eps3415.htm
FORM 10-Q

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For Quarter Ended March 31, 2009
Commission File Number 1-4773

AMERICAN BILTRITE INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
04-1701350
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

57 River Street
Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts  02481-2097
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(781) 237-6655
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes [X]    No [   ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [   ]    No [   ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer [   ]   Accelerated filer [   ]   Non-accelerated filer [   ]  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)  Smaller reporting company [X]

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
 
Class
 
Outstanding at May 12, 2009
     
Common Stock
 
3,441,551 shares

 

 

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some of the information presented in or incorporated by reference in this report constitutes "forward-looking statements," within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions.  These statements can be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "project" and other words of similar meaning.  In particular, these include statements relating to intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, among other things, future performance, results of operations, the outcome of contingencies, such as bankruptcy and other legal proceedings, and financial conditions.  These statements do not relate strictly to historical or current facts.  These forward-looking statements are based on American Biltrite Inc.’s expectations and American Biltrite Inc.’s understanding of its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum Corporation’s expectations, as of the date of this report, of future events, and American Biltrite Inc. undertakes no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements, except as required by federal securities laws.  Although American Biltrite Inc. believes that these expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, within the bounds of its knowledge of its business and operations, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from its expectations.  Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.  Any or all of these statements may turn out to be incorrect.  By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future.  Any forward-looking statements made in this report speak only as of the date of this report unless the statement indicates that another date applies.  It is not possible to predict or identify all factors that could potentially cause actual results to differ materially from expected and historical results.  Factors that could cause or contribute to American Biltrite Inc.’s actual results differing from its expectations include those factors discussed in Item 1A of Part II of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in American Biltrite Inc.’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


 

 

AMERICAN BILTRITE INC.

INDEX

 
PART I.
 
 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
       
 
Item 1.
 
Financial Statements:
 
 
       
   
Consolidating Condensed Balance Sheets – Assets as of March 31, 2009 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2008
1
       
   
Consolidating Condensed Balance Sheets – Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity as of March 31, 2009 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2008
2
       
   
Consolidating Condensed Statements of Operations (Unaudited) For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008
3
       
   
Consolidating Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008
4
       
   
Notes to Unaudited Consolidating Condensed Financial Statements
5
       
 
Item 2.
 
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
26
 
       
 
Item 4T.
 
Controls and Procedures
 
40
 
     
 
PART II.
 
 
OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
     
 
Item 1.
 
Legal Proceedings
 
41
 
       
 
Item 1A.
 
Risk Factors
 
41
 
       
 
Item 3.
 
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
52
 
       
 
Item 5.
 
Other Information
 
52
 
       
 
Item 6.
 
Exhibits
 
54
 
       
 
Signature
 
55
 

 

 

 

 

PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements


AMERICAN BILTRITE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS – ASSETS
(In thousands of dollars)

   
ABI Consolidated
   
Eliminations
   
Congoleum
   
American Biltrite
 
   
March 31,
2009
   
December 31,
2008
   
March 31,
2009
   
December 31,
2008
   
March 31,
2009
   
December 31,
2008
   
March 31,
2009
   
December 31,
2008
 
   
(Unaudited)
         
(Unaudited)
         
(Unaudited)
         
(Unaudited)
       
Assets
                                               
Current Assets:
                                               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 9,357     $ 18,072                 $ 7,679     $ 15,077     $ 1,678     $ 2,995  
Restricted cash
    29,708       29,680                   29,708       29,680                  
Short-term investments
    1,000       -                                   1,000       -  
Accounts receivable, net
    37,722       36,627     $ (274 )   $ (367 )     15,848       13,789       22,148       23,205  
Inventories
    77,992       79,082       (73 )     (89 )     38,142       35,814       39,923       43,357  
Taxes receivable
    1,002       1,334                                       1,002       1,334  
Prepaid expense & other current assets
    5,920       6,406                       3,366       3,922       2,554       2,484  
Total current assets
    162,701       171,201       (347 )     (456 )     94,743       98,282       68,305       73,375  
                                                                 
Property, plant & equipment, net
    86,091       88,466                       54,947       56,520       31,144       31,946  
                                                                 
Other assets:
                                                               
Insurance for asbestos-related liabilities
    13,509       13,509                                       13,509       13,509  
Other assets
    21,897       21,825       (117 )     (117 )     17,065       17,065       4,949       4,877  
      35,406       35,334       (117 )     (117 )     17,065       17,065       18,458       18,386  
                                                                 
Total assets
  $ 284,198     $ 295,001     $ (464 )   $ (573 )   $ 166,755     $ 171,867     $ 117,907     $ 123,707  

See accompanying notes to consolidating condensed financial statements.

 
1

 

AMERICAN BILTRITE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS – LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands of dollars)

   
ABI Consolidated
   
Eliminations
   
Congoleum
   
American Biltrite
 
   
March 31,
2009
   
December 31,
2008
   
March 31,
2009
   
December 31,
2008
   
March 31,
2009
   
December 31,
2008
   
March 31,
2009
   
December 31,
2008
 
   
(Unaudited)
         
(Unaudited)
         
(Unaudited)
         
(Unaudited)
       
Liabilities
                                               
Current liabilities:
                                               
Accounts payable
  $ 13,869     $ 16,298     $ (274 )   $ (366 )   $ 6,698     $ 7,472     $ 7,445     $ 9,192  
Accrued expenses
    28,431       31,880                       14,237       16,897       14,194       14,983  
Asbestos-related liabilities
    48,759       50,022                       48,759       50,022                  
Deferred income taxes
    6,533       6,533                       6,533       6,533                  
Notes payable
    36,509       32,747                       16,966       13,994       19,543       18,753  
Current portion of long-term debt
    5,106       5,611                                       5,106       5,611  
Liabilities subject to compromise
    4,997       4,997                       4,997       4,997                  
Total current liabilities
    144,204       148,088       (274 )     (366 )     98,190       99,915       46,288       48,539  
                                                                 
Long-term debt, less current portion
    1,033       1,112                                       1,033       1,112  
Asbestos-related liabilities
    13,563       13,563                                       13,563       13,563  
Other liabilities
    16,767       16,801                                       16,767       16,801  
Liabilities subject to compromise
    162,103       161,386       (117 )     (117 )     162,220       161,503                  
Total liabilities
    337,670       340,950       (391 )     (483 )     260,410       261,418       77,651       80,015  
                                                                 
Equity
                                                               
Common stock
    46       46       (93 )     (93 )     93       93       46       46  
Additional paid-in capital
    19,799       19,749       (49,389 )     (49,386 )     49,389       49,386       19,799       19,749  
Less treasury shares
    (15,132 )     (15,132 )     7,813       7,813       (7,813 )     (7,813 )     (15,132 )     (15,132 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (53,434 )     (53,250 )     6,111       6,110       (51,179 )     (51,179 )     (8,366 )     (8,181 )
(Deficit) retained earnings
    (3,691 )     1,803       37,332       35,466       (84,145 )     (80,038 )     43,122       46,375  
Total stockholders’ (deficit) equity of controlling interests
    (52,412 )     (46,784 )     1,774       (90 )     (93,655 )     (89,551 )     39,469       42,857  
Noncontrolling interests
    (1,060 )     835       (1,847 )                             787       835  
Total (deficit) equity
    (53,472 )     (45,949 )     (73 )     (90 )     (93,655 )     (89,551 )     40,256       43,692  
 
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 284,198     $ 295,001     $ (464 )   $ (573 )   $ 166,755     $ 171,867     $ 117,907     $ 123,707  

See accompanying notes to consolidating condensed financial statements.

 
2

 

AMERICAN BILTRITE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008
(In thousands of dollars, except share and per share amounts)

   
ABI Consolidated
   
Eliminations
   
Congoleum
   
American Biltrite
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
                                                 
Net sales
  $ 70,061     $ 95,757                 $ 30,106     $ 47,697     $ 39,955     $ 48,060  
                                                             
Cost of products sold
    56,161       72,593     $ (309 )   $ (300 )     25,960       36,824       30,510       36,069  
Selling, general & administrative expenses
    20,510       22,389                       8,250       9,132       12,260       13,257  
(Loss) income from operations
    (6,610 )     775       309       300       (4,104 )     1,741       (2,815 )     (1,266 )
Other income (expense)
                                                               
Interest income
    7       1,151                       2       1,128       5       23  
Interest expense
    (345 )     (708 )                     (108 )     (197 )     (237 )     (511 )
Other (expense) income
    (499 )     233       (293 )     (292 )     118       (64 )     (324 )     589  
      (837 )     676       (293 )     (292 )     12       867       (556 )     101  
(Loss) income before income taxes
    (7,447 )     1,451       16       8       (4,092 )     2,608       (3,371 )     (1,165 )
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes
    (53 )     519                       15       929       (68 )     (410 )
Net (loss) income
    (7,394 )     932       16       8       (4,107 )     1,679       (3,303 )     (755 )
Noncontrolling interests
    1,897       40       1,847       -                       50       40  
Net (loss) income attributable to controlling interests
  $ (5,497 )   $ 972     $ 1,863     $ 8     $ (4,107 )   $ 1,679     $ (3,253 )   $ (715 )
                                                                 
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Net (loss) income attributable to American Biltrite Inc. per share
           
Basic
  $ (1.60 )   $ 0.28  
Diluted
    (1.60 )     0.28  
Weighted average number of common and equivalent shares outstanding
               
Basic
    3,441,551       3,441,551  
Diluted
    3,441,551       3,441,551  

See accompanying notes to consolidating condensed financial statements.

 
3

 

AMERICAN BILTRITE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008
(In thousands of dollars)

   
ABI Consolidated
   
Eliminations
   
Congoleum
   
American Biltrite
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Operating activities
                                               
Net (loss) income attributable to controlling interests
  $ (5,497 )   $ 972     $ 1,863     $ 8     $ (4,107 )   $ 1,679     $ (3,253 )   $ ( 715 )
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used) provided by operating activities:
                                                               
Depreciation and amortization
    3,443       3,991                       2,432       2,673       1,011       1,318  
Stock compensation expense
    52       5                       2       5       50        
Noncontrolling interests
    (1,897 )     (160 )     (1,847 )                             (50 )     (160 )
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
                                                               
Accounts and notes receivable
    (1,275 )     (2,744 )     (92 )     347       (2,059 )     (3,191 )     876       100  
Inventories
    727       (5,832 )     (16 )     (8 )     (2,328 )     (5,646 )     3,071       (178 )
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    449       1,403                       556       843       (107 )     560  
Proceeds from legal fees disgorgement
    -       9,168                       -       9,168                  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    (5,349 )     (3,889 )     92       (347 )     (3,369 )     (1,906 )     (2,072 )     (1,636 )
Asbestos-related expenses
    (1,292 )     (3,575 )                     (1,292 )     (3,575 )                
Other
    558       1,390                       682       1,586       (124 )     (196 )
                                                                 
Net cash (used) provided by operating activities
    (10,081 )     729                   (9,483 )     1,636       (598 )     (907 )
Investing activities
                                                               
Investments in property, plant and equipment
    (1,177 )     (1,024 )                 (859 )     (468 )     (318 )     (556 )
Purchase of short-term investments
    (1,000 )                                           (1,000 )      
                                                                 
Net cash used by investing activities
    (2,177 )     (1,024 )                 (859 )     (468 )     (1,318 )     (556 )
Financing activities
                                                               
Net short-term borrowings
    3,776       2,312                       2,972       2,121       804       191  
Payments on long-term debt
    (584 )     (42 )                                     (584 )     (42 )
Net change in restricted cash
    (28 )     (56 )                     (28 )     (56 )                
                                                                 
Net cash provided by financing activities
    3,164       2,214                   2,944       2,065       220       149  
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash
    379       (518 )                                     379       (518 )
Net (decrease) increase in cash
    (8,715 )     1,401                   (7,398 )     3,233       (1,317 )     (1,832 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    18,072       30,185                       15,077       26,327       2,995       3,858  
                                                                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 9,357     $ 31,586     $     $     $ 7,679     $ 29,560     $ 1,678     $ 2,026  

See accompanying notes to consolidating condensed financial statements.

 
4

 

AMERICAN BILTRITE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2009
(Unaudited)

Note A - Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidating condensed financial statements which include the accounts of American Biltrite Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (and including, unless the context otherwise indicates, its majority-owned subsidiary K&M Associates L.P., are referred to herein as "ABI", "American Biltrite" or the "Company") as well as entities over which it has voting control have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information, the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments and provisions to effect a plan of reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (the "Bankruptcy Code") of Congoleum Corporation ("Congoleum"), a majority-owned subsidiary of the Company, to settle asbestos liabilities) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for future periods, including the year ending December 31, 2009.  For further information, refer to the consolidating financial statements and the notes to those financial statements included in American Biltrite Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

The consolidating condensed balance sheet at December 31, 2008 has been derived from the audited financial statements as of that date but does not include all of the information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements.

As discussed more fully below and elsewhere in these notes to consolidating condensed financial statements, the Company's subsidiary Congoleum filed for bankruptcy protection on December 31, 2003 in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey (the "Bankruptcy Court").  The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the results for Congoleum for all periods presented.  Congoleum’s results include losses (including other comprehensive losses) of $91.8 million and $89.6 million in excess of the value of ABI’s investment in Congoleum at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.  ABI owns a majority of the voting stock of Congoleum, and expects to continue doing so until Congoleum’s reorganization proceedings are concluded.  Upon effectiveness of any plan of reorganization for Congoleum, ABI expects that its ownership interests in Congoleum will be cancelled, at which time ABI would no longer include Congoleum's results in the consolidated results of the Company.  The Company has elected to continue to consolidate the financial statements of Congoleum in its consolidated results because it believes that is the appropriate presentation given its current voting control of


 
5

 

Note A - Basis of Presentation

Congoleum.  However, the accompanying financial statements also present the details of consolidation to separately show the financial condition, operating results and cash flows of ABI (including its non-debtor subsidiaries) and Congoleum (and its debtor subsidiaries), which may be more meaningful for certain analyses.

For more information regarding Congoleum’s asbestos liability and plan for resolving that liability, please refer to Note I.

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position 90-7, Financial Reporting by Entities in Reorganization Under the Bankruptcy Code ("SOP 90-7"), provides financial reporting guidance for entities that are reorganizing under the Bankruptcy Code.  Congoleum has implemented this guidance in its consolidated financial statements for periods commencing after December 31, 2003.  Pursuant to SOP 90-7, companies in reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code are required to segregate pre-petition liabilities that are subject to compromise and report them separately on the balance sheet. Liabilities that may be affected by a plan of reorganization are recorded at the amount of the expected allowed claims, even if they may be settled for lesser amounts.  Liabilities for asbestos claims are recorded based upon the minimum amount Congoleum expects to spend for its contribution to, and costs to settle asbestos liabilities through, the Plan Trust (as described in Note I). Obligations arising post-petition and pre-petition obligations that are secured or that the Bankruptcy Court has authorized Congoleum to pay, are not classified as liabilities subject to compromise.  Other pre-petition claims (which would be classified as liabilities subject to compromise) may arise due to the rejection by Congoleum of executory contracts or unexpired leases pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code or as a result of the allowance by the Bankruptcy Court of contingent or disputed claims related to pre-petition matters.

