of the measurement date. Our projection for fiscal year 2006 is an increase in health care costs of 9.0 percent. For measurement purposes, the annual increase in health care costs was assumed to decrease gradually to 5.0 percent by fiscal year 2011 and remain at that level thereafter.
          A one-percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate for all years to, and including, the ultimate rate would have the following effects (in millions):
                 
    2005   2004
Effect on total of service and interest cost
               
1% Increase
  $ 3     $ 4  
1% Decrease
    (2 )     (4 )
Effect on APBO
               
1% Increase
    38       37  
1% Decrease
    (35 )     (34 )
          As previously discussed, we approved changes to certain retiree medical plans in fiscal year 2004. These plan amendments and the related impact is reflected in the APBO as of September 30, 2005 and 2004. Beginning in April 2005, salaried retirees and certain non-union hourly retirees under age 65 who now pay a portion of the cost for their coverage will contribute an increased share each year. The benefit currently provided by the company will be phased out by fiscal 2023. For retirees age 65 and older, we will no longer provide supplemental healthcare benefits to Medicare-eligible retirees beginning in January 2006. These plan amendments have been challenged in class action lawsuits brought by members of the United Auto Workers and United Steel Workers. We believe the company has meritorious defenses to these actions and plans to defend these suits vigorously.
          The plan changes resulted in a reduction in the APBO of $257 million in fiscal year 2004, which is amortized as a reduction of retiree medical expense over the average remaining service life of approximately 12 years. The fiscal year 2006 retiree medical expense is estimated to be approximately $30 million. This may vary depending upon the accuracy of our original and future assumptions.
          Product Warranties — Our CVS segment records product warranty costs at the time of shipment of products to customers. Liabilities for product recall campaigns are recorded at the time the company’s obligation is known and can be reasonably estimated. Product warranties, including recall campaigns, not expected to be paid within one year are recorded as a non-current liability.
          Our LVS segment records product warranty liabilities based on its individual customer or warranty-sharing agreements. Product warranties are recorded for known warranty issues when amounts can be reasonably estimated.
          Significant factors and information used by management when estimating product warranty liabilities include:
     
  Past claims experience;
     
  Sales history;
     
  Product manufacturing and industry developments; and
     
  Recoveries from third parties.
          Asbestos — Maremont Corporation (“Maremont”) — Maremont, a subsidiary of ArvinMeritor, manufactured friction products containing asbestos from 1953 through 1977, when it sold its friction product business. Arvin acquired Maremont in 1986. Maremont and many other companies are defendants in suits brought by individuals claiming personal injuries as a result of exposure to asbestos-containing products. Although Maremont has been named in these cases, very few cases allege actual injury and, in the cases where actual injury has been alleged, very few claimants have established that a Maremont product caused their injuries. Plaintiffs’ lawyers often sue dozens or even hundreds of defendants in individual lawsuits on behalf of hundreds or thousands of claimants, seeking damages against all named defendants irrespective of the disease or injury and irrespective of any causal connection with a particular product. For these reasons, Maremont does not consider the number of claims filed or the damages alleged to be a meaningful factor in determining its asbestos-related liability.
          Prior to February 2001, Maremont participated in the Center for Claims Resolution (“CCR”) and shared with other CCR members in the payments of defense and indemnity costs for asbestos-related claims. The CCR handled the resolution and processing of asbestos claims on behalf of its members until February 2001, when it was reorganized and discontinued negotiating shared settlements. Since that time, Maremont has handled asbestos-related claims through its own defense counsel and has taken a more aggressive defensive approach that involves examining the merits of each asbestos-related claim.
          At the end of fiscal year 2004 and through the third quarter of fiscal year 2005, Maremont established reserves for pending asbestos-related claims that reflected internal estimates of its defense and indemnity costs. These estimates were based on the history and nature of filed claims to date and Maremont’s experience with historical indemnity and litigation costs, using data from actual CCR settlements, experience in resolving claims since dissolution of the CCR, and Maremont’s assessment of the nature of the claims. Maremont did not accrue reserves for its potential liability for asbestos-related claims that may be asserted against it in the

13


 

future, because it did not have sufficient information to make a reasonable estimate of these unknown claims.
          In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2005, Maremont worked with Bates White LLC (Bates White), a consulting firm with extensive experience estimating costs associated with asbestos litigation, to assist with determining whether it would be possible to estimate the cost of resolving pending and future asbestos-related claims that have been, and could reasonably be expected to be, filed against Maremont, as well as the cost of Maremont’s share of committed but unpaid settlements entered into by the CCR. Although it is not possible to estimate the full range of costs because of various uncertainties, Bates White advised Maremont that it would be possible to determine an estimate of a reasonable forecast of the cost of resolving pending and future asbestos-related claims, based on historical data and certain assumptions with respect to events that occur in the future.
          The resulting study by Bates White provided an estimate of the reasonably possible range of Maremont’s obligation for asbestos personal injury claims over the next three to four years of $36 million to $55 million. After consultation with Bates White, Maremont determined that the most likely and probable liability for pending and future claims over the next four years is $50 million. The ultimate cost of resolving pending and future claims is estimated based on the history of claims and expenses for plaintiffs represented by law firms in jurisdictions with an established history with Maremont.
          The following assumptions were made by Maremont after consultation with Bates White and are included in their study:
  Pending and future claims were estimated for a four year period ending in fiscal year 2009. Maremont believes that the litigation environment will change significantly in several years, and that the reliability of estimates of future probable expenditures in connection with asbestos-related personal injury claims declines for each year further in the future. As a result, estimating a probable liability beyond four years is difficult and uncertain;
 
  The ultimate cost of resolving pending and future claims filed in Madison County, Illinois, a jurisdiction where a substantial amount of Maremont’s claims are filed, will decline to reflect average outcomes throughout the United States. Additionally, defense and processing costs in Madison County, Illinois will be reduced from current levels;
 
  Defense and processing costs for pending and future claims filed outside of Madison County, Illinois will be at the level consistent with Maremont’s prior experience; and
 
  The ultimate cost of resolving nonmalignant claims with plaintiff’s law firms in jurisdictions without an established history with Maremont cannot be reasonably estimated. Recent changes in tort law and insufficient settlement history make estimating a liability for these nonmalignant claims difficult and uncertain.
          The significant reduction in the liability since September 30, 2004 is a result of both an overall reduction in pending claims and results of the study by Bates White, which estimates a value for pending and future claims that are expected to be settled. Maremont previously estimated a settlement value on all pending claims.
          Maremont has insurance that reimburses a substantial portion of the costs incurred defending against asbestos-related claims. The coverage also reimburses Maremont for any indemnity paid on those claims. The coverage is provided by several insurance carriers based on insurance agreements in place. Maremont has recorded asbestos-related insurance receivables as of September 30, 2005. Certain insurance policies have been settled in cash prior to the ultimate settlement of related asbestos liabilities. Amounts received from insurance settlements generally reduce recorded insurance receivables. Receivables for policies in dispute are not recorded.
          The amounts recorded for the asbestos-related reserves and recoveries from insurance companies are based upon assumptions and estimates derived from currently known facts. All such estimates of liabilities and recoveries for asbestos-related claims are subject to considerable uncertainty because such liabilities and recoveries are influenced by variables that are difficult to predict. The future litigation environment for Maremont could change significantly from its past experience, due, for example, to changes in the mix of claims filed against Maremont in terms of plaintiffs’ law firm, jurisdiction and disease; legislative or regulatory developments; Maremont’s approach to defending claims; or payments to plaintiffs from other defendants. Estimated recoveries are influenced by coverage issues among insurers, and the continuing solvency of various insurance companies. If the assumptions with respect to the nature of pending claims, the cost to resolve claims and the amount of available insurance prove to be incorrect, the actual amount of liability for Maremont’s liability asbestos-related claims, and the effect on the company, could differ materially from current estimates and, therefore, could have a material impact on our financial position and results of operations.
          Asbestos — Rockwell — ArvinMeritor, along with many other companies, has also been named as a defendant in lawsuits alleging personal injury as a result of exposure to asbestos used in certain components of Rockwell products many years ago. Liability for these claims was transferred to the company at the time of the spin-off of the automotive business to Meritor from Rockwell in 1997. Currently there are thousands of claimants in lawsuits that name us, together with many other companies, as defendants. However, we do not consider the number of claims filed or the damages alleged to be a meaningful factor in determining asbestos-related liabilities. A significant portion of the claims do not identify any of Rockwell’s products or specify which of the claimants, if any, were exposed to asbestos attributable to Rockwell’s products, and past experience has shown that the vast majority of the claimants will never identify any of Rockwell’s products. For those claimants who do show that they worked with Rockwell’s products, we nevertheless believe we have meritorious defenses, in substantial part due to the integrity of the products involved, the encapsulated nature of any asbestos-containing components, and the lack of any impairing medical condition on the part of many claimants. We defend these cases vigorously. Historically, ArvinMeritor has been dismissed from the vast majority of these claims with no payment to claimants.
          Rockwell maintained insurance coverage that we believe covers indemnity and defense costs, over and above self-insurance retentions, for most of these claims. We have initiated claims against these carriers to enforce the insurance policies. Although the status of one carrier as a financially viable entity is in question, we expect to recover the majority of defense and indemnity costs we have incurred to date, over and above self-insured retentions, and a substantial portion of the costs for defending asbestos claims going forward.
          ArvinMeritor has not established reserves for pending or future claims or for corresponding recoveries for Rockwell-legacy asbestos-related claims and defense and indemnity costs related to these claims are expensed as incurred. Reserves have not been established because management cannot reasonably estimate the ultimate liabilities for these costs, primarily because we do not have a sufficient history of claims settlement and defense costs from which to develop reliable assumptions. The uncertainties of asbestos claim litigation and resolution of the litigation with our insurance companies make it difficult to predict accurately the ultimate resolution of asbestos claims. That uncertainty is increased by the possibility of adverse rulings or new legislation affecting asbestos claim litigation or the settlement process. Subject to these uncertainties and based on our experience defending these asbestos claims, we do not believe these lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition. Rockwell was not a member of the CCR and handled its asbestos-related claims using its own litigation counsel. As a result, we do not have any additional potential liabilities for committed CCR settlements in connection with the Rockwell-legacy cases.

14


 

          Environmental — We record liabilities for environmental issues in the accounting period in which our responsibility and remediation plans are established and the cost can be reasonably estimated. At environmental sites in which more than one potentially responsible party has been identified, we record a liability for our allocable share of costs related to our involvement with the site, as well as an allocable share of costs related to insolvent parties or unidentified shares. At environmental sites in which we are the only potentially responsible party, a liability is recorded for the total estimated costs of remediation before consideration of recovery from insurers or other third parties. The ultimate cost with respect to our environmental obligations could significantly exceed the costs we have recorded as liabilities.
          Significant factors considered by management when estimating environmental reserves include:
  Evaluations of current law and existing technologies;
 
  The outcome of discussions with regulatory agencies;
 
  Physical and scientific data at the site;
 
  Government regulations and legal standards; and
 
  Proposed remedies and technologies.
          Goodwill — Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if certain indicators arise, by using discounted cash flows and market multiples on earnings to determine the fair value of each reporting unit. An impairment loss may be recognized if the review indicates that the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value. If business conditions or other factors cause the profitability and cash flows of the reporting unit to decline, we may be required to record impairment charges for goodwill at that time. Significant factors considered by management when evaluating goodwill for impairment include:
  Fair value of the reporting unit, including developing estimates of future cash flows and market multiples;
 
  Discount rate; and
 
  As required, an allocation of the reporting unit’s fair value to the underlying net assets of the reporting unit.
          Impairment of Long-Lived Assets — Long-lived assets, excluding goodwill, to be held and used are reviewed for impairment whenever adverse events or changes in circumstances indicate a possible impairment. An impairment loss is recognized when the long-lived assets’ carrying value exceeds the fair value. If business conditions or other factors cause the profitability and cash flows to decline, we may be required to record impairment charges at that time. Long-lived assets held for sale are recorded at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. Significant judgments and estimates used by management when evaluating long-lived assets for impairment include:
  An assessment as to whether an adverse event or circumstance has triggered the need for an impairment review; and
 
  Undiscounted future cash flows generated by the asset.
          Income Taxes — Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. If it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will be realized, no valuation allowance is recorded. Management judgment is required in determining the company’s provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities and the valuation allowance recorded against the company’s net deferred tax assets. The valuation allowance would need to be adjusted in the event future taxable income is materially different than amounts estimated. Significant judgments, estimates and factors considered by management in its determination of the probability of the realization of deferred tax assets include:
  Historical operating results;
 
  Expectations of future earnings;
 
  Tax planning strategies; and
 
  The extended period of time over which the retirement medical and pension liabilities will be paid.
New Accounting Pronouncements
          In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment,” which will require compensation costs related to share-based payment transactions to be recognized in the financial statements. This statement also establishes fair value for share based payment transactions with employees. The company began expensing the fair value of stock options in fiscal year 2003. In addition, the company expenses stock compensation granted to retirement eligible employees ratably over the respective vesting period. Upon adoption of FAS 123(R), the company will recognize compensation expense associated with grants to retirement eligible employees in the period granted. This statement is effective for the company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2006 and is not expected to have a material effect on its financial condition or results of operations.
          In December 2004, the FASB issued Staff Position (FSP) FAS 109-1, “Application of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, to the Tax Deduction on Qualified Production Activities Provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004.” The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the 2004 Act) provides tax relief to U.S. domestic manufacturers under certain circumstances. The FSP states that the manufacturers’ deduction under the 2004 Act should be accounted for as a special deduction in accordance with SFAS No. 109 and not as a tax rate deduction. The adoption of FSP FAS 109-1 did not have an impact on the company’s results of operations or financial position.
          In December 2004, the FASB issued FSP FAS 109-2, “Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Repatriation Provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004.” The 2004 Act introduced a special limited-time dividends received deduction on the repatriation of certain foreign earnings to a U.S. taxpayer. The FSP addresses whether a company should be allowed additional time beyond the financial reporting period in which the 2004 Act was enacted, to evaluate the effects of the 2004 Act on the company’s plan for reinvestment or repatriation of foreign earnings for purposes of applying SFAS No. 109. We are still evaluating the repatriation provisions of the 2004 Act for purposes of applying SFAS No. 109. This evaluation is expected to be completed in fiscal year 2006. The range of income tax effects of such repatriation cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.
          In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs.” This statement clarifies the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage), and requires that these items be recognized as current-period charges. In addition, SFAS No. 151

15


 

requires that the allocation of fixed production overhead to inventory be based on the normal capacity of the company’s manufacturing facilities. SFAS No. 151 is effective for the company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2006. The company is evaluating the impact of adopting this standard.
Accounting Changes
          Prior to the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2004, certain CVS inventories in the U.S. were valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2004, the company changed its method of costing these inventories to the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method from LIFO. As a result, all U.S. inventories are now stated at the lower of cost, determined on a FIFO basis, or market. We believe this change is preferable as it results in inventories being valued in a manner which more closely approximates current costs and better matches revenues with costs of goods sold. In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., all prior periods have been restated to give retroactive effect to this change. The effect of this change decreased net income in 2003 by $3 million ($0.04 per diluted share).
International Operations
          Approximately 49 percent of the company’s total assets, excluding assets of discontinued operations, as of September 30, 2005, and 49 percent of fiscal 2005 sales from continuing operations were outside North America. Management believes that international operations have significantly benefited the financial performance of the company. However, our international operations are subject to a number of risks inherent in operating abroad. There can be no assurance that these risks will not have a material adverse impact on our ability to increase or maintain our foreign sales or on our financial condition or results of operations.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
          We are exposed to global market risks including foreign currency exchange rate risk related to our transactions denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and interest rate risk associated with our debt.
          In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2004 we implemented a foreign currency cash flow hedging program to help reduce our exposure to changes in exchange rates. We use foreign currency forward contracts to manage the exposures arising from foreign currency exchange risk. Gains and losses on the underlying foreign currency exposures are partially offset with gains and losses on the foreign currency forward contracts. Under this program, we have designated the foreign currency contracts (the “contracts”) as cash flow hedges of underlying foreign currency forecasted purchases and sales. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of the contracts is recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) in the statement of shareowners’ equity and is recognized in operating income when the underlying forecasted transaction impacts earnings. The contracts generally mature within 12 months. Prior to this program, we used foreign exchange contracts to offset the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on foreign currency denominated payables and receivables but did not designate these contracts as hedges for accounting purposes. These contracts were generally of short duration (less than three months). It is difficult to predict the impact the euro and other currencies will have on our sales and operating income in the upcoming year.
          We also use interest rate swaps to manage the proportion of variable rate debt to fixed rate debt. It is our policy not to enter into derivative instruments for speculative purposes, and therefore, we hold no derivative instruments for trading purposes.
          Sensitivity Analysis: We use sensitivity models to calculate the fair value and cash flow impact that a hypothetical change in market currency rates and interest rates would have on derivative and debt instruments. Actual gains or losses in the future may differ significantly from that analysis, however, based on changes in the timing and amount of interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate movements and the company’s actual exposures. The results of the sensitivity analysis are as follows (in millions):
                         
    Assuming a 10%   Assuming a 10%   Increase/
    Increase in Rates   Decrease in Rates   (Decrease) on
Market Risk
                       
