EX-13 7 a2103723zex-13.htm EXHIBIT 13
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ANNUAL REPORT

Exhibit 13 is the Corporation's 2002 Annual Report to Stockholders.

This 10-K Report should be read only in conjunction with that Annual Report.

In the event you do not already have a copy of the Annual Report, one may be obtained by contacting Ameron, attention; Corporate Secretary, Post Office Box 7007, Pasadena, California 91109-7007. The telephone number is (626) 683-4000.

Exhibit 13



2002 FINANCIAL SECTION

Selected Consolidated Financial Information   20

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

21

Consolidated Statements of Income

 

27

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

28

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

30

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity

 

31

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

 

31

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

32

Independent Auditors' Report

 

44

Management's Letter

 

44


AMERON INTERNATIONAL




SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 
  Year ended November 30,
 
 
  2002
  2001
  2000
  1999
  1998
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 
Per Common Share Data                                
  Net income—basic   $ 7.22   $ 7.17   $ 6.42   $ 5.57   $ 5.17 (1)
  Net income—diluted     6.97     6.89     6.41     5.54     5.08 (1)
  Dividends     1.28     1.28     1.28     1.28     1.28  
  Weighted average shares (basic)     3,886,016     3,871,345     3,946,566     3,996,237     4,016,852  
  Weighted average shares (diluted)     4,026,082     4,024,294     3,952,513     4,023,248     4,084,377  
  Stock price—high     77.47     77.87     43.00     47.75     64.63  
  Stock price—low     44.52     34.06     32.19     34.69     33.38  
  Price/earnings ratio (range)     11-6     11-5     7-5     9-7     13-7  
Operating Results                                
  Sales   $ 539,473   $ 551,396   $ 550,661   $ 545,081   $ 552,146  
  Gross profit     141,883     138,084     139,792     142,982     139,212  
  Interest expense, net     (6,836 )   (10,213 )   (12,244 )   (12,938 )   (15,077 )
  Provision for income taxes     (14,454 )   (10,850 )   (8,448 )   (10,482 )   (11,171 )
  Net income     28,059     27,741     25,345     22,273     20,746 (1)
  Net income/sales     5.2%     5.0%     4.6%     4.1%     3.8%  
  Return on equity     13.5%     14.3%     14.1%     12.9%     13.0%  
Financial Condition at Year-end                                
  Working capital   $ 149,205   $ 155,356   $ 135,626   $ 123,748   $ 146,860  
  Property, plant and equipment, net     145,242     145,801     145,196     149,597     157,918  
  Investments, advances and equity in undistributed earnings of joint ventures     18,927     18,780     21,773     23,046     22,712  
  Total assets     462,942     485,080     478,449     470,569     500,219  
  Long-term debt, less current portion     102,823     137,197     140,718     135,237     165,308  
Cash Flow                                
  Expenditures for property, plant and equipment   $ 14,514   $ 19,297   $ 21,050   $ 19,672   $ 32,744  
  Depreciation and amortization     18,572     18,633     18,022     18,986     18,699  
  Business acquisitions                     46,419  

(1)
Includes $17.5 million gain, net of income taxes, on sales of assets and $14.1 million charges, net of income taxes, on asset write-downs and other charges.

20



MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

        Management's Discussion and Analysis of Liquidity and Capital Resources and Results of Operations are based upon the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities during the reporting periods. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

        The Company's significant accounting policies are disclosed in Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company's 2002 Annual Report. Management believes the following accounting policies affect the more significant estimates used in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

        The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Ameron International Corporation and all wholly-owned subsidiaries ("Ameron" or the "Company"). All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The functional currencies for the Company's foreign operations are the applicable local currencies. The translation from the applicable foreign currencies to U.S. dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using a weighted average exchange rate during the period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. The Company advances funds to certain foreign subsidiaries that are not expected to be repaid in the foreseeable future. Translation adjustments arising from these advances are also included in accumulated other comprehensive loss. Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in other income.

        Revenue for the Performance Coatings & Finishes, Fiberglass-Composite Pipe and Infrastructure Products Groups is recognized primarily at the time goods are shipped. Revenue is recognized for the Water Transmission Group primarily under the percentage of completion method, typically based on completed units of production, or in some cases at shipment. Revenue under the percentage of completion method is subject to a greater level of estimation, which affects the timing of revenue, costs and profits. Estimates are reviewed on a consistent basis and are adjusted periodically to reflect current expectations.

        The Company expenses environmental clean-up costs related to existing conditions resulting from past or current operations and from which no current or future benefit is anticipated. The Company determines its liability on a site-by-site basis and records a liability at the time when it is probable and can be reasonably estimated. The estimated liability is not discounted or reduced for possible recoveries from insurance carriers.

        Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost determined principally on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Certain steel inventories used by the Water Transmission Group are valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. Reserves are established for excess, obsolete and rework inventories based on age, estimates of salability and forecasted demand. Management records an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable based on historical experience and expected trends. Property, plant and equipment is stated on the basis of cost and depreciated principally on a straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the related assets, generally 3 to 40 years.

        Investments in joint ventures or affiliates ("joint ventures") over which the Company has significant influence are accounted for under the equity method of accounting, whereby the investment is carried at the cost of acquisition, plus the Company's equity in undistributed earnings or losses since



acquisition. Reserves are provided where management determines that a portion of the investment or earnings may not be realizable.

        All long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment, long-term investments, goodwill and other intangible assets are reviewed by the Company for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. If the estimated future, undiscounted cash flows from the use of an asset are less than its carrying value, a write-down is recorded to reduce the related assets to estimated fair value.

        The Company is self insured for a portion of losses and liabilities primarily associated with workers compensation claims and general, product and vehicle liability. Losses are accrued based upon the Company's estimates of the aggregate liability for claims incurred using historical experience and certain actuarial assumptions followed in the insurance industry.

        Defined benefit pension plans and postretirement health care and life insurance benefit plans require estimating the cost of benefits to be provided well into the future and attributing that cost to the time period each covered employee works. To record these net assets and obligations, management uses estimates relating to assumed inflation, investment returns, mortality, employee turnover, rate of compensation increases, medical costs and discount rates. Management along with third-party actuaries review all of these assumptions on an ongoing basis.

        Management incentive compensation is accrued based on current estimates of the Company's ability to achieve short-term and long-term performance targets.

        Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed for differences between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities. Such deferred income tax asset and liability computations are based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to periods in which the differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized. Quarterly income taxes are estimated based on the mix of income by jurisdiction forecasted for the full fiscal year.

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

        During 2002, the Company generated $54.6 million of cash from operating activities, compared to $27.7 million in 2001. The increase is primarily attributable to a net positive change in operating assets and liabilities.

        In 2002, capital expenditures totaled $14.5 million, compared to $19.3 million in 2001. Capital expenditures in 2002 were primarily for replacement and refurbishment of machinery and equipment at existing facilities. During the fiscal year ending November 30, 2003, the Company anticipates spending approximately $15 million to $25 million for capital expenditures, which will be funded from existing cash balances and lines of credit, as well as funds generated from operations.

        Net debt repayments totaled $38.1 million in 2002, compared to $4.6 million in 2001. Common stock dividends totaled $5.0 million in 2002 and 2001.

        Cash and cash equivalents at November 30, 2002 totaled $10.4 million, compared to $11.3 million as of November 30, 2001. At November 30, 2002, the Company had total debt outstanding of $112.2 million and $118.1 million is unused credit lines were available to fund operating and investing activities worldwide. In January 2003, the Company finalized a three-year, floating-rate, revolving credit facility with several banks, which permits borrowings up to $100.0 million, and issued seven-year notes payable totaling $50.0 million to an insurance company as a fixed rate of 5.36%. The new revolving credit facility and notes payable replaced the Company's principal revolving credit facility which permitted borrowings up to $150.0 million.

        Management believes that cash flows from operations and current cash balances, together with currently available lines of credit, will be sufficient to meet operating requirements in 2003. Cash available from operations could be affected by any general economic downturn or any downturn or adverse changes in the Company's business, such as loss of customers or significant raw material price increases.

        The Company's contractual obligations and commercial commitments at November 30, 2002 are summarized as follows, adjusted to reflect the refinancing that occurred in January 2003 (in thousands):

 
  Payments Due by Period
Contractual Obligations

  Total
  Less than 1 year
  1-3 years
  4-5 years
  After 5 years
Long-Term Debt(a)   $ 111,156   $ 8,333   $ 26,666   $ 40,457   $ 35,700
Operating Leases     39,050     4,645     6,845     3,962     23,598
   
 
 
 
 
Total Contractual Obligations(b)   $ 150,206   $ 12,978   $ 33,511   $ 44,419   $ 59,298
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period

Commercial Commitments

  Total Amounts Committed
  Less than 1 year
  1-3 years
  4-5 years
  After 5 years
Lines of Credit(a)   $ 1,009   $ 1,009   $   $   $
Standby Letters of Credit(c)     1,629     1,629            
Guarantees(d)     1,707     1,707            
   
 
 
 
 
Total Commercial Commitments(b)   $ 4,345   $ 4,345   $   $   $
   
 
 
 
 

(a)
Included in long-term debt is $12,123 outstanding under a revolving credit facility, due in 2006, and bank lines supported by the revolving credit facility. Lines of credit represent short-term borrowings by the Company's foreign subsidiaries.

(b)
The Company has no capitalized lease obligations, unconditional purchase obligations, or standby repurchase obligations.

(c)
Not included are standby letters of credit supporting industrial development bonds that have principal of $15,700.

(d)
The Company guarantees a bank credit facility for a joint venture, Bondstrand, Ltd.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: 2002 COMPARED WITH 2001

General

        Net income totaled $28.1 million, or $6.97 per diluted share, on sales of $539.5 million for the year ended November 30, 2002, compared to net income of $27.7 million, or $6.89 per diluted share, on sales of $551.4 million for the same period in 2001. Higher segment income from the Infrastructure Products Group more than offset lower segment income from the other three groups. The overall improvement in net income came primarily from higher operating margins, higher equity income and lower interest expense.

Sales

        Sales decreased by $11.9 million in 2002 primarily due to the sluggishness in U.S. and European chemical and industrial markets, as well as, softening in worldwide oilfield markets, that negatively impacted the Company's Fiberglass-Composite Pipe and Performance Coatings & Finishes Groups. The strong U.S. housing market and continued infrastructure spending helped boost sales of the Water Transmission and Infrastructure Products Groups.