As discussed in Note D, American Biltrite’s revolving credit facility expires on September 30, 2009.  In addition, the Company entered into a limited waiver and modification agreement to its credit agreement governing that credit facility with its lenders, which granted the Company a temporary waiver through June 30, 2009 of the Company's default under the credit agreement for failure to comply with one of its financial covenants as of March 31, 2009.  The temporary waiver expires on June 30, 2009 (subject to possible earlier termination or expiration upon the occurrence of certain specified events) and requires the Company to deliver by May 22, 2009 to the lenders an executed commitment letter from another financial institution reasonably acceptable to the lenders which contemplates payment in full in cash of all amounts owed to the Company’s lenders under the credit agreement on or prior to June 29, 2009.  The limited waiver and modification agreement contemplates the Company repaying the lenders all amounts owed to them under the existing credit agreement by June 29, 2009.  The Company believes it will be successful in obtaining replacement financing for the term loan and credit facility under the credit agreement by June 29, 2009, and that the replacement facility contemplated would provide the Company with sufficient financing on commercially reasonable terms for an extended period of time. It is possible, however, that the Company may not be successful in obtaining the replacement



 
6

 

Note A - Basis of Presentation

financing it is currently seeking and it may not be able to obtain financing from other alternative sources or under a different arrangement with its existing lenders, particularly in light of the recent substantial disruption in the global credit markets which has resulted in credit becoming more expensive and difficult to obtain.  Failure to obtain adequate financing on commercially reasonable terms would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition.

The consolidated financial statements of American Biltrite Inc. have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business.  Accordingly, the financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary should American Biltrite or Congoleum be unable to continue as a going concern.  In light of American Biltrite’s need to refinance its credit facility (see Note D), there is substantial doubt about American Biltrite’s ability to continue as a going concern unless it is successful in obtaining replacement financing.  In light of Congoleum’s substantial asbestos liabilities (see Note I), there is substantial doubt about Congoleum’s ability to continue as a going concern unless it timely obtains relief from those liabilities through a successful reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.

Recently Issued Accounting Principles

On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of ARB No. 51 (“SFAS No. 160”).  The new standard changed the accounting and reporting of noncontrolling interests.  SFAS No. 160 requires that noncontrolling interests be presented in the consolidated balance sheets within equity, but separate from the Company’s stockholders’ equity, and that the amount of consolidated net income (loss) attributable to American Biltrite Inc. and to the noncontrolling interests be clearly identified and presented in the consolidated statement of operations.  Any losses in excess of the noncontrolling interests’ equity interests will continue to be allocated to the noncontrolling interests.  Purchases or sales of equity interests that do not result in a change of control will be accounted for as equity transactions.  Upon a sale of equity interests that results in a loss of control of previously controlling interest, the interest sold, as well as any interest retained, will be measured at fair value, with the gain or loss recognized in earnings.  The new standard has been applied prospectively as of January 1, 2009, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements, which have been applied retrospectively for prior periods presented (see Note J).


 
7

 

Note B - Inventories

 
Inventories at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 consisted of the following (in thousands):
 

     
March 31,
2009
   
December 31,
2008
 
               
 
Finished goods
  $ 54,686     $ 56,262  
 
Work-in-process
    12,096       10,847  
 
Raw materials and supplies
    11,210       11,973  
                   
      $ 77,992     $ 79,082  

Note C – Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 consisted of the following (in thousands):

     
March 31,
2009
   
December 31,
2008
 
               
 
Accrued advertising and sales promotions
  $ 14,155     $ 17,625  
 
Employee compensation and related benefits
    7,502       7,124  
 
Interest
    25       -  
 
Environmental matters
    949       815  
 
Royalties
    1,008       959  
 
Income taxes
    337       371  
 
Other
    4,455       4,986  
                   
      $ 28,431     $ 31,880  

See Note F for Liabilities Subject to Compromise.


 
8

 

Note D – Financing Arrangements

American Biltrite Inc.’s primary source of borrowings are the revolving credit facility (the "Revolver") and the term loan ("Term Loan") it has with Bank of America, National Association ("BofA") and BofA acting through its Canada branch (the "Canadian Lender") pursuant to an amended and restated credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement").  The Credit Agreement provides American Biltrite Inc. and its subsidiary K&M Associates L.P. ("K&M") with (i) a $30.0 million commitment under the Revolver with a $12.0 million borrowing sublimit (the "Canadian Revolver") for American Biltrite Inc.’s subsidiary American Biltrite (Canada) Ltd. and (ii) a $10.0 million Term Loan.  The Credit Agreement also provides for domestic and Canadian letter of credit facilities with availability of up to $5.0 million and $1.5 million, respectively, subject to availability under the Revolver and the Canadian Revolver, respectively.  The Revolver expires on September 30, 2009.  At March 31, 2009, the Company had $19.5 million and $5.0 million outstanding on its Revolver and Term Loan, respectively.

The Company has had to receive waivers from BofA and amend the Credit Agreement several times in the past to avoid defaulting under that agreement due to failing to satisfy certain financial covenants contained in that agreement.  Most recently, on May 15, 2009, the Company entered into a limited waiver and modification agreement (the “Waiver”) to the Credit Agreement with BofA, pursuant to which BofA granted the Company a temporary waiver through June 30, 2009 of the Company’s default of the Credit Agreement due to the Company’s failure to satisfy as of March 31, 2009 the financial covenant requiring that the Company’s Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA exceed 100% of its Consolidated Fixed Charges for the 12 month period ending March 31, 2009, as determined under the Credit Agreement.  The temporary waiver granted by BofA pursuant to the Waiver expires on June 30, 2009 (subject to possible earlier termination or expiration upon the occurrence of certain specified events) and requires the Company to deliver by May 22, 2009 to BofA an executed commitment letter from another financial institution reasonably acceptable to BofA, which contemplates payment in full in cash of all amounts owed to BofA under the Credit Agreement on or prior to June 29, 2009.  The Waiver also reduced the maximum borrowing limit under the Revolver from $30 million to $24 million.  In connection with the Waiver, the Company paid BofA a fee of $5 thousand and is obligated to pay BofA an additional fee of $20 thousand upon termination or expiration of the temporary waiver granted by BofA pursuant to the Waiver, unless BofA is repaid all amounts owed to BofA under the Credit Agreement by June 29, 2009, in which case, the Company would not be required to pay the additional $20 thousand fee.  The Waiver contemplates the Company repaying BofA all amounts owed to BofA under the Credit Agreement by June 29, 2009.  The Company is currently working with a replacement lender that is conducting due diligence in connection with providing a possible new $30 million revolving credit facility and $8 million term loan to replace the Credit Agreement, including the Term Loan and the Revolver. The Company believes it will be successful in obtaining replacement financing for the Term Loan and Revolver by June 29, 2009 and that the replacement facility contemplated would provide the Company with sufficient financing on commercially reasonable terms for an extended period of time. It is possible, however, that the Company may not be successful in obtaining the replacement financing it is currently seeking and it may not be able to obtain financing from



 
9

 

Note D – Financing Arrangements (continued)

other alternative sources or under a different arrangement with its existing lenders, particularly in light of the recent substantial disruption in the global credit markets which has resulted in credit becoming more expensive and difficult to obtain.  Failure to obtain adequate financing on commercially reasonable terms would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition.

Any further required amendments and/or replacement financing, if obtained, could result in significant cost to the Company.  If an event of default under the Credit Agreement were to occur, the lenders could cease to make borrowings available under the Revolver and require the Company to repay all amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement.  If the Company were unable to repay those amounts due, the lenders could have their rights over the collateral (most of the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ (excluding Congoleum) assets, as applicable) exercised, which would likely have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

Note E – Other Liabilities

Other Liabilities at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
     
March 31,
2009
   
December 31,
2008
 
               
 
Pension benefits
  $ 8,350     $ 8,185  
 
Environmental remediation and product related liabilities
    4,454       4,454  
 
Income taxes payable
    -       394  
 
Deferred income taxes
    131       131  
 
Other
    3,832       3,637  
                   
      $ 16,767     $ 16,801  

See Note F for Liabilities Subject to Compromise.


 
10

 

Note F – Liabilities Subject to Compromise

As a result of Congoleum’s Chapter 11 filing (see Notes A and I), pursuant to SOP 90-7, Congoleum is required to segregate pre-petition liabilities that are subject to compromise and report them separately on the consolidated balance sheet.  Liabilities that may be affected by a plan of reorganization are recorded at the amount of the expected allowed claims, even if they may be settled for lesser amounts.  Substantially all of Congoleum’s pre-petition debt is recorded at face value and is classified within liabilities subject to compromise.

Liabilities subject to compromise at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 and included in ABI’s consolidated balance sheet at each such date were as follows (in thousands):

     
March 31,
2009
   
December 31,
2008
 
 
Current liability
           
 
Pre-petition other payables and accrued interest
  $ 4,997     $ 4,997  
 
Non-current
               
 
Debt (at face value)
    100,000       100,000  
 
Pension liability
    37,631       37,022  
 
Other post-retirement benefit obligation
    11,063       10,938  
 
Pre-petition other liabilities
    13,526       13,543  
        162,220       161,503  
 
Elimination – Payable to American Biltrite
    (117 )     (117 )
 
Total non-current liability
    162,103       161,386  
                   
 
Total liabilities subject to compromise
  $ 167,100     $ 166,383  

Additional pre-petition claims (which would be classified as liabilities subject to compromise) may arise due to the rejection by Congoleum of executory contracts or unexpired leases pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code, or as a result of the allowance by the Bankruptcy Court of contingent or disputed claims.


 
11

 

Note G – Pension Plans

The Company and Congoleum sponsor several noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering most of their employees.  Benefits under the plans are based on years of service and employee compensation.  Amounts funded annually by the Company and Congoleum are actuarially determined using the projected unit credit and unit credit methods and are equal to or exceed the minimum required by government regulations.  Congoleum also maintains health and life insurance programs for retirees (reflected in the table below under the columns entitled "Other Benefits").

The table below summarizes the components of the net periodic benefit cost for the Company's and Congoleum's pension and other benefit plans during the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
Pension
   
Other Benefits
   
Pension
   
Other Benefits
 
Service cost
  $ 494     $ 57     $ 642     $ 56  
Interest cost
    1,646       161       1,652       144  
Expected return on plan assets
    (1,192 )     -       (1,719 )     -  
Recognized net actuarial loss
    1,102       16       384       15  
Amortization of prior service cost
    27       -       31       -  
                                 
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 2,077     $ 234     $ 990     $ 215  

The weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 were as follows:

 
2009
 
2008
 
Pension
 
Other
Benefits
 
Pension
 
Other
Benefits
               
Discount rate
5.75% - 7.50%
 
6.00%
 
5.50% - 6.00%
 
6.00%
Expected long-term return on plan assets
7.00%
 
 
7.00% - 7.50%
 
Rate of compensation increase
3.00% - 4.00%
 
 
4.00% - 5.00%
 


 
12

 

Note H - Commitments and Contingencies

The Company and Congoleum are subject to federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, and certain legal and administrative claims are pending or have been asserted against the Company and Congoleum.  Among these claims, the Company and Congoleum are separately a named party in several actions associated with waste disposal sites. These actions include possible obligations to remove or mitigate the effects on the environment of wastes deposited at various sites, including Superfund sites and certain of the Company’s and Congoleum’s owned and previously owned facilities.  The contingencies also include claims for personal injury and/or property damage.  The exact amount of such future cost and timing of payments are indeterminable due to such unknown factors as the magnitude of cleanup costs, the timing and extent of the remedial actions that may be required, the determination of the Company’s and Congoleum’s liability in proportion to other potentially responsible parties, the financial viability of other potentially responsible parties, and the extent to which costs may be recoverable from insurance.  Provisions in the financial statements have been recorded for the estimated probable loss associated with all known general and environmental contingencies for the Company and Congoleum. While the Company and Congoleum believe their estimate of the future amount of these liabilities is reasonable, and that they will be paid over a period of five to ten years, the timing and amount of such payments may differ significantly from the Company’s and Congoleum’s assumptions.  Although the effect of future government regulation could have a significant effect on the Company’s and Congoleum’s costs, the Company and Congoleum are not aware of any pending legislation that would have such an effect.  There can be no assurances that the costs of any future government regulations could be passed along to their customers.  Estimated insurance recoveries related to these liabilities are reflected in other non-current assets.

The Company and Congoleum record a liability for environmental remediation claims when it becomes probable that the Company or Congoleum, as applicable, will incur costs relating to a clean-up program or will have to make claim payments, and the costs or payments can be reasonably estimated. As assessments are revised and clean-up programs progress, these liabilities are adjusted as appropriate to reflect such revisions and progress.

 Liabilities of Congoleum comprise the substantial majority of the environmental and other liabilities reported on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.  Due to the relative magnitude and wide range of estimates of these liabilities and the fact that recourse related to these liabilities is generally limited to Congoleum, these matters are discussed separately following matters for which ABI has actual or potential liability.  However, since ABI includes Congoleum in ABI’s consolidating financial statements, to the extent that Congoleum incurs a liability or expense, it will be reflected in ABI's consolidating financial statements.


 
13

 

Note H - Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

American Biltrite Inc.

ABI is a co-defendant with many other manufacturers and distributors of asbestos containing products in approximately 1,281 pending claims involving approximately 1,836 individuals as of March 31, 2009.  The claimants allege personal injury or death from exposure to asbestos or asbestos-containing products.  Activity related to ABI's asbestos claims is as follows:

 
     
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2009
   
Year Ended December 31,
2008
 
               
 
Beginning claims
    1,269       1,360  
 
New claims
    50       356  
 
Settlements
    (1 )     (13 )
 
Dismissals
    (37 )     (434 )
                   
 
Ending claims
    1,281       1,269  

The total indemnity costs incurred to settle claims during the three months ended March 31, 2009 and the year ended December 31, 2008 were $0.3 million and $0.9 million, respectively, all of which were paid by ABI's insurance carriers, as were the related defense costs.  ABI has first-layer excess umbrella policies with several insurers, which include coverage for the Company’s asbestos related liabilities (the “Umbrella Coverage”).

In addition to coverage available under the Umbrella Coverage, ABI has additional excess liability insurance policies that should provide further coverage if and when limits of certain policies within the Umbrella Coverage exhaust.  While ABI expects the Umbrella Coverage will result in the substantial majority of defense and indemnity for asbestos claims against ABI being paid by its insurance carriers for the foreseeable future, ABI may incur uninsured costs related to asbestos claims, and those costs could be material.  If ABI were to incur significant uninsured costs for asbestos claims, or its insurance carriers failed to fund insured costs for asbestos claims, such costs could have a material adverse impact on its liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.

In general, governmental authorities have determined that asbestos-containing sheet and tile products are nonfriable (i.e., cannot be crumbled by hand pressure) because the asbestos was encapsulated in the products during the manufacturing process.  Thus, governmental authorities have concluded that these products do not pose a health risk when they are properly maintained in place or properly removed so that they remain nonfriable.  The Company has issued warnings not to remove asbestos-­containing flooring by sanding or other methods that may cause the product to become friable.


 
14

 

Note H - Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

The Company estimates its liability for indemnity to resolve current and reasonably anticipated future asbestos-related claims (not including claims asserted against Congoleum), based upon a strategy to actively defend against and strategically settle those claims on a case-by-case basis.1  Factors such as recent and historical settlement and trial results, the court dismissal rate of claims, the incidence of past and recent claims, the number of cases pending against it and asbestos litigation developments that may impact the exposure of the Company were considered in performing these estimates.  Changes in these factors could have a material impact on the Company’s liability.  For example, it is estimated that a 1 percentage point increase in the Company’s acceptance rate of mesothelioma claims results in a 21% increase in mesothelioma liability assuming all other variables remained constant.