Foreign Currency Sensitivity:
                       
Forward contracts (1)
  $ 5.4     $ (5.4 )   Fair Value
Foreign currency denominated debt
  $ (3.0 )   $ 3.0     Fair Value
Interest Rate Sensitivity:
                       
Debt — fixed rate
  $ (34.4 )   $ 36.7     Fair Value
Debt — variable rate
  $ (3.2 )   $ 3.2     Cash Flow
Interest rate swaps (pay variable, receive fixed)
  $ (5.6 )   $ 5.6     Fair Value
 
(1)   Includes only the risk related to the derivative instruments that serve as hedges and does not include the risk related to the underlying hedged item or on other operating transactions. The analyses assume overall derivative instruments and debt levels remain unchanged for each hypothetical scenario

16


 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareowners of ArvinMeritor, Inc.
Troy, Michigan
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of ArvinMeritor, Inc. (the “company”) as of September 30, 2005 and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and shareowners’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2005. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index of the company’s fiscal year 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K at Item 15(a)(2). These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with 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, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of ArvinMeritor, Inc. as of September 30, 2005 and 2004, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2005, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, in 2004 the company changed its method of determining the cost of certain inventories from the last-in, first-out method to the first-in, first-out method and retroactively restated the 2003 consolidated financial statements for the change.
As also discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, effective July 1, 2003, the company changed its method of accounting for its interests in variable interest entities.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2005, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated November 15, 2005 (not included herein) expressed an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting and an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Detroit, Michigan
November 15, 2005 (February 27, 2006, as to the effect of discontinued operations as discussed in Note 3)

17


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(In millions, except per share amounts)
                         
    Year Ended September 30,  
    2005     2004     2003  
Sales
  $ 8,821     $ 7,857     $ 6,465  
Cost of sales
    (8,175 )     (7,186 )     (5,882 )
 
                 
GROSS MARGIN
    646       671       583  
Selling, general and administrative
    (374 )     (379 )     (331 )
Restructuring costs
    (86 )     (15 )     (19 )
Gain on divestitures, net
    4             15  
Customer bankruptcies
    (10 )            
Environmental remediation costs
    (7 )     (11 )      
Costs for withdrawn tender offer
          (16 )      
 
                 
OPERATING INCOME
    173       250       248  
Equity in earnings of affiliates
    28       19       8  
Gain on sale of marketable securities
          7        
Interest expense, net and other
    (127 )     (107 )     (104 )
 
                 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    74       169       152  
Provision for income taxes
    (13 )     (46 )     (43 )
Minority interests
    (3 )     (8 )     (5 )
 
                 
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
    58       115       104  
INCOME (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF TAX
    (46 )     (157 )     33  
 
                 
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE
    12       (42 )     137  
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax
                (4 )
 
                 
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 12     $ (42 )   $ 133  
 
                 
 
                       
BASIC EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
                       
Continuing operations
  $ 0.84     $ 1.71     $ 1.56  
Discontinued operations
    (0.67 )     (2.33 )     0.49  
Cumulative effect of accounting change
                (0.06 )
 
                 
Basic earnings (loss) per share
  $ 0.17     $ (0.62 )   $ 1.99  
 
                 
 
DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
                       
Continuing operations
  $ 0.83     $ 1.68     $ 1.53  
Discontinued operations
    (0.66 )     (2.29 )     0.49  
Cumulative effect of accounting change
                (0.06 )
 
                 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
  $ 0.17     $ (0.61 )   $ 1.96  
 
                 
 
Basic average common shares outstanding
    68.5       67.4       66.9  
 
                 
Diluted average common shares outstanding
    69.9       68.6       67.9  
 
                 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

18


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(In millions)
                 
    September 30,  
    2005     2004  
ASSETS
               
CURRENT ASSETS:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 187     $ 132  
Receivables, net
    1,655       1,478  
Inventories
    541       523  
Other current assets
    256       238  
Assets of discontinued operations
    531       615  
 
           
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
    3,170       2,986  
 
           
NET PROPERTY
    1,013       1,032  
GOODWILL
    801       808  
OTHER ASSETS
    886       813  
 
           
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 5,870     $ 5,639  
 
           
LIABILITIES AND SHAREOWNERS’ EQUITY
               
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Short-term debt
  $ 131     $ 3  
Accounts payable
    1,483       1,366  
Other current liabilities
    667       622  
Liabilities of discontinued operations
    242       282  
 
           
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
    2,523       2,273  
 
           
LONG-TERM DEBT
    1,451       1,487  
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
    754       583  
OTHER LIABILITIES
    209       247  
MINORITY INTERESTS
    58       61  
SHAREOWNERS’ EQUITY:
               
Common stock (2005, 71.0 shares issued and 70.3 outstanding; 2004, 71.0 shares issued and 69.5 outstanding)
    71       71  
Additional paid-in capital
    580       569  
Retained earnings
    579       595  
Treasury stock (2005, 0.7 shares; 2004, 1.5 shares)
    (10 )     (22 )
Unearned compensation
    (13 )     (15 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (332 )     (210 )
 
           
TOTAL SHAREOWNERS’ EQUITY
    875       988  
 
           
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREOWNERS’ EQUITY
  $ 5,870     $ 5,639  
 
           
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

19


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
                         
    Year Ended September 30,  
    2005     2004     2003  
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                       
Income from continuing operations
  $ 58     $ 115     $ 104  
Adjustments to income from continuing operations to arrive at cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    180       177       177  
Gain on divestitures and marketable securities, net
    (4 )     (7 )     (15 )
Restructuring costs, net of payments
    44       (3 )     5  
Deferred income tax
    (101 )     21       (38 )
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of dividends
    (10 )     (4 )     11  
Stock compensation expense
    24       16       16  
Provision for doubtful accounts
    19       19       8  
Pension and retiree medical expense
    110       130       99  
Pension and retiree medical contributions
    (164 )     (212 )     (163 )
Proceeds from terminations of interest rate swaps
    22              
Changes in receivable securitization and factoring
    (19 )     (187 )     90  
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding effects of acquisitions, divestitures, foreign currency adjustments, and discontinued operations:
                       
Receivables
    (196 )     (89 )     (30 )
Inventories
    (21 )     (59 )     (12 )
Accounts payable
    150       218       15  
Other current assets and liabilities
    15       41       (69 )
Other assets and liabilities
    2       3       27  
 
                 
Operating cash flows provided by continuing operations
    109       179       225  
Operating cash flows provided by (used for) discontinued operations
    (141 )     40       49  
 
                 
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES
    (32 )     219       274  
 
                 
 
                       
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                       
Capital expenditures
    (142 )     (148 )     (167 )
Acquisitions of businesses and investments, net of cash acquired
    (31 )     (3 )     (107 )
Proceeds from disposition of property and businesses
    49       37       104  
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities
          18        
Net investing cash flows provided by (used for) discontinued operations
    149       (24 )     (21 )
 
                 
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) INVESTING ACTIVITIES
    25       (120 )     (191 )
 
                 
 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                       
Net increase (decrease) in revolving credit facilities
          (53 )     26  
Borrowings on accounts receivable securitization program
    112              
Purchase of notes
    (21 )            
Payments on lines of credit and other
    (5 )     (2 )     (55 )
 
                 
Net change in debt
    86       (55 )     (29 )
Payment of issuance costs associated with debt exchange
    (10 )            
Cash dividends
    (28 )     (28 )     (27 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    6       6        
 
                 
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES
    54       (77 )     (56 )
 
                 
EFFECT OF CHANGES IN FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES ON CASH
    8       7       20  
 
                 
CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    55       29       47  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR
    132       103       56  
 
                 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR
  $ 187     $ 132     $ 103  
 
                 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

20


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREOWNERS’ EQUITY
(In millions, except per share amounts)
                         
    Year Ended September 30,  
    2005     2004     2003  
COMMON STOCK
  $ 71     $ 71     $ 71  
ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL
                       
Beginning balance
    569       561       554  
Stock option expense
    5       7       7  
Exercise of stock options
    1              
Issuance of restricted stock and other
    5       1        
 
                 
Ending balance
    580       569       561  
 
                 
RETAINED EARNINGS
                       
Beginning balance
    595       665       559  
Net income (loss)
    12       (42 )     133  
Cash dividends (per share $0.40: 2005, 2004 and 2003)
    (28 )     (28 )     (27 )
 
                 
Ending balance
    579       595       665  
 
                 
TREASURY STOCK
                       
Beginning balance
    (22 )     (37 )     (46 )
Exercise of stock options
    5       6        
Issuance of restricted stock
    5       11       9  
Other
    2       (2 )      
 
                 
Ending balance
    (10 )     (22 )     (37 )
 
                 
UNEARNED COMPENSATION
                       
Beginning balance
    (15 )     (12 )     (12 )
Issuance of restricted stock
    (7 )     (16 )     (9 )
Compensation expense
    10       11       9  
Other
    (1 )     2        
 
                 
Ending balance
    (13 )     (15 )     (12 )
 
                 
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
                       
Beginning balance
    (210 )     (323 )     (356 )
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    22       112       212  
Minimum pension liability, net of tax
    (143 )     1       (182 )
Unrealized gains, net of tax
    (1 )           3  
 
                 
Ending balance
    (332 )     (210 )     (323 )
 
                 
TOTAL SHAREOWNERS’ EQUITY
  $ 875     $ 988     $ 925  
 
                 
 
                 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                       
Net income (loss)
    12       (42 )     133  
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    22       112       212  
Minimum pension liability, net of tax
    (143 )     1       (182 )
Unrealized gains, net of tax
    (1 )           3  
 
                 
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
  $ (110 )   $ 71     $ 166  
 
                 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

21


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
          ArvinMeritor, Inc. (the company or ArvinMeritor) is a global supplier of a broad range of integrated systems, modules and components serving light vehicle, commercial truck, trailer and specialty original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and certain aftermarkets.
          The company’s Light Vehicle Aftermarket (LVA) business and Light Vehicle Systems (LVS) ride control business are presented as discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of operations, consolidated statement of cash flows, and related notes. The company sold its coil coating business in the first quarter of fiscal year 2005 and its results of operations are presented as discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of operations for the periods through the date of sale.
          The assets and liabilities of LVA are classified as held for sale and included in assets and liabilities of discontinued operations in the consolidated balance sheet for all periods presented and the assets and liabilities of the coil coating business are classified as held for sale as of September 30, 2004 and included in assets and liabilities of discontinued operations in the consolidated balance sheet (see Note 3).
          The company’s fiscal quarters end on the Sundays nearest December 31, March 31, and June 30 and its fiscal year ends on the Sunday nearest September 30. The 2005, 2004 and 2003 fiscal years ended on October 2, 2005, October 3, 2004 and September 28, 2003, respectively. All year and quarter references relate to the company’s fiscal year and fiscal quarters unless otherwise stated. Fiscal years 2005 and 2003 include 52 weeks compared to 53 weeks in fiscal year 2004.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
     Use of Estimates
          The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S.) (GAAP) requires the use of estimates and assumptions related to the reporting of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Significant estimates and assumptions were used to value goodwill and other long-lived assets (see Note 3 and 4), product warranty liabilities (see Note 13), retiree medical and pension obligations (see Notes 19 and 20), income taxes (see Note 21), and contingencies including asbestos and environmental matters (see Note 22).
     Consolidation and Joint Ventures
          The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the company and those majority-owned subsidiaries in which the company has control. All significant intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. The balance sheet and results of operations of controlled subsidiaries where ownership is greater than 50 percent, but less than 100 percent, are included in the consolidated financial statements and are offset by a related minority interest expense and liability recorded for the minority interest ownership. Investments in affiliates that are not controlled or majority-owned are reported using the equity method of accounting (see Note 12). The company’s consolidated financial statements also include those variable interest entities in which the company holds a variable interest and is the primary beneficiary.
     Foreign Currency
          Local currencies are generally considered the functional currencies for operations outside the U.S. For operations reporting in local currencies, assets and liabilities are translated at year-end exchange rates with cumulative currency translation adjustments included as a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss in the consolidated balance sheet. Income and expense items are translated at average rates of exchange during the year.
     Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
          Long-lived assets, excluding goodwill, to be held and used are reviewed for impairment whenever adverse events or changes in circumstances indicate a possible impairment. An impairment loss is recognized when a long-lived asset’s carrying value exceeds the fair value. If business conditions or other factors cause the profitability and cash flows to decline, the company may be required to record impairment charges at that time. During fiscal year 2005, the company recorded $31 million of asset impairment charges associated with various restructuring actions (see Note 4). Included in this amount are $15 million of asset impairment charges included in discontinued operations associated with the company’s LVS ride control business (see Note 3). Long-lived assets held for sale are recorded at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2005, the company recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $43 million ($28 million after-tax, or $0.40 per diluted share) to record certain LVA businesses at fair value, less cost to sell (see Note 3).
     Discontinued Operations
          A business component that either has been disposed of or is classified as held for sale is reported as discontinued operations if the cash flows of the component have been or will be eliminated from the ongoing operations of the company and the company will no longer have any significant continuing involvement in the business component. The results of operations of discontinued operations are aggregated and presented separately in the consolidated statement of operations and consolidated statement of cash flows. Assets and liabilities of the discontinued operations, if included in the disposal group, are aggregated and reported separately as assets and liabilities of discontinued operations in the consolidated balance sheet (see Note 3).
     Goodwill
          Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if certain indicators arise, by using discounted cash flows and market multiples on earnings to determine the fair value of each reporting unit. An impairment loss may be recognized if the review indicates that the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value. If business conditions or other factors cause the profitability and cash flows of the reporting unit to decline, the company may be required to record impairment charges for goodwill at that time. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, the company recognized a non-cash impairment loss of $190 million ($2.77 per diluted share) on goodwill of the LVA reporting unit (see Note 3).
     Revenue Recognition
          Revenues are recognized upon shipment of product and transfer of ownership to the customer. Provisions for customer sales allowances and incentives are recorded as a reduction of sales at the time of product shipment. The company recognizes “pass-through” sales for certain of its OEM customers. These pass-through sales occur when, at the direction of the OEM customers, the company purchases components from suppliers, uses them in the company’s manufacturing process, and sells them as part of a completed system.

22


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
     Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
          An allowance for uncollectible trade receivables is recorded based on consideration of write-off history, aging analysis, and any specific, known troubled accounts.
     Earnings per Share
          Basic earnings per share is calculated using the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each year. The diluted earnings per share calculation includes the impact of dilutive common stock options, restricted stock and performance share awards.
          A reconciliation of basic average common shares outstanding to diluted average common shares outstanding is as follows (in millions):
                         
    September 30,
    2005   2004   2003
Basic average common shares outstanding
    68.5       67.4       66.9  
Impact of restricted stock
    1.1       0.9       0.9  
Impact of stock options
    0.3       0.3       0.1  
 
                       
Diluted average common shares outstanding
    69.9       68.6       67.9  
 
                       
          At September 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003, options to purchase 3.8 million, 1.7 million and 3.7 million shares of common stock, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.
     Other
          Other significant accounting policies are included in the related notes, specifically, inventories (Note 8), customer reimbursable tooling and engineering (Note 9), property and depreciation (Note 10), capitalized software (Note 11), product warranties (Note 13), financial instruments (Note 16), stock based compensation (Notes 17 and 18), retirement medical plans (Note 19), retirement pension plans (Note 20), income taxes (Note 21) and environmental and asbestos-related liabilities (Note 22).
     New Accounting Standards
          In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment,” which requires compensation costs related to share-based payment transactions to be recognized in the financial statements. This statement also establishes fair value for share-based payment transactions with employees. The company began expensing the fair value of stock options in fiscal year 2003. In addition, the company has expensed stock compensation granted to retirement eligible employees ratably over the respective vesting period. Upon adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the company will recognize compensation expense associated with grants to retirement eligible employees in the period granted. This statement is effective for the company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2006 and is not expected to have a material effect on its financial condition or results of operations.
          In December 2004, the FASB issued Staff Position (FSP) FAS 109-1, “Application of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, to the Tax Deduction on Qualified Production Activities Provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004.” The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the 2004 Act) provides tax relief to U.S. domestic manufacturers under certain circumstances. The FSP states that the manufacturers’ deduction under the 2004 Act should be accounted for as a special deduction in accordance with SFAS No. 109 and not as a tax rate deduction. The adoption of FSP FAS 109-1 did not have an impact on the company’s results of operations or financial position.
          In December 2004, the FASB issued FSP FAS 109-2, “Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Repatriation Provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004.” The 2004 Act introduced a special limited-time dividends received deduction on the repatriation of certain foreign earnings to a U.S. taxpayer. The FSP addresses whether a company should be allowed additional time beyond the financial reporting period in which the 2004 Act was enacted, to evaluate the effects of the 2004 Act on the company’s plan for reinvestment or repatriation of foreign earnings for purposes of applying SFAS No. 109. The company is still evaluating the repatriation provisions of the 2004 Act for purposes of applying SFAS No. 109. This evaluation is expected to be completed in fiscal year 2006. The range of income tax effects of such repatriation cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.
          In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs.” This statement clarifies the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage), and requires that these items be recognized as current-period charges. In addition, SFAS No. 151 requires that the allocation of fixed production overhead to inventory be based on the normal capacity of the company’s manufacturing facilities. SFAS No. 151 is effective for the company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2006. The company is evaluating the impact of adopting this standard.
     Accounting Changes
          Prior to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, certain inventories in the U.S. were valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, the company changed its method of costing these inventories to the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method from LIFO. As a result, all U.S. inventories are now stated at the lower of cost, determined on a FIFO basis, or market. The company believes this change is preferable as it results in inventories being valued in a manner that more closely approximates current costs and better matches revenues with costs of goods sold. In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., all prior periods were restated to give retroactive effect to this change. The effect of this change decreased net income in fiscal year 2003 by $3 million ($0.04 per diluted share).

