EX-9.01A 2 p70228exv9w01a.htm EXHIBIT 9.01(A) exv9w01a
 

EXHIBIT 9.01(a)

EAGLEPICHER KOKAM CO., LTD.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002 AND 2003

FINE MANAGEMENT & ACCOUNTING CORPORATION

 


 

EXHIBIT 9.01(a)

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

l REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
l BALANCE SHEETS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002 AND 2003
 
l STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001, 2002 AND 2003
 
l STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001, 2002 AND 2003
 
l STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001, 2002 AND 2003
 
l NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

EXHIBIT 9.01(a)

Report of Independent Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
EaglePicher Kokam Co., Ltd.

     In our opinion, the accompanying balance sheets and the related statements of income, of changes in stockholders’ equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of EaglePicher Kokam Co., Ltd. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2002 and 2003, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles, which as described in Note 2, are generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ FINE Management and Accounting Corporation

      FINE Management and Accounting Corporation
Seoul, Korea
February 28, 2004

 


 

EXHIBIT 9.01(a)

EaglePicher Kokam Co., Ltd.
Balance Sheets
December 31, 2002 and 2003

                         
    Thousands of Korean Won     U.S. Dollars (Note 3)  
    2002     2003     2003  
ASSETS
                       
Current assets
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
    3,899,136       2,301,722       1,930,975  
Short-term financial instruments
          500,000       419,463  
Accounts receivable
                       
Trade, net
    1,778,126       1,881,492       1,578,433  
Due from affiliates
    4,842,692       199,888       167,691  
Others, net
    721,423       485,879       407,617  
Inventories
    5,284,581       8,758,619       7,347,835  
Deferred income taxes
    181,179       1,414,564       1,186,715  
Advance payments
    722,477       1,420,671       1,191,838  
Other current assets
    297,270       113,887       95,542  
 
                 
Total current assets
    17,726,884       17,076,722       14,326,109  
Long-term loans
    365,000       565,000       473,993  
Equity securities of affiliates
    2,651,578       3,962,932       3,324,607  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    20,658,058       20,142,424       16,898,007  
Deferred income taxes
    32,670       1,736,723       1,456,983  
Intangibles, net
    262,456       280,258       235,116  
Other assets
    151,100       182,719       153,286  
 
                 
Total Assets
    41,847,746       43,946,778       36,868,101  
 
                 
 
                       
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                       
Current liabilities
                       
Trade accounts payable
    3,214,997       2,694,521       2,260,504  
Accrued expenses
    408,890       214,846       180,240  
Short-term borrowings
    10,940,865       13,764,840       11,547,685  
Other current liabilities
    162,739       236,341       198,274  
 
                 
Total current liabilities
    14,727,491       16,910,548       14,186,703  
Long-term accounts payable
          751,132       630,144  
Accrued severance benefits
          144,632       121,335  
 
                 
Total liabilities
    14,727,491       17,806,312       14,938,182  
 
                 
Commitments and contingencies
                       
Shareholders’equity
                       
Common stock: (Won)500 par value; authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 41,709,000 shares and 41,195,600 shares in 2002 and 2003, respectively
    20,854,500       20,597,800       17,363,062  
Capital surplus
          5,246,811       4,422,837  
Retained earnings
    6,265,755       295,855       272,742  
Capital adjustments
                (128,722 )
 
                 
Total shareholders’ equity
    27,120,255       26,140,466       21,929,919  
 
                 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
    41,847,746       43,946,778       36,868,101  
 
                 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 


 

EXHIBIT 9.01(a)

EaglePicher Kokam Co., Ltd.
Statements of Income
Years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003

                                 
    Thousands of Korean Won     U.S. Dollars (Note 3)  
    2001     2002     2003     2003  
Sales
                               
Related parties
          8,806,128       1,020,241       856,029  
Others
    18,006,066       19,263,812       12,619,850       10,588,633  
 
                       
 
    18,006,066       28,069,940       13,640,091       11,444,662  
 
                               
Cost of sales
    12,978,415       22,356,809       18,624,618       15,626,908  
 
                       
 
                               
Gross profit (loss)
    5,027,651       5,713,131       (4,984,527 )     (4,182,246 )
 
                               
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    2,345,762       2,555,108       2,521,132       2,155,346  
 
                       
 
                               
Operating income (loss)
    2,681,889       3,158,023       (7,505,659 )     (6,337,592 )
 
