-----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, R+Mr/XeAgyhArDe4SaZzlCEk4Rh0HYE5CO7J6D5Z1lxbpZEH1T3wzp4WDaXXLjnI DX36ldJalPFvRzaWws9a4w== 0001193125-08-222991.txt : 20081103 0001193125-08-222991.hdr.sgml : 20081103 20081103165238 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-08-222991 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-Q PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 5 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20080930 FILED AS OF DATE: 20081103 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20081103 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: LYDALL INC /DE/ CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000060977 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: TEXTILE MILL PRODUCTS [2200] IRS NUMBER: 060865505 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-07665 FILM NUMBER: 081158096 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE COLONIAL RD STREET 2: P O BOX 151 CITY: MANCHESTER STATE: CT ZIP: 06045-0151 BUSINESS PHONE: 2036461233 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: COLONIAL BOARD CO DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19700115 10-Q 1 d10q.htm FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2008 For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form 10-Q

 

 

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from              to

Commission File Number: 1-7665

 

 

LYDALL, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   06-0865505
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

One Colonial Road, Manchester, Connecticut   06042
(Address of principal executive offices)   (zip code)

(860) 646-1233

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

None

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

 

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 whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  ¨        Accelerated filer  x        Non-accelerated filer  ¨        Smaller reporting company  ¨

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Common stock $.10 par value per share.

  

Total Shares outstanding October 22, 2008

   16,653,794

 

 

 


Table of Contents

LYDALL, INC.

INDEX

 

               Page
Number

Part I.

   Financial Information   
   Item 1.    Financial Statements   
      Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations    3
      Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets    5
      Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows    6
      Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements    7
   Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    18
   Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk    31
   Item 4.    Controls and Procedures    31
Part II.    Other Information   
   Item 1.    Legal Proceedings    31
   Item 1A.    Risk Factors    32
   Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    32
   Item 6.    Exhibits    33
Signature    34
Exhibit Index    35

 

2


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

LYDALL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In Thousands Except Per Share Data)

 

     Quarter Ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007  
     (Unaudited)  

Net sales

   $ 71,110     $ 77,276  

Cost of sales

     56,234       60,643  
                

Gross margin

     14,876       16,633  

Selling, product development and administrative expenses

     11,839       12,817  
                

Operating income

     3,037       3,816  

Interest expense

     108       131  

Other income, net

     (84 )     (76 )
                

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

     3,013       3,761  

Income tax expense

     1,283       2,050  
                

Income from continuing operations

     1,730       1,711  

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

     935       179  
                

Net income

   $ 2,665     $ 1,890  
                

Basic earnings per share:

    

Continuing operations

   $ .10     $ .10  

Discontinued operations

   $ .06     $ .01  

Net income

   $ .16     $ .12  

Diluted earnings per share:

    

Continuing operations

   $ .10     $ .10  

Discontinued operations

   $ .06     $ .01  

Net income

   $ .16     $ .11  

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:

    

Basic

     16,483       16,354  

Diluted

     16,651       16,447  

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

3


Table of Contents

LYDALL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In Thousands Except Per Share Data)

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007  
     (Unaudited)  

Net sales

   $ 244,963     $ 239,380  

Cost of sales

     190,068       186,534  
                

Gross margin

     54,895       52,846  

Selling, product development and administrative expenses

     42,308       41,656  
                

Operating income

     12,587       11,190  

Interest expense

     352       352  

Other income, net

     (263 )     (48 )
                

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

     12,498       10,886  

Income tax expense

     4,792       4,693  
                

Income from continuing operations

     7,706       6,193  

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

     1,052       494  
                

Net income

   $ 8,758     $ 6,687  
                

Basic earnings per share:

    

Continuing operations

   $ .47     $ .38  

Discontinued operations

   $ .06     $ .03  

Net income

   $ .53     $ .41  

Diluted earnings per share:

    

Continuing operations

   $ .46     $ .38  

Discontinued operations

   $ .06     $ .03  

Net income

   $ .53     $ .41  

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:

    

Basic

     16,443       16,267  

Diluted

     16,575       16,488  

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

4


Table of Contents

LYDALL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In Thousands)

 

     September 30,
2008
    December 31,
2007
 
     (Unaudited)  
ASSETS     

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 28,281     $ 15,716  

Accounts receivable, net

     42,673       49,539  

Inventories, net

     39,041       37,181  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net

     5,249       7,542  
                

Total current assets

     115,244       109,978  

Property, plant and equipment, at cost

     237,586       234,611  

Accumulated depreciation

     (135,691 )     (127,279 )
                

Net, property, plant and equipment

     101,895       107,332  

Goodwill

     30,884       30,884  

Other assets, net

     11,026       10,390  
                

Total assets

   $ 259,049     $ 258,584  
                
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY     

Current liabilities:

    

Current portion of long-term debt

   $ 1,450     $ 1,452  

Accounts payable

     22,968       27,586  

Accrued payroll and other compensation

     8,129       7,450  

Accrued taxes

     2,420       1,712  

Other accrued liabilities

     6,104       8,272  
                

Total current liabilities

     41,071       46,472  

Long-term debt

     7,055       8,377  

Deferred tax liabilities

     16,740       16,354  

Pension and other long-term liabilities

     5,581       6,928  

Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)

    

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Preferred stock

     —         —    

Common stock

     2,308       2,301  

Capital in excess of par value

     51,750       50,105  

Retained earnings

     197,454       188,696  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     1,991       4,252  

Treasury stock, at cost

     (64,901 )     (64,901 )
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     188,602       180,453  
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 259,049     $ 258,584  
                

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

5


Table of Contents

LYDALL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In Thousands)

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007  
     (Unaudited)  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 8,758     $ 6,687  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:

    

Gain from discontinued operations, net of tax

     (860 )     —    

Depreciation and amortization

     11,760       11,411  

Deferred income taxes

     2,300       2,069  

Stock based compensation

     662       762  

Loss on disposition of property, plant and equipment

     137       226  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable

     3,671       (6,301 )

Inventories

     (2,397 )     (1,920 )

Accounts payable

     (3,187 )     1,062  

Accrued payroll and other compensation

     904       (1,847 )

Other, net

     (3,058 )     (1,926 )
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     18,690       10,223  
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Proceeds from sale of operation, net

     2,772       —    

Capital expenditures

     (8,136 )     (8,780 )
                

Net cash used for investing activities

     (5,364 )     (8,780 )
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Debt proceeds

     —         31,249  

Debt repayments

     (1,053 )     (32,133 )

Common stock issued

     1,045       2,448  
                

Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities

     (8 )     1,564  
                

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     (753 )     333  
                

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

     12,565       3,340  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     15,716       6,402  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 28,281     $ 9,742  
                

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

6


Table of Contents

LYDALL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Basis of Financial Statement Presentation

Lydall designs and manufactures specialty engineered automotive thermal and acoustical barriers, filtration media, industrial thermal insulating solutions, temperature-control equipment, medical filtration media and devices and biopharmaceutical processing components for demanding thermal/acoustical, filtration/separation and biopharmaceutical applications.

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Lydall, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company” or the “Registrant”). All financial information is unaudited for the interim periods reported. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in the condensed consolidated financial statements. The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the same accounting principles followed in the preparation of the Company’s annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007. The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet was derived from the December 31, 2007 audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Management believes that all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments necessary to fairly present the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods reported, have been included. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

On September 19, 2008, the Company sold its wholly owned subsidiary, Lydall Transport, Ltd. (“Transport”). The Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 have been reclassified to reflect Transport as a discontinued operation for all periods presented.

2. Risks and Uncertainties

For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, approximately 54% of the Company’s consolidated net sales were to the automotive market, included in the Thermal/Acoustical segment. Specifically in the United States, the Company’s North American automotive business (“NA Auto”) has been significantly impacted by a downturn in the U.S. economy resulting in less consumer demand for automobiles. While NA Auto has remained profitable in 2008, lower automobile production in the U.S. has caused net sales and operating income for NA Auto to be lower by approximately 23% and 60%, respectively, as compared to the same period of 2007. A large amount of NA Auto business is to domestic automakers that are reporting financial losses, announcing facility closures and other restructuring actions. The Company has significant accounts receivable from these automakers at any point in time. Should an automaker file bankruptcy or not be able to pay the Company the amounts owed as they become due, or at all, results of operations and cash flows of the Company could be adversely affected. NA Auto has approximately $12.2 million of goodwill on their balance sheet as of September 30, 2008. In light of the current market conditions, and the expected continued reductions in net sales and operating income through 2009, the Company performed at September 30, 2008 an assessment to determine if the carrying amount of NA Auto’s net assets were recoverable from estimated future cash flows. As of September 30, 2008, the Company does not believe an impairment exists. The calculation of future cash flows includes management estimates and assumptions that are based on the best available information as of the date of the assessment. The Company will continue to monitor the North American automotive market and the financial conditions of the Company’s customers. Should factors indicate that NA Auto cash flow will not meet the Company’s expectations, then an impairment charge may be recorded in a future period.

The Company’s Affinity® temperature control equipment business (“Affinity”) reported an operating loss of $1.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and an operating loss of $1.0 million in fiscal 2007. The loss in 2007 was primarily caused by excessive manufacturing and warranty costs due to operational issues in the first half of 2007. Many of these operational issues were resolved in the second half of 2007, which resulted in the Affinity business reporting operating income of approximately $0.4 million over the last two quarters of 2007. Throughout 2008, the Affinity® business has been severely impacted by

 

7


Table of Contents

a slow-down in capital equipment spending in the semiconductor industry. Net sales were lower in the first nine months of 2008 by $3.6 million, or approximately 23%, as compared to the same period of 2007. As a result, the Company has incurred an operating loss in 2008. The Company expects capital equipment spending in the semiconductor industry to improve in 2009, but still below 2007 levels. The Affinity business has goodwill of $4.2 million on their balance sheet as of September 30, 2008. Due to the operating losses reported by the Affinity business and the continued negative market conditions expected in the near-term, the Company performed at September 30, 2008 an assessment to determine if the carrying amount of Affinity’s net assets was recoverable from estimated future cash flows. As of September 30, 2008, the Company does not believe an impairment exists. The calculation of future cash flows includes management estimates and assumptions that are based on the best available information as of the date of the assessment. Included in management’s assumptions was the expectation that while the financial results of the Affinity business are expected to improve in 2009, in comparison to 2008, negative market conditions are expected to continue, thereby preventing a significant improvement in cash flows in 2009. Management expects capital equipment spending in the semiconductor industry to improve in 2010 and thereafter, and in turn, management expects this to result in improved cash flow for the Affinity business in 2010 and future years. The Company will continue to monitor the performance of the Affinity business in relation to trends of capital equipment spending in the semiconductor market. Should factors indicate that the Affinity business cash flow will not meet the Company’s expectations, then an impairment charge may be recorded in a future period.

As noted above, the calculation of future cash flows was based on the best available information as of the date of the assessments. Future cash flows can be affected by numerous factors including changes in economic, industry or market conditions, changes in the underlying business or products of the reporting unit, changes in competition and changes in technology. Any changes in key assumptions about the business and its prospects, changes in any of the factors discussed above or other factors could affect the fair value of one or more of the reporting units resulting in an impairment charge. Such a charge could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s reported financial condition and results of operations. Although no goodwill impairment has been recorded to date, there can be no assurance that a future impairment of goodwill will not occur.

Subsequent to September 30, 2008, the fair value of the Company’s common stock declined to a value significantly less than the carrying value of the Company’s net assets. The Company is currently monitoring the markets that it serves, including the financial stability of certain major customers, as well as the market price of the Company’s stock. Going forward, an analysis of these and other relevant factors could result in an impairment charge related to the Company’s long-lived assets, including goodwill.

3. Inventories

Inventories, net of valuation reserves, as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 were as follows:

 

In thousands

   September 30,
2008
    December 31,
2007
 

Raw materials

   $ 16,393     $ 14,469  

Work in process

     11,956       12,891  

Finished goods

     11,834       9,990  
                
     40,183       37,350  

Less: Progress billings

     (1,142 )     (169 )
                

Total inventories

   $ 39,041     $ 37,181  
                

Raw materials, work in process and finished goods inventories were net of valuation reserves of $2.2 million and $2.0 million as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. Progress billings relate to tooling inventory, which is included in work in process inventory in the above table. Total tooling inventories, net of progress billings and valuation reserves, were $4.7 million and $6.9 million at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.

 

8


Table of Contents

4. Earnings Per Share

Basic and diluted earnings per common share are calculated in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 128, “Earnings per Share.” Basic earnings per common share are equal to net income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share are equal to net income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, including the effect of stock options and stock awards, where such effect is dilutive.

The following table provides a reconciliation of weighted-average shares used to determine basic and diluted earnings per share.

 

      Quarter Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,

In thousands

   2008    2007    2008    2007

Basic average common shares outstanding

   16,483    16,354    16,443    16,267

Effect of dilutive options and restricted stock awards

   168    93    132    221
                   

Diluted average common shares outstanding

   16,651    16,447    16,575    16,488
                   

Options to purchase approximately 37,000 shares and 200,000 shares of common stock were excluded from the quarter ended computation of diluted earnings per share for September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Options to purchase approximately 37,000 shares and 100,000 shares of common stock were excluded from the nine months ended computations of diluted earnings per share for September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. These options were excluded because the exercise price was greater than the average market price of the Company’s common stock.

5. Restructuring and Related Costs

On September 23, 2008, the Company announced that it will be closing its St. Johnsbury, Vermont manufacturing facility, impacting approximately 190 employees and consolidating its North American automotive parts production into its Hamptonville, North Carolina operation. Due to the current downturn in the U.S. automotive market, the Company’s two North American automotive plants have been running at less than optimal capacity. Consolidating the Company’s North American automotive operations in North Carolina is expected to reduce operating costs significantly, increase efficiency, and enhance the Company’s competitive position. The Company plans to begin the transfer of equipment and production in the fourth quarter of 2008 and to complete the consolidation by the end of 2009. Beginning in the latter part of 2009, the Company expects to start to benefit from reduced fixed overhead and selling, product development and administrative expenses as a result of the consolidation. On an annualized basis, the Company expects to save approximately $3.5 million in costs as a result of this consolidation with approximately 85% of the savings impacting gross margins and the remainder reducing selling, product development and administrative expenses. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

The Company expects to record pre-tax charges of approximately $7.5 million to $8.0 million, or approximately $.28 to $.30 per diluted share, over the period of consolidation including pre-tax charges of approximately $1.6 million, or $.06 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2008. Cash expenditures are expected to be in the range of $6.5 million to $7.0 million. Cash payments are primarily expected to occur evenly over the first three quarters of 2009. The Company recorded income tax charges of approximately $0.1 million in the third quarter of 2008 related to establishing a valuation reserve on certain deferred tax assets that are not expected to be realized in the State of Vermont due to the closing of the facility. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

 

9


Table of Contents

6. Discontinued Operations

The Board of Directors and management concluded that the transport business was no longer consistent with the Company’s strategic direction. The sale of the transport business frees up both management time and capital resources for its core businesses.