23


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
          Effective July 1, 2003 the company adopted FASB Interpretation No. (FIN) 46. The company determined that an entity related to one of its lease agreements is a variable interest entity in which the company had a variable interest. The variable interest entity’s purpose is to hold certain manufacturing and administrative assets and lease such assets to the company. As the primary beneficiary, the company consolidated the variable interest entity. Management concluded that the company held a variable interest in the form of a residual value guarantee for which the company is obligated at the end of the lease agreement. Upon adoption, the company recorded a $6 million charge ($4 million after-tax, or $0.06 per diluted share) as a cumulative effect of accounting change for the difference between the net book value of the leased assets and the company’s obligation under the lease. The effect of adopting this accounting change on the company’s financial position was to increase property and other assets by $50 million and increase long-term debt by $54 million. Proceeds from the sale of the company’s exhaust tube manufacturing facility were used to pay down $23 million of this debt (see Note 5). Information related to the company’s leases is included in Note 15. In addition, management has determined that a wholly owned finance subsidiary trust of the company is a variable interest entity in which the company is not the primary beneficiary. As a result, the company no longer consolidates the trust. There was no impact to the company’s financial position or results of operations as a result of the de-consolidation of the trust (see Note 15).
3. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
          In December 2005, the company sold its light vehicle ride control business located in Asti, Italy and recorded an after-tax loss on the sale of $2 million. This sale, along with the previous divestiture of the company’s 75-percent shareholdings in AP Amortiguadores, S.A. (APA) in the second quarter of fiscal year 2004, substantially completes the company’s plan to exit its LVS ride control business (ride control). The exiting of this business met the requirements for classification as discontinued operations, and accordingly, ride control is presented as discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of operations and consolidated statement of cash flows for all periods presented. Ride control provides shock absorbers, struts, ministruts, and corner modules to the light vehicle industry. Net proceeds from the sale of APA were $48 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $20 million, which is recorded in discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of operations. The company recorded approximately $31 million of restructuring costs in fiscal year 2005 related to ride control. These costs included $16 million of employee termination benefits and $15 million of asset impairment charges. In fiscal year 2003, ride control recorded $1 million of restructuring costs associated with employee termination benefits.
          In October 2004, the company announced plans to divest its LVA business. This plan is part of the company’s long-term strategy to focus on core competencies and support its global light vehicle systems original equipment manufacturing (OEM) customers and its commercial vehicle systems OEM and aftermarket customers. LVA supplies exhaust, ride control, motion control and filter products, as well as other automotive parts to the passenger car, light truck and sport utility vehicle aftermarket. LVA is reported as discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of operations. The assets and liabilities of LVA are held for sale and included in assets and liabilities of discontinued operations in the consolidated balance sheet. Accordingly, net property and amortizable intangible assets are no longer being depreciated or amortized. Due to evolving industry dynamics, the timeframe to complete the divestiture of LVA has extended into fiscal year 2006.
          In November 2004, the company completed the sale of its coil coating business, Roll Coater, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary which supplied coil coating services and other value-added metal processing services to the transportation, appliance, heating and cooling, construction, doors and other industries. Cash proceeds from the sale were $163 million, resulting in a $2 million after-tax gain, which is recorded in loss from discontinued operations.
          Results of the discontinued operations are summarized as follows (in millions):
                         
            September 30,    
     
    2005   2004   2003
     
Sales:
                       
Light Vehicle Aftermarket
  $ 885     $ 884     $ 899  
Ride Control
    82       176       258  
Roll Coater
    28       197       166  
                     
Total Sales
  $ 995     $ 1,257     $ 1,323  
                     
 
                       
Income (loss) before income taxes
  $ (63 )   $ (140 )   $ 57  
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
    20       (14 )     (24 )
Minority interest
    (3 )     (3 )      
                     
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
  $ (46 )   $ (157 )   $ 33  
                     
          Assets and liabilities of discontinued operations are summarized as follows (in millions):
                 
    September 30,  
    2005     2004  
Current assets
  $ 367     $ 299  
Net property
    136       288  
Other assets
    28       28  
 
           
Assets of discontinued operations
  $ 531     $ 615  
 
           
 
               
Current liabilities
  $ 201     $ 228  
Other liabilities
    33       45  
Minority interests
    8       9  
 
           
Liabilities of discontinued operations
  $ 242     $ 282  
 
           

24


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
          In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2005, management concluded that it is more likely that LVA’s North American businesses will be sold individually rather than as a whole. Although management believes that this strategy will not have a material impact on the aggregate value expected to be realized from the divestiture of LVA, it did require the company, for accounting purposes, to evaluate fair value on an individual business basis rather than LVA North America as a whole. This resulted in a non-cash impairment charge of $43 million ($28 million after-tax, or $0.40 per diluted share) to record certain LVA North American businesses at fair value. The company’s previous strategy was to sell the North American LVA business as a whole. Accordingly, the company’s previous analysis of impairment was on the total North American business. This analysis indicated that the aggregate fair value of the North LVA American business, when taken as a whole, exceeded its carrying value.
          In fiscal year 2005, LVA entered into a five-year exclusive supply agreement with a significant customer to supply certain exhaust and ride control products. As part of the supply agreement, LVA incurred certain costs to changeover the customer to LVA products. LVA recognizes these costs, known as changeover costs, as selling expenses in the period the changeover occurs. LVA recognized approximately $6 million of after-tax changeover costs as expense in fiscal year 2005.
          The company’s fiscal 2004 annual goodwill impairment review indicated the carrying value of the LVA reporting unit exceeded its fair value. Increased competition, difficult market conditions, particularly in the exhaust market, and higher raw material costs resulted in a decline in fair value in fiscal 2004. As a result, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, the company recognized a goodwill impairment charge of $190 million ($190 million after-tax or $2.77 per diluted share) in its LVA reporting unit. The fair value of LVA was estimated using earnings multiples based on precedent transactions of comparable companies and the expected present value of future cash flows.
          In order to reduce costs and improve profitability resulting from weakening demand in the aftermarket business, LVA recorded restructuring costs totaling $2 million, $3 million and $2 million during fiscal years 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. These restructuring costs are included in the results of discontinued operations for each respective period. At September 30, 2005 and 2004, there were $2 million of restructuring reserves related to unpaid employee termination benefits included in liabilities of discontinued operations.
4. RESTRUCTURING COSTS
          The company recorded restructuring charges of $86 million, $15 million and $19 million during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. At September 30, 2005 and 2004, there was $56 million and $10 million, respectively, of restructuring reserves related to unpaid employee termination benefits in the consolidated balance sheet.
          Fiscal year 2005 actions: During fiscal year 2005, the company announced the elimination of approximately 400 to 500 salaried positions and approved plans to consolidate, downsize, close or sell certain underperforming businesses or facilities. These actions are intended to align capacity with industry conditions, utilize assets more efficiently, and improve operations. In addition to the elimination of 400 to 500 salaried employees across the entire company, these actions will result in the reduction of an additional 300 salaried and 1,550 hourly employees at 11 global facilities that have been or will be closed, primarily in the Light Vehicle Systems (LVS) business segment. The total estimated cost of these actions is approximately $135 million, of which approximately $110 million will be cash costs. Estimated costs include employee severance and other exit costs, as well as asset impairments. The company recorded restructuring costs of $101 million related to these actions during fiscal year 2005, of which $31 million is included in discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of operations. These costs included $71 million of employee termination benefits, $26 million of asset impairment charges and $4 million of other closure costs. Asset impairment charges relate to manufacturing facilities that will be closed or sold and machinery and equipment that have become idle and obsolete as a result of the facility closures. The company expects to complete the majority of these restructuring actions and record the remaining costs by December 2006. At September 30, 2005, approximately 200 salaried and 650 hourly employees have yet to be notified and terminated.
          During the first quarter of fiscal year 2005, Meritor Suspensions Systems Company (MSSC), a 57-percent owned consolidated joint venture of the company, announced the decision to close its Sheffield, England, stabilizer bar facility. The LVS business segment has recorded restructuring and other exit costs of approximately $9 million related to this action during fiscal year 2005. This included employee termination and other exit costs of approximately $4 million and asset impairment charges of $5 million. The employee termination costs related to a reduction of approximately 10 salaried and 125 hourly employees.
          The LVS business segment also recorded during fiscal year 2005 restructuring costs for previously approved employee terminations and other expenses of $7 million. These costs related to a reduction in workforce in the company’s operations in Spain and the consolidation of two facilities in Brazil. These actions resulted in the reduction of 10 salaried and 230 hourly employees.
          Also in fiscal year 2005, the company recorded restructuring costs of $4 million that were incurred as a result of the integration of the two consolidated joint ventures with AB Volvo into the Commercial Vehicle Systems (CVS) business. These costs relate to severance and other termination benefits, associated with approximately 20 employees, and other restructuring costs of the joint ventures. The formation of the joint ventures were accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and these restructuring costs were reflected in the purchase price allocation (see Note 5).
          Fiscal year 2004 actions: The company recorded restructuring costs of $10 million during fiscal year 2004 related to workforce reductions and facility consolidations in its LVS business segment. These actions follow the management realignment of the company’s LVS business and were also intended to address the competitive challenges in the automotive supplier industry. These costs included severance and other employee termination costs related to a reduction of approximately 50 salaried and 575 hourly employees. In addition, the company recorded $1 million of restructuring costs relating to the integration of Zeuna Stärker GmbH & Co. KG (Zeuna Stärker) in fiscal year 2004 as part of the final purchase price allocation (see Note 5).
          During fiscal year 2004, the company also recorded restructuring charges totaling $5 million associated with certain administrative and managerial employee termination costs.
          Fiscal year 2003 actions: In fiscal year 2003, the company approved workforce reductions and facility consolidations in its LVS business segment. These measures followed the management realignment of the company’s LVS business and were also intended to address the competitive challenges in the automotive supplier industry. LVS recorded restructuring costs related to these programs of $18 million. These costs included severance and other employee termination costs related to a reduction of approximately 250 salaried and 400 hourly employees and asset impairment charges of $8 million.
          Also in fiscal year 2003, the company recorded restructuring costs of $5 million that were incurred as a result of the integration of Zeuna Stärker into the LVS business. These costs relate to severance and other termination benefits associated with approximately 300 employees of Zeuna Stärker. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and these restructuring costs were reflected in the purchase price allocation.

25


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
          During fiscal year 2003, the company also recorded additional restructuring costs totaling $1 million associated with certain corporate administrative and managerial employee termination costs.
          A summary of the changes in the restructuring reserves is as follows (in millions):
                                 
    Employee            
    Termination   Asset   Plant Shutdown    
    Benefits   Impairment   & Other   Total
                 
Balance at September 30, 2002
  $ 9     $     $     $ 9  
Activity during the period:
                               
Charges to expense
    11       8             19  
Ride control charges (1)
    1                   1  
Purchase accounting
    5                   5  
Asset write-offs
          (8 )           (8 )
Cash payments
    (14 )                 (14 )
                 
Balance at September 30, 2003
    12                   12  
Activity during the period:
                               
Charges to expense
    15                   15  
Purchase accounting
    1                   1  
Cash payments and other
    (18 )                 (18 )
                 
Balance at September 30, 2004
    10                   10  
Activity during the period:
                               
Charges to expense
    64       16       6       86  
Ride control charges (1)
    16       15             31  
Purchase accounting
    4                   4  
Asset write-offs
          (31 )           (31 )
Cash payments
    (38 )           (6 )     (44 )
                 
Balance at September 30, 2005
  $ 56     $     $     $ 56  
                 
 
(1)   Restructuring charges related to ride control are included in the discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of operations.
5. ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES
          On October 4, 2004, the company formed two joint ventures in France with AB Volvo to manufacture and distribute axles. The company acquired its 51-percent interest for a purchase price of 19.3 million ($25 million). Accordingly, beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2005, the results of operations and financial position of these joint ventures are consolidated by the company. The company has an option to purchase the remaining 49-percent interest in one of the joint ventures beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2008 for 15.7 million ($19 million) plus interest at EURIBOR rates, plus a margin. This option to purchase the minority interest is essentially a financing arrangement as the minority shareholder does not participate in any profits or losses of the joint venture. Therefore, this is recorded as a long-term obligation of the company which is included in other liabilities (see Note 14). Accordingly, no minority interest is recognized for the 49-percent interest in this joint venture. The company recorded $4 million of goodwill associated with the purchase price allocation. In September 2005, as part of the purchase agreement, the company purchased approximately $5 million of additional machinery and equipment from AB Volvo.
          In December 2004, the company completed the divestiture of its LVS Columbus, Indiana automotive stamping and components manufacturing business and recognized a pre-tax gain on the sale of $4 million. This divestiture is part of the company’s plan to rationalize its operations and focus on its core automotive businesses. This manufacturing operation had sales of $83 million in fiscal year 2004.
          As part of the company’s continuing strategy to divest non-core businesses, in the third quarter of fiscal 2004, the company completed the sale of its CVS trailer beam fabrication facility in Kenton, OH. The divestiture of this facility is in line with the company’s strategy to be less vertically integrated and more focused on its core processes for the design and assembly of complete systems. This divestiture did not have a material impact on sales or net income. Net proceeds from this divestiture were approximately $14 million.
          In 1998, the company acquired a 49-percent interest in Zeuna Stärker, a German air and emissions systems company. In the second quarter of fiscal year 2003, the company purchased the remaining 51-percent interest in Zeuna Stärker for a net purchase price of $69 million. The company recorded $111 million of goodwill associated with the purchase price allocation. Incremental sales from Zeuna Stärker were $203 million and $550 million in fiscal years 2004 and 2003, respectively.
          The company divested its LVS exhaust tube manufacturing facility during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2003. This divestiture is part of the company’s long-term strategy to be less vertically integrated and to focus on core competencies. The company received $67 million in cash, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $36 million. The company will continue to purchase exhaust tubing from the buyer under a supply agreement that expires in 2006. Management concluded that due to the supply agreement terms, a portion of the gain should be deferred and recognized as a reduction of cost of sales over the supply agreement term. During fiscal year 2003, $20 million ($14 million after-tax, or $0.21 per diluted share) of the gain was recognized as a gain on divestiture, with the remaining amount to be recognized in fiscal years 2004 through 2006. This transaction had no material impact on the consolidated sales of the company. In connection with this transaction, the company used $23 million of the proceeds to repay a portion of long term debt associated with this facility.

26 


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
          The company completed the sale of net assets related to the manufacturing and distribution of its CVS off-highway planetary axle products in the second quarter of fiscal year 2003 for $36 million and recorded a pre-tax loss of $5 million. The company did not consider these products core to its commercial vehicle systems business.
6. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SECURITIZATION AND FACTORING
          The company participates in a U.S. accounts receivable securitization program to enhance financial flexibility and lower interest costs. In September 2005, the company entered into a new $250 million accounts receivable securitization arrangement. Under the new arrangement, the company sells substantially all of the trade receivables of certain U.S. subsidiaries to ArvinMeritor Receivables Corporation (ARC), a wholly owned, special purpose subsidiary. ARC funds these purchases with borrowings under a loan agreement with a bank. Amounts outstanding under this agreement are collateralized by eligible receivables purchased by ARC and are reported as short-term debt in the consolidated balance sheet (see Note 15). As of September 30, 2005, the company had utilized $112 million of this accounts receivable securitization facility. Borrowings under this arrangement are collateralized by approximately $432 million of receivables held at ARC.
          Prior to September 2005 the company participated in an accounts receivable securitization program wherein ARC entered into an agreement to sell an undivided interest in up to $250 million of eligible receivables to a bank conduit that funded its purchases through the issuance of commercial paper. The receivables under this program were sold at fair market value and excluded from the consolidated balance sheet. A discount on the sale, included in interest expense, net and other, of $4 million was recorded in fiscal year 2005 and $5 million was recorded in fiscal years 2004 and 2003. Including discontinued operations, the company utilized $24 million of this accounts receivable securitization facility as of September 30, 2004 and the banks had a preferential interest in $373 million of the remainder of the receivables held at ARC to secure the obligation under this accounts receivable securitization facility. The company did not have a retained interest in the receivables sold, but did perform collection and administrative functions. The gross amount of proceeds received from the sale of receivables under these programs was $1,308 million, $2,387 million and $2,711 million for fiscal years 2005, 2004 and 2003 respectively.
          If certain receivables performance-based covenants were not met, it would constitute a termination event, which, at the option of the banks, could result in termination of the accounts receivable securitization arrangement. At September 30, 2005, the company was in compliance with all covenants.
          The company previously participated in a European accounts receivable securitization program. The European program expired in March 2005. At September 30, 2004 the company had utilized 7 million ($8 million) of this accounts receivable securitization facility. As of September 30, 2004 the bank had a preferential interest in 1 million ($2 million) of receivables to secure the obligation under this securitization facility.
          In addition, several of the company’s European subsidiaries factor eligible accounts receivable with financial institutions. Certain receivables are factored without recourse to the company and are excluded from accounts receivable. The amount of factored receivables excluded from accounts receivable were $23 million and $10 million at September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
7. DANA CORPORATION TENDER OFFER
          In the first quarter of fiscal year 2004, as a result of the company’s decision to withdraw its all cash tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Dana Corporation, the company recorded a net charge of $9 million ($6 million after-tax, or $0.09 per diluted share). The pre-tax charge includes $16 million in direct incremental acquisition costs less a gain on the sale of Dana stock of $7 million.
8. INVENTORIES
          Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (using FIFO or average methods) or market (determined on the basis of estimated realizable values) and are summarized as follows (in millions):
                 
    September 30,  
    2005     2004  
Finished goods
  $ 143     $ 170  
Work in process
    177       124  
Raw materials, parts and supplies
    221       229  
 
           
Total
  $ 541     $ 523  
 
           
9. OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
          Other current assets are summarized as follows (in millions):
                 
    September 30,  
    2005     2004  
Current deferred income tax assets (see Note 21)
  $ 112     $ 117  
Customer reimbursable tooling and engineering
    69       62  
Asbestos-related recoveries (see Note 22)
    13       13  
Assets held for sale
    11        
Prepaid and other
    51       46  
 
           
Other current assets
  $ 256     $ 238  
 
           
          Costs incurred for tooling and engineering, principally for light vehicle products, for which customer reimbursement is contractually guaranteed, are classified as customer reimbursable tooling and engineering. These costs are billed to the customer based on the terms of the contract. Provisions for losses are provided at the time management expects costs to exceed anticipated customer reimbursements.
          The company holds certain assets as held for sale. These assets primarily relate to CVS’ off-highway brake business (see Note 27) and land and buildings that have been previously closed through restructuring and other rationalization actions.

