-----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, CqynaIuhwJsdNOhKN4l78+Zg0JEH3Kueu1uli+Ug4kFAvVmNW9ojgc2itaEDxQqm Q6wpCI89PHXc7CqfAqbZYg== 0000898430-02-004281.txt : 20021119 0000898430-02-004281.hdr.sgml : 20021119 20021119155134 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000898430-02-004281 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 7 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20020930 FILED AS OF DATE: 20021119 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: AMERICAN PACIFIC CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000350832 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: INDUSTRIAL INORGANIC CHEMICALS [2810] IRS NUMBER: 596490478 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0930 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-08137 FILM NUMBER: 02833110 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 3770 HOWARD HUGHES PKWY STE 300 CITY: LAS VEGAS STATE: NV ZIP: 89109 BUSINESS PHONE: 7027352200 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 3770 HOWARD HUGHES PKWY STE 300 STREET 2: 3770 HOWARD HUGHES PKWY STE 300 CITY: LAS VEGAS STATE: NV ZIP: 89109 10-K 1 d10k.htm FORM 10-K Form 10-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-K
 
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2002
 
Commission File Number 1-8137
 
AMERICAN PACIFIC CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
 
59-6490478
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
 
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
 
3770 Howard Hughes Parkway, Suite 300,
Las Vegas, Nevada
 
89109
(Address of principal executive office)
 
(Zip Code)
 
(702) 735-2200
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock ($.10 par value)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
 
Yes  x    No  ¨             
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.    ¨
 
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of October 31, 2002, was approximately $56.0 million. Solely for the purposes of this calculation, shares held by directors and officers of the Registrant have been excluded. Such exclusion should not be deemed a determination by the Registrant that such individuals are, in fact, affiliates of the Registrant.
 
The number of shares of Common Stock, $.10 par value, outstanding as of October 31, 2002, was 7,255,000.
 

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DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
Part III Hereof
 
Definitive Proxy Statement for 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed not later than January 28, 2003.
 
Part IV Hereof
 
S-14 Registration Statement (2-70830); Annual Reports on Forms 10-K for the years ended September 30, 2000, 1999, 1997 and 1995; S-2 Registration Statement (33-36664); Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 1998; Form 8-A dated August 6, 1999; S-3 Registration Statement (33-52196); S-8 Registration Statement (33-52898); S-8 Registration Statement (333-53449); S-8 Registration Statement (333-62566); S-4 Registration Statement (333-49883) and Current Reports on Forms 8-K dated February 28, 1992 and November 9, 1999.

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PART I
 
Item 1.    Business
 
Overview
 
American Pacific Corporation is principally engaged in the production of a specialty chemical, ammonium perchlorate (“AP”), which is used as an oxidizing agent in composite solid propellants for rockets, booster motors and missiles. AP is employed in the Space Shuttle, the Minuteman missile, the Delta and Atlas families of commercial space launch vehicles, a number of defense related missiles and rockets, and most other solid fuel rocket motors. AP customers include contractors of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (“NASA”), the Department of Defense (“DOD”) and certain commercial space launch vehicle programs used to launch satellites for communication, navigation, intelligence gathering, space exploration, weather forecasting and environmental monitoring. The terms “Company”, “we”, “us”, and “our” are used herein to refer to American Pacific Corporation and, where the context requires, one or more of the direct and indirect subsidiaries or divisions of American Pacific Corporation.
 
We also produce a variety of other specialty chemicals and environmental protection equipment for niche applications, including: (i) other perchlorate chemicals used principally in explosives and the inflation of automotive airbags; (ii) sodium azide, used primarily in the inflation of automotive airbags and certain pharmaceutical applications; (iii) Halotron products, used to extinguish fires; and (iv) water treatment equipment, used to disinfect effluents from sewage treatment and industrial facilities and for the treatment of seawater. In addition, we have interests in two real estate assets in the Las Vegas, Nevada area. These interests consist of approximately 34 remaining acres of improved undeveloped land in an industrial park and a 50% interest in a master planned residential community. All homes in the residential community have been sold and the venture is currently winding down its operations. We do not expect to receive any significant cash returns from this venture in the future.
 
See Note 11 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for financial information concerning our operating segments. Our perchlorate chemicals accounted for approximately 73%, 68% and 69% of revenues during the years ended September 30, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
 
Specialty Chemicals
 
Perchlorate Chemicals
 
Strategy
 
In March 1998, we acquired certain assets and rights of Kerr-McGee Chemical Corporation (“Kerr-McGee”) related to its production of AP (the “Acquisition). By virtue of the Acquisition, we effectively became the only North American producer of AP. Our strategy is to maintain and enhance our position as the premier world-wide producer of AP and other perchlorate chemicals.
 
Market
 
AP is the sole oxidizing agent for solid fuel rockets, booster motors and missiles used in space exploration, commercial satellite transportation and national defense programs. A significant number of existing and planned launch vehicles providing access to space use solid fuel and thus depend, in part, upon AP. Many of the rockets and missiles used in national defense programs are also powered by solid fuel.

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We have supplied AP for use in space programs for over 40 years, beginning with the Titan program in the early 1960’s. Today, our principal space customers are Alliant Techsystems, Inc. (“Alliant”) for the Space Shuttle Program and the Delta family of commercial rockets, and Aerojet General Corporation for the Atlas family of commercial rockets. We are also a qualified supplier of AP to a number of defense programs, including the Minuteman, Navy Standard Missile, Patriot, and Multiple Launch Rocket System programs. We have supplied AP to various foreign defense programs and commercial space programs, although AP is subject to strict export license controls.
 
Demand for AP declined throughout the 1990’s. In 1998, supply capacity was substantially in excess of demand levels and, in an attempt to rationalize the AP industry, we consummated the Acquisition with Kerr-McGee. See “Perchlorate Chemicals – Kerr-McGee Acquisition.” Subsequent to the Acquisition in 1998, our annual sales volumes for our top grade of AP were approximately 20.2 million, 16.4 million, 12.6 million and 16.4 million pounds during the fiscal years ended September 30, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively. Based principally upon information we have received from our major customers, we estimate that annual AP demand will be between 16.0 million and 20.0 million pounds over the next five years. However, demand for AP is program specific and dependent upon, among other things, governmental appropriations. We have no ability to influence the demand for AP.
 
We are exploring other uses for propellant and non-propellant grade AP that include explosives and munitions applications. In addition, we produce other perchlorate chemicals including sodium perchlorate, which is used principally in explosives, and potassium perchlorate, which is primarily used in the inflation of certain types of automotive airbags. The dollar amount of sales of sodium and potassium perchlorates has historically been relatively small compared to AP sales.
 
Customers
 
Prospective purchasers of AP consist principally of contractors in programs of NASA and the DOD. As a practical matter, the specialized nature of the activities of these contractors restricts competitive entry by others. Therefore, there are relatively few potential customers for AP, and individual AP customers account for a significant portion of our revenues. Prospective customers also include companies providing commercial satellite launch services and agencies of foreign governments and their contractors.
 
During 2001, Alliant acquired the Thiokol Propulsion Division (“Thiokol”) of Alcoa. Alliant (including Thiokol) accounted for 51%, 60% and 51% of our revenues during the fiscal years 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
 
Thiokol Agreement
 
In connection with the Acquisition, we entered into an agreement with Thiokol with respect to the supply of AP through the year 2008. The agreement, as amended, provides that during its term Thiokol will make all of its AP purchases from us. In addition to the AP purchased from us, Thiokol may use AP inventoried by it in prior years. The agreement also establishes a pricing matrix under which AP unit prices vary inversely with the quantity of a specific grade of AP sold by us to all of our customers. AP unit prices in the matrix at all quantity levels escalate each year through fiscal 2003 and, in fiscal 2004, are adjusted downward by approximately 20%. After the adjustment, AP unit prices continue to escalate each year through fiscal 2008. See below for a discussion of the impact of the Alliant acquisition of Thiokol in 2001 on this agreement.
 
Alliant Agreement
 
In connection with the Acquisition, we entered into an agreement with Alliant to extend an existing agreement through the year 2008. The agreement establishes prices for any AP purchased by Alliant from us during the term of the agreement as extended. Under this agreement, Alliant agrees to use its efforts to cause

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our AP to be qualified on all new and current programs served by Alliant’s Bacchus Works. We have agreed with Alliant that the individual agreements in place prior to Alliant’s acquisition of Thiokol will remain in place. All Thiokol programs existing at the time of the Alliant acquisition (principally the Space Shuttle and Minuteman) will continue to be priced under the Thiokol Agreement. All Alliant programs (principally the Delta, Pegasus and Titan) will be priced under the Alliant Agreement.
 
Backlog
 
As of November 15, 2002, we had a backlog of approximately $8.1 million for delivery of perchlorate chemicals in fiscal 2003.
 
Manufacturing Capacity and Process
 
Production of AP at our manufacturing facility in Iron County, Utah commenced in July 1989. This facility, as currently configured, is capable of producing 30.0 million pounds of AP annually and is readily expandable to 40.0 million pounds annually. We also produce commercial quantities of other perchlorate chemicals at this facility. AP produced at the facility and propellants incorporating such AP have qualified for use in all programs for which testing has been conducted, including the Space Shuttle, Titan, Minuteman, Multiple Launch Rocket System, and the Delta and Atlas programs.
 
Our AP facility is designed to site particular components of the manufacturing process in discrete areas of the facility. It incorporates modern equipment and materials-handling systems designed, constructed and operated in accordance with the operating and safety requirements of our AP customers, insurance carriers and governmental authorities.
 
AP is manufactured by electrochemical processes using our proprietary technology. The principal raw materials used in the manufacture of AP (other than electrical energy) are salt, sodium chlorate, graphite, ammonia and hydrochloric acid. All of the raw materials used in the AP manufacturing process have been available in commercial quantities, and we have had no difficulty in obtaining necessary raw materials.
 
During the first six months of fiscal 2001, we received power bills from Utah Power that were approximately $1.5 million in excess of average historical amounts. During this period, we purchased greater quantities of certain raw materials because of these excessive power costs. In the second half of 2001, we recovered the excessive power costs through a settlement and curtailment arrangement with Utah Power. This arrangement resulted in net power costs that were approximately $1.0 million less in fiscal 2001 compared to average historical annual amounts. We now purchase power from Utah Power under the equivalent of Utah’s Electric Service Schedule No. 9.
 
Competition
 
Upon consummation of the Acquisition, we effectively became the sole North American producer of AP. We are aware of production capacity for AP in France, Japan and possibly China and Taiwan. Although we have limited information with respect to these facilities, we believe that these foreign AP producers operate lower volume, higher cost production facilities and are not approved as AP suppliers for NASA or DOD programs, which represent the majority of domestic AP demand. In addition, we believe that the rigorous and sometimes costly NASA and DOD program qualification process, the strategic nature of such programs, the high cost of constructing an AP facility, and our established relationships with key customers constitute significant hurdles to entry for prospective competitors.
 
Kerr-McGee Acquisition
 
On March 12, 1998 we acquired, pursuant to a purchase agreement with Kerr-McGee, certain intangible assets related to Kerr-McGee’s production of AP (the “Rights”) for a purchase price of $39.0 million. The

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Acquisition did not include Kerr-McGee’s production facilities (the “Production Facilities”) and certain water and power supply agreements used by Kerr-McGee in the production of AP. Under the purchase agreement, Kerr-McGee ceased the production and sale of AP, although the Production Facilities may continue to be used by Kerr-McGee for production of AP under certain limited circumstances not competitive with our operations. Kerr-McGee also reserved a perpetual, royalty-free, nonexclusive license to use any of the technology forming part of the Rights as may be necessary or useful to use, repair or sell the Production Facilities.
 
Under the purchase agreement, Kerr-McGee has agreed to indemnify us against loss or liability from claims associated with the ownership and use of the Rights prior to consummation of the Acquisition or resulting from any breach of its warranties, representations and covenants. We have agreed to indemnify Kerr-McGee against loss and liability from claims associated with the ownership and use of the Rights after consummation of the Acquisition or resulting from any breach of our warranties, representations and covenants. The indemnification obligations under the purchase agreement expire on March 12, 2003, except as to any claim in respect of which notice is given prior to that date.
 
Financing
 
On March 12, 1998, we sold $75.0 million in principal amount of unsecured senior notes (the “Notes”). A portion of the net proceeds from the sale of the Notes ($39.0 million) was used to effect the Acquisition. The Notes mature on March 1, 2005. Interest on the Notes is paid in cash at a rate of 9-1/4% per annum on each March 1 and September 1, which commenced September 1, 1998. The indebtedness evidenced by the Notes represents a senior unsecured obligation, ranks pari passu in right of payment with all existing and future senior indebtedness and is senior in right of payment to all future subordinated indebtedness. The Indenture under which the Notes were issued contains various limitations and restrictions including (i) change in control provisions, (ii) limitations on indebtedness and (iii) limitations on restricted payments such as dividends, stock repurchases and investments. Since their issuance, we have repurchased and retired approximately $34.4 million in principal amount of Notes.
 
The Notes are redeemable at our option through February 28, 2003, at a redemption price of 104.625% of the principal amount of the Notes. During the twelve-month period beginning March 1, 2003, the Notes are redeemable at a redemption price of 102.313% of the principal amount of the Notes. We intend to redeem the Notes on March 1, 2003. The total cost of the redemption, including interest on the Notes, will be approximately $43.4 million. We will recognize a loss on the redemption of the Notes of approximately $0.9 million.
 
Sodium Azide
 
Sodium Azide Facility
 
In July 1990, we entered into agreements with Dynamit Nobel A.G. (“Dynamit Nobel”) under which it has licensed to us on an exclusive basis for the North American market its technology and know-how for the production of sodium azide, the principal component of a gas generant used in certain automotive airbag safety systems. In addition, Dynamit Nobel provided technical support for the design, construction and startup of the facility. The facility was constructed on land owned by us in Iron County, Utah for its owner and operator, American Azide Corporation (“AAC”), our wholly-owned indirect subsidiary. Our obligation to make royalty payments to Dynamit Nobel under the license was suspended in 1995.
 
Financing
 
On February 21, 1992, we concluded a $40.0 million financing for the design, construction and startup of the sodium azide facility through the sale of our 11% noncallable subordinated secured term notes (the “Azide Notes”). On March 12, 1998, we repurchased the then remaining $25.0 million principal amount outstanding

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of the Azide Notes with funds obtained through the issuance of the Notes. In connection with the issuance of the Azide Notes, we issued Warrants (“the Warrants”) to the purchasers of the Azide Notes, which are exercisable for a 10-year period on or after December 31, 1993, to purchase shares of our Common Stock. The exercise price of the Warrants is $14.00 per share. At a $14.00 per share exercise price, 2,857,000 shares could be purchased under the Warrants. The Warrants contain additional provisions for a reduction in exercise price in the event that we issue or are deemed to issue stock, rights to purchase stock or convertible debt at a price less than the exercise price in effect, or in the event of certain stock dividends or in the event of certain stock splits, mergers or similar transactions. The Warrants are exercisable, at the option of their holders, to purchase up to 20% of the Common Stock of AAC, rather than our Common Stock. In the event of such an election, the exercise price of the Warrants will be based upon a pro rata share of AAC’s capital, adjusted for earnings and losses, plus interest from the date of contribution.
 
We may call up to 50% of the Warrants at prices that would provide a 30% internal rate of return to the holders thereof through the date of call (inclusive of the Azide Notes’ yield). The holders of the Warrants were also granted the right to require that the Common Stock underlying the Warrants be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on one occasion, as well as certain incidental registration rights.
 
Market
 
A number of firms have devoted extensive efforts to the development of automotive airbag safety systems. These efforts initially resulted in the acceptance by the automobile industry and the consuming public of an inflator for automotive airbags that was based principally upon sodium azide, combined in tablet or granule form with limited amounts of other materials. A number of other inflator technologies have since been commercially developed and have gained substantial market share, resulting in a decline in demand for sodium azide. Based principally upon market information received from inflator manufacturers, we expect sodium azide use to continue to decline and that inflators using sodium azide will be phased out over some period of time. Currently, demand for sodium azide is substantially less than supply on a worldwide basis.
 
In January 1996, we filed an antidumping petition against certain Japanese importers of sodium azide with the United States International Trade Commission (the “ITC”) and the United States Department of Commerce (“Commerce”). In August 1996, Commerce issued a preliminary determination that Japanese imports of sodium azide had been sold in the United States at prices that were significantly below fair value. Commerce’s preliminary dumping determination applied to all Japanese imports of sodium azide, regardless of end-use. Commerce’s preliminary determination followed a March 1996 preliminary determination by the ITC that dumped Japanese imports had caused material injury to the U.S. sodium azide industry.
 
On January 7, 1997, the antidumping investigation initiated by Commerce, based upon our petition, against the three Japanese producers of sodium azide was suspended by agreement. It is our understanding that, by reason of the Suspension Agreement, two of the three Japanese sodium azide producers have ceased their exports of sodium azide to the United States for an indeterminate period. As to the third and largest Japanese sodium azide producer, which has not admitted any prior unlawful conduct, the Suspension Agreement required that it make all necessary price revisions to eliminate all United States sales at below “Normal Value,” and that it conform to the requirements of sections 732 and 733 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, in connection with its future sales of sodium azide in the United States. The Suspension Agreement expired on December 31, 2001.
 
Customers
 
Autoliv ASP, Inc. (“Autoliv”) accounted for approximately 8%, 12% and 14% of our revenues during the fiscal years 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. We are also qualified to supply sodium azide to TRW, Inc. (“TRW”), the other major supplier of airbag inflators in the United States, but TRW’s requirements have been supplied by our competitors.

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Competition
 
We believe that current competing production capacity includes one producer in Japan and at least three producers in India. In addition, certain capacity has been idled in Canada and Japan. As noted above, worldwide demand for sodium azide is substantially less than worldwide supply.
 
In the fiscal years 2000 and 1997, we recognized impairment charges of $9.1 million and $52.6 million, respectively, relating to the fixed assets used in the production of sodium azide. (See Note 12 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.)
 
Halotron
 
Halotron is a fire extinguishing system composed of proprietary chemicals and hardware designed to replace halons, which are brominated CFC chemicals that have been widely used as fire extinguishing agents in military, industrial, and commercial applications since the early 1970’s. The impetus for the invention and improvement of Halotron was the discovery during the 1980’s that halons are highly destructive to the stratospheric ozone layer, which acts as a shield against harmful solar ultraviolet radiation.
 
Use of Halons
 
Halons have been used throughout the world in modalities that range from hand-held fire extinguishers to extensively engineered fixed systems. They are generally of two types, streaming and total flooding systems. Streaming systems rely upon the focused projection of a slowly gasifying liquid over distances of up to 50 feet from the point of projection. Total flooding systems release a quickly gasifying liquid or gas into a confined space, extinguishing any ongoing combustion and, in limited instances, inerting a space to prevent combustion. Halon 1211, principally a streaming agent, was used on aircraft and aircraft flightlines, on small boats and ships, in chemically clean rooms and laboratories, telecommunication facilities, hotels, manufacturing facilities and other commercial and industrial facilities, including those in the petroleum industries. Its worldwide production peaked in 1988 at 20,000 metric tons. Halon 1301, principally a flooding agent, protects such installations as computer, electronic and equipment rooms, ship and other engine room spaces, petroleum handling stations and repositories of literature and cultural heritage. Its worldwide production peaked in 1988 at 12,500 metric tons.
 
Customers and Market
 
The end-user market for halons and consequently, Halotron, is divided into several segments. The government segment consists of the armed services and other agencies, including the Department of Energy, NASA and governmental offices, laboratories and data processing centers. Historically, military applications have predominated in this segment. It will be critical to our efforts to market Halotron to the military that military specifications for the procurement of halon replacements include Halotron. We are not aware of any military specifications for halon replacements that have been issued to date.
 
Commercial market segments include fire critical industries such as utilities, telecommunications, oil and gas exploration and production, manufacturing, railroad, retail, wholesale, ocean transport and commercial aviation. Other market segments include schools, hotels, other business organizations and small users that typically follow selections made by the industry users described above.
 
Halotron I, the first phase of Halotron, has been extensively and successfully tested. In 1993, Halotron I was approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) as a replacement agent for Halon 1211. During 1995, the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) approved Halotron I as an acceptable airport ramp firefighting agent, concluding that Halotron I will extinguish flightline fires in a manner similar to

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Halon 1211. Furthermore, in 2002, the FAA approved a Halotron I extinguisher for use on civilian commercial transport aircraft.
 
Together with distributors Amerex Corporation (“Amerex”), Badger Fire Protection (“Badger”), Kidde Fyrnetics (“Kidde”) and Buckeye Fire Equipment Company (“Buckeye”), we have successfully completed Underwriters Laboratories (“UL”) fire tests for a number of sizes of portable and wheeled fire extinguishers using Halotron I in streaming agent applications. We now have four of the five major domestic fire extinguisher companies manufacturing and distributing UL listed portable fire extinguishers using Halotron I. We are also marketing Halotron I to other domestic and international fire extinguisher manufacturers.
 
We recently introduced Halotron II, a total flooding agent designed for certain niche clean agent markets. Halotron II has a zero Ozone Depletion Potential (“ODP”) and a relatively low Global Warming Potential (“GWP”). Sales of Halotron II to date have not been significant.
 
In order for us to increase market share for Halotron I and Halotron II and achieve a long term presence in the industry, it may be necessary to expend considerable additional funds and effort in research and development. Although Halotron I has an ODP that is virtually zero and therefore significantly lower than that of halons and that meets current environmental standards, potential users of halon replacements may eventually require a product with an absolute zero ODP. Accordingly, the product life of Halotron I may be limited, and we may be required to produce other agents that can meet increasingly stringent standards. There can be no assurance that we will be capable of identifying and producing such agents or that a competitor or competitors will not develop fire extinguishing agents with comparable or superior qualities.
 