On September 19, 2008, the Company sold its wholly-owned subsidiary, Lydall Transport, Ltd (“Transport”) for $3.6 million in cash. Transport had operated the Company’s transport, distribution and warehousing businesses that specialized in time-sensitive shipments and warehouse management services primarily serving the paper and printing industries. The cash received is subject to a post-closing balance sheet adjustment based upon the net working capital of Transport as of the closing date. Based on the current projections, a receivable of $0.6 million was recorded at September 30, 2008 for the projected increase to the purchase price. The Company recorded a gain on disposal, net of income taxes, of $0.9 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2008. The Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements have been reclassified to reflect Transport as a discontinued operation for all periods presented.

The following table is a summary of the results of the discontinued operation:

 

     Quarter Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,

In thousands

   2008    2007    2008    2007

Net Sales

   $ 4,288    $ 4,291    $ 13,621    $ 13,656
                           

Income before income taxes

     120      286      307      790

Income tax expense

     45      107      115      296
                           

Income from discontinued operations

     75      179      192      494
                           

Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax

     860      —        860      —  
                           

Total discontinued operations, net of tax

   $ 935    $ 179    $ 1,052    $ 494
                           

The above table includes the results of operations and gain on sale of the Transport business through the closing date of the sale on September 19, 2008.

7. Equity Compensation Plans

The Company has stock-based compensation plans under which incentive and non-qualified stock options and restricted shares may be granted to employees and outside directors from authorized but unissued shares of common stock or treasury shares. Options issued by the Company under its stock option plans have a term of ten years and generally vest ratably over a period of four years. Restricted stock grants are expensed over the vesting period of the award, which is typically four years. Stock options issued under the current plan must have an exercise price that may not be less than the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.

The Company recognizes expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the entire award. Stock-based compensation expense includes the estimated effects of forfeitures, and estimates of forfeitures are adjusted over the requisite service period to the extent actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ, from such estimates. The effects of changes in estimated forfeitures are recognized in the period of change and also impact the amount of expense to be recognized in future periods. The Company estimates the fair value of option grants based on the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Expected volatility and expected term are based on historical information. The Company has determined that its future volatility and expected term are not likely to differ from the Company’s historical stock price volatility and historical exercise data, respectively.

 

10


Table of Contents

The Company incurred compensation expense of $0.2 million and $0.3 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively, and compensation expense of $0.7 million and $0.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively, for all stock-based compensation plans, including restricted stock awards.

Stock Options

The following table is a summary of option activity of the Company’s plans during the nine months ended September 30, 2008:

 

In thousands except per share amounts

   Shares     Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
   Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
(years)
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

Outstanding at December 31, 2007

   921     $ 10.12      

Granted

   42     $ 11.72      

Exercised

   (83 )   $ 9.62      

Forfeited/Cancelled

   (98 )   $ 10.62      
              

Outstanding at September 30, 2008

   782     $ 10.20    5.7    $ 315
                        

Options exercisable at September 30, 2008

   496     $ 10.26    4.1    $ 177
                        

There were 10,000 options granted during the quarter ended September 30, 2008 and there were no options granted in the third quarter of 2007. There were 41,544 and 15,148 options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the quarter ended September 30, 2008 was $0.1 million and the amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options was $0.1 million. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $0.3 million and the amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options was $0.8 million. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the quarter ended September 30, 2007 and the amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options were minimal. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $0.9 million and the amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options was $2.1 million. At September 30, 2008, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock option awards was approximately $1.1 million, with a weighted average expected amortization period of 2.5 years.

The fair value of each option granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions for the nine months ended:

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007  

Risk-free interest rate

   4.74 %   4.52 %

Expected life

   5.8 years     6.5 years  

Expected volatility

   44 %   43 %

Expected dividend yield

   0 %   0 %

 

11


Table of Contents

Restricted Stock

At September 30, 2008, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock awards was approximately $1.1 million, with a weighted average expected amortization period of 2.8 years. The following is a summary of the status of the Company’s non-vested restricted shares as of September 30, 2008:

 

In thousands except per share amounts

   Shares     Weighted-
Average

Grant-
Date
Fair
Value

Non-vested at December 31, 2007

   180     $ 10.20

Granted

   5       12.75

Vested

   (4 )     10.87

Forfeited

   (18 )     10.25
        

Non-vested at September 30, 2008

   163     $ 10.26

8. Employer Sponsored Benefit Plans

As of September 30, 2008, the Company maintains three defined benefit pension plans (“pension plans”) that cover the majority of domestic Lydall employees. The pension plans are noncontributory and benefits are based on either years of service or eligible compensation paid while a participant is in a plan. Lydall closed its non-union pension plans to new employees hired after December 31, 2005 and, effective June 30, 2006, benefits under these pension plans stopped accruing for all eligible employees not covered under a collective bargaining agreement. Concurrently, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the Company’s matching cash contribution to the Company’s 401(k) plan.

The Company’s funding policy is to fund not less than the ERISA minimum funding standard and not more than the maximum amount that can be deducted for federal income tax purposes. The Company expects to contribute approximately $0.8 million in cash to its defined benefit pension plans in 2008. Contributions of $0.2 million were made during the third quarter of 2008 and $0.5 million of contributions were made during the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Contributions of $0.3 million were made during the third quarter of 2007 and $2.0 million of contributions were made during the nine months ended September 30, 2007. As a result of losses experienced in global equity markets, the Company’s pension funds are likely to have a negative return for 2008, which in turn would create increased pension costs and funding requirements in 2009.

The following is a summary of the components of net periodic benefit cost for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007:

 

     Quarter Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 

In thousands

   2008     2007     2008     2007  

Components of net periodic benefit cost:

        

Service cost

   $ 21     $ 21     $ 67     $ 69  

Interest cost

     639       535       1,921       1,791  

Expected return on assets

     (786 )     (797 )     (2,360 )     (2,305 )

Amortization of actuarial loss and prior service cost

     45       63       136       187  
                                

Net periodic benefit (income) expense

   $ (81 )   $ (178 )   $ (236 )   $ (258 )
                                

9. Income Taxes

The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return, as well as returns required by various state and foreign jurisdictions. In the normal course of business the Company is subject to examination by taxing authorities, including such jurisdictions as the United States, France and Germany. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations for years before 2003. The Company adopted the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” (FIN 48) on January 1, 2007. This Interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”.

 

12


Table of Contents

As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, the Company recognized a $0.3 million increase in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits, which was accounted for as a reduction to the January 1, 2007 balance of retained earnings. As of September 30, 2008, the net amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $1.2 million. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate is $1.2 million. There have been no significant changes to these amounts during the quarter or nine months ended September 30, 2008.

10. Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive (loss) income for the periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was as follows:

 

     Quarter Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 

In thousands

   2008     2007     2008     2007  

Net income

   $ 2,665     $ 1,890     $ 8,758     $ 6,687  

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income:

        

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     (7,541 )     2,966       (2,471 )     4,303  

Pension liability adjustment, net of tax

     50       358       108       435  

Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of tax

     103       (53 )     102       (52 )
                                

Total comprehensive (loss) income

   $ (4,723 )   $ 5,161     $ 6,497     $ 11,373  
                                

11. Fair Value Measurements

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (FAS 157). This Statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This Statement was effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2008, except that FSP 157-2 delayed the effective date of FAS 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis, until fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.

The Company adopted FAS 157 on January 1, 2008, with the exception of the application of the Statement to non-recurring nonfinancial assets and liabilities measured at fair value which include: (i) goodwill impairment testing, (ii) initial measurement of the fair value of asset retirement obligations and (iii) measurement of impairment of long-lived assets.

The following table provides the assets carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2008:

 

          Fair Value measurements at September 30, 2008 Using

In thousands

   Total Carrying
Value at

September 30,
2008
   Quoted prices
In active markets
(Level 1)
   Significant
other
observable
inputs

(Level 2)
   Significant
unobservable

inputs
(Level 3)

Forward exchange contracts

   $ 53    $ —      $ 53    $ —  

Derivative valuations are based on observable inputs to a valuation model including interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates and are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

 

13


Table of Contents

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Liabilities, including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115”, (FAS 159). This Statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. The Company adopted FAS 159 on January 1, 2008 and elected not to measure any additional financial instruments and other items at fair value. The adoption did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows during the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2008.

12. Segment Information

On September 19, 2008, the Company sold its wholly-owned subsidiary, Lydall Transport, Ltd (See Note 6). This operation had been included within Other Products and Services (“OPS”). Transport had operated the Company’s transport, distribution and warehousing businesses that specialized in time-sensitive shipments and warehouse management services primarily serving the paper and printing industries. As a result of the sale, the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements have been reclassified to reflect Transport as a discontinued operation and the following segment information excludes Transport’s net sales and operating income for all periods presented.

Effective the first quarter of 2008, changes were made to the Company’s internal organizational structure, including the basis upon which management makes operating decisions and assesses performance. Consequently, the Company was required to modify its reportable segments. The Company’s reportable segments are now Thermal/Acoustical and Performance Materials. The Thermal/Acoustical segment reports the results of the Company’s automotive businesses. The Performance Materials segment reports results of the filtration businesses and the industrial thermal insulation business (formerly the passive thermal business and specialty products). All other businesses are aggregated in OPS. OPS is comprised of the Company’s vital fluids business and Affinity® temperature control equipment business (formerly the active thermal business). The Company also changed allocations of corporate office overhead to certain businesses. The Company has restated the corresponding segment information for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2007 to reflect changes made to segments in the first quarter of 2008.

Thermal/Acoustical Segment

The Thermal/Acoustical segment primarily provides automotive thermal and acoustical barriers, including ZeroClearance®, AMS®, dB-Lyte® , dBCore® and LyTherm® products, which are comprised of organic and inorganic fiber composites, fiber and metal combinations and all metal components that are used in cars, trucks, sport utility vehicles and vans. The Company holds patents on several of these products that can be employed on both the interior and exterior of vehicle passenger cabins and within the engine compartment and around such components as exhaust systems, fuel systems, heat and air-conditioning ducts, power trains, batteries and electronic components.

Performance Materials Segment

The Performance Materials Segment includes filtration media solutions for air, fluid power, industrial and life science applications and industrial thermal insulation solutions for building products, appliances, and energy and industrial markets.

Lydall air filtration products include LydAir®MG (Micro-Glass), LydAir®MB (Melt Blown) and LydAir®SC (Synthetic Composite) media. These products constitute the critical media component of clean-air systems for applications in clean-space, commercial, industrial and residential HVAC, power generation, industrial processes and protection/respiratory devices. Lydall has leveraged its extensive technical expertise and applications knowledge into a suite of media products covering the vast liquid filtration landscape across the Engine & Industrial and Life Science fields. The LyPore® and activated carbon containing ActiPure® media series address a variety of application needs including hydraulic filters, air-water & air-oil coalescing, industrial fluid processes, diesel filtration, biopharmaceutical pre-filtration and clarification, diagnostic tests, and drinking water filtration.

The Company’s industrial thermal insulation business develops unique high performance non-woven veils, papers, mats and specialty composites for the building products, appliance, and energy and Industrial markets. The Manniglas® brand is diverse in its product application ranging from high temperature seals and gaskets in ovens and ranges to specialty veils for HVAC and cavity wall insulation. Apply™ Mat has been

 

14


Table of Contents

developed to expand Lydall’s high temperature technology portfolio for broad application into the appliance market and supplements the Lytherm™ product brand, traditionally utilized in the Industrial market for kilns and furnaces used in metal processing. CryoTherm®, a super insulation product, is an industry standard used by manufacturers of cryogenic equipment for liquid gas storage and transportation.

Other Products and Services

The components of Other Products and Services (OPS) are Lydall’s vital fluids business and Affinity® temperature control equipment business, formerly called the active thermal business.

The Company’s vital fluids business serves the life science industry offering specialty products for blood transfusion and cell therapy applications as well as Bio-Pak® single-use bioprocessing containers for containment of media, buffers and bulk intermediates used in Biotech, Pharmaceutical and Diagnostic reagent manufacturing processes. Additionally, its medical filter materials products are utilized in traditional blood filtration devices such as cardiotomy reservoirs and autotransfusion filters.

Lydall’s Affinity® temperature control equipment business designs and manufactures high precision, specialty engineered temperature-control equipment for demanding semiconductor, pharmaceutical, life sciences and industrial applications.

The table below presents net sales and operating income by segment for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 and also a reconciliation of total segment net sales and operating income to total consolidated net sales and operating income.