27 


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
10. NET PROPERTY
          Property is stated at cost. Depreciation of property is based on estimated useful lives, generally using the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives for buildings and improvements range from 10 to 50 years and estimated useful lives for machinery and equipment range from 3 to 20 years. Significant betterments are capitalized and disposed or replaced property is written off. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense. Company-owned tooling is classified as property and depreciated over the shorter of its expected life or the life of the related vehicle platform, generally not to exceed three years.
          Net Property is summarized as follows (in millions):
                 
    September 30,  
    2005     2004  
Property at cost:
               
Land and land improvements
  $ 72     $ 72  
Buildings
    437       447  
Machinery and equipment
    1,727       1,688  
Company-owned tooling
    227       211  
Construction in progress
    70       79  
 
           
Total
    2,533       2,497  
Less accumulated depreciation
    (1,520 )     (1,465 )
 
           
Net Property
  $ 1,013     $ 1,032  
 
           
11. OTHER ASSETS
          Other assets are summarized as follows (in millions):
                 
    September 30,  
    2005     2004  
Non-current deferred income tax assets (see Note 21)
  $ 575     $ 428  
Investments in non-consolidated joint ventures (see Note 12)
    114       95  
Long-term receivables
    36       41  
Prepaid pension costs (see Note 20)
    26       23  
Fair value of interest rate swaps (see Note 16)
          36  
Asbestos-related recoveries (see Note 22)
    22       59  
Capitalized software costs, net
    30       36  
Patents, licenses and other intangible assets (less accumulated amortization of $5 and $4 at September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively)
    23       33  
Other
    60       62  
 
           
Other Assets
  $ 886     $ 813  
 
           
          In accordance with Statement of Position (SOP) 98-1, “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use,” costs relating to internally developed or purchased software in the preliminary project stage and the post-implementation stage are expensed as incurred. Costs in the application development stage that meet the criteria for capitalization are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line basis over the economic useful life of the software.
          The company’s trademarks, which were determined to have an indefinite life, are not amortized. Patents, licenses and other intangible assets are amortized over their contractual or estimated useful lives, as appropriate. The company anticipates amortization expense for patents, licenses and other intangible assets of approximately $2 million for fiscal year 2006, $1 million in fiscal year 2007 and $1 million total for fiscal years 2008 through 2010.
12. INVESTMENTS IN NON-CONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES
          The company’s significant non-consolidated joint ventures and related ownership interest at September 30, 2005 are as follows:
         
Meritor WABCO Vehicle Control Systems
    50 %
Master Sistemas Automotrices Limitada
    49 %
Suspensys Sistemas Automotivos Ltda.
    24 %
Sistemas Automotrices de Mexico S.A. de C.V.
    50 %
Ege Fren Sanayii ve Ticaret A.S.
    49 %
Automotive Axles Limited
    36 %
Arvin Sango, Inc.
    50 %
ArvinMeritor Sejong, LLC
    50 %
Shanghai ArvinMeritor Automotive Parts Co. Ltd.
    50 %

28 


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
          In fiscal year 2004, the company dissolved its transmission joint venture with ZF Freidrichshafen in favor of a marketing arrangement that allows the company to provide the Freedomline™ transmission family to its customers. As discussed in Note 5, in fiscal year 2003, the company purchased the remaining 51% interest in Zeuna Starker. Prior to this transaction, the company’s investment in Zeuna Starker was accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Also in fiscal year 2003, the company increased its ownership interest in Sistemas Automotrices de Mexico S.A. de C.V. to 50% from 40%.
          The company’s investment in non-consolidated joint ventures was as follows (in millions):
                 
    September 30,  
    2005     2004  
Light Vehicle Systems
  $ 35     $ 31  
Commercial Vehicle Systems
    79       64  
 
           
Total investment in non-consolidated joint ventures
  $ 114     $ 95  
 
           
          The company’s equity in earnings of affiliates were as follows (in millions):
                         
    2005     2004     2003  
Light Vehicle Systems
  $ 2     $ 2     $ 3  
Commercial Vehicle Systems
    26       17       5  
 
                 
Total equity in earnings of affiliates
  $ 28     $ 19     $ 8  
 
                 
          The summarized financial information presented below represents the combined accounts of the company’s non-consolidated joint ventures (in millions):
                 
    September 30,  
    2005     2004  
Current assets
  $ 366     $ 292  
Non-current assets
    199       162  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 565     $ 454  
 
           
 
               
Current liabilities
  $ 263     $ 211  
Non-current liabilities
    56       44  
 
           
Total liabilities
  $ 319     $ 255  
 
           
                         
    2005   2004   2003
Sales
  $ 1,488     $ 1,100     $ 843  
Gross profit
    159       121       62  
Net income
    69       56       4  
          Dividends received from the company’s non-consolidated joint ventures were $18 million in fiscal 2005, $15 million in fiscal 2004 and $19 million in fiscal 2003.
          The company had sales to its non-consolidated joint ventures of approximately $15 million, $29 million and $25 million in fiscal years 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The company had purchases from its non-consolidated joint ventures of approximately $63 million, $45 million and $35 million in fiscal years 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Additionally, the company leases space and provides certain administrative and technical services to various joint ventures. The amount collected by the company for such leases and services was not material to its results of operations or financial condition.
          Amounts due from the company’s non-consolidated joint ventures were $19 million and $23 million at September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Amounts due to the company’s non-consolidated joint ventures were $10 million and $4 million at September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

29 


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
13. OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
          Other current liabilities are summarized as follows (in millions):
                 
    September 30,  
    2005     2004  
Compensation and benefits
  $ 224     $ 274  
Income taxes
    164       107  
Product warranties
    55       60  
Taxes other than income taxes
    33       35  
Restructuring (see Note 4)
    56       10  
Current deferred income tax liabilities (see Note 21)
    21       20  
Asbestos-related liabilities (see Note 22)
    16       13  
Interest
    11       11  
Environmental (see Note 22)
    8       8  
Other
    79       84  
 
           
Other current liabilities
  $ 667     $ 622  
 
           
          The company’s CVS segment records product warranty costs at the time of shipment of products to customers. Warranty reserves are primarily based on factors that include past claims experience, sales history, product manufacturing and engineering changes and industry developments. Liabilities for product recall campaigns are recorded at the time the company’s obligation is known and can be reasonably estimated. Product warranties, including recall campaigns, not expected to be paid within one year are recorded as a non-current liability.
          The company’s LVS segment records product warranty liabilities based on individual customer or warranty-sharing agreements. Product warranties are recorded for known warranty issues when amounts can be reasonably estimated.
          A summary of the changes in product warranties is as follows (in millions):
                         
    2005     2004     2003  
Total product warranties — beginning of year
  $ 90     $ 83     $ 83  
Accruals for product warranties
    55       51       43  
Accruals for product recall campaigns
                1  
Increase in product warranties due to acquisitions
          20       7  
Payments
    (54 )     (61 )     (55 )
Change in estimates and other
    2       (3 )     4  
 
                 
Total product warranties — end of year
    93       90       83  
Less: Non-current product warranties (see Note 14)
    (38 )     (30 )     (30 )
 
                 
Product warranties — current
  $ 55     $ 60     $ 53  
 
                 
          In fiscal year 2004, the company, as a result of receiving the wrong grade of steel from one of its steel suppliers, manufactured and shipped certain products that were out of specification with various customers’ orders. The company was notified by a customer in fiscal year 2005 that it was initiating a field service campaign covering approximately 35,000 vehicles that were manufactured by the customer during the relevant time frame, prior to the aforementioned steel issue being identified and would expect the company to reimburse it for the cost of the campaign. Additionally, another customer has notified the company that it has initiated a field service campaign to replace an affected part in approximately 8,300 vehicles. Although this field service campaign is associated with the same steel issue and the same supplier, it relates to a different part on the vehicle. Associated with these matters, in fiscal year 2005, the company recorded a warranty charge of $4 million, net of probable recoveries from the supplier, which are recorded in receivables. The company is vigorously pursuing full recovery from the steel supplier associated with these matters. Based on the currently available facts and circumstances, the company does not believe the ultimate outcome of this matter, net of probable recoveries from the supplier, will have a material adverse effect on its financial position or results of operations.
          As discussed in Note 12, the company dissolved its transmission joint venture with ZF Freidrichshafen in fiscal year 2004. As a result, the company reclassified $20 million of product warranties that were previously included in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.

30 


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
14. OTHER LIABILITIES
     Other liabilities are summarized as follows (in millions):
                 
    September 30,  
    2005     2004  
Asbestos (see Note 22)
  $ 38     $ 61  
Non-current deferred income tax liabilities (see Note 21)
    23       59  
Product warranties (see Note 13)
    38       30  
Environmental (see Note 22)
    16       26  
Long-term payable
    57       33  
Other
    37       38  
 
           
Other liabilities
  $ 209     $ 247  
 
           
          As discussed in Note 5, the company recorded a long-term payable of 15.7 million ($19 million) plus interest to purchase the remaining 49-percent interest in one of the joint ventures formed with AB Volvo.
15. LONG-TERM DEBT
          Long-Term Debt, net of discounts where applicable, is summarized as follows (in millions):
                 
    September 30,  
    2005     2004  
6-5/8 percent notes due 2007
  $ 200     $ 199  
6-3/4 percent notes due 2008
    100       100  
7-1/8 percent notes due 2009
    91       150  
6.8 percent notes due 2009
    305       499  
8-3/4 percent notes due 2012
    380       400  
8-1/8 percent notes due 2015
    250        
9.5 percent subordinated debentures due 2027
    39       39  
Bank revolving credit facilities
           
Accounts receivable securitization
    112        
Lines of credit and other
    88       67  
Fair value adjustment of notes
    17       36  
 
           
Subtotal
    1,582       1,490  
Less: current maturities
    (131 )     (3 )
 
           
Long-term debt
  $ 1,451     $ 1,487  
 
           
     Debt Securities
          In September 2005, the company completed an offer to exchange $194 million of its previously outstanding $499 million 6.8 percent notes, due in 2009, and $59 million of its previously outstanding $150 million 7-1/8 percent notes, also due in 2009 for $253 million new 8-1/8 percent notes due in 2015. The exchange of the $194 million 6.8 percent notes was accounted for as an extinguishment of debt and, accordingly, $4 million was recognized in fiscal year 2005 as a loss on debt extinguishment and included in interest expense, net and other in the consolidated statement of operations. The loss on debt extinguishment primarily consisted of the premium paid to note holders to exchange their notes. The exchange of the $59 million 7-1/8 percent notes was accounted for as a debt exchange, and accordingly, the $3 million premium paid to exchange these notes was recorded as a discount and included as a reduction in the carrying value of the new notes.
          In addition, during fiscal year 2005, the company terminated a portion of its outstanding interest rate swaps (see “Interest Rate Swaps” below) and used the proceeds to purchase, at a discount, $20 million and $1 million of the 8-3/4 percent notes and 6.8 percent notes, respectively, on the open market. In connection with the purchase of these notes, the company recognized approximately $1 million of the fair value adjustment of notes as a reduction of interest expense in fiscal year 2005.
          The company previously filed a shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission registering $750 million aggregate principal amount of debt securities to be offered in one or more series on terms determined at the time of sale. At September 30, 2005 the company had $150 million of debt securities available for issuance under this shelf registration.
     Subordinated Debentures
          The company, through Arvin Capital I (the trust), a wholly owned finance subsidiary trust, issued 9.5 percent Company-Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Capital Securities of a Subsidiary Trust (preferred capital securities), due February 1, 2027, and callable in February 2007 at a premium and in February 2017 at par. The proceeds from the capital securities are invested entirely in 9.5 percent junior subordinated debentures of the company, which are the sole assets of the trust. The company fully and unconditionally guarantees the trust’s obligation to the holders of the preferred capital securities.

31 


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
          Prior to fiscal year 2003, the trust was consolidated by the company and the preferred capital securities were included in the consolidated balance sheet. During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2003, the company adopted FIN 46. Under the provisions of FIN 46, it was determined that the trust is a variable interest entity in which the company does not have a variable interest and therefore is not the primary beneficiary. Upon adoption of FIN 46, the company no longer consolidates the trust that issued the $39 million of outstanding preferred capital securities, and has included in long-term debt $39 million of junior subordinated debentures due to the trust. There was no impact from the de-consolidation of the trust to the company’s financial position or results of operations.
     Bank Revolving Credit Facilities
     The company has a $900 million revolving credit facility that expires in 2008. Under the facility, borrowings are subject to interest based on quoted LIBOR rates plus a margin, and a facility fee, both of which are based upon the company’s credit rating. At September 30, 2005, the margin over the LIBOR rate was 150 basis points, and the facility fee was 37.5 basis points. Certain of the company’s domestic subsidiaries, as defined in the credit agreement, irrevocably and unconditionally guarantee amounts outstanding under the credit facility. The revolving credit facility includes a $150 million limit on the issuance of letters of credit. At September 30, 2005 and 2004, approximately $23 million and $24 million letters of credit, respectively, were issued.
     The company, under the terms of an existing lease agreement, provided similar subsidiary guarantees for the benefit of the lessor, lenders and agent thereunder and voluntarily agreed to provide similar subsidiary guarantees for the benefit of the holders of the publicly-held notes outstanding under the company’s two indentures (see Note 26).
     Accounts Receivable Securitization
          In September 2005, the company entered into a new $250 million accounts receivable securitization arrangement. As discussed in Note 6, the company’s previous accounts receivable securitization facility expired in September 2005. Under the new arrangement, the company sells substantially all of the trade receivables of certain U.S. subsidiaries to ARC. ARC funds these purchases with borrowings under a loan agreement with a bank. The interest rate on borrowings under this arrangement was approximately 3.85 percent at September 30, 2005. Amounts outstanding under this agreement are reported as short-term debt in the consolidated balance sheet and are collateralized by $432 million of eligible receivables purchased and held by ARC.
     Related Parties
          A 57-percent owned consolidated joint venture of the company has a $7 million, 6.5-percent loan with its minority partner. The maturity date of this loan was extended in November 2005 to fiscal year 2009. This loan is included in long-term debt in the consolidated balance sheet.
          The company also has an arrangement with a non-consolidated joint venture that allows the company to borrow funds from time to time, at LIBOR plus 50 basis points. No amounts were outstanding under this arrangement at September 30, 2005 and 2004.
     Interest Rate Swap Agreements
          In May 2005, the company terminated $262 million of its $300 million notional amount 8.75 percent interest rate swap and $22 million of its $100 million notional amount 6.8 percent interest rate swap. Proceeds from these terminations, including interest received, were $22 million. The fair value adjustment to the notes associated with these partially terminated swaps was $20 million, and is amortized to earnings as a reduction of interest expense over the remaining life of the debt. The fair value adjustment of the notes is classified in Long-Term Debt in the consolidated balance sheet. Simultaneously, the company executed new swap agreements that effectively convert $183 million notional amount of 8-3/4 percent notes and $15 million notional amount of 6.8 percent notes to variable interest rates. The new swap agreements had the same terms as the original agreements, and the fixed spread is approximately 140 basis points higher than in the original swap agreements.
          As of September 30, 2005, the company had interest rate swap agreements that effectively convert $221 million of the company’s 8-3/4 percent notes and $93 million of the 6.8 percent notes to variable interest rates. The fair value of the swaps was not material as of September 30, 2005 and $36 million as of September 30, 2004, and is recorded in Other Assets. The swaps have been designated as fair value hedges and the impact of the changes in their fair values is offset by an equal and opposite change in the carrying value of the related notes. Under the terms of the swap agreements, the company receives a fixed rate of interest of 8.75 percent and 6.8 percent on notional amounts of $221 million and $93 million, respectively, and pays variable rates based on three-month LIBOR plus a weighted-average spread of 3.30 percent. The payments under the agreements coincide with the interest payment dates on the hedged debt instruments, and the difference between the amounts paid and received is included in interest expense, net and other.
          The company classifies the cash flows associated with its interest rate swaps in cash flows from operating activities in its consolidated statement of cash flows. This is consistent with the classification of the cash flows associated with the underlying hedged item.
     Leases
          The company has entered into an agreement to lease certain manufacturing and administrative assets. Under the agreement, the assets are held by a variable interest entity. The variable interest entity’s purpose is to hold the manufacturing and administrative assets and lease such assets to the company. The company has determined that it has a variable interest in the variable interest entity, in the form of a $30 million residual value guarantee that obligates the company to absorb a majority of the variable interest entity’s losses. The assets and liabilities of this variable interest entity are included in the company’s consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2005 and 2004 (see Note 2). Amounts outstanding under this agreement are collateralized by the $35 million of property and equipment being leased. The company also has various other operating leasing arrangements that are not with variable interest entities.
          Future minimum lease payments under this lease and other operating leases are $22 million in 2006, $17 million in 2007, $14 million in 2008, $11 million in 2009, $8 million in 2010 and $5 million thereafter.
     Covenants
          The bank revolving credit facilities require the company to maintain a total net debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) ratio no greater than 3.25x and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio (EBITDA less capital expenditures to interest expense) no less than 1.50x. In addition, an operating lease requires the company to maintain financial ratios that are similar to those required under the company’s credit facilities. At September 30, 2005, the company was in compliance with all covenants.