        Performance Coatings & Finishes' sales decreased by $5.4 million because of the decline in sales of high-performance protective coatings by the Company's U.S. and European operations. Market demand remained weak throughout 2002. Sales of light-industrial finishes in Australia and New Zealand were higher. The near-term outlook for the Performance Coatings & Finishes Group remains uncertain, given worldwide economic conditions. Recovery remains dependent on increased industrial, marine and oilfield demand for high-performance coatings.

        Fiberglass-Composite Pipe Group's sales decreased by $18.5 million in 2002, compared to 2001, due to sluggishness in domestic and European industrial and fuel-handling markets, as well as softening in the worldwide oilfield market. Demand for oilfield piping remained lower throughout the year because of lower spending associated with uncertainty regarding the sustainability of oil prices. Additionally, Ameron's U.S. industrial business completed deliveries of a large water pipeline for a project in California during 2001 that did not recur in 2002. The near-term outlook for the Fiberglass-Composite Pipe Group remains cautious and is dependent on higher oilfield spending.

        Water Transmission Group's sales increased by $1.8 million in 2002, primarily a result of a major sewer pipe project in Southern California and demand for water piping to meet the needs of population growth, infrastructure rehabilitation and the energy markets. Revenue is recognized in the Water Transmission Group primarily under the percentage of completion method and is subject to a certain level of estimation, which affects the timing of revenue, costs and profit. Estimates are reviewed on a consistent basis and are adjusted when actual results are expected to significantly differ from those estimates. The outlook for Water Transmission remains positive for the near term. During 2002, the Water Transmission Group received a $57 million contract to provide bridge pilings for the renovation of the San Francisco / Oakland Bay Bridge. Ameron's portion of the project is expected to run into 2004. The project did not materially impact 2002.

        The Infrastructure Products Group completed 2002 with a $9.8 million increase in sales. Ameron's Hawaiian operations benefited from the continued strength of residential, military and road construction in Hawaii. Sales of poles increased as low interest rates continued to drive the strong U.S. housing market. The outlook for the Infrastructure Products Group remains positive.

Gross Profit

        Gross profit in 2002 was $141.9 million or 26.3% of sales, compared to gross profit of $138.1 million or 25.0% of sales in 2001. Gross profit would have declined an estimated $3.0 million due to lower sales; however, the decline was more than offset by profits associated with higher margins, totaling about $6.8 million. Gross margins increased due a to change in product and project mix, lower raw material costs and improved plant utilization.



        Performance Coatings & Finishes benefited from productivity enhancements, as well as favorable raw material costs. Likewise, margins of the Fiberglass-Composite Pipe Group improved as a result of profitability enhancements, favorable product and project mix and lower raw material costs. Margins of the Water Transmission Group declined due to unfavorable product and project mix and production delays associated with the San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge project. Infrastructure Products had higher margins as a result of better product mix, increased plant utilization and more consistent production by the new concrete pole plant in Alabama.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

        Selling, general and administrative expenses totaled $105.9 million or 19.6% of sales in 2002, compared to $101.8 million or 18.5% in 2001. The $4.1 million increase in expenses was due primarily to higher pension costs of approximately $4.9 million, and severance and productivity enhancement costs for the U.S. and European Fiberglass-Composite Pipe operations and the U.S. Performance Coatings & Finishes operation of $2.1 million, offset by a reduction of reserves previously established for estimated losses on the Central Arizona Project lawsuit of $1.7 million. A settlement was finalized in early 2003.

        Pension and insurance costs are expected to increase almost $10.0 million before taxes in 2003.

Equity and Other Income

        Equity in earnings of joint ventures increased to $9.2 million in 2002 from $8.0 million in 2001. Equity income improved primarily due to TAMCO, Ameron's 50%-owned mini-mill in California. Ameron's equity in TAMCO's earnings increased as TAMCO benefited from continued demand for rebar in the western U.S. and stable energy supplies.

        Other income included royalties and fees from joint ventures and licensees, currency gains and losses, and other miscellaneous income. Royalties and fees totaled $3.3 million in 2002 compared to $5.0 million in 2001.

Interest

        Interest expense totaled $7.0 million in 2002, compared to $10.5 million in 2001. The decrease reflected lower rates and lower average borrowing levels in 2002.

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Provision for Income Taxes

        The effective tax rate increased to 34% in 2002 from 28% in 2001. The provision for income taxes in 2002 was $14.5 million, an increase of $3.6 million from 2001. In 2001, the Company recorded benefits from research and development credits related to the 1990 through 2000 tax years, which were $3.4 million higher than the credits taken in 2002. Credits taken in 2002 related to current year research and development activities.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: 2001 COMPARED WITH 2000

General

        Net income per diluted share for the year ended November 30, 2001 was $6.89 on sales of $551.4 million, compared to $6.41 per share on sales of $550.7 million in 2000. The performance of consolidated operations, principally the Water Transmission and the Performance Coatings & Finishes Groups, offset the lower levels of equity income from joint-venture companies.

Sales

        Sales increased $0.7 million in 2001. Each of Ameron's four operating segments, except for the Water Transmission Group, had higher sales in 2001 than in the prior year. Additionally, total sales from Ameron's foreign operations would have been $8 million higher in 2001 if foreign exchange rates had remained at 2000 levels.

        Performance Coatings & Finishes' sales increased by $2.0 million because of higher sales of protective coatings by the Company's U.S. and European operations. Sales of product finishes declined, reflecting the difficult market conditions in the British and Australian manufacturing sectors. U.S. operations had slightly higher sales despite soft conditions in the chemical processing and general industrial markets. Sales into U.S. marine and offshore markets improved, and distributor sales, principally for commercial and industrial facilities, also strengthened. European operations benefited from higher sales of fire-protection coatings, sales into Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union and strong demand for pipe coatings in the Middle East. Worldwide coatings markets began to slow in the fourth quarter of 2001.

        Fiberglass-Composite Pipe Group's sales increased $3.8 million in 2001, compared to 2000, due to deliveries of water distribution piping for a large project in California. Other U.S. markets, such as fuel handling and offshore, continued at lower levels, while industrial demand softened. Centron International, a wholly-owned subsidiary in Texas which supplies fiberglass pipe for downhole applications and high-pressure oilfield recovery lines, benefited from increased demand due to strong oilfield markets worldwide. Operations in Europe and Asia had lower sales, reflecting declining industrial and marine markets. The Fiberglass-Composite Pipe Group benefited in 2001 from strong demand for oilfield piping.

        The Water Transmission Group had $6.2 million lower sales in 2001 than in 2000, primarily as a result of completion of a sizable project in Colombia in 2000. U.S. sales increased approximately $9 million in 2001, because of demand for water piping to meet the needs of population growth, infrastructure rehabilitation and the energy markets. Sales were particularly strong in Northern California.

        The Infrastructure Products Group completed 2001 with $1.7 million higher sales. Ameron's Hawaiian operations were adversely impacted by soft construction markets on Oahu and Maui. Residential and military construction markets were strong, but commercial building remained weak. Sales of poles increased as demand for both concrete and steel lighting poles and traffic poles grew.



Gross Profit

        Gross profit in 2001 was $138.1 million or 25.0% of sales, compared to gross profit of $139.8 million or 25.4% of sales in 2000. Gross margins declined due to change in product and project mix, competitive pressures, and differences in plant utilization.

        Performance Coatings & Finishes' margins benefited from productivity enhancements, as well as favorable raw material costs. Likewise, margins of the Water Transmission Group improved as a result of completion of the lower-profit project in Colombia in 2000, improved project and product mix and improved manufacturing efficiencies. Margins of the Fiberglass-Composite Pipe Group declined due to product development costs, unfavorable product mix and uneven plant capacity utilization caused by the lagging industrial, marine and fuel-handling markets throughout the world. Infrastructure Products also had lower margins as a result of the start-up costs of the new concrete pole plant in Alabama and higher costs in Hawaii. Profits from Hawaiian operations were lower because of higher maintenance costs, higher labor expenses and development costs related to the expansion of Ameron's quarry on Oahu.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

        Selling, general and administrative expenses totaled $101.8 million or 18.5% of sales in 2001, compared to $113.8 million or 20.7% in 2000. The decline in expenses was due in part to profit enhancement programs implemented in the Performance Coatings & Finishes Group. Additionally, lower insurance and benefit costs were required throughout the Company in 2001 due to an improved safety experience and lower costs related to product warranties and other legal claims.

Equity and Other Income

        Equity in earnings of joint ventures declined to $8.0 million in 2001 from $12.7 million in 2000. Equity income of each joint venture declined, with the largest decrease from TAMCO. Ameron's equity in TAMCO's earnings dropped as TAMCO suffered from competitive pressures caused by imports of foreign steel into the U.S. Additionally, TAMCO was impacted by dramatic energy increases in California during 2001.

        Other income included royalties and fees from joint ventures and licenses, currency gains and losses, and other miscellaneous income. Royalties and fees totaled $5.0 million in 2001 compared to $5.9 million in 2000. In 2000, the Company sold an idle property for a pretax gain of $0.9 million.

Interest

        Interest expense totaled $10.5 million in 2001, compared to $12.8 million in 2000. The decrease reflected lower rates and lower average borrowing levels in 2001.

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Provision for Income Taxes

        The effective tax rate increased to 28% in 2001 from 25% in 2000. Income from certain foreign and joint venture operations is taxed at rates substantially lower than U.S. statutory tax rates. The domestic-sourced income was substantially greater in 2001 than in 2000. The provisions for income taxes in 2001 was $10.9 million, an increase of $2.4 million from 2000. The increase in the provisions for income taxes resulted primarily from: an increase of $1.7 million due to higher pretax income at statutory rates, an increase of $4.6 million related to the mix of income from domestic and foreign operations and joint ventures and a $4.0 million benefit from research and development credits related to the 1990 through 2000 tax years and filed in 2001.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET FINANCING

        The Company does not have any off-balance sheet financing arrangements, other than those listed in the liquidity and capital resources section herein. All of the Company's subsidiaries are appropriately accounted for in the consolidated financial statements. The Company has no interests in or relationships with special purpose entities. The Company has presented herein in tabular format its future payments required under contractual obligations and commitments.

MARKET RISKS

Foreign Currency Risk

        The Company operates internationally, giving rise to exposure to market risks from changes in foreign exchange rates. From time to time, the Company borrows in various currencies to reduce the level of net assets subject to changes in foreign exchange rates. In addition, the Company purchases foreign exchange forward and option contracts to hedge firm commitments, such as receivables and payables, denominated in foreign currencies. The Company does not use the contracts for speculative or trading purposes. At November 30, 2002, the Company had 16 foreign currency forward contracts expiring at various dates through April 2003, with an aggregate face value of $6.6 million.