                       
 
                               
Other income (expense)
                               
Interest income
    137,223       107,087       156,726       131,500  
Interest expense
          (334,918 )     (594,102 )     (498,479 )
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net
    74,340       (683,964 )     (193,949 )     (162,732 )
Others, net
    (102,664 )     (12,029 )     16,803       14,098  
 
                       
 
                               
Total other income (expense)
    108,899       (923,824 )     (614,522 )     (515,613 )
 
                       
 
                               
Income (loss) before income tax expense and equity in loss of affiliates
    2,790,788       2,234,199       (8,120,181 )     (6,853,205 )
 
                               
Income taxes
    273,272       465,403       (2,937,438 )     (2,464,645 )
 
                       
 
                               
Income (loss) before equity in loss of affiliates
    2,517,516       1,768,796       (5,182,743 )     (4,388,560 )
 
                               
Equity in loss of affiliates, net of tax
          (67,346 )     (787,157 )     (660,461 )
 
                       
 
                               
Net income (loss)
    2,517,516       1,701,450       (5,969,900 )     (5,049,021 )
 
                       
 
                               
Net income (loss) per common share
                               
Basic
  66 Won   45Won   (150)Won     0.12  
Diluted
  66 Won   45Won   (150)Won     0.12  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 


 

EXHIBIT 9.01(a)

EaglePicher Kokam Co., Ltd.
Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
Years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003

                                                 
    Common Stock     Capital     Retained Earnings     Capital        
(in thousands of Korean Won)   Shares     Amount     Surplus     (Deficit)     Adjustments     Total  
Balance as of December 31, 2000
    41,709,000       20,854,500             2,046,789             22,901,289  
 
                                               
Net income
                            2,517,516               2,517,516  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Balance as of December 31, 2001
    41,709,000       20,854,500             4,564,305             25,418,805  
 
                                               
Net income
                            1,701,450               1,701,450  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Balance as of December 31, 2002
    41,709,000       20,854,500             6,265,755             27,120,255  
 
                                               
Issuance of common stock, net
    3,516,174       1,758,087       3,232,024                       4,990,111  
Retirement of stock
    (4,029,574 )     (2,014,787 )     2,014,787                        
Net loss
                            (5,969,900 )             (5,969,900 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
Balance as of December 31, 2003
    41,195,600       20,597,800       5,246,811       295,855             26,140,466  
 
                                   
 
                                               
(in U.S. Dollars (Note 3))
                                               
 
                                               
Balance as of December 31, 2002
    41,709,000       17,579,449             5,281,763             22,861,212  
 
                                               
Issuance of common stock, net
    3,516,174       1,481,992       2,724,458                       4,206,450  
Retirement of stock
    (4,029,574 )     (1,698,379 )     1,698,379                        
Net loss
                            (5,009,021 )             (5,009,021 )
Overseas operation translation
                                    (128,722 )     (128,722 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
Balance as of December 31, 2003
    41,195,600       17,363,062       4,422,837       272,742       (128,722 )     21,929,919  
 
                                   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 


 

EXHIBIT 9.01(a)

EaglePicher Kokam Co., Ltd.
Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003

                                 
    Thousands of Korean Won     U.S. Dollars (Note 3)  
    2001     2002     2003     2003  
Cash flows from operating activities
                               
Net income (loss)
    2,517,516       1,701,450       (5,969,900 )     (5,009,021 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:
                               
Loss on inventory valuation
    2,130,895       2,182,274       3,723,931       3,124,549  
Depreciation
    2,697,438       2,623,043       3,971,708       3,332,445  
Provision for severance benefits
    132,392       190,262       163,217       136,947  
Equity in loss of affiliates
          67,346       787,157       660,461  
Decrease (Increase) in deferred income taxes assets
    (448,760 )     378,668       (2,937,438 )     (2,464,645 )
Others, net
    581,229       135,696       376,825       316,173  
Change in operating assets and liabilities
                               
Decrease (Increase) in accounts receivable
    (3,180,178 )     (2,446,349 )     4,662,678       3,912,201  
Increase in inventories
    (5,202,937 )     (874,120 )     (7,197,969 )     (6,039,426 )
Increase (Decrease) in trade accounts payable
    325,892       1,754,961       (193,715 )     (162,536 )
Increase in advance payments
    (3,864 )     (699,991 )     (698,194 )     (585,817 )
Increase(Decrease) in income taxes payable
    500,296       (648,380 )            
Increase(Decrease) in advanced receipts
    (4,371,448 )     55,892       34,093       28,606  
Others, net
    616,764       (1,230,433 )     245,805       206,435  
 