Competition
 
Potential halon alternatives (not in-kind) and substitutes (halocarbons) compete as to performance characteristics, environmental effects and cost. Performance characteristics include throwability, visibility after application, after-fire damage, equipment portability and versatility, low and high temperature performance, corrosion probability, shelf life and efficiency. The environmental and human health effects include ODP, GWP and toxicity. Potential halon alternatives include water, carbon dioxide and a variety of chemicals in liquid, foam and powder form. It is likely that competitors producing alternatives and substitutes will be larger, will have as much or more experience in the production of fire extinguishing chemicals and systems and will have greater financial resources than those available to us.
 
FE-36, a Dupont product, is our primary competition in the streaming agent market, or for Halotron I. In 2001, 3M introduced a Halon 1211 and Halon 1301 replacement agent called Novec 1230, although we do not believe this agent has achieved any significant market share. Great Lakes Chemical Corp. and Dupont have products that are widely used in the total flooding market. In addition, there are currently no domestic use restrictions on halon, so that potential customers for halon substitutes may continue to use existing halon-based systems in their possession until the supply is exhausted, which could be a substantial period of time for some users.
 
Halotron Facility
 
We have designed and constructed a clean fire extinguishing agent manufacturing facility that has an annual capacity of at least 6.0 million pounds, located on our land in Iron County, Utah.
 
Real Estate Assets
 
At September 30, 2002, we owned approximately 34 acres of improved undeveloped land at the Gibson Business Park near Las Vegas, Nevada. This land is held for sale. We also own approximately 4,700 acres of

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land and certain water rights at our site in Iron County, Utah that are dedicated to our growth and diversification.
 
In addition, we hold a 50% interest in the Ventana Canyon joint venture residential project located in the Las Vegas, Nevada area. All homes have been sold and the venture is currently winding down its operations. We do not expect to receive any significant cash returns from the venture in the future.
 
Environmental Protection Equipment
 
We engineer and manufacture equipment for a wide range of applications. These systems utilize an electrochemical process, which is an extension of one of our core competencies, to produce chemicals such as sodium hypochlorite on site at the point of use. The industries and specific applications in which our equipment is used include the following: (i) our ChlorMaster systems used by municipalities and sewage plants for the disinfection of drinking water, effluent and waste water; (ii) our ChlorMaster systems used by power plants, desalination plants, chemical plants and on-shore/off-shore crude oil facilities for the control of marine growth in seawater used in cooling water circuits and (iii) our OdorMaster scrubber used by composting plants for the deodorizing of malodorous compounds in contaminated air.
 
At the heart of these systems is a proprietary bi-polar electrochemical cell which uses brine or seawater to produce the necessary chemicals. For drinking water applications, these cells are supplied with an NSF® certification.
 
Our systems are marketed domestically by independent sales representatives and overseas by sales representatives and licensees. We also receive a significant amount of direct sales leads as a result of advertising and through the attendance of key trade shows.
 
We compete both with companies that utilize other technologies and those that utilize technologies similar to ours. Most of these companies are substantially larger than us. Our success depends principally upon our ability to be cost competitive and, at the same time, to provide a quality product.
 
As of October 31, 2002, our environmental protection equipment division had a backlog of approximately $1.3 million.
 
Intellectual Property
 
The following are registered trademarks and service marks pursuant to applicable intellectual property laws and are the property of American Pacific Corporation or our subsidiaries: Halotron®, OdorMaster®, and ChlorMaster®.
 
Product Development and Enhancement
 
Our existing laboratory facilities are located on the premises of our perchlorate production activities and are used to support those activities and our sodium azide and Halotron production activities. We also conduct development programs directed toward enhancement of product quality and performance and the development of complementary or related products at these facilities.

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Insurance
 
Our insurance currently includes property insurance on all of our facilities and business interruption insurance. We also maintain certain liability insurance. We believe that the nature and extent of our current insurance coverages are adequate. We have not experienced difficulty obtaining these types of insurance, although the cost of such insurance has increased significantly over the last few years.
 
Government Regulation
 
As a supplier to United States government projects, we have been and may be subject to audit and/or review by the government of the negotiation and performance of, and of the accounting and general practice relating to, government contracts. Most of our contracts for the sale of AP are in whole or in part subject to the commercial sections of the Federal Acquisition Regulations. Our AP pricing practices have been and may be reviewed by our customers and by certain government agencies.
 
Environmental Regulation
 
Our operations are subject to extensive Federal, State and local regulations governing, among other things, emissions to air, discharges to water and waste management. We believe that we are currently in compliance in all material respects with all applicable environmental, safety and health requirements and, subject to the matters discussed below, we do not anticipate any material adverse effects from existing or known future requirements. To meet changing licensing and regulatory standards, we may be required to make additional significant site or operational modifications, potentially involving substantial expenditures or the reduction or suspension of certain operations. In addition, the operation of our manufacturing plants entails risk of adverse environmental and health effects (not covered by insurance) and there can be no assurance that material costs or liabilities will not be incurred to rectify any future occurrences related to environmental or health matters.
 
In 1997, the Southern Nevada Water Authority detected trace amounts of perchlorate chemicals in Lake Mead and the Las Vegas Wash, bodies of water near our real estate development property in Henderson, Nevada (in the Las Vegas area). Lake Mead is a source of drinking water for the City of Las Vegas, neighboring areas and certain areas of metropolitan Southern California. Perchlorate chemicals (including AP) are a potential health concern because they can interfere with the production of a growth hormone by the thyroid gland, although they are not currently included in the list of hazardous substances compiled by the EPA. However, perchlorates have been added to the EPA’s Contaminant Candidate List and will likely be regulated. We manufactured AP at a facility on the Henderson site until the facility was destroyed in the May 1988 incident, described below, after which we relocated our AP production to our current facilities in Iron County, Utah. For many years, Kerr-McGee operated an AP production facility at a site near our Henderson site.
 
The Water Authority’s testing has shown perchlorate concentrations of 8 to 14 parts per billion (“ppb”) in Clark County drinking water. In response to this discovery, we have engaged environmental consultants to drill monitor wells in order to characterize ground water at and in the vicinity of the Henderson site. The results of our tests have shown perchlorate concentrations in the ground water at the Henderson property ranging from 0 to approximately 750,000 ppb at certain monitoring wells. Since 1998, we have spent in excess of $4.5 million on the investigation and evaluation of the source or sources of these trace amounts, possible environmental impacts, and potential remediation methods. Our ground water characterization investigations indicate that the ground water containing perchlorate at and around our former Henderson manufacturing site has not reached Lake Mead and, accordingly, has not been introduced into any source of drinking water. Based upon flow rates and modeling techniques, such ground water is not expected to reach a source of drinking water for at least 10

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years. However, we recently began a pilot remediation testing process to treat groundwater containing perchlorate at and near the Henderson site using a biological in situ method.
 
The EPA is conducting a risk assessment for the purpose of recommending a proposed reference dose for perchlorates. The EPA has recommended a preliminary reference dose that would equate to 1 ppb in drinking water. Certain states have also set preliminary levels as low as 1 ppb. To our knowledge, virtually all independent and qualified experts believe that such preliminary levels have been arbitrarily established and are not based upon credible science. We understand that the EPA intends to complete its risk assessment and make a final reference dose recommendation, although we do not know when that will occur. We are cooperating with Federal, State and local agencies, and with Kerr-McGee and other interested firms, in the investigation and evaluation of the source or sources of these trace amounts, possible environmental impacts, and potential remediation methods. Until these investigations and evaluations have reached definitive conclusions, it will not be possible for us to determine the extent to which, if at all, we may be called upon to contribute to or assist with future remediation efforts, or the financial impact, if any, of such cooperation, contribution or assistance. Accordingly, no accrual for potential costs has been made in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Safety Considerations
 
We have one major operating facility located in Iron County, Utah. The loss or shutdown of operations over an extended period of time at such facility would have a material adverse effect on us. Our operations are subject to the usual hazards associated with chemical manufacturing and the related storage and transportation of products and wastes, including explosions, fires, inclement weather and natural disasters, mechanical failure, unscheduled downtime, transportation interruptions, chemical spills, discharges or releases of toxic or hazardous substances or gases and other environmental risks, such as required remediation of contamination. These hazards can cause personal injury and loss of life, severe damage to or destruction of property and equipment and environmental damage, and could result in suspension of operations and the imposition of civil or criminal penalties. We maintain property, business interruption and liability insurance at levels which we believe are in accordance with customary industry practice, but there can be no assurance that we will not incur losses beyond the limits or outside the coverage of our insurance.
 
AP, in the particle sizes and chemical purities produced by us, is categorized for transportation purposes by the United States Department of Transportation (“DOT”) as a Class IV oxidizer. Such classification indicates that the DOT considers AP to be non-explosive, non-flammable and non-toxic. Our AP manufacturing plant was constructed in a manner intended to minimize, to the extent of known technologies and safety measures, the combination of AP with other materials in a manner that could result in explosions or combustion. However, no assurance can be given that our safety precautions will be effective in preventing explosions, fires and other such events from occurring. On July 30, 1997, an explosion and fire occurred at our AP production facility in Iron County, Utah. Although damage to our property was confined to a relatively small area, the incident left one employee dead and three others injured, one seriously. As a result of this incident, the Utah Occupational Safety and Health Division of the Utah Labor Commission cited us for violation of certain applicable Utah safety regulations in connection with the handling of AP and assessed fines totaling $5,250. Although we have taken steps to improve safety measures and training in response to this incident, there can be no assurance that such measures will be effective in preventing other such events in the future.
 
On May 4, 1988, our former manufacturing and office facilities in Henderson, Nevada were destroyed by a series of massive explosions and associated fires. Extensive property damage occurred both at our facilities and in immediately adjacent areas, the principal damage occurring within a three-mile radius. Production of AP ceased for a 15-month period. Significant interruptions were also experienced in our other businesses, which occupied the same or adjacent sites. Although our current facility is designed to site particular components of the manufacturing process in discrete areas of the facility and incorporates modern equipment and materials

12


 
handling systems designed, constructed and operated in accordance with the operating and safety requirements of our customers, insurance carriers and governmental authorities, there can be no assurance that another incident would not interrupt some or all of the activities carried on at our current manufacturing site.
 
Sodium azide is a strong reducing agent and is classified by the DOT as a poison. Its manufacture entails certain hazards with which we have become familiar over the course of time. Our method of production is intended to limit the quantity of sodium azide in process at any one time and to utilize known safety measures in an effort to lessen attendant risks.
 
In late 1992, a fire occurred in a sodium azide reactor vessel at our facility during start-up and testing of the reactor vessel. In addition, fires are reported to have affected production at a competitor’s facility in the past. There can be no assurance that a fire or other incident will not occur at our sodium azide production facility in the future. On April 11, 2002, an accident occurred at our sodium azide plant that resulted in the death of an employee. No other employees were involved and there was no significant damage to the facility. We have been working with Utah OSHA to gather evidence of the exact cause and origin of the incident. We believe that we have statutory immunity as an employer under the applicable worker’s compensation laws of the State of Utah. However, we have been fined by Utah OSHA as a result of this incident. We believe that the ultimate payment by us for these fines will be less than $200,000.
 
We believe that exposure to sodium azide after an airbag is installed in an automobile is highly unlikely due to the way in which sodium azide is used and to the housing in which it is encased. However, in January 2002, AAC was named as a defendant in a complaint relating to airbag deployment. See Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
 
Employees
 
At September 30, 2002, we employed approximately 215 persons in executive, administrative, sales and manufacturing capacities. Although efforts have been made by union representatives to seek certification to represent certain of our employees, no such certification has been granted and we do not have collective bargaining agreements with any of our employees. We consider our relationships with our employees to be satisfactory.
 
Item 2.    Properties
 
The following table sets forth certain information regarding our properties at September 30, 2002.
 
Location

  
Principal Use

  
Approximate Area or Floor Space

  
Status

    
Approximate Annual Rent

Iron County, UT
  
Perchlorate Manufacturing Facility (a)
  
217 acres
  
Owned
 
  
 
—  
Iron County, UT
  
Sodium Azide Manufacturing Facility (b)
  
41 acres
  
Owned
 
  
 
—  
Iron County, UT
  
Halotron Manufacturing Facility (c)
  
6,720 sq. ft.
  
Owned
 
  
 
—  
Las Vegas, NV
  
Executive Offices
  
22,262 sq. ft.
  
Leased (d
 )
  
$
550,000
 
(a)
 
This facility is used for the production of perchlorate products and environmental protection equipment. It consists of approximately 112,000 sq. ft. of enclosed manufacturing space, a 12,000 sq. ft. administration building and a 3,200 sq. ft. laboratory building. Perchlorate capacity utilization rates for this production facility were approximately 66%, 51% and 69% during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

13


(b)
 
This facility is used for the production of sodium azide and consists of approximately 34,600 sq. ft. of enclosed manufacturing and laboratory space. Capacity utilization rates for this production facility were approximately 30%, 33% and 40% during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
 
(c)
 
Capacity utilization rates for the Halotron production facility were approximately 8%, 11% and 7% during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
 
(d)
 
These facilities are leased from 3770 Howard Hughes Parkway Associates-Limited Partnership for an initial term of 10 years, which began on March 1, 1991, and was extended for an additional five years in March 2001. Approximately 25% of this space is currently sublet at an annual rent of approximately $130,000. (See Note 4 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.)
 
We consider our facilities to be adequate for our present needs and suitable for their current use. See Item 1. Business – “Real Estate Assets” for a description of our development properties in Iron County, Utah and Clark County, Nevada.
 
Item 3.    Legal Proceedings
 
In January 2002, AAC was named as a defendant in a complaint filed in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles – Southwest District. The complaint names a number of defendants, including AAC’s principal sodium azide customer, Autoliv. The complaint alleges, among other things, “toxic injuries” as a result of the deployment of an airbag. The plaintiffs have submitted a Statement of Damages to the Court for approximately $5.0 million. In March 2002, AAC filed a motion to quash service of summons that was denied by the Court. AAC has not yet determined whether its sodium azide was actually a raw material used by the manufacturer of the airbag inflator device subject to the complaint. We believe the allegations in the complaint are wholly without merit.
 
In January 2002, we received a demand for payment from Frontier Insurance Company (“Frontier”) of approximately $1.7 million as a result of the failure of a local developer to complete a project that had been bonded by Frontier. The local developer was an owner of a company that is the managing member of a Limited Liability Company (“LLC”) in which we are also a member. The LLC recently completed development of a residential project and is winding down its operations. In 1995, we entered into indemnity agreements relating to the development of this project. In February 2002, we (along with other plaintiffs) filed a complaint for declaratory relief in District Court, Clark County, Nevada. The complaint seeks a judgment declaring that the indemnity agreements have been terminated and that we have no liability to Frontier.
 
The information set forth in Note 9 to our Consolidated Financial Statements regarding litigation and contingencies is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is also made to Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
 
Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
 
Not Applicable.
 

14


PART II
 
Item 5.    Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
 
Our Common Stock trades on The Nasdaq Stock Market® under the symbol “APFC.” The table below sets forth the high and low sales prices of the Common Stock for the periods indicated.
 
 
    
High

  
Low

Fiscal Year 2002
             
1st Quarter
  
$
8.94
  
$
6.46
2nd Quarter
  
 
10.40
  
 
8.06
3rd Quarter
  
 
11.40
  
 
9.11
4th Quarter
  
 
9.68
  
 
7.83
    
High

  
Low

Fiscal Year 2001
             
1st Quarter
  
$
6.94
  
$
4.50
2nd Quarter
  
 
6.44
  
 
4.00
3rd Quarter
  
 
6.62
  
 
4.75
4th Quarter
  
 
8.43
  
 
4.81
 
At October 31, 2002, there were approximately 1,130 shareholders of record of our Common Stock. We have not paid a dividend on the Common Stock since our incorporation. In addition, covenants contained in the Indenture associated with the Notes restrict our ability to pay dividends. (See Note 5 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.)
 

15


Item 6.    Selected Financial Data
 
FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY OF SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
 
    
2002

  
2001

  
2000

    
1999

  
1998

 
    
(in thousands except per share amounts)
 
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
                                      
Sales and operating revenues
  
$
73,588
  
$
63,089
  
$
67,369
 
  
$
72,834
  
$
52,339
 
Cost of sales
  
 
43,529
  
 
38,186
  
 
44,279
 
  
 
45,834
  
 
35,792
 
Gross profit
  
 
30,059
  
 
24,903
  
 
23,090
 
  
 
27,000
  
 
16,547
 
Operating expenses
  
 
13,776
  
 
10,050
  
 
10,236
 
  
 
10,024
  
 
9,246
 
Impairment charge
                
 
9,084
 
               
Operating income
  
 
16,283
  
 
14,853
  
 
3,770
 
  
 
16,976
  
 
7,301
 
Interest and other income
  
 
945
  
 
1,877
  
 
1,987
 
  
 
1,588
  
 
1,594
 
Interest and other expense
  
 
4,180
  
 
4,467
  
 
5,568
 
  
 
6,951
  
 
5,734
 
Income before income taxes
  
 
13,048
  
 
12,263
  
 
189
 
  
 
11,613
  
 
3,161
 
Income taxes
  
 
4,301
  
 
4,537
  
 
(15,136
)
               
Net income before extraordinary loss
  
 
8,747
  
 
7,726
  
 
15,325
 
  
 
11,613
  
 
3,161
 
Extraordinary loss-debt extinguishments
  
 
105
         
 
1,594
 
  
 
174
  
 
5,172
 
Net income (loss)
  
 
8,642
  
 
7,726
  
 
13,731
 
  
 
11,439
  
 
(2,011
)
Basic net income (loss) per share
  
 
1.21
  
 
1.10
  
 
1.88
 
  
 
1.41
  
 
(.24
)
Diluted net income (loss) per share
  
$
1.18
  
$
1.10
  
$
1.86
 
  
$
1.39
  
$
(.24
)
 
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
                                      
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
65,826
  
$
51,471
  
$
30,128
 
  
$
40,434
  
$
20,389
 
Inventories and receivables
  
 
21,156
  
 
19,736
  
 
20,813
 
  
 
18,883
  
 
23,193
 
Property, plant and equipment – net
  
 
7,522
  
 
7,107
  
 
7,064
 
  
 
17,254
  
 
19,529
 
Intangible assets – net
  
 
21,017
  
 
25,411
  
 
29,805
 
  
 
34,210
  
 
38,252
 
Deferred income taxes
  
 
10,128
  
 
11,103
  
 
15,406
 
               
Total assets
  
 
131,971
  
 
123,042
  
 
117,590
 
  
 
132,882
  
 
130,759
 
Working capital
  
 
82,179
  
 
67,822
  
 
43,758
 
  
 
53,088
  
 
34,786
 
Long-term debt
  
 
40,600
  
 
44,175
  
 
44,175
 
  
 
67,000
  
 
70,000
 
Shareholders’ equity
  
$
75,637
  
$
66,955
  
$
59,609
 
  
$
52,204
  
$
44,029
 
 
Item 7.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Overview
 
We are principally engaged in the production of AP for the aerospace and national defense industries. In addition, we produce and sell sodium azide, the primary component of a gas generant used in automotive airbag safety systems, and Halotron, a chemical used in fire extinguishing systems ranging from portable fire extinguishers to airport firefighting vehicles. The perchlorate, sodium azide and Halotron facilities are located on our property in Southern Utah and the chemicals produced and sold at these facilities collectively represent our specialty chemicals operating segment. Our other lines of business include the development of real estate

16


 
in Nevada and the production of environmental protection equipment, including waste water and seawater treatment systems.
 
Significant Accounting Policies.    A summary of our significant accounting policies is included in Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses. Judgments and assessments of uncertainties are required in applying our accounting policies in many areas. For example, key assumptions and estimates are particularly important when determining our projected liabilities for pension benefits, useful lives for depreciable and amortizable assets, and the recoverability of deferred tax assets and long-lived assets, including intangible assets. Other areas in which significant uncertainties exist include, but are not limited to, costs that may be incurred in connection with environmental matters and the resolution of litigation and other contingencies. Actual results will inevitably differ to some extent from estimates on which our Consolidated Financial Statements were prepared.
 
Sales and Operating Revenues.    Sales of our perchlorate chemical products, consisting almost entirely of AP sales, accounted for approximately 73%, 68% and 69% of revenues during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. In general, demand for AP is driven by a relatively small number of DOD and NASA contractors. As a result, any one individual AP customer usually accounts for a significant portion of our revenues. For example, Alliant accounted for approximately 51%, 60% and 51% of our revenues during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
 
In connection with the Acquisition, we entered into an agreement with Thiokol with respect to the supply of AP through the year 2008. The agreement, as amended, provides that during its term Thiokol will make all of its AP purchases from us. In addition to the AP purchased from us, Thiokol may use AP inventoried by it in prior years. The agreement also establishes a pricing matrix under which AP unit prices vary inversely with the quantity of a specific grade of AP sold by us to all of our customers. AP unit prices in the matrix at all quantity levels escalate each year through fiscal 2003 and, in fiscal 2004, are adjusted downward by approximately 20%. Such downward adjustment will have the effect of reducing revenues on AP sold to Thiokol by 20% in fiscal 2004. After the adjustment, AP unit prices continue to escalate each year through fiscal 2008.
 
In connection with the Acquisition, we entered into an agreement with Alliant to extend an existing agreement through the year 2008. The agreement establishes prices for any AP purchased by Alliant from us during the term of the agreement as extended. Under this agreement, Alliant agrees to use its efforts to cause our AP to be qualified on all new and current programs served by Alliant’s Bacchus Works.
 