 

     Quarter Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 

In thousands

   2008     2007     2008     2007  

Thermal/Acoustical:

        

Automotive parts

   $ 31,890     $ 36,796     $ 116,045     $ 120,034  

Automotive tooling

     3,877       3,889       16,004       12,664  
                                

Thermal/Acoustical Segment net sales

   $ 35,767     $ 40,685     $ 132,049     $ 132,698  

Performance Materials:

        

Filtration

   $ 18,284     $ 17,731     $ 57,103     $ 51,352  

Industrial Thermal Insulation

     9,833       9,027       31,987       29,770  
                                

Performance Materials Segment net sales

   $ 28,117     $ 26,758     $ 89,090     $ 81,122  

Other Products and Services:

        

Vital Fluids

   $ 4,137     $ 3,497     $ 12,518     $ 10,911  

Affinity® temperature control equipment

     3,376       6,651       12,284       15,924  
                                

Other Products and Services net sales

   $ 7,513     $ 10,148     $ 24,802     $ 26,835  

Eliminations and Other

     (287 )     (315 )     (978 )     (1,275 )
                                

Consolidated Net Sales

   $ 71,110     $ 77,276     $ 244,963     $ 239,380  
                                
Operating income by segment was as follows:         
     Quarter Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 

In thousands

   2008     2007     2008     2007  

Thermal/Acoustical

   $ 844     $ 3,253     $ 8,364     $ 11,891  

Performance Materials

     4,525       3,707       14,001       12,044  

Other Products and Services

     (32 )     350       (600 )     (864 )

Corporate Office Expenses

     (2,300 )     (3,494 )     (9,178 )     (11,881 )
                                

Consolidated Operating Income

   $ 3,037     $ 3,816     $ 12,587     $ 11,190  
                                

 

15


Table of Contents

13. Commitments and Contingencies

On January 25, 2008, a suit was filed against the Company in the Connecticut Superior Court by a former employee. The complaint alleges that the Company breached the former employee’s employment agreement and stock option agreements and that the Company owes the employee approximately $0.8 million, plus any compensatory and punitive damages awarded by the Court. No reserve has been recorded as of September 30, 2008 related to this lawsuit as the Company believes that this suit is without merit and intends to defend it vigorously.

On February 22, 2008, the same former employee filed a lawsuit in Delaware Chancery Court seeking further indemnification and advancement from the Company in the amount of $0.9 million. The amount sought was for income taxes that he was expecting to incur as a result of payments made by the Company in 2007, related to prior litigation discussed in previous filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Management concluded that it was probable that a loss was incurred by the Company as of December 31, 2007. The Company recorded expense of approximately $0.9 million in the quarter ended December 31, 2007 related to this matter. On April 11, 2008, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with the former employee and paid $1.0 million, of which $0.9 million was expensed in prior periods, in settlement of the above indemnification matter.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company recorded expense of $0.3 million related to these matters.

In connection with the sale of the Transport business, Lydall will engage Transport and its subsidiaries to perform substantially the same freight hauling services it performed for the Company prior to the sale, for a period of three years from the date of closing. Lydall guarantees minimum payments to Transport under the Lydall Services Agreement of $1.2 million for each year of the three year term.

14. Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (FAS 157). This Statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This Statement applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. FAS 157 defines fair value based upon an exit price model. A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell an asset or transfer a liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability, or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. This Statement was effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2008, except that FSP 157-2 delayed the effective date of SFAS 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis, until fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company adopted FAS 157 on January 1, 2008 (See Note 11 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements), with the exception of the application of the Statement to non-recurring nonfinancial assets and liabilities measured at fair value which include: (i) goodwill impairment testing, (ii) initial measurement of the fair value of asset retirement obligations and (iii) measurement of impairment of long-lived assets. The implementation of FAS 157 did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows during the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2008, and is not expected to have a material effect on the Company upon full adoption in future periods.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R, “Business Combinations” (FAS 141R). FAS 141R amends FAS 141 and provides revised guidance requiring the acquirer to recognize and measure, at fair value on the acquisition date, identifiable assets and goodwill acquired, liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree. Transaction and restructuring costs generally will be expensed as incurred. The Statement also provides disclosure requirements to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. FAS 141R is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008 and will be applied prospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this Statement.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) No. 51” (FAS 160). FAS 160 requires

 

16


Table of Contents

that ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent, and the amount of consolidated net income, be clearly identified, labeled, and presented in the consolidated financial statements. It also requires once a subsidiary is deconsolidated, any retained noncontrolling equity investment in the former subsidiary be initially measured at fair value. Sufficient disclosures are required to clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. It is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008 and requires retroactive adoption of the presentation and disclosure requirements for existing minority interests. All other requirements shall be applied prospectively. The adoption of FAS 160 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities-an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (FAS 161). FAS 161 is intended to improve financial reporting about derivative instruments and hedging activities by requiring disclosure of the fair values of derivative instruments and their gains and losses in a tabular format. It also provides more information about an entity’s liquidity by requiring disclosure of derivative features that are credit risk-related and finally, it requires cross-referencing within footnotes. It is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after November 15, 2008. The adoption of FAS 161 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (FAS 162). This statement documents the hierarchy of the various sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in preparing financial statements. FAS 162 shall be effective 60 days following the Securities and Exchange Commission’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411, “The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles”. The adoption of FAS 162 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

17


Table of Contents
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Cautionary Note Concerning Factors That May Affect Future Results

In the interest of more meaningful disclosure, Lydall and its management make statements regarding the future outlook of the Company, which constitute “forward-looking statements” under the securities laws. These forward-looking statements are intended to provide management’s current expectations for the future operating and financial performance of the Company, based on assumptions and estimates currently believed to be valid. Forward-looking statements are included under the “Overview and Outlook” section of this Item and elsewhere within this report and are generally identified through the use of language such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “plans,” “projects,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “targets,” “forecasts” and other words of similar meaning in connection with the discussion of future operating or financial performance. All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements.

Some of the factors that might cause such a difference include risks and uncertainties which are detailed in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Cautionary Note Concerning Factors That May Affect Future Results” and “Risk Factors” sections of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, as well as in footnote No. 2 of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. Such risks include, among others: a major downturn of the automotive markets, which accounted for approximately 54% of Lydall’s 2008 year-to-date net sales, pricing for automotive products and dependence on large customers, including significant amounts of accounts receivable from automakers outstanding at any point in time. Other factors including: unforeseen changes in raw material pricing and supply, specifically, aluminum and other metals used in most of the Company’s heat-shield products and various fibers used in thermal/acoustical and performance materials products, increases in energy pricing, inherent risks at international operations, including fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, expansion into new geographic regions, the timing and performance of new-product introductions, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, outcomes of legal contingencies and strategic transactions, including restructurings, can impact Lydall’s projected results.

Lydall does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement made in this report or that may from time to time be made by or on behalf of the Company.

Effective the first quarter of 2008, changes were made to the Company’s internal organizational structure, including the basis upon which management makes operating decisions and assesses performance. Consequently, the Company was required to modify its reportable segments. The Company’s reportable segments are now Thermal/Acoustical and Performance Materials. The Thermal/Acoustical segment reports the results of the Company’s automotive businesses. The Performance Materials segment reports results of the filtration businesses and the industrial thermal insulation business, formerly the passive thermal business and specialty products. All other businesses are aggregated in Other Products and Services (“OPS”). OPS is comprised of the Company’s vital fluids business and Affinity® temperature control equipment business, formerly the active thermal business. The Company also changed allocations of corporate office overhead to certain businesses. The Company has restated the corresponding segment information for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2007 to reflect changes made to segments in 2008.

Overview and Outlook

Lydall designs and manufactures specialty engineered automotive thermal and acoustical barriers, filtration media, industrial thermal insulating solutions, temperature-control equipment, medical filtration media and devices and biopharmaceutical processing components for demanding thermal/acoustical, filtration/separation and biopharmaceutical applications. Lydall’s businesses are in markets that present growth opportunities and the Company expects the businesses to grow over the long term, primarily through the introduction of new products, expansion of share in existing markets and penetration of new markets. The Company continually assesses its businesses and explores its core markets for suitable strategic acquisitions, joint ventures, alliances and licensing agreements to supplement growth.

 

18


Table of Contents

As many of Lydall’s operations do business on a worldwide basis, Lydall’s results can be impacted by global, regional and industry economic and political factors. The Company currently is being significantly impacted by weakness in the U.S. economy. Less demand for automobiles by consumers has resulted in lower production of automobiles by automakers in the U.S. According to CSM Worldwide, an automotive market forecasting service provided to suppliers, in the third quarter and first nine months of 2008, production of cars and light trucks by North American OEM’s was lower by approximately 15% and 13%, respectively, as compared to the comparable periods of 2007. Lower automobile production by North American OEM’s is expected to continue in the fourth quarter of 2008 when compared to production levels in the comparable period of 2007. As a result, the Company expects lower net sales and lower profitability from the Company’s North American automotive operations in the fourth quarter of 2008 when compared to the fourth quarter of 2007. The Company expects lower automobile production by North American OEM’s to continue in 2009, when compared to production levels in comparable periods of 2007. Also, certain automakers have indicated that they may increase the number of parts that they source from lower cost countries in the future, which could negatively impact the Company going forward. In addition, the Company has significant accounts receivable from automakers at any point in time. Should an automaker not be able to pay the Company the amounts owed as they become due, or at all, results of operations and cash flows of the Company could be adversely affected.

In the third quarter of 2008, net sales of automotive parts by the Company’s European operations, net of foreign currency translation, were flat as compared to the corresponding quarter of the prior year. However, the Company has begun to see European automakers reducing their production of automobiles due to concerns over consumer demand for automobiles in the European markets that the Company serves. The Company expects net sales and operating income in the fourth quarter of 2008 for the European automotive operations to be below the results reported in the comparable period of 2007.

The Company continues to be negatively impacted by the slow-down in the construction of new home and commercial buildings markets that began in 2007. Specifically, the Company’s insulation building products and appliance businesses, included in the Performance Materials segment, reported a reduction in net sales of $0.7 million in the third quarter of 2008, as compared to the third quarter of 2007. This trend is expected to continue during the remainder of 2008 and likely into 2009. In addition, net sales of the Company’s Affinity® temperature control equipment have been negatively impacted by a slow-down in 2008 of capital equipment spending in the semiconductor industry. This trend is also expected to continue during the remainder of 2008 and likely into 2009.

The Company has also been negatively impacted by increased raw material commodity pricing and energy costs. Specifically, costs of aluminum, used in most of the Company’s heat-shield automotive products and various fibers used in a number of the Company’s automotive and performance materials products. The Company continues to focus its efforts on mitigating the impact of higher raw material and energy costs to the extent possible through cost savings and operational efficiency gains, as well as passing commodity and energy cost increases to our customers. Further significant increases in raw material commodity and/or energy prices could continue to negatively impact the Company, to the extent the Company is not able to mitigate the cost increases through operational efficiency gains or increased prices.

The Company currently receives approximately 40% of its revenue from its foreign operations denominated in Euros. Therefore, Lydall’s reported results of operations and financial condition are subject to changes in the exchange relationship between the U.S. dollar and the Euro, which are beyond the control of the Company. The Company’s foreign and domestic operations limit foreign currency exchange transaction risk by completing transactions in functional currencies whenever practical or through the use of foreign currency forward exchange contracts when deemed appropriate. If the Company is not able to successfully hedge its currency exposure, changes in the rate of exchange between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar may materially impact the Company’s results of operations and cash flow.

Thermal/Acoustical Segment

Due to lower consumer demand for automobiles in North America, the Company continues to be impacted by actions taken by certain domestic automakers, which include: (i) early termination of various automotive platforms, (ii) delays in launches of new automobile platforms, and (iii) lower production on current platforms. As a result of the above actions, automotive parts net sales by the Company’s North American operations decreased by $6.1 million and $13.9 million in the quarter and nine months ended September 30,

 

19


Table of Contents

2008, as compared to the same periods of 2007. The Company expects the downturn in the North American automotive market to continue to negatively impact net sales and profitability in the near-term.

As a result of the significant downturn in the North American automotive market, the Company announced on September 23, 2008 that it will be closing its St. Johnsbury, Vermont manufacturing facility and consolidating its North American automotive parts production into its Hamptonville, North Carolina operation. Consolidating the Company’s North American automotive operations in North Carolina is expected to reduce operating costs significantly, increase efficiency, and enhance the Company’s flexibility and competitive position. Beginning in the latter part of 2009, the Company expects to benefit from reduced fixed overhead and selling, product development and administrative expenses as a result of the consolidation. The Company plans to begin the transfer of equipment and production in the fourth quarter of 2008 and to complete the consolidation by the end of 2009. On an annualized basis, the Company expects to save approximately $3.5 million in costs as a result of this consolidation with approximately 85% of the savings impacting gross margins and the remainder reducing selling, product development and administrative expenses. Actual results could differ from the above estimates.

The Company expects to record pre-tax charges of approximately $7.5 million to $8.0 million, or approximately $.28 to $.30 per diluted share, over the period of consolidation, including pre-tax charges of approximately $1.6 million, or $.06 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2008. Cash expenditures are expected to be in the range of $6.5 million to $7.0 million. Cash payments are primarily expected to occur evenly over the first three quarters of 2009. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Performance Materials Segment

The Company continues to work with customers to deliver value-added products for their specific needs to differentiate its products from competitors. The segment reported an increase in net sales of $0.7 million, net of foreign currency translation, during the third quarter of 2008, as compared to the same quarter of 2007. Net sales of energy and industrial products increased by $1.5 million in the current quarter due to the continued strong demand in the electrical and cryogenic markets. However, net sales of building and appliance insulation products decreased by $0.7 million as compared to the third quarter of 2007 as the Company continues to be impacted by the slow-down in the construction of new home and commercial buildings markets.

Other Products and Services

On September 19, 2008, the Company sold its wholly-owned subsidiary, Lydall Transport, Ltd (“Transport”) for $3.6 million in cash. Transport operated the Company’s transport, distribution and warehousing businesses that specialized in time-sensitive shipments and warehouse management services primarily serving the paper and printing industries. The cash received is subject to a post-closing balance sheet adjustment based upon the net working capital, as shown on the final closing balance sheet of Transport. Based on the projected closing balance sheet, a receivable of $0.6 million was recorded at September 30, 2008 for the projected increase to the purchase price. The Company recorded a gain on disposal, net of income taxes, of $0.9 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2008. The Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements have been reclassified to reflect Transport as a discontinued operation for all periods presented.

The Board of Directors and management concluded that Transport was no longer consistent with the Company’s strategic direction. The sale of the transport business frees up both management time and capital resources for its core businesses.

 

20


Table of Contents

Results of Continuing Operations

The following table presents selected statement of operations line items for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2008 on a comparative basis with the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2007 expressed as a relative percentage of consolidated net sales:

 

    Quarter Ended     Nine Months Ended  

In thousands

  September 30, 2008     September 30, 2007     September 30, 2008     September 30, 2007  

Net sales

  100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %

Cost of sales

  79.1 %   78.5 %   77.6 %   77.9 %

Gross margin

  20.9 %   21.5 %   22.4 %   22.1 %

Selling, product development and administrative expenses

  16.6 %   16.6 %   17.3 %   17.4 %

Operating income from continuing operations

  4.3 %   4.9 %   5.1 %   4.7 %

Net Income

  3.7 %   2.4 %   3.6 %   2.8 %

Note: All of the following tabular comparisons, unless otherwise indicated, are for the three month periods ended September 30, 2008 (Q3-08) and September 30, 2007 (Q3-07) and for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 (YTD-08) and September 30, 2007 (YTD-07). In addition, all of the results of operations within this Item exclude the results of the Transport business.