The Company utilizes an actuarial study to assist it in developing estimates of the Company’s potential liability for resolving present and possible future asbestos claims.  Projecting future asbestos claim costs requires estimating numerous variables that are extremely difficult to predict, including the incidence of claims, the disease that may be alleged by future claimants, future settlement and trial results, future court dismissal rates for claims, and possible asbestos legislation developments.  Furthermore, any predictions with respect to these variables are subject to even greater uncertainty as the projection period lengthens.  In light of these inherent uncertainties, the Company believes that six years is the most reasonable period over which to include future claims that may be brought against the Company for recognizing a reserve for future costs.  Due to the numerous variables and uncertainties, including the effect of Congoleum’s Chapter 11 case and any proposed plan of reorganization on the Company’s liabilities, the Company does not believe that reasonable estimates can be developed of liabilities for claims beyond a six year horizon.  The Company will continue to evaluate its range of future exposure, and the related insurance coverage available, and when appropriate, record future adjustments to those estimates, which could be material.

The estimated range of liability for settlement of current claims pending and claims anticipated to be filed through 2014 was $13.6 million to $44.0 million as of December 31, 2008.  The Company believes no amount within this range is more likely than any other, and accordingly has recorded a liability of $13.6 million in its financial statements which represents a probable and reasonably estimable amount for the future liability at the present time.  The Company also believes that based on this liability estimate, the corresponding amount of insurance probable of recovery is $13.5 million at December 31, 2008, which has been included in other assets.  The same factors that affect developing forecasts of potential indemnity costs for asbestos-related liabilities also affect estimates of the total amount of insurance that is probable of recovery, as do a number of additional factors.  These additional factors include terms of the Umbrella Coverage and additional excess policies, the allocation of costs to those policies as applicable, and the financial viability of some of the insurance companies.  These amounts were based on currently



 


 
15

 

Note H - Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

known facts by ABI and a number of assumptions.  However, projecting future events, such as the number of new claims to be filed each year, the average cost of disposing of each such claim, and the continuing solvency of various insurance companies, as well as numerous uncertainties surrounding asbestos legislation in the United States, could cause the actual liability and insurance recoveries for the Company to be higher or lower than those projected or recorded.

There can be no assurance that the Company’s accrued asbestos liabilities will approximate its actual asbestos-related settlement costs, or that it will receive the insurance recoveries which it has accrued.  The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that it will incur charges for resolution of asbestos claims in the future, which could exceed the Company’s existing reserves. The Company’s strategy remains to actively defend against and strategically settle its asbestos claims on a case-by-case basis.  The Company believes it has substantial insurance coverage to mitigate future costs related to this matter.

In the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, the Company disclosed various legal proceedings.  Material developments relating to those matters during the three month period ended on March 31, 2009 include those mentioned in the immediately following paragraphs.

Additional potential remediation costs have been identified related to the Olin Corporation site in Wilmington, Massachusetts (the “Olin Site”) and the Parcel A site owned by Miller Industries, Inc., in Lisbon Falls, Maine (the “Lisbon Falls Site”).  At the Olin Site, potential additional remediation costs of approximately $750 thousand have been identified of which ABI’s estimated share would be approximately $163 thousand. As of March 31, 2009, ABI has estimated its potential liability to Olin to be in the range of $4.1 million to $10.9 million after allocation for the annual reimbursement of $100 thousand for Olin’s internal costs and before any recovery from insurance and The Biltrite Corporation ("TBC").  Under a preexisting agreement between ABI and TBC, TBC is liable for 37.5% of these costs incurred by ABI.  These costs are expected to be paid out over approximately ten years.

At the Lisbon Falls Site, the cost of site investigation, remediation, maintenance and monitoring was estimated at December 31, 2008 to be between $1.3 million and $2.3 million.  The estimate has been revised by an environmental consultant to $2.0 million to $3.0 million because additional remediation may be necessary. Pursuant to ABI’s pre-existing agreement with TBC, TBC is liable for 37.5% of costs ABI incurs in connection with the Lisbon Falls Site.  Because there are other parties potentially responsible for the remediation costs and no cost allocation has been agreed upon, ABI’s estimated liability with regard to the Lisbon Falls Site is subject to future negotiation with the current owner of the property.

There have been no other material developments relating to the environmental sites or the other environmental matters described in ABI's Annual Report on Form 10-K during the three month period ended March 31, 2009.


 
16

 

Note H - Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

Congoleum

Congoleum is a defendant in a large number of asbestos-related lawsuits and on December 31, 2003, filed a petition commencing a voluntary reorganization case under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code for purposes of resolving its asbestos-related liabilities.  See Note I.

Congoleum is named, together with a large number (in most cases, hundreds) of other companies, as a PRP in pending proceedings under CERCLA and similar state laws.  In addition, in four other instances, although not named as a PRP, Congoleum has received a request for information.  The pending proceedings in which Congoleum is a named PRP currently relate to eight disposal sites in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland in which recovery from generators of hazardous substances is sought for the cost of cleaning up the contaminated waste sites.  Congoleum’s ultimate liability and funding obligations in connection with those other sites depends on many factors, including the volume of material contributed to the site by Congoleum, the number of other PRP’s and their financial viability, the remediation methods and technology to be used and the extent to which costs may be recoverable by Congoleum from relevant insurance policies.  However, under CERCLA and certain other laws, Congoleum, as a PRP, can be held jointly and severally liable for all environmental costs associated with a site.

The most significant exposure for which Congoleum has been named a PRP relates to a recycling facility site in Elkton, Maryland (the "Galaxy/Spectron Superfund Site").  The PRP group at this site is made up of 81 companies, substantially all of which are large, financially solvent entities.  Two removal actions were substantially complete as of December 31, 1998, and a groundwater treatment system was installed thereafter.  The United States Environmental Protection Agency has selected a remedy for the soil and shallow groundwater (Operable Unit 1 or OU-1); however, the remedial investigation/feasibility study related to the deep groundwater (Operational Unit 2 or OU-2) has not been completed.  The PRP group, of which Congoleum is a part, has entered into a consent decree to perform the remedy for OU-1 and resolve natural resource damage claims. The consent decree also requires the PRP group to perform the OU-2 remedy, assuming that the estimated cost of the remedy is not more than $10.0 million.  If the estimated cost of the OU-2 remedy is more than $10.0 million, the PRP group may decline to perform it or they may elect to perform it anyway. Cost estimates for the OU-1 and OU-2 work combined (including natural resource damages) range between $22 million and $34 million, with Congoleum’s share ranging between approximately $1.0 million and $1.6 million.  This assumes that all parties participate and that none cash-out and pay a premium; those two factors may account for some fluctuation in Congoleum’s share of the costs. Fifty percent (50%) of Congoleum’s share of the costs is presently being paid by one of its insurance carriers, Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, whose remaining policy limits for this claim are expected to cover approximately $300 thousand in additional costs.  Congoleum expects to fund the balance to the extent further insurance coverage is not available.


 
17

 

Note H - Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

Congoleum filed a motion before the Bankruptcy Court seeking authorization and approval of the consent decree and related settlement agreements for the Galaxy/Spectron Superfund Site, as well as authorization for Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and Congoleum to make certain payments that have been invoiced to Congoleum with respect to the consent decree and related settlement agreements.  An order authorizing and approving the consent decree and settlement agreements was issued by the Bankruptcy Court in August 2006.

Congoleum also accrues remediation costs for certain of Congoleum’s owned facilities on an undiscounted basis.  Congoleum has entered into an administrative consent order with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and has established a remediation trust fund of $100 thousand as financial assurance for certain remediation funding obligations.  Estimated total clean-up costs of $1.3 million for Congoleum’s expected portion of those remediation funding obligations, including capital outlays and future maintenance costs for soil and groundwater remediation, are primarily based on engineering studies.  Of this amount, $300 thousand was included in current liabilities subject to compromise and $1.0 million was included in non-current liabilities subject to compromise in ABI’s consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.

At March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, Congoleum recorded a total of $4.4 million for estimated environmental liabilities, which liabilities were not reduced by the amount of expected insurance recoveries.  At March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, such estimated insurance recoveries are approximately $2.1 million.  Receivables for expected insurance recoveries are recorded if the related carriers are solvent and paying claims under a reservation of rights or under an obligation pursuant to coverage in place or a settlement agreement.  Substantially all of Congoleum’s recorded insurance assets for environmental matters are collectible from a single carrier.

Congoleum anticipates that these matters will be resolved over a period of years, and that after application of expected insurance recoveries, funding of the costs by Congoleum will not have a material adverse impact on Congoleum’s liquidity or financial position.  However, unfavorable developments in these matters could result in significant expenses or judgments that could have a material adverse effect on Congoleum’s and the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

Other

In addition to the matters referenced above and in Note I, in the ordinary course of their businesses, the Company and Congoleum become involved in lawsuits and administrative proceedings in connection with product liability claims (in addition to asbestos related claims) and other matters.  In some of these proceedings, plaintiffs may seek to recover large and sometimes unspecified amounts, and the matters may remain unresolved for several years.


 
18

 

Note I – Congoleum Asbestos Liabilities and Reorganization

On December 31, 2003, Congoleum filed a voluntary petition with the Bankruptcy Court seeking relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code as a means to resolve claims asserted against it related to the use of asbestos in its products decades ago.  During 2003, Congoleum had obtained the requisite votes of asbestos personal injury claimants necessary to seek approval of a proposed, pre-packaged Chapter 11 plan of reorganization.  In January 2004, Congoleum filed its proposed plan of reorganization and disclosure statement with the Bankruptcy Court.  From that filing through 2007, several subsequent plans were negotiated with representatives of the Asbestos Claimants’ Committee (“ACC”), the Future Claimants’ Representative (“FCR”) and other asbestos claimant representatives.  In addition, an insurance company, Continental Casualty Company, and its affiliate, Continental Insurance Company (collectively, “CNA”), filed a plan of reorganization and the Official Committee of Bondholders (“Bondholders’ Committee”) (representing holders of Congoleum’s 8 5/8% Senior Notes due August 1, 2008 (the “Senior Notes”)) also filed a plan of reorganization.  In May 2006, the Bankruptcy Court ordered the principal parties in interest in Congoleum’s reorganization proceedings to participate in reorganization plan mediation discussions.  Several mediation sessions took place during 2006, culminating in two competing plans, one which Congoleum filed jointly with the ACC in September 2006 (the “Tenth Plan”) and the other filed by CNA, both of which the Bankruptcy Court subsequently ruled were not confirmable as a matter of law.  In March 2007, Congoleum resumed global plan mediation discussions with the various parties seeking to resolve the issues raised in the Bankruptcy Court’s ruling with respect to the Tenth Plan.  In July 2007, the FCR filed a plan of reorganization and proposed disclosure statement.  After extensive further mediation sessions, on February 5, 2008, the FCR, the ACC, the Bondholders’ Committee and Congoleum jointly filed a joint plan of reorganization (the “Joint Plan”).  The Bankruptcy Court approved the disclosure statement for the Joint Plan in February 2008, and the Joint Plan was solicited in accordance with court-approved voting procedures.  Various objections to the Joint Plan were filed, and on May 12, 2008 the Bankruptcy Court heard oral argument on summary judgment motions relating to certain of those objections.  On June 6, 2008, the Bankruptcy Court issued a ruling that the Joint Plan was not legally confirmable, and issued an Order to Show Cause why the case should not be converted or dismissed pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 1112.  Following a further hearing on June 26, 2008, the Bankruptcy Court issued an opinion that vacated the Order to Show Cause and instructed the parties to submit a confirmable plan by the end of calendar year 2008.  Following further negotiations, the Bondholders’ Committee, the ACC, the FCR, representatives of holders of pre-petition settlements and Congoleum reached an agreement in principle which the Company understands that Congoleum believed addressed the issues raised by the Bankruptcy Court in the ruling on the Joint Plan and in the court's prior decisions.  A term sheet describing the proposed material terms of a contemplated new plan of reorganization and a settlement of avoidance litigation with respect to pre-petition claim settlements (the “Litigation Settlement”) was entered into by those parties and was filed with the Bankruptcy Court on August 14, 2008.  Certain insurers and a large bondholder have filed objections to the Litigation Settlement and/or reserved their rights to object to confirmation of the contemplated new plan of reorganization.  The Bankruptcy Court approved the Litigation Settlement following a hearing on October 20, 2008, but the court reserved certain issues,


 
19

 

Note I – Congoleum Asbestos Liabilities and Reorganization (continued)

including whether any plan of reorganization embodying the settlement meets the standards required for confirmation of a plan of reorganization.  On November 14, 2008, Congoleum, the ACC and the Bondholders’ Committee filed an amended joint plan of reorganization for Congoleum, et al. with the Bankruptcy Court (the “Amended Joint Plan”).  In January 2009, an insurer filed a motion for summary judgment seeking denial of confirmation of the Amended Joint Plan, and a hearing was held on February 5, 2009.  On February 26, 2009, the Bankruptcy Court rendered an opinion denying confirmation of the Amended Joint Plan.  Pursuant to the opinion, the Bankruptcy Court entered the Order of Dismissal dismissing Congoleum’s bankruptcy case (the “Order of Dismissal”).  On February 27, 2009, Congoleum and the Bondholders’ Committee appealed the Order of Dismissal to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, which appeal remains pending.  On March 3, 2009, an order was entered by the Bankruptcy Court granting a stay of the Bankruptcy Court’s Order of Dismissal pending a final non-appealable decision affirming the Order of Dismissal.  Under the terms of the Amended Joint Plan, ABI's ownership interest in Congoleum would be eliminated.  ABI expects its ownership interest in Congoleum would be eliminated under any alternate plan or outcome in Congoleum’s Chapter 11 case.

Under the terms of the Amended Joint Plan, a trust would be created that would assume the liability for Congoleum’s current and future asbestos claims (the “Plan Trust”).  That trust would receive the proceeds of various settlements Congoleum has reached with a number of insurance carriers and would be assigned Congoleum’s rights under its remaining policies covering asbestos product liability.  The trust would also receive 70% of the newly issued common stock of reorganized Congoleum when the plan takes effect and $5 million in new 9.75% senior secured notes that mature five years from issuance.

Holders of Congoleum’s Senior Notes would receive on a pro rata basis $70 million in new 9.75% senior secured notes that mature five years from issuance.  The new senior secured notes would be subordinated to the working capital facility that provides Congoleum’s financing upon exiting reorganization.  In addition, holders of the Senior Notes would receive 30% of the newly issued common stock of reorganized Congoleum.  Congoleum’s obligations for the Senior Notes, including interest accrued as of the date of the bankruptcy filing of $3.6 million, would be satisfied by the new senior secured notes and the common stock issued when the Joint Plan took effect.

Under the terms of the Amended Joint Plan, existing Class A and Class B common stock of Congoleum would be cancelled when the plan took effect and holders of those shares, including ABI, would not receive anything on account of their cancelled shares.
 
 
20


Note I – Congoleum Asbestos Liabilities and Reorganization (continued)

The Amended Joint Plan also includes certain terms that would govern an intercompany settlement and ongoing intercompany arrangements among American Biltrite and its subsidiaries and reorganized Congoleum which would be effective when the Amended Joint Plan takes effect and would have a term of two years.  Those intercompany arrangements include the provision of management services by American Biltrite to reorganized Congoleum and other business relationships substantially consistent with their traditional relationships.  The Amended Joint Plan provides that the final terms of the intercompany arrangements among American Biltrite and its subsidiaries and reorganized Congoleum would be memorialized in a new agreement to be entered into by reorganized Congoleum and American Biltrite in form and substance mutually agreeable to the Bondholders’ Committee, the ACC and American Biltrite. Expiration or termination of these existing arrangements, failure to reach definitive agreement on final terms of future arrangements, or failure to consummate such arrangements in connection with the effectiveness of a plan of reorganization for Congoleum could have a material adverse impact on the business relationships between ABI and Congoleum, and ABI’s business, operations and financial condition.