During 2001, Alliant acquired Thiokol. We have agreed with Alliant that the individual agreements in place prior to Alliant’s acquisition of Thiokol remain in place. All Thiokol programs existing at the time of the Alliant acquisition (principally the Space Shuttle and Minuteman) will continue to be priced under the Thiokol Agreement. All Alliant programs (principally the Delta, Pegasus and Titan) will be priced under the Alliant Agreement.
 
Demand for AP declined throughout the 1990’s. In 1998, supply capacity was substantially in excess of demand levels and, in an attempt to rationalize the AP industry, we consummated the Acquisition. Subsequent to the Acquisition in 1998, our annual sales volumes for our top grade of AP were approximately 20.2 million, 16.4 million, 12.6 million and 16.4 million pounds during the fiscal years ended September 30, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively. Based principally upon information we have received from our major customers, we estimate that annual AP demand will be between 16.0 million and 20.0 million pounds over the next five years. However, demand for AP is program specific and dependent upon, among other things, governmental appropriations. We have no ability to influence the demand for AP.

17


 
Sodium azide sales accounted for approximately 12%, 15% and 18% of sales during fiscal years ended September 30, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Autoliv, our principal sodium azide customer, accounted for approximately 8%, 12% and 14% of our revenues during fiscal 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
 
Worldwide sodium azide demand declined significantly during the last three fiscal years. Our sodium azide sales volumes declined approximately 17% in both fiscal 2001 and 2000, and declined further by approximately 10% during fiscal 2002. Worldwide demand for sodium azide is substantially less than worldwide supply. Based principally upon market information received from airbag inflator manufacturers, we expect sodium azide use to continue to decline and that inflators using sodium azide will be phased out over some period of time. We recognized impairment charges of $9.1 million in fiscal 2000 and $52.6 million in fiscal 1997 related to our sodium azide operations. (See Note 12 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.)
 
Sales of Halotron amounted to approximately 5%, 6% and 4% of revenues during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Halotron is designed to replace halon-based fire extinguishing systems. Accordingly, demand for Halotron depends upon a number of factors including the willingness of consumers to switch from halon-based systems, as well as existing and potential governmental regulations.
 
Real estate sales amounted to approximately 9%, 5% and 4% of revenues during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. The nature of real estate development and sales is such that we are unable reliably to predict any pattern of future real estate sales. In addition, real estate sales are currently estimated to be completed by the end of fiscal 2004. We do not expect to receive any significant cash returns in the future from our interest in our residential joint venture project. (See Note 4 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.)
 
Environmental protection equipment sales accounted for approximately 1%, 6% and 5% of revenues during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
 
Cost of Sales.    The principal elements comprising our cost of sales are raw materials, electric power, labor, manufacturing overhead, depreciation and amortization and the book basis in real estate sold. The major raw materials used in our production processes are graphite, sodium chlorate, ammonia, hydrochloric acid, sodium metal, nitrous oxide and HCFC 123. Significant increases in the cost of raw materials may have an adverse impact on margins if we are unable to pass along such increases to our customers.
 
During the first six months of fiscal 2001, we received power bills from Utah Power that were approximately $1.5 million in excess of average historical amounts. During this period, we purchased greater quantities of certain raw materials because of these excessive power costs. In the second half of fiscal 2001, we recovered the excessive power costs through a settlement and curtailment arrangement with Utah Power. As a result of these arrangements, our net power costs were approximately $1.0 million less in fiscal 2001 compared to average historical annual amounts. We now purchase power from Utah Power under the equivalent of Utah Electric Service Schedule No. 9.
 
Prices paid by us for raw materials have historically been relatively stable, although we have experienced cost increases on certain raw materials, particularly on HCFC 123 used in the production of Halotron. All the raw materials used in our manufacturing processes have been available in commercial quantities, and we have had no difficulty obtaining necessary raw materials. A substantial portion of the total cash costs of operating our specialty chemical plants, consisting mostly of labor and overhead, are largely fixed in nature.
 
Income Taxes.    In fiscal 1997, we established a deferred tax valuation allowance. In fiscal 2000, we released our deferred tax valuation allowance and recognized approximately $15.4 million in net deferred tax assets. (See Note 7 to our Consolidated Financial Statements).

18


 
Net Income.    Although our net income and diluted net income per common share have not been subject to seasonal fluctuations, they have been and are expected to continue to be subject to variations from quarter to quarter and year to year due to the following factors, among others: (i) as discussed in Note 9 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, we may incur material legal and other costs associated with certain litigation and contingencies; (ii) the timing of real estate sales is not predictable; (iii) weighted average common and common equivalent shares for purposes of calculating diluted net income per common share are subject to significant fluctuations based upon changes in the market price of our Common Stock due to outstanding warrants and options; (iv) the results of periodic reviews of impairment issues; (v) the ability to pass on increases in raw material costs to our customers; and (vi) the magnitude, pricing and timing of AP, sodium azide, Halotron, and environmental protection equipment sales in the future is uncertain. (See “Forward Looking Statements/Risk Factors” below.)
 
Results of Operations
 
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2002 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2001
 
Sales and Operating Revenues.    Sales increased $10.5 million, or 17%, to $73.6 million in fiscal 2002, from $63.1 million in fiscal 2001. This increase was principally attributable to an increase in specialty chemicals sales of $9.1 million and an increase in real estate sales of $4.4 million. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in environmental protection equipment sales of approximately $3.0 million. The increase in specialty chemicals sales resulted principally from increased perchlorate shipments, offset in part by a decrease in shipments of sodium azide and Halotron.
 
Real estate sales increased $4.4 million, or 169%, to $7.0 million in fiscal 2002, from $2.6 million in fiscal 2001, due to an increase in land sales in fiscal 2002 compared to fiscal 2001. These sales are expected to decline substantially in 2003 and 2004 by reason of the complete depletion of our real estate in Nevada that is held for sale.
 
Environmental protection equipment sales decreased $3.0 million, or 81%, to $0.7 million in fiscal 2002, from $3.7 million in fiscal 2001. As of October 31, 2002, this segment had a backlog of approximately $1.3 million.
 
Cost of Sales.    Cost of sales decreased $5.3 million, or 14%, to $43.5 million in fiscal 2002, from $38.2 million in fiscal 2001. As a percentage of sales, cost of sales was 59% in fiscal 2002, compared to 61% in fiscal 2001. The decrease in the percentage of cost of sales to sales was principally attributable to increased perchlorate shipments and an increase in real estate sales, which generally have a higher gross margin than our other products.
 
Operating Expenses.    Operating (selling, general and administrative) expenses increased $3.7 million, or 37%, in fiscal 2002 to $13.8 million, from $10.1 million in fiscal 2001. Most of the increases in operating expenses relate to costs incurred in connection with corporate and product development activities. We have incurred increased costs relating to the evaluation and investigation of the potential for alternative uses and applications of certain of our existing and related products. Some of these opportunities may involve partnering or possible joint venture arrangements with others. In addition, during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, we have experienced increases in operating expenses as a result of detailed due diligence activities directly related to corporate development opportunities. Operating expenses during each of the fiscal years 2002 and 2001, also include approximately $0.9 million in costs associated with the investigation and evaluation of trace amounts of perchlorate chemicals found in Lake Mead. (See Note 9 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.)

19


 
Segment Operating Income (Loss).    Operating income (loss) of our operating segments during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2002 and 2001 was as follows:
 
    
2002

    
2001

Specialty chemicals
  
$
13,551,000
 
  
$
13,479,000
Environmental protection equipment
  
 
(1,046,000
)
  
 
140,000
Real estate
  
 
3,778,000
 
  
 
1,234,000
    


  

Total
  
$
16,283,000
 
  
$
14,853,000
    


  

 
The increases in operating income in our specialty chemicals industry segment was primarily attributable to an increase in perchlorate chemical shipments, offset partially by decreased Halotron and sodium azide shipments. The increase in operating income of our real estate segment was principally due to increased land sales. The operating loss incurred in our environmental protection equipment business in fiscal 2002 was primarily due to decreased sales.
 
Interest and Other Income.    Interest and other income decreased to $0.9 million in fiscal 2002 from $1.9 million in fiscal 2001. The decrease was principally due to lower average interest rates earned on cash and cash equivalent balances.
 
Interest and Other Expense.    Interest and other expense was $4.2 million in fiscal 2002 compared to $4.5 million in fiscal 2001. This decrease was due to the repurchase of $3.6 million in Notes in January 2002.
 
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2001 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2000
 
Sales and Operating Revenues.    Sales decreased $4.3 million, or 6%, to $63.1 million in fiscal 2001, from $67.4 million in fiscal 2000. This decrease was principally attributable to lower specialty chemicals sales. Perchlorate chemical and sodium azide sales decreased approximately $5.9 million due to lower volumes. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in Halotron sales of approximately $1.3 million
 
In March 2000, we received notification from Thiokol of a change in the fiscal 2000 purchase order for AP that resulted in a decrease of approximately 3.23 million pounds of AP (from 10.48 million pounds of AP). We submitted a price adjustment claim under the change order and, in September 2000, negotiated and settled the claim which resulted in a $3.0 million payment from Thiokol. Sales volume levels for AP declined from approximately 16.4 million pounds in fiscal 2000 to approximately 12.6 million pounds in fiscal 2001. AP sales volumes in fiscal 1999 were approximately 20.2 million pounds. See above for a discussion of the current status of the AP market.
 
Real estate sales increased $0.1 million, or 4%, to $2.6 million in fiscal 2001, from $2.5 million in fiscal 2000, due to an increase in land sales in fiscal 2001 compared to fiscal 2000.
 
Environmental protection equipment sales increased $0.2 million, or 6%, to $3.7 million in fiscal 2001, from $3.5 million in fiscal 2000.
 
Cost of Sales.    Cost of sales decreased $6.1 million, or 14%, to $38.2 million in fiscal 2001, from $44.3 million in fiscal 2000. As a percentage of sales, cost of sales was 61% in fiscal 2001, compared to 66% in fiscal 2000. The decrease in the percentage of cost of sales to sales was principally attributable to decreased depreciation expense associated with our sodium azide operations, as a result of the impairment charge in fiscal 2000 discussed above. In addition, because of the settlement and curtailment arrangement discussed above, net power costs were approximately $1.0 million less in fiscal 2001 as compared to normalized historical annual amounts.

20


 
Operating Expenses.    Operating (selling, general and administrative) expenses decreased $0.1 million, or 1%, in fiscal 2001 to $10.1 million, from $10.2 million in fiscal 2000. Operating expenses during the fiscal years ended 2001 and 2000 include approximately $0.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively, in costs associated with the investigation and evaluation of trace amounts of perchlorate chemicals found in Lake Mead. (See Note 9 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.)
 
Segment Operating Income.    Operating income of our operating segments during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2001 and 2000 was as follows:
 
    
2001

  
2000

Specialty chemicals
  
$
13,479,000
  
$
2,446,000
Environmental protection equipment
  
 
140,000
  
 
453,000
Real estate
  
 
1,234,000
  
 
871,000
    

  

Total
  
$
14,853,000
  
$
3,770,000
    

  

 
The increase in operating income in our specialty chemicals industry segment was primarily attributable to an impairment charge of $9.1 million recognized in fiscal 2000. The increase in operating income of our real estate segment was principally due to better margins on land sales.
 
Interest and Other Income.    Interest and other income decreased to $1.9 million in fiscal 2001 from $2.0 million in fiscal 2000. The decrease was principally due to lower average interest rates earned on cash and cash equivalent balances.
 
Interest and Other Expense.    Interest and other expense decreased to $4.5 million in fiscal 2001 from $5.6 million in fiscal 2000 principally as a result of lower average debt balances.
 
Inflation
 
General inflation did not have a significant effect on our sales and operating revenues or costs during the three-year period ended September 30, 2002. General inflation may have an effect on gross profit in the future as certain of our agreements with AP and sodium azide customers require fixed prices, although certain of such agreements contain escalation features that should somewhat insulate us from increases in costs associated with inflation. As discussed above, we have recently experienced increases in certain raw material costs and power costs, although we believe that such increases are not specifically related to the effects of general inflation.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Cash flows provided by operating activities were $16.8 million, $18.2 million and $19.0 million during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. We believe that our cash flows from operations and existing cash balances will be adequate for the foreseeable future to satisfy the needs of our operations, including debt related payments. However, the resolution of litigation and contingencies, and the timing, pricing and magnitude of orders for AP, sodium azide and Halotron, may have an effect on the use and availability of cash.
 
Capital expenditures were $2.1 million, $1.6 million and $2.5 million during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Capital expenditures relate principally to specialty chemicals segment capital improvement projects. Capital expenditures are expected to be funded from existing cash balances and operating cash flow.

21


During the three-year period ended September 30, 2002, we made debt related payments of approximately $28.5 million, repurchased $7.4 million of our Common Stock and issued $2.3 million of our Common Stock as a result of the exercise of outstanding stock options. We may (but are not obligated to) continue to repurchase our Common Stock, but we are limited in our ability to use cash to repurchase stock by certain covenants contained in the Indenture governing the Notes. Our Board of Directors has approved a provision in our Common Stock repurchase program to permit repurchase of Common Stock from employees and directors.
 
The Notes are redeemable at our option through February 28, 2003, at a redemption price of 104.625% of the principal amount of the Notes. During the twelve-month period beginning March 1, 2003, the Notes are redeemable at a redemption price of 102.313% of the principal amount of the Notes. We intend to redeem the Notes on March 1, 2003. The total cost of the redemption, including interest on the Notes, will be approximately $43.4 million. We will recognize a loss on the redemption of the Notes of approximately $0.9 million.
 
During the three-year period ended September 30, 2002, we received cash of approximately $11.0 million from our Ventana Canyon residential joint venture. The venture is winding down its operations and we do not expect to receive any significant cash returns from this venture in the future. (See Note 4 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.)
 
As a result of the litigation and contingencies discussed in Note 9 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, we have incurred legal and other costs, and we may incur material legal and other costs associated with the resolution of litigation and contingencies in future periods. Any such costs, to the extent borne by us and not recovered through insurance, would adversely affect our liquidity. We are currently unable to predict or quantify the amount or range of such costs or the period of time over which such costs may be incurred.
 
Contractual Obligations and Commitments.    The following tables summarize our fiscal year contractual obligations and commitments as of September 30, 2002.
 
    
Payments Due by Period

    
Total

  
2003

  
2004

  
2005

  
2006 and Thereafter

Contractual Obligations
                                  
Long-term debt
  
$
40,600,000
                
$
40,600,000
      
Operating leases
  
 
1,925,000
  
$
550,000
  
$
550,000
  
 
550,000
  
$
275,000
SERP obligation
  
 
2,130,000
  
 
120,000
  
 
120,000
  
 
120,000
  
 
1,770,000
    

  

  

  

  

Total contractual obligations
  
$
44,655,000
  
$
670,000
  
$
670,000
  
$
41,270,000
  
$
2,045,000
    

  

  

  

  

    
Amount of Commitment Expiration by Period

    
Total Amounts Committed

  
2003

  
2004

  
2005

  
2006 and Thereafter

Other Commitments
                                  
Letters of credit
  
$
2,000,000
  
$
1,200,000
  
$
600,000
  
$
 
  
$
200,000
    

  

  

  

  

Total other commitments
  
$
2,000,000
  
$
1,200,000
  
$
600,000
  
$
 
  
$
200,000
    

  

  

  

  

 
Forward-Looking Statements/Risk Factors
 
Certain matters discussed in this Report may be forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth below.

22


The following risk factors, among others, may cause our operating results and/or financial position to be adversely affected from time to time:
 
1.
 
(a) Declining demand (including excess customer inventories) or downward pricing pressure for our products as a result of general or specific economic conditions, (b) governmental budget decreases affecting the DOD or NASA causing a decrease in demand for AP, (c) technological advances and improvements with respect to existing or new competitive products causing a reduction or elimination of demand for AP, sodium azide or Halotron, (d) the ability and desire of purchasers to change existing products or substitute other products for our products based upon perceived quality, environmental effects and pricing, (e) the fact that perchlorate chemicals, sodium azide, Halotron and our environmental products have limited applications and highly concentrated customer bases.
 
2.
 
Competitive factors including, but not limited to, our limitations respecting financial resources and our ability to compete against companies with substantially greater resources, significant excess market supply in the sodium azide market and recently in the perchlorate market, potential patent coverage issues, and the development or penetration of competing new products, particularly in the propulsion, airbag inflation and fire extinguishing businesses.
 
3.
 
Underutilization of our manufacturing facilities resulting in production inefficiencies and increased costs, the inability to recover facility costs, reductions in margins, and impairment issues.
 
4.
 
Risks associated with our real estate activities, including, but not limited to, dependence upon the Las Vegas commercial and industrial real estate markets, changes in general or local economic conditions, interest rate fluctuations affecting the availability and cost of financing and regulatory and environmental matters that may have a negative impact on sales.
 
5.
 
The effects of, and changes in, trade, monetary and fiscal policies, laws and regulations and other activities of governments, agencies or similar organizations, including, but not limited to, environmental, safety and transportation issues.
 
6.
 
The cost and effects of legal and administrative proceedings, settlements and investigations, particularly those described in Note 9 to our Consolidated Financial Statements and claims made by or against us relative to patents or property rights.
 
7.
 
The dependence upon a single facility for the production of most of our products.
 
8.
 
Provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws, and Series D Preferred Stock, the potential dividend of preference stock purchase rights and related Rights Agreement could have the effect of making it more difficult for potential acquirors to obtain a control position in us.
 
Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
 
Market risk represents the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, commodity prices and foreign currency exchange rates. We have certain long-term fixed-rate debt but do not currently maintain a revolving or other bank credit facility. We believe that any market risk arising from our fixed-rate debt is not material. At September 30, 2002, we did not have any derivative-based financial instruments. However, the amount of outstanding debt may fluctuate and we may at some time be subject to refinancing risk.
 

23


 
Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
Financial statements called for hereunder are included herein on the following pages:
 
    
Page(s)

Independent Auditors’ Report
  
33
Consolidated Balance Sheets
  
34
Consolidated Statements of Income
  
35
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
  
36
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
  
37
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
  
38-50
 
SUMMARIZED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA
(unaudited)
(amounts in thousands except per share amounts)
 
    
Quarters For Fiscal Year 2002

    
1st

    
2nd

  
3rd

  
4th

  
Total

Sales and Operating Revenues
  
$
13,117
 
  
$
20,046
  
$
18,542
  
$
21,883
  
$
73,588
Gross Profit
  
 
3,839
 
  
 
7,887
  
 
7,383
  
 
10,950
  
 
30,059
Net Income (Loss)
  
 
(5
)
  
 
2,566
  
 
1,991
  
 
4,090
  
 
8,642
Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share
  
$
(.00
)
  
$
.35
  
$
.27
  
$
.55
  
$
1.18
    
Quarters For Fiscal Year 2001

    
1st

    
2nd

  
3rd

  
4th

  
Total

Sales and Operating Revenues
  
$
11,879
 
  
$
14,830
  
$
15,353
  
$
21,027
  
$
63,089
Gross Profit
  
 
2,714
 
  
 
5,074
  
 
6,211
  
 
10,904
  
 
24,903
Net Income (Loss)
  
 
(45
)
  
 
1,130
  
 
1,940
  
 
4,701
  
 
7,726
Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share
  
$
(.01
)
  
$
.16
  
$
.28
  
$
.67
  
$
1.10
 
Item 9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 
Not Applicable.

24


PART III
 
Item 10.    Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
 
The required information regarding directors and executive officers is incorporated herein by reference from our definitive proxy statement for the 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than January 28, 2003.
 
Item 11.    Executive Compensation
 
The required information regarding executive compensation is incorporated herein by reference from our definitive proxy statement for the 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than January 28, 2003.
 
Item 12.    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
 
The required information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is incorporated herein by reference from our definitive proxy statement for the 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than January 28, 2003.
 
Item 13.    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
 
The required information regarding certain relationships and related transactions is incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement for the 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than January 28, 2003.
 
Item 14.    Controls and Procedures
 
Based on their evaluation, as of a date within 90 days of the filing of this Form 10-K, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) are effective. There have been no significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

25


PART IV
 
Item 15.    Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K
 
(a) (1)  Financial Statements
 
See Part II, Item 8 for an index to the Registrant’s financial statements and supplementary data.
 
(2)  Financial Statement Schedules
 
None applicable.
 
(3)  Exhibits
 
The following Exhibits are filed as part of this Report (references are to Regulation S-K Exhibit Numbers):
 
3.1
  
Registrant’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3A to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-14 (File No. 2-70830), (the “S-14”).
3.2
  
Registrant’s By-Laws, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3B to the S-14.
3.3
  
Amendments to Registrant’s By-Laws, incorporated by Reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 9, 1999.
3.4
  
Articles of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as filed with the Secretary of State, State of Delaware, on October 7, 1991, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 33-52196) (the “S-3”).
3.5
  
Articles of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation as filed with the Secretary of State, State of Delaware, on April 21, 1992, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the S-3.
3.6
  
Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Registrant and all Directors of the Registrant, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.6 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2000 (the “2000 10-K”).
4.1
  
American Pacific Corporation 1991 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 33-52898).
4.2
  
Stock Option Agreement between Registrant and General Technical Services, Inc. dated July 11, 1995, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995 (the “1995 10-K”).
4.3
  
Stock Option Agreement between Registrant and John R. Gibson dated July 8, 1997, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1997 (the “1997 10-K”).