Net Sales

 

     Quarter Ended    Percent
Change
    Nine Months Ended    Percent
Change
 

In thousands

   Q3-08    Q3-07      YTD-08    YTD-07   

Net sales

   $ 71,110    $ 77,276    (8.0 )%   $ 244,963    $ 239,380    2.3 %

Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, net sales for the current quarter decreased by $8.4 million, or 10.8%, when compared to the third quarter of 2007. In the Thermal/Acoustical segment, net sales decreased by $6.4 million, excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, as automotive parts net sales decreased by $6.2 million and tooling net sales declined by $0.2 million. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, Performance Materials segment net sales increased by $0.7 million, or 2.6%, in the third quarter of 2008, as compared to the third quarter of 2007. Increased net sales of energy and industrial insulation products of $1.5 million were partially offset by lower net sales of building and appliance insulation products aggregating $0.7 million. Net sales of Other Products and Services (“OPS”) in the third quarter of 2008 decreased by $2.6 million, or 26.0%, as compared to the same quarter a year ago. The Affinity® temperature control equipment business posted decreased net sales of $3.3 million, partially offset by higher net sales from the Company’s vital fluids business of $0.7 million compared to the third quarter of 2007. The decrease in Affinity® temperature control equipment net sales during the current quarter was attributable to a slow-down in capital equipment spending in the semiconductor industry that has impacted the Company throughout 2008.

Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 decreased by $5.8 million, or 2.4%, when compared to the first nine months of 2007. In the Thermal/Acoustical segment, net sales decreased by $9.0 million, excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, as automotive parts net sales decreased by $10.9 million, partially offset by higher tooling net sales of $1.9 million. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, Performance Materials segment net sales increased by $4.9 million, or 6.1%, in the first nine months of 2008, as compared to the same

 

21


Table of Contents

period of 2007. Increased net sales of filtration products of $2.7 million and energy and industrial insulation products of $3.1 million were partially offset by lower net sales of building and appliance insulation products of $0.9 million that serve the construction market. Year-to-date net sales of OPS decreased by $2.0 million compared to the first nine months of 2007. Net sales from the Company’s vital fluids business increased by $1.6 million in the first nine months of 2008, which was offset by lower net sales from the Company’s Affinity® temperature control equipment business of $3.6 million. The decrease in Affinity® temperature control equipment net sales was attributable to a slow-down in capital equipment spending in the semiconductor industry.

Gross Margin

 

     Quarter Ended     Percent
Change
    Nine Months Ended     Percent
Change
 

In thousands

   Q3-08     Q3-07       YTD-08     YTD-07    

Gross margin

   $ 14,876     $ 16,633     (10.6 %)   $ 54,895     $ 52,846     3.9 %

Percentage of sales

     20.9 %     21.5 %       22.4 %     22.1 %  

The decrease in gross margin percentage by 60 basis points in the third quarter of 2008, as compared to the same period a year ago, was caused by lower gross margin percentage from the Company’s Thermal/Acoustical segment, partially offset by improved gross margin percentage from the Performance Materials segment and OPS. A significant decrease in net sales from the Company’s North American automotive operations and increases in raw material costs at the Company’s European automotive operations, resulted in the reduction in Thermal/Acoustical segment gross margin percentage. This reduction decreased the Company’s overall gross margin percentage by approximately 200 basis points in the third quarter of 2008 as compared to the same quarter of 2007. Gross margin percentage from the Company’s Performance Materials segment increased the Company’s overall gross margin percentage by approximately 100 basis points in the current quarter, compared to the last year’s third quarter, due to higher net sales from volume and price increases, as well as product mix. The increase in OPS gross margin percentage was from the Company’s vital fluids business, which increased the Company’s overall gross margin percentage by approximately 40 basis points.

The increase in gross margin percentage by 30 basis points for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was caused equally by improved gross margin percentage from the Company’s Performance Materials segment and Other Products and Services. Higher net sales in the Performance Materials segment, as well as improved absorption of fixed costs, contributed to an increase in the Company’s overall gross margin percentage in the first nine months of 2008, as compared to the comparable period of last year. Partially offsetting this increase was higher raw material and energy costs during 2008, as compared to 2007, that negatively impacted gross margin as a percentage of net sales. Gross margin percentage from the Company’s Thermal/Acoustical segment decreased the Company’s overall gross margin percentage by nearly 90 basis points in the first nine months of 2008 verses 2007 primarily due to lower net sales, higher raw material costs and increased severance related charges.

Selling, Product Development and Administrative Expenses

 

    Quarter Ended     Percent
Change
    Nine Months Ended     Percent
Change
 

In thousands

  Q3-08     Q3-07       YTD-08     YTD-07    

Selling, product development and administrative expenses

  $ 11,839     $ 12,817     (7.6 %)   $ 42,308     $ 41,656     1.6 %

Percentage of sales

    16.6 %     16.6 %       17.3 %     17.4 %  

Selling, product development and administrative expenses were 16.6% of net sales for the third quarters ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, selling, product development and administrative expenses decreased by $1.2 million, in the current quarter as compared to the third quarter of 2007, primarily due to decreases in incentive compensation expense of $0.5 million, litigation expense of $0.2 million and sales commission expense of $0.2 million. The lower incentive compensation and sales commission expenses were due to lower sales and profitability in the third quarter of 2008 as compared to the third quarter of 2007.

 

22


Table of Contents

Selling, product development and administrative expenses were 17.3% of net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared with 17.4% of net sales for the same period of 2007. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, selling, product development and administrative expenses decreased by $0.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to the same period in 2007. Contributing to this reduction was lower corporate office litigation expense of $1.0 million, partially offset by higher severance related charges of $0.6 million. Lower corporate office litigation expense was primarily related to a matter with a former employee that significantly impacted the Company in the first nine months of 2007. Higher severance related charges were primarily related to actions taken to realign management in the global automotive business and reducing the workforce at certain operations as a result of lower production requirements.

Interest Expense

 

     Quarter Ended     Percent
Change
    Nine Months Ended     Percent
Change

In thousands

   Q3-08     Q3-07       YTD-08     YTD-07    

Interest expense

   $ 108     $ 131     (17.6 )%   $ 352     $ 352     —  

Weighted average interest rate

     5.2 %     5.2 %       5.2 %     5.3 %  

The reduction in interest expense for the quarter ended September 30, 2008, as compared to the same quarter from 2007, was primarily due to lower average debt levels.

Other Income/Expense

Other income and expense for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 consisted of insignificant activity related to foreign exchange transaction gains and losses and investment income.

Income Taxes

The effective tax rate from continuing operations for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 was 42.6% compared with 54.5% for the third quarter of 2007. The effective tax rate from continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was 38.3% compared with 43.1% for the same period of 2007. The third quarter of 2008 includes an increase in a valuation reserve of $0.1 million against a state net operating loss carry forward deferred tax asset in Vermont. This deferred tax asset will not be realized as a result of the consolidation of the North American automotive operations and closing of the St. Johnsbury, Vermont facility in 2009. During the third quarter of 2007, the Company recorded incremental income tax charges of $0.6 million, or $.04 per diluted share due to enacted changes in statutory tax rates in Germany that went into effect on January 1, 2008. This charge was to adjust deferred taxes to reflect the reduced tax rate at which these deferred tax benefits were expected to be realized. For 2008, the Company expects its effective tax rate to be approximately 37.5% to 38.5% from continuing operations.

As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, the Company recognized a $0.3 million increase in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits, which was accounted for as a reduction to the January 1, 2007, balance of retained earnings. As of September 30, 2008, the net amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $1.2 million. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate is $1.2 million. There have been no significant changes to these amounts during the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2008.

 

23


Table of Contents

Segment Results

The following table presents sales information for the key product and service groups included within each operating segment for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared with the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2007:

 

In thousands

   Quarter Ended
September 30, 2008
    Quarter Ended
September 30, 2007
    Dollar
Change
    Percentage
Change
 

Thermal/Acoustical:

        

Automotive parts

   $ 31,890     $ 36,796     $ (4,906 )   (13.3 )%

Automotive tooling

     3,877       3,889       (12 )   (0.3 )%
                          

Thermal/Acoustical Segment net sales

   $ 35,767     $ 40,685     $ (4,918 )   (12.1 )%

Performance Materials:

        

Filtration

   $ 18,284     $ 17,731     $ 553     3.1 %

Industrial thermal insulation

     9,833       9,027       806     8.9 %
                          

Performance Materials Segment net sales

   $ 28,117     $ 26,758     $ 1,359     5.1 %

Other Products and Services:

        

Vital Fluids

   $ 4,137     $ 3,497     $ 640     18.3 %

Affinity® temperature control equipment

     3,376       6,651       (3,275 )   (49.2 )%
                          

Other Products and Services net sales

   $ 7,513     $ 10,148     $ (2,635 )   (26.0 )%

Eliminations and Other

     (287 )     (315 )     28     8.9 %
                          

Consolidated Net Sales

   $ 71,110     $ 77,276     $ (6,166 )   (8.0 )%
                          

 

In thousands

   Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2008
    Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2007
    Dollar
Change
    Percentage
Change
 

Thermal/Acoustical:

        

Automotive parts

   $ 116,045     $ 120,034     $ (3,989 )   (3.3 )%

Automotive tooling

     16,004       12,664       3,340     26.4 %
                          

Thermal/Acoustical Segment net sales

   $ 132,049     $ 132,698     $ (649 )   (0.5 )%

Performance Materials:

        

Filtration

   $ 57,103     $ 51,352     $ 5,751     11.2 %

Industrial thermal insulation

     31,987       29,770       2,217     7.4 %
                          

Performance Materials Segment net sales

   $ 89,090     $ 81,122     $ 7,968     9.8 %

Other Products and Services:

        

Vital Fluids

   $ 12,518     $ 10,911     $ 1,607     14.7 %

Affinity® temperature control equipment

     12,284       15,924       (3,640 )   (22.9 )%
                          

Other Products and Services net sales

   $ 24,802     $ 26,835     $ (2,033 )   (7.6 )%

Eliminations and Other

     (978 )     (1,275 )     297     23.3 %
                          

Consolidated Net Sales

   $ 244,963     $ 239,380     $ 5,583     2.3 %
                          

Operating income by segment was as follows:

 

     Quarter Ended
September 30, 2008
    Quarter Ended
September 30, 2007
             

In thousands

   Operating
Income
    Operating
Margin %
    Operating
Income
    Operating
Margin %
    Dollar
Change
    Percentage
Change
 

Thermal/Acoustical

   $ 844     2.4 %   $ 3,253     8.0 %   $ (2,409 )   (74.1 )%

Performance Materials

     4,525     16.1 %     3,707     13.9 %     818     22.1 %

Other Products and Services

     (32 )   (0.4 )%     350     3.4 %     (382 )   (109.1 )%

Corporate Office Expenses

     (2,300 )   —         (3,494 )   —         1,194     34.2 %
                              

Consolidated Operating Income

   $ 3,037     4.3 %   $ 3,816     4.9 %   $ (779 )   (20.4 )%
                              

 

24


Table of Contents
     Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2008
    Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2007
             

In thousands

   Operating
Income
    Operating
Margin %
    Operating
Income
    Operating
Margin %
    Dollar
Change
    Percentage
Change
 

Thermal/Acoustical

   $ 8,364     6.3 %   $ 11,891     9.0 %   $ (3,527 )   (29.7 )%

Performance Materials

     14,001     15.7 %     12,044     14.8 %     1,957     16.2 %

Other Products and Services

     (600 )   (2.4 )%     (864 )   (3.2 )%     264     30.6 %

Corporate Office Expenses

     (9,178 )   —         (11,881 )   —         2,703     22.8 %
                              

Consolidated Operating Income

   $ 12,587     5.1 %   $ 11,190     4.7 %   $ 1,397     12.5 %
                              

Thermal/Acoustical

Thermal/Acoustical Segment net sales decreased to $35.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 compared with $40.7 million for the same period of 2007. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, net sales decreased in the current quarter by $6.4 million when compared to the same period a year ago. Automotive parts net sales decreased by $6.2 million and tooling net sales declined by $0.2 million. Automotive parts net sales in Europe were essentially flat, net of foreign currency translation, while parts net sales in North America were lower by $6.1 million in the third quarter of 2008, as compared to the third quarter a year ago. Due to weakness in the U.S. economy and lower consumer demand for automobiles, North American parts net sales were adversely impacted by domestic automakers early termination of various automotive platforms, delays in launches of new automobile platforms and lower production on current platforms.

For the current quarter, excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, operating income for the segment decreased by $2.4 million compared with the third quarter of 2007. A significant decrease in net sales from the Company’s North American automotive operations combined with lower gross margin as a percent of net sales due to increases in raw material costs at the Company’s European automotive operations, contributed to the Thermal/Acoustical segment reduction in operating income.

Segment net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 were essentially flat with the same period of 2007. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, segment net sales decreased by $9.0 million in 2008 when compared to 2007. Automotive parts net sales decreased by $10.9 million in the first nine months of 2008, as compared to the same period a year ago, partially offset by higher tooling net sales of $1.9 million. Automotive parts net sales in Europe increased by $3.0 million, net of foreign currency translation, while parts net sales in North America were lower by $13.9 million in the first nine months of 2008, as compared to the same period a year ago. Increased European parts net sales were due to increased volumes on new platforms as well as a short-term replacement part opportunity in the first quarter of 2008. Due to a weakness in the U.S. economy and lower consumer demand for automobiles, North American parts net sales were adversely impacted by domestic automakers early termination of various automotive platforms, delays in launches of new automobile platforms and lower production on current platforms. The increase in tooling net sales was due to the completion of tooling for future automobile platforms in Europe.

Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, year-to-date operating income for the segment decreased by $4.2 million compared with the first nine months of 2007. Lower parts net sales and a reduction in gross margin percentage due to higher raw material costs contributed to the decrease in operating income in the first nine months of 2008, as compared to the same period of 2007. In addition, net of foreign currency translation, selling, product development and administrative expenses increased by $0.4 million in the first nine months of 2008, as compared to the first nine months of 2007. This increase was primarily attributable to higher severance related charges of $0.6 million related to realigning management in the global automotive business as well as reductions in workforce at certain operations as a result of lower production requirements.

 

25


Table of Contents

Performance Materials

Performance Materials segment net sales were $28.1 million in the current quarter compared with $26.8 million in the same period last year. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, segment net sales increased by $0.7 million, or 2.6%, in the current quarter. Net sales of energy and industrial products increased by $1.5 million in the current quarter due to a continued strong demand in the electrical and cryogenic markets. However, net sales of building and appliance insulation products decreased by $0.7 million in the current quarter, as compared to the third quarter of 2007, as the Company continues to be impacted by the slow-down in the construction of new home and commercial buildings markets. Net sales of filtration media were essentially flat in the current quarter, net of foreign currency, when compared to the third quarter of 2007.

Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, operating income for the segment increased by $0.7 million in the third quarter of 2008 compared with the third quarter of 2007. Higher net sales and improved gross margin percentage as a percentage of net sales by approximately 100 basis points due to volume and price increases, product mix, as well as cost savings generated from operational efficiency improvements, contributed to the increase in operating income in the third quarter of 2008.

Segment net sales were $89.1 million in the first nine months of 2008 compared with $81.1 million in the same period last year. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, segment net sales increased by $4.9 million, or 6.1%, in the first nine months of 2008 as compared to the same period of 2007. This increase was primarily related to higher net sales of filtration media of $2.7 million, net of foreign currency translation, to customers who supply filtration products to clean room manufacturers in Asia. Net sales of industrial thermal insulation products increased by $2.2 million in the first nine months of 2008, as a result of increased energy and industrial products net sales of $3.1 million partially offset by lower building and appliance insulation products net sales of $0.9 million, as compared to the first nine months of 2007. Net sales for energy and industrial products increased due to strong demand in the electrical markets as well as increased net sales to manufacturers of cryogenic equipment for liquid gas storage and transportation. Due to the slow-down in the new home and commercial buildings construction markets in the U.S., the Company’s net sales of building and appliance insulation products decreased during the first nine months of 2008 as compared to the same period of 2007.

Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, operating income for the segment increased by $1.5 million, or 12.8%, for the first nine months of 2008 compared with the same period of 2007. Operating income was positively impacted by higher net sales and improved gross margin as a percentage of net sales by approximately 50 basis points. This gross margin improvement was primarily due to operational efficiency improvements and product mix. Reducing operating income was increased selling, product development and administrative expenses of $0.8 million, net of foreign currency translation, primarily related to higher salaries and incentive compensation expense and product development expenses.

Other Products and Services

The decrease in OPS net sales of $2.6 million in the third quarter of 2008, compared to the same quarter of 2007, was due to decreased volumes of net sales from the Company’s Affinity® business of $3.3 million, partially offset by higher vital fluids business net sales of $0.7 million. The decrease in Affinity® temperature control equipment net sales during the current quarter was attributable to a slow-down in capital equipment spending in the semiconductor industry that has impacted the Company throughout 2008. The increase in vital fluids’ products net sales was attributable to increased volumes of blood transfusion and blood filtration product net sales.

OPS was breakeven for the third quarter of 2008, compared to operating income of $0.4 million for the third quarter 2007. The Affinity® business reported an operating loss of $0.5 million in the third quarter of 2008, due to lower net sales, compared to operating income of $0.3 million in the third quarter of 2007. The third quarter of 2008 operating loss at Affinity® was offset by operating income reported by the vital fluids business due to higher net sales and improved gross margin as a percentage of net sales due to operational efficiency improvements.

 

26


Table of Contents

The decrease in OPS net sales of $2.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to the same period of 2007, was due to decreased volumes of net sales from the Company’s Affinity® temperature control equipment business of $3.6 million, partially offset by higher vital fluids business net sales of $1.6 million The decrease in Affinity® temperature control equipment net sales was attributable to a slow-down in capital equipment spending in the semiconductor industry. The greater vital fluids’ products net sales were attributable to increases in volumes of blood transfusion and blood filtration product net sales.

Operating loss from OPS was $0.6 million for the first nine months 2008, compared to an operating loss of $0.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The Affinity® business reported an operating loss of $1.5 million in the first nine months of 2008, due to lower net sales, compared to an operating loss of $1.4 million in the comparable period of 2007. Operating income for the vital fluids business improved by $0.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2008, as compared to the same period a year ago, due to higher net sales and gross margin as a percent of net sales due to operational efficiency improvements.

Corporate Office Expenses

Corporate office expenses were $2.3 million in the third quarter of 2008, compared to $3.5 million for the third quarter of 2007. This decrease was primarily due to lower incentive compensation expense of $0.5 million and lower salaries and benefits expense of $0.4 million. The reduction in incentive compensation expense was due to lower operating income in the third quarter of 2008 impacting the amount of year-to-date earned incentive compensation under the Company’s bonus program. Reductions in personnel contributed to lower salaries and benefits expense in the current quarter as compared to the same quarter of 2007.

Corporate office expenses were $9.2 million in the first nine months of 2008, compared to $11.9 million for the same period of 2007. This decrease was primarily due to the lower litigation expense of $1.0 million as well as lower incentive compensation expense of $0.5 million and lower salaries and benefits expense of $0.5 million. The reduction in incentive compensation expense was due to lower operating income in the third quarter of 2008 impacting the amount of year-to-date earned incentive compensation under the Company’s bonus plan. Reductions in personnel contributed to lower salaries and benefits expense. Lower litigation expense was primarily due to matters related to a former employee which impacted the Company significantly in the first nine months of 2007.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company assesses its liquidity in terms of its ability to generate cash to fund operating, investing and financing activities. The principal source of liquidity is operating cash flows. In addition to operating cash flows, other significant factors that affect the overall management of liquidity include capital expenditures, investments in businesses, common stock repurchases, income tax payments, pension funding and availability of lines of credit and long-term financing. The Company manages worldwide cash requirements considering available funds among domestic and foreign subsidiaries. The Company believes that its currently available resources, together with its capacity for growth and its accessibility to debt financing sources, are sufficient to satisfy its cash requirements for the foreseeable future.

The Company’s $50 million domestic credit facility’s maturity date is February 1, 2009. The Company had no borrowings on the credit facility at September 30, 2008. The Company is currently in the process of negotiating a new credit facility to replace the existing facility that will be maturing in early 2009. In light of the current economic situation within the United States and the availability and cost of credit, the Company expects to enter into a new credit facility at higher costs for used and unused borrowings as compared to the current credit facility.

As a result of losses experienced in global equity markets, the Company’s pension funds are likely to have a negative return for 2008, which in turn would create increased pension costs and funding requirements in 2009.

 

27


Table of Contents

Operating Cash Flows

Net cash provided by operating activities in the first nine months of 2008 was $18.7 million compared with $10.2 million in the prior year. Contributing to increased operating cash flows was higher net income of $2.1 million, in the first nine months of 2008 as compared to the same period a year ago. The remaining improvement in operating cash flows was primarily due to lower accounts receivable balances at September 30, 2008 as compared to December 31, 2007 when compared to the same period ends in 2007.

Investing Cash Flows

In the first nine months of 2008, net cash used for investing activities was $5.4 million. Capital expenditures were $8.1 million for the first nine months of 2008, compared with $8.8 million for the same period of 2007. Capital spending for 2008 is expected to be approximately $11.0 million to $13.0 million. Net proceeds from the sale of Lydall Transport, Ltd. in September 2008 provided an increase of $2.8 million in investing activities.

Financing Cash Flows

In the first nine months of 2008, net cash used for financing activities was $0.1 million. Debt repayments were $1.1 million in the first nine months of 2008, primarily due to capital lease payments. Proceeds from common stock issuances were $1.0 million during the first nine months of 2008 due to the exercise of stock options.

As of September 30, 2008, the Company had unused borrowing capacity of $58.8 million under various credit facilities.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Note 1 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 and the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” of this report describe the significant accounting policies and critical accounting estimates used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. The Company’s management is required to make judgments and estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Actual results could differ from management’s estimates. As discussed in Note 11 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company adopted SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (FAS 157) as of January 1, 2008, with the exception of the application of the statement to nonrecurring nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, the deferral of which was permitted under FSP 157-2. Other than this change, there have been no significant changes in the Company’s critical accounting estimates during the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2008.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, approximately 54% of the Company’s consolidated net sales were to the automotive market, included in the Thermal/Acoustical segment. Specifically in the United States, the Company’s North American automotive business (“NA Auto”) has been significantly impacted by a downturn in the U.S. economy resulting in less consumer demand for automobiles. While NA Auto has remained profitable in 2008, lower automobile production in the U.S. has caused net sales and operating income for NA Auto to be lower by approximately 23% and 60%, respectively, as compared to the same period of 2007. A large amount of NA Auto business is to domestic automakers that are reporting financial losses, announcing facility closures and other restructuring actions. The Company has significant accounts receivable from these automakers at any point in time. Should an automaker file bankruptcy or not be able to pay the Company the amounts owed as they become due, or at all, results of operations and cash flows of the Company could be adversely affected. NA Auto has approximately $12.2 million of goodwill on their balance sheet as of September 30, 2008. In light of the current market conditions, and the expected continued reductions in net sales and operating income through 2009, the Company performed at

 

28


Table of Contents

September 30, 2008 an assessment to determine if the carrying amount of NA Auto’s net assets were recoverable from estimated future cash flows. As of September 30, 2008, the Company does not believe an impairment exists. The calculation of future cash flows includes management estimates and assumptions that are based on the best available information as of the date of the assessment. The Company will continue to monitor the North American automotive market and the financial conditions of the Company’s customers. Should factors indicate that NA Auto cash flow will not meet the Company’s expectations, then an impairment charge may be recorded in a future period.

The Company’s Affinity® temperature control equipment business (“Affinity”) reported an operating loss of $1.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and an operating loss of $1.0 million in fiscal 2007. The loss in 2007 was primarily caused by excessive manufacturing and warranty costs due to operational issues in the first half of 2007. Many of these operational issues were resolved in the second half of 2007, which resulted in the Affinity business reporting operating income of approximately $0.4 million over the last two quarters of 2007. Throughout 2008, the Affinity® business has been severely impacted by a slow-down in capital equipment spending in the semiconductor industry. Net sales were lower in the first nine months of 2008 by $3.6 million, or approximately 23%, as compared to the same period of 2007. As a result, the Company has incurred an operating loss in 2008. The Company expects capital equipment spending in the semiconductor industry to improve in 2009, but still below 2007 levels. The Affinity business has goodwill of $4.2 million on their balance sheet as of September 30, 2008. Due to the operating losses reported by the Affinity business and the continued negative market conditions expected in the near-term, the Company performed at September 30, 2008 an assessment to determine if the carrying amount of Affinity’s net assets was recoverable from estimated future cash flows. As of September 30, 2008, the Company does not believe an impairment exists. The calculation of future cash flows includes management estimates and assumptions that are based on the best available information as of the date of the assessment. Included in management’s assumptions was the expectation that while the financial results of the Affinity business are expected to improve in 2009, in comparison to 2008, negative market conditions are expected to continue, thereby preventing a significant improvement in cash flows in 2009. Management expects capital equipment spending in the semiconductor industry to improve in 2010 and thereafter, and in turn, management expects this to result in improved cash flow for the Affinity business in 2010 and future years. The Company will continue to monitor the performance of the Affinity business in relation to trends of capital equipment spending in the semiconductor market. Should factors indicate that the Affinity business cash flow will not meet the Company’s expectations, then an impairment charge may be recorded in a future period.

As noted above, the calculation of future cash flows was based on the best available information as of the date of the assessments. Future cash flows can be affected by numerous factors including changes in economic, industry or market conditions, changes in the underlying business or products of the reporting unit, changes in competition and changes in technology. Any changes in key assumptions about the business and its prospects, changes in any of the factors discussed above or other factors could affect the fair value of one or more of the reporting units resulting in an impairment charge. Such a charge could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s reported financial condition and results of operations. Although no goodwill impairment has been recorded to date, there can be no assurance that a future impairment of goodwill will not occur.

Subsequent to September 30, 2008, the fair value of the Company’s common stock declined to a value significantly less than the carrying value of the Company’s net assets. The Company is currently monitoring the markets that it serves, including the financial stability of certain major customers, as well as the market price of the Company’s stock. Going forward, an analysis of these and other relevant factors could result in an impairment charge related to the Company’s long-lived assets, including goodwill.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (FAS 157). This Statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This Statement applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. FAS 157 defines fair value based upon an exit price model. A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell an asset or transfer a liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability, or, in the absence of a

 

29


Table of Contents

principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. This Statement was effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2008, except that FSP 157-2 delayed the effective date of SFAS 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis, until fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company adopted FAS 157 on January 1, 2008 (See Note 11 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements), with the exception of the application of the Statement to non-recurring nonfinancial assets and liabilities measured at fair value which include: (i) goodwill impairment testing, (ii) initial measurement of the fair value of asset retirement obligations and (iii) measurement of impairment of long-lived assets. The implementation of FAS 157 did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows during the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2008, and is not expected to have a material effect on the Company upon full adoption in future periods.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Liabilities, including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115”, (FAS 159). This Statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. The Company adopted FAS 159 on January 1, 2008 and elected not to measure any additional financial instruments and other items at fair value. The adoption did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows during the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2008.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R, “Business Combinations” (FAS 141R). FAS 141R amends FAS 141 and provides revised guidance requiring the acquirer to recognize and measure, at fair value on the acquisition date, identifiable assets and goodwill acquired, liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree. Transaction and restructuring costs generally will be expensed as incurred. The Statement also provides disclosure requirements to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. FAS 141R is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008 and will be applied prospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this Statement.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) No. 51” (FAS 160). FAS 160 requires that ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent, and the amount of consolidated net income, be clearly identified, labeled, and presented in the consolidated financial statements. It also requires once a subsidiary is deconsolidated, any retained noncontrolling equity investment in the former subsidiary be initially measured at fair value. Sufficient disclosures are required to clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. It is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008 and requires retroactive adoption of the presentation and disclosure requirements for existing minority interests. All other requirements shall be applied prospectively. The adoption of FAS 160 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities-an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (FAS 161). FAS 161 is intended to improve financial reporting about derivative instruments and hedging activities by requiring disclosure of the fair values of derivative instruments and their gains and losses in a tabular format. It also provides more information about an entity’s liquidity by requiring disclosure of derivative features that are credit risk-related and finally, it requires cross-referencing within footnotes. It is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after November 15, 2008. The adoption of FAS 161 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (FAS 162). This statement documents the hierarchy of the various sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in preparing financial statements. FAS 162 shall be effective 60 days following the Securities and Exchange Commission’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411, “The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles”. The adoption of FAS 162 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

30


Table of Contents

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

There have been no material changes in market risks from those disclosed in Item 7A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management, including the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, conducted an evaluation as of September 30, 2008 of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e)). Based on that evaluation, the President and Chief Executive Officer and Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that all material information required to be disclosed in the reports the Company files and submits under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 has been made known to them on a timely basis and that such material information has been properly recorded, processed, summarized and reported, as required.