There can be no assurance that the appeal of the Order of Dismissal to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey or any other court which may be appealed to will be successful or that the Bankruptcy Court will not subsequently vacate its grant of a stay of its Order of Dismissal.  If the appeal is not successful, Congoleum’s bankruptcy case could be dismissed, resulting in Congoleum no longer benefiting from the protection from creditor claims currently afforded to it by the Chapter 11 case and the Bankruptcy Code.  Further, as indicated in the Order of Dismissal, Congoleum’s ability to refile another bankruptcy petition may be limited, which could result in Congoleum having to attempt to conduct its business and operations outside of the protections of the Bankruptcy Code, including attempting to defend against, satisfy or defray its creditor claims, such as its substantial asbestos liabilities and its Senior Notes, and continued litigation against its insurers to attempt to obtain insurance coverage for Congoleum’s asbestos liabilities.  It is unclear what effect the Order of Dismissal, the stay of the Bankruptcy Court’s Order of Dismissal pending a final non-appealable decision affirming the Order of Dismissal and the continued litigation may have on Congoleum’s business and operations, including with regard to its relationships with its vendors, suppliers, customers, lenders and other constituencies.

Even if the appeal of the Order of Dismissal is successful for Congoleum, there can be no assurance that the Amended Joint Plan or any other plan will receive the acceptances necessary for confirmation, that the Amended Joint Plan will not be modified further, that the conditions to the Amended Joint Plan or any other plan will be satisfied or waived, that the Amended Joint Plan or any other plan will timely receive necessary court approvals from the Bankruptcy Court and the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, that the Amended Joint Plan or any other  plan will be confirmed, that the Amended Joint Plan or any other plan, if confirmed, will become effective, or that Congoleum will have sufficient funds to pay for completion of the appellate process with respect to the Amended Joint Plan, continued litigation over any plan of reorganization and the state court insurance coverage litigation.  Any other plan of reorganization that may be proposed for Congoleum may contain terms substantially different from those contained in the Amended Joint Plan.

 
21

 

Note I – Congoleum Asbestos Liabilities and Reorganization (continued)

In anticipation of Congoleum's commencement of the Chapter 11 cases, Congoleum entered into a Claimant Agreement, which provides for the settlement of certain prepetition asbestos claims against Congoleum and provides for an aggregate settlement value of at least $466 million as well as an additional number of individually negotiated trial listed settlements with an aggregate value of approximately $25 million, for total settlements in excess of $491 million.  Participants in the Claimant Agreement signed releases limiting their recourse against Congoleum to what they would receive from the Plan Trust and Congoleum has therefore estimated its liability under the Claimant Agreement as the cost of effecting the settlement through confirmation of a plan of reorganization.  In addition, as a result of tabulating ballots on a previous proposed plan of reorganization, Congoleum is also aware of claims by claimants whose claims were not determined under the Claimant Agreement but who have submitted claims with a value of approximately $512 million based on the settlement values applicable in the previous proposed plan of reorganization.  It is also likely that additional new claims may be asserted in connection with any solicitation of acceptances of any future plan.  Congoleum does not believe it can reasonably estimate the liability associated with claims that may be pending.

Note J – Noncontrolling Interests

American Biltrite Inc. owns 55.04% of Congoleum’s Class A common stock.  The majority of the noncontrolling interests recorded in American Biltrite’s consolidated financial statements represent the 44.96% of Congoleum’s stockholders other than American Biltrite Inc.  Prior to January 1, 2009, in accordance with Accounting Research Bulletin 51, Consolidated Financial Statements, American Biltrite Inc. reported in its consolidated results 100% of Congoleum’s losses from the period Congoleum incurred a deficit in earnings during 2002 through December 31, 2008.  Under SFAS No. 160, 44.96% of Congoleum’s income or loss is attributed to the noncontrolling interests even if the attribution of a loss results in a negative balance.  The effect of the change in attributing earnings or losses has a significant impact on the consolidated results reported by American Biltrite Inc.  Had the Company not adopted SFAS 160 on January 1, 2009, the pro forma consolidated net loss reported by American Biltrite Inc. and the consolidated loss per share for the three months ended March 31, 2009 would have been $7.3 million and $2.13 per share (basic and diluted), respectively.  The pro forma consolidated stockholders’ deficit would have been $54.3 million as of March 31, 2009.


 
22

 

Note K - Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table presents total comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Net (loss) income attributable to ABI
  $ (5,497 )   $ 972  
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    (184 )     (483 )
Total comprehensive (loss) income attributable to ABI
  $ (5,681 )   $ 489  

Note L - Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Basic and diluted earnings per share are computed in accordance with FASB Statement No. 128, Earnings per Share ("SFAS 128").  SFAS 128 requires both basic earnings per share, which is based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, and diluted earnings per share, which is based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and all dilutive potential common share equivalents outstanding.  The dilutive effect of options is determined under the treasury stock method using the average market price for the period.  Common equivalent shares are included in the per share calculations when the effect of their inclusion would be dilutive.

Note M - Industry Segments

Description of Products and Services

The Company has four segments for financial reporting purposes:  flooring products, tape division, jewelry and a Canadian division. The flooring products segment consists of Congoleum, a manufacturer of resilient floor coverings, which are sold primarily through floor covering distributors to retailers and contractors for residential use. The tape division segment manufactures paper, film, HVAC, electrical, shoe and other tape products for use in industrial and automotive markets in two production facilities in the United States, and in finishing and sales facilities in Belgium and Singapore.  The jewelry segment consists of the Company's majority-owned subsidiary K&M Associates L.P., a national costume jewelry supplier to mass merchandisers and department stores.  The Company's Canadian division produces flooring, rubber and other industrial products.


 
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Note M - Industry Segments (continued)

Net sales by segment for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 were as follows (in thousands):

   
2009
   
2008
 
Net sales to external customers:
           
Flooring products
  $ 30,106     $ 47,697  
Tape products
    16,469       22,443  
Jewelry
    11,565       11,747  
Canadian division
    11,921       13,870  
Total net sales to external customers
    70,061       95,757  
Intersegment net sales:
               
Flooring products
           
Tape products
           
Jewelry
           
Canadian division
    800       1,221  
Total intersegment net sales
    800       1,221  
Reconciling items
           
Intersegment net sales
    (800 )     (1,221 )
                 
Total consolidated net sales
  $ 70,061     $ 95,757  

Segment profit or loss is before income tax expense or benefit and noncontrolling interests.  Profit (loss) by segment for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 was as follows (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Segment profit (loss)
           
Flooring products
  $ (4,092 )   $ 2,608  
Tape products
    (2,533 )     411  
Jewelry
    (838 )     (1,331 )
Canadian division
    75       102  
Total segment profit
    (7,388 )     1,790  
Reconciling items
               
Corporate expenses
    (75 )     (347 )
Intercompany profit
    16       8  
Total consolidated (loss) income before income taxes and other items
  $ (7,447 )   $ 1,451  


 
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Note M - Industry Segments (continued)

Assets by segment as of the end of the quarter and the end of the prior year were as follows (in thousands):

   
March 31,
2009
   
December 31,
2008
 
Segment assets
           
Flooring products
  $ 166,755     $ 171,867  
Tape products
    49,524       48,115  
Jewelry
    19,661       24,038  
Canadian division
    30,494       29,866  
Total segment assets
    266,434       273,886  
Reconciling items
               
Corporate items
    33,767       35,948  
Intersegment accounts receivable
    (15,812 )     (14,626 )
Intersegment profit in inventory
    (74 )     (90 )
Intersegment other asset
    (117 )     (117 )
                 
Consolidated assets
  $ 284,198     $ 295,001  

 
25

 

Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Global and financial markets have recently been experiencing substantial disruption in the current recession.  Economic conditions in the United States have been challenging, including in the industries in which the Company and Congoleum conduct business.  The downturn in the housing industry has resulted in reduced demand for the Company's and Congoleum's products.  The slowdown in manufacturing, including in the automotive and industrial sectors, has resulted in reduced demand for the Tape division's products.  In addition, the decline in consumer and retailer, especially mid-tier retailer, spending has resulted in reduced demand for K&M's products.  The Company expects the current and forecasted economic conditions to continue to negatively impact the Company's and Congoleum's businesses and operations and that the extent of that impact will depend on the duration and depth of the economic recession.

In addition, raw material and energy costs have been volatile and, although below their peak levels in 2008, remain at historically high levels, which has negatively impacted the Company's and Congoleum's businesses and operating results.  Although raw material and energy costs have recently declined, it is not known whether raw material and energy prices will remain lower or will revert to increasing price levels.  In light of the current and forecasted economic conditions in the United States and the industries in which the Company and Congoleum conduct business, the Company and Congoleum may be unable to pass increased raw material and energy costs on to their respective customers.

Although the Company and Congoleum intend to implement reductions in their expenses, there can be no assurance that they will be able to reduce their respective expenses, that any reductions they may implement will have any meaningful positive impact on their businesses, results of operations or financial condition, or that they will be able to sustain any expense reductions that they may implement.

American Biltrite’s consolidated financial statements include its majority-owned subsidiary, Congoleum.  However, under the terms of the Joint Plan, ABI’s ownership interest in Congoleum would have been eliminated and would be eliminated under the terms of the Amended Joint Plan.  ABI expects its ownership interest in Congoleum to be eliminated under any alternate plan or outcome in Congoleum’s Chapter 11 case.  On December 31, 2003, Congoleum filed a voluntary petition with the Bankruptcy Court seeking relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code as a means to resolve claims asserted against it related to the use of asbestos in its products decades ago.  During 2003, Congoleum had obtained the requisite votes of asbestos personal injury claimants necessary to seek approval of a proposed, pre-packaged Chapter 11 plan of reorganization.  In January 2004, Congoleum filed its proposed joint plan of reorganization and disclosure statement with the Bankruptcy Court.  From that filing through 2007, several subsequent plans were negotiated with representatives of the ACC, the FCR and other asbestos claimant representatives.  In addition, an insurance company, CNA, filed a plan of reorganization and the Bondholders’ Committee also filed a plan of reorganization.  In May 2006, the Bankruptcy Court ordered the principal parties in interest in Congoleum’s reorganization proceedings to participate in global mediation discussions.  Numerous mediation sessions took place during 2006, culminating in two competing plans, one which Congoleum

 
26

 

filed jointly with the ACC in September 2006 and the other filed by CNA, both of which the Bankruptcy Court subsequently ruled were not confirmable as a matter of law. In March 2007, Congoleum resumed global plan mediation discussions with the various parties seeking to resolve the issues raised in the Bankruptcy Court’s ruling with respect to the Tenth Plan.  In July 2007, the FCR filed a plan of reorganization and proposed disclosure statement.  After extensive further mediation sessions, on February 5, 2008, the FCR, the ACC, the Bondholders’ Committee and Congoleum jointly filed the Joint Plan.  The Bankruptcy Court approved the disclosure statement for the Joint Plan in February 2008, and the Joint Plan was solicited in accordance with court-approved voting procedures.  Various objections to the Joint Plan were filed, and on May 12, 2008 the Bankruptcy Court heard oral argument on summary judgment motions relating to certain of those objections. On June 6, 2008, the Bankruptcy Court issued a ruling that the Joint Plan was not legally confirmable, and issued an Order to Show Cause why the case should not be converted or dismissed pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 1112.  Following a further hearing on June 26, 2008, the Bankruptcy Court issued an opinion that vacated the Order to Show Cause and instructed the parties to submit a confirmable plan by the end of calendar year 2008. Following further negotiations, the Bondholders’ Committee, the ACC, the FCR, representatives of holders of pre-petition settlements and Congoleum reached an agreement in principle which the Company understands that Congoleum believes addresses the issues raised by the Bankruptcy Court in the ruling on the Joint Plan and in the court's prior decisions.  A term sheet describing the proposed material terms of a contemplated new plan of reorganization and a settlement of avoidance litigation with respect to pre-petition claim settlements (the “Litigation Settlement”) was entered into by those parties and was filed with the Bankruptcy Court on August 14, 2008.

Certain insurers and a large bondholder filed objections to the Litigation Settlement and/or reserved their rights to object to confirmation of the contemplated new plan of reorganization.  The Bankruptcy Court approved the Litigation Settlement following a hearing on October 20, 2008, but the court reserved certain issues, including whether any plan of reorganization embodying the settlement meets the standards required for confirmation of a plan of reorganization.  On November 14, 2008, Congoleum, the ACC and the Bondholders’ Committee filed the Amended Joint Plan.  In January 2009, an insurer filed a motion for summary judgment seeking denial of confirmation of the Amended Joint Plan, and a hearing was held on February 5, 2009.  On February 26, 2009, the Bankruptcy Court rendered an opinion denying confirmation of the Amended Joint Plan.  Pursuant to the opinion, the Bankruptcy Court entered the Order of Dismissal dismissing Congoleum’s bankruptcy case.  On February 27, 2009, Congoleum and the Bondholders’ Committee appealed the Order of Dismissal to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, which appeal remains pending.  On March 3, 2009, an order was entered by the Bankruptcy Court granting a stay of the Bankruptcy Court’s Order of Dismissal pending a final non-appealable decision affirming the Order of Dismissal.  Under the terms of the Amended Joint Plan, ABI's ownership interest in Congoleum would be eliminated.  ABI expects its ownership interest in Congoleum would be eliminated under any alternate plan or outcome in Congoleum’s Chapter 11 case.


 
27

 

There can be no assurance that the appeal of the Order of Dismissal to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey or any other court which may be appealed to will be successful or that the Bankruptcy Court will not subsequently vacate its grant of a stay of its Order of Dismissal.  If the appeal is not successful, Congoleum’s bankruptcy case could be dismissed, resulting in Congoleum no longer benefiting from the protection from creditor claims currently afforded to it by the Chapter 11 case and the Bankruptcy Code.  Further, as indicated in the Order of Dismissal, Congoleum’s ability to refile another bankruptcy petition may be limited, which could result in Congoleum having to attempt to conduct its business and operations outside of the protections of the Bankruptcy Code, including attempting to defend against, satisfy or defray its creditor claims, such as its substantial asbestos liabilities and its Senior Notes, and continued litigation against its insurers to attempt to obtain insurance coverage for Congoleum’s asbestos liabilities.  It is unclear what effect the Order of Dismissal, the stay of the Bankruptcy Court’s Order of Dismissal pending a final non-appealable decision affirming the Order of Dismissal and the continued litigation may have on Congoleum’s business and operations, including with regard to its relationships with its vendors, suppliers, customers, lenders and other constituencies.

Even if the appeal of the Order of Dismissal is successful for Congoleum, there can be no assurance that the Amended Joint Plan or any other plan will receive the acceptances necessary for confirmation, that the Amended Joint Plan will not be modified further, that the conditions to the Amended Joint Plan or any other plan will be satisfied or waived, that the Amended Joint Plan or any other plan will timely receive necessary court approvals from the Bankruptcy Court and the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, that the Amended Joint Plan or any other plan will be confirmed, that the Amended Joint Plan or any other plan, if confirmed, will become effective, or that Congoleum will have sufficient funds to pay for completion of the appellate process with respect to the Amended Joint Plan, continued litigation over any plan of reorganization and the state court insurance coverage litigation.  Any other plan of reorganization that may be proposed for Congoleum may contain terms substantially different from those contained in the Amended Joint Plan.