26


 
4.4  
  
Stock Option Agreement between Registrant and David N. Keys dated July 8, 1997, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the 1997 10-K.
4.5  
  
Form of Stock Option Agreement between Registrant and certain Directors dated May 21, 1997, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the 1997 10-K.
4.6  
  
American Pacific Corporation 1997 Stock Option Plan (the “1997 Plan”), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registrant’s Form S-8 (File No. 333-53449) (the “1998 S-8”).
4.7  
  
Form of Option Agreement under the 1997 Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the 1998 S-8.
4.8  
  
American Pacific Corporation 2001 Stock Option Plan (the “2001 Plan”), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registrant’s Form S-8 (File No. 333-62566) (the “2001 S-8”).
4.9  
  
Form of Option Agreement under the 2001 Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the 2001 S-8.
4.10
  
Form of Note and Warrants Purchase Agreement dated February 21, 1992, relating to the Registrant’s previously outstanding Subordinated Secured Term Notes, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 28, 1992 (the “1992 8-K”).
4.11
  
Form of Warrant to purchase Common Stock of the Registrant dated February 21, 1992, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the 1992 8-K.
4.12
  
Form of Warrant to purchase Common Stock of American Azide Corporation dated February 21, 1992, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the 1992 8-K.
4.13
  
Indenture dated as of March 1, 1998, by and between the Registrant and United States Trust Company of New York, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form S-4 (File No. 333-49883) (the “1998 S-4”).
4.14
  
Form of Tender for outstanding 9¼% Senior Notes Due 2005 in exchange for 9¼% Senior Notes due 2005 of the Registrant, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to the 1998 S-4.
4.15
  
Form of Rights Agreement, dated as of August 3, 1999, between Registrant and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated August 6, 1999 (the “Form 8-A”).
4.16
  
Form of Letter to Stockholders with copies of Summary of Rights to Purchase Preference Shares, incorporated by reference to the Form 8-A.
*10.1  
  
Employment agreement dated January 1, 2002, between the Registrant and David N. Keys.
*10.2  
  
Employment agreement dated January 1, 2002, between the Registrant and John R. Gibson.
10.3  
  
Amended and Restated American Pacific Corporation Defined Benefit Pension Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the 1999 10-K.

27


 
10.4  
  
Amended and Restated American Pacific Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan effective January 1, 1999, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the 1999 10-K.
10.5  
  
Trust Agreement for the Amended and Restated American Pacific Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the 1999 10-K.
10.6  
  
Lease Agreement between 3770 Hughes Parkway Associates Limited Partnership and the Registrant, dated July 31, 1990, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-2 (File No. 33-36664) (the “1990 S-2”).
10.7  
  
Limited Partnership Agreement of 3770 Hughes Parkway Associates, Limited Partnership, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the 1990 S-2.
10.8  
  
Cooperation and Stock Option Agreement dated as of July 4, 1990, by and between Dynamit Nobel AG and the Registrant, including exhibits thereto, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the 1990 S-2.
10.9  
  
Long-Term Pricing Agreement dated as of December 12, 1997, between Thiokol Corporation-Propulsion and the Registrant, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 1998 (the “1998 March 10-Q”).
10.10
  
Modification No. 1 dated September 13, 2000, to Long-Term Pricing Agreement between Thiokol Propulsion and the Registrant, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the 2000 10-K.
10.11
  
Partnershipping Agreement between Alliant Techsystems Incorporated (“Alliant”) and Western Electrochemical Company and letter dated November 24, 1997, from the Registrant to Alliant and revised Exhibit B with respect thereto, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the 1998 March 10-Q.
*21     
  
Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
*23     
  
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
*24     
  
Power of Attorney, included on Page 31.
*99.1  
  
Certification of Principal Executive Officer.
*99.2  
  
Certification of Principal Financial Officer.
 
*
 
Filed herewith.
 
(b)  Reports on Form 8-K
 
None applicable.
 
(c)  See (3) above.
 
(d)  None applicable.
 

28


SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
Dated: November 19, 2002
     
AMERICAN PACIFIC CORPORATION
(Registrant)
       
By:
 
/s/    JOHN R. GIBSON        

               
John R. Gibson
President & Chief Executive Officer
 
         
           
By:
 
/s/    DAVID N. KEYS        

               
David N. Keys
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer, Secretary and Treasurer, Principal
Financial and Accounting Officer
 
 

29


POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
American Pacific Corporation and each of the undersigned do hereby appoint John R. Gibson and David N. Keys and each of them severally, its or his true and lawful attorneys, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, to execute on behalf of American Pacific Corporation and the undersigned any and all amendments to this Report and to file the same with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each of such attorneys shall have the power to act hereunder with or without the others.
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below on behalf of the Registrant by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
/s/    JOHN R. GIBSON

      
Date:    November 19, 2002
John R. Gibson, Chief Executive Officer,
President, and Director
        
          
/s/    DAVID N. KEYS

      
Date:    November 19, 2002
David N. Keys, Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and
Treasurer; Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer and Director
        
          
/s/    FRED D. GIBSON, JR.

      
Date:    November 19, 2002
Fred D. Gibson, Jr., Director
        
          
/s/    JAN H. LOEB

      
Date:    November 19, 2002
Jan H. Loeb, Director
        
          
/s/    BERLYN D. MILLER

      
Date:    November 19, 2002
Berlyn D. Miller, Director
        
          
/s/    NORVAL F. POHL

      
Date:    November 19, 2002
Norval F. Pohl, Ph.D., Director
        
          
/s/    C. KEITH ROOKER

      
Date:    November 19, 2002
C. Keith Rooker, Director
        
          
/s/    VICTOR M. ROSENZWEIG

      
Date:    November 19, 2002
Victor M. Rosenzweig, Director
        
          
/s/    DEAN M. WILLARD

      
Date:    November 19, 2002
Dean M. Willard, Director
        
          
/s/    JANE L. WILLIAMS

      
Date:    November 19, 2002
Jane L. Williams, Director
        
 

30


CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Section 302 Certification
 
I, John R. Gibson, certify that:
 
 
1.
 
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of American Pacific Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “registrant”);
 
 
2.
 
Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;
 
 
3.
 
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;
 
 
4.
 
The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:
 
 
a)
 
designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;
 
 
b)
 
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the “Evaluation Date”); and
 
 
c)
 
presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
 
 
5.
 
The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):
 
 
a)
 
all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
 
 
b)
 
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and
 
 
6.
 
The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this annual report whether there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
 
Date: November 19, 2002
     
By:
 
/s/    JOHN R. GIBSON        

               
John R. Gibson
Principal Executive Officer

31


CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER
Section 302 Certification
 
I, David N. Keys, certify that:
 
 
1.
 
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of American Pacific Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “registrant”);
 
 
2.
 
Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;
 
 
3.
 
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;
 
 
4.
 
The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:
 
 
a)
 
designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;
 
 
b)
 
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the “Evaluation Date”); and
 
 
c)
 
presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
 
 
5.
 
The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):
 
 
a)
 
all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
 
 
b)
 
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and
 
 
6.
 
The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this annual report whether there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
 
Date: November 19, 2002
     
By:
 
/s/    David N. Keys        

               
David N. Keys
Principal Financial Officer

32


 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
 
To the Board of Directors of
American Pacific Corporation:
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of American Pacific Corporation and its Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2002 and 2001, and the related consolidated statements of income, cash flows and changes in shareholders’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2002. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. 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 the Company at September 30, 2002 and 2001, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2002 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
/s/    Deloitte & Touche LLP
 
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 
Las Vegas, Nevada
November 15, 2002
 

33


AMERICAN PACIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2002 AND 2001

 
    
2002

    
2001

 
ASSETS
                 
CURRENT ASSETS:
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
65,826,000
 
  
$
51,471,000
 
Accounts and notes receivable
  
 
6,787,000
 
  
 
5,401,000
 
Related party notes and accrued interest receivable
  
 
380,000
 
  
 
427,000
 
Inventories
  
 
13,989,000
 
  
 
13,908,000
 
Prepaid expenses and other assets
  
 
841,000
 
  
 
770,000
 
Deferred income taxes
  
 
435,000
 
  
 
443,000
 
    


  


Total Current Assets
  
 
88,258,000
 
  
 
72,420,000
 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
  
 
7,522,000
 
  
 
7,107,000
 
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
  
 
21,017,000
 
  
 
25,411,000
 
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
  
 
9,693,000
 
  
 
10,660,000
 
OTHER ASSETS, NET
  
 
5,481,000
 
  
 
7,444,000
 
    


  


TOTAL ASSETS
  
$
131,971,000
 
  
$
123,042,000
 
    


  


LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
                 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
  
$
6,079,000
 
  
$
4,598,000
 
    


  


Total Current Liabilities
  
 
6,079,000
 
  
 
4,598,000
 
LONG-TERM DEBT
  
 
40,600,000
 
  
 
44,175,000
 
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
  
 
6,086,000
 
  
 
3,745,000
 
    


  


TOTAL LIABILITIES
  
 
52,765,000
 
  
 
52,518,000
 
    


  


COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
                 
WARRANTS TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK
  
 
3,569,000
 
  
 
3,569,000
 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
                 
Common stock—$.10 par value, 20,000,000 authorized, issued—8,824,541 in 2002 and 8,515,791 in 2001
  
 
881,000
 
  
 
852,000
 
Capital in excess of par value
  
 
82,249,000
 
  
 
80,106,000
 
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)
  
 
6,820,000
 
  
 
(1,822,000
)
Treasury stock (1,570,087 shares in 2002, and 1,518,587 shares in 2001)
  
 
(12,483,000
)
  
 
(12,170,000
)
Note receivable from the sale of stock
           
 
(11,000
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
  
 
(1,830,000
)
        
    


  


Total Shareholders’ Equity
  
 
75,637,000
 
  
 
66,955,000
 
    


  


TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  
$
131,971,000
 
  
$
123,042,000
 
    


  


 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 

34


AMERICAN PACIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2002, 2001 AND 2000

 
    
2002

    
2001

  
2000

 
SALES AND OPERATING REVENUES
  
$
73,588,000
 
  
$
63,089,000
  
$
67,369,000
 
COST OF SALES
  
 
43,529,000
 
  
 
38,186,000
  
 
44,279,000
 
    


  

  


GROSS PROFIT
  
 
30,059,000
 
  
 
24,903,000
  
 
23,090,000
 
OPERATING EXPENSES
  
 
13,776,000
 
  
 
10,050,000
  
 
10,236,000
 
IMPAIRMENT CHARGE
                  
 
9,084,000
 
    


  

  


OPERATING INCOME
  
 
16,283,000
 
  
 
14,853,000
  
 
3,770,000
 
INTEREST AND OTHER INCOME
  
 
945,000
 
  
 
1,877,000
  
 
1,987,000
 
INTEREST AND OTHER EXPENSE
  
 
4,180,000
 
  
 
4,467,000
  
 
5,568,000
 
    


  

  


INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
  
 
13,048,000
 
  
 
12,263,000
  
 
189,000
 
INCOME TAXES
  
 
4,301,000
 
  
 
4,537,000
  
 
(15,136,000
)
    


  

  


NET INCOME BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY LOSS
  
 
8,747,000
 
  
 
7,726,000
  
 
15,325,000
 
EXTRAORDINARY LOSS-DEBT EXTINGUISHMENTS
  
 
105,000
 
         
 
1,594,000
 
    


  

  


NET INCOME
  
$
8,642,000
 
  
$
7,726,000
  
$
13,731,000
 
    


  

  


BASIC NET INCOME PER SHARE:
                        
INCOME BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY LOSS
  
$
1.22
 
  
$
1.10
  
$
2.09
 
EXTRAORDINARY LOSS
  
 
(.01
)
         
 
(.22
)
    


  

  


NET INCOME
  
$
1.21
 
  
$
1.10
  
$
1.88
 
    


  

  


AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING
  
 
7,145,000
 
  
 
7,034,000
  
 
7,319,000
 
    


  

  


DILUTED NET INCOME PER SHARE:
                        
INCOME BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY LOSS
  
$
1.19
 
  
$
1.10
  
$
2.08
 
EXTRAORDINARY LOSS
  
 
(.01
)
         
 
(.21
)
    


  

  


NET INCOME
  
$
1.18
 
  
$
1.10
  
$
1.86
 
    


  

  


DILUTED SHARES
  
 
7,335,000
 
  
 
7,052,000
  
 
7,385,000
 
    


  

  


 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 

35


AMERICAN PACIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2002, 2001 AND 2000

 
    
2002

    
2001

    
2000

 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                          
Net income
  
$
8,642,000
 
  
$
7,726,000
 
  
$
13,731,000
 
    


  


  


Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
                          
Depreciation and amortization
  
 
6,384,000
 
  
 
6,303,000
 
  
 
8,931,000
 
Basis in development property sold
  
 
2,517,000
 
  
 
769,000
 
  
 
1,018,000
 
Impairment charge
                    
 
9,084,000
 
Extraordinary debt charges
  
 
105,000
 
           
 
1,594,000
 
Changes in assets and liabilities:
                          
Accounts and notes receivable
  
 
(1,328,000
)
  
 
4,166,000
 
  
 
(612,000
)
Inventories
  
 
(81,000
)
  
 
(3,033,000
)
  
 
(1,831,000
)
Prepaid expenses and other
  
 
(2,412,000
)
  
 
(176,000
)
  
 
1,156,000
 
Deferred income taxes
  
 
975,000
 
  
 
4,303,000
 
  
 
(15,406,000
)
Accounts payable and other liabilities
  
 
1,992,000
 
  
 
(1,894,000
)
  
 
1,323,000
 
    


  


  


Total adjustments
  
 
8,152,000
 
  
 
10,438,000
 
  
 
5,257,000
 
    


  


  


Net cash from operating activities
  
 
16,794,000
 
  
 
18,164,000
 
  
 
18,988,000
 
    


  


  


CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                          
Capital expenditures
  
 
(2,080,000
)
  
 
(1,624,000
)
  
 
(2,458,000
)
Real estate equity returns
  
 
1,385,000
 
  
 
5,239,000
 
  
 
4,399,000
 
    


  


  


Net cash from investing activities
  
 
(695,000
)
  
 
3,615,000
 
  
 
1,941,000
 
    


  


  


CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                          
Debt related payments
  
 
(3,603,000
)
           
 
(24,889,000
)
Issuance of common stock
  
 
2,172,000
 
  
 
12,000
 
  
 
342,000
 
Treasury stock acquired
  
 
(313,000
)
  
 
(448,000
)
  
 
(6,688,000
)
    


  


  


Net cash from financing activities
  
 
(1,744,000
)
  
 
(436,000
)
  
 
(31,235,000
)
    


  


  


NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
  
 
14,355,000
 
  
 
21,343,000
 
  
 
(10,306,000
)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR
  
 
51,471,000
 
  
 
30,128,000
 
  
 
40,434,000
 
    


  


  


CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR
  
$
65,826,000
 
  
$
51,471,000
 
  
$
30,128,000
 
    


  


  


SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
                          
Cash paid during year for interest
  
$
3,800,000
 
  
$
4,100,000
 
  
$
5,000,000
 
    


  


  


Cash paid during year for income taxes
  
$
2,400,000
 
  
$
200,000
 
  
$
300,000
 
    


  


  


 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 

36


AMERICAN PACIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2002, 2001 AND 2000

 
    
Net Outstanding Number of Common Shares

    
Par Value of Shares
Issued

  
Capital in excess of
Par Value

  
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)

    
Treasury
Stock

    
Note Receivable from the Sale of Stock

    
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

 
BALANCES, OCTOBER 1, 1999
  
7,832,437
 
  
$
847,000
  
$
79,757,000
  
$
(23,279,000
)
  
$
(5,034,000
)
  
$
(87,000
)
        
Net income
                       
 
13,731,000
 
                          
Issuance of common stock
  
45,500
 
  
 
5,000
  
 
337,000
                                   
Treasury stock acquired
  
(799,300
)
                         
 
(6,688,000
)
                 
Note payments
                                         
 
20,000
 
        
    

  

  

  


  


  


  


BALANCES, SEPTEMBER 30, 2000
  
7,078,637
 
  
 
852,000
  
 
80,094,000
  
 
(9,548,000
)
  
 
(11,722,000
)
  
 
(67,000
)
        
Net income
                       
 
7,726,000
 
                          
Issuance of common stock
  
2,500
 
         
 
12,000
                                   
Treasury stock acquired
  
(83,933
)
                         
 
(448,000
)
                 
Note payments
                                         
 
56,000
 
        
    

  

  

  


  


  


  


BALANCES, SEPTEMBER 30, 2001
  
6,997,204
 
  
 
852,000
  
 
80,106,000
  
 
(1,822,000
)
  
 
(12,170,000
)
  
 
(11,000
)
        
Net income
                       
 
8,642,000
 
                          
Other comprehensive loss
                                                  
$
(1,830,000
)
Issuance of common stock
  
308,750
 
  
 
29,000
  
 
1,874,000
                                   
Stock option tax effects
                
 
269,000
                                   
Treasury stock acquired
  
(51,500
)
                         
 
(313,000
)
                 
Note payments
                                         
 
11,000
 
        
    

  

  

  


  


  


  


BALANCES, SEPTEMBER 30, 2002
  
7,254,454
 
  
$
881,000
  
$
82,249,000
  
$
6,820,000
 
  
$
(12,483,000
)
           
$
(1,830,000
)
    

  

  

  


  


  


  


 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 

37


AMERICAN PACIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2002, 2001 AND 2000

 
1.    SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Principles of Consolidation–The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of American Pacific Corporation and Subsidiaries (the “Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
 
Estimates and Assumptions–The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses. Judgments and assessments of uncertainties are required in applying our accounting policies in many areas. For example, key assumptions and estimates are particularly important when determining our projected liabilities for pension benefits, useful lives for depreciable and amortizable assets, and the recoverability of deferred tax assets and long-lived assets, including intangible assets. Other areas in which significant uncertainties exist include, but are not limited to, costs that may be incurred in connection with environmental matters and the resolution of litigation and other contingencies. Actual results will inevitably differ to some extent from estimates on which our Consolidated Financial Statements were prepared.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents–All highly liquid investment securities with a maturity of three months or less when acquired are considered to be cash equivalents.
 
Our investment securities, along with certain cash and cash equivalents that are not deemed securities under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,” are carried on our Consolidated Balance Sheets in the Cash and Cash Equivalents category. SFAS No. 115 requires all securities to be classified as either held-to-maturity, trading or available-for-sale. We determine the appropriate classification of our investment securities at the time of purchase and re-evaluate such determination at each balance sheet date. Pursuant to the criteria that are prescribed by SFAS No. 115, we have classified our investment securities as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are required to be carried at fair value, with material unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported in a separate component of shareholders’ equity. Realized gains and losses are taken into income in the period of realization. The estimated fair value of our portfolio of investment securities at September 30, 2002 and 2001 closely approximated amortized cost. There were no material unrealized gains or losses on investment securities and no recorded adjustments to amortized cost at September 30, 2002 and 2001.
 
Related Party Notes and Accrued Interest Receivable–Related party notes and accrued interest receivable represent demand notes bearing interest at a bank’s prime rate from our former Chairman and a current officer.
 
Inventories–Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost of the specialty chemicals segment inventories is determined principally on a moving average basis and cost of the environmental protection equipment segment inventories is determined principally on the specific identification basis.
 
Property, Plant and Equipment–Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. We periodically assess the recoverability of property, plant and equipment and evaluate such assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Asset impairment (including intangible assets) is determined to exist if estimated future cash flows, undiscounted and without interest charges, are less than the carrying amount. An impairment charge of $9.1 million relating to certain specialty chemical assets was recognized in fiscal 2000. (See Note 12.) Depreciation is computed on the straight-line method over

38


 
the estimated productive lives of the assets (3 to 12 years for machinery and equipment and 15 to 31 years for buildings and improvements).
 
Debt Issue Costs–Debt issue costs (included in Other Assets) are amortized on the effective interest method over the terms of the related indebtedness.
 
Intangible Assets–During the first quarter of fiscal 2002, we adopted SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”. The adoption of SFAS No. 142 did not have a material effect on our results of operations or financial position. Under the provisions of SFAS No. 142, our intangible asset, related to our perchlorate acquisition in fiscal 1998, will continue to be amortized under its originally assigned life of ten years. At September 30, 2002, our intangible asset had a gross carrying value of approximately $39.0 million and accumulated amortization of approximately $18.0 million. Amortization expense was approximately $4.4 million during fiscal 2002 and fiscal 2001. Amortization expense is estimated to amount to approximately $3.9 million in each of the years during the five-year period ending September 30, 2007.
 
Fair Value Disclosure as of September 30, 2002:
 
Cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and other long-term liabilities–The carrying value of these items is a reasonable estimate of their fair value due to their short-term nature.
 
Long-term debt and warrants–Market quotations are not available for our Warrants. However, the $14 strike price of the Warrants (see Note 5) is substantially in excess of the recent trading prices of our Common Stock. On March 1, 2003, we intend to redeem our unsecured senior notes at a redemption price of 102.313% of par. (See Note 5.)
 
Sales and Revenue Recognition–Sales of the specialty chemicals segment are recognized as the product is shipped and billed pursuant to outstanding purchase orders. Sales of the environmental protection equipment segment are recognized when the product is shipped. We receive cash for the full amount of real estate sales at the time of closing.
 
Net Income Per Common Share–Basic per share amounts are computed by dividing net income by average shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share amounts are computed by dividing net income by average shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect of common share equivalents. The effect of stock options and warrants outstanding to purchase approximately 2.9 million shares, 3.2 million shares and 3.3 million shares during the fiscal years 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively, were not included in diluted per share calculations as the average exercise price of such options and warrants was greater than the average price of our Common Stock. The dilutive effect of the assumed exercise of stock options increased the weighted average number of common shares by 190,000, 18,000 and 66,000 during the years ended September 30, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
 
Income Taxes–We account for income taxes under the provisions of SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. (See Note 7.)
 
Comprehensive Loss–Other comprehensive loss is reported in our Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Accumulated other comprehensive loss is reported on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our only component of other comprehensive loss represents a minimum pension liability adjustment. (See Note 8.)
 