Changes in Internal Controls

There have not been any changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

On January 25, 2008, a suit was filed against the Company in the Connecticut Superior Court by a former employee. The complaint alleges that the Company breached the former employee’s employment agreement and stock option agreements and that the Company owes the employee approximately $0.8 million, plus any compensatory and punitive damages awarded by the Court. No reserve has been recorded as of September 30, 2008 related to this lawsuit as the Company believes that this suit is without merit and intends to defend it vigorously.

On February 22, 2008, the same former employee filed a lawsuit in Delaware Chancery Court seeking further indemnification and advancement from the Company in the amount of $0.9 million. The amount sought was for income taxes that he was expecting to incur as a result of payments made by the Company in 2007, related to prior litigation discussed in previous filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Management concluded that it was probable that a loss was incurred by the Company as of December 31, 2007. The Company recorded expense of approximately $0.9 million in the quarter ended December 31, 2007 related to this matter. On April 11, 2008, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with the former employee and paid $1.0 million, of which $0.9 million was expensed in prior periods, in settlement of the above indemnification matter.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company recorded expense of $0.3 million related to these matters.

 

31


Table of Contents

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes from risk factors as previously disclosed in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

In August 2003, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a Stock Repurchase Program (the “Repurchase Program”) to mitigate the potentially dilutive effects of stock options and shares of restricted and unrestricted stock granted by the Company. Under the approved Repurchase Program, shares may be purchased by the Company up to the quantity of shares underlying options and other equity-based awards granted after January 1, 2003 under shareholder approved plans. There were approximately 1.2 million shares that remained available for repurchase under the Repurchase Program as of September 30, 2008. No shares were repurchased in the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2008.

 

32


Table of Contents

Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit

Number

  

Description

  3.1    Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, as amended, filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated March 12, 2004 and incorporated herein by this reference.
  3.2    Bylaws of the Registrant, as amended and restated as of December 11, 2003, filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on 10-K dated March 12, 2004 and incorporated herein by this reference.
10.1    Employment agreement, dated September 23, 2008, between the Company and Peter Kurto, filed herewith.
31.1    Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, filed herewith.
31.2    Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, filed herewith.
32.1    Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.

 

33


Table of Contents

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

    LYDALL, INC.

November 3, 2008

    By:   /s/ James V. Laughlan
      James V. Laughlan
      Controller and Principal Accounting Officer
(On behalf of the Registrant and as
Principal Accounting Officer)

 

34


Table of Contents

LYDALL, INC.

Index to Exhibits

 

Exhibit
Number

   
  3.1   Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, as amended, filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated March 12, 2004 and incorporated herein by this reference.
  3.2   Bylaws of the Registrant, as amended and restated as of December 11, 2003, filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on 10-K dated March 12, 2004 and incorporated herein by this reference.
10.1   Employment agreement, dated September 23, 2008, between the Company and Peter Kurto, filed herewith.
31.1   Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, filed herewith.
31.2   Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, filed herewith.
32.1   Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.

 

35

EX-10.1 2 dex101.htm EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, DATED SEPTEMBER 23, 2008 Employment agreement, dated September 23, 2008

Exhibit 10.1

AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of the 23 day of September, 2008, by and between LYDALL, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Peter M. Kurto (the “Employee”).

W I T N E S S E T H

WHEREAS, the Company and the Employee (the “Parties”) have agreed to enter into this agreement (the “Agreement) relating to the termination of the employment of the Employee;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

1. Termination of Employment by the Company.

1.1 Termination by the Company Other Than For Cause. The Company may terminate the Employee’s employment at any time other than for Cause (as defined in Section 1.2), by giving the Employee a written notice of termination at least 30 days before the date of termination (or such lesser notice period as the Employee may agree to). In the event of such a termination of employment pursuant to this Section 1.1, the Employee shall be entitled to receive (i) the benefits described in Section 3 if such termination of employment does not occur within 18 months following a “Change of Control” (as defined in Section 5), or (ii) the benefits described in Section 4 if such termination of employment occurs within 18 months following a Change of Control.

1.2 Termination for Cause. The Company may terminate the Employee’s employment immediately for Cause for any of the following reasons: (i) an act or acts of dishonesty or fraud by the Employee relating to the performance of his services to the Company; (ii) a breach by the Employee of his duties or responsibilities under this Agreement resulting in significant demonstrable injury to the Company or any of its subsidiaries; (iii) the Employee’s conviction of a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude; (iv) the Employee’s material failure (for reasons other than death or Disability) to perform his duties under this Agreement or insubordination (defined as refusal to execute or carry out directions from the Board or its duly appointed designees) where the Employee has been given written notice of the acts or omissions constituting such failure or insubordination and the Employee has failed to cure such conduct, where susceptible to cure, within ten days following such notice; or (v) a breach by the Employee of any provision of any material policy of the Company or of his obligations under the confidentiality, non-competition and invention ownership agreement executed by the Employee and attached hereto as Exhibit A (the


“Confidentiality Agreement”). The Company shall exercise its right to terminate the Employee’s employment for Cause by giving the Employee written notice of termination specifying in reasonable detail the circumstances constituting such Cause. In the event of such termination of the Employee’s employment for Cause, the Employee shall be entitled to receive only (i) his base salary earned through the date of such termination of employment plus his base salary for the period of any vacation time earned but not taken for the year of termination of employment, such base salary to be paid in a lump sum no later than the next payroll date following the Employee’s date of termination to the extent not previously paid, (ii) any other compensation and benefits to the extent actually earned by the Employee under any other benefit plan or program of the Company as of the date of such termination of employment, such compensation and benefits to be paid at the normal time for payment of such compensation and benefits to the extent not previously paid and (iii) any reimbursement amounts owing.

2. Termination of Employment by the Employee.

The Employee may terminate his employment at any time and for any reason by giving the Company a written notice of termination to that effect at least 30 days before the date of termination (or such lesser notice period as the Company may agree to); provided, however, that the Company following receipt of such notice from the Employee may elect to have the Employee’s employment terminate immediately following its receipt of such notice. In the event of the Employee’s termination of his employment, the Employee shall be entitled to receive only (i) his base salary earned through the date of such termination of employment plus his base salary for the period of vacation time earned but not taken for the year of termination of employment, such base salary to be paid in a lump sum no later than the next payroll date following the Employee’s date of termination to the extent not previously paid, (ii) any other compensation and benefits to the extent actually earned by the Employee under any other benefit plan or program of the Company as of the date of such termination of employment, such compensation and benefits to be paid at the normal time for payment of such compensation and benefits to the extent not previously paid, and (iii) any reimbursement amounts owing.

3. Benefits Upon Termination Without Cause (No Change of Control). If (a) the Employee’s employment hereunder shall terminate because of termination by the Company pursuant to Section 1.1 and (b) such termination of employment does not occur within 18 months following a Change of Control of the Company, the Employee shall be entitled to the following:

(a) The Company shall pay to the Employee his base salary earned through the date of such termination of employment in a lump sum no later than the next payroll date following the Employee’s date of termination to the extent not previously paid, and any other compensation and benefits to the extent actually earned by the Employee under any benefit plan or program of the Company as of the date of such termination of employment, any such compensation and benefits to be paid at the normal time for payment of such compensation and benefits to the extent not previously paid.

 

–2–


(b) The Company shall pay the Employee any reimbursement amounts owing.

(c) The Company shall pay to the Employee as a severance benefit an amount equal to 50 percent of the sum of (i) the Employee’s annual rate of base salary in effect immediately preceding his termination of employment, and (ii) the average of his annual bonuses earned under the Company’s annual bonus plan for the three calendar years preceding his termination of employment (or, if the Employee was not eligible for a bonus in each of those three calendar years, then the average of such bonuses for all of the calendar years in such three-year period for which he was eligible), with any deferred bonuses counting for the year earned rather than the year paid (the “Severance Benefit”). The Severance Benefit shall be paid in installments at the times that salary payments are normally made by the Company; provided that, if at the time of the Employee’s termination of employment, the Employee is a “specified employee” as defined in Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and the regulations and guidance issued thereunder (a “Specified Employee”), then the Severance Benefit shall be paid in a lump sum on the first payroll date that occurs six (6) months after the date of the Employee’s termination of employment.

(d) If the Employee elects to continue coverage under the Company’s health plan pursuant to COBRA, then for the period beginning on the date of the Employee’s termination of employment and ending on the earlier of (i) the date which is 6 months after the date of such termination of employment or (ii) the date the Employee becomes eligible for health insurance benefits under the group health plan of another employer, the Company will pay the same percentage of the Employee’s premium for COBRA coverage for the Employee and, if applicable, his spouse and dependent children, as the Company paid at the applicable time for coverage under such plan for actively employed members of management generally. In addition, for the period beginning on the date of the Employee’s termination of employment and ending on the earlier of (i) the date which is 6 months after the date of such termination of employment or (ii) the date on which the Employee becomes eligible for life insurance benefits from another employer, the Company will continue to provide the life insurance benefits that the Company would have provided to the Employee if the Employee had continued in employment with the Company for such period, but only if the Employee timely pays the portion of the premium for such coverage that members of management of the Company generally are required to pay for such coverage, if any. The Employee shall notify the Company promptly if he, while eligible for benefits under this subsection (d), becomes eligible to receive health and/or life insurance benefits from another employer. In the event that the Employee’s participation in the Company’s group life insurance plan is barred, the Company shall arrange to provide the Employee with comparable life insurance coverage to the extent available at a cost not to exceed 125% of the cost of the group life insurance coverage offered through the Company’s group life insurance plan; provided that the Employee shall pay the same proportionate share of the premium for such coverage that members of senior management of the Company generally are required to pay for group life insurance coverage under the Company’s group life insurance plan, if any.

(e) The Company will pay to the outplacement services provider reasonably selected by the Employee an amount not to exceed $10,000 for outplacement services costs incurred by Employee within the twelve months following the Employee’s termination of employment.

 

–3–


(f) The Company’s obligation to provide the severance benefits set forth in Sections 3(c), (d) and (e) upon the Employee’s termination of employment without Cause, which does not occur within 18 months following a Change of Control, is subject to the Employee’s execution without revocation of a valid release in substantially the form attached to this Agreement as Exhibit B (the “Release”).

4. Benefits Upon Termination Without Cause (Change of Control). If (a) the Employee’s employment hereunder shall terminate because of termination by the Company pursuant to Section 1.1 and (b) such termination of employment occurs within 18 months following a Change of Control of the Company, the Employee shall be entitled to the following:

(a) The Company shall pay to the Employee his base salary earned through the date of such termination of employment in a lump sum no later than the next payroll date following the Employee’s date of termination to the extent not previously paid, and any other compensation and benefits to the extent actually earned by the Employee under any benefit plan or program of the Company as of the date of such termination of employment, any such compensation and benefits to be paid at the normal time for payment of such compensation and benefits to the extent not previously paid.

(b) The Company shall pay the Employee any reimbursement amounts owing.

(c) The Company shall pay to the Employee as a severance benefit an amount equal to 50 percent of the sum of (i) his annual rate of base salary in effect immediately preceding his termination of employment, and (ii) the average of his three highest annual bonuses earned under the Company’s annual bonus plan for any of the five calendar years preceding his termination of employment (or, if the Employee was not eligible for a bonus for at least three calendar years in such five-year period, then the average of such bonuses for all of the calendar years in such five-year period for which the Employee was eligible), with any deferred bonuses counting for the year earned rather than the year paid (the “COC Severance Benefit”). The COC Severance Benefit shall be paid in a lump sum within 30 days after the date of such termination of employment; provided that, if at the time of the Employee’s termination of employment, the Employee is a Specified Employee, then the COC Severance Benefit shall be paid in a lump sum on the date that is six (6) months after the date of such termination of employment.

(d) The Company shall pay to the Employee as a bonus for the year of termination of his employment an amount equal to a portion (determined as provided in the next sentence) of the Employee’s target bonus opportunity under the Company’s annual bonus plan for the calendar year of termination of the Employee’s employment or, if none, such portion of the bonus awarded to the Employee under the Company’s annual bonus plan for the calendar year immediately preceding the calendar year of the termination of the Employee’s employment, with deferred bonuses counting for the year earned rather than the year paid.

 

–4–


Such portion shall be determined by dividing the number of days of the Employee’s employment during such calendar year up to his termination of employment by 365 (366 if a leap year). Such payment shall be made in a lump sum within 30 days after the date of such termination of employment, and the Employee shall have no right to any further bonuses under said plan; provided that, if at the time of the Employee’s termination of employment, the Employee is a Specified Employee, then such payment shall be made in a lump sum on the date that is six (6) months after the date of such termination of employment, and the Employee shall have no right to any further bonuses under said plan.

(e) For the period beginning on the date of the Employee’s termination of employment and ending on the earlier of (i) the date which is 12 months after the date of such termination of employment or (ii) the date the Employee becomes eligible for comparable benefits from another employer, the Employee (and, if applicable, the Employee’s spouse and dependent children) shall remain covered by the medical, dental, life insurance, and, if reasonably commercially available through nationally reputable insurance carriers, long-term disability plans of the Company that covered the Employee immediately prior to his termination of employment as if the Employee had remained in employment for such period; provided, however, that the coverage under any such plan is conditioned on the timely payment by the Employee (or his spouse or dependent children) of the portion of the premium for such coverage that actively employed members of senior management of the Company generally are required to pay for such coverage. In the event that the Employee’s participation in any such plan is barred, the Company shall arrange to provide the Employee (and, if applicable, his spouse and dependent children) with comparable benefits to the extent available at a cost not to exceed 125% of the cost of providing benefits to the Employee under the Company’s plan or plans. The Employee shall notify the Company promptly if he, while eligible for benefits under this subsection (e) becomes eligible to receive benefits from another employer.