                       
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities
    (3,704,765 )     3,190,319       (3,031,802 )     (2,543,628 )
 
                       
 
                               
Cash flows from investing activities
                               
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
    (7,282,784 )     (4,990,250 )     (3,229,425 )     (2,709,636 )
Decrease(Increase) in short-term financial instruments
    8,821,930             (500,000 )     (419,523 )
Acquisition of equity securities of affiliates
          (2,718,924 )     (2,098,510 )     (1,760,746 )
Others, net
    (117,816 )     (254,187 )     (324,263 )     (275,072 )
 
                       
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities
    1,421,330       (7,963,361 )     (6,152,198 )     (5,164,977 )
 
                       
 
                               
Cash flows from financing activities
                               
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
                4,990,111       4,186,932  
Proceeds from short-term borrowings
    2,698,618       7,942,247       2,596,475       2,178,562  
 
                       
Net cash provided by financing activities
    2,698,618       7,942,247       7,586,586       6,365,494  
 
                       
 
                               
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    415,183       3,169,205       (1,597,414 )     (1,343,111 )
Cash and cash equivalents
                               
Beginning of year
    314,748       729,931       3,899,136       3,271,086  
 
                       
End of year
    729,931       3,899,136       2,301,722       1,927,975  
 
                       

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 


 

EXHIBIT 9.01(a)

1. Organization and Nature of Business

     EaglePicher Kokam Co., Ltd. (the “Company”) was incorporated on February 3, 1995 under the Commercial Code of the Republic of Korea. The Company is currently engaged mainly in manufacturing secondary rechargeable battery.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

     The financial statements are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). Significant accounting policies followed by the Company in the preparation of the accompanying financial statements are summarized below.

     Use of Estimates

     The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying disclosures. The most significant estimates and assumptions relate to the allowance for uncollectable accounts receivables, warranty accrual, inventory valuation and deferred tax valuation allowance. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions that the Company may undertake in the future, actual results may be different from the estimates.

     In common with certain other Asian countries, the economic environment in the Republic of Korea continues to be volatile. In addition, the Korean government and the private sector continue to implement structural reforms to historical business practices, including corporate governance. The Company may be either directly or indirectly affected by these volatile economic conditions and the reform program described above. The accompanying financial statements reflect management’s assessment of the impact to date of the economic environment on the financial position and results of operations of the Company. Actual results may differ materially from management’s current assessment.

Continued;

 


 

EXHIBIT 9.01(a)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

     Cash and Cash Equivalents

     Cash and cash equivalents include all cash balances and highly liquid investments, including time deposits and short-term bonds which are readily convertible into known amounts of cash and have an original maturity of three months or less.

     Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

     The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable based on the aggregate estimated collectibility of its accounts receivable.

     Inventories

     Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, with cost being determined on the FIFO basis.

     Property, Plant and Equipment

     Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using declining-balance method except buildings using straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives.

           
  Buildings   40 years
  Machinery, equipment and vehicles   4 ~ 10 years
  Tools, furniture and fixtures   4 years

     Significant renewals and additions are capitalized at cost. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.

Continued;

 


 

EXHIBIT 9.01(a)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

     The Company capitalizes interest on borrowings during the active construction period of major capital projects. Capitalized interest is added to the cost of the underlying assets and is amortized over the useful lives of the assets. Total interest expense incurred amounting to (Won)213 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 was wholly capitalized.

     Intangible Assets

     Intangible assets, comprising intellectual property rights (including patents and technology related to the battery production process and the like), are stated at cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives.

           
  Intellectual property rights   10 years
  Others   5 years

     Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

     Long-lived assets and intangible assets that do not have indefinite lives are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. When the aggregate undiscounted future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) is less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized, based on the fair value of the asset.

Continued;

 


 

EXHIBIT 9.01(a)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

     Accrued Severance Benefits

     Employees and directors with one year or more of service are entitled to receive a lump-sum payment upon termination of their employment with the Company, based on their length of service and rate of pay at the time of termination. Accrued severance benefits are estimated assuming all eligible employees were to terminate their employment at the balance sheet date. The annual severance benefits expense charged to operations is calculated based on the net change in the accrued severance benefits payable at the balance sheet date, plus the actual payments made during the year.