Debt Risk

        The Company has variable-rate, short-term and long-term debt as well as fixed-rate, long-term debt. The fair value of the Company's fixed-rate debt is subject to changes in interest rates. The estimated fair value of the Company's variable-rate debt approximates the carrying value of the debt since the variable interest rates are market-based, and the Company believes such debt could be refinanced on materially similar terms. The Company is subject to the availability of credit to support new requirements, to refinance amortizing long-term debt and to refinance short-term debt.

        As of November 30, 2002, the estimated fair value of notes payable by the Company totaling $33.3 million, with a fixed rate of 7.92% was $35.6 million. The Company is required to repay these notes in annual installments of $8.3 million from 2003 to 2006, inclusive. As of November 30, 2002, the Company borrowed $62.1 million under a revolving credit facility and bank lines supported by the revolving credit facility which permitted borrowings up to $150.0 million. The average interest rate under such lines was 2.00% as of November 30, 2002. In January 2003, the Company finalized a three-year, floating-rate, revolving credit facility with several banks, which permits borrowings up to $100.0 million, and issued seven-year notes payable, totalling $50.0 million, to an insurance company at a fixed rate of 5.36%. The new revolving credit facility and notes payable replaced the Company's principal revolving credit facility that was maintained on November 30, 2002. The Company had $7.2 million of variable-rate industrial development bonds at a rate of 1.25% as of November 30, 2002, payable in 2016. The Company had $8.5 million of variable-rate industrial development bonds at a rate of 1.40% as of November 30, 2002, payable in 2021.



CONTINGENCIES

        An action was filed in 1992 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona by the Central Arizona Water Conservation District ("CAWCD") seeking damages against several parties, including the Company and the Company's customer, Peter Kiewit Sons Company ("Kiewit"), in connection with six prestressed concrete pipe siphons furnished and installed in the 1970s as part of the Central Arizona Project ("CAP"), a federal project to bring water from the Colorado River to Arizona. The CAWCD also filed separate actions against the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation ("USBR") in the U.S. Court of Claims and with the Arizona Projects Office of the USBR in connection with the CAP siphons. The CAWCD alleged that the six CAP siphons were defective and that the USBR and the defendants in the U.S. District Court action were liable for damages for the repair or replacement of those siphons. On September 14, 1994, the U.S. District Court granted the Company's motion to dismiss the CAWCD action and entered judgment against the CAWCD and in favor of the Company and its co-defendants.

        Separately, on September 28, 1995, the Contracting Officer for the USBR issued a final decision claiming for the USBR approximately $40 million in damages against Kiewit, based in part on the Contracting Officer's finding that the siphons supplied by the Company were defective. That claim amount was considered by the Company to be duplicative of the damages sought by the CAWCD for the repair or replacement of the siphon in the aforementioned action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona. The Contracting Officer's final decision was appealed by Kiewit to the U.S. Department of the Interior Board of Contract Appeals ("IBCA"). The Company actively cooperated with and assisted Kiewit in the administrative appeal of that final decision before the IBCA. Trial on that appeal commenced in November 2000, however the proceeding was stayed with the concurrence of the parties pending efforts aimed at settlement of the entire matter. Settlement efforts were then undertaken, during which the IBCA appeal was suspended.

        As of November 30, 2002, tentative settlements had been reached among the USBR, Kiewit, the Company and various insurance carriers. Since November 30, 2002, those settlements have been finalized and the entire matter, including the aforementioned CAWCD claim, has been resolved on economic terms that did not result in an adverse material effect on the financial position of the Company or its results of operations. The Company will receive sufficient reimbursement from its own and a supplier's insurance companies to fully cover the settlement.

        The Company is one of numerous defendants in various pending lawsuits involving, as of November 30, 2002, some 8,382 individuals or their representatives alleging personal injury from exposure to asbestos-containing products. None of such lawsuits specifies any dollar amount sought

25


as damages by such individuals or their representatives, and at this time the Company is not aware of the extent of injuries allegedly suffered by the individuals or the facts supporting the claim that such injuries were caused by the Company's products. Based upon the information available to it at this time, the Company is not in a position to evaluate its potential exposure, if any, as a result of these claims. The Company intends to vigorously defend all asbestos-related lawsuits.

        In addition to the above, certain other claims, suits and complaints that arise in the ordinary course of business, have been filed or are pending against the Company. Management believes that these matters are either adequately reserved, covered by insurance, or would not have a material effect on the Company's financial position or its results of operations if disposed of unfavorably.

        The Company is subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations concerning the environment and is currently participating in administrative proceedings at several sites under these laws. While the Company finds it difficult to estimate with any certainty the total cost of remediation at the several sites, on the basis of currently available information and reserves provided, the Company believes that the outcome of such environmental regulatory proceedings will not have a material effect on the Company's financial position or its results of operations.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

        Within the 90 days prior to the date of this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Company's periodic Securities and Exchange Commission filings. No significant changes were made in the Company's internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR PURPOSES OF THE "SAFE HARBOR" PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

        Any of the statements contained in this Annual Report that refer to the Company's estimated or anticipated future results are forward-looking and reflect the Company's current analysis of existing trends and information. Actual results may differ from current expectations based on a number of factors affecting Ameron's businesses, including competitive conditions and changing market conditions. In addition, matters affecting the economy generally, including the state of economies worldwide, can affect the Company's results. These forward-looking statements represent the Company's judgment only as of the date of this Annual Report. Since actual results could differ materially, the reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. Moreover, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

26



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 
  Year ended November 30,
 
 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 
                     
Sales   $ 539,473   $ 551,396   $ 550,661  
Cost of sales     (397,590 )   (413,312 )   (410,869 )
   
 
 
 
Gross profit     141,883     138,084     139,792  
Selling, general and administrative expenses     (105,898 )   (101,828 )   (113,844 )
Equity in earnings of joint ventures     9,170     7,994     12,664  
Other income, net     4,194     4,554     7,425  
   
 
 
 
Income before interest and income taxes     49,349     48,804     46,037  
Interest expense, net     (6,836 )   (10,213 )   (12,244 )
   
 
 
 
Income before income taxes     42,513     38,591     33,793  
Provision for income taxes     (14,454 )   (10,850 )   (8,448 )
   
 
 
 
Net income   $ 28,059   $ 27,741   $ 25,345  
   
 
 
 
Net income per share (basic)   $ 7.22   $ 7.17   $ 6.42  
   
 
 
 
Net income per share (diluted)   $ 6.97   $ 6.89   $ 6.41  
   
 
 
 
Weighted average shares (basic)     3,886,016     3,871,345     3,946,566  
Weighted average shares (diluted)     4,026,082     4,024,294     3,952,513  

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

27



CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 
  As of November 30,
 
 
  2002
  2001
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

 
Assets              
  Current assets              
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 10,360   $ 11,315  
    Receivables, less allowances of $6,652 in 2002 and $6,699 in 2001     131,283     135,963  
    Inventories     88,020     92,534  
    Deferred income taxes     16,528     19,242  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets     6,671     6,654  
   
 
 
      Total current assets     252,862     265,708  
 
Investments, advances and equity in undistributed earnings of joint ventures

 

 

18,927

 

 

18,780

 
 
Property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
    Land     35,730     34,826  
    Buildings     75,147     71,477  
    Machinery and equipment     267,607     254,274  
    Construction in progress     4,400     3,590  
   
 
 
      Total property, plant and equipment at cost     382,884     364,167  
    Accumulated depreciation     (237,642 )   (218,366 )
   
 
 
      Total property, plant and equipment, net     145,242     145,801  
  Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $8,551 in 2002 and $7,623 in 2001     13,013     13,158  
  Other assets     32,898     41,633  
   
 
 
    Total assets   $ 462,942   $ 485,080  
   
 
 

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

28


 
  As of November 30,
 
 
  2002
  2001
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands,
except per share data)

 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity              
  Current liabilities              
    Short-term borrowings   $ 1,009   $ 4,080  
    Current portion of long-term debt     8,333     8,597  
    Trade payables     46,295     46,703  
    Accrued liabilities     45,994     48,620  
    Income taxes payable     2,026     2,352  
   
 
 
      Total current liabilities     103,657     110,352  
 
Long-term debt, less current portion

 

 

102,823

 

 

137,197

 
  Other long-term liabilities     44,636     33,284  
   
 
 
      Total liabilities     251,116     280,833  
Commitments and contingencies              
Stockholders' equity              
    Common stock, par value $2.50 a share, authorized 12,000,000 shares, outstanding 3,945,662 shares in 2002 and 3,873,007 shares in 2001, net of treasury shares     13,198     13,017  
    Additional paid-in capital     23,950     19,457  
    Unearned restricted stock     (2,164 )    
    Retained earnings     270,449     247,406  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (44,948 )   (26,974 )
    Treasury stock (1,333,655 shares in 2002 and in 2001)     (48,659 )   (48,659 )
   
 
 
      Total stockholders' equity     211,826     204,247  
   
 
 
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $ 462,942   $ 485,080  
   
 
 

29



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 
  Year ended November 30,
 
 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

 
Operating Activities                    
  Net income   $ 28,059   $ 27,741   $ 25,345  
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                    
    Depreciation     18,032     17,820     17,185  
    Amortization     540     813     837  
    Provision for deferred income taxes     5,960     8,865     3,730  
    Equity in earnings of joint ventures     (9,170 )   (7,994 )   (12,664 )
    Dividends from joint ventures     9,038     8,300     15,105  
    (Gain) loss from sale of property, plant and equipment     (71 )   56     (851 )
    Stock compensation expense     1,283     1,480      
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                    
    Receivables     8,194     3,905     (27,991 )
    Inventories     6,249     (10,312 )   9,990  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets     105     (352 )   123  
    Other assets     (1,635 )   (8,103 )   (7,157 )
    Trade payables     (2,147 )   5,573     6,403  
    Accrued liabilities and income taxes payable     (3,134 )   (22,029 )   (4,791 )
    Other long-term liabilities     (6,669 )   1,969     536  
   
 
 
 
  Net cash provided by operating activities     54,634     27,732     25,800  
   
 
 
 
Investing Activities                    
  Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment     504     867     1,593  
  Additions to property, plant and equipment     (14,514 )   (19,297 )   (21,050 )
   
 
 
 
    Net cash used in investing activities     (14,010 )   (18,430 )   (19,457 )
   
 
 