ABI has certain intercompany claims against and arrangements with Congoleum.  The Amended Joint Plan would govern an intercompany settlement and ongoing intercompany arrangements among ABI and its subsidiaries and reorganized Congoleum, which would be effective when the Amended Joint Plan took effect and would have a term of two years.  Those intercompany arrangements include the provision of management services by ABI to reorganized Congoleum and other business relationships substantially consistent with their traditional relationships.  The Amended Joint Plan provides that the final terms of the intercompany arrangements among ABI and its subsidiaries and reorganized Congoleum would be memorialized in a new agreement to be entered into by reorganized Congoleum and American Biltrite in form and substance mutually agreeable to the Bondholders’ Committee, the ACC and ABI.  The existing arrangements currently in effect among ABI and its non-debtor subsidiaries and Congoleum expire on June 30, 2009, unless renewed.  In addition, under the terms of the Amended Joint Plan, ABI’s rights and claims to indemnification from Congoleum under the existing joint venture agreement between ABI and Congoleum that relate to ABI's contribution to Congoleum in 1993 of ABI's tile division, and the joint venture agreement itself, would have been deemed rejected and disallowed upon the effective date of the Amended Joint Plan, and therefore eliminated.  The Amended Joint

 
28

 

Plan's rejection and disallowance of the joint venture agreement and ABI’s claims thereunder included any unfunded indemnification claims ABI may have had prepetition and during the pendency of Congoleum's Chapter 11 case as well as any such claims ABI might otherwise have been entitled to assert after the Amended Joint Plan became effective.  If the appeal of the Order of Dismissal were not successful, it is uncertain what would become of ABI’s and its nondebtor subsidiaries’ claims against and relationships with Congoleum, although ABI expects that those claims and relationships could be adversely affected and could even be rendered worthless.  In addition, there can be no assurance that ABI, Congoleum and other applicable Congoleum constituencies will be able to reach agreement on the terms of any management services proposed to be provided by ABI to reorganized Congoleum or any other proposed business relationships among ABI and its affiliates and reorganized Congoleum.  Any plan of reorganization for Congoleum that may be confirmed may have terms that differ significantly from the terms contemplated by the Amended Joint Plan, including with respect to any management services that may be provided by ABI to reorganized Congoleum and ABI's claims and interests and other business relationships with reorganized Congoleum.

ABI estimates that it will spend $300 thousand for legal fees in 2009, which it has accrued, in connection with Congoleum’s reorganization plan.  Actual costs for pursuing and implementing any plan of reorganization could be materially higher, and Congoleum and the Company may record significant additional charges should the applicable minimum estimated cost increase.

Due to Congoleum’s reorganization and separate capital structure, as well as the anticipated elimination of ABI’s ownership interest in Congoleum, the Company believes that presenting the results of operations of ABI and its non-debtor subsidiaries separately from those of Congoleum is the most meaningful way to discuss and analyze its financial condition and results of operations.

Please refer to "Risk Factors – The Company and its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum have significant asbestos liability and funding exposure, and the Company’s and Congoleum’s strategies for resolving this exposure may not be successful.  Any plan of reorganization for Congoleum is expected to result in elimination of the interests of Congoleum's equity holders, including the Company" and "Elimination of the Company’s equity interests in Congoleum could have a material adverse impact on the business relationships between ABI and Congoleum, and ABI’s business, operations and financial condition" included in Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a discussion of certain factors that could cause actual results to differ from the Company’s and Congoleum’s goals for resolving their asbestos liabilities.


 
29

 

Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations are based upon the Company’s consolidating financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the Company’s financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The Company’s actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Critical accounting policies are defined as those that reflect significant judgments and uncertainties, and could potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions.  The Company believes that its most critical accounting policies, upon which its financial condition depends and which involve the most complex or subjective decisions or assessments, are those described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

There have been no material changes in what the Company considers to be its critical accounting policies or the applicability of the disclosure the Company provided regarding those policies in that Form 10-K.

Results of Operations

ABI and Non-Debtor Subsidiaries

   
Three Months Ended March 31
       
   
2009
         
2008
       
   
(In thousands of dollars)
       
                         
Net sales
  $ 39,955           $ 48,060        
Cost of sales
    30,510             36,069        
Gross profit
    9,445    
23.6%
      11,991    
25.0%
 
Selling, general & administrative expenses
    12,260    
30.7%
      13,257    
27.6%
 
Operating loss
    (2,815 )           (1,266 )      
                             
Interest expense, net
    (232 )           (488 )      
Other (expense) income, net
    (324 )           589        
Loss before taxes and other items
    (3,371 )           (1,165 )      
                             
Benefit from income taxes
    (68 )           (410 )      
Noncontrolling interests
    50             40        
                             
Net loss
  $ (3,253 )         $ (715 )      


 
30

 

Net sales in the first quarter of 2009 were $40.0 million compared to $48.1 million in the first quarter of 2008, a decrease of $8.1 million or 16.9%.  Tape division sales declined by $6.0 million or 26.6% as economic conditions adversely affected all Tape division product lines globally, with the greatest percentage decreases in sales of transfer paper used in the sign and graphics industry and protective film used on consumer durables.  Canadian division sales declined $1.9 million or 14.1% from the first quarter of 2008 to the first quarter of 2009 primarily due to the currency translation effect of the lower value of the Canadian dollar in the first quarter of 2009.  Jewelry sales declined $0.2 million or 1.5% compared to sales during the first quarter of 2008 due to lower sales through department store and mid-tier retailers, partly offset by increased sales through mass merchandisers and discount outlets.

Gross profit margin percentage decreased from 25.0% of net sales for the first quarter of 2008 to 23.6% of net sales for the first quarter of 2009.  Gross margins as a percent of net sales in the Tape business declined by 1.6 percentage points due to lower production volume available to absorb fixed factory overhead, partly offset by selling price increases.  Canadian gross margins improved by 0.6 percentage points as the effect of price increases and foreign currency exchange more than offset the effect of lower production volumes.  Jewelry gross margins declined by 3.7 percentage points due to product and sales channel mix as well as pricing pressure from retailers.

The Company includes the cost of purchasing and finished goods inspection in selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses.  Some companies also record such costs in operating expenses while others record them in cost of goods sold.  Consequently, the Company’s gross profit margins may not be comparable to other companies.  Had the Company recorded these expenses in cost of sales, the gross profit margins for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 would have been 22.9% and 24.4%, respectively.

SG&A expenses in the first quarter of 2009 decreased by $997 thousand or 7.5% compared to the first quarter of 2008.  SG&A expenses in the first quarter of 2008 included a $1.2 million insurance recovery.  Excluding this recovery, SG&A expenses decreased by $2.2 million or 15.3%, primarily as a result of headcount and expense reductions at all locations, partly offset by increases in pension expense resulting from market value declines in pension fund assets and use of a lower discount rate on projected liabilities.

Net interest expense for the first quarter of 2009 was lower than the first quarter of 2008 primarily due to a lower weighted average effective interest rate on the Company’s borrowings, as well as lower average borrowings outstanding.

The effective tax rate was 2% in the first quarter of 2009 compared to 35% in the first quarter of 2008.  Substantially all of the Company’s losses were not benefited due to uncertainty in the Company’s ability to generate sufficient taxable income in future periods to realize tax benefits from current year losses.

The change in other (expense) income from the first quarter of 2008 to the first quarter of 2009 of $0.9 million was due to a $1.1 million unfavorable change in the effect of currency translation at the Tape operation.


 
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Congoleum

   
Three Months Ended March 31
       
   
2009
         
2008
       
   
(In thousands of dollars)
       
                         
Net sales
  $ 30,106           $ 47,697        
Cost of sales
    25,960             36,824        
Gross profit
    4,146      
13.8%
      10,873      
22.8%
 
Selling, general & administrative expenses
    8,250      
27.4%
      9,132      
19.1%
 
Operating income
    (4,104 )             1,741          
Interest (expense) income, net
    (106 )             931          
Other income (expense), net
    118               (64 )        
Income (loss) before taxes
    (4,092 )             2,608          
Provision for income taxes
    15               929          
                                 
Net (loss) income
  $ (4,107 )           $ 1,679          

Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2009 totaled $30.1 million as compared to $47.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, down $17.6 million or 36.8%. This decrease in sales can be attributed to lower sales to the manufactured housing and recreational vehicle industry, continued weakness in product sales to the builder market and a weak retail sales environment for professionally installed products, partially offset by price increases instituted in the second half of 2008.

Gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2009 totaled $4.1 million, or 13.8% of net sales, compared to $10.9 million or 22.8% of net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2008. The unfavorable impact of lower production volumes over which to spread fixed factory overhead costs accounted for most of the decline, partially offset by cost reduction measures instituted in plant spending.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $8.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009 compared to $9.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, a decrease of $0.8 million. Lower compensation and benefit costs reflecting workforce reductions, coupled with reduced sales support and merchandising costs resulted in the decrease. A severance charge of $0.5 million for workforce reductions enacted in the quarter is included in 2009 first quarter expenses.

Loss from operations was $4.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009 compared to income from operations of $1.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, reflecting the lower sales and gross margin during the first quarter of 2009 compared with the first quarter of 2008, partially offset by lower selling, general and administrative expenses.


 
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Interest expense, net was $106 thousand expense for the three months ended March 31, 2009 compared with $931 thousand net interest income for the same period in 2008.  Interest income (expense), net for the three months ended March 31, 2008 includes $1.0 million in interest income received as part of a disgorgement fee settlement for legal expenses.

The provision for income taxes was $15 thousand for the quarter ending March 31, 2009, and $929 thousand for the quarter ending March 31, 2008.  The full year effective tax rate is expected to be negligible.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

ABI & Non-Debtor Subsidiaries

Cash and cash equivalents decreased $1.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2009 to $1.7 million. Working capital at March 31, 2009 was $22.0 million compared to $24.8 million at December 31, 2008.  The ratio of current assets to current liabilities at March 31, 2009 was 1.48 compared to 1.51 at December 31, 2008.  Net cash used by operating activities was $598 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2009, compared to cash used by operating activities of $907 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2008.

Capital expenditures in the first three months of 2009 were $318 thousand compared to $556 thousand for the first three months of 2008.  It is anticipated that capital spending for the full year 2009 will be approximately $2.0 million.

The Company has recorded provisions which it believes are adequate for environmental remediation, including provisions for testing and potential remediation of conditions at its own facilities, and non-asbestos product-related liabilities.  While the Company believes its estimate of the future amount of these environmental liabilities is reasonable, that most of such amounts will be paid over a period of five to ten years and that the Company expects to have sufficient resources to fund such amounts, the actual timing and amount of such payments may differ significantly from the Company's assumptions.  Although the effect of future government regulation could have a significant effect on the Company's costs, the Company is not aware of any pending legislation or regulation relating to these matters that would have a material adverse effect on its consolidated results of operations or financial position.  There can be no assurances that any such costs could be passed along to its customers.

American Biltrite Inc.’s primary source of borrowings are the revolving credit facility (the "Revolver") and the term loan ("Term Loan") it has with Bank of America, National Association ("BofA"), and BofA acting through its Canada branch (the "Canadian Lender") pursuant to an amended and restated credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement").  The Credit Agreement originally provided American Biltrite Inc. and its subsidiary K&M with (i) a $30.0 million commitment under the Revolver with a $12.0 million borrowing sublimit (the "Canadian Revolver") for American Biltrite Inc.’s subsidiary American Biltrite (Canada) Ltd. (“AB Canada”) and (ii) the $10.0 million Term Loan.  The Credit Agreement also provides for domestic and Canadian letter of credit facilities with availability of up to $5.0 million and $1.5 million, respectively, subject to availability under the Revolver and the Canadian Revolver, respectively.


 
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The amount of borrowings available from time to time for American Biltrite Inc. and K&M under the Revolver may not exceed the lesser of (a) $24.0 million less the then outstanding amount of borrowings by AB Canada under the Canadian Revolver less any outstanding borrowings under the letter of credit facilities and (b) the applicable borrowing base.  The formula used for determining the domestic borrowing base is based upon inventory, receivables and fixed assets of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries (not including, among others, AB Canada and Congoleum), reduced by amounts outstanding under the Term Loan.

The amount of borrowings available from time to time for AB Canada under the Canadian Revolver is limited to the lesser of (a) $12 million less any outstanding borrowings under the Canadian letter of credit facility, (b) AB Canada's borrowing base amount, which is based upon AB Canada's accounts receivable, inventory and fixed assets, and (c) $24.0 million less the amount of domestic borrowings outstanding under the Revolver on behalf of the Company and K&M.  AB Canada may borrow amounts under the Canadian Revolver in United States or Canadian dollar denominations; however, solely for purposes of determining amounts outstanding and borrowing availability under the Revolver, all Canadian dollar denominated amounts will be converted into United States dollars in the manner provided in the Credit Agreement.

Interest is payable quarterly on the Term Loan and Revolver borrowings by American Biltrite Inc. and K&M under the Credit Agreement at rates which vary depending on the applicable interest rate in effect and are generally determined based upon: (a) if a LIBOR based rate is in effect, at a rate between a LIBOR based rate plus 1.0% to a LIBOR based rate plus 2.75%, depending on the Company's leverage ratio, as determined under the Credit Agreement, (b) if a fixed rate is in effect, at a rate between the fixed rate plus 1.0% to a fixed rate plus 2.75%, depending on the Company's leverage ratio, as determined under the Credit Agreement, and (c) for loans not based on a LIBOR or fixed rate, the higher of (i) BofA's applicable prime rate and (ii) 0.50% plus the federal funds rate, as determined under the Credit Agreement.  Under the Credit Agreement, American Biltrite Inc. and K&M may generally determine whether interest on domestic revolving loans will be calculated based on a LIBOR based rate, and if BofA elects to make a fixed rate option available, whether interest on revolving loans will be calculated based on a fixed rate.

Interest is payable quarterly on revolving loans under the Canadian Revolver at rates which vary depending on the applicable interest rate in effect and are generally determined based upon: (a) if a LIBOR based rate is in effect, at a rate between a LIBOR based rate plus 1.0% to a LIBOR based rate plus 2.75%, depending on the Company's leverage ratio, as determined under the Credit Agreement, and (b) if a LIBOR based rate is not in effect, for outstanding revolving loans denominated in Canadian dollars, the higher of (i) 0.50% plus the applicable 30-day average bankers' acceptance rate as quoted on Reuters CDOR page and (ii) the Canadian Lender's applicable prime rate for loans made in Canadian dollars to Canadian customers, and for outstanding revolving loans denominated in United States dollars, the higher of (i) 0.50% plus the federal funds rate as calculated under the Credit Agreement and (ii) the applicable rate announced by the Canadian Lender as its reference rate for commercial loans denominated in United States dollars made to a person in Canada.  Under the Credit Agreement, AB Canada may generally determine whether interest on Canadian revolving loans will be calculated based on a LIBOR based rate.


 
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The Term Loan principal is payable in 20 quarterly installments of $500 thousand beginning December 31, 2006 and ending on September 30, 2011.  All indebtedness under the Credit Agreement, other than the Term Loan, matures on September 30, 2009.

The Credit Agreement contains certain covenants that the Company must satisfy.  The covenants included in the Credit Agreement include certain financial tests, restrictions on the ability of the Company to incur additional indebtedness or to grant liens on its assets and restrictions on the ability of the Company to pay dividends on its capital stock.  The financial tests are required to be calculated based on the Company accounting for its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum Corporation on the equity method and include a maximum ratio of total liabilities to tangible net worth, a minimum ratio of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) less certain cash payments for taxes, debt service, and dividends to interest expense, a minimum level of tangible net worth, and a maximum level of capital spending  The Credit Agreement also requires the Company's Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA for the four consecutive fiscal quarters then ending to exceed 100% of the Company's Consolidated Fixed Charges for the 12-month period ending on such date, as determined under the Credit Agreement (the “Fixed Charge Covenant”).

Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries previously granted BofA and the Canadian Lender a security interest in most of the Company's and its subsidiaries' assets.  The security interest granted does not include the shares of capital stock of Congoleum or the assets of Congoleum.  In addition, pursuant to the Credit Agreement, certain of the Company’s subsidiaries have agreed to guarantee the Company's obligations (excluding AB Canada's obligations) under the Credit Agreement.

The Company has had to receive waivers from BofA and amend the Credit Agreement several times in the past to avoid defaulting that agreement due to failing to satisfy certain financial covenants contained in that agreement.  Most recently, on May 15, 2009, the Company entered into a limited waiver and modification agreement (the “Waiver”) to the Credit Agreement with BofA, pursuant to which BofA granted the Company a temporary waiver through June 30, 2009 of the Company’s default of the Credit Agreement due to the Company’s failure to satisfy as of March 31, 2009 the Fixed Charge Covenant.  The temporary waiver granted by BofA pursuant to the Waiver expires on June 30, 2009 (subject to possible earlier termination or expiration upon the occurrence of certain specified events) and requires the Company to deliver by May 22, 2009 an executed commitment letter from another financial institution reasonably acceptable to BofA which contemplates payment in full in cash of all amounts owed to BofA under the Credit Agreement on or prior to June 29, 2009. The Waiver also reduced the maximum borrowing limit under the Revolver from $30 million to $24 million.  In connection with the Waiver, the Company paid BofA a fee of $5 thousand and is obligated to pay BofA an additional fee of $20 thousand upon termination or expiration of the temporary waiver granted by BofA pursuant to the Waiver, unless BofA is repaid all amounts owed to BofA under the Credit Agreement by June 29, 2009, in which case, the Company would not be required to pay the additional $20 thousand fee.  The Waiver contemplates the Company repaying BofA all amounts owed to BofA under the Credit Agreement by June 29, 2009.  The Company is currently working with a replacement lender that is conducting due diligence in connection with providing a possible new $30 million revolving credit facility and $8 million term loan to replace the Credit Agreement,

 
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including the Term Loan and the Revolver. The Company believes it will be successful in obtaining replacement financing by June 29, 2009 and that the replacement facility contemplated would provide the Company with sufficient financing on commercially reasonable terms for an extended period of time. It is possible, however, that the Company may not be successful in obtaining the replacement financing it is currently seeking and it may not be able to obtain financing from other alternative sources or under a different arrangement with its existing lenders, particularly in light of the recent substantial disruption in the global credit markets which has resulted in credit becoming more expensive and difficult to obtain.  Failure to obtain adequate financing on commercially reasonable terms would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition.

Any further required amendments and/or replacement financing, if obtained, could result in significant cost to the Company.  If an event of default under the Credit Agreement were to occur, the lenders could cease to make borrowings available under the Revolver and require the Company to repay all amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement.  If the Company were unable to repay those amounts due, the lenders could have their rights over the collateral (most of the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ (excluding Congoleum) assets, as applicable) exercised, which would likely have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

Under the terms of the Joint Plan, ABI’s ownership interest in Congoleum would have been eliminated and would be eliminated under the terms of the Amended Joint Plan.  ABI expects that its ownership interest in Congoleum will likely be eliminated under any alternate plan or outcome in Congoleum’s Chapter 11 case.  While the Company does not believe the loss of the value of its equity interest in Congoleum would have a direct material adverse effect on ABI’s liquidity, the loss of a controlling interest could have a material adverse impact on the business relationships between ABI and Congoleum, which in turn could have a material adverse impact on ABI’s business, operations and financial condition.  In connection with Congoleum’s plan of reorganization, ABI expects to spend $300 thousand for legal fees in 2009, which is not expected to have a material adverse effect on ABI’s working capital or cash flow.

The Company has not declared a dividend subsequent to the third quarter of 2003.  Future dividends, if any, will be determined by the Company's Board of Directors based upon the financial performance and capital requirements of the Company, among other considerations.  Under the Credit Agreement, aggregate dividend payments (since June 30, 2003) are generally limited to 50% of cumulative consolidated net income (computed treating Congoleum under the equity method of accounting), as determined under the Credit Agreement, earned from June 30, 2003.


 
36

 

Congoleum

The consolidated financial statements of Congoleum have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business.  Accordingly, Congoleum’s consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary should Congoleum be unable to continue as a going concern.  In light of Congoleum’s substantial asbestos liabilities, which are further described in the Notes to Unaudited Consolidating Condensed Financial Statements contained in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, there is substantial doubt about Congoleum's ability to continue as a going concern unless it obtains relief from those liabilities through a successful reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.

On December 31, 2003, Congoleum filed a voluntary petition with the Bankruptcy Court (Case No. 03-51524) seeking relief under the Bankruptcy Code.  See Notes A and I of the Notes to Unaudited Consolidating Condensed Financial Statements contained in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for a discussion of Congoleum’s bankruptcy proceedings.  These matters continue to have a material adverse impact on Congoleum’s liquidity and capital resources.  During the first quarter of 2009, Congoleum paid $1.3 million in fees and expenses related to reorganization proceedings under the Bankruptcy Code and the state court insurance coverage action.  Furthermore, at March 31, 2009, Congoleum had incurred but not paid approximately $9.7 million in additional fees and expenses for services rendered through that date in connection with these matters.

Based on its reorganization plans, Congoleum has made provision in its financial statements for the minimum estimated cost to effect its plan to settle asbestos liabilities through confirmation of a plan that complies with section 524(g) of the Bankruptcy Code.  Congoleum recorded charges aggregating approximately $51.3 million in years prior to 2007.  Based on the terms of the Joint Plan, in the fourth quarter of 2007 Congoleum recorded an additional $41.3 million charge.  Of this charge, $14.9 million related to the write-off of certain insurance litigation costs receivable that would not have been collected under the terms of the Joint Plan and are not expected to be collected under any future plan, including the Amended Joint Plan, and $26.4 million was an additional provision for estimated costs for the reorganization proceedings and the Coverage Action.  In the fourth quarter of 2007 Congoleum also recorded a $41.0 million interest expense credit to reverse post-petition interest accrued on its Senior Notes.  Terms of previous reorganization plans had provided, among other things, for the payment of post-petition interest on the Senior Notes and therefore Congoleum had continued to accrue such interest.  Under the terms of the Joint Plan, and the expected terms of any future plan, including the Amended Joint Plan, the Senior Note holders would not have received any post-petition interest.  Following the ruling that the Joint Plan was unconfirmable and based on the anticipated terms and timing of effectiveness of the Amended Joint Plan, Congoleum recorded an additional charge of $11.5 million in the third quarter of 2008 for costs to effect its reorganization.


 
37

 

In February 2006, the Bankruptcy Court ordered Congoleum’s former counsel, Gilbert, Heintz & Randolph LLP (currently known as Gilbert Oshinsky LLP) (“GHR”) to disgorge all fees and certain expenses it was paid by Congoleum.  In October 2006, Congoleum and GHR entered into a settlement agreement under which GHR was to pay Congoleum approximately $9.2 million plus accrued interest in full satisfaction of the disgorgement order.  The obligation was secured by assets of GHR and was to be made over time according to a formula based on GHR’s earnings.  The Bankruptcy Court approved that settlement agreement in April 2007.  Congoleum received $9.2 million plus $1.0 million of accrued interest in full satisfaction of that settlement agreement in March 2008.

Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, including short-term investments at March 31, 2009, were $7.7 million, a decrease of $7.4 million from December 31, 2008.  Under the terms of its revolving credit agreement, payments on Congoleum’s accounts receivable are deposited in an account assigned by Congoleum to its lender and the funds in that account are used by the lender to pay down any loan balance.  There were no funds deposited in this account at March 31, 2009 or December 31, 2008.  Additionally, $6.5 million remaining from a $14.5 million settlement received in August 2004 from an insurance carrier, disposition of which balance is subject to a court order, is included as restricted cash at December 31, 2008.  In the second quarter of 2008 Congoleum received an additional $22.7 million from other insurance carriers which is also included in restricted cash.  Congoleum expects to contribute these funds, less any amounts withheld pursuant to reimbursement arrangements, to the Plan Trust should the Bankruptcy Court confirm a plan pursuant to section 524(g) of the Bankruptcy Code.  Net working capital was a negative $3.4 million at March 31, 2009, down from $1.6 million at December 31, 2008.  The ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 1.0 to 1.0 at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.  Net cash used in operations during the three months ended March 31, 2009 was $9.5 million, as compared to net cash provided by operations of $1.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2008.

Capital expenditures for the three months ended March 31, 2009 totaled $0.9 million.  Congoleum is currently planning capital expenditures of approximately $3.5 million in 2009 and between $3 million and $5 million in 2010, primarily for maintenance and improvement of plants and equipment, which it expects to fund with cash from operations and credit facilities.

In January 2004, the Bankruptcy Court authorized entry of a final order approving Congoleum’s debtor-in-possession financing, which replaced its pre-petition credit facility on substantially similar terms.  The debtor-in-possession financing agreement (as amended and approved by the Bankruptcy Court to date) provides a revolving credit facility expiring on the earlier of (i) June 30, 2009 and (ii) the date the plan of reorganization in Congoleum's bankruptcy cases as confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court becomes effective.  Total borrowing under the facility may not exceed $30.0 million.  Interest is based on 0.25% above the prime rate.  This financing agreement contains certain covenants, which include the maintenance of minimum earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“Congoleum EBITDA”).  In connection with the amendment and extension of the agreement during 2008, the minimum level of Congoleum EBITDA that Congoleum must maintain was reduced for quarters ending after June 30, 2008.  Congoleum paid a fee of $25 thousand for such amendment, plus an amendment fee in the amount of $15 thousand per month.  The financing agreement also includes restrictions on

 
38

 

the incurrence of additional debt and limitations on capital expenditures.  The covenants and conditions under this financing agreement must be met in order for Congoleum to borrow from the facility. Congoleum was not in compliance with the minimum Congoleum EBITDA covenant under its credit facility for the period ended December 31, 2008, and obtained a waiver of that covenant as well as an amendment of the covenant levels for the remaining term of the facility to make them less restrictive.  The interest rate was increased to 1.75% above the prime rate and a fee of $30 thousand was paid in connection with the waiver and amendment.  Borrowings under this facility are collateralized by inventory and receivables.  At March 31, 2009, based on the level of receivables and inventory, $26.3 million was available under the facility, of which $2.0 million was utilized for outstanding letters of credit and $16.9 million was utilized by the revolving loan.  The existing financing facility expires June 30, 2009.  Congoleum believes that it will be able to obtain an extension of the credit facility through the end of 2009; however, given the current business conditions and uncertainty in the credit markets, there can be no assurances that an extension or refinancing will be available.  There can also be no assurances that Congoleum will continue to be in compliance with the required covenants under this facility or that the debtor-in-possession facility will be renewed prior to its expiration if a plan of reorganization is not confirmed before that time.  Congoleum was in compliance with the terms of the debtor-in-possession financing at March 31, 2009, as the excess borrowing availability it maintained under the revolving line of credit, exceeded the threshold required to test Congoleum EBITDA.  Congoleum anticipates that its debtor-in-possession financing facility (including anticipated extensions thereof) together with cash from operations will provide it with sufficient liquidity to operate during 2009 while under Chapter 11 protection.  For a plan of reorganization to be confirmed, Congoleum will need to obtain and demonstrate the sufficiency of exit financing.  Congoleum cannot presently determine the terms of such financing, nor can there be any assurances of its success obtaining it.

In addition to the provision for asbestos litigation discussed previously, Congoleum has also recorded what it believes are adequate provisions for environmental remediation and product-related liabilities (other than asbestos-related claims), including provisions for testing for potential remediation of conditions at its own facilities.  Congoleum is subject to federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations and certain legal and administrative claims are pending or have been asserted against Congoleum.  Among these claims, Congoleum is a named party in several actions associated with waste disposal sites (more fully discussed in Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K). These actions include possible obligations to remove or mitigate the effects on the environment of wastes deposited at various sites, including Superfund sites and certain of Congoleum’s owned and previously owned facilities.  The contingencies also include claims for personal injury and/or property damage.  The exact amount of such future cost and timing of payments are indeterminable due to such unknown factors as the magnitude of cleanup costs, the timing and extent of the remedial actions that may be required, the determination of Congoleum’s liability in proportion to other potentially responsible parties, and the extent to which costs may be recoverable from insurance.  Congoleum has recorded provisions in its financial statements for the estimated probable loss associated with all known general and environmental contingencies. While Congoleum believes its estimate of the future amount of these liabilities is reasonable, and that they will be paid over a period of five to ten years, the timing and amount of such payments may differ significantly from Congoleum’s assumptions.  Although the effect of future government regulation could have a significant effect on Congoleum’s costs, Congoleum is not aware of any pending legislation which would reasonably have such an effect.  There can be no assurances that the costs of any future government regulations could be passed along to its customers.  Estimated insurance recoveries related to these liabilities are reflected in other non-current assets.


 
39

 

The outcome of these environmental matters could result in significant expenses incurred by or judgments assessed against Congoleum.

Congoleum's principal sources of capital are net cash provided by operating activities and borrowings under its financing agreement. Congoleum believes that its existing cash (including restricted cash), cash generated from operations, and debtor-in-possession credit arrangements (including anticipated extensions thereof) should be sufficient to provide adequate working capital for operations during 2009.  Congoleum’s ability to emerge from Chapter 11 will depend on obtaining sufficient exit financing to settle administrative expenses of the reorganization and any other related obligations, and to provide adequate future liquidity.

Item 4T.  Controls and Procedures

a)
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.  The Company's management, with the participation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")), as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on such evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective, in that they provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b)
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.  There have not been any changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.



 
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PART II.   OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

The information contained in Note H "Commitments and Contingencies" and Note I "Congoleum Asbestos Liabilities and Reorganization" of the Notes to Unaudited Consolidating Condensed Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, in "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included in Part I, Item 2 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and in "Risk Factors – The Company and its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum have significant asbestos liability and funding exposure, and the Company's and Congoleum's strategies for resolving this exposure may not be successful.  Any plan of reorganization for Congoleum is expected to result in elimination of the interests of Congoleum’s equity holders, including the Company" and "Elimination of the Company’s equity interests in Congoleum could have a material adverse impact on the business relationships between ABI and Congoleum, and ABI’s business, operations and financial condition" included in Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, to the extent addressing matters reportable under this Part II, Item 1, are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

The Company’s independent registered public accountant has included a going concern paragraph in its opinion on the Company’s 2008 consolidated financial statements.

The Company’s independent registered public accountant has issued an opinion on the Company’s 2008 consolidated financial statements that states that the consolidated financial statements were prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern and further states that the Company’s need to refinance its credit facility raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern.  The revolving debt portion of the Company’s existing principal credit facility expires on September 30, 2009, and the Company has entered into a limited waiver and modification agreement to its credit agreement with its lenders, which provided the Company with a temporary waiver through June 30, 2009 (subject to possible earlier termination or expiration) of the Company’s default of the credit agreement governing that credit facility due to the Company’s failure to comply with one of its financial covenants as of March 31, 2009 and contemplates the Company repaying all amounts the Company owes under the credit agreement, including the term loan and outstanding borrowings under the credit facility by June 29, 2009.  As discussed elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Company is currently working with a replacement lender to obtain replacement financing.  Failure to obtain adequate financing on commercially reasonable terms would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition.


 
41

 

The Company relies on its revolving credit facility to fund its business, operations and working capital needs.  That revolving credit facility expires on September 30, 2009 and the Company may not be able to renew or replace that facility on satisfactory terms.