     Revenue Recognition

     Revenues from the sale of the Company’s products are recognized when: i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, ii) delivery has occurred to the customers, iii) the sale price to the customer is fixed or determinable and iv) collectibility is reasonably assured.

     Research and Development Costs

     Certain costs incurred in connection with the purchase of equipment and facilities used in the Company’s research and development activities are capitalized into property, plant and equipment, to the extent that they have alternative future uses. All other research and development costs are expensed as incurred. The Company has expensed (Won)395 million, (Won)66 million and (Won)9 million during the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively, for research and development costs which are included in cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses.

Continued;

 


 

EXHIBIT 9.01(a)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

     Shipping and Handling Costs

     The Company includes shipping and handling costs in selling, general and administrative costs. Shipping and handling costs for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, amounted to (Won)14 million, (Won)25 million and (Won)34 million, respectively.

     Advertising Costs

     Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expenses for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 amounted to (Won)6 million, (Won)74 million and (Won)23 million, respectively.

     Income Taxes

     The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities created by temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are computed on such temporary differences, including available net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits, by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to the years when such differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is provided on deferred tax assets to the extent that it is more likely than not that such deferred tax assets will not be realized. The total income tax provision includes current tax expenses under applicable tax regulations and the change in the balance of deferred tax assets and liabilities.

     Investment tax credits are accounted for by the flow-through method whereby they reduce income taxes in the period the assets giving rise to such credits are placed in service. To the extent such credits are not currently utilized, deferred tax assets, subject to considerations about the need for a valuation allowance, are recognized for the amount carried forward.

Continued;

 


 

EXHIBIT 9.01(a)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

     Derivative Financial Instruments

     All derivative financial instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet at their fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments are either recognized periodically in income or stockholders’ equity (as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income), depending on whether the derivative financial instrument qualifies as a cash flow hedge.

     At the time the company designates a hedging relationship, it defines the method it will use to assess the hedge’s effectiveness in achieving offsetting changes in fair value or offsetting cash flows attributable to the risk being hedged.

     The Company formally documents all hedging relationships between the derivatives designated as hedges and hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking various hedging activities. The Company links all hedges that are designated as cash flow hedges to the specific forecasted transaction. The Company also assesses, both at the inception of the hedge and on an on-going basis, whether the derivatives designated as hedges are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows of hedged items. When it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge, the Company discontinues hedge accounting.

     The derivatives designated as cash flow hedges include foreign exchange forward contracts, which are used for reducing the risk arising from the changes in anticipated cash flow from expected transactions in foreign currency.

     Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and effective as cash flow hedges for forecasted transactions are initially recorded in other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings. Changes in the fair value of the ineffective portion are recognized in current period earnings.

Continued;

 


 

EXHIBIT 9.01(a)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

     The derivatives designated for trading comprise cross-currency swap contracts and foreign exchange forward contracts. Such contracts are marked-to-market with changes in value, including premiums paid or received, recognized in other income (expense) as foreign exchange gain (loss).

     Deferred Bond Issuance Costs

     Costs that are directly related to the issuance of bonds are capitalized and amortized over the term of the debt using the effective interest rate method.

     Fair Value of Financial Instruments

     The fair value of a financial instrument is defined as the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, time deposits, trade and notes receivable, short-term borrowings, notes and accounts payable and accrued and other liabilities, approximate fair value, due to their short-term maturities. The Company estimates the fair values of its long-term debt, including the current portion, based on either the market value or the discounted amounts of future cash flows using the Company’s current incremental debt rates for similar liabilities. The fair values of derivative instruments are estimated based on market quotations.

     Recent Accounting Pronouncements

     In June 2001, the FASB issued FAS No. 143, “Accounting for Retirement Obligations". This statement addresses financial accounting and reporting for obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and the associated asset retirement costs. This statement shall be effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. The Company adopted FAS No. 143 on January 1, 2003. The adoption of FAS No. 143 did not have a material impact on its results of operations or financial position.