Recently Issued Accounting Standards–In April 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 145, “Rescission of FASB Statement No. 4, 44 and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections”. SFAS No. 145 requires that gains and losses from extinguishment of debt be classified as extraordinary items only if they meet the criteria in Accounting

39


 
Principles Board Opinion No. 30 (“Opinion No. 30”). Applying the provisions of Opinion No. 30 will distinguish transactions that are part of an entity’s recurring operations from those that are unusual and infrequent that meet the criteria for classification as an extraordinary item. SFAS No. 145 is effective for us beginning October 1, 2002. We will reclassify previously reported extraordinary losses on debt extinguishments to a separate line item above income before income taxes in our Consolidated Statement of Income.
 
Reclassifications–Certain reclassifications have been made in the 2001 and 2000 Consolidated Financial Statements in order to conform to the presentation used in 2002.
 
2.    INVENTORIES
 
Inventories at September 30, 2002 and 2001 consist of the following:
 
    
2002

  
2001

Work-in-process
  
$
6,923,000
  
$
8,239,000
Raw material and supplies
  
 
7,066,000
  
 
5,669,000
    

  

Total
  
$
13,989,000
  
$
13,908,000
    

  

 
3.    PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
Property, plant and equipment at September 30, 2002 and 2001 are summarized as follows:
 
    
2002

  
2001

Land
  
$
117,000
  
$
117,000
Buildings, machinery and equipment
  
 
16,284,000
  
 
14,761,000
Construction in progress
  
 
695,000
  
 
425,000
    

  

Total
  
 
17,096,000
  
 
15,303,000
Less: accumulated depreciation
  
 
9,574,000
  
 
8,196,000
    

  

Property, plant and equipment, net
  
$
7,522,000
  
$
7,107,000
    

  

 
Depreciation expense was approximately $2.2 million, $2.1 million and $4.6 million during the years ended September 30, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
 
4.    REAL ESTATE ASSETS
 
At September 30, 2002, we owned approximately 34 acres of improved undeveloped land at the Gibson Business Park near Las Vegas, Nevada. This land is held for sale. We also own approximately 4,700 acres of land and certain water rights at our site in Iron County, Utah that are dedicated to our growth and diversification.
 
We hold a 50% interest in the Ventana Canyon joint venture residential project located in the Las Vegas, Nevada area. All homes have been sold and the venture is currently winding down its operations. During the three-year period ended September 30, 2002, we received cash returns from this venture of approximately $11.0 million. We do not expect to receive any significant cash returns from the venture in the future.
 
In July 1990, we contributed $0.7 million to Gibson Business Park Associates 1986-I, a real estate development limited partnership (the “Partnership”), in return for a 70% interest as a general and limited partner, and other limited partners contributed $0.3 million in return for a 30% interest as limited partners. Such other limited partners include certain current and former members of our Board of Directors. The Partnership, in turn, contributed $1.0 million to 3770 Hughes Parkway Associates Limited Partnership, a Nevada limited partnership (“Hughes Parkway”), in return for a 33% interest as a limited partner in Hughes Parkway. We entered into an agreement with Hughes Parkway pursuant to which we lease office space in a building in Las Vegas, Nevada. (See Note 9.)

40


 
Our real estate assets, grouped with Other Assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheet, had a total carrying value of approximately $2.5 million at September 30, 2002.
 
5.    LONG-TERM DEBT
 
Long-term debt at September 30, 2002 and 2001 is summarized as follows:
 
    
2002

  
2001

9-¼% Senior unsecured notes
  
$
40,600,000
  
$
44,175,000
Less current portion
  
 
—  
  
 
—  
    

  

Total
  
$
40,600,000
  
$
44,175,000
    

  

 
On March 12, 1998, we sold $75.0 million principal amount of unsecured senior notes (the “Notes”), consummated an acquisition (the “Acquisition”) of certain assets from Kerr-McGee Chemical Corporation (“Kerr-McGee”) described in Note 6 and repurchased the remaining $25.0 million principal amount outstanding of subordinated secured notes (the “Azide Notes”).
 
The Notes mature on March 1, 2005. Interest on the Notes is payable in cash at a rate of 9-1/4% per annum on each March 1 and September 1, commencing September 1, 1998. The indebtedness evidenced by the Notes represents a senior unsecured obligation, ranks pari passu in right of payment with all existing and future senior indebtedness and is senior in right of payment to all future subordinated indebtedness. The Indenture under which the Notes were issued contains various limitations and restrictions including (i) change in control provisions, (ii) limitations on indebtedness and (iii) limitations on restricted payments such as dividends, stock repurchases and investments. We believe we have complied with these limitations and restrictions.
 
Since the original issuance of the Notes, we have repurchased and retired approximately $34.4 million in principal amount of Notes at a weighted average cost of approximately 102.6% of par value. We incurred total extraordinary losses on debt extinguishment on these transactions of approximately $1.9 million.
 
The Notes are redeemable at our option through February 28, 2003, at a redemption price of 104.625% of the principal amount of the Notes. During the twelve-month period beginning March 1, 2003, the Notes are redeemable at a redemption price of 102.313% of the principal amount of the Notes. We intend to redeem the Notes on March 1, 2003. The total cost of the redemption, including interest on the Notes, will be approximately $43.4 million. We will recognize a loss on the redemption of the Notes of approximately $0.9 million.
 
We issued to the purchasers of the Azide Notes warrants (the “Warrants”), exercisable for a ten-year period commencing on December 31, 1993, to purchase shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $14.00 per share. The maximum number of shares purchasable upon exercise of the Warrants is 2,857,000 shares. The Warrants are exercisable, at the option of their holders, to purchase up to 20 percent of the common stock of American Azide Corporation (“AAC”), our wholly-owned subsidiary, rather than our Common Stock. In the event of such an election, the exercise price of the Warrants will be based upon a pro rata share of AAC’s capital, adjusted for earnings and losses, plus interest from the date of contribution. The Warrants contain certain provisions for a reduction in exercise price in the event we issue or are deemed to issue stock, rights to purchase stock or convertible debt at a price less than the exercise price in effect, or in the event of certain stock dividends, stock splits, mergers or similar transactions.
 
We may call up to 50% of the Warrants at prices that would provide a 30% internal rate of return to the holders thereof through the date of call (inclusive of the 11% Azide Notes’ yield). The holders of the Warrants were also granted the right to require that the Common Stock underlying the Warrants be registered on one occasion, as well as certain incidental registration rights.

41


 
We have accounted for the proceeds of the financing applicable to the Warrants as temporary capital. Any adjustment of the value assigned at the date of issuance will be reported as an adjustment to retained earnings. The value assigned to the Warrants was determined in accordance with Accounting Principle Board Opinion No. 14 “Accounting for Convertible Debt and Debt Issued with Stock Purchase Warrants” and was based upon the relative fair value of the Warrants and indebtedness at the time of issuance.
 
6.    ACQUISITION
 
On March 12, 1998 we acquired, pursuant to a purchase agreement with Kerr-McGee, certain intangible assets related to Kerr-McGee’s production of AP (the “Rights”) for a purchase price of $39.0 million. The Acquisition did not include Kerr-McGee’s production facilities (the “Production Facilities”) and certain water and power supply agreements used by Kerr-McGee in the production of AP. Under the Purchase Agreement, Kerr-McGee ceased the production and sale of AP, although the Production Facilities may continue to be used by Kerr-McGee for production of AP under certain limited circumstances not competitive with our operations. Kerr-McGee also reserved a perpetual, royalty-free, nonexclusive license to use any of the technology forming part of the Rights as may be necessary or useful to use, repair or sell the Production Facilities.
 
Under the purchase agreement, Kerr-McGee has agreed to indemnify us against loss or liability from claims associated with the ownership and use of the Rights prior to consummation of the Acquisition or resulting from any breach of its warranties, representations and covenants. We have agreed to indemnify Kerr-McGee against loss and liability from claims associated with the ownership and use of the Rights after consummation of the Acquisition or resulting from any breach of our warranties, representations and covenants. The indemnification obligations under the purchase agreement expire on March 12, 2003, except as to any claim in respect of which notice is given prior to that date.
 
In connection with the Acquisition, we entered into an agreement with the Thiokol Propulsion Division (“Thiokol”) of Alcoa with respect to the supply of AP through the year 2008. The agreement, as amended, provides that during its term Thiokol will make all of its AP purchases from us. In addition to the AP purchased from us, Thiokol may use AP inventoried by it in prior years. The agreement also establishes a pricing matrix under which AP unit prices vary inversely with the quantity of a specific grade of AP sold by us to all of our customers. AP unit prices in the matrix at all quantity levels escalate each year through fiscal 2003 and, in fiscal 2004, are adjusted downward by approximately 20%. Such downward adjustment will have the effect of reducing revenues on AP sold to Thiokol by 20% in fiscal 2004. After the adjustment, AP unit prices continue to escalate each year through fiscal 2008.
 
In connection with the Acquisition, we also entered into an agreement with Alliant Techsystems, Inc. (“Alliant”) to extend an existing agreement through the year 2008. The agreement establishes prices for any AP purchased by Alliant from us during the term of the agreement as extended. Under this agreement, Alliant agrees to use its efforts to cause our AP to be qualified on all new and current programs served by Alliant’s Bacchus Works.
 
During 2001, Alliant acquired Thiokol. We have agreed with Alliant that the individual agreements in place prior to Alliant’s acquisition of Thiokol will remain in place. All Thiokol programs existing at the time of the Alliant acquisition (principally the Space Shuttle and Minuteman) will continue to be priced under the Thiokol Agreement. All Alliant programs (principally the Delta, Pegasus and Titan) will be priced under the Alliant Agreement.
 
7.    INCOME TAXES
 
We account for income taxes using the asset and liability approach required by SFAS No. 109. The asset and liability approach requires the recognition of deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of our

42


 
assets and liabilities. Future tax benefits attributable to temporary differences are recognized to the extent that realization of such benefits are more likely than not. These future tax benefits are measured by applying currently enacted tax rates.
 
The following table provides an analysis of our income taxes for the years ended September 30:
 
    
2002

  
2001

  
2000

 
Current
  
$
3,282,000
  
$
234,000
  
$
270,000
 
Deferred (federal and state)
  
 
975,000
  
 
4,303,000
  
 
(15,406,000
)
    

  

  


Income taxes
  
$
4,257,000
  
$
4,537,000
  
$
(15,136,000
)
    

  

  


 
A valuation allowance for net deferred tax assets was established in 1997. In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 109, in fiscal 2000 we released our deferred tax valuation allowance and recognized the benefits of our net deferred tax assets. Net deferred tax assets are composed, for the most part, of depreciation and amortization, accruals and alternative minimum tax credits. The alternative minimum tax credit carryforward, valued at approximately $0.7 million, may be carried forward indefinitely as a credit against regular tax.
 
Income taxes for the years ended September 30, 2002, 2001 and 2000 differ from the amount computed at the federal and state income tax statutory rates as a result of the following:
 
    
2002

    
%

    
2001

  
%

    
2000

    
%

 
Expected provision (credit) for Income taxes
  
$
4,515,000
 
  
35.0
%
  
$
4,169,000
  
34.0
%
  
$
(435,000
)
  
(34.0
)%
Adjustment:
                                             
Nondeductible expenses
  
 
24,000
 
  
0.2
%
  
 
43,000
  
0.3
%
  
 
30,000
 
  
2.4
%
Other
  
 
(282,000
)
  
(2.2
)%
  
 
325,000
  
2.7
%
  
 
(14,731,000
)
  
(1150.9
)%
    


  

  

  

  


  

Credit for income taxes
  
$
4,257,000
 
  
33.0
%
  
$
4,537,000
  
37.0
%
  
$
(15,136,000
)
  
(1182.5
)%
    


  

  

  

  


  

 
The components of net deferred taxes at September 30, 2002, 2001 and 2000 consisted of the following:
 
    
2002

    
2001

    
2000

 
Deferred tax assets:
                          
Amortization
  
$
3,004,000
 
  
$
2,003,000
 
  
$
1,228,000
 
Property
  
 
7,231,000
 
  
 
6,860,000
 
  
 
5,428,000
 
Net operating losses
           
 
1,314,000
 
  
 
7,485,000
 
Alternative minimum tax credits
  
 
706,000
 
  
 
1,643,000
 
  
 
1,460,000
 
Reorganization costs
  
 
160,000
 
  
 
219,000
 
  
 
129,000
 
Inventory capitalization
  
 
156,000
 
  
 
259,000
 
  
 
375,000
 
Accruals
  
 
1,549,000
 
  
 
1,988,000
 
  
 
1,313,000
 
Other
  
 
1,524,000
 
  
 
1,119,000
 
  
 
677,000
 
    


  


  


Total deferred tax assets
  
$
14,330,000
 
  
$
15,405,000
 
  
$
18,095,000
 
    


  


  


Deferred tax liabilities:
                          
Accrued income and expenses
  
$
(2,102,000
)
  
$
(1,740,000
)
  
$
(1,689,000
)
Other
  
 
(2,100,000
)
  
 
(2,563,000
)
  
 
(400,000
)
    


  


  


Total deferred tax liabilities
  
 
(4,202,000
)
  
 
(4,302,000
)
  
 
(2,689,000
)
    


  


  


Net deferred tax assets
  
$
10,128,000
 
  
$
11,103,000
 
  
$
15,406,000
 
    


  


  


 
8.    EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
We maintain a group health and life benefit plan, an employee stock ownership plan (“ESOP”) that includes a Section 401(k) feature, a defined benefit pension plan (the “Plan”), and a supplemental executive retirement plan (“SERP”). The ESOP permits employees to make contributions. We do not presently match any portion of employee ESOP contributions.

43


 
All full-time employees age 21 and over with one year of service are eligible to participate in the Plan. Benefits are paid based on an average of earnings, retirement age, and length of service, among other factors.
 
The tables below provide relevant financial information about the Plan as of and for the fiscal years ended September 30:
 
    
2002

    
2001

 
Change in Benefit Obligation:
                 
Benefit obligation, beginning of year
  
$
18,231,000
 
  
$
15,693,000
 
Service cost
  
 
615,000
 
  
 
713,000
 
Interest cost
  
 
1,245,000
 
  
 
1,192,000
 
Actuarial (gains)/losses
  
 
821,000
 
  
 
1,341,000
 
Benefits paid
  
 
(752,000
)
  
 
(708,000
)
    


  


Benefit obligation, end of year
  
$
20,160,000
 
  
$
18,231,000
 
    


  


Change in Plan Assets:
                 
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year
  
$
12,124,000
 
  
$
13,568,000
 
Actual return (loss) on plan assets
  
 
(920,000
)
  
 
(1,320,000
)
Employer contribution
  
 
780,000
 
  
 
584,000
 
Benefits paid
  
 
(752,000
)
  
 
(708,000
)
    


  


Fair value of plan assets, end of year
  
$
11,232,000
 
  
$
12,124,000
 
    


  


Reconciliation of Funded Status:
                 
Funded status
  
$
(8,928,000
)
  
$
(6,107,000
)
Unrecognized net actuarial (gains)/losses
  
 
5,728,000
 
  
 
3,086,000
 
Unrecognized transition obligation
           
 
153,000
 
Unrecognized prior service costs
  
 
280,000
 
  
 
315,000
 
    


  


Accrued benefit liability
  
$
2,920,000
 
  
$
2,553,000
 
    


  


Amounts Recognized:
                 
Accrued benefit liability
  
$
5,030,000
 
  
$
2,553,000
 
Intangible assets
  
 
(280,000
)
        
Other comprehensive loss
  
 
(1,830,000
)
        
    


  


Net amount recognized
  
$
2,920,000
 
  
$
2,553,000
 
    


  


 
    
2002

    
2001

    
2000

 
Net Periodic Pension Cost:
                          
Service cost
  
$
615,000
 
  
$
713,000
 
  
$
702,000
 
Interest cost
  
 
1,245,000
 
  
 
1,192,000
 
  
 
1,098,000
 
Expected return on assets
  
 
(966,000
)
  
 
(1,075,000
)
  
 
(925,000
)
Net total of other components
  
 
254,000
 
  
 
189,000
 
  
 
189,000
 
    


  


  


Net periodic pension cost
  
$
1,148,000
 
  
$
1,019,000
 
  
$
1,064,000
 
    


  


  


                            
Actuarial Assumptions:
                          
Discount rate
  
 
6.75
%
  
 
7.25
%
  
 
7.75
%
Rate of compensation increase
  
 
4.50
%
  
 
5.00
%
  
 
5.00
%
Expected return on plan assets
  
 
8.00
%
  
 
8.00
%
  
 
8.00
%
    


  


  


 
Participants in the SERP include only our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and our former Chief Executive Officer. Benefits paid under the SERP were approximately $0.1 million in each of the fiscal years 2002, 2001 and 2000. Net periodic pension cost was approximately $0.2 million during the year ended September 30, 2002, and approximately $0.3 million during both of the years ended September 30, 2001 and 2000. At September 30, 2002 and 2001, the accrued benefit liabilities recognized for the SERP were approximately $2.1 million and $2.0 million, respectively. During fiscal 2002, we established and funded a trust for the SERP. The balance of $2.0 million was invested in cash

44


 
equivalents at September 30, 2002, and is included in Other Assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The non-current portions of the accrued benefit liabilities under the Plan and SERP of approximately $6.1 million and $3.7 million at September 30, 2002 and 2001, respectively, are included in Other Long-Term Liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheet.
 
9.    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
In 1997, the Southern Nevada Water Authority detected trace amounts of perchlorate chemicals in Lake Mead and the Las Vegas Wash, bodies of water near our real estate development property in Henderson, Nevada (in the Las Vegas area). Lake Mead is a source of drinking water for the City of Las Vegas, neighboring areas and certain areas of metropolitan Southern California. Perchlorate chemicals (including AP) are a potential health concern because they can interfere with the production of a growth hormone by the thyroid gland, although they are not currently included in the list of hazardous substances compiled by the EPA. However, perchlorates have been added to the EPA’s Contaminant Candidate List and will likely be regulated. We manufactured AP at a facility on the Henderson site until May 1988, after which we relocated our AP production to our current facilities in Iron County, Utah. For many years, Kerr-McGee operated an AP production facility at a site near our Henderson site.
 
The Water Authority’s testing has shown perchlorate concentrations of 8 to 14 parts per billion (“ppb”) in Clark County drinking water. In response to this discovery, we have engaged environmental consultants to drill monitor wells in order to characterize ground water at and in the vicinity of the Henderson site. The results of our tests have shown perchlorate concentrations in the ground water at the Henderson property ranging from 0 to approximately 750,000 ppb at certain monitoring wells. Since 1998, we have spent in excess of $4.5 million on the investigation and evaluation of the source or sources of these trace amounts, possible environmental impacts, and potential remediation methods. Our ground water characterization investigations indicate that the ground water containing perchlorate at and around our former Henderson manufacturing site has not reached Lake Mead and, accordingly, has not been introduced into any source of drinking water. Based upon flow rates and modeling techniques, such ground water is not expected to reach a source of drinking water for at least 10 years. However, we recently began a pilot remediation testing process to treat groundwater containing perchlorate at and near the Henderson site using a biological in situ method.
 
The EPA is conducting a risk assessment for the purpose of recommending a proposed reference dose for perchlorates. The EPA has recommended a preliminary reference dose that would equate to 1 ppb in drinking water. Certain states have set preliminary levels as low as 1 ppb. To our knowledge, virtually all independent and qualified experts believe that such preliminary levels have been arbitrarily established and are not based upon credible science. We understand that the EPA intends to complete its risk assessment and make a final reference dose recommendation, although we do not know when that will occur. We are cooperating with Federal, State and local agencies, and with Kerr-McGee and other interested firms, in the investigation and evaluation of the source or sources of these trace amounts, possible environmental impacts, and potential remediation methods. Until these investigations and evaluations have reached definitive conclusions, it will not be possible for us to determine the extent to which, if at all, we may be called upon to contribute to or assist with future remediation efforts, or the financial impact, if any, of such cooperation, contribution or assistance. Accordingly, no accrual for potential costs has been made in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
In January 2002, AAC was named as a defendant in a complaint filed in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles – Southwest District. The complaint names a number of defendants, including AAC’s principal sodium azide customer, Autoliv ASP, Inc. (“Autoliv”). The complaint alleges, among other things, “toxic injuries” as a result of the deployment of an airbag. The plaintiffs have submitted a Statement of Damages to the Court for approximately $5.0 million. In March 2002, AAC filed a motion to quash service of summons that was denied by the Court. AAC has not determined whether its sodium azide was actually a raw material used by the manufacturer of the airbag

45


 
inflator device subject to the complaint. We believe the allegations in the complaint are wholly without merit.
 
In January 2002, we received a demand for payment from Frontier Insurance Company (“Frontier”) of approximately $1.7 million as a result of the failure of a local developer to complete a project that had been bonded by Frontier. The local developer was an owner of a company that is the managing member of a Limited Liability Company (“LLC”) in which we are also a member. The LLC recently completed development of a residential project and is winding down its operations. (See Note 5.) In 1995, we entered into indemnity agreements relating to the development of this residential joint project. In February 2002, we (along with other plaintiffs) filed a complaint for declaratory relief in District Court, Clark County, Nevada. The complaint seeks a judgment declaring that the indemnity agreements have been terminated and that we have no liability to Frontier.
 
We have been and are also involved in other lawsuits. We believe that these other lawsuits, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
 
As discussed in Note 4, we entered into an agreement with Hughes Parkway pursuant to which we lease office space. The lease, which had an initial term of 10 years expiring in March 2001, was renewed for an additional five year term (the “Amended Lease”). The Amended Lease is subject to escalation every three years based on changes in the consumer price index, and permits us to occupy 22,262 square feet of office space. Rental payments were approximately $0.6 million during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2002, 2001 and 2000. We received approximately $130,000 in fiscal 2002 associated with sublet arrangements of certain of this office space. Future gross minimum rental payments under this lease for the years ending September 30, are as follows:
 
2003
  
$
550,000
2004
  
 
550,000
2005
  
 
550,000
2006
  
 
275,000
    

Total
  
$
1,925,000
    

 
As of September 30, 2002, we had approximately $2.0 million in outstanding standby letters of credit. These letters of credit principally secure performance of certain environmental protection equipment sold by us and payment of fees associated with the delivery of natural gas and power.
 