The Company relies on borrowings under its revolving credit facility which is governed by its principal credit agreement to fund its business and operations.  If the Company is not able to generate sufficient cash flows from its operations as a result of the current recession in the United States or otherwise, it may have greater reliance on the availability of borrowings under its credit facility.  The Company's revolving credit facility is scheduled to expire on September 30, 2009, and the Company has entered into a temporary waiver and modification agreement to its credit agreement with its lenders, pursuant to which the lenders granted the Company a temporary waiver through June 30, 2009 of the Company’s default of the agreement governing that credit facility due to the Company’s failure to comply with one of its financial covenants as of March 31, 2009 and reduced the amount available for borrowing under the credit facility from $30 million to $24 million.  The temporary waiver expires on June 30, 2009 (subject to possible earlier termination or expiration upon the occurrence of certain specified events) and requires the Company to deliver by May 22, 2009 to its lenders an executed commitment letter from another financial institution reasonably acceptable to the Company’s current lenders, which contemplates payment in full in cash of all amounts owed to the lenders under the credit agreement on or prior to June 29, 2009.  The Company is currently working with a replacement lender that is conducting due diligence in connection with providing a possible new $30 million revolving credit facility and $8 million term loan to replace the Company’s existing credit agreement, including the term loan and the revolving credit facility under that agreement. The Company believes it will be successful in obtaining replacement financing by June 29, 2009 and that the replacement facility contemplated would provide the Company with sufficient financing on commercially reasonable terms for an extended period of time.  It is possible, however, that the Company may not be successful in obtaining the replacement financing it is currently seeking and it may not be able to obtain financing from other alternative sources or under a different arrangement with its existing lenders, particularly in light of the recent substantial disruption in the global credit markets which has resulted in credit becoming more expensive and difficult to obtain.  Failure to obtain adequate financing on commercially reasonable terms would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition.

In addition, similar to the terms of the Company’s existing principal credit agreement, any alternative financing the Company may obtain is expected to limit the Company's ability to obtain additional debt financing.  Moreover, since the Company and most of its subsidiaries are expected to grant security interests in most of their assets as collateral for borrowings under any alternative financing the Company may obtain, the Company's ability to obtain any additional debt financing beyond that alternative financing will be limited.


 
42

 

The Company and its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum have significant asbestos liability and funding exposure, and the Company's and Congoleum's strategies for resolving this exposure may not be successful.  Any plan of reorganization for Congoleum is expected to result in elimination of the interests of Congoleum's equity holders, including the Company.

As more fully set forth in Notes A and I of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Company and Congoleum have significant liability and funding exposure for asbestos personal injury claims.  On December 31, 2003, Congoleum filed a voluntary petition with the Bankruptcy Court seeking relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code as a means to resolve claims asserted against it related to the use of asbestos in its products decades ago.  An amended joint plan of reorganization for Congoleum proposed by the Asbestos Claimants’ Committee, the Bondholders’ Committee and Congoleum was filed in the Bankruptcy Court, which plan is referred to elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as the "Amended Joint Plan."  While Congoleum believed that the Amended Joint Plan had sufficient creditor support to be confirmed, the Bankruptcy Court recently issued an opinion denying confirmation of the Amended Joint Plan and ordering Congoleum’s bankruptcy case be dismissed (which is referred to elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as the "Order of Dismissal").  That order is being appealed with the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and the Bankruptcy Court has granted a stay of its Order of Dismissal pending a final non-appealable decision affirming the Order of Dismissal.  There can be no assurance that the appeal of the Order of Dismissal to by the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey or any other court which may be appealed to will be successful or that the Bankruptcy Court will not subsequently vacate its grant of a stay of its Order of Dismissal.  If the appeal is not successful, Congoleum’s bankruptcy case could be dismissed, resulting in Congoleum no longer benefiting from the protection from creditor claims currently afforded to it by the Chapter 11 case and the Bankruptcy Code.  Further, as indicated in the Order of Dismissal, Congoleum’s ability to refile another bankruptcy petition may be limited, which could result in Congoleum having to attempt to conduct its business and operations outside of the protections of the Bankruptcy Code, including attempting to defend against, satisfy or defray its creditor claims, such as its substantial asbestos liabilities and its Senior Notes, and continued litigation against its insurers to attempt to obtain insurance coverage for Congoleum’s asbestos liabilities.  It is unclear what effect the Order of Dismissal, the stay of the Bankruptcy Court’s Order of Dismissal pending a final non-appealable decision affirming the Order of Dismissal and the continued litigation may have on Congoleum’s business and operations, including with regard to its relationships with its vendors, suppliers, customers, lenders and other constituencies.

Under the terms of the Amended Joint Plan, ABI's ownership interest in Congoleum would be eliminated.  ABI expects that its ownership interest in Congoleum would be eliminated under any alternate plan or outcome in Congoleum’s Chapter 11 case.


 
43

 

ABI has certain intercompany claims against and arrangements with Congoleum.  The Amended Joint Plan would govern an intercompany settlement and ongoing intercompany arrangements among ABI and its subsidiaries and reorganized Congoleum, which would be effective when the Amended Joint Plan took effect and would have a term of two years.  Those intercompany arrangements include the provision of management services by ABI to reorganized Congoleum and other business relationships substantially consistent with their traditional relationships.  The Amended Joint Plan provides that the final terms of the intercompany arrangements among ABI and its subsidiaries and reorganized Congoleum would be memorialized in a new agreement to be entered into by reorganized Congoleum and American Biltrite in form and substance mutually agreeable to the Bondholders’ Committee, the official asbestos claimants' committee and ABI.  The existing arrangements currently in effect among ABI and its non-debtor subsidiaries and Congoleum expire on June 30, 2009, unless renewed.  In addition, under the terms of the Amended Joint Plan, ABI’s rights and claims to indemnification from Congoleum under the existing joint venture agreement between ABI and Congoleum that relate to ABI's contribution to Congoleum in 1993 of ABI's tile division, and the joint venture agreement itself, would have been deemed rejected and disallowed upon the effective date of the Amended Joint Plan, and therefore eliminated.  The Amended Joint Plan's rejection and disallowance of the joint venture agreement and ABI’s claims thereunder included any unfunded indemnification claims ABI may have had prepetition and during the pendency of Congoleum's Chapter 11 case as well as any such claims ABI might otherwise have been entitled to assert after the Amended Joint Plan became effective.  If the appeal of the Order of Dismissal were denied, it is uncertain what would become of ABI’s and its nondebtor subsidiaries’ claims against and relationships with Congoleum, although ABI expects that those claims and relationships could be adversely affected and could even be rendered worthless.  In addition, there can be no assurance that ABI, Congoleum and other applicable Congoleum constituencies will be able to reach agreement on the terms of any management services proposed to be provided by ABI to reorganized Congoleum or any other proposed business relationships among ABI and its affiliates and reorganized Congoleum.  Any plan of reorganization for Congoleum that may be confirmed may have terms that differ significantly from the terms contemplated by the Amended Joint Plan, including with respect to any management services that may be provided by ABI to reorganized Congoleum and ABI's claims and interests and other business relationships with reorganized Congoleum.

In addition, in view of ABI’s relationships with Congoleum, ABI will be affected by Congoleum's negotiations regarding, and its pursuit of, any plan of reorganization, and there can be no assurance as to what that impact, positive or negative, might be.  In any event, the failure of Congoleum to obtain confirmation and consummation of a Chapter 11 plan of reorganization would have a material adverse effect on Congoleum's business, results of operations or financial condition and could have a material adverse effect on ABI’s business, results of operations or financial condition.


 
44

 

Any plan of reorganization for Congoleum, if proposed, will be subject to numerous conditions, approvals and other requirements, including the receipt of necessary creditor, claimant and court approvals.  Certain insurers have contested the reorganization plans previously filed by Congoleum in the Bankruptcy Court and Congoleum is involved in ongoing litigation against its insurers in a state court coverage action.  If the insurers are successful in contesting the appeal of the Order of Dismissal, any future reorganization plan or in denying coverage under the insurance policies, such reorganization plan may not become effective.  Further, even if the insurers are not successful in contesting the appeal of the Order of Dismissal, any future plan that may be proposed or in denying coverage under the insurance policies, Congoleum may be required to incur significant time and expense litigating against the insurers, which could further delay any confirmation or effectiveness of any reorganization plan.  In order to obtain confirmation of any reorganization plan, Congoleum will need sufficient funds to pay for the continued litigation with these insurers as well as the bankruptcy proceedings generally.  In addition, for a plan of reorganization to be confirmed, Congoleum will need to obtain and demonstrate the sufficiency of exit financing.  Congoleum cannot presently determine the terms of such financing, nor can there be any assurances of its success obtaining it, particularly in light of the recent substantial disruption in the global credit markets which has resulted in credit becoming more expensive and difficult to obtain.  Moreover, the failure of any lender under any credit facility Congoleum may have or obtain to fund requests for borrowings by Congoleum could negatively impact Congoleum's business, results of operations or financial condition and its chances of obtaining confirmation of any plan of reorganization.

The Company has its own direct asbestos liability as well.  The Company's strategy remains to actively defend against and strategically settle its asbestos claims on a case-by-case basis.  To date, the Company's insurers have funded substantially all of the Company's liabilities and expenses related to its asbestos liability under the Company's applicable insurance policies.  The Company expects its insurance carriers will continue to defend and indemnify it for a substantial amount of its asbestos liabilities for the foreseeable future pursuant to an umbrella/first-layer excess policies arrangement between the Company and the applicable insurance carriers.  It is possible that asbestos claims may be asserted against the Company alleging exposure allocable solely to years in which the Company’s insurance policies excluded coverage for asbestos, that the policies providing coverage under the umbrella/first-layer excess policies arrangement will exhaust, or that the carriers responsible for such policies may at some future date be unwilling or unable to meet their obligations under the policies or that arrangement.  If ABI were to incur significant additional asbestos liabilities for which it did not have insurance coverage or was not able to receive recoveries under its insurance policies due to the carriers which underwrote those policies being insolvent or otherwise, ABI may have to fund such liabilities, which could have a material adverse effect on ABI's business, results of operations or financial condition.

As a result of Congoleum's significant liability and funding exposure for asbestos claims, there can be no assurance that if Congoleum were to incur any unforecasted or unexpected liability or disruption to its business or operations it would be able to withstand that liability or disruption and continue as an operating company.  Any significant increase of the Company's asbestos liability and funding exposure would likely have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, operations and financial condition and possibly its ability to continue as a going concern.

 
45

 

In the past, federal legislation has been proposed which would establish a national trust to provide compensation to victims of asbestos-related injuries and channel all current and future asbestos-related personal injury claims to that trust.  In light of the numerous uncertainties surrounding this and other possible asbestos legislation in the United States, ABI does not know what effects any such legislation, if adopted, may have upon its or Congoleum's businesses, results of operations or financial conditions, or upon any plan of reorganization for Congoleum.

For further information regarding the Company's and Congoleum's asbestos liability, insurance coverage and strategies to resolve that asbestos liability, please see Notes A, H and I of the Notes to Unaudited Consolidating Condensed Financial Statements and "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," which are included in Part I, Item 1 and Part I, Item 2, respectively, of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Elimination of the Company’s equity interests in Congoleum could have a material adverse impact on the business relationships between ABI and Congoleum and ABI’s business, operations and financial condition.

ABI expects that its ownership interest in Congoleum will be eliminated under any plan or outcome in Congoleum’s Chapter 11 case.  There can be no assurances as to the ownership structure under the terms of any new reorganization plan for Congoleum that may be proposed or how such structure and any other change in ownership and control may affect reorganized Congoleum’s business, operations and financial condition, or its future relationships with ABI.

ABI provides management services to Congoleum, sells and purchases products to and from Congoleum, and receives royalties from Congoleum.  Agreements for these current intercompany arrangements expire on June 30, 2009, or upon the effectiveness of a plan of reorganization for Congoleum, whichever comes first.  It is not known whether ABI, Congoleum and the other parties in interest will agree to extend the term of these arrangements, and if so, for how long any extension would last or what the terms of any such extension and related intercompany arrangements would be.  The terms of the Amended Joint Plan provided for certain intercompany arrangements continuing for a two year period ending on the second anniversary of the effective date of the Amended Joint Plan pursuant to a new agreement to be entered into by ABI and reorganized Congoleum on the effective date of the Amended Joint Plan.  The Amended Joint Plan provided that the new agreement would be in form and substance mutually agreeable to the Bondholders' Committee, the Asbestos Claimants’ Committee and ABI.  Pursuant to that new agreement, ABI's current chief executive officer would serve as a director and the chief executive officer of reorganized Congoleum and ABI would have to make available to reorganized Congoleum substantially all of his time during normal working hours on an annual basis, ABI would have to make available to reorganized Congoleum approximately 25% of the time of ABI's current president and chief operating officer during normal working hours and on an annual basis, and ABI's current chief financial officer would serve as the chief financial officer of reorganized Congoleum and ABI would have to make available to reorganized Congoleum approximately 50% of his time during normal working hours and on an annual basis.  Expiration or termination of such intercompany arrangements, failure to reach definitive agreement on final terms of future arrangements between ABI and reorganized Congoleum, or failure to consummate such arrangements in connection with the effectiveness of a plan of reorganization for Congoleum or otherwise could have a material adverse impact on the business relationships between ABI and Congoleum, and ABI’s business, operations and financial condition.


 
46

 

The Company and Congoleum sell their products on credit and their customers may fail to pay, or they may extend the payment period, for products sold to them on credit.

The Company and Congoleum sell their products on credit.  Customers purchasing goods on credit from the Company or Congoleum may default on their obligations to pay, or they may extend the payment period, for products sold to them on credit, which may result in an increased investment in accounts receivable by the Company or Congoleum.  In light of the current recession in the United States, the risk that the Company and Congoleum may realize an increased investment in accounts receivable may be greater.  To the extent the Company and Congoleum are unable to collect receivables owed to them in a timely fashion, increased demands may be placed on their respective working capital, which could have a material adverse effect on their respective businesses, results of operations or financial condition.

The Company and its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum may incur substantial liability for environmental claims and compliance matters.

Due to the nature of the Company's and its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum's businesses and certain of the substances which are or have been used, produced or discharged by them, the Company's and Congoleum's operations and facilities are subject to a broad range of federal, state, local and foreign legal and regulatory provisions relating to the environment, including those regulating the discharge of materials into the environment, the handling and disposal of solid and hazardous substances and wastes and the remediation of contamination associated with releases of hazardous substances at Company and Congoleum facilities and off-site disposal locations.  The Company and Congoleum have historically expended substantial amounts for compliance with existing environmental laws or regulations, including environmental remediation costs at both third-party sites and Company and Congoleum-owned sites.  The Company and Congoleum will continue to be required to expend amounts in the future because of the nature of their prior activities at their facilities, in order to comply with existing environmental laws, and those amounts may be substantial.  Although the Company and Congoleum believe that those amounts should not have a material adverse effect on their respective financial positions, there is no certainty that these amounts will not have a material adverse effect on their respective financial positions because, as a result of environmental requirements becoming increasingly strict, neither the Company nor Congoleum is able to determine the ultimate cost of compliance with environmental laws and enforcement policies.

Moreover, in addition to potentially having to pay substantial amounts for compliance, future environmental laws or regulations may require or cause the Company or Congoleum to modify or curtail their operations, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations or financial condition.


 
47

 

The Company and its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum, may incur substantial liability for other product and general liability claims.

In the ordinary course of their businesses, the Company and its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum become involved in lawsuits, administrative proceedings, product liability claims and other matters.  In some of these proceedings, plaintiffs may seek to recover large and sometimes unspecified amounts and the matters may remain unresolved for several years.  These matters could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations or financial condition if the Company or Congoleum, as applicable, is unable to successfully defend against or settle these matters, and its insurance coverage is insufficient to satisfy any judgments against it or settlements relating to these matters, or the Company or Congoleum, as applicable, is unable to collect insurance proceeds relating to these matters.