Continued;

 


 

EXHIBIT 9.01(a)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

     In November 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, an interpretation of FASB Statements No. 5, 57, and 107 and rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34”. The interpretation elaborates on the existing disclosure requirements for most guarantees. It also clarifies that at the time a company issues a guarantee, the company must recognize an initial liability for the fair value of the obligations it assumes under the guarantee. The provisions related to recognizing a liability at inception of the guarantee for the fair value of the guarantor’s obligations do not apply to product warranties or to guarantees accounted for as derivatives. The initial recognition and initial measurement provisions of FIN No. 45 are applicable on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The initial recognition and initial measurement provisions of FIN No. 45 did not have a material effect on its results of operations and financial position as at and for the year ended December 31, 2003.

     In November 2002, the FASB issued EITF Issue No. 00-21, “Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables” EITF Issue No. 00-21 provides guidance on when and how to account for arrangements that involve the delivery or performance of multiple products, services and/or rights to use assets. The provisions of EITF Issue No. 00-21 will apply to revenue arrangements entered into in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2003. The Company does not expect EITF Issue No. 00-21 to have a material impact on its results of operations or financial position currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance.

     On May 15, 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity”. SFAS No. 150 modifies the accounting for certain financial instruments that, under previous guidance, issuers could account for as equity and is effective for all financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003. The Statement is otherwise effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. SFAS No. 150 requires that certain financial instruments be classified as liabilities in statements of financial position.

Continued;

 


 

EXHIBIT 9.01(a)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

     The Statement affects accounting for 1) mandatorily redeemable shares of stock, which the issuing company is obligated to buy back in exchange for cash or other assets, 2) put options and forward purchase contracts involving instruments that do or may require the issuer to buy back some of its shares of stock in exchange for cash or other assets, and 3) instruments that can be settled with shares of stock. SFAS No. 150 also requires disclosures about alternative ways of settling the instruments and the capital structure of entities, all of whose shares are mandatorily redeemable. The Company does not currently have any financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. Therefore, there is no impact of this statement on the Company’s financial statements.

3. United States Dollar Amounts

     The Company operates primarily in Korea and its financial accounting records are maintained in Korean Won. These transactions should not be construed as a representation that the Korean Won amounts shown could be converted, realized or settled in US dollars at this or any other rate. The US dollar amounts are provided herein as supplementary information solely for the convenience of the reader. Korean Won amounts of assets and liabilities are expressed in US dollars at the rate of (Won)1,192.00:US$1, the US Federal Reserve Bank of New York noon buying exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2003. And Korean Won amounts of income and expenses are expressed in US dollars at (Won)1,191.83:US$1 of the weighted average rate for the year.

 


 

EXHIBIT 9.01(a)

4. Accounts Receivable

     The following table presents accounts receivable at December 31:

                 
    Thousands of Korean Won  
    2002     2003  
Trade
    2,232,226       1,885,592  
Due from affiliates
    4,842,692       199,888  
Others
    721,423       485,879  
 
           
 
    7,796,341       2,571,359  
Allowance for doubtful accounts
    (454,100 )     (4,100 )
 
           
 
    7,342,241       2,567,259  
 
           

5. Inventories

     Inventories comprise the following at December 31:

                 
    Thousands of Korean Won  
    2002     2003  
Finished products
    1,881,987       3,309,335  
Merchandize
    937,500       366,386  
Work in process
    1,212,654       1,326,383  
Raw materials
    1,252,440       3,756,515  
 
           
 
    5,284,581       8,758,619  
 
           

 


 

EXHIBIT 9.01(a)

6. Equity Securities of Affiliates

     Investments in affiliated companies accounted for using the equity method as of December 31, 2002 and 2003 are summarized as follows:

                                 
            Thousands of Korean Won  
    Percentage of     Acquisition     Book Value  
    Ownership(%)     Cost     2002     2003  
Achem Opto-electric Corporation
    13.43       1,802,724       1,796,805       1,735,756  
Shanghai Green Cell Energy S&T Co., Ltd.
    25.00       2,984,710       854,773       2,227,176  
Renoir Ink Co., Ltd.
    30.00       30,000              
 
                         
 
            4,817,434       2,651,578       3,962,932  
 
                         

     The Company recorded (Won)67 million and (Won)787 million of the equity in loss of affiliates at December 31, 2002 and 2003, respectively.