32 


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
16. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
          The company’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, short-term debt, long-term debt, interest rate swaps, and foreign exchange forward contracts. The company uses derivatives for hedging and non-trading purposes in order to manage its interest rate and foreign exchange rate exposures. The company’s interest rate swap agreements are discussed in Note 15.
     Foreign Exchange Contracts
          The Company’s operations are exposed to global market risks, including the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004 the company implemented a foreign currency cash flow hedging program to reduce the company’s exposure to changes in exchange rates. The company uses foreign currency forward contracts to manage the company’s exposures arising from foreign currency exchange risk. Gains and losses on the underlying foreign currency exposures are partially offset with gains and losses on the foreign currency forward contracts.
          Under this program, the company has designated the foreign exchange contracts (the “contracts”) as cash flow hedges of underlying forecasted foreign currency purchases and sales. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of the contracts is recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) in the consolidated statement of shareowners’ equity and is recognized in operating income when the underlying forecasted transaction impacts earnings. The contracts generally mature within 12 months. The company recognized gains on the contracts of approximately $14 million in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005. The contracts were not significant to results of operations in fiscal year 2004. The impact to operating income associated with hedge ineffectiveness was not significant in fiscal years 2005 and 2004.
          At September 30, 2005 and 2004, $2 million and $3 million of gains were recorded in AOCI, respectively. The company expects to reclassify this amount from AOCI to operating income during the next twelve months as the forecasted hedged transactions are recognized in earnings.
          The company classifies the cash flows associated with the contracts in cash flows from operating activities in its consolidated statement of cash flows. This is consistent with the classification of the cash flows associated with the underlying hedged item.
          Prior to the inception of this program, the company elected not to designate the contracts as hedges, therefore, changes in the fair value of the contracts were recognized in operating income. The net income impact of recording these contracts at fair value in fiscal years 2004 and 2003 did not have a significant effect on the company’s results of operations.
     Fair Value
          Fair values of financial instruments are summarized as follows (in millions):
                                 
    September 30,
    2005   2004
    Carrying   Fair   Carrying   Fair
    Value   Value   Value   Value
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 187     $ 187     $ 132     $ 132  
Interest rate swaps — asset
                36       36  
Foreign exchange contracts — asset
    4       4       5       5  
Foreign exchange contracts — liability
    2       2       3       3  
Short-term debt
    131       131       3       3  
Long-term debt
    1,451       1,416       1,487       1,521  
          Cash and cash equivalents — All highly liquid investments purchased with maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. The carrying value approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.
          Interest rate swaps and foreign exchange forward contracts — Fair values are estimated by obtaining quotes from external sources.
          Short-term debt — The carrying value of short-term debt approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these borrowings.
          Long-term debt — Fair values are based on interest rates that would be currently available to the company for issuance of similar types of debt instruments with similar terms and remaining maturities.
17. SHAREOWNERS’ EQUITY
     Common Stock
          The company is authorized to issue 500 million shares of Common Stock, with a par value of $1 per share, and 30 million shares of Preferred Stock, without par value, of which two million shares are designated as Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (Junior Preferred Stock). Under the Company Rights Plan, a Preferred Share Purchase Right (Right) is attached to each share of Common Stock pursuant to which the holder may, in certain takeover-related circumstances, become entitled to purchase from the company 1/100th of a share of Junior Preferred Stock at a price of $100, subject to adjustment. Also, in certain takeover-related circumstances, each Right (other than those held by an acquiring person) will be exercisable for shares of Common Stock or stock of the acquiring person having a market value of twice the exercise price. In certain events, the company may exchange each Right for one share of Common Stock or 1/100th of a share of Junior Preferred Stock. The Rights will expire on July 7, 2010, unless earlier exchanged or redeemed at a redemption price of $0.01 per Right. Until a Right is exercised, the holder, as such, will have no voting, dividend or other rights as a shareowner of the company.
          The company has reserved approximately 15.6 million shares of Common Stock in connection with its Long-Term Incentives Plan (LTIP), Directors Stock Plan, Incentive Compensation Plan, 1998 and 1988 Stock Benefit Plans, and Employee Stock Benefit Plan for grants of non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance shares, restricted share units and stock awards to key employees and directors. At September 30, 2005, there were 2.2 million shares available for future grants under these plans.

33 


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
          Total compensation expense recognized for stock based compensation, excluding stock options, was $18 million in fiscal year 2005 and $9 million in fiscal years 2004 and 2003.
     Restricted Stock
          The company granted shares of restricted stock to certain employees in accordance with the LTIP and the Employee Stock Benefit Plan. The restricted stock is subject to continued employment by the employee and typically vests after three years. Restricted stock grants to officers and other employees are summarized as follows:
                                 
    Grant                
    Date   Number of   Year   Total   Recognition
Grant Date   Price   Shares   Vested   Compensation   Period
July 2005 (1)
  $ 18.81       37,500       2010     $1 million   5 years
April 2005 (2)
  $ 15.36       55,000       2009     $1 million   4 years
December 2004 (3)
  $ 21.49       266,000       2007     $6 million   3 years
August 2004 (4)
  $ 18.48       150,000       2007     $3 million   3 years
January 2004 (5)
  $ 23.80       561,700       2007     $13 million   3 years
November 2002 (5)
  $ 15.32       572,300       2005     $9 million   3 years
 
(1)   Includes shares of restricted stock awarded to an officer of the company that vest over five years with 9,375 shares vesting in each of July 2008 and 2009, and 18,750 shares vesting in July 2010.
 
(2)   Includes shares of restricted stock awarded to another officer of the company that vest over four years with 7,500 shares vesting in each of April 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009. Vesting of the remaining shares is subject to satisfaction of certain conditions related to the company’s financial performance.
 
(3)   Includes shares of restricted stock awarded to the company’s employees that vest in fiscal year 2007.
 
(4)   Includes shares of restricted stock awarded to the company’s chief executive officer with 25,000 shares vesting in each of August 2005 and 2006 and 50,000 shares vesting in August 2007. Vesting of the remaining shares is subject to satisfaction of conditions related to the company’s financial performance.
 
(5)   Includes shares of restricted stock awarded to the company’s officers. Vesting of these shares is also subject to satisfaction of certain conditions related to the company’s financial performance.
          As the grant of restricted stock relates to future service, the total compensation expense is recorded as unearned compensation and is shown as a separate reduction of shareowners’ equity. The unearned compensation is expensed over the vesting period. The company granted the restricted stock from treasury shares, and cash dividends on the restricted stock are reinvested in additional shares of common stock during the vesting period.
     Restricted and Performance Share Units
          The company also grants restricted share units to non-employee members of the Board of Directors as annual grants under the 2004 Directors Stock Plan. In fiscal years 2005 and 2004, the company granted 57,375 and 28,200 restricted share units, respectively, to non-employee members of the Board of Directors. The grant date price of these stock based awards was $17.81 and $22.61, respectively.
          In addition, the company grants restricted share units to employees. These share units typically vest over three years. The restricted share units are subject to continued employment by the employee. Compensation cost associated with share units is recognized ratably over the vesting period and the related liability is included in Retirement Benefits in the consolidated balance sheet. In fiscal year 2005, the company granted 48,300 restricted share units. The grant date price of these stock based awards was $21.49.
          The company grants performance share units to officers. These share units typically vest over three years. The performance share units are also subject to satisfaction of certain conditions related to the company’s financial performance. Compensation cost associated with performance share units is recognized ratably over the vesting period and included in Retirement Benefits in the consolidated balance sheet. In fiscal year 2005, the company granted 387,800 performance share units. The grant date price of these stock based awards was $21.06.
     Treasury Stock
          The company accounts for treasury stock at cost. There were no purchases of treasury stock in fiscal years 2005, 2004 or 2003. During fiscal years 2005 and 2004, approximately 0.9 million and 1.0 million shares of treasury stock were issued in connection with the exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted stock under the company’s incentive plans.

34 


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
          The components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and Statement of Shareowners’ Equity are as follows:
                                 
    Foreign     Minimum              
    Currency     Pension     Unrealized        
    Translation     Liability     Gains     Total  
Balance at September 30, 2002
  $ (244 )   $ (112 )   $     $ (356 )
2003 adjustment
    212       (182 )           30  
Unrealized gain on marketable securities
                3       3  
 
                       
Balance at September 30, 2003
    (32 )     (294 )     3       (323 )
2004 adjustment
    112       1             113  
Reclassification of unrealized gain
                (3 )     (3 )
Deferred gain on cash flow hedges
                3       3  
 
                       
Balance at September 30, 2004
    80       (293 )     3       (210 )
2005 adjustment
    22       (143 )           (121 )
Deferred gain on cash flow hedges
                (1 )     (1 )
 
                       
Balance at September 30, 2005
  $ 102     $ (436 )   $ 2     $ (332 )
 
                       
18. STOCK OPTIONS
          Under the company’s incentive plans, stock options are granted at prices equal to the fair value on the date of grant and have a maximum term of 10 years. Stock options vest over a three year period from the date of grant. No stock options were granted during fiscal year 2005.
          Information related to stock options is as follows (shares in thousands, exercise price represents a weighted average):
                                                 
    2005     2004     2003  
            Exercise             Exercise             Exercise  
    Shares     Price     Shares     Price     Shares     Price  
Outstanding — beginning of year
    5,883     $ 20.67       5,492     $ 21.29       4,890     $ 23.16  
Granted
                1,184       17.99       1,127       15.35  
Exercised
    (374 )     16.38       (378 )     16.05       (57 )     16.31  
Cancelled or expired
    (329 )     28.56       (415 )     24.41       (468 )     27.18  
 
                                   
Outstanding — end of year
    5,180       20.49       5,883       20.67       5,492       21.29  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Exercisable — end of year
    4,178       21.26       3,610       22.56       3,102       24.48  
 
                                   
          The following table provides additional information about outstanding stock options at September 30, 2005 (shares in thousands, exercise price represents a weighted average):
                                         
    Outstanding   Exercisable
            Remaining   Exercise           Exercise
Exercise Price Range   Shares   Years   Price   Shares   Price
$14.00 to $22.00
    3,996       6.7     $ 17.72       2,994     $ 17.88  
$22.01 to $33.00
    996       2.7       28.22       996       28.22  
$33.01 to $41.00
    188       3.3       38.23       188       38.23  
 
                                       
 
    5,180                       4,178          
 
                                       
          Effective October 1, 2002, the company voluntarily changed its accounting for stock options granted under its various stock-based compensation plans and began expensing the fair value of stock options. Compensation expense is recognized for the non-vested portion of previously issued stock options, as well as for new grants of stock options. The company recorded compensation expense in fiscal year 2005 of $6 million and $7 million in fiscal years 2004 and 2003 associated with the expensing of stock options.
          The weighted average fair values of options granted were $5.80 and $5.20 per share in fiscal 2004 and 2003, respectively. The fair value of each option was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model and the following assumptions:
                         
    2005   2004   2003
Average risk-free interest rate
    N/A       3.1 %     3.1 %
Expected dividend yield
    N/A       2.4 %     1.7 %
Expected volatility
    N/A       41.0 %     40.0 %
Expected life (years)
    N/A       5       5  

35 


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
19. RETIREMENT MEDICAL PLANS
          The company has retirement medical plans that cover the majority of its U.S. and certain non-U.S. employees and provide for medical payments to eligible employees and dependents upon retirement. These plans are unfunded.
          In fiscal year 2004, the company approved changes to certain retiree medical plans. These plan amendments and the related impact are reflected in the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) as of September 30, 2005 and 2004. Beginning in April 2005, salaried retirees and certain non-union hourly retirees under age 65 who pay a portion of the cost for their coverage will contribute an increased share each year. The benefit currently provided by the company will be phased out by fiscal year 2023. For retirees age 65 and older, the company will no longer provide supplemental healthcare benefits to Medicare-eligible retirees beginning in January 2006.
          The company’s retiree medical obligations are measured as of June 30. The following are the assumptions used in the measurement of the APBO and retiree medical expense:
                         
    2005   2004   2003
Assumptions as of June 30
                       
Discount rate
    5.00 %     6.25 %     6.00 %
Health care cost trend rate (weighted average)
    9.00 %     9.50 %     8.00 %
Ultimate health care trend rate
    5.00 %     5.00 %     5.00 %
Year ultimate rate is reached
    2011       2011       2011  
          Since the company measures its retiree medical obligations at June 30, the assumptions noted above are used to calculate the APBO as of June 30 of the current fiscal year and retiree medical expense for the subsequent fiscal year.
          The discount rate is used to calculate the present value of the APBO. This rate is determined based on high-quality fixed income investments that match the duration of expected retiree medical benefits. The company has typically used the corporate AA/Aa bond rate for this assumption. The health care cost trend rate represents the company’s expected annual rates of change in the cost of health care benefits. The trend rate noted above represents a projection of health care costs as of the measurement date through 2011, at which time the health care trend rate is projected to be 5.0 percent. The company’s projection for fiscal year 2006 is an increase in health care costs of 9.0 percent.
          The APBO as of the June 30 measurement date is summarized as follows (in millions):
                 
    2005     2004  
Retirees
  $ 397     $ 395  
Employees eligible to retire
    11       10  
Employees not eligible to retire
    47       38  
 
           
Total
  $ 455     $ 443  
 
           
          The following reconciles the change in the APBO and the amounts included in the consolidated balance sheet (in millions):
                 
    2005     2004  
APBO — beginning of year
  $ 443     $ 682  
Service cost
    3       4  
Interest cost
    26       39  
Plan amendments
          (257 )
Actuarial losses
    45       37  
Benefit payments
    (62 )     (62 )
 
           
APBO — end of year
    455       443  
Items not yet recognized in the balance sheet:
               
Plan amendments
    258       282  
Actuarial (losses):
               
Discount rate changes
    (149 )     (116 )
Health care cost trend rate
    (117 )     (109 )
Demographic and other
    (184 )     (207 )
 
           
Retiree medical liability
  $ 263     $ 293  
 
           
          The previously mentioned plan changes resulted in a reduction in the APBO of $257 million in fiscal year 2004, which is being amortized as a reduction of retiree medical expense over the average remaining service life of approximately 12 years. The company recognized a curtailment gain in fiscal 2004 of $5 million related to these plan changes.
          The demographic and other actuarial losses relate to earlier than expected retirements due to certain plant closings and restructuring actions. In accordance with SFAS No. 106, “Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions”, a portion of the actuarial losses is not subject to amortization. The actuarial losses that are subject to amortization are generally amortized over the average expected remaining service life, which is approximately 12 years. Union plan amendments are generally amortized over the contract period, or 3 years.