 
Financing Activities                    
  Net change in short-term borrowings     (3,298 )   (954 )   2,071  
  Issuance of debt     4,123     11,808     17,000  
  Repayment of debt     (38,918 )   (15,492 )   (13,826 )
  Dividends on common stock     (5,016 )   (4,955 )   (5,061 )
  Issuance of common stock     1,227     130      
  Purchase of treasury stock         13     (4,478 )
   
 
 
 
    Net cash used in financing activities     (41,882 )   (9,450 )   (4,294 )
   
 
 
 
  Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents     303     (51 )   (1,056 )
   
 
 
 
    Net change in cash and cash equivalents     (955 )   (199 )   993  
  Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year     11,315     11,514     10,521  
   
 
 
 
  Cash and cash equivalents at end of year   $ 10,360   $ 11,315   $ 11,514  
   
 
 
 

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

30



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 
  Common Stock
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss

   
   
 
 
  Shares
Outstanding

  Amount
  Additional
Paid-in
Capital

  Unearned
Restricted
Stock

  Retained
Earnings

  Treasury
Stock

  Total
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 
Balance, December 1, 1999   3,991,912   $ 13,007   $ 17,857   $   $ 204,336   $ (12,886 ) $ (44,194 ) $ 178,120  
  Net income—2000                           25,345                 25,345  
  Foreign currency translation adjustment                                 (11,496 )         (11,496 )
  Dividends on common stock of $1.28 per share                           (5,061 )               (5,061 )
  Treasury stock purchase   (122,555 )                                 (4,478 )   (4,478 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, November 30, 2000   3,869,357     13,007     17,857         224,620     (24,382 )   (48,672 )   182,430  
  Net income—2001                           27,741                 27,741  
  Exercise of stock options   3,650     10     120                             130  
  Foreign currency translation adjustment                                 95           95  
  Comprehensive loss from joint venture                                 (2,687 )         (2,687 )
  Dividends on common stock of $1.28 per share                           (4,955 )               (4,955 )
  Treasury stock adjustment                                       13     13  
  Stock compensation expense               1,480                             1,480  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, November 30, 2001   3,873,007     13,017     19,457         247,406     (26,974 )   (48,659 )   204,247  
  Net income—2002                           28,059                 28,059  
  Exercise of stock options   32,655     81     1,146                             1,227  
  Foreign currency translation adjustment                                 7,182           7,182  
  Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax                                 (25,171 )         (25,171 )
  Comprehensive income from joint venture                                 15           15  
  Dividends on common stock of $1.28 per share                           (5,016 )               (5,016 )
  Stock compensation expense               713                             713  
  Issuance of restricted stock   40,000     100     2,634     (2,734 )                      
  Amortization of restricted stock                     570                       570  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, November 30, 2002   3,945,662   $ 13,198   $ 23,950   $ (2,164 ) $ 270,449   $ (44,948 ) $ (48,659 ) $ 211,806  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 
  Year ended November 30,
 
 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

 
Net income   $ 28,059   $ 27,741   $ 25,345  
Foreign currency translation adjustment     7,182     95     (11,496 )
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax     (25,171 )        
Comprehensive income (loss) from joint venture     15     (2,687 )    
   
 
 
 
Comprehensive income   $ 10,085   $ 25,149   $ 13,849  
   
 
 
 

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

31



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation

        The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Ameron International Corporation and all wholly-owned subsidiaries ("Ameron" or the "Company"). All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Reclassifications

        Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.

Use of Estimates

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates include revenue and costs recorded under percentage of completion accounting, assumptions related to benefit plans, and reserves associated with management incentives, receivables, inventories, investments in joint ventures, income taxes, self insurance, and environmental and legal contingencies. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition

        Revenue from sales of coatings, fiberglass-composite pipe, construction products and certain other products is recorded at the time the goods are shipped. Revenue from sales of concrete and steel pipe is primarily recognized under the percentage of completion method, typically based on completed units of production, or in certain cases at shipment.

Research and Development Costs

        Research and development costs, related primarily to the development, design and testing of products, are expensed as incurred. Such costs, which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses, were approximately $4,356,000 in 2002, $5,550,000 in 2001, and $4,996,000 in 2000.

Environmental Clean-up Costs

        The Company expenses environmental clean-up costs related to existing conditions resulting from past or current operations and from which no current or future benefit is anticipated. The Company determines its liability on a site-by-site basis and records a liability at the time when it is probable and can be reasonably estimated. The estimated liability of the Company is not discounted or reduced for possible recoveries from insurance carriers.

Income Taxes

        Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed for differences between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities. Such deferred income tax asset and liability computations are based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to periods in which the differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized.

Net Income Per Share

        Basic net income per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the periods presented. Diluted net income per share is computed on the



basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the effect of outstanding stock options and restricted stock, using the treasury stock method.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

        Cash equivalents represent liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased.

Inventory Valuation

        Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is principally determined under the first-in, first-out method. Certain steel inventories are valued using the last-in, first-out method.

Equity Method of Accounting

        Investments in joint ventures or affiliates ("joint ventures") over which the Company has significant influence are accounted for under the equity method of accounting, whereby the investment is carried at the cost of acquisition, plus the Company's equity in undistributed earnings or losses since acquisition. Reserves are provided when management determines that a portion of the investment or earnings may not be realizable.

Property, Plant and Equipment

        Items capitalized as property, plant and equipment, including improvements to existing facilities, are recorded at cost. Construction in progress represents capital expenditures incurred for assets not yet placed in service. Capitalized interest was not material for the periods presented.

        Depreciation is computed principally using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the related assets, generally 3 to 40 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the life of the improvement or the term of the lease.

Amortization of Intangible Assets

        Costs in excess of net assets acquired of $15,356,000 are amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging up to 40 years. Other intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from 3 to 15 years.

Long-Lived Assets

        The Company reviews the recoverability of intangible and other long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. If the estimated future, undiscounted cash flows from the use of an asset are less than its carrying value, a write-down is recorded to reduce the related asset to estimated fair value.

Self Insurance

        The Company utilizes third-party insurance subject to varying retention levels or self insurance. Such self insurance relates to losses and liabilities primarily associated with workers compensation claims and general, product and vehicle liability. Losses are accrued based upon the Company's estimates of the aggregate liability for claims incurred using certain actuarial assumptions followed in the insurance industry and based on the Company's experience.

Foreign Currency Translation

        The functional currencies for the Company's foreign operations are the applicable local currencies. The translation from the applicable foreign currencies to U.S. dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using a weighted average exchange rate during the period. The resulting translation

32


adjustments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. The Company advances funds to certain foreign subsidiaries that are not expected to be repaid in the foreseeable future. Translation adjustments arising from these advances are also included in accumulated other comprehensive loss. Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in other income.

Derivative Financial Instruments and Risk Management

        The Company operates internationally, giving rise to exposure to market risks from changes in foreign exchange rates. Derivative financial instruments, primarily foreign exchange contracts, are used by the Company to reduce those risks. The Company does not hold or issue financial or derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. As of November 30, 2002 and 2001 the Company had foreign currency forward contracts with an aggregate face value of approximately $6,623,000 and $4,682,000, respectively.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

        The fair value of financial instruments, other than long-term debt, approximates the carrying value because of the short-term nature of such instruments.

Concentration of Credit Risk

        Financial instruments that subject the Company to credit risk consist primarily of cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, and forward foreign exchange contracts. Credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable is generally distributed over a large number of entities comprising the Company's customer base and geographically dispersed. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers, maintains an allowance for potential credit losses and, in certain instances, maintains credit insurance. The Company actively evaluates the creditworthiness of the financial institutions with which it conducts business.

New Accounting Pronouncements

        In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." SFAS No. 142 requires, among other things, the discontinuance of goodwill amortization. In addition, the standard includes provisions for the reclassification of certain existing recognized intangibles as goodwill, reassessment of the useful lives of existing recognized intangibles, reclassification of certain intangibles out of previously reported goodwill and the identification of reporting units for purposes of assessing potential future impairments of goodwill. SFAS No. 142 is effective for the Company beginning December 1, 2002. SFAS No. 142 requires the Company to complete a transitional goodwill impairment test six months from the date of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS No. 142. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, goodwill was amortized through November 30, 2002. Upon adoption, amortization of goodwill will cease. Amortization of goodwill was $190,000 in 2002, $336,000 in 2001, and $305,000 in 2000.

        SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," which is effective for the Company on December 1, 2002, addresses the obligations and asset retirement costs associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets. It requires that the fair value of the liability for an asset retirement obligation be recorded when incurred. The asset retirement costs must be capitalized as part of the carrying value of the long-lived asset. If the liability is settled for an amount other than the recorded balance, either a gain or loss will be recognized at settlement. The Company is currently assessing the impact of adopting SFAS No. 143.


        SFAS No. 144, "Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," is effective for the Company on December 1, 2002. SFAS No. 144 addresses financial accounting and reporting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets and provides guidance on implementation issues related to SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of," and addresses the accounting for a segment of a business accounted for as a discontinued operation. The Company is currently assessing the impact of adopting SFAS No. 144.

        In April 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145, "Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44 and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections." SFAS No. 145 rescinds both SFAS No. 4, "Reporting Gains and Losses from Extinguishment of Debt" and SFAS No. 64, "Extinguishments of Debt Made to Satisfy Sinking-Fund Requirements." In so doing, SFAS No. 145 eliminates the requirement that gains and losses from the extinguishment of debt be aggregated, and if material, classified as an extraordinary item, net of the related income tax effect, unless the criteria in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30, "Reporting the Results of Operations—Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions" are met. SFAS No. 145 amends SFAS No. 13, "Accounting for Leases", to require that certain lease modifications that have economic effects similar to sale-leaseback transactions are accounted for in the same manner as sale-leaseback transactions. SFAS No. 145 also amends other existing authoritative pronouncements to make various technical corrections, clarify meanings or describe their applicability under changed conditions. The provisions of SFAS No. 145 related to the rescission of SFAS No. 4 are effective for the Company beginning December 1, 2002. The provisions of SFAS No. 145 related to the amendment of SFAS No. 13 are effective for transactions occurring after May 15, 2002. All other provisions of SFAS No. 145 are effective for financial statements issued on or after May 15, 2002. The adoption of SFAS No. 145 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

        SFAS No. 146, "Accounting for Exit or Disposal Activities," was issued in June 2002. SFAS No. 146 addresses significant issues regarding the recognition, measurement and reporting of costs that are associated with exit and disposal activities, including restructuring activities that are currently accounted for pursuant to the guidance that the Emerging Issues Task Force has set forth in Issue No. 94-3, "Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)." The provisions of SFAS No. 146 are effective for exit or disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002. The adoption of SFAS No. 146 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

        In November 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation ("FIN") No. 45, "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others." FIN No. 45 elaborates on the disclosures to be made by a guarantor about its obligations under certain guarantees. FIN No. 45 also clarifies that a guarantor is required to recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. FIN No. 45 specifically identifies

33


certain obligations that are excluded from the provisions related to recognizing a liability at inception, however, these guarantees are subject to the disclosure requirements of FIN No. 45. The initial recognition and measurement provisions of FIN No. 45 are applicable on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The disclosure requirements are effective for the Company for the fiscal year ending November 30, 2003. The Company is currently assessing the impact of adopting FIN No. 45.