10.    SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
Preferred Stock and Purchase Rights
 
We have authorized the issuance of 3,000,000 shares of preferred stock, of which 125,000 shares have been designated as Series A, 125,000 shares have been designated as Series B and 15,340 shares have been designated as Series C redeemable convertible preferred stock. No Series A or Series B preferred stock is issued or outstanding. The Series C redeemable convertible preferred stock was redeemed in December 1989, and is no longer authorized for issuance.
 
On August 3, 1999, our Board of Directors adopted a Shareholder Rights Plan and declared a dividend of one preference share purchase right (a “Right”) for each outstanding share of our Common Stock, par value $.10 per share (the “Common Shares”). The dividend was paid to stockholders of record on August 16, 1999. Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from us one one-hundredth of a share of Series D Participating Preference Stock, par value $1.00 per share, at a price of $24.00 per one one-hundredth of a Preference Share, subject to adjustment under certain circumstances. The description and terms of the Rights are set forth in a Rights Agreement dated as of August 3, 1999, between us and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Rights Agent. The Rights may also, under certain conditions, entitle the holders (other than any Acquiring Person, as defined), to receive our

46


Common Stock, Common Stock of an entity acquiring us, or other consideration, each having a market value of two times the exercise price of each Right.
 
Three hundred and fifty-thousand Preference Shares have been designated as Series D Preference Shares and are reserved for issuance under the Plan. The Rights are redeemable at a price of $.001 per Right under the conditions provided in the Plan. If not exercised or redeemed (or exchanged by us), the Rights expire on August 2, 2009.
 
Stock Options and Warrants
 
We have granted options and issued warrants to purchase shares of our Common Stock at prices at or in excess of market value at the date of grant or issuance. The options were granted under various plans or by specific grants approved by our Board of Directors.
 
Option and warrant transactions are summarized as follows:
 
      
Shares Under Options and Warrants

    
Option Price

October 1, 1999
    
3,888,000
 
  
$4.88 – $14.00
Exercised
    
(45,000
)
  
  7.00 –     7.50
Expired
    
(46,000
)
  
  4.88 –     7.50
      

  
September 30, 2000
    
3,797,000
 
  
  4.88 –   14.00
Granted
    
206,000
 
  
4.88
Exercised
    
(3,000
)
  
4.88
Expired
    
(102,000
)
  
  7.00 –     7.50
      

  
September 30, 2001
    
3,898,000
 
  
  4.88 –   14.00
Exercised
    
(309,000
)
  
  4.88 –   7.875
Expired
    
(86,000
)
  
  6.38 –     7.13
      

  
September 30, 2002
    
3,503,000
 
  
$4.88 –$14.00
      

  
 
In February 1992, we issued $40,000,000 in Azide Notes with Warrants. See Note 5 for a description of the Warrants. Shares under options and warrants at September 30, 2002 include approximately 2,857,000 Warrants at a price of $14 per Warrant. The Warrants expire on December 31, 2003.
 
The following table summarizes information about stock options and warrants outstanding at September 30, 2002:
 
      
Options and Warrants Outstanding

    
Options Exercisable

Range of Exercise Price

    
Number Outstanding

    
Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)

    
Weighted Average Exercise Price

    
Number Exercisable

    
Weighted Average Exercise Price

$
4.88
    
178,500
    
7.70
    
$
4.88
    
178,500
    
$
4.88
 
6.38  –  7.78
    
467,500
    
1.21
    
 
7.16
    
467,500
    
 
7.16
 
14.00
    
2,857,000
    
1.25
    
 
14.00
    
2,857,000
    
 
14.00
        
    
    

    
    

        
3,503,000
    
1.63
    
$
13.31
    
3,503,000
    
$
13.31
        
    
    

    
    

 
We have adopted the disclosures-only provision of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”. We apply Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations in accounting for our stock options. Under APB No. 25, no compensation cost has been recognized in the financial statements for stock options granted. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Had compensation cost for the stock option grants been determined based on the fair value at the date of grant for awards
 

47


consistent with the provision of SFAS No. 123, our diluted net income per common share would have changed to the pro forma amounts indicated below for the years ended September 30:
 
    
2002

  
2001

  
2000

Net income – as reported
  
$
8,642,000
  
$
7,726,000
  
$
13,731,000
Net income – pro forma
  
$
8,484,000
  
$
7,353,000
  
$
13,429,000
Diluted net income per share – as reported
  
$
1.18
  
$
1.10
  
$
1.86
Diluted net income per share – pro forma
  
$
1.16
  
$
1.04
  
$
1.82
    

  

  

 
We did not grant stock options in fiscal 2002 or fiscal 2000. Stock options for 206,000 shares of Common Stock were granted in fiscal 2001. The weighted average fair value of each option granted in fiscal 2001 was estimated using the following assumptions for the Black-Scholes options pricing model: (i) no dividends; (ii) expected volatility ranging from 50% to 60%, (iii) risk free interest rates averaging 4.6%, and (iv) an expected average life of 4.5. The weighted average fair value of the options granted in fiscal 2001 was $2.57. Because the SFAS No. 123 method of accounting has not been applied to options granted prior to October 1, 1996, the resulting pro forma net income may not be representative of that to be expected in future years.
 
11.    SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
Our three reportable operating segments are specialty chemicals, environmental protection equipment and real estate sales and development. These segments are based upon business units that offer distinct products and services, are operationally managed separately and produce products using different production methods.
 
We evaluate the performance of each operating segment and allocate resources based upon operating income or loss before an allocation of interest expense and income taxes. Our accounting policies of each reportable operating segment are the same as those of set forth in Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Our specialty chemicals segment manufactures and sells perchlorate chemicals used principally in solid rocket propellants for the space shuttle and defense programs, sodium azide used principally in the inflation of certain automotive airbag systems and Halotron clean gas fire extinguishing agents designed to replace halons. The specialty chemicals segment’s production facilities are located in Iron County, Utah. Perchlorate chemical sales comprised approximately 81%, 76% and 76% of specialty chemicals segment sales during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. We had two customers that accounted for 10% or more of both our total and our specialty chemicals segment’s sales during at least one of our last three fiscal years. Sales to these customers during the fiscal years ended September 30 were as follows:
 
Customer

 
Chemical

 
2002

 
2001

 
2000

A
 
Perchlorates
 
$37,182,000
 
$37,567,000
 
$33,858,000
B
 
Sodium Azide
 
6,205,000
 
7,436,000
 
9,556,000
 
In fiscal 1998, we acquired certain intangible assets related to the production and sale of AP from Kerr-McGee and entered into long-term agreements with respect to the supply of AP to certain domestic users. (See Note 6). In fiscal 2000, we recognized a fixed asset impairment charge of $9.1 million relating to certain fixed assets in our specialty chemicals segment. (See Note 12.)
 
The specialty chemicals operating segment is subject to various Federal, State and local environmental and safety regulations. We have designed and implemented policies and procedures to minimize the risk of potential violations of these regulations, although such risks will likely always be present in the production and sale of our specialty chemicals. (See Note 9).

48


 
Our environmental protection equipment operating segment designs, manufactures and markets systems for the control of noxious odors, the disinfection of waste water streams and the treatment of seawater. These operations are also located in Iron County, Utah.
 
At September 30, 2002, our real estate operating segment had approximately 34 remaining acres of improved land in the Gibson Business Park near Las Vegas, Nevada, that is held for development and sale. Activity during the last three fiscal years has consisted of sales of land parcels.
 
Additional information about our operations in different segments for each of the last three fiscal years ended September 30, is provided below.
 
    
2002

    
2001

    
2000

 
Revenues:
                          
Specialty chemicals
  
$
65,811,000
 
  
$
56,803,000
 
  
$
61,423,000
 
Environmental protection
  
 
726,000
 
  
 
3,660,000
 
  
 
3,464,000
 
Real estate
  
 
7,051,000
 
  
 
2,626,000
 
  
 
2,482,000
 
    


  


  


Total revenues
  
$
73,588,000
 
  
$
63,089,000
 
  
$
67,369,000
 
    


  


  


Gross profit (loss):
                          
Specialty chemicals
  
$
25,714,000
 
  
$
22,131,000
 
  
$
20,621,000
 
Environmental protection
  
 
(189,000
)
  
 
915,000
 
  
 
999,000
 
Real estate
  
 
4,534,000
 
  
 
1,857,000
 
  
 
1,470,000
 
    


  


  


Total segment gross profit
  
$
30,059,000
 
  
$
24,903,000
 
  
$
23,090,000
 
    


  


  


Operating income (loss):
                          
Specialty chemicals
  
$
13,551,000
 
  
$
13,479,000
 
  
$
2,446,000
 
Environmental protection
  
 
(1,046,000
)
  
 
140,000
 
  
 
453,000
 
Real estate
  
 
3,778,000
 
  
 
1,234,000
 
  
 
871,000
 
    


  


  


Total operating income
  
 
16,283,000
 
  
 
14,853,000
 
  
 
3,770,000
 
Net interest and other
  
 
(3,235,000
)
  
 
(2,590,000
)
  
 
(3,581,000
)
    


  


  


Income before income taxes and extraordinary losses
  
$
13,048,000
 
  
$
12,263,000
 
  
$
189,000
 
    


  


  


Depreciation and amortization:
                          
Specialty chemicals
  
$
5,940,000
 
  
$
5,852,000
 
  
$
8,155,000
 
All other segments and corporate
  
 
119,000
 
  
 
123,000
 
  
 
348,000
 
    


  


  


Total depreciation and amortization
  
$
6,059,000
 
  
$
5,975,000
 
  
$
8,503,000
 
    


  


  


Capital Expenditures:
                          
Specialty chemicals
  
$
2,058,000
 
  
$
1,453,000
 
  
$
2,332,000
 
All other segments and corporate
  
 
22,000
 
  
 
171,000
 
  
 
126,000
 
    


  


  


Total capital expenditures
  
$
2,080,000
 
  
$
1,624,000
 
  
$
2,458,000
 
    


  


  


Assets:
                          
Specialty chemicals
  
$
45,726,000
 
  
$
50,859,000
 
  
$
55,739,000
 
Environmental protection
  
 
1,353,000
 
  
 
932,000
 
  
 
1,126,000
 
Real estate
  
 
3,130,000
 
  
 
6,752,000
 
  
 
12,698,000
 
Corporate
  
 
80,880,000
 
  
 
64,499,000
 
  
 
48,027,000
 
    


  


  


Total assets
  
$
131,089,000
 
  
$
123,042,000
 
  
$
117,590,000
 
    


  


  


 
Our operations are located in the United States. Export sales, consisting mostly of AP sales to Europe and environmental protection equipment sales to the Far and Middle East, have represented less than 10% of our revenues during each of the last three fiscal years.
 
12.    SODIUM AZIDE
 
In January 1996, we filed an antidumping petition against certain Japanese importers of sodium azide with the United States International Trade Commission (“ITC”) and the United States Department of Commerce (“Commerce”). In August 1996, Commerce issued a preliminary determination that Japanese imports of sodium azide had been sold in the United States at prices that were significantly

49


 
below fair value. Commerce’s preliminary dumping determination applied to all Japanese imports of sodium azide, regardless of end-use. Commerce’s preliminary determination followed a March 1996 preliminary determination by the ITC that dumped Japanese imports had caused material injury to the U.S. sodium azide industry.
 
On January 7, 1997, the antidumping investigation initiated by Commerce, based upon our petition, against the three Japanese producers of sodium azide was suspended by agreement. It is our understanding that, by reason of the Suspension Agreement, two of the three Japanese sodium azide producers have ceased their exports of sodium azide to the United States for an indeterminate period. As to the third and largest Japanese sodium azide producer, which has not admitted any prior unlawful conduct, the Suspension Agreement required that it make all necessary price revisions to eliminate all United States sales at below “Normal Value,” and that it conform to the requirements of sections 732 and 733 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, in connection with its future sales of sodium azide in the United States. The Suspension Agreement expired on December 31, 2001.
 
Worldwide sodium azide demand declined significantly during the last three fiscal years. Our sodium azide sales volumes declined approximately 17% in both fiscal 2001 and 2000, and declined further by approximately 10% during fiscal 2002. Worldwide demand for sodium azide is substantially less than worldwide supply. Based principally upon market information received from airbag inflator manufacturers, we expect sodium azide use to continue to decline and that inflators using sodium azide will be phased out over some period of time. As a result of these market conditions and in accordance with the requirements of SFAS No. 121, we recognized an impairment charge of $9.1 million in fiscal 2000 relating to the fixed assets (property, plant and equipment) used in the production of sodium azide. The present value of estimated future cash flows was used to determine the amount of impaired fixed assets. The impairment charge was recorded as a reduction of building and equipment and accumulated depreciation of $14.7 million and $5.6 million, respectively.
 
 

50
EX-10.1 3 dex101.htm EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT DATED JANUARY 1, 2002 Employment agreement dated January 1, 2002
EXHIBIT 10.1
 
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
 
(David N. Keys)
 
This Employment Agreement (“Agreement”), entered into effective January 1, 2002, is between American Pacific Corporation., a Delaware corporation having its principal place of business at 3770 Howard Hughes Parkway, Suite 300, Las Vegas Nevada 89109 (the ”Company”), and David N. Keys, an individual residing in Clark County, Nevada (the ”Executive”) (collectively, “the parties”).
 
RECITALS
 
1.    The Company, through its subsidiary corporations, is engaged in the manufacture of specialty chemicals, including perchlorate chemicals, sodium azide and Halotron fire suppression agents, the design and manufacture of environmental protection products and other products as may be acquired or developed over time, and real estate development.
 
2.    Executive has been employed by the Company since July 1, 1989, and is currently serving as the Company’s Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer.
 
3.    The Company desires to continue to employ Executive and to assure itself of the continued services of Executive for the term of this Agreement, and Executive desires to be employed by the Company for such period, upon the following terms and conditions.
 
AGREEMENT
 
ACCORDINGLY, the parties agree as follows:
 
1.    Period of Employment
 
a.    Basic Term.    The Company shall continue to employ Executive to render services to the Company in the position and with the duties and responsibilities described in Section 2 from the date of this Agreement through December 31, 2004 (the “Term Date”), unless Executive’s employment is terminated sooner in accordance with Section 4 below.
 
b.    Annual Renewal.    Each year the term and provisions of this Agreement shall automatically extend for a total three-year period, to and including the year in which the Executive attains age sixty-five (65), and unless either party notifies the other in writing to the contrary at least 30 days prior to the applicable December 31 date that it, or he, does not want the term to so extend. If the Company provides such notice, the severance benefits and arrangements described in Section 4c shall apply at the end of the existing term of the Agreement. Regardless of the Term Date, this Agreement shall end on December 31 of the year in which the Executive attains age sixty-five (65).
 
2.    Position, Duties, Responsibilities
 
a.    Position:    Executive is employed by the Company to render services to the Company in the positions of Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer, and shall perform all services appropriate to those positions, as well as such other services as may reasonably be assigned by the Company. The duties assigned to the Executive may be, but need not be, the same duties that are presently assigned to the Executive, and may be changed from time to time. Initially, the Executive shall act as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company and shall have all of the responsibilities and duties, including fiduciary duties, associated with such position. In addition, during such periods of time as the Executive serves as the Executive Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer or other officer of the Company, the Executive’s service as an officer shall additionally be governed by the Company’s Bylaws from time to time in effect, and by the laws of the state of the Company’s incorporation. Executive shall at all times perform his duties and discharge his responsibilities under this Agreement and under applicable law diligently and conscientiously, and to the best of his ability, and

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shall direct his best efforts to further and maximize the business and interests of the Company and its shareholders, in accordance with sound business practices and applicable laws and regulations. Executive shall report to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
 
b.    Other Activities.    Except upon the prior written consent of the Company, Executive will not (i) accept any other employment, or (ii) engage, directly or indirectly, in any other business activity (whether or not pursued for pecuniary advantage) that is or may be in conflict with, or that might place Executive in a conflicting position to that of, the Company. Without limitation, the Executive shall not act in any advisory or other capacity for any individual, firm, association or corporation other than the Company and its subsidiary corporations in matters in any way pertaining to any business or undertaking in any way similar to or competitive with the business or activities of the Company and its subsidiary corporations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, while the Company does not request Executive’s service on the boards of directors of other corporations, the Company does not, in principle, object to such service where Executive would have no conflict of interest with duties owed to the Company.
 
c.    Proprietary Information.    “Proprietary Information” is all information and any idea in whatever form, tangible or intangible, pertaining in any manner to the business of the Company and its subsidiary corporations, or its employees, clients, consultants, or business associates, which was produced by any employee of the Company or its subsidiary corporations, in the course of his or her employment or otherwise produced or acquired by or on behalf of the Company or its subsidiary corporations. All Proprietary Information not generally known outside of the Company’s organization, and all Proprietary Information so known only through improper means, shall be deemed “Confidential Information.” Without limiting the foregoing definition, Proprietary and Confidential Information shall include, but not be limited to: (i) formulas, teaching and development techniques, processes, trade secrets, computer programs, electronic codes, inventions, improvements, and research projects; (ii) information about costs, profits, markets, sales, and lists of customers or clients; (iii) business, marketing, and strategic plans; and (iv) employee personnel files and compensation information. Executive should consult any Company procedures instituted to identify and protect certain types of Confidential Information, which are considered by the Company to be safeguards in addition to the protection provided by this Agreement. Nothing contained in those procedures or in this Agreement is intended to limit the effect of the other.
 
d.    General Restrictions on Use.    During the Period of Employment, Executive shall use Proprietary Information, and shall disclose Confidential Information, only for the benefit of the Company and as is necessary to carry out his responsibilities under this Agreement. Following termination, Executive shall neither, directly or indirectly, use any Proprietary Information nor disclose any Confidential Information, except as expressly and specifically authorized in writing by the Company. The publication of any Proprietary Information through literature or speeches must be approved in advance in writing by the Company.
 
3.    Compensation.
 
In consideration of the services to be rendered under this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to the following:
 
a.    The Company shall continue to pay Executive as compensation for services a base salary at the annual rate of $301,800, or at such higher rate as the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors may determine from time to time. Such salary shall be payable in accordance with the standard payroll procedures of the Corporation. Once the Corporation’s Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has increased such salary, it thereafter shall not be reduced. The annual compensation specified in this Section 3, together with any increases in such compensation that the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors may grant from time to time, is referred to in this Agreement as “Base Compensation.”

2


 
b.    The Company (or the employing subsidiary corporation) shall review the above Base Compensation on or about June 1 of each calendar year, and may make any increase it deems appropriate. Any such increase shall be made effective as soon as may be practicable following each review.
 
c.    Executive shall be eligible to participate in all the Company’s (or the employing subsidiary corporation’s) benefit plans, and to receive perquisites of employment, as established by the Company, and as may be amended from time to time in the Company’s sole discretion at least equal to those provided to other Company officers.
 
4.    Termination of Employment
 
a.    Termination By Death.    Executive’s employment shall terminate automatically upon the death of Executive. Company shall pay to Executive’s beneficiaries or estate, as appropriate, any compensation then due and owing, and shall continue to pay Executive’s salary and benefits, through the second full month after Executive’s death. As of the date of death, all stock options available to Executive through the Term Date shall be deemed accelerated and vested, and may be exercised by the appropriate representative beneficiary of Executive’s estate. Thereafter, all obligations of Company under this Agreement shall cease. Nothing in this Section shall affect any entitlement of Executive’s heirs to the benefits of any life insurance plan or other applicable benefits.
 
b.    Termination By Disability.    If, in the sole opinion of the Company, Executive shall be prevented from properly performing his duties hereunder by reason of any physical or mental incapacity for a period of more than ninety (90) days in the aggregate in any twelve-month period, then, to the extent permitted by law, Company may terminate Executive’s employment. Company shall pay to Executive all compensation to which Executive is entitled up through the last day of the month in which the 90th day of incapacity occurs, and thereafter, all of Company’s obligations under this Agreement shall cease. Nothing in this Section shall affect Executive’s rights under any disability plan in which he is a participant.
 
c.    Termination By Company Not For Cause.    At any time, Employer may terminate the Period of Employment Not For Cause for any reason by providing Executive thirty (30) days’ advance written notice, provided that Executive shall, in addition to all compensation due and owing through the last day actually worked, receive the following:
 
(i)  The Company shall pay Executive a severance payment equal to three years of the Executive’s then current Base Compensation. The severance payment will be made in the form of salary continuation for three years (the “Severance Period”), payable on the Company’s normal payroll schedule.
 
(ii)  During the Severance Period, Executive will continue to receive other perquisites of employment that he would have received had he remained employed as the Company’s Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer.
 
(iii)  The Company shall provide Executive and his covered dependants, if any, with continuing health insurance coverage throughout the Severance Period. Upon conclusion of Severance Period, Executive is eligible to elect to convert his health insurance benefits under COBRA for a period of up to eighteen (18) months.
 
(iv)  All shares of stock granted to Executive and all unexercised options to purchase Company stock that are unvested at the time of the termination of employment shall become fully vested and exercisable.
 
(v)  The amount of any payment provided for in this Section 4.c shall not be reduced, offset or subject to recovery by the Company by reason of any compensation earned by Executive as the result

3


 
of employment by another employer during the Severance Period so long as Executive does not violate the provisions of Section 6.d below.
 