36


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
          The retiree medical liability is included in the consolidated balance sheet as follows (in millions):
                 
    September 30,  
    2005     2004  
Current — included in compensation and benefits
  $ 50     $ 65  
Long-term — included in retirement benefits
    213       228  
 
           
Retiree medical liability
  $ 263     $ 293  
 
           
          The components of retiree medical expense are as follows (in millions):
                         
    2005     2004     2003  
Service cost
  $ 3     $ 4     $ 4  
Interest cost
    26       39       40  
Curtailment gain
          (5 )      
Amortization of —
                       
Prior service cost
    (24 )     (4 )     (5 )
Actuarial gains and losses
    27       23       17  
 
                 
Retiree medical expense
  $ 32     $ 57     $ 56  
 
                 
          A one-percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate for all years to, and including, the ultimate rate would have the following effects (in millions):
                 
    2005   2004
Effect on total service and interest cost
               
1% Increase
  $ 3     $ 4  
1% Decrease
    (2 )     (4 )
Effect on APBO
               
1% Increase
    38       37  
1% Decrease
    (35 )     (34 )
          The company expects future benefit payments as follows (in millions):
         
Fiscal 2006
  $ 50  
Fiscal 2007
    40  
Fiscal 2008
    39  
Fiscal 2009
    38  
Fiscal 2010
    36  
Fiscal 2011 – 2015
    150  
20. RETIREMENT PENSION PLANS
          The company sponsors defined benefit pension plans that cover most of its U.S. employees and certain non-U.S. employees. Pension benefits for salaried employees are based on years of credited service and compensation. Pension benefits for hourly employees are based on years of service and specified benefit amounts. The company’s funding policy provides that annual contributions to the pension trusts will be at least equal to the minimum amounts required by ERISA in the U.S. and the actuarial recommendations or statutory requirements in other countries.
          Certain of the company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries provide limited non-pension benefits to retirees in addition to government-sponsored programs. The cost of these programs is not significant to the company. Most retirees outside the U.S. are covered by government-sponsored and administered programs.
          The company’s pension obligations are measured as of June 30. The U.S. plans include a qualified and non-qualified pension plan. The non-U.S. plans include plans primarily in the United Kingdom, Canada and Germany.

37


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
          The following are the assumptions used in the measurement of the projected benefit obligation (PBO) and net periodic pension expense:
                         
    U.S. Plans
    2005   2004   2003
Assumptions as of June 30
                       
Discount Rate
    5.30 %     6.25 %     6.00 %
Assumed return on plan assets
    8.50 %     8.50 %     8.50 %
Rate of compensation increase
    3.75 %     3.75 %     3.75 %
                         
    Non U.S. Plans
    2005   2004   2003
Assumptions as of June 30
                       
Discount Rate
    4.00%–5.00 %     5.50%–6.25 %     5.50%–6.25 %
Assumed return on plan assets
    7.75%–8.50 %     8.00%–8.50 %     8.00%–8.50 %
Rate of compensation increase
    3.00%–3.50 %     3.00%–3.75 %     3.00%–3.50 %
          Since the company measures its pension obligations at June 30, the assumptions noted above are used to calculate the PBO as of June 30 of the current fiscal year and net periodic pension expense for the subsequent fiscal year.
          The discount rate is used to calculate the present value of the PBO. The rate used reflects a rate of return on high-quality fixed income investments that match the duration of expected benefit payments. The company uses a portfolio of long-term corporate AA/Aa bonds that match the duration of the expected benefit payments to establish the discount rate for this assumption.
          The assumed return on plan assets is used to determine net periodic pension expense. The rate of return assumptions are based on projected long-term market returns for the various asset classes in which the plans are invested, weighted by the target asset allocations. An incremental amount for active plan asset management, where appropriate, is included in the rate of return assumption. The return assumption is reviewed annually.
          The rate of compensation increase represents the long-term assumption for expected increases to salaries for pay-related plans.
          The following table reconciles the change in the PBO and the change in plan assets (in millions):
                                                 
    2005     2004  
    U.S.     Non U.S.     Total     U.S.     Non U.S.     Total  
June 30 measurement date
                                               
 
                                               
PBO — beginning of year
  $ 873     $ 637     $ 1,510     $ 818     $ 549     $ 1,367  
Service cost
    23       16       39       26       15       41  
Interest cost
    55       38       93       49       32       81  
Participant contributions
          3       3             3       3  
Amendments
                      3       4       7  
Actuarial loss
    170       121       291       17       13       30  
Divestitures
    (5 )           (5 )     2             2  
Benefit payments
    (46 )     (28 )     (74 )     (42 )     (27 )     (69 )
Foreign currency rate changes
          (9 )     (9 )           48       48  
 
                                   
PBO — end of year
    1,070       778       1,848       873       637       1,510  
 
                                   
Change in plan assets:
                                               
Fair value of assets — beginning of year
    604       437       1,041       452       354       806  
Actual return on plan assets
    52       70       122       71       49       120  
Employer contributions
    77       25       102       123       27       150  
Participant contributions
          3       3             3       3  
Benefit payments
    (46 )     (32 )     (78 )     (42 )     (27 )     (69 )
Foreign currency rate changes
          (1 )     (1 )           31       31  
 
                                   
Fair value of assets — end of year
    687       502       1,189       604       437       1,041  
 
                                   
Unfunded status
  $ (383 )   $ (276 )   $ (659 )   $ (269 )   $ (200 )   $ (469 )
 
                                   

38


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
          In fiscal 2005, the increase to actuarial losses (see table below) relates primarily to the reduction in the discount rate assumptions. In accordance with SFAS No. 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions”, a portion of the actuarial losses is not subject to amortization. The actuarial losses that are subject to amortization are generally amortized over the expected remaining service life, which ranges from 12 to 18 years, depending on the plan. The decrease in the discount rate was the primary reason for the increase in the unfunded status of the U.S. plans at September 30, 2005. In accordance with SFAS 87, the company utilizes a market-related value of assets, which recognizes changes in the fair value of assets over a five-year period.
          In recognition of the long-term nature of the liabilities of the pension plans, the company has targeted an asset allocation strategy that intends to promote asset growth while maintaining an acceptable level of risk over the long-term. Asset-liability studies are performed periodically to validate the continued appropriateness of these asset allocation targets. The asset allocation for the U.S. plan is targeted at 70–75 percent equity securities, 20–25 percent debt securities, and 0–5 percent alternative assets. The target asset allocation ranges for the non-U.S. plans are 65–75 percent equity securities, 20–35 percent debt securities, and 0–5 percent real estate.
          The investment strategies for the pension plans are designed to achieve an appropriate diversification of investments as well as safety and security of the principal invested. Assets invested are allocated to certain global sub-asset categories within prescribed ranges in order to promote international diversification across security type, issuer type, investment style, industry group, and economic sector. Assets of the plans are both actively and passively managed. Policy limits are placed on the percentage of plan assets that can be invested in a security of any single issuer and minimum credit quality standards are established for debt securities. ArvinMeritor securities comprised less than one half of one percent of the value of our worldwide pension assets during 2005 and 2004.
          The weighted average asset allocation for the U.S. and non U.S. pension plans are as follows:
                                 
    2005     2004  
    U.S.     Non U.S.     U.S.     Non U.S.  
Equity securities
    74.2 %     71.6 %     73.9 %     73.5 %
Debt securities
    24.6       24.8       24.6       22.9  
Real estate
          3.2             3.4  
Other
    1.2       0.4       1.5       0.2  
 
                       
Total
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
 
                       
          The following reconciles the funded status with the amount included in the consolidated balance sheet (in millions):
                                                 
    2005     2004  
    U.S.     Non U.S.     Total     U.S.     Non U.S.     Total  
June 30 measurement date
                                               
 
                                               
Unfunded status
  $ (383 )   $ (276 )   $ (659 )   $ (269 )   $ (200 )   $ (469 )
Items not yet recognized in balance sheet:
                                               
Actuarial losses
    518       348       866       374       268       642  
Prior service cost
    3       8       11       7       13       20  
Initial net asset
          (2 )     (2 )           (4 )     (4 )
 
                                   
Net amount recognized
  $ 138     $ 78     $ 216     $ 112     $ 77     $ 189  
 
                                   
          SFAS 87 requires a company to record a minimum liability that is at least equal to the unfunded accumulated benefit obligation. The additional minimum pension liability, net of a deferred tax asset, is charged to accumulated other comprehensive loss. At September 30, 2005 and 2004, the company’s additional minimum pension liability was $436 million and $293 million, respectively.
          Amounts included in the consolidated balance sheet at September 30 were comprised of the following (in millions):
                                                 
    2005     2004  
    U.S.     Non U.S.     Total     U.S.     Non U.S.     Total  
Prepaid pension asset
  $     $ 26     $ 26     $     $ 23     $ 23  
Pension liability
    (290 )     (193 )     (483 )     (198 )     (122 )     (320 )
Deferred tax asset on minimum pension liability
    162       58       220       117       49       166  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    263       173       436       187       106       293  
Intangible asset and other
    3       7       10       6       16       22  
Minority interest liability
          7       7             5       5  
 
                                   
Net amount recognized
  $ 138     $ 78     $ 216     $ 112     $ 77     $ 189  
 
                                   

39


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
          The pension liability is included in Retirement Benefits in the consolidated balance sheet as follows (in millions):
                 
    September 30,  
    2005     2004  
Pension liability
  $ 483     $ 320  
Retiree medical liability — long term (see Note 19)
    213       228  
Other
    58       35  
 
           
Retirement Benefits
  $ 754     $ 583  
 
           
          In accordance with SFAS No. 132(R) “Employer’s Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits”, the PBO, accumulated benefit obligation (ABO) and fair value of plan assets is required to be disclosed for all plans where the ABO is in excess of plan assets. The difference between the PBO and ABO is that the PBO includes projected compensation increases.
          Additional information is as follows (in millions):
                                                 
    2005   2004
    ABO   Assets           ABO   Assets    
    Exceeds   Exceed           Exceeds   Exceed    
    Assets   ABO   Total   Assets   ABO   Total
PBO
  $ 1,830     $ 18     $ 1,848     $ 1,496     $ 14     $ 1,510  
ABO
    1,641       17       1,658       1,333       13       1,346  
Plan Assets
    1,158       31       1,189       1,015       26       1,041  
          The components of net periodic pension expense are as follows (in millions):
                         
    2005     2004     2003  
Service cost
  $ 39     $ 41     $ 35  
Interest cost
    93       81       74  
Assumed rate of return on plan assets
    (94 )     (85 )     (78 )
Amortization of prior service cost
    10       7       5  
Amortization of transition asset
    (2 )     (1 )     (2 )
Curtailment
          4        
Recognized actuarial loss
    32       26       9  
 
                 
Net periodic pension expense
  $ 78     $ 73     $ 43  
 
                 
          In connection with the company’s sale of the CVS Kenton, OH facility (see Note 5), the company recognized a curtailment loss of $4 million in fiscal year 2004.
          Information about the expected cash flows for the U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans is as follows (in millions):
                         
    U.S.   Non U.S.   Total
Employer contributions:
                       
Fiscal 2006
  $ 77     $ 46     $ 123  
Benefit payments:
                       
Fiscal 2006
    47       28       75  
Fiscal 2007
    48       29       77  
Fiscal 2008
    48       29       77  
Fiscal 2009
    49       30       79  
Fiscal 2010
    51       31       82  
Fiscal 2011–2015
    287       166       453  
          The company also sponsors certain defined contribution savings plans for eligible employees. Expense related to these plans was $12 million, $11 million and $13 million for fiscal years 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

40


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
21. INCOME TAXES
          The components of the Provision for income taxes are summarized as follows (in millions):
                         
    2005     2004     2003  
Current tax expense (benefit):
                       
U.S.
  $ 22     $ 16     $ 25  
Foreign
    90       8       61  
State and local
    2       1       (5 )
 
                 
Total current tax expense
    114       25       81  
 
                 
Deferred tax expense (benefit):
                       
U.S.
    (83 )     (26 )     16  
Foreign
    (12 )     38       (55 )
State and local
    (6 )     9       1  
 
                 
Total deferred tax expense (benefit)
    (101 )     21       (38 )
 
                 
Provision for income taxes
  $ 13     $ 46     $ 43  
 
                 
          The deferred tax expense or benefit represents tax effects of current year deductions or items of income that will be recognized in future periods for tax purposes. The deferred tax benefit primarily represents the tax benefit of current year net operating losses and tax credits carried forward.
          Net current and non-current deferred income tax assets included in the consolidated balance sheet consist of the tax effects of temporary differences related to the following (in millions):
                 
    September 30,  
    2005     2004  
Compensation and benefits
  $ 61     $ 55  
Product warranties
    7       23  
Inventory costs
    4       (3 )
Receivables
    12       12  
Other, net
    20       10  
 
           
Subtotal — current deferred income taxes — asset
    104       97  
 
           
Loss and credit carryforwards
    485       388  
Retiree medical costs
    80       87  
Pensions
    94       53  
Taxes on undistributed income
    (57 )     (55 )
Property
    (24 )     (27 )
Intangible assets
    (8 )     3  
Investment basis difference
    34        
Other
    83       13  
 
           
Subtotal — non-current deferred income taxes — asset
    687       462  
 
           
Total current and non-current deferred income taxes — asset
    791       559  
Less: Valuation allowances
    (148 )     (93 )
 
           
Net deferred income taxes — asset
  $ 643     $ 466  
 
           
          Net current and non-current deferred income tax assets are included in the consolidated balance sheet as follows (in millions):
                 
    September 30,  
    2005     2004  
Other current assets (see Note 9)
  $ 112     $ 117  
Other current liabilities (see Note 13)
    (21 )     (20 )
 
           
Net current deferred income taxes — asset
    91       97  
 
           
 
               
Other assets (see Note 11)
    575       428  
Other liabilities (see Note 14)
    (23 )     (59 )
 
           
Net non-current deferred income taxes — asset
  $ 552     $ 369  
 
           
          Management believes it is more likely than not that current and non-current deferred tax assets will be realized. Significant factors considered by management in its determination of the probability of the realization of the deferred tax benefits include: (a) historical operating results, (b) expectations of future earnings, (c) tax planning strategies, and (d) the extended period of time over which the retiree medical and pension liabilities will be paid. The valuation allowance represents the amount of tax benefits related to net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, which management believes are not likely to be realized. The carryforward periods for $344 million of net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards expire between fiscal years 2006 and 2025. The carryforward period for the remaining net operating losses and tax credits is indefinite.

41


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
          The company’s provision for income taxes was different from the provision for income taxes at the U.S. statutory rate for the reasons set forth below (in millions):
                         
    2005     2004     2003  
Provision for income taxes at statutory tax rate of 35%
  $ 26     $ 59     $ 53  
State and local income taxes
    7       (6 )     (5 )
Foreign income taxes
    (25 )     (28 )     (8 )
Tax audit settlements
    (8 )           (6 )
Recognition of basis differences
    (34 )     (12 )     (33 )
Tax on undistributed foreign earnings
    2       4       6  
Valuation allowance
    55       28       28  
Other
    (10 )     1       8  
 
                 
Provision for income taxes
  $ 13     $ 46     $ 43  
 
                 
          For fiscal year 2005, the significant benefit for recognition of basis differences was related to a deferred tax asset recognized for the excess of the tax basis over the amount for financial reporting of investments in several of the company’s United Kingdom subsidiaries. This asset is expected to reverse in the foreseeable future. For fiscal year 2004, the significant benefit for recognition of basis differences was related to the following items: (a) favorable impact of recently issued IRS regulations supporting recoverability of previously disallowed capital losses and (b) utilization of previously unrecognized capital losses associated with our Brazilian restructuring. For fiscal year 2003, the significant benefit was primarily due to a restructuring of certain Brazilian operations which increased the long-term deferred tax asset associated with intangible assets.
          The income tax provisions were calculated based upon the following components of income (loss) before income taxes (in millions):
                         
    2005     2004     2003  
U.S. income (loss)
  $ (14 )   $ (10 )   $ 31  
Foreign income
    88       179       121  
 
                 
Income before income taxes
  $ 74     $ 169     $ 152  
 
                 
          For fiscal 2005 and 2004, no provision has been made for U.S., state or additional foreign income taxes related to approximately $822 million and $665 million, respectively of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that have been or are intended to be permanently reinvested. Quantification of the deferred tax liability, if any, associated with permanently reinvested earnings is not practicable.
22. CONTINGENCIES
     Environmental
          Federal, state and local requirements relating to the discharge of substances into the environment, the disposal of hazardous wastes and other activities affecting the environment have, and will continue to have, an impact on the manufacturing operations of the company. The process of estimating environmental liabilities is complex and dependent on physical and scientific data at the site, uncertainties as to remedies and technologies to be used and the outcome of discussions with regulatory agencies. The company records liabilities for environmental issues in the accounting period in which its responsibility and remediation plans are established and the cost can be reasonably estimated. At environmental sites in which more than one potentially responsible party has been identified, the company records a liability for its allocable share of costs related to its involvement with the site, as well as an allocable share of costs related to insolvent parties or unidentified shares. At environmental sites in which ArvinMeritor is the only potentially responsible party, the company records a liability for the total estimated costs of remediation before consideration of recovery from insurers or other third parties.
          The company has been designated as a potentially responsible party at seven Superfund sites, excluding sites as to which the company’s records disclose no involvement or as to which the company’s potential liability has been finally determined. Management estimates the total reasonably possible costs the company could incur for the remediation of Superfund sites at September 30, 2005 to be approximately $28 million, of which $11 million is recorded as a liability. During fiscal year 2005, the company recorded environmental remediation costs of $6 million resulting from a revised estimate to remediate a former Rockwell facility sold in 1990.
          In addition to the Superfund sites, various other lawsuits, claims and proceedings have been asserted against the company, alleging violations of federal, state and local environmental protection requirements, or seeking remediation of alleged environmental impairments, principally at previously disposed-of properties. For these matters, management has estimated the total reasonably possible costs the company could incur at September 30, 2005 to be approximately $52 million, of which $13 million is recorded as a liability. During fiscal year 2004, the company recorded environmental remediation costs of $11 million resulting from an agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency to remediate a different former Rockwell facility that was sold in 1985.
          Included in the company’s environmental liabilities are costs for on-going operating, maintenance and monitoring at environmental sites in which remediation has been put into place. This liability is discounted using a discount rate of 5-percent and is approximately $6 million at September 30, 2005. The undiscounted estimate of these costs is approximately $11 million.
          Following are the components of the Superfund and Non-Superfund environmental reserves (in millions):
                         