The Company and its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum are dependent upon a continuous supply of raw materials from third party suppliers and would be harmed if there were a significant, prolonged disruption in supply or increase in its raw material costs.

The Company and its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum generally design and engineer their own products.  Most of the raw materials required by the Company for its manufacturing operations are available from multiple sources; however, the Company does purchase some of its raw materials from a single source or supplier.  Any significant delay in or disruption of the supply of raw materials could substantially increase the Company's cost of materials, require product reformulation or require qualification of new suppliers, any one or more of which could materially adversely affect the Company's business, results of operations or financial condition.  The Company's majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum does not have readily available alternative sources of supply for specific designs of transfer print paper, which are produced utilizing print cylinders engraved to Congoleum's specifications.  Although Congoleum does not anticipate any loss of this source of supply, replacement could take a considerable period of time and interrupt production of certain products, which could have a material adverse affect on the Company's business, results of operations or financial condition.  The Company and Congoleum have occasionally experienced significant price increases for some of its raw materials.  Although the Company has been able to obtain sufficient supplies of raw materials, there can be no assurances that it may not experience difficulty in the future, particularly if global supply conditions deteriorate, which could have a material adverse effect on profit margins.  In addition, raw material and energy costs increased sharply over the past year, particularly during the first half of 2008, which has negatively impacted the Company's and Congoleum's businesses and operating results.  Although raw material and energy costs have recently declined, it is not known whether raw material and energy prices will remain lower or will revert to increasing price levels.

In light of the current and forecasted economic conditions in the United States and the industries in which the Company and Congoleum conduct business, the Company and Congoleum may be unable to pass increased raw material and energy costs on to their respective customers.


 
48

 

The Company and its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum operate in highly competitive markets and some of their competitors have greater resources, and in order to be successful, the Company and Congoleum must keep pace with and anticipate changing customer preferences.

The market for the Company's and its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum's products and services is highly competitive.  Some of their respective competitors have greater financial and other resources and access to capital. Furthermore, to the extent any of the Company's or Congoleum's competitors make a filing under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code and emerge from bankruptcy as continuing operating companies that have shed much of their pre-filing liabilities, those competitors could have a cost competitive advantage over Congoleum.  In addition, in order to maintain their competitive positions, the Company and Congoleum may need to make substantial investments in their businesses, including, as applicable, product development, manufacturing facilities, distribution network and sales and marketing activities. Competitive pressures may also result in decreased demand for their products and in the loss of market share for their products. Moreover, due to the competitive nature of their industries, they may be commercially restricted from raising or even maintaining the sales prices of their products, which could result in the incurrence of significant operating losses if their expenses were to increase or otherwise represent an increased percentage of sales.

The markets in which the Company and Congoleum compete are characterized by frequent new product introductions and changing customer preferences. There can be no assurance that the Company's and Congoleum's existing products and services will be properly positioned in the market or that the Company and Congoleum will be able to introduce new or enhanced products or services into their respective markets on a timely basis, or at all, or that those new or enhanced products or services will receive customer acceptance. The Company's and Congoleum's failure to introduce new or enhanced products or services on a timely basis, keep pace with industry or market changes or effectively manage the transitions to new products, technologies or services could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations or financial condition.

The Company and its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum are subject to general economic conditions and conditions specific to their respective industries.

Global and financial markets have recently been experiencing substantial disruption.  Economic conditions in the United States have been challenging, including in the industries in which the Company and Congoleum conduct business.  The downturn in the housing industry has resulted in reduced demand for the Company's and Congoleum's products.  The slowdown in manufacturing, including in the automotive and industrial sectors, has resulted in reduced demand for the Tape division's products.  In addition, the decline in consumer and retailer, especially mid-tier retailer, spending has resulted in reduced demand for K&M's products.  The Company expects the current and forecasted economic conditions to continue to negatively impact the Company's and Congoleum's businesses and operations and that the extent of that impact will depend on the duration and depth of the economic recession.


 
49

 

In addition, raw material and energy costs have been volatile and, although below their peak levels in 2008, remain at historically high levels, which has negatively impacted the Company's and Congoleum's businesses and operating results.  Although raw material and energy costs have recently declined, it is not known whether raw material and energy prices will remain lower or will revert to increasing price levels.  In light of the current and forecasted economic conditions in the United States and the industries in which the Company and Congoleum conduct business, the Company and Congoleum may be unable to pass increased raw material and energy costs on to their respective customers.

Although the Company and Congoleum intend to implement reductions in their expenses, there can be no assurance that they will be able to reduce their respective expenses, that any reductions they may implement will have any meaningful positive impact on their businesses, results of operations or financial condition, or that they will be able to sustain any expense reductions that they may implement.

The Company and its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum could realize shipment delays, depletion of inventory and increased production costs resulting from unexpected disruptions of operations at any of the Company's or Congoleum's facilities.

The Company's and its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum's businesses depend upon their ability to timely manufacture and deliver products that meet the needs of their customers and the end users of their products.  If the Company or Congoleum were to realize an unexpected, significant and prolonged disruption of its operations at any of its facilities, including disruptions in its manufacturing operations, it could result in shipment delays of its products, depletion of its inventory as a result of reduced production and increased production costs as a result of taking actions in an attempt to cure the disruption or carry on its business while the disruption remains.  Any resulting delay, depletion or increased production cost could result in increased costs, lower revenues and damaged customer and product end user relations, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations or financial condition.

The Company and its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum offer limited warranties on their products which could result in the Company or Congoleum incurring significant costs as a result of warranty claims.

The Company and its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum offer a limited warranty on many of their products against manufacturing defects.  In addition, as a part of its efforts to differentiate mid- and high-end products through color, design and other attributes, Congoleum offers enhanced warranties with respect to wear, moisture discoloration and other performance characteristics which generally increase with the price of such products.  If the Company or Congoleum were to incur a significant number of warranty claims, the resulting warranty costs could be substantial.

 
50

 

The Company and its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum rely on a small number of customers and distributors for a significant portion of their sales or to sell their products.

The Company's Tape Division principally sells its products through distributors.  Sales to five unaffiliated customers accounted for approximately 20% of the Company's Tape Division's net sales for the year ended December 31, 2008.  The loss of the largest unaffiliated customer and/or two or more of the other four unaffiliated customers would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations or financial condition.

The Company's Canadian Division sells its products through distributors and a direct sales force. Sales to five unaffiliated customers accounted for approximately 22% of the Canadian Division's net sales for the year ended December 31, 2008.  The loss of the largest unaffiliated customer and/or two or more of the other four unaffiliated customers would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations or financial condition.

The Company's majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum principally sells its products through distributors.  Although Congoleum has more than one distributor in some of its distribution territories and actively manages its credit exposure to its distributors, the loss of a major distributor would have a material adverse impact on the Company's business, results of operations, or financial condition.  Congoleum derives a significant percentage of its sales from two of its distributors.  These two distributors accounted for approximately 63% of Congoleum's net sales for the year ended December 31, 2008.

The Company's subsidiary K&M sells its products through its own direct sales force and, indirectly, through a wholly owned subsidiary and through third-party sales representatives.  Three of K&M's customers accounted for approximately 54% of its net sales for the year ended December 31, 2008. The loss of the largest of these customers would have a material adverse effect on K&M’s business, results of operations and financial condition and would likely have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

The Company and its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum depend on key executives to run their businesses, and the loss of any of these executives would likely harm the Company's business.

The Company and its majority-owned subsidiary Congoleum depend on key executives to run their businesses.  In particular, three of the persons that serve as key executives at the Company also serve as key executives at Congoleum.  The Company's future success will depend largely upon the continued service of these key executives, all of whom have no employment contract with the Company or Congoleum, as applicable, and may terminate their employment at any time without notice.  Although certain key executives of the Company and Congoleum are, directly or indirectly, large shareholders of the Company or Congoleum, and thus are less likely to terminate their employment, the loss of any key executive, or the failure by the key executive to perform in his current position, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations or financial condition.


 
51

 

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

On August 3, 1998, Congoleum issued $100 million of its 8.625% Senior Notes due in August 2008 priced at 99.505% to yield 8.70%.  The Senior Notes are redeemable at the option of Congoleum, in whole or in part, at any time on or after August 1, 2003 at predetermined redemption prices (ranging from 104% to 100%), plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption.  The indenture governing the Senior Notes includes certain restrictions on additional indebtedness and uses of cash, including dividend payments.  The commencement of Congoleum’s Chapter 11 proceedings constituted an event of default under the indenture governing the Senior Notes.  During 2003, Congoleum and the trustee under the indenture governing the Senior Notes amended the indenture, and sufficient note holders consented, to explicitly permit Congoleum to take steps in connection with preparing and filing its prepackaged plan of reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.  The amount of accrued interest on the Senior Notes that was not paid as of the bankruptcy filing on December 31, 2003 was approximately $3.6 million.  The accrued pre-petition interest and the principal amount of the Senior Notes are included in “Liabilities Subject to Compromise” as of March 31, 2009 (see Note F of the Notes to the Unaudited Consolidating Condensed Financial Statements contained in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q).   During 2007, Congoleum reversed all accrued post-petition interest on the Senior Notes to reflect the terms of the Joint Plan.

Item 5.  Other Information

Entry into the Limited Waiver and Modification Agreement

On May 15, 2009, the Company and its subsidiaries, K&M Associates L.P. and American Biltrite (Canada) Ltd., entered into a limited waiver and modification agreement (the “Waiver”) to the Company’s credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with the Bank of America, N.A. (“BofA”) lenders under the Credit Agreement, BofA as the domestic administrative agent and collateral agent, and BofA, acting through its Canada branch, as the Canadian administrative agent.  The Waiver is effective as of the same day it was entered into.  The Company’s subsidiaries that serve as guarantors of the Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement also entered into the Waiver.  The Company, K&M Associates L.P. and American Biltrite (Canada) Ltd. are borrowers under the Credit Agreement.  The Credit Agreement governs the credit facility that is the Company’s primary source of borrowings.  References in this Part II, Item 5 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to the Company with respect to the Waiver and the Credit Agreement also include the other borrowers, and the guarantors of the obligations, under the Credit Agreement, as applicable.


 
52

 

Pursuant to the Waiver, BofA granted the Company a temporary waiver through June 30, 2009 of the Company’s default under the Credit Agreement for failure to comply as of March 31, 2009 with the financial covenant requiring that the Company’s Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA for the four consecutive fiscal quarters then ending exceed 100% of the Company’s Consolidated Fixed Charges for the 12-month period ending on that measurement date, as determined under the Credit Agreement.  The temporary waiver expires on June 30, 2009, subject to possible earlier termination or expiration upon the occurrence of certain specified events.  The Waiver also reduced the maximum borrowing limit under the revolving debt portion of the credit facility from $30 million to $24 million.  The Waiver requires the Company to deliver by May 22, 2009 to BofA an executed commitment letter from another financial institution reasonably acceptable to BofA, which contemplates payment in full in cash of all amounts owed to BofA under the Credit Agreement on or prior to June 29, 2009.  The waiver also requires the Company to comply with various covenants, including restrictions on:  incurring or granting liens; entering into agreements that limit the Company’s ability to incur or grant liens on its real property; incurring or assuming indebtedness; disposing of assets other than the sale of inventory in the ordinary course of business; making investments, loans or advances; making distributions; and paying management, consulting or similar fees.  The Waiver also requires the Company to deliver to BofA, by May 20, 2009, a mortgage covering certain of the Company’s real property located in the State of New Jersey.  In connection with the Waiver, the Company paid BofA a fee of $5 thousand and is obligated to pay BofA an additional fee of $20 thousand upon termination or expiration of the temporary waiver granted by BofA pursuant to the Waiver, unless BofA is repaid all amounts owed to BofA under the Credit Agreement by June 29, 2009, in which case, the Company would not be required to pay the additional $20 thousand fee.

The foregoing description of the Waiver is a summary and is qualified in its entirety to the full terms and conditions of the Waiver.  A copy of the Waiver is attached to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as Exhibits 4.1 and 10.1 and is incorporated by reference herein.

Earnings Press Release

On May 15, 2009, the Company issued a press release announcing its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2009.  A copy of that press release is being furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to this Part II, Item 5 of Form 10-Q and is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.

 
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Item 6.  Exhibits

Exhibit No.
Description
   
3.1    I
Restated Certificate of Incorporation
   
3.2    II
By-Laws, amended and restated as of November 7, 2007
   
4.1
Limited Waiver and Modification Agreement to Credit Agreement, dated as of May 15, 2009, by and among American Biltrite Inc., K&M Associates L.P., American Biltrite (Canada) Ltd., the lenders to the agreement, Bank of America, N.A., as the domestic administrative agent and collateral agent, and Bank of America, N.A., acting through its Canada branch, as the Canadian administrative agent
   
10.1
Limited Waiver and Modification Agreement to Credit Agreement, dated as of May 15, 2009, by and among American Biltrite Inc., K&M Associates L.P., American Biltrite (Canada) Ltd., the lenders to the agreement, Bank of America, N.A., as the domestic administrative agent and collateral agent, and Bank of America, N.A., acting through its Canada branch, as the Canadian administrative agent (a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 4.1)
   
10.2   III
Amendment No. 11 to Ratification and Amendment Agreement and Amendment No. 13 to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of March 16, 2009
   
31.1
Certification of the Principal Executive Officer of the Registrant Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
   
31.2
Certification of the Principal Financial Officer of the Registrant Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
   
32
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
99.1
Press release dated May 15, 2009
___________________________

I  
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits filed with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 27, 1997 (1-4773)
   
II  
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits filed with the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 14, 2007
   
III  
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits filed with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2009

 
54

 
 


SIGNATURE

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

 
   
AMERICAN BILTRITE INC.
   
  (Registrant)
     
     
     
Date:   May 15, 2009
BY:
 /s/  Howard N. Feist III    
   
Howard N. Feist III
   
Vice President-Finance
   
(Duly Authorized Officer and
   
Principal Financial and Chief
   
Accounting Officer)


 
55

 

INDEX OF EXHIBITS

Exhibit No.
Description
   
3.1    I
Restated Certificate of Incorporation
   
3.2    II
By-Laws, amended and restated as of November 7, 2007
   
4.1
Limited Waiver and Modification Agreement to Credit Agreement, dated as of May 15, 2009, by and among American Biltrite Inc., K&M Associates L.P., American Biltrite (Canada) Ltd., the lenders to the agreement, Bank of America, N.A., as the domestic administrative agent and collateral agent, and Bank of America, N.A., acting through its Canada branch, as the Canadian administrative agent
   
10.1
Limited Waiver and Modification Agreement to Credit Agreement, dated as of May 15, 2009, by and among American Biltrite Inc., K&M Associates L.P., American Biltrite (Canada) Ltd., the lenders to the agreement, Bank of America, N.A., as the domestic administrative agent and collateral agent, and Bank of America, N.A., acting through its Canada branch, as the Canadian administrative agent (a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 4.1)
   
10.2   III
Amendment No. 11 to Ratification and Amendment Agreement and Amendment No. 13 to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of March 16, 2009
   
31.1
Certification of the Principal Executive Officer of the Registrant Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
   
31.2
Certification of the Principal Financial Officer of the Registrant Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
   
32
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
99.1
Press release dated May 15, 2009
___________________________

I  
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits filed with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 27, 1997 (1-4773)
   
II  
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits filed with the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 14, 2007
   
III  
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits filed with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2009