        In January 2003, the FASB issued FIN No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities." This standard clarifies the application of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, "Consolidated Financial Statements," and addresses consolidation by business enterprises of variable interest entities (more commonly known as Special Purpose Entities or SPE's). FIN No. 46 requires existing unconsolidated variable interest entities to be consolidated by their primary beneficiaries if the entities do not effectively disperse risk among the parties involved. FIN No. 46 also significantly enhances the disclosure requirements related to variable interest entities. This statement is effective to variable interest entities created or in which an enterprise obtains an interest after January 31, 2003. It will be effective for the Company beginning September 1, 2003 for all interests in variable interest entities acquired before February 1, 2003. The adoption of FIN No. 46 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
  (In thousands)

Interest paid   $ 6,996   $ 10,810   $ 13,778
Income taxes paid     8,457     15,939     8,187

NOTE 2 OTHER INCOME

        Other income was as follows for the years ended November 30:

 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
 
  (In thousands)

 
Royalties, fees and other income   $ 3,289   $ 4,972   $ 5,908  
Gain (loss) on sale of property, plant and equipment     71     (56 )   851  
Foreign currency loss     (539 )   (927 )   (566 )
Miscellaneous     1,373     565     1,232  
   
 
 
 
    $ 4,194   $ 4,554   $ 7,425  
   
 
 
 

        The Company provides technical services and receives fees, royalties and other income from licensees and certain of its joint ventures which are included above. Income from joint ventures totaled $1,582,000 in 2002, $2,498,000 in 2001, and $2,647,000 in 2000.

NOTE 3 RECEIVABLES

        Receivables were as follows at November 30:

 
  2002
  2001
 
 
  (In thousands)

 
Trade   $ 127,874   $ 133,594  
Joint ventures     2,653     1,393  
Other     7,408     7,675  
Allowances     (6,652 )   (6,699 )
   
 
 
    $ 131,283   $ 135,963  
   
 
 

        The Company's provision for bad debts was $1,300,000 in 2002, $1,738,000 in 2001, and $1,953,000 in 2000. Trade receivables included unbilled receivables related to percentage of completion revenue recognition of $11,928,000 and $19,458,000 at November 30, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

NOTE 4 INVENTORIES

        Inventories were as follows at November 30:

 
  2002
  2001
 
  (In thousands)

Finished products   $ 52,359   $ 58,397
Materials and supplies     20,373     22,084
Products in process     15,288     12,053
   
 
    $ 88,020   $ 92,534
   
 

        Certain steel inventories are valued using the last-in, first-out method. These items comprised 2.7% and 4.6% of consolidated inventories at November 30, 2002 and 2001, respectively. If such inventories had been valued using the first-in, first-out method, total inventories would have increased by $1,164,000 and $832,000 at November 30, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

NOTE 5 JOINT VENTURES

        Investments, advances and equity in undistributed earnings of joint ventures were as follows at November 30:

 
  2002
  2001
 
  (In thousands)

Investments—equity method   $ 18,419   $ 18,272
Investments—cost method     508     508
   
 
    $ 18,927   $ 18,780
   
 

        The Company's investments which were accounted for by the equity method are summarized below:

Products
  Joint Ventures
  Ownership Interest
Concrete pipe   Ameron Saudi Arabia, Ltd. ("ASAL")   30%
Steel products   TAMCO   50%
Fiberglass pipe   Bondstrand, Ltd.   40%
Coatings   Oasis-Ameron, Ltd.   40%

        Investments in joint ventures and the amount of undistributed earnings were as follows:

 
  Concrete pipe
  Steel products
  Fiberglass pipe
  Coatings
  Total
 
 
  (In thousands)

 
Cost   $   $ 8,482   $ 2,182   $ 1,054   $ 11,718  
Comprehensive loss from joint venture           (2,672 )               (2,672 )
Accumulated equity in undistributed earnings, net of reserves         7,130     1,602     641     9,373  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Investment, November 30, 2002   $   $ 12,940   $ 3,784   $ 1,695   $ 18,419  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends received in 2002   $ 3,310   $ 3,465   $ 2,263   $   $ 9,038  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Cost   $   $ 8,482   $ 2,182   $ 1,054   $ 11,718  
Comprehensive loss from joint venture           (2,687 )               (2,687 )
Accumulated equity in undistributed earnings, net of reserves         6,998     1,602     641     9,241  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Investment, November 30, 2001   $   $ 12,793   $ 3,784   $ 1,695   $ 18,272  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends received in 2001   $ 3,325   $ 2,585   $ 2,070   $ 320   $ 8,300  
   
 
 
 
 
 

        During 1998, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $10,505,000 to adjust its net investment in ASAL to zero.

        The Company has provided for income taxes on the undistributed earnings of its joint ventures, to the extent such earnings have been included in the consolidated statements of income.

        The Company's investments in ASAL, Bondstrand, Ltd. and Oasis-Ameron, Ltd. were recorded based on audited financial statements as of December 31, 2001, and unaudited financial statements as of

34


September 30, 2002. The investment in TAMCO was recorded based on audited financial statements as of November 30, 2002.

        Summarized and combined financial information for joint ventures follows:

Financial Condition
  2002
  2001
 
  (In thousands)

Current assets   $ 168,345   $ 173,466
Noncurrent assets     73,563     74,431
   
 
    $ 241,908   $ 247,897
   
 
Current liabilities   $ 105,862   $ 101,307
Noncurrent liabilities     20,496     15,540
Stockholders equity     115,550     131,050
   
 
    $ 241,908   $ 247,897
   
 

Results of Operations
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
  (In thousands)

Net sales   $ 208,361   $ 219,864   $ 244,118
Gross profit     47,382     51,968     69,263
Net income     21,937     24,525     32,101

        In 2001, TAMCO entered into a swap agreement intended to hedge expected cash flows related to the purchase of natural gas used in its manufacturing process. The Company has recognized $2,672,000 and $2,687,000 in accumulated other comprehensive loss at November 30, 2002 and 2001, respectively, which represents its proportionate share of amounts recognized by TAMCO to record the fair value of the swap agreement.

        The amount of investments and accumulated equity in the undistributed earnings net of reserves in the Middle Eastern joint ventures was $5,479,000 at November 30, 2002 and 2001.

        Sales to joint ventures totaled $4,848,000 in 2002, $7,747,000 in 2001 and $7,487,000 in 2000.

        The Company has 25% ownership in Amercoat Mexicana, which has been accounted for by the cost method since the Company does not have the ability to exert significant influence over the investee's operating and financing activities.

        The Company guaranteed a $1,707,000 bank credit facility for Bondstrand, Ltd. at November 30, 2002.

NOTE 6 OTHER ASSETS

        Other assets were as follows at November 30:

 
  2002
  2001
 
  (In thousands)

Cash surrender value of insurance policies   $ 26,415   $ 24,734
Prepaid pension cost         14,967
Other     6,483     1,932
   
 
    $ 32,898   $ 41,633
   
 

NOTE 7 ACCRUED LIABILITIES

        Accrued liabilities were as follows at November 30:

 
  2002
  2001
 
  (In thousands)

Compensation and benefits   $ 18,907   $ 16,998
Self insurance reserves     14,222     14,223
Reserves for pending claims and litigation     5,308     8,227
Taxes (other than income taxes)     2,450     3,434
Commissions and royalties     1,250     1,190
Interest     826     1,007
Advances from customers     464     181
Other     2,567     3,360
   
 
    $ 45,994   $ 48,620
   
 

NOTE 8 OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

        Other long-term liabilities were as follows at November 30:

 
  2002
  2001
 
  (In thousands)

Accrued pension cost   $ 39,128   $ 7,191
Compensation and benefits     4,422     11,970
Deferred income tax liabilities     662     13,690
Other     424     433
   
 
    $ 44,636   $ 33,284
   
 

NOTE 9 INCOME TAXES

        The provision for income taxes included the following for the years ended November 30:

 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
  (In thousands)

Current                  
  Federal   $ 4,587   $ 67   $ 1,231
  Foreign     3,508     2,402     2,730
  State     399     (484 )   757
   
 
 
        8,494     1,985     4,718
   
 
 
Deferred                  
  Federal     5,104     7,436     2,650
  Foreign     (99 )   36     583
  State     955     1,393     497
   
 
 
      5,960     8,865     3,730
   
 
 
    $ 14,454   $ 10,850   $ 8,448
   
 
 

Deferred income tax assets consisted of the following as of November 30:

 
  2002
  2001
 
 
  (In thousands)

 
Noncurrent deferred income taxes              
  Net operating loss carryovers   $ 11,293   $ 7,418  
  Accrued (prepaid) pension cost     10,415     (5,836 )
  Employee benefits     4,382     6,536  
  Investments     3,220     3,243  
  Valuation allowance     (12,101 )   (8,107 )
  Property, plant and equipment     (17,572 )   (16,373 )
  Other     (299 )   (571 )
   
 
 
Net noncurrent deferred income tax liabilities     (662 )   (13,690 )
   
 
 
Current deferred income taxes              
  Self-insurance/claims reserves     10,377     11,373  
  Inventories     4,784     4,432  
  Employee benefits     2,554     2,969  
  Accounts receivable     1,722     1,762  
  Valuation allowance     (1,359 )   (1,261 )
  Other     (1,550 )   (33 )
   
 
 
Net current deferred income tax assets     16,528     19,242  
   
 
 
Net deferred income tax assets   $ 15,866   $ 5,552  
   
 
 

        As of November 30, 2002, the Company had foreign net operating loss carryovers of approximately $34,400,000. The valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets, which relates primarily to foreign net operating loss carryovers and net deductible temporary differences, increased by $4,092,000 in 2002 and by $3,884,000 in 2001.