    Superfund     Non-Superfund        
    Sites     Sites     Total  
Balance at September 30, 2004
  $ 6     $ 28     $ 34  
Payments
    (1 )     (12 )     (13 )
Reclass to property, plant and equipment
          (5 )     (5 )
Change in cost estimates
    6       2       8  
 
                 
Balance at September 30, 2005
  $ 11     $ 13     $ 24  
 
                 

42


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
          A portion of the environmental reserves is included in Other Current Liabilities (see Note 13), with the majority of the amounts recorded in Other Liabilities (see Note 14).
          The actual amount of costs or damages for which the company may be held responsible could materially exceed the foregoing estimates because of uncertainties, including the financial condition of other potentially responsible parties, the success of the remediation and other factors that make it difficult to predict actual costs accurately. However, based on management’s assessment, after consulting with outside advisors that specialize in environmental matters, and subject to the difficulties inherent in estimating these future costs, the company believes that its expenditures for environmental capital investment and remediation necessary to comply with present regulations governing environmental protection and other expenditures for the resolution of environmental claims will not have a material adverse effect on the company’s business, financial condition or results of operations. In addition, in future periods, new laws and regulations, changes in the remediation plan, advances in technology and additional information about the ultimate clean-up remedy could significantly change the company’s estimates. Management cannot assess the possible effect of compliance with future requirements.
     Asbestos
          Maremont Corporation (“Maremont”), a subsidiary of ArvinMeritor, manufactured friction products containing asbestos from 1953 through 1977, when it sold its friction product business. Arvin acquired Maremont in 1986. Maremont and many other companies are defendants in suits brought by individuals claiming personal injuries as a result of exposure to asbestos-containing products. Maremont had approximately 61,700 and 74,000 pending asbestos-related claims at September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The decrease in pending claims since September 30, 2004 is primarily due to the settlement of 8,500 claims in one jurisdiction. Although Maremont has been named in these cases, in the cases where actual injury has been alleged very few claimants have established that a Maremont product caused their injuries. Plaintiffs’ lawyers often sue dozens or even hundreds of defendants in individual lawsuits on behalf of hundreds or thousands of claimants, seeking damages against all named defendants irrespective of the disease or injury and irrespective of any causal connection with a particular product. For these reasons, Maremont does not consider the number of claims filed or the damages alleged to be a meaningful factor in determining its asbestos-related liability.
          Maremont’s asbestos-related reserves and corresponding asbestos-related recoveries are summarized as follows (in millions):
                 
    September 30,  
    2005     2004  
Pending and future claims
  $ 50     $ 72  
Shortfall and other
    4       2  
 
           
Total asbestos-related reserves
  $ 54     $ 74  
 
           
 
               
Asbestos-related recoveries
  $ 35     $ 72  
 
           
          A portion of the asbestos-related recoveries and reserves are included in Other Current Assets and Liabilities, with the majority of the amounts recorded in Other Noncurrent Assets and Liabilities (see Notes 9, 11, 13 and 14).
          Prior to February 2001, Maremont participated in the Center for Claims Resolution (“CCR”) and shared with other CCR members in the payments of defense and indemnity costs for asbestos-related claims. The CCR handled the resolution and processing of asbestos claims on behalf of its members until February 2001, when it was reorganized and discontinued negotiating shared settlements. Upon dissolution of the CCR in February 2001, Maremont began handling asbestos-related claims through its own defense counsel and has taken a more aggressive defensive approach that involves examining the merits of each asbestos-related claim. Although the company expects legal defense costs to continue at higher levels than when it participated in the CCR, the company believes its litigation strategy has reduced the average indemnity cost per claim. Billings to insurance companies for indemnity and defense costs of resolved cases were $12 million in fiscal years 2005 and 2004.
          Pending and Future Claims: At the end of fiscal year 2004 and through the third quarter of fiscal year 2005, Maremont established reserves for pending asbestos-related claims that reflected internal estimates of its defense and indemnity costs. These estimates were based on the history and nature of filed claims to date and Maremont’s experience. Maremont developed experience factors for estimating indemnity and litigation costs using data on actual experience in resolving claims since dissolution of the CCR and its assessment of the nature of the claims. Maremont did not accrue reserves for its potential liability for asbestos-related claims that may be asserted against it in the future, because it did not have sufficient information to make a reasonable estimate of these unknown claims.
          In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2005, Maremont engaged Bates White LLC (Bates White), a consulting firm with extensive experience estimating costs associated with asbestos litigation, to assist with determining whether it would be possible to estimate the cost of resolving pending and future asbestos-related claims that have been, and could reasonably be expected to be, filed against Maremont, as well as the cost of Maremont’s share of committed but unpaid settlements entered into by the CCR. Although it is not possible to estimate the full range of costs because of various uncertainties, Bates White advised Maremont that it would be able to determine an estimate of probable costs to resolve pending and future asbestos-related claims, based on historical data and certain assumptions with respect to events that occur in the future.
          The resulting study by Bates White provided an estimate of the reasonably possible range of Maremont’s obligation for asbestos personal injury claims over the next three to four years of $36 million to $55 million. After consultation with Bates White, Maremont determined that the most likely and probable liability for pending and future claims over the next four years is $50 million. The ultimate cost of resolving pending and future claims is estimated based on the history of claims and expenses for plaintiffs represented by law firms in jurisdictions with an established history with Maremont.

43


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
          The following assumptions were made by Maremont after consultation with Bates White and are included in their study:
  Pending and future claims were estimated for a four year period ending in fiscal year 2009. Maremont believes that the litigation environment will change significantly in several years, and that the reliability of estimates of future probable expenditures in connection with asbestos-related personal injury claims declines for each year further in the future. As a result, estimating a probable liability beyond four years is difficult and uncertain;
 
  The ultimate cost of resolving pending and future claims filed in Madison County, Illinois, a jurisdiction where a substantial amount of Maremont’s claims are filed, will decline to reflect average outcomes throughout the United States. Additionally, defense and processing costs in Madison County, Illinois will be reduced from current levels;
 
  Defense and processing costs for pending and future claims filed outside of Madison County, Illinois will be at the level consistent with Maremont’s prior experience; and
 
  The ultimate cost of resolving nonmalignant claims with plaintiff’s law firms in jurisdictions without an established history with Maremont cannot be reasonably estimated. Recent changes in tort law and insufficient settlement history make estimating a liability for these nonmalignant claims difficult and uncertain.
          The significant reduction in the liability since September 30, 2004 is a result of both an overall reduction in pending claims and the results from the study by Bates White, which estimates a value for pending and future claims that are expected to be settled. Maremont previously estimated a settlement value on all pending claims.
          Shortfall and other: Several former members of the CCR have filed for bankruptcy protection, and these members have failed, or may fail, to pay certain financial obligations with respect to settlements that were reached while they were CCR members. Maremont is subject to claims for payment of a portion of these defaulted member shares (shortfall). In an effort to resolve the affected settlements, Maremont has entered into negotiations with plaintiffs’ attorneys, and an estimate of Maremont’s obligation for the shortfall is included in the total asbestos-related reserves. In addition, Maremont and its insurers are engaged in legal proceedings to determine whether existing insurance coverage should reimburse any potential liability related to this issue. Payments by the company related to shortfall and other were not significant in fiscal year 2005 and were $4 million in fiscal year 2004.
          Recoveries: Maremont has insurance that reimburses a substantial portion of the costs incurred defending against asbestos-related claims. The coverage also reimburses Maremont for any indemnity paid on those claims. The coverage is provided by several insurance carriers based on insurance agreements in place. Incorporating historical information with respect to buy-outs and settlements of coverage, and excluding any policies in dispute, the insurance receivable related to asbestos-related liabilities is $35 million. The difference between the estimated liability and insurance receivable is related to proceeds received from settled insurance policies and liabilities for shortfall and other. Certain insurance policies have been settled in cash prior to the ultimate settlement of related asbestos liabilities. Amounts received from insurance settlements generally reduce recorded insurance receivables. Receivables for policies in dispute are not recorded. In fiscal year 2005, the company received $12 million associated with the settlement of certain insurance policies.
          The amounts recorded for the asbestos-related reserves and recoveries from insurance companies are based upon assumptions and estimates derived from currently known facts. All such estimates of liabilities and recoveries for asbestos-related claims are subject to considerable uncertainty because such liabilities and recoveries are influenced by variables that are difficult to predict. The future litigation environment for Maremont could change significantly from its past experience, due, for example, to changes in the mix of claims filed against Maremont in terms of plaintiffs’ law firm, jurisdiction and disease; legislative or regulatory developments; Maremont’s approach to defending claims; or payments to plaintiffs from other defendants. Estimated recoveries are influenced by coverage issues among insurers, and the continuing solvency of various insurance companies. If the assumptions with respect to the nature of pending claims, the cost to resolve claims and the amount of available insurance prove to be incorrect, the actual amount of liability for Maremont’s liability asbestos-related claims, and the effect on the company, could differ materially from current estimates and, therefore, could have a material impact on the company’s financial position and results of operations.
          Rockwell — ArvinMeritor, along with many other companies, has also been named as a defendant in lawsuits alleging personal injury as a result of exposure to asbestos used in certain components of Rockwell products many years ago. Liability for these claims was transferred to the company at the time of the spin-off of the automotive business to Meritor from Rockwell in 1997. Currently there are thousands of claimants in lawsuits that name the company, together with many other companies, as defendants. However, the company does not consider the number of claims filed or the damages alleged to be a meaningful factor in determining asbestos-related liabilities. A significant portion of the claims do not identify any of Rockwell’s products or specify which of the claimants, if any, were exposed to asbestos attributable to Rockwell’s products, and past experience has shown that the vast majority of the claimants will never identify any of Rockwell’s products. For those claimants who do show that they worked with Rockwell’s products, management nevertheless believes it has meritorious defenses, in substantial part due to the integrity of the products involved, the encapsulated nature of any asbestos-containing components, and the lack of any impairing medical condition on the part of many claimants. The company defends these cases vigorously. Historically, ArvinMeritor has been dismissed from the vast majority of these claims with no payment to claimants.
          Rockwell maintained insurance coverage that management believes covers indemnity and defense costs, over and above self-insurance retentions, for most of these claims. The company has initiated claims against these carriers to enforce the insurance policies. Although the status of one carrier as a financially viable entity is in question, the company expects to recover the majority of defense and indemnity costs it has incurred to date, over and above self-insured retentions, and a substantial portion of the costs for defending asbestos claims going forward.
          ArvinMeritor has not established reserves for pending or future claims or for corresponding recoveries for Rockwell-legacy asbestos-related claims and defense and indemnity costs related to these claims are expensed as incurred. Reserves have not been established because management cannot reasonably estimate the ultimate liabilities for these costs, primarily because the company does not have a sufficient history of claims settlement and defense costs from which to develop reliable assumptions. The uncertainties of asbestos claim litigation and resolution of the litigation with the insurance companies make it difficult to predict accurately the ultimate resolution of asbestos claims. That uncertainty is increased by the possibility of adverse rulings or new legislation affecting asbestos claim litigation or the settlement process. Subject to these uncertainties and based on the company’s experience defending these asbestos claims, the company does not believe these lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition. Rockwell was not a member of the CCR and handled its asbestos-related claims using its own litigation counsel. As a result, the company does not have any additional potential liabilities for committed CCR settlements or shortfall (as described above) in connection with the Rockwell-legacy cases.

44


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
     Product Recall Campaign
          Beginning in fiscal year 2002, the company recalled certain of its commercial vehicle axles equipped with TRW model 20-EDL tie rod ends because of potential safety-related defects in those ends. TRW, Inc. (TRW) manufactured the affected tie rod ends from June 1999 through June 2000 and supplied them to the company for incorporation into its axle products. The company estimated the cost of its recall of TRW model 20-EDL tie rod ends to be approximately $17 million and recorded a liability and offsetting receivable for the estimated cost. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, in anticipation of a settlement of this matter with TRW, the company recorded a charge of $4 million as a reduction of the receivable due from TRW at September 30, 2004. In December 2004, the company reached an agreement with TRW settling this matter, resulting in no additional charges to the Company. See Note 13 for additional information related to the company’s product warranties.
     Indemnifications
          The company has provided indemnifications in conjunction with certain transactions, primarily divestitures. These indemnities address a variety of matters, which may include environmental, tax, asbestos, and employment-related matters, and the periods of indemnification vary in duration. The company’s maximum obligations under such indemnifications cannot be reasonably estimated. The company is not aware of any claims or other information that would give rise to material payments under such indemnifications.
     Other
          Various other lawsuits, claims and proceedings have been or may be instituted or asserted against the company, relating to the conduct of the company’s business, including those pertaining to product liability, intellectual property, safety and health, and employment matters. Although the outcome of litigation cannot be predicted with certainty, and some lawsuits, claims or proceedings may be disposed of unfavorably to the company, management believes the disposition of matters that are pending will not have a material adverse effect on the company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.
23. BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
          The company defines its operating segments as components of its business where separate financial information is available and is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The company’s chief operating decision maker (CODM) is the Chief Executive Officer.
          The company has two reportable operating segments: Light Vehicle Systems (LVS) and Commercial Vehicle Systems (CVS). LVS is a major supplier of air and emission systems, aperture systems (roof and door systems), and undercarriage systems (suspension and wheel products) for passenger cars, motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, light trucks and sport utility vehicles to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). CVS supplies drivetrain systems and components, including axles and drivelines, braking systems, suspension systems and exhaust and ride control products, for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, trailers and specialty vehicles to OEMs and the commercial vehicle aftermarket. Ride control and the company’s previously reported LVA segment and Other are reported in discontinued operations.
          The company uses operating income as the primary basis for the CODM to evaluate the performance of each of the company’s reportable segments. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those applied in the Consolidated Financial Statements. The company may allocate certain common costs, primarily corporate functions, between the segments differently than the company would for stand alone financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. These allocated costs include expenses for shared services such as information technology, finance, communications, legal and human resources. The company does not allocate interest expense and equity in earnings of affiliates and no longer allocates certain legacy and other corporate costs not directly associated with the segments’ operating income. As a result, the company reclassified $11 million of legacy environmental remediation costs for fiscal year 2004, from LVS’ previously reported operating income to environmental remediation costs.

45


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
          Segment information is summarized as follows (in millions):
     Sales:
                         
    2005     2004     2003  
Light Vehicle Systems
  $ 4,767     $ 4,642     $ 4,043  
Commercial Vehicle Systems
    4,054       3,215       2,422  
 
                 
Total
  $ 8,821     $ 7,857     $ 6,465  
 
                 
     Earnings:
                         
    2005     2004     2003  
Operating Income (Loss):
                       
Light Vehicle Systems
  $ (10 )   $ 113     $ 137  
Commercial Vehicle Systems
    193       164       111  
 
                 
Segment operating income
    183       277       248  
Environmental remediation costs
    (7 )     (11 )      
Costs for withdrawn tender offer
          (16 )      
Unallocated corporate costs
    (3 )            
 
                 
Operating income
    173       250       248  
Equity in earnings of affiliates
    28       19       8  
Gain on sale of marketable securities
          7        
Interest expense, net and other
    (127 )     (107 )     (104 )
 
                 
Income before income taxes
    74       169       152  
Provision for income taxes
    (13 )     (46 )     (43 )
Minority interests
    (3 )     (8 )     (5 )
 
                 
Income from continuing operations
  $ 58     $ 115     $ 104  
 
                 
     Depreciation and Amortization:
                         
    2005     2004     2003  
Light Vehicle Systems
  $ 104     $ 106     $ 109  
Commercial Vehicle Systems
    76       71       68  
 
                 
Total
  $ 180     $ 177     $ 177  
 
                 
     Capital Expenditures:
                         
    2005     2004     2003  
Light Vehicle Systems
  $ 97     $ 98     $ 110  
Commercial Vehicle Systems
    56       50       57  
 
                 
Total
  $ 153     $ 148     $ 167  
 
                 

46


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
     Segment Assets:
                 
    2005     2004  
Light Vehicle Systems
  $ 2,317     $ 2,288  
Commercial Vehicle Systems
    2,121       1,938  
 
           
Segment total assets
    4,438       4,226  
Corporate (1)
    901       798  
Discontinued operations
    531       615  
 
           
Total
  $ 5,870     $ 5,639  
 
           
 
(1)   Corporate assets consist primarily of cash, taxes and prepaid pension costs. For fiscal years 2005 and 2004, segment assets include $432 million and $365 million, respectively, of receivables sold to ARC under the accounts receivable securitization and factoring agreements (see Note 6).
     A summary of the changes in the carrying value of goodwill is as follows (in millions):
                         
    LVS     CVS     Total  
Balance at September 30, 2004
  $ 374     $ 434     $ 808  
Goodwill from AB Volvo acquisition
          4       4  
Foreign currency translation
    (6 )     (5 )     (11 )
 