7. Property, Plant and Equipment

     Property, plant and equipment comprise the following at December 31 :

                 
    Thousands of Korean Won  
    2002     2003  
Land
    698,775       698,775  
Buildings
    3,381,372       2,842,419  
Machinery, equipment and vehicles
    20,124,806       25,565,793  
Tools, furniture and fixtures
    584,926       631,833  
Construction-in-progress
    2,688,491       1,181,155  
 
           
 
    27,478,370       30,919,975  
Accumulated depreciation
    6,820,312       10,777,551  
 
           
Property, plant and equipment, net
    20,658,058       20,142,424  
 
           

     Continued;

7. Property, Plant and Equipment, continued

     A substantial portion of the Company’s property, plant and equipment is pledged as collateral for

 


 

EXHIBIT 9.01(a)

various bank loans, up to maximum of (Won)5,550 and (Won)7,550 million at December 31, 2002 and 2003, respectively.

     Certain inventories and property, plant and equipment are insured against fire and other casualty losses up to (Won)27,496 million and (Won)26,567 million at December 31, 2003 and 2003, respectively.

8. Intangible Assets

     Intangible assets comprised the following at December 31:

                 
    Thousands of Korean Won  
    2002     2003  
Balance at beginning of year
    211,388       262,456  
Increase
    131,542       109,196  
Amortization
    80,474       91,394  
 
           
Balance at end of year
    262,456       280,258  
 
           

9. Short-Term Borrowings

     Short-term borrowings comprise the following at December 31:

                 
    Thousands of Korean Won  
    2002     2003  
Loans, wholly from banks:
               
with weighted-average interest rate of 1.20%
          2,239,200  
with weighted-average interest rate of 4.68~6.50%
    10,940,865       11,525,640  
 
           
 
    10,940,865       13,764,840  
 
           

     Continued;

9. Short-Term Borrowings, continued

     A substantial portion of the Company’s property, plant and equipment is pledged as collateral for short-term borrowings.

10. Accrued Severance Benefits

 


 

EXHIBIT 9.01(a)

     Accrued severance benefits are as follows as of December 31:

                 
    Thousands of Korean Won  
    2002     2003  
Balance at beginning of year
    19,910        
Provisions for severance benefits
    190,262       163,217  
Actual severance payments
    (210,172 )     (18,585 )
 
           
Balance at end of year
          144,632  
 
           

11. Income Taxes

     Income (loss) before income taxes and tax provision (benefits) comprises the following :

                         
    Thousands of Korean Won  
    2001     2002     2003  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    2,790,788       2,234,199       (8,120,181 )
 
                 
 
                       
Income taxes payable
    722,032       86,735        
Increase (Decrease) in deferred income taxes
    (-)448,760       (-) (378,668 )     (-)2,937,438  
 
                 
Total income taxes
    273,272       465,403       (2,937,438 )
 
                 

Continued;

 


 

EXHIBIT 9.01(a)

11. Income Taxes, continued

     The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities at December 31, 2002 and 2003 are as follows:

                 
    Thousands of Korean Won  
    2002     2003  
Current:
               
Accounts receivable
    109,453       111,895  
Inventories
    51,724       459,801  
Equity securities of affiliates
    20,002       842,868  
 
           
Current deferred income tax asset
    181,179       1,414,564  
 
           
 
               
Non-Current:
               
Accrued severance benefits
          23,735  
Intangible asset
    32,670       24,616  
Net operating loss carryforwards
          1,688,372  
 
           
Non-Current deferred income tax asset
    32,670       1,736,723  
 
           

     Realization of the future tax benefits related to the deferred tax assets is dependent on many factors, including the Company’s ability to generate taxable income within the period during which the temporary differences reverse, the outlook for the Korean economic environment, and the overall future industry outlook. Management periodically considers these factors in reaching its conclusion, and has determined that no valuation allowance was required as of December 31, 2002 and 2003.

Continued;

 


 

EXHIBIT 9.01(a)

11. Income Taxes, continued

     The statutory income tax rate, including tax surcharges, applicable to the Company was approximately 30.8% in 2001. The statutory income tax rate was amended to 29.7% effective for fiscal years beginning January 1, 2002 in accordance with the Corporate Income Tax Law enacted in December 2001. Accordingly, deferred income taxes as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 were calculated based on the enacted rate of 29.7%. In December 2003 the statutory income tax rate was further amended to 27.5% effective for fiscal years beginning January 1, 2005. Therefore, deferred income taxes as of December 31, 2003 were calculated considering the change of effective tax rate beginning January 1, 2005.