(f) Each stock option granted by the Company to the Employee and outstanding immediately prior to termination of his employment shall be fully vested and immediately exercisable and may be exercised by the Employee (or, following his death, by the person or entity to which such option passes) at any time prior to the expiration date of the applicable option (determined without regard to any earlier termination of the option that would otherwise occur by reason of termination of his employment). Each restricted stock award granted by the Company to the Employee and outstanding immediately prior to termination of the Employee’s employment shall be fully vested upon such termination of employment.

(g) The Company will pay to the outplacement services provider reasonably selected by the Employee an amount not to exceed $10,000 for outplacement services costs incurred by Employee within the twelve months following the Employee’s termination of employment.

(h) The Company shall promptly pay all reasonable attorneys’ fees and related expenses incurred by the Employee in seeking to obtain or enforce any right or benefit under this Section 4 or to defend against any claim or assertion in connection with this Section 4, but only if and to the extent that the Employee substantially prevails.

 

–5–


(i) The Company will pay to the Employee an automobile allowance, in an amount equal to the Employee’s monthly lease allowance at the time of termination, each month for 12 months following termination of the Employee’s employment to replace the Company-leased automobile, which leased automobile will be returned to the Company by the Employee on the date of termination of the Employee’s employment; provided that, if at the time of the Employee’s termination of employment, the Employee is a Specified Employee, then fifty percent (50%) of the automobile allowance shall be paid in a lump sum on the date that is six (6) months after the date of termination, and the remaining fifty percent (50%) of the automobile allowance shall be paid in six (6) equal monthly installments, beginning in the seventh month following the date of termination.

(j) The Company’s obligation to provide the severance benefits set forth in Sections 4(c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h) and (i) upon the Employee’s termination of employment without Cause within 18 months following a Change of Control is subject to the Employee’s execution of the Release.

5. Change of Control. For the purposes of this Agreement, a “Change of Control” shall be deemed to occur upon the consummation of any of the following events: (a) any person or persons acting together which would constitute a “group” for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), (other than the Company or any subsidiary of the Company) shall beneficially own (as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, at least 25% of the total voting power of all classes of capital stock of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of the Board; (b) Current Directors (as herein defined) shall cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board (for this purpose, a “Current Director” shall mean any member of the Board as of the date hereof and any successor of a Current Director whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by at least a majority of the Current Directors then on the Board); (c) (i) the complete liquidation of the Company or (ii) the merger or consolidation of the Company, other than a merger or consolidation in which (x) the holders of the common stock of the Company immediately prior to the consolidation or merger have, directly or indirectly, at least a majority of the common stock of the continuing or surviving corporation immediately after such consolidation or merger or (y) the Board immediately prior to the merger or consolidation would, immediately after the merger or consolidation, constitute a majority of the board of directors of the continuing or surviving corporation, which liquidation, merger or consolidation has been approved by the shareholders of the Company; or (d) the sale or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company pursuant to an agreement (or agreements) which has (have) been approved by the shareholders of the Company.

6. Golden Parachute Excise Tax.

(a) In the event that any payment or benefit received or to be received by the Employee pursuant to this Agreement or any other plan, program or arrangement of the Company or any of its affiliates would constitute an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code (“Excess Parachute Payment”), then the payments under this Agreement shall be reduced (by the minimum possible amounts) until no amount payable

 

–6–


to the Employee under this Agreement constitutes an Excess Parachute Payment; provided, however, that no such reduction shall be made if the net after-tax payment (after taking into account Federal, state, local or other income and excise taxes) to which the Employee would otherwise be entitled without such reduction would be greater than the net after-tax payment (after taking into account Federal, state, local or other income and excise taxes) to the Employee resulting from the receipt of such payments with such reduction. If, as a result of subsequent events or conditions (including a subsequent payment or absence of a subsequent payment under this Agreement or other plan, program or arrangement of the Company or any of its affiliates), it is determined that payments under this Agreement have been reduced by more than the minimum amount required to prevent any payments from constituting an Excess Parachute Payment, then an additional payment shall be promptly made to the Employee in an amount equal to the additional amount that can be paid without causing any payment to constitute an Excess Parachute Payment.

(b) All determinations required to be made under this Section 6 shall be made by a nationally recognized independent accounting firm mutually agreeable to the Company and the Employee (the “Accounting Firm”) which shall provide detailed supporting calculations to the Company and the Employee as requested by the Company or the Employee. All fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm shall be borne solely by the Company and shall be paid by the Company upon demand of the Employee as incurred or billed by the Accounting Firm. All determinations made by the Accounting Firm pursuant to this Section 6 shall be final and binding upon the Company and the Employee.

(c) To the extent any payment or benefit is to be reduced pursuant to this Section 6, the severance payment described in Section 3(c) or 4(c) will first be reduced and then the bonus described in Section 4(d), in each case only to the extent necessary.

7. Entitlement to Other Benefits. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, this Agreement shall not be construed as limiting in any way any rights or benefits that the Employee or his spouse, dependents or beneficiaries may have pursuant to any other plan or program of the Company; provided that the Employee shall not be eligible to receive any benefits under any circumstances under any severance plan or policy of the Company, including, without limitation, the Lydall, Inc. Severance Plan.

8. General Provisions.

8.1 No Duty to Seek Employment. The Employee shall not be under any duty or obligation to seek or accept other employment following termination of employment, and no amount, payment or benefits due to the Employee hereunder shall be reduced or suspended if the Employee accepts subsequent employment, except as expressly set forth herein.

8.2 Deductions and Withholding. All amounts payable or which become payable under any provision of this Agreement shall be subject to any deductions authorized by the Employee and any deductions and withholdings required by law.

 

–7–


8.3 Notices. All notices, demands, requests, consents, approvals or other communications (collectively “Notices”) required or permitted to be given hereunder or which are given with respect to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally, sent by facsimile transmission with a copy deposited in the United States mail, registered or certified, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or sent by overnight mail addressed as follows:

 

To the Company:   

Lydall, Inc.

P.O. Box 151

One Colonial Road

  

Manchester, CT 06045-0151

Attn: Chief Employee Officer

To the Employee:    Peter M. Kurto
  

XXXX

  

XXXX

or such other address as such party shall have specified most recently by written notice. Notice mailed as provided herein shall be deemed given when so delivered personally or sent by facsimile transmission, or, if sent by overnight mail, on the day after the date of mailing.

8.4 No Disparagement. The Employee shall not during the period of his employment with the Company, nor following the date of termination of his employment for any reason, publish or communicate to any person or entity any Disparaging (as defined below) remarks, comments or statements concerning the Company, or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates or any of their shareholders, directors, officers, employees or agents. “Disparaging” remarks, comments or statements are those that impugn the character, honesty, integrity or morality or business acumen or abilities in connection with any aspect of the operation of business of the individual or entity being disparaged. The Employee agrees that the terms of this Section 8.4 shall survive the term of this Agreement and the termination of the Employee’s employment.

8.5 Proprietary Information and Inventions. The Confidentiality Agreement is incorporated by reference in this Agreement, and the Employee agrees to continue to be bound thereby.

8.6 Covenant to Notify Management. The Employee agrees to abide by the ethics policies of the Company as well as the Company’s other rules, regulations, policies and procedures. The Employee agrees to comply in full with all governmental laws and regulations as well as ethics codes applicable. In the event that the Employee is aware or suspects the Company, or any of its officers or agents, of violating any such laws, ethics, codes, rules, regulations, policies or procedures, the Employee agrees to bring all such actual and suspected violations to the attention of the Company immediately so that the matter may be properly investigated and appropriate action taken. The Employee understands that the Employee is precluded from filing a complaint with any governmental agency or court having jurisdiction over wrongful conduct unless the Employee has first notified the Company of the facts and permits it to investigate and correct the concerns.

 

–8–


8.7 Amendments and Waivers. No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing signed by the Employee and the Company. No waiver by either Party hereto at any time of any breach by the other Party hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other Party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.

8.8 Beneficial Interests. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by (a) the Company’s successors and assigns and (b) the Employee’s personal and legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If the Employee shall die while any amounts are still payable to him hereunder, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the Employee’s devisee, legatee, or other designee or, if there be no such designee, to the Employee’s estate.

8.9 Successors. The Company will require any successors (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to assume expressly and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform.

8.10 Assignment. This Agreement and the rights, duties, and obligations hereunder may not be assigned or delegated by any Party without the prior written consent of the other Party and any attempted assignment or delegation without such prior written consent shall be void and be of no effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 8.10, the Company may assign or delegate its rights, duties and obligations hereunder to any affiliate or to any person or entity which succeeds to all or substantially all of the business of the Company or one of its subsidiaries through merger, consolation, reorganization, or other business combination or by acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or one of its subsidiaries without the Employee’s consent.

8.8 Choice of Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Connecticut without regard to the conflicts of law provisions thereof.

8.9 Statute of Limitations. The Employee and the Company hereby agree that there shall be a one year statute of limitations for the filing of any requests for arbitration or any lawsuit relating to this Agreement or the terms or conditions of Employee’s employment by the Company. If such a claim is filed more than one year subsequent to the Employee’s last day of employment it shall be precluded by this provision, regardless of whether or not the claim has accrued at that time.

8.10 Right to Injunctive and Equitable Relief. The Employee’s obligations under Section 9.4 are of a special and unique character, which gives them a peculiar value.

 

–9–


The Company cannot be reasonably or adequately compensated for damages in an action at law in the event the Employee breaches such obligations. Therefore, the Employee expressly agrees that the Company shall be entitled to injunctive and other equitable relief without bond or other security in the event of such breach in addition to any other rights or remedies which the Company may possess or be entitled to pursue. Furthermore, the obligations of the Employee and the rights and remedies of the Company under Section 8.4 and this Section 8.13 are cumulative and in addition to, and not in lieu of, any obligations, rights, or remedies as created by applicable law. The Employee agrees that the terms of this Section 8.13 shall survive the term of this Agreement and the termination of the Employee’s employment.

8.11 Severability or Partial Invalidity. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.

8.12 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, along with the Confidentiality Agreement, constitutes the entire agreement of the Parties and supersedes all prior written or oral and all contemporaneous oral agreements, understandings, and negotiations between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may not be changed orally and may only be modified in writing signed by both Parties. This Agreement, along with the Confidentiality Agreement, is intended by the Parties as the final expression of their agreement with respect to such terms as are included herein and therein and may not be contradicted by evidence of any prior or contemporaneous agreement. The Parties further intend that this Agreement, along with the Confidentiality Agreement, constitutes the complete and exclusive statement of their terms and that no extrinsic evidence may be introduced in any judicial proceeding involving such agreements.

8.13 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized officer and the Employee has hereunto set his hand as of the day and year first above written.

 

LYDALL, INC.    
By:   /s/ Dale Barnhart       9/23/08
 

Dale Barnhart

President and Chief

Executive Officer

      Date
  /s/ Peter M. Kurto       9/2/08
  Peter M. Kurto       Date
 

XXX

XXX

     

 

–10–


EXHIBIT A

CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT

In consideration of my employment by Lydall Inc., or future employment with an affiliate to whom I am transferred (together the “Company”), the compensation and other benefits to be received by me from the Company, I agree that:

 

1. DEFINITIONS

The term “Confidential Information” as used in this Agreement includes all business information and records which relate to the Company or to parties working with the Company under a confidentiality agreement, and which are not known to the public generally, including, but not limited to, technical notebook records, technical reports, patent applications, machine equipment, computer software, models, process and product designs including any drawings and descriptions, unwritten knowledge and “know-how”, operating instructions, training manuals, production and development processes, production or other schedules, customer lists, customer buying records, product sales records, sales requests, territory listings, market surveys, plans including marketing plans and long-range plans, salary information, contracts, supplier lists, product costs, policy statements, policy procedures, policy manuals, flowcharts, computer printouts, program listings, reproductions and correspondence.

The term “Invention” as used in this Agreement includes any discovery, improvement, design or idea, patentable, copywriteable or otherwise, which relates to any activity or business in which the Company is engaged or any process, equipment, material, product or method (including computer software) in which the Company has any direct or indirect interest.

 

2. INVENTIONS

I will disclose promptly to the Company any Invention conceived, developed or perfected by me, either alone or jointly with another or others, while I am an employee, whether or not such conception, development or perfection occurs during the hours of my employment.

I grant to the Company without further compensation, all my right, title and interest in and to any such Invention for the sole use and benefit of the Company, together with all U.S. and foreign patents, trademarks or copyrights that may at any time be granted, and all reissues, renewals and extensions of such patents, trademarks or copyrights. At the request and expense of the Company, I will at any time do what the Company reasonably believes to be necessary to assist the Company to vest full right and title to each such Invention in the Company, enable the Company to obtain and maintain full right and title in any country, prosecute applications for and secure patents (including their reissue, renewal and extension), trademarks, copyrights and any other form of protection for each such Invention, and prosecute or defend any interference or opposition which may be declared involving any such application or patent and any litigation in which the Company may be involved concerning any such Invention. This will include preparing, executing and delivering any written document, drawings, flowcharts, or computer printouts. The provisions of this section will continue after I stop working for the Company and shall be binding on my executors, administrators and assigns, unless waived in writing by the Company.

 

3. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

I have not disclosed and will not disclose to the Company, and I will not use, in the discharge of my duties as an employee of the Company, any trade secret or confidential information belonging to a former employer or other person and which has been classified by the former employer or other person as a trade secret or confidential information. The limitation set forth in this section shall not apply to matters which (a) are or become public knowledge, (b) were previously known to the Company, (c) are subsequently received by the Company from a third party, or (d) are independently derived by the Company.

I will not, directly or indirectly, during or at any time after the period of my employment by the Company, use for myself or others, or disclose to others, any Confidential Information, no matter how such information becomes known to me, unless I first obtain the Company’s written consent.