(vi)  The severance benefits described in this Section 4.c shall be conditioned upon Executive’s continued observance of the obligations described in Section 6.d throughout the Severance Period. Should Executive engage in or pursue any of the activities described in Section 6.d at any time during the Severance Period, all severance benefits described in this Section 4.c shall cease. In addition, receipt of the benefits described in this Section 4.c are contingent upon Executive executing a release of claims against the Company.
 
d.    Termination By Company For Cause.    At any time, and without prior notice, the Company may terminate Executive’s employment For Cause (as defined below). The Company shall pay Executive all compensation then due and owing; thereafter, all of the Company’s obligations under this Agreement shall cease. Termination for “Cause” shall mean termination of Executive’s employment because of Executive’s (i) involvement in fraud, misappropriation or embezzlement related to the business or property of the company; (ii) conviction for, or guilty plea to, a felony; (iii) willful material breach of this Agreement; (iv) willful and continued failure to substantially perform his duties under this Agreement, provided, however, that if such Cause is reasonably curable, the company shall not terminate Executive’s employment hereunder unless the Company first gives notice of its intention to terminate and the grounds of such termination, and the Executive has not, within thirty (30) days following receipt of this notice, cured such Cause.
 
e.    By Executive Not for Good Reason.    At any time, Executive may terminate the Period of Employment for any reason, with or without cause, by providing Employer thirty (30) days’ advance written notice. Employer shall have the option, in its complete discretion, to make termination of the Period of Employment effective at any time prior to the end of such notice period, provided Employer pays Executive all compensation due and owing through the last day actually worked, plus an amount equal to the base salary Executive would have earned through the balance of the above notice period, thereafter, all of Employer’s obligations under this Agreement shall cease.
 
f.    By Executive for Good Reason.    Executive may terminate, without liability, the Period of Employment for Good Reason (as defined below), provided Executive gives Employer ninety (90) days’ advance written notice of the reason for termination and his intent to terminate this Agreement. During this period, Employer shall have an opportunity to correct the condition constituting Good Reason. If the condition is remedied within this period, Executive’s notice to terminate shall be rescinded automatically; if not remedied, termination of the Period of Employment shall become effective upon expiration of the above notice period. In this event, Employer shall pay Executive all compensation due and owing through the last day actually worked including any accrued but unused vacation. Employer shall also have the option, in its complete discretion, to make termination effective at any time prior to the end of the notice period, provided that Employer pays Executive all compensation due and owing through the balance of the notice period (not to exceed ninety (90) days). Executive shall be entitled to exercise his right to terminate this Agreement for Good Reason only if he gives the required notice not more than sixty (60) days after the occurrence of the event that is the basis for the Good Reason. If Executive terminates the Period of Employment for Good Reason pursuant to the provisions of this Section 4.f, Executive shall receive the severance benefits described in and pursuant to the terms of subparagraph 4.c above.
 
The following shall constitute a termination by Executive for “Good Reason”: (A) without Executive’s express written consent there is an assignment to the Executive of any duties or the reduction of the Executive’s duties, either of which is materially inconsistent with Executive’s position or responsibilities with the Company in effect immediately prior to such assignment, except in connection with the termination of employment For Cause (as defined in Section 4.d above), or due to disability or death; (B) there is a reduction by the Company in the Executive’s annual salary then in effect; (C) a material reduction by the Company in the kind or level of benefits provided to Executive under any benefit plan of the Company in which the Executive is participating with the result

4


 
that Executive’s overall benefits package is significantly reduced; (D) any material breach by the Company of any material provision of this Agreement; or (E) a relocation of Executive’s principal place of employment by more than fifty (50) miles, provided and only if such change, reduction or relocation is effected by the Employer without Executive’s consent.
 
g.    Good Faith Commitment to Negotiate Transition Agreement.    Company and Executive mutually agree to negotiate in good faith with regard to a Transition Agreement, which would be offered to Executive in the event that he is replaced as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and/or Treasurer of the Company. For his part, Executive agrees that he will utilize his best efforts to assist in a smooth transition to any successor Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and/or Treasurer.
 
h.    Corporate Transaction.
 
(i)  Corporate Transaction Defined. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Corporate Transaction” shall include any of the following transactions to which the Company is a party: (A) a merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the surviving entity and securities representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of the Company’s outstanding securities are transferred to holder different from those who held such securities immediately prior to such merger; (B) the sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in liquidation or dissolution of the Company; (C) any reverse merger in which the Company is the surviving entity but in which securities representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of the Company’s outstanding securities are transferred to holder different from those who held such securities immediately prior to such merge; or (D) any cash dividend paid by the Company that, in the aggregate with all other dividends paid in any twelve month period, is greater than the combined earnings of the Company for the Company’s two fiscal years prior to such dividend payment date. In addition, a Corporate Transaction shall also include a “Change of Control” as such term is defined in the Company’s 2001 Stock Option Plan, a “Capital Change of the Company” as such term is defined in the Company’s 1997 Stock Option Plan, a “Corporate Capital Transaction” as such term is defined in the Company’s 1991 Stock Option Plan, a “Change in Control” as such term is defined in the Indenture of the Company’s Senior Notes or a “Change in Control” as such term is defined in the Company’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan.
 
(ii)  Acceleration of vesting at time of Corporate Transaction. Should a Corporate Transaction take place, all shares of stock granted to Executive and all unexercised options to purchase Company stock granted to the Executive that are unvested at the time of the Corporate Transaction shall become fully vested and exercisable.
 
(iii)  Benefits Upon Occurrence of Corporate Transaction. Upon a the occurrence of a Corporate Transaction and subject to the obligations in Section 6.d-.e below, Executive shall be entitled to the benefits described in Section 4.c above regardless of whether the Executive’s employment is terminated in connection with such Corporate Transaction. In the event the event the Executive collects benefits pursuant to this Section 4.h(iii) the Executive shall lose the right to terminate the Agreement for Good Reason.
 
5.    SECTION 280G PAYMENTS
 
a.    Gross-Up Payment.    In the event it is determined that any payment or distribution of any type to or for the benefit of the employee, pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, by the Corporation, any Person who acquires ownership or effective control of the Corporation, or ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Corporation (within the meaning of section 280G of the Code and the regulations, including proposed regulations, thereunder) or any affiliate of such Person (the “Total Payments”) would be subject to the excise tax imposed by section 4999 of the Code or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest and penalties, are collectively referred to as the “Excise Tax”), then the Employee shall be entitled to receive an additional payment (a “Gross-Up Payment”) in an amount such that, after payment by the Employee of all taxes, (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect

5


 
to such taxes), including any Excise Tax, imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, the Employee retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Total Payments.
 
b.    Determination by Accountant.    All mathematical determinations and determinations as to whether any of the Total Payments are “parachute payments” (within the meaning of section 280G of the Code and the regulations, including proposed regulations, thereunder), in each case which determinations are required to be made under Section 5, including whether a Gross-Up Payment is required, the amount of such Gross-Up Payment, shall be made by an independent accounting firm selected by the Employee from among the largest four accounting firms in the United States (the “Accounting Firm”). The Accounting Firm shall provide to the Corporation and to the Employee its determination (the “Determination”), together with detailed supporting calculations regarding the amount of any Gross-Up Payment and any other relevant matter, within ten days after the occurrence of an event which would trigger a parachute payment, or at such earlier time following such an event as is requested by the Employee (if the Employee reasonably believes that any of the Total Payments may be subject to the Excise Tax). If the Accounting Firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable by the Employee, it shall furnish the Employee with a written statement that such Accounting Firm has concluded that no Excise Tax is payable (including the reasons therefore) and that the Employee has substantial authority not to report any Excise Tax on the Employee’s federal income tax return. If a Gross-Up Payment is determined to be payable, it shall be paid to the Employee within ten days after the Determination is delivered to the Corporation or the Employee. Any determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding upon the Corporation and the Employee, absent manifest error.
 
As a result of uncertainty in the application of section 4999 of the Code at the time of the initial determination by the Accounting Firm hereunder, it is possible that Gross-Up Payments not made by the Corporation and members of the Corporation should have been made (“Underpayment”), or that Gross-Up Payments will have been made by the Corporation and members of the Corporation that should not have been made (“Overpayments”). In either such event, the Accounting Firm shall determine the amount of the Underpayment or Overpayment that has occurred. In the case of an Underpayment, the Corporation promptly shall pay, or cause to be paid, the amount of such Underpayment to or for the benefit of the Employee. In the case of an Overpayment, the Employee shall, at the direction and expense of the Corporation, take such steps as are reasonably necessary (including the filing of returns and claims for refund), follow reasonable instructions from, and procedures established by, the Corporation, and otherwise reasonably cooperate with the Corporation to correct such Overpayment; provided, however that (1) Employee shall not in any event be obligated to return to the Corporation an amount greater than the net after-tax portion of the Overpayment that he has retained or recovered as a refund from the applicable taxing authorities and (2) this provision shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with the intent of Section 5(a), which is to make the Employee whole, on an after-tax basis, from the application of the Excise Tax, it being understood that the correction of an Overpayment may result in the Employee repaying to the Corporation an amount that is less than the Overpayment.
 
6.    Termination Obligations
 
a.    Return of Company’s Property.    Executive hereby acknowledges and agrees that all personal property, including, without limitation, all books, manuals, records, reports, notes, contracts, lists, blueprints, and other documents, or materials, or copies thereof, and equipment furnished to or prepared by Executive in the course of or incident to Executive’s employment, belong to Company and shall be promptly returned to Company upon termination of Executive’s employment.
 
b.    Representations and Warranties Survive Termination of Employment.    The representations and warranties contained herein, except Executive’s obligations under Section 2.b, shall survive termination of Executive’s employment and expiration of this Agreement.

6


 
c.    Cooperation in Pending Work.    Following any termination of Executive’s employment, Executive shall fully cooperate with Company in all matters relating to the winding up of pending work on behalf of Company and the orderly transfer of work to other employees of Company. Executive shall also cooperate in the defense of any action brought by any third party against Company that relates in any way to Executive’s acts or omissions while employed by Company. If Executive’s cooperation in the defense of any such action requires more than ten (10) hours of Executive’s time, the Executive and Company shall agree on appropriate remuneration for Executive’s time and expenses.
 
d.    Noncompetition.    Executive acknowledges and agrees that during his employment with the Company, he has had access to confidential information and the activities forbidden by this subsection would necessarily involve the improper use and disclosure of this confidential information. To forestall this use or disclosure, Executive agrees that during the Severance Period described in Section 4.c, or for two years after the termination of Executive for reasons other than by Company Not for Cause, Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, (i) divert or attempt to divert from the Company (or any Affiliate) any business of any kind in which it is engaged; (ii) employ or recommend for employment any person employed by the Company (or any Affiliate); or (iii) engage in any business activity that is competitive with the Company (or any Affiliate) in any state where the Company conducts its business, unless Executive can prove that any of the above actions was done without the use of confidential information. In addition to the above restrictions on noncompetitive activity, and regardless of whether any use of confidential information is involved, Executive agrees that during the Severance Period Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, (i) solicit any customer of the Company (or any Affiliate) known to Executive (while he was employed by the Company) to have been a customer with respect to products or services competitive with products or services offered by the Company; or (ii) solicit for employment any person employed by the Company (or any Affiliate).
 
e.    Confidential Information.
 
(i)  The Executive shall never, either during the Term of the Executive’s Employment by the Company or thereafter, use or employ for any purpose or disclose to any other individual or entity any Confidential Information. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that all Confidential Information is proprietary to the Company, is extremely important to the Company’s business, and that the use by or disclosure of such Confidential Information to a Competitor could materially and adversely affect the Company, its business and its customers.
 
(ii)  For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Company” shall refer to the Company and each of its subsidiary corporations, and any other corporation or entity that is owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Company or that is under common ownership or control with the Company.
 
(iii)  For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Confidential Information” shall mean information in any form that is not generally known to the public that relates to the Company’s past, present or future operations, processes, products or services, or to any research, development, manufacture, purchasing, accounting, engineering, marketing, merchandising, advertising, selling, leasing, financing or business methods or techniques (including without limitation customer lists, records of customer services, usages and requirements, sketches and diagrams of Company or customer facilities and like and similar information relating to actual or prospective customers) that is or may be related thereto. All information disclosed to the Executive or to which the Executive obtains access during any Term of the Executive’s Employment with the Company, whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, or to which the Executive obtains access by reason of his employment by the Company, that the Executive has a reasonable basis to believe is or may be Confidential Information, shall be presumed for purposes of this Agreement to be Confidential Information.

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7.    Notices
 
All notices or other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered by hand or mailed, postage prepaid, by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, and addressed to the Company:
 
American Pacific Corporation
3770 Howard Hughes Parkway, Suite 300
Las Vegas, NV 89109
 
and to Executive at:
 
The Executive’s address as set forth on the signature page to this Agreement.
 
Executive and the Company shall be obligated to notify the other party of any change in address. Notice of change of address shall be effective only when made in accordance with this Section.
 
8.    Entire Agreement
 
This Agreement is intended to be the final, complete, and exclusive statement of the terms of Executive’s employment by The Company. Except for any stock option agreements and any other agreements evidencing a loan or trust from the Company to Executive (including but not limited to the Trust Agreement for American Pacific Corporation, Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan dated November 23, 1999, and the American Pacific Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan dated January 1, 1999), this Agreement supersedes all other prior and contemporaneous agreements and statements pertaining in any manner to the employment of Executive and it may not be contradicted by evidence of any prior or contemporaneous statements or agreements. To the extent that the practices, policies, or procedures of Company, now or in the future, apply to Executive and are inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement, the provisions of this Agreement shall control.
 
9.    Amendments, Waivers
 
This Agreement may not be modified, amended, or terminated except by an instrument in writing, signed by Executive and by a duly authorized representative of Company other than Executive. No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising any right, remedy, or power under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, or power under this Agreement preclude any other or further exercise thereof, or the exercise of any other right, remedy, or power provided herein or by law or in equity.
 
10.    Assignment; Successors and Assigns
 
Executive agrees that he will not assign, sell, transfer, delegate or otherwise dispose of, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, or by operation of law, any rights or obligations under this Agreement, nor shall Executive’s rights be subject to encumbrance or the claims of creditors. Any purported assignment, transfer, or delegation shall be null and void. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent the consolidation of the Company with, or its merger into, any other corporation, or the sale by the Company of all or substantially all of its properties or assets, or the assignment by the Company of this Agreement and the performance of its obligations hereunder to any successor in interest. In the event of a change in ownership or control of the Company, the terms of this Agreement will remain in effect and shall be binding upon any successor in interest. Notwithstanding and subject to the foregoing, this Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors, and permitted assigns, and shall not benefit any person or entity other than those enumerated above.

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11.    Severability; Enforcement
 
If any provision of this Agreement, or the application thereof to any person, place, or circumstance, shall be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, unenforceable, or void, the remainder of this Agreement and such provisions as applied to other persons, places, and circumstances shall remain in full force and effect.
 
12.    Governing Law
 
The validity, interpretation, enforceability, and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of Nevada.
 
13.    Arbitration
 
Any claim or controversy between Executive and Company or its successor arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the then current Employment Dispute Resolution Rules of the American Arbitration Association and shall be the exclusive remedy for all Arbitrable Claims. Company and Executive agree that arbitration shall be held in or near Clark County, Nevada, before an arbitrator licensed to practice law in the State of Nevada. The arbitrator shall have authority to award or grant both legal, equitable, and declaratory relief. Such arbitration shall be final and binding on the parties. The Federal Arbitration Act shall govern the interpretation and enforcement of this section pertaining to Arbitration.
 
This Agreement to arbitrate survives termination of Executive’s employment.
 
In any dispute arising under or in connection with this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover all costs and reasonable attorney’s fees.
 
14.    Acknowledgment of Parties
 
The parties acknowledge (a) that they have consulted with or have had the opportunity to consult with independent counsel of their own choice concerning this Agreement, and (b) that they have read and understand the Agreement, are fully aware of its legal effect, and have entered into it freely based on their own judgment and not on any representations or promises other than those contained in this Agreement.

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15.    Date of Agreement
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
 
“COMPANY
AMERICAN PACIFIC CORPORATION
By:
 
/s/    LINDA G. FERGUSON        

Title:
 
Vice President-Administration
 
“EXECUTIVE
/s/    DAVID N. KEYS        

David N. Keys
Address:
1824 Glenview Drive
Las Vegas, Nevada 89134
 
CONCUR:    Dated, 27 July 2002, Full Management & Compensation Committee met and unanimously approved.
 
MANAGEMENT & COMPENSATION COMMITTEE,
AMERICAN PACIFIC CORPORATION
By:
 
/s/    BERLYN D. MILLER        

   
Berlyn D. Miller, Committee Chairman

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EX-10.2 4 dex102.htm EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT DATED JANUARY 1, 2002 Employment agreement dated January 1, 2002
EXHIBIT 10.2
 
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
 
(John R. Gibson)
 
This Employment Agreement (“Agreement”), entered into effective January 1, 2002, is between American Pacific Corporation., a Delaware corporation having its principal place of business at 3770 Howard Hughes Parkway, Suite 300, Las Vegas Nevada 89109 (the “Company”), and John R. Gibson, an individual residing in Clark County, Nevada (the ”Executive”) (collectively, “the parties”).
 
RECITALS
 
1.    The Company, through its subsidiary corporations, is engaged in the manufacture of specialty chemicals, including perchlorate chemicals, sodium azide and Halotron fire suppression agents, the design and manufacture of environmental protection products and other products as may be acquired or developed over time, and real estate development.
 
2.    Executive has been employed by the Company since February 1, 1992, and is currently serving as the Company’s Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer.
 
3.    The Company desires to continue to employ Executive and to assure itself of the continued services of Executive for the term of this Agreement, and Executive desires to be employed by the Company for such period, upon the following terms and conditions.
 
AGREEMENT
 
ACCORDINGLY, the parties agree as follows:
 
1.    Period of Employment
 
a.    Basic Term.    The Company shall continue to employ Executive to render services to the Company in the position and with the duties and responsibilities described in Section 2 from the date of this Agreement through December 31, 2004 (the “Term Date”), unless Executive’s employment is terminated sooner in accordance with Section 4 below.
 
b.    Annual Renewal.    Each year the term and provisions of this Agreement shall automatically extend for a total three-year period, to and including the year in which the Executive attains age seventy (70), unless either party notifies the other in writing to the contrary at least 30 days prior to the applicable December 31 date that it, or he, does not want the term to so extend. If the Company provides such notice, the severance benefits and arrangements described in Section 4c shall apply at the end of the existing term of the Agreement. Regardless of the Term Date, this Agreement shall end on December 31 of the year in which the Executive attains age seventy (70).
 
2.    Position, Duties, Responsibilities
 
a.    Position:    Executive is employed by the Company to render services to the Company in the positions of Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer, and shall perform all services appropriate to those positions, as well as such other services as may reasonably be assigned by the Company. The duties assigned to the Executive may be, but need not be, the same duties that are presently assigned to the Executive, and may be changed from time to time. Initially, the Executive shall act as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and shall have all of the responsibilities and duties, including fiduciary duties, associated with such position. In addition, during such periods of time as the Executive serves as the Chairman of the Board, President, or other officer of the Company, the Executive’s service as an officer shall additionally be governed by the Company’s Bylaws from time to time in effect, and by the laws of the state of the Company’s incorporation. Executive shall at all times perform his duties and discharge his responsibilities under this Agreement and under applicable law diligently and conscientiously, and to the best of his ability, and shall

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direct his best efforts to further and maximize the business and interests of the Company and its shareholders, in accordance with sound business practices and applicable laws and regulations. Executive shall report to the Board of Directors of the Company.
 
b.    Other Activities.    Except upon the prior written consent of the Company, Executive will not (i) accept any other employment, or (ii) engage, directly or indirectly, in any other business activity (whether or not pursued for pecuniary advantage) that is or may be in conflict with, or that might place Executive in a conflicting position to that of, the Company. Without limitation, the Executive shall not act in any advisory or other capacity for any individual, firm, association or corporation other than the Company and its subsidiary corporations in matters in any way pertaining to any business or undertaking in any way similar to or competitive with the business or activities of the Company and its subsidiary corporations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, while the Company does not request Executive’s service on the boards of directors of other corporations, the Company does not, in principle, object to such service where Executive would have no conflict of interest with duties owed to the Company.
 
c.    Proprietary Information.    “Proprietary Information” is all information and any idea in whatever form, tangible or intangible, pertaining in any manner to the business of the Company and its subsidiary corporations, or its employees, clients, consultants, or business associates, which was produced by any employee of the Company or its subsidiary corporations, in the course of his or her employment or otherwise produced or acquired by or on behalf of the Company or its subsidiary corporations. All Proprietary Information not generally known outside of the Company’s organization, and all Proprietary Information so known only through improper means, shall be deemed “Confidential Information.” Without limiting the foregoing definition, Proprietary and Confidential Information shall include, but not be limited to: (i) formulas, teaching and development techniques, processes, trade secrets, computer programs, electronic codes, inventions, improvements, and research projects; (ii) information about costs, profits, markets, sales, and lists of customers or clients; (iii) business, marketing, and strategic plans; and (iv) employee personnel files and compensation information. Executive should consult any Company procedures instituted to identify and protect certain types of Confidential Information, which are considered by the Company to be safeguards in addition to the protection provided by this Agreement. Nothing contained in those procedures or in this Agreement is intended to limit the effect of the other.
 
d.    General Restrictions on Use.    During the Period of Employment, Executive shall use Proprietary Information, and shall disclose Confidential Information, only for the benefit of the Company and as is necessary to carry out his responsibilities under this Agreement. Following termination, Executive shall neither, directly or indirectly, use any Proprietary Information nor disclose any Confidential Information, except as expressly and specifically authorized in writing by the Company. The publication of any Proprietary Information through literature or speeches must be approved in advance in writing by the Company.
 