12. Stockholder’s Equity

     Common Stock

     The authorized share capital of the Company is 400,000,000 shares of common stock with par value of (Won)500 as of December 31, 2002 and 2003. The issued and outstanding capital stock is 41,709000 shares and 41,195,600 shares of common stock as of December 31, 2002 and 2003, respectively.

     Retained Earnings

     Retained earnings consist of the following as of December 31:

                 
    Thousands of Korean Won  
    2002     2003  
Appropriated retained earnings:
               
Legal reserve
    2,515,000       2,515,000  
Reserve for business rationalization
    300,000       300,000  
Voluntary reserve
    1,700,000       3,100,000  
 
               
Unappropriated retained earnings (deficit) :
    1,750,755       (5,619,145 )
 
           
 
    6,265,755       295,855  
 
           

Continued;

 


 

EXHIBIT 9.01(a)

12. Stockholder’s Equity, continued

     The Commercial Code of the Republic of Korea requires the Company to appropriate a portion of retained earnings as a legal reserve an amount equal to a minimum of 10% of its cash dividends until such reserve equals 50% of its capital stock. The reserve is not available for dividends but may be transferred to capital stock through an appropriate resolution by the Company’s board of directors or used to reduce accumulated deficit, if any, through an appropriate resolution by the Company’s stockholders.

     Pursuant to the Special Tax Treatment Control Law, the Company was required to appropriate, as a reserve for business rationalization, amounts equal to the tax reductions arising from tax exemptions and tax credits. This reserve was not available for payment of cash dividends, but may be transferred to capital stock through an appropriate resolution by the Company’s board of directors or used to reduce accumulated deficit, if any, through an appropriate resolution by the Company’s stockholders. Effective for fiscal years beginning January 1, 2002, the Special Tax Treatment Control Law was amended and this reserve is available for payment of cash dividends

13. Earnings Per Share

     Earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year.

     Diluted earnings per share is computed in a manner consistent with that of basic earnings per share while giving effect to all potentially dilutive common shares that were outstanding during the period. The Company does not have any potentially dilutive common shares. Therefore, earnings per share is same as diluted earnings per share.

     Continued;

 


 

EXHIBIT 9.01(a)

13. Earnings Per Share, continued

     Earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 are calculated as follows:

                         
    Thousands of Korean Won  
    2001     2002     2003  
Net income as reported on the income statements
    2,517,516       1,701,450       (5,969,900 )
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
    37,992,718       37,992,718       39,853,022  
 
                 
Earnings per share
  66Won     45Won     (150)Won  
 
                 

14. Commitments and Contingencies

     Keymoney deposits included in other assets are restricted as to withdrawal and are pledged as collateral for checking accounts at December 31, 2003.

     At December 31, 2003, the Company has entered into notes receivable discount agreement, loan agreement and letter of credit issuance agreement up to (Won)200 million, (Won)14,500 million and US$3,000 thousand, respectively, with several commercial banks including Shinhan Bank.

     At December 31, 2003, the Company is provided with repayment guarantees from Kookmin Bank amounting to US$1,000 thousand.

15. Stock Purchase Option Plan

     On March 30, 2000, the Company’s shareholders approved the stock purchase option plan (the “Plan”). The Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options to employees and directors. Thereafter, the Company has granted certain employees options to purchase 1,029 thousand shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of W2,100 per share. 262 thousand stock options granted to an employee were forfeited as the employee left the Company.

     Continued;

15. Stock Purchase Option Plan, continued

     The fair value of the options at the date of the grant is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. In accordance with the Plan, options are vested at the conclusion of three years of continued

 


 

EXHIBIT 9.01(a)

employment. Upon vesting, options are exercisable between three to seven years from the grant date.

     Because the fair values of the options at the dates of the grants were less than the exercise prices, no stock compensation expenses has been recognized since the options were granted.

16. Related Party Transactions

     Significant transactions made in the normal course of business during 2002 and 2003 with related parties include sales of (Won)8,806 million and (Won)1,020 million to Shanghai Green Cell Energy S&T Co., Ltd., respectively, and the related account balances of December 31, 2002 and 2003 include trade accounts receivable of (Won)4,843 million and (Won)200 million, respectively.

17. Supplemental Cash Flows Information

     Supplemental cash flows information for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 is as follows:

                         
    Thousands of Korean Won  
    2001     2002     2003  
Cash paid during the year for:
                       
Interest
    213,276       334,918       594,102  
Income taxes
    148,086       648,380       86,735