When I leave the Company’s employ, or at any other time upon request by the Company, I will promptly deliver to the Company all documents and records, including but not limited to those listed under the definition of Confidential Information, which are in my possession or under my control and which pertain to the Company, any of its activities or any of my activities while in the course of my employment and all copies thereof. I will not retain or deliver to any others copies of these documents or records.

 

–11–


THE FOLLOWING SECTION 4 ONLY RELATES TO SALARIED EXEMPT AND NON-EXEMPT EMPLOYEES

 

4. NON-COMPETITION

I acknowledge and agree that the Company’s business competes upon a worldwide basis, and that the degree of competition in that business is high. I recognize that the Company may assign me to duties in a geographic area or specific market. I agree that, unless I first obtain the Company’s written consent, I will not during my employment with the Company and for a period of two (2) years following the termination of my employment (provided, however, that if I am employed by the Company for less than two (2) years, the post-employment period to which this section applies shall be the greater of six (6) months or the length of my employment in any capacity), directly or indirectly or through others, individually, or as a member, officer, director, employee, agent, or investor of any partnership or entity (except ownership of not more than one percent (1%) of the outstanding publically traded stock of any company):

 

  (i) participate in the ownership, management, operation or control of, or work for (as an employee, consultant or independent contractor) or have any material financial interest in, any business competitive with the Company in (a) any market in which the company for which I have worked in the two (2) preceding years has sold or attempted to sell any of its product in the two (2) years preceding my termination or (b) if the Company has assigned me to duties in a geographic area, within two hundred fifty (250) miles of any such geographic area in which I have worked in the two (2) years preceding my termination,

 

  (ii) induce or encourage any employee of the Company to terminate his or her employment with the Company, or

 

  (iii) solicit, induce or encourage any person, business or entity which is a supplier of, a purchaser from, or a contracting party with, the Company to terminate any written or oral agreement, order or understanding with the Company or to conduct business in a way that results in an adverse impact to the Company.

I further understand and agree that the remedy at law for any breach or threatened breach of my agreement not to compete contained in this section would be inadequate and that any breach or attempted breach would result in irreparable damage to the Company, the monetary amount of which would be impossible to ascertain. Thus, I agree that in the event of any breach or threatened breach of my agreement not to compete, in addition to all other available legal or equitable remedies, the Company may obtain injunctive relief to remedy damage caused by such breach or threatened breach, and that the Company shall be entitled to recover from me its costs and expenses, including reasonable attorney fees, incurred in remedying such breach or threatened breach.

 

5. GENERAL TERMS

I represent and agree that I have and will assume no obligations to others inconsistent with any of my obligations to the Company under this Agreement.

In consideration of my employment, I agree to conform to the policies of the Company. I understand that my employment is for an indefinite period and can be terminated at any time, with or without cause or prior notice by either the Company or me, and will remain so unless a written agreement for a specific term is entered into and executed by me and the Company’s CEO or CFO. No other representations or agreements have been made regarding the term or termination of my employment. I understand that no employee of the Company other than its CEO or CFO has the authority to enter into any agreement, commitment or guarantees binding on the Company regarding my employment and then only by a signed, written document.

This Agreement, which is ancillary to any other agreement I may have with the Company, (a) is intended as the complete and exclusive statement of my agreement with the Company with respect to its subject matter, (b) shall be binding upon my heirs, executors and administrators, (c) shall be assignable by the Company to its successors; (d) shall not be modified unless in writing and signed by me and the Company, (e) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of Connecticut, the Company’s home office state, and (f) if any part of this Agreement is found invalid by any court, the remainder shall be valid and enforceable in law and equity.

 

–12–


 

LYDALL, INC.    
By:   /s/ Mary A. Tremblay     8/25/08
         
  Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary     Date
  /s/ Peter Kurto     8/25/08
         
 

Peter M. Kurto

XXX

    Date

 

–13–


EXHIBIT B

TERMINATION, VOLUNTARY RELEASE AND WAIVER OF RIGHTS AGREEMENT

I, Peter M. Kurto, unqualifiedly accept and agree to the relinquishment of my title, responsibilities and obligations as an employee of Lydall, Inc. (“the Company”), and concurrently and unconditionally agree to sever my relationship as an employee of the Company, in consideration for the voluntary payment to me by the Company of the separation benefits set forth in Section              of the Employment Agreement dated as of                      , 2006 by and between me and the Company (the “Employment Agreement”), which is made a part hereof.

1. In exchange for this consideration, which I understand that the Company is not otherwise obligated to provide to me, I voluntarily agree to waive and forego any and all claims, rights, interests, covenants, contracts, warranties, promises, undertakings, actions, suits, causes of action, obligations, debts, attorneys’ fees or other expenses, accounts, judgments, fines, fees, losses and liabilities, of any kind, nature or description, in law, equity or otherwise (collectively, “Claims”) that I may have against the Company and to release the Company and their respective affiliates, subsidiaries, officers, directors, employees, representatives, agents, successors and assigns (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Releasees”) from any obligations any of them may owe to me, accepting the aforestated consideration as full settlement of any monies or obligations owed to me by Releasees that may have arisen at any time prior to the date of my execution of this Termination, Voluntary Release and Waiver of Rights Agreement (the “Agreement”), except as specifically provided below in the following paragraph number 2.

2. I do not waive, nor has the Company asked me to waive, any rights arising exclusively under the Fair Labor Standards Act, except as such waiver may henceforth be made in a manner provided by law. I do not waive, nor has the Company asked me to waive, any vested benefits that I may have or that I may have derived from the course of my employment with the Company. I understand that such vested benefits will be subject to and administered in accordance with the established and usual terms governing same. I do not waive any rights which may in the future, after the execution of this Agreement, arise exclusively from a substantial breach by the Company of a material obligation of the Company expressly undertaken in consideration of my entering into this Agreement.

3. Except as set forth in paragraph 2, I do fully, irrevocably and forever waive, relinquish and agree to forego any and all Claims whatsoever, whether known or unknown, that I may have or may hereafter have against the Releasees or any of them arising out of or by reason of any cause, matter or thing whatsoever from the beginning of the world to the date hereof, including without limitation any and all matters relating to my employment with the Company and the cessation thereof and all matters arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000 et seq., the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq., the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, 29 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq., the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, 29 U.S.C. § 621 et seq., the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, 29 U.S.C. § 1001 et seq., all as amended, or under

 

–14–


any other laws, ordinances, Employee orders, regulations or administrative or judicial case law arising under the statutory or common laws of the United States, the State of Connecticut or any other applicable county or municipal ordinance.

4. As a material inducement to the Company to enter into this Agreement, I, the undersigned, recognize that I may have been privy to certain confidential, proprietary and trade secret information of the Company which, if known to third parties, could be used in a manner that would reduce the value of the Company for its shareholders. In order to reduce the risk of that happening, I, the undersigned, agree that for a period of two (2) years after termination of employment, I, the undersigned, will not, directly or indirectly, assist, or be part of or have any involvement in, any effort to acquire control of the Company through the acquisition of its stock or substantially all of its assets, without the prior consent of the Board of Directors of the Company. This provision shall not prevent the undersigned from owning up to not more than one percent (1%) of the outstanding publicly traded stock of any company.

5. I further acknowledge pursuant to the Older Worker’s Benefit Protection Act (29 U.S.C. § 626(f)), I expressly agree that the following statements are true:

a. The payment of the consideration described in Section              of the Employment Agreement is in addition to the standard employee benefits and anything else of value which the Company owes me in connection with my employment with the Company or the separation of employment.

b. I have [twenty-one days] days from [date of receipt] to consider and sign this agreement. If I choose to sign this Agreement before the end of the [twenty-one] day period, that decision is completely voluntary and has not been forced on me by the Company.

c. I will have seven (7) days after signing the Agreement in which to revoke it, and the Agreement will not become effective or enforceable until the end of those seven (7) days.

d. I am now being advised in writing to consult an attorney before signing this Agreement.

I acknowledge that I have been given sufficient time to freely consult with an attorney or counselor of my own choosing and that I knowingly and voluntarily execute this Agreement, after bargaining over the terms hereof, with knowledge of the consequences made clear, and with the genuine intent to release claims without threats, duress, or coercion on the part of the Company. I do so understanding and acknowledging the significance of such waiver.

6. Further, in view of the above-referenced consideration voluntarily provided to me by the Company, after due deliberation, I agree to waive any right to further litigation or claim against any or all of the Releasees except as specifically provided in paragraph number 2 above. I hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Releasees and their respective

 

–15–


agents or representatives from and against any and all losses, costs, damages or expenses, including, without limitation, attorneys fees incurred by said parties, or any of them, arising out of any breach of this Agreement by me or by any person acting on my behalf, or the fact that any representation made herein by the undersigned was false when made.

7. As a material inducement to the Company to enter into this Agreement, I, the undersigned, understand and agree that if I should fail to comply with the conditions hereof or to carry out the agreement set forth herein, all amounts previously paid under this Agreement shall be immediately forfeited to the Company and that the right or claim to further payments and/or benefits hereunder would likewise be forfeited.

8. As a further material inducement to the Company to enter into this Agreement, the undersigned provides as follows:

First. I represent that I have not filed any complaints or charges against the Company, or any of the Releasees relating to the relinquishment of my former titles and responsibilities at the Company or the terms of my employment with the Company and that if any agency or court assumes jurisdiction of any complaint or charge against the Company or any of the Releasees on behalf of me concerning my employment with the Company, I understand and agrees that I have, by my knowing and willing execution of this Agreement waived my rights to any form of recovery or relief against the Company, or any of the Releasees, including but not limited to, attorney’s fees. Provided, however, that this provision shall not preclude the undersigned from pursuing appropriate legal relief against the Company for redress of a substantial breach of a material obligation of the Company expressly undertaken in consideration of my entering into this Agreement.

Second. I acknowledge and understand that the consideration for this release shall not be in any way construed as an admission by the Company or any of the Releasees of any improper acts or any improper employment decisions, and that the Company, specifically disclaims any liability on the part of itself, the Releasees, and their respective agents, employees, representatives, successors or assigns in this regard.

Third. I acknowledge and agree that this Agreement shall be binding upon me, upon the Company, and upon our respective administrators, representatives, Employees, successors, heirs and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of said parties and each of them.

Fourth. I represent, understand and agree that this Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between the parties hereto, and fully supersedes any and all prior agreements or understandings between the parties pertaining to the subject matter hereof, except for the confidentiality and non-competition agreement previously executed by me, the terms of which retain their full force and effect, and which are in no way limited or curtailed by this Agreement. (A copy of that agreement is attached to the Employment Agreement as Exhibit A and is made a part hereof.)

 

–16–


Fifth. Modification. This Agreement may not be altered or changed except by an agreement in writing that has been properly executed by the party against whom any waiver, change, modification or discharge is sought.

Sixth. Severability. All provisions and terms of this Agreement are severable. The invalidity or unenforceability of any particular provision(s) or term(s) of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions and such other provisions shall be enforceable in law or equity in all respects as if such particular invalid or unenforceable provision(s) or term(s) were omitted. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the language of all parts of this Agreement shall, in all cases, be construed as a whole, according to its fair meaning, and not strictly for or against any of the parties.

Seventh. No Disparagement. Unless otherwise required by a court of competent jurisdiction or pursuant to any recognized subpoena power, I agree and promise that I will not make any oral or written statements or reveal any information to any person, company, or agency which is disparaging or damaging to the reputation or business of the Company, its subsidiaries, directors, officers or affiliates, or which would interfere in any way with the business relations between the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates and any of their customers, suppliers or vendors whether present or in the future.

Eighth. Confidentiality. The Company and the undersigned agree to refrain from disclosing to third parties and to keep strictly confidential all details of this Agreement and any and all information relating to its negotiation, except as necessary to each party’s accountants or attorneys.

Ninth. Termination of Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, this Agreement may be terminated by the Company and all further payment obligations of the Company will cease, if: (a) the undersigned is terminated for “Cause” prior to the undersigned’s separation date; or (b) facts are discovered after the undersigned’s separation date that would have supported a termination for “Cause” had such facts been discovered prior to the undersigned’s separation date.

AFFIRMATION OF RELEASOR

I, Peter M. Kurto, warrant that I am competent to execute this Termination, Voluntary Release and Waiver of Rights Agreement and that I accept full responsibility thereof.

I, Peter M. Kurto, warrant that I have had the opportunity to consult with an attorney of my choosing with respect to this matter and the consequences of my executing this Termination, Voluntary Release and Waiver of Rights Agreement.

I, Peter M. Kurto, have read this Termination, Voluntary Release and Waiver of Rights Agreement carefully and I fully understand its terms. I execute this document voluntarily with full and complete knowledge of its significance.

 

–17–


Executed this          day of                     , 2008, at                                                                                           .

NAME

 

STATE OF _________________________________    )        
   )      SS:   
COUNTY OF _______________________________    )        

Subscribed and sworn to before me, a Notary Public in and for said County and State, this                  day of                 , 2006, under the pains and penalties of perjury.

 

  
, Notary Public

My Commission Expires:                                                  

County of Residence:                                                      

 

–18–

EX-31.1 3 dex311.htm CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14(A) AND RULE 15D-14(A) Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a)

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Dale G. Barnhart, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Lydall, Inc.;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary 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 report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this 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 report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, 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 report is being prepared;

 

  b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

November 3, 2008

      /s/ Dale G. Barnhart
      Dale G. Barnhart
President and Chief Executive Officer
EX-31.2 4 dex312.htm CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14(A) AND RULE 15D-14(A) Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a)

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Thomas P. Smith, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Lydall, Inc.;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary 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 report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this 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 report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, 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 report is being prepared;

 

  b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

November 3, 2008

      /s/ Thomas P. Smith
     

Thomas P. Smith

Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

EX-32.1 5 dex321.htm CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Lydall, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ending September 30, 2008 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), each of the undersigned officers of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to our knowledge:

 

  1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

  2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

The foregoing certifications are accompanying the Form 10-Q solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code) and are not being filed as a part of this Form 10-Q or as a separate disclosure document.

 

November 3, 2008

      /s/ Dale G. Barnhart
      Dale G. Barnhart
President and Chief Executive Officer

November 3, 2008

      /s/ Thomas P. Smith
      Thomas P. Smith
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
-----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----