3.    Compensation.
 
In consideration of the services to be rendered under this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to the following:
 
a.    The Company shall continue to pay Executive as compensation for services a base salary at the annual rate of $366,800, or at such higher rate as the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors may determine from time to time. Such salary shall be payable in accordance with the standard payroll procedures of the Corporation. Once the Corporation’s Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has increased such salary, it thereafter shall not be reduced. The annual compensation specified in this Section 3, together with any increases in such compensation that the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors may grant from time to time, is referred to in this Agreement as “Base Compensation.”

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b.    The Company (or the employing subsidiary corporation) shall review the above Base Compensation on or about June 1 of each calendar year, and may make any increase it deems appropriate. Any such increase shall be made effective as soon as may be practicable following each review.
 
c.    Executive shall be eligible to participate in all the Company’s (or the employing subsidiary corporation’s) benefit plans, and to receive perquisites of employment, as established by the Company, and as may be amended from time to time in the Company’s sole discretion at least equal to those provided to other Company officers.
 
4.    Termination of Employment
 
a.    Termination By Death.    Executive’s employment shall terminate automatically upon the death of Executive. Company shall pay to Executive’s beneficiaries or estate, as appropriate, any compensation then due and owing, and shall continue to pay Executive’s salary and benefits, through the second full month after Executive’s death. As of the date of death, all stock options available to Executive through the Term Date shall be deemed accelerated and vested, and may be exercised by the appropriate representative beneficiary of Executive’s estate. Thereafter, all obligations of Company under this Agreement shall cease. Nothing in this Section shall affect any entitlement of Executive’s heirs to the benefits of any life insurance plan or other applicable benefits.
 
b.    Termination By Disability.    If, in the sole opinion of the Company, Executive shall be prevented from properly performing his duties hereunder by reason of any physical or mental incapacity for a period of more than ninety (90) days in the aggregate in any twelve-month period, then, to the extent permitted by law, Company may terminate Executive’s employment. Company shall pay to Executive all compensation to which Executive is entitled up through the last day of the month in which the 90th day of incapacity occurs, and thereafter, all of Company’s obligations under this Agreement shall cease. Nothing in this Section shall affect Executive’s rights under any disability plan in which he is a participant.
 
c.    Termination By Company Not For Cause.    At any time, Employer may terminate the Period of Employment Not For Cause for any reason by providing Executive thirty (30) days’ advance written notice, provided that Executive shall, in addition to all compensation due and owing through the last day actually worked, receive the following:
 
(i)  The Company shall pay Executive a severance payment equal to three years of the Executive’s then current Base Compensation. The severance payment will be made in the form of salary continuation for three years (the “Severance Period”), payable on the Company’s normal payroll schedule.
 
(ii)  During the Severance Period, Executive will continue to receive other perquisites of employment that he would have received had he remained employed as the Company’s Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer.
 
(iii)  The Company shall provide Executive and his covered dependants, if any, with continuing health insurance coverage throughout the Severance Period. Upon conclusion of Severance Period, Executive is eligible to elect to convert his health insurance benefits under COBRA for a period of up to eighteen (18) months.
 
(iv)  All shares of stock granted to Executive and all unexercised options to purchase Company stock that are unvested at the time of the termination of employment shall become fully vested and exercisable.
 
(v)  The amount of any payment provided for in this Section 4.c shall not be reduced, offset or subject to recovery by the Company by reason of any compensation earned by Executive as the result of

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employment by another employer during the Severance Period so long as Executive does not violate the provisions of Section 6.d below.
 
(vi)  The severance benefits described in this Section 4.c shall be conditioned upon Executive’s continued observance of the obligations described in Section 6.d throughout the Severance Period. Should Executive engage in or pursue any of the activities described in Section 6.d at any time during the Severance Period, all severance benefits described in this Section 4.c shall cease. In addition, receipt of the benefits described in this Section 4.c are contingent upon Executive executing a release of claims against the Company.
 
d.    Termination By Company For Cause.    At any time, and without prior notice, the Company may terminate Executive’s employment For Cause (as defined below). The Company shall pay Executive all compensation then due and owing; thereafter, all of the Company’s obligations under this Agreement shall cease. Termination for “Cause” shall mean termination of Executive’s employment because of Executive’s (i) involvement in fraud, misappropriation or embezzlement related to the business or property of the company; (ii) conviction for, or guilty plea to, a felony; (iii) willful material breach of this Agreement; (iv) willful and continued failure to substantially perform his duties under this Agreement, provided, however, that if such Cause is reasonably curable, the company shall not terminate Executive’s employment hereunder unless the Company first gives notice of its intention to terminate and the grounds of such termination, and the Executive has not, within thirty (30) days following receipt of this notice, cured such Cause.
 
e.    By Executive Not for Good Reason.    At any time, Executive may terminate the Period of Employment for any reason, with or without cause, by providing Employer thirty (30) days’ advance written notice. Employer shall have the option, in its complete discretion, to make termination of the Period of Employment effective at any time prior to the end of such notice period, provided Employer pays Executive all compensation due and owing through the last day actually worked, plus an amount equal to the base salary Executive would have earned through the balance of the above notice period, thereafter, all of Employer’s obligations under this Agreement shall cease.
 
f.    By Executive for Good Reason.    Executive may terminate, without liability, the Period of Employment for Good Reason (as defined below), provided Executive gives Employer ninety (90) days’ advance written notice of the reason for termination and his intent to terminate this Agreement. During this period, Employer shall have an opportunity to correct the condition constituting Good Reason. If the condition is remedied within this period, Executive’s notice to terminate shall be rescinded automatically; if not remedied, termination of the Period of Employment shall become effective upon expiration of the above notice period. In this event, Employer shall pay Executive all compensation due and owing through the last day actually worked including any accrued but unused vacation. Employer shall also have the option, in its complete discretion, to make termination effective at any time prior to the end of the notice period, provided that Employer pays Executive all compensation due and owing through the balance of the notice period (not to exceed ninety (90) days). Executive shall be entitled to exercise his right to terminate this Agreement for Good Reason only if he gives the required notice not more than sixty (60) days after the occurrence of the event that is the basis for the Good Reason. If Executive terminates the Period of Employment for Good Reason pursuant to the provisions of this Section 4.f, Executive shall receive the severance benefits described in and pursuant to the terms of subparagraph 4.c above.
 
The following shall constitute a termination by Executive for “Good Reason”: (A) without Executive’s express written consent there is an assignment to the Executive of any duties or the reduction of the Executive’s duties, either of which is materially inconsistent with Executive’s position or responsibilities with the Company in effect immediately prior to such assignment, except in connection with the termination of employment For Cause (as defined in Section 4.d above), or due to disability or death; (B) there is a reduction by the Company in the Executive’s annual salary then in effect; (C) a material reduction by the Company in the kind or level of benefits provided to Executive under any benefit plan of the Company in which the Executive is participating with the result

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that Executive’s overall benefits package is significantly reduced; (D) any material breach by the Company of any material provision of this Agreement; or (E) a relocation of Executive’s principal place of employment by more than fifty (50) miles, provided and only if such change, reduction or relocation is effected by the Employer without Executive’s consent.
 
g.    Good Faith Commitment to Negotiate Transition Agreement.    Company and Executive mutually agree to negotiate in good faith with regard to a Transition Agreement, which would be offered to Executive in the event that he is replaced as Chairman of the Board, President, and/or Chief Executive Officer of the Company. For his part, Executive agrees that he will utilize his best efforts to assist in a smooth transition to any successor Chairman of the Board, President, and/or Chief Executive Officer.
 
h.    Corporate Transaction.
 
(i)  Corporate Transaction Defined.    For purposes of this Agreement, a “Corporate Transaction” shall include any of the following transactions to which the Company is a party: (A) a merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the surviving entity and securities representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of the Company’s outstanding securities are transferred to holder different from those who held such securities immediately prior to such merger; (B) the sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in liquidation or dissolution of the Company; (C) any reverse merger in which the Company is the surviving entity but in which securities representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of the Company’s outstanding securities are transferred to holder different from those who held such securities immediately prior to such merge; or (D) any cash dividend paid by the Company that, in the aggregate with all other dividends paid in any twelve month period, is greater than the combined earnings of the Company for the Company’s two fiscal years prior to such dividend payment date. In addition, a Corporate Transaction shall also include a “Change of Control” as such term is defined in the Company’s 2001 Stock Option Plan, a “Capital Change of the Company” as such term is defined in the Company’s 1997 Stock Option Plan, a “Corporate Capital Transaction” as such term is defined in the Company’s 1991 Stock Option Plan, a “Change in Control” as such term is defined in the Indenture of the Company’s Senior Notes or a “Change in Control” as such term is defined in the Company’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan.
 
(ii)  Acceleration of vesting at time of Corporate Transaction.    Should a Corporate Transaction take place, all shares of stock granted to Executive and all unexercised options to purchase Company stock granted to the Executive that are unvested at the time of the Corporate Transaction shall become fully vested and exercisable.
 
(iii)  Benefits Upon Occurrence of Corporate Transaction.    Upon a the occurrence of a Corporate Transaction and subject to the obligations in Section 6.d-.e below, Executive shall be entitled to the benefits described in Section 4.c above regardless of whether the Executive’s employment is terminated in connection with such Corporate Transaction. In the event the event the Executive collects benefits pursuant to this Section 4.h(iii) the Executive shall lose the right to terminate the Agreement for Good Reason.
 
5.    SECTION 280G PAYMENTS
 
a.    Gross-Up Payment.    In the event it is determined that any payment or distribution of any type to or for the benefit of the employee, pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, by the Corporation, any Person who acquires ownership or effective control of the Corporation, or ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Corporation (within the meaning of section 280G of the Code and the regulations, including proposed regulations, thereunder) or any affiliate of such Person (the “Total Payments”) would be subject to the excise tax imposed by section 4999 of the Code or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest and penalties, are collectively referred to as the “Excise Tax”), then the Employee shall be entitled to receive an additional payment (a “Gross-Up Payment”) in an amount such that, after payment by the Employee of all taxes, (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect

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to such taxes), including any Excise Tax, imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, the Employee retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Total Payments.
 
b.    Determination by Accountant.    All mathematical determinations and determinations as to whether any of the Total Payments are “parachute payments” (within the meaning of section 280G of the Code and the regulations, including proposed regulations, thereunder), in each case which determinations are required to be made under Section 5, including whether a Gross-Up Payment is required, the amount of such Gross-Up Payment, shall be made by an independent accounting firm selected by the Employee from among the largest four accounting firms in the United States (the “Accounting Firm”). The Accounting Firm shall provide to the Corporation and to the Employee its determination (the “Determination”), together with detailed supporting calculations regarding the amount of any Gross-Up Payment and any other relevant matter, within ten days after the occurrence of an event which would trigger a parachute payment, or at such earlier time following such an event as is requested by the Employee (if the Employee reasonably believes that any of the Total Payments may be subject to the Excise Tax). If the Accounting Firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable by the Employee, it shall furnish the Employee with a written statement that such Accounting Firm has concluded that no Excise Tax is payable (including the reasons therefore) and that the Employee has substantial authority not to report any Excise Tax on the Employee’s federal income tax return. If a Gross-Up Payment is determined to be payable, it shall be paid to the Employee within ten days after the Determination is delivered to the Corporation or the Employee. Any determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding upon the Corporation and the Employee, absent manifest error.
 
As a result of uncertainty in the application of section 4999 of the Code at the time of the initial determination by the Accounting Firm hereunder, it is possible that Gross-Up Payments not made by the Corporation and members of the Corporation should have been made (“Underpayment”), or that Gross-Up Payments will have been made by the Corporation and members of the Corporation that should not have been made (“Overpayments”). In either such event, the Accounting Firm shall determine the amount of the Underpayment or Overpayment that has occurred. In the case of an Underpayment, the Corporation promptly shall pay, or cause to be paid, the amount of such Underpayment to or for the benefit of the Employee. In the case of an Overpayment, the Employee shall, at the direction and expense of the Corporation, take such steps as are reasonably necessary (including the filing of returns and claims for refund), follow reasonable instructions from, and procedures established by, the Corporation, and otherwise reasonably cooperate with the Corporation to correct such Overpayment; provided, however that (1) Employee shall not in any event be obligated to return to the Corporation an amount greater than the net after-tax portion of the Overpayment that he has retained or recovered as a refund from the applicable taxing authorities and (2) this provision shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with the intent of Section 5(a), which is to make the Employee whole, on an after-tax basis, from the application of the Excise Tax, it being understood that the correction of an Overpayment may result in the Employee repaying to the Corporation an amount that is less than the Overpayment.
 
6.    Termination Obligations
 
a.    Return of Company’s Property.    Executive hereby acknowledges and agrees that all personal property, including, without limitation, all books, manuals, records, reports, notes, contracts, lists, blueprints, and other documents, or materials, or copies thereof, and equipment furnished to or prepared by Executive in the course of or incident to Executive’s employment, belong to Company and shall be promptly returned to Company upon termination of Executive’s employment.
 
b.    Representations and Warranties Survive Termination of Employment.    The representations and warranties contained herein, except Executive’s obligations under Section 2.b, shall survive termination of Executive’s employment and expiration of this Agreement.

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c.    Cooperation in Pending Work.    Following any termination of Executive’s employment, Executive shall fully cooperate with Company in all matters relating to the winding up of pending work on behalf of Company and the orderly transfer of work to other employees of Company. Executive shall also cooperate in the defense of any action brought by any third party against Company that relates in any way to Executive’s acts or omissions while employed by Company. If Executive’s cooperation in the defense of any such action requires more than ten (10) hours of Executive’s time, the Executive and Company shall agree on appropriate remuneration for Executive’s time and expenses.
 
d.    Noncompetition.    Executive acknowledges and agrees that during his employment with the Company, he has had access to confidential information and the activities forbidden by this subsection would necessarily involve the improper use and disclosure of this confidential information. To forestall this use or disclosure, Executive agrees that during the Severance Period described in Section 4.c, or for two years after the termination of Executive for reasons other than by Company Not for Cause, Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, (i) divert or attempt to divert from the Company (or any Affiliate) any business of any kind in which it is engaged; (ii) employ or recommend for employment any person employed by the Company (or any Affiliate); or (iii) engage in any business activity that is competitive with the Company (or any Affiliate) in any state where the Company conducts its business, unless Executive can prove that any of the above actions was done without the use of confidential information. In addition to the above restrictions on noncompetitive activity, and regardless of whether any use of confidential information is involved, Executive agrees that during the Severance Period Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, (i) solicit any customer of the Company (or any Affiliate) known to Executive (while he was employed by the Company) to have been a customer with respect to products or services competitive with products or services offered by the Company; or (ii) solicit for employment any person employed by the Company (or any Affiliate).
 
e.    Confidential Information.
 
(i)  The Executive shall never, either during the Term of the Executive’s Employment by the Company or thereafter, use or employ for any purpose or disclose to any other individual or entity any Confidential Information. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that all Confidential Information is proprietary to the Company, is extremely important to the Company’s business, and that the use by or disclosure of such Confidential Information to a Competitor could materially and adversely affect the Company, its business and its customers.
 
(ii)  For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Company” shall refer to the Company and each of its subsidiary corporations, and any other corporation or entity that is owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Company or that is under common ownership or control with the Company.
 
(iii)  For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Confidential Information” shall mean information in any form that is not generally known to the public that relates to the Company’s past, present or future operations, processes, products or services, or to any research, development, manufacture, purchasing, accounting, engineering, marketing, merchandising, advertising, selling, leasing, financing or business methods or techniques (including without limitation customer lists, records of customer services, usages and requirements, sketches and diagrams of Company or customer facilities and like and similar information relating to actual or prospective customers) that is or may be related thereto. All information disclosed to the Executive or to which the Executive obtains access during any Term of the Executive’s Employment with the Company, whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, or to which the Executive obtains access by reason of his employment by the Company, that the Executive has a reasonable basis to believe is or may be Confidential Information, shall be presumed for purposes of this Agreement to be Confidential Information.

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7.    Notices
 
All notices or other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered by hand or mailed, postage prepaid, by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, and addressed to the Company:
 
American Pacific Corporation
3770 Howard Hughes Parkway, Suite 300
Las Vegas, NV 89109
 
and to Executive at:
 
The Executive’s address as set forth on the signature page to this Agreement.
 
Executive and the Company shall be obligated to notify the other party of any change in address. Notice of change of address shall be effective only when made in accordance with this Section.
 
8.    Entire Agreement
 
This Agreement is intended to be the final, complete, and exclusive statement of the terms of Executive’s employment by The Company. Except for any stock option agreements and any other agreements evidencing a loan or trust from the Company to Executive (including but not limited to the Trust Agreement for American Pacific Corporation, Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan dated November 23, 1999, and the American Pacific Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan dated January 1, 1999), this Agreement supersedes all other prior and contemporaneous agreements and statements pertaining in any manner to the employment of Executive and it may not be contradicted by evidence of any prior or contemporaneous statements or agreements. To the extent that the practices, policies, or procedures of Company, now or in the future, apply to Executive and are inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement, the provisions of this Agreement shall control.
 
9.    Amendments, Waivers
 
This Agreement may not be modified, amended, or terminated except by an instrument in writing, signed by Executive and by a duly authorized representative of Company other than Executive. No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising any right, remedy, or power under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, or power under this Agreement preclude any other or further exercise thereof, or the exercise of any other right, remedy, or power provided herein or by law or in equity.
 
10.    Assignment; Successors and Assigns
 
Executive agrees that he will not assign, sell, transfer, delegate or otherwise dispose of, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, or by operation of law, any rights or obligations under this Agreement, nor shall Executive’s rights be subject to encumbrance or the claims of creditors. Any purported assignment, transfer, or delegation shall be null and void. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent the consolidation of the Company with, or its merger into, any other corporation, or the sale by the Company of all or substantially all of its properties or assets, or the assignment by the Company of this Agreement and the performance of its obligations hereunder to any successor in interest. In the event of a change in ownership or control of the Company, the terms of this Agreement will remain in effect and shall be binding upon any successor in interest. Notwithstanding and subject to the foregoing, this Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors, and permitted assigns, and shall not benefit any person or entity other than those enumerated above.

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11.    Severability; Enforcement
 
If any provision of this Agreement, or the application thereof to any person, place, or circumstance, shall be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, unenforceable, or void, the remainder of this Agreement and such provisions as applied to other persons, places, and circumstances shall remain in full force and effect.
 
12.    Governing Law
 
The validity, interpretation, enforceability, and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of Nevada.
 
13.    Arbitration
 
Any claim or controversy between Executive and Company or its successor arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the then current Employment Dispute Resolution Rules of the American Arbitration Association and shall be the exclusive remedy for all Arbitrable Claims. Company and Executive agree that arbitration shall be held in or near Clark County, Nevada, before an arbitrator licensed to practice law in the State of Nevada. The arbitrator shall have authority to award or grant both legal, equitable, and declaratory relief. Such arbitration shall be final and binding on the parties. The Federal Arbitration Act shall govern the interpretation and enforcement of this section pertaining to Arbitration.
 
This Agreement to arbitrate survives termination of Executive’s employment.
 
In any dispute arising under or in connection with this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover all costs and reasonable attorney’s fees.
 
14.    Acknowledgment of Parties
 
The parties acknowledge (a) that they have consulted with or have had the opportunity to consult with independent counsel of their own choice concerning this Agreement, and (b) that they have read and understand the Agreement, are fully aware of its legal effect, and have entered into it freely based on their own judgment and not on any representations or promises other than those contained in this Agreement.

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15.    Date of Agreement
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
 
“Company”
American Pacific Corporation
By:
 
/s/    LINDA G. FERGUSON        

   
Vice President—Administration
“Executive”
   
/s/    JOHN R. GIBSON        

   
John R. Gibson
Address:
 
7409 Doe Avenue
Las Vegas, Nevada 89117
 
CONCUR: Dated, 27 July 2002, Full Management & Compensation Committee met and unanimously approved.
 
Management & Compensation Committee,
American Pacific Corporation
By:
 
/s/    BERLYN D. MILLER        

   
Berlyn D. Miller
Committee Chairman

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EX-21 5 dex21.htm SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT Subsidiaries of the Registrant
EXHIBIT 21
 
SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
 
Subsidiaries of the Registrant

  
Location of Incorporation
or Organization

  
Percent
Ownership

American Azide Corporation
  
Nevada
  
100%
American Pacific Corporation
  
Nevada
  
100%
AMPAC Farms, Inc.
  
Nevada
  
100%
Energetic Additives Company, LLC
  
Nevada
  
100%
 
EX-23 6 dex23.htm CONSENT OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
EXHIBIT 23
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ CONSENT
 
We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No. 333-62566 on Form S-8, Registration Statement No. 333-53449 on Form S-8, Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement No. 33-52196 on Form S-3, Registration Statement No. 33-52898 on Form S-8 and Registration Statement No. 333-49883 on Form S-4 of American Pacific Corporation of our report dated November 15, 2002 appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of American Pacific Corporation for the year ended September 30, 2002.
 
/s/    Deloitte & Touche LLP
 
Las Vegas, Nevada
 
November 18, 2002
 
EX-99.1 7 dex991.htm CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER Certification of Principal Executive Officer
EXHIBIT 99.1
 
CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER
 
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. §1350)
 
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. §1350), the undersigned, John R. Gibson, Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer of American Pacific Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), does hereby certify, to his knowledge, that:
 
The Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2002 of the Company (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
/s/    JOHN R. GIBSON        

John R. Gibson
Chairman of the Board of Directors,
President & Chief Executive Officer
November 19, 2002
EX-99.2 8 dex992.htm CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER Certification of Principal Financial Officer
EXHIBIT 99.2
 
CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER
 
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. §1350)
 
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. §1350), the undersigned, David N. Keys, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer of American Pacific Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), does hereby certify, to his knowledge, that:
 
The Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2002 of the Company (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
/s/    DAVID N. KEYS

David N. Keys
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer
November 19, 2002
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