                 
Balance at September 30, 2005
  $ 368     $ 433     $ 801  
 
                 
          Sales by geographic area are based on the location of the selling unit. Information on the company’s geographic areas is summarized as follows (in millions):
     Sales by Geographic Area:
                         
    2005     2004     2003  
U.S.
  $ 3,468     $ 2,991     $ 2,560  
Canada
    595       543       482  
Mexico
    454       451       325  
 
                 
Total North America
    4,517       3,985       3,367  
 
                 
Germany
    823       738       574  
U.K.
    450       523       432  
France
    701       494       377  
Other Europe
    1,341       1,278       1,007  
 
                 
Total Europe
    3,315       3,033       2,390  
 
                 
Asia/Pacific
    408       393       342  
Other
    581       446       366  
 
                 
Total sales
  $ 8,821     $ 7,857     $ 6,465  
 
                 
     Assets by Geographic Area (excludes assets of discontinued operations):
                 
    2005     2004  
U.S.
  $ 2,263     $ 2,198  
Canada
    294       268  
Mexico
    157       155  
 
           
Total North America
    2,714       2,621  
 
           
U.K.
    414       471  
Germany
    501       493  
France
    347       221  
Other Europe
    760       732  
 
           
Total Europe
    2,022       1,917  
 
           
Asia/Pacific
    232       211  
Other
    371       275  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 5,339     $ 5,024  
 
           

47


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
          Sales to DaimlerChrysler AG (which owns Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz AG and Freightliner Corporation) represented 21 percent, 19 percent and 18 percent of the company’s sales in fiscal years 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Sales to General Motors Corporation comprised 10 percent, 13 percent and 14 percent of the company’s sales in fiscal 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Sales to Ford Motor Company were below 10 percent in fiscal year 2005 and comprised 10 percent of the company’s sales in fiscal years 2004 and 2003. Sales to Volkswagen comprised 10 percent of the company’s sales in fiscal years 2005, 2004 and 2003. The significant financial deterioration, including bankruptcy, of any one of these customers could have a material adverse effect on the company’s financial position and results of operation. No other customer comprised 10 percent or more of the company’s sales in each of the three fiscal years ended September 30, 2005.
24. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
          The following is a condensed summary of the company’s unaudited quarterly results of continuing operations for fiscal 2005 and 2004. Per share amounts are based on the weighted average shares outstanding for that quarter. Earnings per share for the year may not equal the sum of the four fiscal quarters’ earnings per share due to changes in basic and diluted shares outstanding.
                                         
    2005 Fiscal Quarters (Unaudited)
    First   Second   Third   Fourth   2005
    (In millions, except share-related data)
Sales
  $ 2,067     $ 2,257     $ 2,389     $ 2,108     $ 8,821  
Cost of sales
    1,933       2,103       2,186       1,953       8,175  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    (6 )     9       (15 )     (1 )     (13 )
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    14       (21 )     50       15       58  
Net income (loss)
    18       (33 )     46       (19 )     12  
Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations
    0.21       (0.31 )     0.73       0.22       0.84  
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations
    0.20       (0.30 )     0.72       0.21       0.83  
          Fourth quarter income from continuing operations included pre-tax restructuring costs of $21 million, and a pre-tax loss from debt extinguishment of $4 million. Fourth quarter net loss included an impairment charge of $28 million after-tax, or $0.40 per diluted share in LVA. Third quarter income from continuing operations included pre-tax restructuring costs of $6 million. Second quarter loss from continuing operations included pre-tax restructuring costs of $49 million; a pre-tax charge of $9 million resulting from the MG Rover bankruptcy, and pre-tax environmental remediation costs of $6 million associated with a former Rockwell facility. First quarter income from continuing operations included pre-tax restructuring costs of $10 million; a $4 million pre-tax gain on the divestiture of the Columbus, Indiana automotive stamping and components manufacturing business and a $5 million pre-tax charge associated with the bankruptcy of certain customers.
                                         
    2004 Fiscal Quarters (Unaudited)
    First   Second   Third   Fourth   2004
    (In millions, except share-related data)
Sales
  $ 1,853     $ 1,939     $ 2,074     $ 1,991     $ 7,857  
Cost of sales
    1,706       1,766       1,886       1,828       7,186  
Provision for income taxes
    8       13       19       6       46  
Income from continuing operations
    15       26       42       32       115  
Net income
    19       41       51       (153 )     (42 )
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations
    0.22       0.39       0.62       0.47       1.71  
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
    0.22       0.38       0.61       0.47       1.68  
          Fourth quarter income from continuing operations included a pre-tax restructuring charge of $4 million, and pre-tax environmental remediation costs of $3 million. Fourth quarter net loss included a goodwill impairment charge of $190 million after-tax, or $2.77 per, diluted share in LVA. Second quarter income from continuing operations included pre-tax environmental remediation costs of $8 million. First quarter 2004 income from continuing operations included a net pre-tax charge of $9 million, as a result of the company’s decision to withdraw its tender offer for the outstanding shares of Dana Corporation.

48


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
25. SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                         
    2005   2004   2003
    (In millions)
Balance sheet data:
                       
Allowance for doubtful accounts
  $ 34     $ 26     $ 16  
Statement of operations data:
                       
Maintenance and repairs expense
  $ 97     $ 100     $ 89  
Research, development and engineering expense
    171       157       163  
Depreciation expense
    172       167       169  
Provision for doubtful accounts
    19       19       8  
Rental expense
    32       31       29  
Statement of cash flows data:
                       
Interest payments
  $ 118     $ 103     $ 102  
Income tax payments
    69       71       113  
Non-cash investing activities — capital expenditures
    27       16          
26. SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
          Under the company’s $900 million revolving credit facility, certain domestic subsidiaries, as defined in the credit agreement, irrevocably and unconditionally guarantee amounts outstanding under the facility. Similar subsidiary guarantees were provided for the benefit of the holders of the publicly-held notes outstanding under the company’s two indentures (see Note 15).
          In lieu of providing separate audited financial statements for the Guarantor subsidiaries, the company has included the accompanying condensed consolidating financial statements. These condensed consolidating financial statements are presented on the equity method. Under this method, the investments in subsidiaries are recorded at cost and adjusted for the parent’s share of the subsidiary’s cumulative results of operations, capital contributions and distributions and other equity changes. The Guarantor subsidiaries are combined in the condensed consolidating financial statements.

49


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(In millions)
                                         
    Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2005  
    Parent     Guarantors     Non-Guarantors     Elims     Consolidated  
Sales
                                       
External
  $     $ 3,556     $ 5,265     $     $ 8,821  
Subsidiaries
          150       384       (534 )      
 
                             
Total sales
          3,706       5,649       (534 )     8,821  
Cost of sales
    (28 )     (3,434 )     (5,247 )     534       (8,175 )
 
                             
GROSS MARGIN
    (28 )     272       402             646  
Selling, general and administrative
    (75 )     (173 )     (126 )           (374 )
Restructuring costs
    (1 )     (13 )     (72 )           (86 )
Gain on divestitures
          4                   4  
Environmental remediation costs
          (7 )                 (7 )
Customer bankruptcies
                (10 )           (10 )
 
                             
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
    (104 )     83       194             173  
Equity in earnings of affiliates
    5       16       7             28  
Other income (expense), net
    3       500       (503 )            
Interest expense, net and other
    (110 )     28       (45 )           (127 )
 
                             
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    (206 )     627       (347 )           74  
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
    80       7       (100 )           (13 )
Minority interests
                (3 )           (3 )
 
                             
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
    (126 )     634       (450 )           58  
INCOME (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
          7       (53 )           (46 )
Equity in net income of subsidiaries
    138       (469 )           331        
 
                             
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 12     $ 172     $ (503 )   $ 331     $ 12  
 
                             

50


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(In millions)
                                         
    Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2004  
    Parent     Guarantors     Non-Guarantors     Elims     Consolidated  
Sales
                                       
External
  $     $ 2,910     $ 4,947     $     $ 7,857  
Subsidiaries
          190       433       (623 )      
 
                             
Total sales
          3,100       5,380       (623 )     7,857  
Cost of sales
    (37 )     (2,803 )     (4,969 )     623       (7,186 )
 
                             
GROSS MARGIN
    (37 )     297       411             671  
Selling, general and administrative
    (75 )     (184 )     (120 )           (379 )
Restructuring costs
    (5 )     (7 )     (3 )           (15 )
Gain on divestitures
                             
Environmental remediation costs
          (11 )                 (11 )
Costs for withdrawn tender offer
    (16 )                       (16 )
 
                             
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
    (133 )     95       288             250  
Equity in earnings of affiliates
    2       4       13             19  
Gain on sale of marketable securities
    7                         7  
Other income (expense), net
    13       (23 )     10              
Interest expense, net and other
    (92 )     (2 )     (13 )           (107 )
 
                             
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    (203 )     74       298             169  
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
    81       (20 )     (107 )           (46 )
Minority interests
                (8 )           (8 )
 
                             
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
    (122 )     54       183             115  
INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
          (109 )     (48 )           (157 )
Equity in net income of subsidiaries
    80       131             (211 )      
 
                             
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  $ (42 )   $ 76     $ 135     $ (211 )   $ (42 )
 
                             

51


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(In millions)
                                         
    Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2003  
    Parent     Guarantors     Non-Guarantors     Elims     Consolidated  
Sales
                                       
External
  $     $ 2,572     $ 3,893     $     $ 6,465  
Subsidiaries
          135       380       (515 )      
 
                             
Total sales
          2,707       4,273       (515 )     6,465  
Cost of sales
    (40 )     (2,431 )     (3,926 )     515       (5,882 )
 
                             
GROSS MARGIN
    (40 )     276       347             583  
Selling, general and administrative
    (63 )     (147 )     (121 )           (331 )
Restructuring costs
    (1 )     (12 )     (6 )           (19 )
Gain on divestitures, net
          15                   15  
 
                             
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
    (104 )     132       220             248  
Equity in earnings of affiliates
          2       6             8  
Other income (expense), net
    15       3       (18 )            
Interest expense, net and other
    (94 )     4       (14 )           (104 )
 
                             
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    (183 )     141       194             152  
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
    56       (54 )     (45 )           (43 )
Minority interests
                (5 )           (5 )
 
                             
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
    (127 )     87       144             104  
INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
          19       14             33  
 
                             
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE
    (127 )     106       158             137  
Cumulative effect of accounting change
    (4 )                       (4 )
Equity in net income of subsidiaries
    264       139             (403 )      
 
                             
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 133     $ 245     $ 158     $ (403 )   $ 133  
 
                             

52


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
(In millions)
                                         
    September 30, 2005  
    Parent     Guarantors     Non-Guarantors     Elims     Consolidated  
CURRENT ASSETS
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 63     $     $ 124     $     $ 187  
Receivables, net
    2       136       1,517             1,655  
Inventories
          203       338             541  
Other current assets
    30       81       145             256  
Assets of discontinued operations
          162       369             531  
 
                             
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
    95       582       2,493             3,170  
 
                             
NET PROPERTY
    37       296       680             1,013  
GOODWILL
          315       486             801  
OTHER ASSETS
    461       70       355             886  
INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES
    3,487       1,163             (4,650 )      
 
                             
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 4,080     $ 2,426     $ 4,014     $ (4,650 )   $ 5,870  
 
                             
CURRENT LIABILITIES
                                       
Short-term debt
  $     $ 14     $ 117     $     $ 131  
Accounts payable
    25       488       970             1,483  
Other current liabilities
    219       120       328             667  
Liabilities of discontinued operations
          138       104             242  
 
                             
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
    244       760       1,519             2,523  
 
                             
LONG-TERM DEBT
    1,418             33             1,451  
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
    533             221             754  
INTERCOMPANY PAYABLE (RECEIVABLE)
    965       (1,791 )     826              
OTHER LIABILITIES
    45       61       103             209  
MINORITY INTERESTS
                58             58  
SHAREOWNERS’ EQUITY
    875       3,396       1,254       (4,650 )     875  
 
                             
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREOWNERS’ EQUITY
  $ 4,080     $ 2,426     $ 4,014     $ (4,650 )   $ 5,870  
 
                             

53


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
(In millions)
                                         
    September 30, 2004  
    Parent     Guarantors     Non-Guarantors     Elims     Consolidated  
CURRENT ASSETS
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 2     $ 1     $ 129     $     $ 132  
Receivables, net
          148       1,330             1,478  
Inventories
          182       341             523  
Other current assets
    20       82       136             238  
Assets of discontinued operations
          128       487             615  
 
                             
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
    22       541       2,423             2,986  
 
                             
NET PROPERTY
    39       281       712             1,032  
GOODWILL
          156       652             808  
OTHER ASSETS
    422       39       352             813  
INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES
    3,219       2,190             (5,409 )      
 
                             
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 3,702     $ 3,207     $ 4,139     $ (5,409 )   $ 5,639  
 
                             
CURRENT LIABILITIES
                                       
Short-term debt
  $     $     $ 3     $     $ 3  
Accounts payable
    16       438       912             1,366  
Other current liabilities
    196       179       247             622  
Liabilities of discontinued operations
          111       171             282  
 
                             
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
    212       728       1,333             2,273  
 
                             
LONG-TERM DEBT
    1,459             28             1,487  
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
    447             136             583  
INTERCOMPANY PAYABLE (RECEIVABLE)
    531       (493 )     (38 )            
OTHER LIABILITIES
    65       38       144             247  
MINORITY INTERESTS
                61             61  
SHAREOWNERS’ EQUITY
    988       2,934       2,475       (5,409 )     988  
 
                             
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREOWNERS’ EQUITY
  $ 3,702     $ 3,207     $ 4,139     $ (5,409 )   $ 5,639  
 
                             

54


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
                                         
    Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2005  
    Parent     Guarantors     Non-Guarantors     Elims     Consolidated  
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                                       
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  $ 171     $ 34     $ (237 )   $     $ (32 )
 
                             
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Capital expenditures
    (5 )     (51 )     (86 )           (142 )
Acquisitions of businesses and investments, net of cash
          (5 )     (26 )           (31 )
Proceeds from disposition of property and businesses
          36       13             49  
Net cash provided by (used for) discontinued operations
          (2 )     151             149  
 
                             
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) INVESTING ACTIVITIES
    (5 )     (22 )     52             25  
 
                             
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Borrowings on accounts receivable securitization program
                112             112  
Purchase of notes
    (21 )                       (21 )
Borrowings (Payments) on lines of credit and other
          (12 )     7             (5 )
Payment of issuance costs associated with debt exchange
    (10 )                       (10 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    6                         6  
Intercompany advances
    (53 )           53              
Cash dividends
    (28 )                       (28 )
 
                             
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES
    (106 )     (12 )     172             54  
 
                             
EFFECT OF CHANGES IN FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES ON CASH
                8             8  
 
                             
CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    60             (5 )           55  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
    3             129             132  
 
                             
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
  $ 63     $     $ 124     $     $ 187  
 
                             

55


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
                                         
    Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2004  
    Parent     Guarantors     Non-Guarantors     Elims     Consolidated  
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                                       
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  $ (131 )   $ 37     $ 313     $     $ 219  
 
                             
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Capital expenditures
    (6 )     (59 )     (83 )           (148 )
Acquisitions of businesses and investments, net of cash
                (3 )           (3 )
Proceeds from disposition of property, businesses, and marketable securities
    18       15       22             55  
Cash used by discontinued operations
          (4 )     (20 )           (24 )
 
                             
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) INVESTING ACTIVITIES
    12       (48 )     (84 )           (120 )
 
                             
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Net payments on debt
    (53 )           (2 )           (55 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    6                         6  
Intercompany advances
    195             (195 )            
Cash dividends
    (28 )                       (28 )
 
                             
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES
    120             (197 )           (77 )
 
                             
EFFECT OF CHANGES IN FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES ON CASH
                7             7  
 
                             
CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    1       (11 )     39             29  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR
    2       11       90             103  
 
                             
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR
  $ 3     $     $ 129     $     $ 132  
 
                             

56


 

ARVINMERITOR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
                                         
    Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2003  
    Parent     Guarantors     Non-Guarantors     Elims     Consolidated  
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                                       
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  $ 49     $ 67     $ 158     $     $ 274  
 
                             
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Capital expenditures
    (18 )     (54 )     (95 )           (167 )
Acquisitions of businesses and investments, net of cash
    (11 )     (13 )     (83 )           (107 )
Proceeds from disposition of property and businesses
                104             104  
Net cash provided by discontinued operations
                (21 )           (21 )
 
                             
CASH USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES
    (29 )     (67 )     (95 )           (191 )
 
                             
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Net change in debt
    1             (30 )           (29 )
Intercompany advances
    16             (16 )            
Cash dividends
    (27 )                       (27 )
 
                             
CASH USED FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES
    (10 )           (46 )           (56 )
 
                             
EFFECT OF CHANGES IN FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES ON CASH
                20             20  
 
                             
CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    10             37             47  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR
    (8 )     11       53             56  
 
                             
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR
  $ 2     $ 11     $ 90     $     $ 103  
 
                             
27. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
          On October 6, 2005, the company completed the sale of certain assets of CVS’ off-highway brake business for cash proceeds of approximately $39 million. This sale is part of the company’s continued focus on its core products.

57

-----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----