35


        The tax provision represents effective tax rates of 34%, 28% and 25% of income before income taxes for the years ended November 30, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. A reconciliation of income taxes provided at the effective income tax rate and the amount computed at the federal statutory income tax rate of 35% is as follows for the years ended November 30:

 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
 
  (In thousands)

 
Domestic pretax income   $ 37,708   $ 39,146   $ 24,734  
Foreign pretax income     4,805     (555 )   9,059  
   
 
 
 
    $ 42,513   $ 38,591   $ 33,793  
   
 
 
 
Taxes at federal statutory rate   $ 14,880   $ 13,507   $ 11,828  
State taxes (net of federal tax benefit)     1,335     1,701     1,031  
Foreign losses with no federal benefit     3,306     3,669     2,454  
Foreign income taxed at lower rates     (2,414 )   (1,575 )   (2,338 )
Foreign tax credit     (1,432 )   (2,004 )   (2,400 )
Foreign branch and withholding taxes     833     999     896  
Equity in earnings of joint ventures     (996 )   (638 )   (2,235 )
Percentage depletion     (364 )   (382 )   (331 )
Research and development credits     (598 )   (4,008 )    
Other, net     (96 )   (419 )   (457 )
   
 
 
 
    $ 14,454   $ 10,850   $ 8,448  
   
 
 
 

        In 2001, the IRS completed the examination of the Company's 1993 through 1995 federal income tax returns and issued an assessment. The Company agreed with the IRS regarding the assessment. The assessment was not material to the Company's financial statements and was paid in 2002.

        The 1996 through 1998 federal income tax returns are currently under examination by the IRS. No assessments have been issued to date. Although it cannot predict with certainty the ultimate outcome of this examination, the Company believes it has adequately provided for any potential liabilities that may result.

        In 2001, the Company filed federal and state income tax claims for research and development credits for tax years 1990 through 2000. The claims are currently under IRS examination.

NOTE 10 DEBT

        Short-term borrowings consisted of loans payable under bank credit lines totaling $1,009,000 and $4,080,000 as of November 30, 2002 and 2001, respectively. At November 30, 2002, the equivalent of $13,599,000 was available under these short-term credit lines. The effective interest rate on these loans was approximately 5.90% at November 30, 2002 and 13.35% at November 30, 2001. The higher interest rate in 2001 related to borrowings by the Company's Colombian subsidiary.

        Domestically, as of November 30, 2002, the Company maintained a $150,000,000 revolving credit facility. At November 30, 2002, $58,000,000 was borrowed under this facility. In January 2003, the Company finalized a three-year, $100,000,000 revolving credit facility with six banks (the "Revolver"). Under the Revolver, the Company may, at its option, borrow at floating interest rates based on specified margins over money market rates, at anytime until January 2006, when all borrowings under the Revolver must be repaid. Also in January 2003, the Company issued $50,000,000 of notes payable to an insurance company at a fixed rate of 5.36%. These fixed-rate notes payable amortize $10,000,000 per year beginning in November 2005, with a final maturity in November 2009. The Revolver and the 5.36% notes payable replace the $150,000,000 revolving credit facility that was maintained at November 30, 2002.

        The Company and its foreign subsidiaries also maintain unsecured revolving credit facilities and short-term facilities with banks. The Company and its foreign subsidiaries may borrow in various currencies, at interest rates based upon specified margins over money market rates. The equivalent of



$6,000,000 may be borrowed at any time through March 2005 under one facility. Other short-term lines permit borrowings up to $10,690,000. At November 30, 2002, $4,123,000 was borrowed under these facilities.

        Borrowings under certain bank facilities by the Company and its foreign subsidiaries are supported by the Revolver and, accordingly, have been classified as long-term debt and are considered payable when the Revolver is due.

        Long-term debt consisted of the following as of November 30:

 
  2002
  2001
 
 
  (In thousands)

 
Fixed-rate notes payable:              
  7.92%, payable in annual principal installments of $8,333   $ 33,333   $ 41,666  
Variable-rate industrial development bonds,              
  payable in 2016 (1.25% at November 30, 2002)     7,200     7,200  
  payable in 2021 (1.40% at November 30, 2002)     8,500     8,500  
Variable-rate bank revolving credit facilities (2.00% at November 30, 2002)     62,123     84,910  
Variable-rate bank loan, paid in 2002         3,254  
Variable-rate bank loan, payable in Dutch guilders, paid in 2002         264  
   
 
 
      111,156     145,794  
Less current portion     (8,333 )   (8,597 )
   
 
 
    $ 102,823   $ 137,197  
   
 
 

        Future maturities of long-term debt are as follows as of November 30, 2002, adjusted to reflect the refinancing in January 2003:

Year ending
November 30,

  Amount
 
  (In thousands)

2003   $ 8,333
2004     8,333
2005     18,333
2006     30,457
2007     10,000
Thereafter     35,700
   
    $ 111,156
   

        The lending agreements contain various restrictive covenants, including the requirement to maintain specified amounts of net worth and restrictions on cash dividends, borrowings, liens, investments and guarantees. Under the most restrictive provisions of the Company's lending agreements, approximately $8,734,000 of retained earnings was not restricted as of November 30, 2002, as to the declaration of cash dividends or the repurchase of Company stock. At November 30, 2002, the Company was in compliance with all covenants.

        The Revolver, the 5.36% notes payable and the 7.92% notes payable, beginning in January 2003, are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company. The industrial revenue bonds are supported by standby letters of credit that are issued under the Revolver. Certain note agreements contain provisions regarding the Company's ability to grant additional security interests or liens in association with other debt instruments. If the Company grants such a security interest or lien, then such notes will be secured equally and ratably as long as such other debt shall be secured.

36


        Interest income and expense were as follows for the years ended November 30:

 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
 
  (In thousands)

 
Interest expense   $ 7,024   $ 10,471   $ 12,814  
Interest income     (188 )   (258 )   (570 )
   
 
 
 
Interest expense, net   $ 6,836   $ 10,213   $ 12,244  
   
 
 
 

        The following disclosure of the estimated fair value of the Company's debt is made in accordance with the requirements of SFAS No. 107, "Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments." The estimated fair value amounts have been determined by the Company using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. Considerable judgment is required to develop the estimated fair value, thus the estimates provided herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current market exchange.

 
  Carrying
Amount

  Fair
Value

 
  (In thousands)

November 30, 2002            
Short-term borrowings   $ 1,009   $ 1,009
Fixed-rate, long-term debt     33,333     35,577
Variable-rate, long-term debt     77,823     77,823

November 30, 2001

 

 

 

 

 

 
Short-term borrowings     4,080     4,080
Fixed-rate, long-term debt     41,666     43,656
Variable-rate, long-term debt     104,128     104,128

        The estimated fair value of the Company's variable-rate debt approximates the carrying value of the debt since the variable interest rates are market-based, and the Company believes such debt could be refinanced on materially similar terms. The estimated fair value of the Company's fixed-rate, long-term debt is based on U.S. government notes at November 30, 2002 plus an estimated spread for similar securities with similar remaining maturities.

NOTE 11 LEASE COMMITMENTS

        The Company leases facilities and equipment under non-cancelable operating leases. Rental expense under long-term operating leases of real property, vehicles and other equipment was $5,071,000 in 2002, $5,687,000 in 2001 and $5,635,000 in 2000. At November 30, 2002, future rental commitments under these leases totaled $39,050,000. Future rental commitments were as follows as of November 30, 2002:

Year ending
November 30,

  Amount
 
  (In thousands)

2003   $ 4,645
2004     3,744
2005     3,101
2006     1,984
2007     1,978
Thereafter     23,598
   
    $ 39,050
   

        Future rental commitments for leases are not reduced by minimum non-cancelable sublease rentals aggregating $2,613,000 at November 30, 2002.


NOTE 12 INCENTIVE STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS

        The Company applies Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and related interpretations in accounting for its various stock option plans. The Company has adopted the disclosure only provisions of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation."

        In 2001, the 2001 Stock Incentive Plan ("2001 Plan") was approved by the stockholders of the Company. The 2001 Plan serves as the successor to both the 1992 Incentive Stock Compensation Plan and the 1994 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan and superceded those plans. Under the terms of the 2001 Plan, 190,000 new shares of common stock were made available for awards both to non-employee directors and to key employees of the Company. Awards to key employees may include, but are not limited to, stock options, restricted stock, performance shares or performance unit awards; however, no more than 40,000 of such shares were made available for issuance as either restricted stock, performance stock, performance shares or performance units. Restrictions may limit the sale, transfer, voting rights and dividends on these shares. At November 30, 2002, 40,000 restricted shares were outstanding. With respect to non-employee directors, on the first business day following the date of the annual meeting of stockholders of the Company, each non-employee director will receive an option to purchase 1,500 shares of common stock.

        At November 30, 2002, the Company had 575,104 non-qualified stock options outstanding with terms of from 10 to 15 years from the date of grant, and 129,000 shares available for future grants under the 2001 plan. The exercise price for such outstanding stock options is generally the fair market value of the Company's stock on the date of the original grant. Such options vest in equal annual installments over four years. Certain options have a cashless exercise feature and are subject to variable plan accounting. In 2002, the Company recognized stock compensation expense of $1,283,000, including $570,000 related to restricted stock and $713,000 related to an extension of the life of certain options and to options with a cashless exercise feature. In 2001, the Company recognized stock compensation expense of $1,480,000, including $843,000 related to options with the cashless exercise feature and $637,000 related to an extension of the life of certain stock options.

        SFAS No. 123 requires pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share as if compensation cost for stock options had been determined based on the fair value of the options on the grant date. The Company estimates the fair value of stock options at the grant date by using the Black Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions used for grants in 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively: dividend yields of 3.02%, 3.47% and 2.01%; an expected volatility of 30.2%, 25.5% and 35.08%; risk-free rates of 6.61%, 4.90% and 4.84% and an expected life of five years for all years.

        Under the accounting provisions of SFAS No. 123, the Company's net income and earnings per share would have been as indicated below for the years ended November 30:

 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
  (in thousands except per share data)

Net income                  
  As reported   $ 28,059   $ 27,741   $ 25,345
  Pro forma     27,981     27,520     24,684
Earnings per share (diluted)                  
  As reported     6.97     6.89     6.41
  Pro forma     6.95     6.84     6.25

37


        A summary of the Company's stock options as of November 30, 2000, 2001 and 2002, and changes during the years then ended, follows:

 
  Number of Options
  Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at December 1, 1999   420,409   $ 42.57
  Granted   84,500     38.44
  Forfeited   (1,000 )   39.13
   
     
Outstanding at November 30, 2000   503,909     41.89
   
     
Options exercisable at November 30, 2000   325,784     41.29
   
     
Weighted average fair value of options granted during 2000         11.11
Outstanding at November 30, 2000   503,909     41.89
  Granted   102,500     41.10
  Exercised   (3,650 )   35.50
  Forfeited   (5,500 )   50.27
   
     
Outstanding at November 30, 2001   597,259     41.72
   
     
Options exercisable at November 30, 2001   385,009     41.96
   
     
Weighted average fair value of options granted during 2001         8.70
Outstanding at November 30, 2001   597,259     41.72
  Granted   10,500     70.55
  Exercised   (32,655 )   37.60
   
     
Outstanding at November 30, 2002   575,104     42.48
   
     
Options exercisable at November 30, 2002   431,854     42.58
   
     
Weighted average fair value of options granted during 2002         22.62

        The following summarizes information about stock options outstanding as of November 30, 2002:

Range of Exercise Prices

  Options Outstanding at November 30, 2002
  Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)
  Weighted Average Exercise Price
$30.00  to  $40.00   334,734   8.84   $ 37.94
40.00  to    50.00   156,370   8.01     43.45
50.00  to    60.00   73,500   10.02     57.06
60.00  to    75.00   10,500   9.30     70.55
       
         
30.00  to    75.00   575,104   8.77     42.48
       
         

Range of Exercise Prices

  Options Exercisable at November 30, 2002
  Weighted Average Exercise Price
$30.00  to  $40.00   278,859   $ 37.88
40.00  to    50.00   79,495     45.72
50.00  to    60.00   73,500     57.06
60.00  to    75.00      
       
     
30.00  to    75.00   431,854     42.58
       
     

38


NOTE 13 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

        An action was filed in 1992 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona by the Central Arizona Water Conservation District ("CAWCD") seeking damages against several parties, including the Company and the Company's customer, Peter Kiewit Sons Company ("Kiewit"), in connection with six prestressed concrete pipe siphons furnished and installed in the 1970's as part of the Central Arizona Project ("CAP"), a federal project to bring water from the Colorado River to Arizona. The CAWCD also filed separate actions against the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation ("USBR") in the U.S. Court of Claims and with the Arizona Projects Office of the USBR in connection with the CAP siphons. The CAWCD alleged that the six CAP siphons were defective and that the USBR and the defendants in the U.S. District Court action were liable for damages for the repair or replacement of those siphons. On September 14, 1994, the U.S. District Court granted the Company's motion to dismiss the CAWCD action and entered judgment against the CAWCD and in favor of the Company and its co-defendants.

        Separately, on September 28, 1995, the Contracting Officer for the USBR issued a final decision claiming for the USBR approximately $40 million in damages against Kiewit, based in part on the Contracting Officer's finding that the siphons supplied by the Company were defective. That claim amount was considered by the Company to be duplicative of the damages sought by the CAWCD for the repair or replacement of the siphons in the aforementioned action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona. The Contracting Officer's final decision was appealed by Kiewit to the U.S. Department of the Interior Board of Contract Appeals ("IBCA"). The Company actively cooperated with and assisted Kiewit in the administrative appeal of that final decision before the IBCA. Trial on that appeal commenced in November 2000, however the proceeding was stayed with the concurrence of the parties pending efforts aimed at settlement of the entire matter. Settlement efforts were then undertaken, during which the IBCA appeal was suspended.

        As of November 30, 2002, tentative settlements had been reached among the USBR, Kiewit, the Company and various insurance carriers. Since November 30, 2002, those settlements have been finalized and the entire matter, including the aforementioned CAWCD claim, has been resolved on economic terms that did not result in an adverse material effect on the financial position of the Company or its results of operations. The Company will receive sufficient reimbursement from its own and a supplier's insurance companies to fully cover the settlement.

        The Company is one of numerous defendants in various pending lawsuits involving, as of November 30, 2002, some 8,382 individuals or their representatives alleging personal injury from exposure to asbestos-containing products. None of such lawsuits specifies any dollar amount sought as damages by such individuals or their representatives, and at this time the Company is not aware of the extent of injuries allegedly suffered by the individuals or the facts supporting the claim that such injuries were caused by the Company's products. Based upon the information available to it at this time, the Company is not in a position to evaluate its potential exposure, if any, as a result of these claims. The Company intends to vigorously defend all asbestos-related lawsuits.

        In addition to the above, certain other claims, suits and complaints that arise in the ordinary course of business, have been filed or are pending against the Company. Management believes that these matters are either adequately reserved, covered by insurance, or would not have a material effect on the Company's financial position or its results of operations if disposed of unfavorably.

        The Company is subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations concerning the environment and is currently participating in administrative proceedings at several sites under these laws. While the Company finds it difficult to estimate with any certainty the total cost of remediation at the several sites, on the basis of currently available information and reserves provided, the Company believes that the outcome of such environmental regulatory proceedings will not have a material effect on the Company's financial position or its results of operations.

39


NOTE 14 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

        The Company has a qualified, defined benefit, noncontributory pension plan for U.S. employees not covered by union pension plans. Benefits paid to retirees are based upon age at retirement, years of credited service and average compensation or negotiated benefit rates. The Company's funding policy is to make contributions to the plan sufficient to meet the minimum funding requirements of applicable laws and regulations, plus such additional amounts, if any, as the Company's actuarial consultants recommend.

        Assets of the Company's U.S. defined benefit plan are invested in a directed trust. Assets in the trust are invested in domestic and foreign equity securities of corporations (including $4,623,000 of the Company's common stock at November 30, 2002), U.S. government obligations, derivative securities, corporate bonds and money market funds.

        The Company has a supplemental non-qualified, non-funded retirement plan for certain U.S. executives, for which the Company has purchased cost recovery life insurance on the lives of the participants. The Company is the sole owner and beneficiary of such policies. As of November 30, 2002 and 2001, the cash surrender value of these policies was $8,510,000 and $8,339,000, respectively. The Company also provides health and life insurance to a limited number of eligible retirees and eligible survivors of retirees.



        The following sets forth the change in benefit obligations, change in plan assets, funded status and amounts recognized in the balance sheet as of November 30, 2002 and 2001 for the Company's defined benefit retirement plans and postretirement health care and life insurance benefits:

 
  Defined Benefit Retirement Plans
  Other Postretirement Benefits
 
 
  2002
  2001
  2002
  2001
 
 
  (In thousands)

 
Change in Benefit Obligation                          
Projected benefit obligation—beginning of year   $ 146,174   $ 133,889   $ 2,765   $ 2,332  
Service cost     2,506     2,289     98     93  
Interest cost     10,353     10,168     191     184  
Benefit adjustments     393     1,562         206  
Actuarial loss (gain)     9,127     7,671     (5 )   91  
Benefit payments     (9,845 )   (9,405 )   (147 )   (141 )
   
 
 
 
 
Projected benefit obligation—end of year   $ 158,708   $ 146,174   $ 2,903   $ 2,765  
   
 
 
 
 

Change in Plan Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Plan assets at fair value—beginning of year   $ 135,171   $ 161,930   $ 338   $ 335  
Actual return on plan assets     (11,834 )   (17,630 )   19     19  
Employer contribution     246     276     144     125  
Benefit payments     (9,845 )   (9,405 )   (147 )   (141 )
   
 
 
 
 
Plan assets at fair value—end of year   $ 113,738   $ 135,171   $ 354   $ 338  
   
 
 
 
 

Funded Status

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Funded status   $ (44,970 ) $ (11,003 ) $ (2,549 ) $ (2,427 )
Unrecognized actuarial loss     51,081     18,080     374     390  
Unrecognized transition (asset) obligation         (36 )   785     856  
Unrecognized prior service cost     1,540     1,668     (134 )   (148 )
   
 
 
 
 
Net amount recognized   $ 7,651   $ 8,709   $ (1,524 ) $ (1,329 )
   
 
 
 
 

Balance Sheet Amounts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Prepaid cost   $   $ 14,967   $ 35   $  
Accrued cost     (34,855 )   (7,191 )   (1,559 )   (1,329 )
Intangible asset     1,242     933          
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, pretax     41,264              
   
 
 
 
 
Net amount recognized   $ 7,651   $ 8,709   $ (1,524 ) $ (1,329 )
   
 
 
 
 

40


        Net periodic benefit costs for the Company's defined benefit retirement plans and postretirement health care and life insurance benefits for 2002, 2001 and 2000 included the following components:

 
  Defined Benefit Retirement Plans
  Other Postretirement Benefits
 
  2002
  2001
  2000
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
  (In thousands)

Service cost   $ 2,506   $ 2,289   $ 2,402   $ 98   $ 93   $ 77
Interest cost     10,353     10,168     9,702     192     184     169
Expected return on plan assets     (12,711 )   (15,343 )   (14,910 )   (33 )      
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost     520     382     273     (14 )      
Amortization of unrecognized net transition (asset) obligation     (35 )   (115 )   (115 )   71     71     71
Amortization of accumulated loss (gain)     671     (971 )   (1,134 )   25     15     13
   
 
 
 
 
 
Net periodic cost (benefit)   $ 1,304   $ (3,590 ) $ (3,782 ) $ 339   $ 363   $ 330
   
 
 
 
 
 

        The following table provides the weighted average assumptions used to compute the actuarial present value of projected benefit obligations:

 
  Defined Benefit Retirement Plans
  Other Postretirement Benefits
 
 
  2002
  2001
  2000
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
Weighted average discount rate   6.75 % 7.25 % 7.75 % 6.75 % 7.25 % 7.75 %
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets   9.75 % 9.75 % 9.75 % N/A   N/A   N/A  
Rate of increase in compensation levels   4.25 % 4.75 % 5.25 % 4.25 % 4.75 % 5.25 %

        Approximately 18% of the Company's employees are covered by union-sponsored, collectively bargained, multi-employer pension plans. Related to these plans, the Company contributed and charged to expense $2,242,000, $4,009,000 and $2,800,000 in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. These contributions are determined in accordance with the provisions of negotiated labor contracts and generally are based on the number of hours worked. The Company has no intention of withdrawing from any of these plans, nor is there any intention to terminate such plans.

        The assumed health care cost trend was 9% in 2002; it is assumed that the rate will decline gradually to 5% by 2006. The effect of a one-percentage-point change in the assumed health care cost trend would have altered the amounts of the benefit obligation and the sum of the service cost and interest cost components of postretirement benefit expense for 2002, as follows:

 
  Increase
  Decrease
 
 
  (In thousands)

 
Effect on total of service and interest cost components of net periodic expense   $  16   $(13 )
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation   111   (96 )

        The Company's subsidiary in the Netherlands provides retirement benefits to employees. The projected benefit obligation and plan assets at November 30, 2002 were $24,428,000 and $18,123,000, respectively. Accrued pension cost of $4,723,000 was recorded at November 30, 2002 related to this plan. Net periodic costs for this plan were not material for the periods presented.

        The Company has a deferred compensation plan providing eligible executives with the opportunity to participate in an unfunded, deferred compensation program. Under the program, participants may defer base compensation and bonuses and earn interest on their deferred amounts. The program is not qualified under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code. The total of participant deferrals and earnings thereon was $2,331,000 at November 30, 2002 and $8,776,000 at November 30, 2001.


The participant deferrals earn interest at a rate based on U.S. government rates. The interest expense related to this plan was $302,000 in 2002, $667,000 in 2001 and $616,000 in 2000.

        The Company has a life insurance plan which provides eligible executives with life insurance protection equal to three times base salary. Upon retirement, the executive is provided with life insurance protection equal to final base salary. Benefits may be paid as a lump sum or as an annual income to the identified survivor over ten years. The expense related to this plan was $148,000 in 2002, $230,000 in 2001 and $287,000 in 2000.

        In connection with the above two plans, whole life insurance contracts were purchased on the related participants. At November 30, 2002 and 2001, the cash surrender value of these policies was $17,905,000 and $16,395,000, respectively net of loans of $1,000,000 each year.

        The Company has severance agreements with certain key employees that could provide benefits upon termination of up to 3.5 times total annual compensation of such employees.

        The Company provides to certain employees a savings plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The savings plan allows for deferral of income up to a certain percentage through contributions to the plan and within certain restrictions. Company matching contributions are in the form of cash. In 2002, 2001 and 2000, the Company recorded expense for matching contributions of $602,000, $883,000 and $833,000, respectively.

41


NOTE 15 CAPITAL STOCK

        The Company is incorporated in Delaware. The articles of incorporation authorize 12,000,000 shares of $2.50 par value common stock, 1,000,000 shares of $1.00 par value preferred stock and 100,000 shares of $1.00 par value series A junior participating cumulative preferred stock. The preferred stock may be issued in series, with the rights and preferences of each series to be established by the Board of Directors. As of November 30, 2002, no shares of preferred stock or series A junior participating cumulative preferred stock were outstanding.

        As of November 30, 2002, 3,945,662 shares of common stock were issued and outstanding, including 40,000 restricted shares which were granted on January 23, 2002. Restrictions limit the sale and transfer on these shares. On each of the first four anniversaries of the grant date, 25% of the shares become unrestricted.

        The Company also has a Stockholders' Rights Plan, which, among other things, entitles stockholders to purchase common stock at a significant discount if a party acquires 15% or more of the Company's common stock or announces a tender offer for at least 15% of its common stock outstanding.

NOTE 16 QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

        Summarized quarterly financial data for the years ended November 30, 2002 and 2001, follow:

 
  First
Quarter

  Second
Quarter

  Third
Quarter

  Fourth
Quarter

 
  (In thousands, except per share data)

2002                        
Sales   $ 120,702   $ 138,099   $ 138,813   $ 141,859
Gross profit     30,439     35,564     36,553     39,327
Net income     1,771     7,562     8,711     10,015
Diluted net income per share     0.43     1.82     2.12     2.53
Stock price per share-high     71.57     77.47     72.90     57.01
Stock price per share-low     62.60     67.05     49.25     44.52
Dividends per share     0.32     0.32     0.32     0.32

2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Sales   $ 121,605   $ 143,670   $ 144,864   $ 141,257
Gross profit     29,899     34,766     36,510     36,909
Net income     1,580     7,074     8,370     10,717
Diluted net income per share     0.41     1.78     2.09     2.62
Stock price per share-high     46.85     73.49     77.87     74.20
Stock price per share-low     34.06     45.85     54.25     48.25
Dividends per share     0.32     0.32     0.32     0.32

        The Company traditionally experiences lower sales during the first fiscal quarter because of seasonal patterns associated with weather and contractor schedules.

NOTE 17 SEGMENT INFORMATION

        SFAS No. 131, "Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information," requires disclosure of certain information about operating segments, geographic areas in which the Company operates, major customers, and products and services. In accordance with SFAS No. 131, the Company has determined it has four operating segments. The Performance Coatings & Finishes Group manufactures and markets high-performance industrial and marine coatings. The Fiberglass-Composite Pipe Group manufactures and markets filament-wound and molded composite fiberglass pipe, tubing, fittings and well screens. The Water Transmission Group manufactures and supplies concrete and steel pressure pipe, concrete non-pressure pipe, protective linings for pipe, and fabricated products. The Infrastructure Products Group manufactures and sells ready-mix concrete, sand and aggregates,



concrete pipe and culverts, and concrete and steel lighting and traffic poles. Each of these segments has a dedicated management team and is managed separately, primarily because of differences in products, technology, and markets.

        The markets served by the Performance Coatings & Finishes Group and the Fiberglass-Composite Pipe Group are worldwide in scope. The Water Transmission Group serves primarily the western United States. The Infrastructure Products Group operates exclusively in the State of Hawaii and the continental United States. Sales for export or to any individual customer did not exceed 10% of consolidated sales in 2002, 2001, or 2000.

        In accordance with SFAS No. 131, the following table presents information related to each operating segment included in, and in a manner consistent with, internal management reports. The Company allocates certain selling, general and administrative expenses to operating segments utilizing assumptions believed to be appropriate in the circumstances.

        Inter-segment sales were not significant. Income from reportable segments is exclusive of certain unallocated income and expenses, interest expense and income taxes. Total assets by segment are those assets that are used exclusively by such segment. Unallocated assets are principally cash, corporate property and equipment, and investments. Long-lived assets consist of all long-term assets, excluding investments.

42


 
  Segment Information
 
  Performance Coatings & Finishes
  Fiberglass-Composite Pipe
  Water
Transmission

  Infrastructure
Products

  Other
  Eliminations
  Total
 
  (In thousands)

2002                                          
  Sales   $ 183,311   $ 88,393   $ 145,024   $ 123,610   $   $ (865 ) $ 539,473
  Income before interest and income taxes     9,122     10,862     27,347     17,019     (15,001 )       49,349
  Equity in earnings of joint ventures         2,263     3,310         3,597         9,170
  Investments, advances and equity in undistributed earnings of joint ventures     2,203     3,784             12,940         18,927
  Long-lived assets     49,314     28,338     40,966     39,694     32,841         191,153
  Total assets     138,616     138,712     115,078     68,272     140,233     (137,969 )   462,942
  Capital expenditures     3,697     1,642     4,331     3,696     1,148         14,514
  Depreciation and amortization     5,224     4,002     4,160     4,367     819         18,572

2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Sales   $ 188,759   $ 106,872   $ 143,226   $ 113,824   $   $ (1,285 ) $ 551,396
  Income before interest and
income taxes
    9,831     12,125     29,011     13,089     (15,252 )       48,804
  Equity in earnings of joint ventures     320     2,070     3,325         2,279         7,994
  Investments, advances and
equity in
undistributed
earnings of joint
ventures
    2,203     3,784             12,793         18,780
  Long-lived assets     45,240     28,140     41,146     40,474     45,592         200,592
  Total assets     133,332     133,267     123,175     65,518     168,697     (138,909 )   485,080
  Capital expenditures     3,037     5,013     2,047     8,596     604         19,297
  Depreciation and amortization     5,448     3,774     4,210     4,298     903         18,633

2000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Sales   $ 186,767   $ 103,066   $ 149,384   $ 112,105   $   $ (661 ) $ 550,661
  Income before interest and
income taxes
    6,271     15,963     23,083     17,666     (16,946 )       46,037
  Equity in earnings of joint ventures     531     2,666     3,493         5,974         12,664
  Investments, advances and
equity in
undistributed
earnings of joint
ventures
    2,203     3,784             15,786         21,773
  Long-lived assets     46,555     26,825     43,400     36,153     39,773         192,706
  Total assets     131,300     127,904     112,254     61,503     169,212     (123,724 )   478,449
  Capital expenditures     6,210     5,551     1,395     6,951     943         21,050
  Depreciation and amortization     6,073     3,536     4,650     3,836     (73 )       18,022

 
  Geographic Areas
 
  United States
  Europe
  Asia
  Other
  Eliminations
  Total
 
  (In thousands)

2002                                    
  Sales to external customers   $ 396,668   $ 77,429   $ 34,309   $ 31,067   $   $ 539,473
  Long-lived assets     136,712     31,690     10,715     12,036         191,153
  Total assets     415,709     88,547     69,358     27,297     (137,969 )   462,942

2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Sales to external customers   $ 413,112   $ 80,277   $ 28,451   $ 29,556   $   $ 551,396
  Long-lived assets     151,290     26,617     10,986     11,699         200,592
  Total assets     456,171     81,148     59,196     27,474     (138,909 )   485,080

2000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Sales to external customers   $ 387,494   $ 79,855   $ 36,080   $ 47,232   $   $ 550,661
  Long-lived assets     141,669     26,780     11,823     12,434         192,706
  Total assets     420,889     78,371     68,890     34,023     (123,724 )   478,449

43


INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Ameron International Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Ameron International Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of November 30, 2002 and 2001, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended November 30, 2002. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of November 30, 2002 and 2001, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended November 30, 2002, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Los Angeles, California
February 3, 2003


MANAGEMENT'S LETTER

We have prepared the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related financial information of Ameron International Corporation and subsidiaries in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Management is responsible for the integrity of the financial information included in this Annual Report. In preparing the financial statements, management makes estimates as necessary based upon currently available information and judgments of current conditions and circumstances.

Ameron maintains a system of internal controls supported by documentation to provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded and the accounting records reflect the authorized transactions of the Company. We believe the Company's system provides this appropriate balance in accordance with established policies and procedures as implemented by qualified personnel.

The independent auditors, Deloitte & Touche LLP, appointed by the Board of Directors, are responsible for expressing their opinion as to whether the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position, operating results and cash flows of the Company. In this process, they consider the system of internal control, in order to determine their auditing procedures for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the financial statements. Their opinion appears on this page.

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is composed of three directors who are not officers or employees of the Company. They meet periodically with management, Deloitte & Touche LLP and the internal auditors to review the audit scope and results, discuss internal controls and financial reporting subjects, and review management actions on these matters. Deloitte & Touche LLP and the internal auditors have full and free access to the members of the Audit Committee.


/s/  
JAMES S. MARLEN      
James S. Marlen
Chairman of the Board, President & Chief Executive Officer

 

/s/  
GARY WAGNER      
Gary Wagner
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

44




QuickLinks

2002 FINANCIAL SECTION
AMERON INTERNATIONAL
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS