Exide Technologies - Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 


 

(Mark One)

 

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

 

For the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2003

 

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

 

Commission File Number 1-11263

 


 

EXIDE TECHNOLOGIES

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 


 

Delaware   23-0552730

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

210 Carnegie Center, Suite 500

Princeton, New Jersey

  08540
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

(609) 627-7200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 


 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the 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:

 

As of November 12, 2003, 27,383,084 shares of common stock were outstanding.

 



Table of Contents

EXIDE TECHNOLOGIES AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page

     PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION     

Item 1

   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)    3
     CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2002    3
     CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 AND MARCH 31, 2003    4
     CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2002    5
     NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS    6

Item 2

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS    31

Item 3

   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS    43

Item 4

   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES    44
     PART II. OTHER INFORMATION     

Item 1

   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS    46

Item 2

   CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS    51

Item 3

   DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES    51

Item 4

   SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS    51

Item 5

   OTHER INFORMATION    51

Item 6

   EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K    51

SIGNATURES

   53

 

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

EXIDE TECHNOLOGIES AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited, in thousands, except per-share data)

 

    

For the

Three Months Ended


   

For the

Six Months Ended


 
    

September 30,

2003


   

September 30,

2002


   

September 30,

2003


   

September 30,

2002


 

NET SALES

   $ 587,433     $ 579,363     $ 1,171,999     $ 1,134,352  

COST OF SALES

     460,739       451,406       929,056       896,065  
    


 


 


 


Gross profit

     126,694       127,957       242,943       238,287  
    


 


 


 


EXPENSES:

                                

Selling, marketing and advertising

     61,987       63,828       129,893       125,880  

General and administrative

     40,038       47,252       84,279       92,345  

Restructuring and impairment (Note 16)

     4,827       3,997       7,312       10,285  

Goodwill impairment charge (Note 8)

     —         —         —         37,000  

Other (income) expense, net (Note 13)

     (4,892 )     (1,690 )     (14,096 )     (6,893 )

Interest expense, net (Note 12)

     24,252       24,343       49,693       51,958  
    


 


 


 


       126,212       137,730       257,081       310,575  
    


 


 


 


Income (loss) before reorganization items, income taxes, minority interest and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

     482       (9,773 )     (14,138 )     (72,288 )

REORGANIZATION ITEMS, NET (Note 6)

     15,661       8,020       24,312       20,118  

INCOME TAX PROVISION

     748       3,934       559       5,982  

MINORITY INTEREST

     (251 )     (88 )     (282 )     (109 )
    


 


 


 


Net loss before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

     (15,676 )     (21,639 )     (38,727 )     (98,279 )

CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE (Note 3)

     —         —         15,593       —    
    


 


 


 


Net loss

   $ (15,676 )   $ (21,639 )   $ (54,320 )   $ (98,279 )
    


 


 


 


NET LOSS PER SHARE, BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE

                                

Basic and Diluted

   $ (0.57 )   $ (0.79 )   $ (1.41 )   $ (3.59 )
    


 


 


 


CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE PER SHARE

                                

Basic and Diluted

   $ —       $ —       $ (0.57 )   $ —    
    


 


 


 


NET LOSS PER SHARE (Note 17)

                                

Basic and Diluted

   $ (0.57 )   $ (0.79 )   $ (1.98 )   $ (3.59 )
    


 


 


 


WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES

                                

Basic and Diluted

     27,383       27,383       27,383       27,383  
    


 


 


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

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EXIDE TECHNOLOGIES AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited, in thousands, except per-share data)

 

    

September 30,

2003


    March 31,
2003


 
ASSETS                 

CURRENT ASSETS:

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 36,715     $ 39,766  

Restricted cash

     16,522       6,297  

Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $25,539 and $35,666, respectively

     623,793       665,010  

Inventories (Note 9)

     405,674       399,973  

Prepaid expenses and other

     19,175       16,451  

Deferred financing costs, net

     7,306       17,028  

Deferred income taxes

     35,425       33,233  
    


 


Total current assets

     1,144,610       1,177,758  
    


 


PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET

     528,420       533,375  
    


 


OTHER ASSETS:

                

Goodwill, net (Note 8)

     499,349       463,920  

Other intangibles, net (Note 8)

     47,001       47,560  

Investments in affiliates

     7,518       6,186  

Deferred financing costs, net

     —         647  

Deferred income taxes

     77,082       67,017  

Other (Note 10)

     69,112       70,728  
    


 


       700,062       656,058  
    


 


Total assets

   $ 2,373,092     $ 2,367,191  
    


 


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT                 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

                

Short-term borrowings (Note 11)

   $ 13,975     $ 7,778  

Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 11)

     688,070       598,427  

Accounts payable

     245,688       247,189  

Accrued expenses

     335,210       324,740  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     1,282,943       1,178,134  

LONG-TERM DEBT (Note 11)

     22,765       117,405  

NONCURRENT RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

     182,439       170,181  

OTHER NONCURRENT LIABILITIES

     63,890       41,924  

LIABILITIES SUBJECT TO COMPROMISE (Note 7)

     1,513,554       1,533,089  
    


 


Total liabilities

     3,065,591       3,040,733  
    


 


COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Notes 14 and 15)

                

MINORITY INTEREST

     23,036       21,827  
    


 


STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

                

Common stock, $0.01 par value 100,000 shares authorized; 27,383 and 27,383 shares issued and outstanding

     274       274  

Additional paid-in capital

     570,589       570,589  

Accumulated deficit

     (986,324 )     (932,004 )

Notes receivable—stock award plan

     (665 )     (665 )

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (299,409 )     (333,563 )
    


 


Total stockholders’ deficit

     (715,535 )     (695,369 )
    


 


Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit

   $ 2,373,092     $ 2,367,191  
    


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

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EXIDE TECHNOLOGIES AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited, in thousands)

 

     For the Six Months Ended

 
     September 30,
2003


    September 30,
2002


 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

                

Net loss

   $ (54,320 )   $ (98,279 )

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in)
provided by operating activities—

                

Depreciation and amortization

     46,782       44,759  

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

     15,593       —    

Net gain on asset sales

     (3,304 )     82  

Deferred income taxes

     —         736  

Amortization of original issue discount on notes

     —         428  

Provision for doubtful accounts

     2,608       3,224  

Non-cash provision for restructuring

     56       3,013  

Reorganization items, net

     24,312       20,118  

Goodwill impairment charge

     —         37,000  

Minority interest

     (282 )     (109 )

Amortization of deferred financing costs

     12,205       8,178  

Net change from sales of receivables

                

European Securitization

     —         (124,793 )

U.S. Securitization

     —         (117,455 )

Other, net

     —         (19,475 )

Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding effects of
acquisitions and divestitures—

                

Receivables

     54,569       243  

Inventories

     2,839       7,379  

Prepaid expenses and other

     (13,132 )     (13,902 )

Payables

     (17,314 )     (12,631 )

Accrued expenses

     (27,189 )     20,445  

Noncurrent liabilities

     (130 )     (12,654 )

Other, net

     (16,978 )     (7,976 )
    


 


Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     26,315       (261,669 )
    


 


CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

                

Capital expenditures

     (26,154 )     (16,616 )

Proceeds from sales of assets

     17,892       1,096  
    


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (8,262 )     (15,520 )
    


 


CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

                

Increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings

     5,568       (286 )

Borrowings under Senior Secured Global Credit Facilities Agreement

     —         6,191  

Repayments under Senior Secured Global Credit Facilities Agreement

     —         (2,727 )

Borrowings under DIP Credit Facility

     446,200       466,666  

Repayments under DIP Credit Facility

     (448,914 )     (271,533 )

European asset securitization

     (29,118 )     119,346  

Increase (decrease) in other debt

     2,459       (5,957 )

Financing costs and other

     (400 )     (20,772 )
    


 


Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (24,205 )     290,928  
    


 


EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     3,101       4,636  
    


 


NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     (3,051 )     18,375  

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD

     39,766       31,703  
    


 


CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD

   $ 36,715     $ 50,078  
    


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

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EXIDE TECHNOLOGIES AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

September 30, 2003

(In thousands, except per-share data)

(Unaudited)

 

(1) BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Exide Technologies (referred together with its subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise, as “Exide” or the “Company”) and all of its majority-owned subsidiaries. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with the requirements of Form 10-Q and consequently do not include all of the disclosures normally required by generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), or those normally made in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. Accordingly, the reader of this Form 10-Q may wish to refer to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003 for further information. The financial information contained herein is unaudited.

 

The financial information has been prepared in accordance with the Company’s customary accounting practices. In the Company’s opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial information includes all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary for a fair statement of the results of operations and financial position for the periods presented.

 

The accompanying interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Statement of Position 90-7 (“SOP 90-7”), “Financial Reporting by Entities in Reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code” (see Note 2). Accordingly, all pre-petition liabilities subject to compromise have been segregated in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and classified as Liabilities Subject To Compromise, at the estimated amount of allowable claims. Liabilities not subject to compromise are separately classified. Additional pre-petition claims (liabilities subject to compromise) may arise due to the rejection of executory contracts or unexpired leases, or as a result of the allowance of contingent or disputed claims. Revenues, expenses, realized gains and losses and provision for losses resulting from the reorganization are reported separately as Reorganization items, net, in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.

 

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which assumes continuity of operations and realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the ordinary course of business. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is predicated upon, among other things, confirmation of a bankruptcy reorganization plan on a timely basis, compliance with the provisions of both the debtor-in-possession financing facility (“DIP Credit Facility”) and other ongoing borrowing arrangements, the ability to generate cash flows from operations and, where necessary, obtaining financing sources sufficient to satisfy the Company’s future obligations, as well as certain contingencies described in Note 15. Based upon business plans updated in June 2003, the Company obtained amendments to its existing financial covenants in order to maintain compliance during fiscal 2004. The Standstill Agreement and Fifth Amendment to the Credit and Guarantee Agreement (“Standstill Agreement”) expires on December 18, 2003. The DIP Credit Facility will now expire on the later of December 12, 2003 or, if the Standstill Agreement is extended, 30 days prior to the expiration of the Standstill Agreement. Alternatively, the DIP Credit Facility will expire on the date the Company emerges from bankruptcy, but no later than February 15, 2004. If a plan of reorganization is not confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court before the expiration of these agreements, the Company will have to request extensions of such agreements. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to have a plan of reorganization confirmed by that time or obtain extensions. Hearings on Plan confirmation were held before the Bankruptcy Court on October 21, 22, 25, 27 and November 1, 6 and 12, 2003. As of the date hereof, the Bankruptcy Court has not issued a ruling with respect to confirmation of the Plan. At this time, it is not possible to predict when the Bankruptcy Court may issue a ruling on confirmation of the Plan, nor the outcome thereof.

 

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EXIDE TECHNOLOGIES AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Failure to have a plan of reorganization confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court prior to the expiration of the Standstill Agreement or the DIP Credit Facility or to be able to obtain such extensions or failure to maintain compliance with the covenants in such agreements would result in an event of default which, absent cure within defined grace periods or obtaining appropriate waivers, would restrict the Company’s access to funds necessary to maintain its operations and assist in funding of its reorganization plan. As a result of the Chapter 11 filing and consideration of various strategic alternatives, including possible asset sales, the Company would expect that any reorganization plan will result in material changes to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements do not, however, include adjustments, if any, to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of recorded assets or the amounts and classifications of liabilities that may result from the outcome of these uncertainties.

 

Upon emergence from bankruptcy, the amounts reported in subsequent financial statements will materially change due to the restructuring of the Company’s assets and liabilities as a result of any plan of reorganization and the application of the provisions of SOP 90-7 with respect to reporting upon emergence from Chapter 11 (“fresh start” accounting). Changes in accounting principles required under GAAP within twelve months of emerging from bankruptcy are required to be adopted at the date of emergence. Additionally, the Company may choose to make changes in accounting practices and policies at that time. For all these reasons, the financial statements for periods subsequent to emergence from Chapter 11 will not be comparable with those of prior periods.

 

Certain reclassifications of prior period financial statements have been made to conform to the current interim period presentation.

 

(2) PROCEEDINGS UNDER CHAPTER 11 OF THE BANKRUPTCY CODE

 

On April 15, 2002 (“Petition Date”), Exide and three of its wholly-owned, U.S. subsidiaries (RBD Liquidation, LLC (“RBD”), Exide Delaware, LLC (“Exide Delaware”) and Exide Illinois, Inc. (“Exide Illinois”)) filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy laws (“Bankruptcy Code” or “Chapter 11”) in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (“Bankruptcy Court”) under case numbers 02-11125 through 02-11128. On November 21, 2002, Refined Metals Corporation (“Refined”) and Dixie Metals Company (“Dixie”), both wholly owned, non-operating subsidiaries of Exide, filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court under case numbers 02-13449 and 02-13450. Refined and Dixie have no employees and negligible, if any, assets. RBD, Exide Delaware, Exide Illinois, Dixie and Refined, together with Exide are hereinafter referred to as the “Debtors.” All of the foregoing cases are being jointly administered for procedural purposes before the Bankruptcy Court under case number 02-11125KJC.

 

The Debtors are currently operating their business as debtors-in-possession pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code.

 

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries decided to file for reorganization under Chapter 11, as it offered the most efficient alternative to restructure its balance sheet and access new working capital while continuing to operate in the ordinary course of business. The Company has a heavy debt burden, caused largely by a debt- financed acquisition strategy and the significant costs of integrating those acquisitions. Other factors leading to the reorganization included the impact of adverse economic conditions on the Company’s markets, particularly telecommunications, ongoing competitive pressures and capital market volatility. These factors contributed to a loss of revenues and resulted in significant operating losses and negative cash flows, severely impacting the Company’s financial condition and its ability to maintain compliance with debt covenants.

 

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EXIDE TECHNOLOGIES AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

As debtors-in-possession under Chapter 11, the Debtors are authorized to continue to operate as an ongoing business, but may not engage in transactions outside the ordinary course of business without the approval of the Bankruptcy Court. The Company’s operations outside of the U.S. are not included in the Chapter 11 proceedings. However, in connection with the Chapter 11 filing, the Company entered into a Standstill Agreement with its pre-petition Senior Secured Global Credit Facility lenders, whereby those lenders have agreed to forbear collection of principal payments on foreign borrowings under the Senior Secured Global Credit Facility from non-Debtor subsidiaries until December 18, 2003, subject to earlier termination upon the occurrence of certain events. The principal events which could result in an early termination of the Standstill Agreement are: 1) non-payment of interest on the European tranche of the Company’s Senior Secured Global Credit Facility as and when due; 2) if any significant foreign subsidiaries commence any winding up or liquidation proceeding; 3) breach of financial and other customary negative covenants (as described with respect to the DIP Credit Facility); and 4) default with respect to the European securitization agreement and 9.125% Senior Notes (Deutsche Mark denominated) agreement. No such events have occurred as of September 30, 2003, or through the date of this Report. See Note 11.

 

On May 10, 2002, the Debtors received final Bankruptcy Court approval of its $250,000 DIP Credit Facility. The DIP Credit Facility is being used to supplement cash flows from operations during the reorganization process including the payment of post-petition ordinary course trade and other payables, the payment of certain permitted pre-petition claims, working capital needs, letter of credit requirements and for other general corporate purposes.

 

Under Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code, actions to collect pre-petition indebtedness from the Debtors, as well as most other pending pre-petition litigation, are stayed. Absent an order of the Bankruptcy Court, substantially all pre-petition liabilities are subject to settlement under a plan of reorganization to be approved by the Bankruptcy Court.

 

Under the Bankruptcy Code, the Debtors may also assume or reject executory contracts, including lease obligations, subject to the approval of the Bankruptcy Court and certain other conditions. Parties affected by these rejections may file claims with the Bankruptcy Court in accordance with the reorganization process. Due to the timing of the Chapter 11 proceedings, the Company cannot currently estimate or anticipate what impact the rejection and subsequent claims of executory contracts may have on the reorganization process.

 

On June 14, 2002, the Company filed with the Bankruptcy Court schedules and statements of financial affairs setting forth, among other things, the assets and liabilities of the Debtors as shown by the Company’s books and records on the Petition Date, subject to the assumptions contained in certain notes filed in connection therewith. All of the schedules are subject to further amendment or modification. The Bankruptcy Code provides for a claims reconciliation and resolution process. The Bankruptcy Court established April 23, 2003 as the deadline for submission of proofs of claim for general unsecured claims. A separate bar date for certain other claims was established as August 14, 2003. Pre-petition claims against the Debtors were required to be submitted to the Bankruptcy Court prior to the applicable bar dates to be eligible to participate in any distribution of assets from the Debtors in connection with the plan of reorganization. Differences between amounts scheduled by the Debtors in filings with the Bankruptcy Court and claims by creditors are being investigated and resolved in connection with the claims resolution process. That process, however, has only recently commenced and given the number or creditors and claims filed, will take significant time to complete. As the ultimate number and amount of allowed claims is not presently known, and because any settlement terms of such allowed claims are subject to a confirmed plan of reorganization, the ultimate distribution with respect to allowed claims is not presently ascertainable.

 

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EXIDE TECHNOLOGIES AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The United States Trustee has appointed an unsecured creditors committee. The official committee and its legal representatives have a right to be heard on all matters that come before the Bankruptcy Court. The Bankruptcy Court determined that the United States Trustee should appoint an official committee of equity holders, which it has done. The Company has appealed the appointment of the equity holders committee to the United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, where it is currently pending. See Note 15, regarding additional litigation between the Debtors, the equity committee and its members.

 

On July 10, 2003, the Company filed its Joint Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. On July 24, 2003, the Company filed its First Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code and its Disclosure Statement for First Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. On August 25, 2003, the Company filed its Second Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code and its First Amended Disclosure Statement for Second Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. On September 8, 2003, the Company filed its Third Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code and its Second Amended Disclosure Statement for Third Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code (the “Disclosure Statement”). On October 24, 2003, the Company filed its Fourth Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code (as it may be amended, the “Plan”). The Disclosure Statement and the Fourth Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code are filed as exhibits to this report in order to provide additional disclosure. It should be noted that the Plan may be further amended prior to confirmation and that the Disclosure Statement does not reflect developments subsequent to its filing date.

 

Pursuant to the Plan, the Company will emerge from Chapter 11 and will continue to operate its business. Upon consummation of the Plan, the Company will be a private corporation owned by the pre-petition Senior Secured Global Credit Facility lenders and the 10% note claims holders.

 

On September 10, 2003, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order (a) approving the Debtors’ Disclosure Statement; (b) scheduling a hearing to confirm the Plan; (c) establishing a deadline for objecting to the Debtors’ Plan; (d) approving form of ballots, voting deadline and solicitation procedures; and (e) approving form and manner of notices (the “Disclosure Statement Order”). The Disclosure Statement Order, among other things, approved the Disclosure Statement and authorized the Company to solicit acceptances to the Plan. The deadline for submitting ballots to accept or reject the Plan was October 7, 2003 at 5:00 p.m., prevailing Eastern time. Two impaired Classes (Classes P3 and S3) voted overwhelmingly to accept the Plan, and the remaining impaired voting Class (Class P4) voted to reject the Plan. The Company believes it has received sufficient acceptances of the Plan to satisfy the applicable Bankruptcy Code requirements.

 

Hearings on Plan confirmation were held before the Bankruptcy Court on October 21, 22, 25, 27 and November 1, 6 and 12, 2003. The principal issues before the Bankruptcy Court in the hearings were the enterprise value of the Company and whether the Company met the legal criteria for settlement of the unsecured creditors’ litigation challenging the validity of the liens and the priority of the claims of the prepetition Senior Secured Global Credit Facility lenders. As of the date hereof, the Bankruptcy Court has not issued a ruling with respect to confirmation of the Plan. At this time, it is not possible to predict when the Bankruptcy Court may issue a ruling on confirmation of the Plan, nor the outcome thereof.

 

At this time, it is not possible to predict the effect of the Chapter 11 reorganization process on the Company’s business, various creditors and security holders, or when it may be possible for the Debtors to emerge from Chapter 11. The Company’s future results are dependent upon its confirming and implementing, on a timely basis, a plan of reorganization. However, under the Plan, the Company’s 10% senior notes would be converted

 

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EXIDE TECHNOLOGIES AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

into 100% of the new common equity of the reorganized Company, and the Company’s convertible senior subordinated notes and the Company’s current common stock would be cancelled.

 

The ultimate recovery, if any, by creditors, security holders and/or common shareholders will not be determined until confirmation of a plan of reorganization. No assurance can be given as to what value, if any, will be ascribed in the bankruptcy proceedings to each of these constituencies. Accordingly, Exide urges appropriate caution be exercised with respect to existing and future investments in any of these securities.

 

(3) ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

 

Effective April 1, 2003, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations” (“SFAS 143”). The provisions of SFAS 143 address financial accounting and reporting requirements for obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and the associated retirement costs and require companies to record an asset and related liability for the cost associated with the retirement of long-lived tangible assets if a legal liability to retire the asset exists.

 

The adoption of SFAS 143 resulted in a charge, which is reflected in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations as a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle of $15,593, or $0.57 per share. The charge results from certain commitments made by the Company in accordance with permit requirements for its North American lead recycling and hazardous waste facilities. The Company is obligated under these permits to undertake agreed-upon remediation and decommissioning activities in the event of a facility closure. The recorded asset retirement obligation is based upon estimated investigation, remediation and decommissioning costs. These estimates are determined through a combination of methods including outside estimates of likely expense and the Company’s historical experience in the management of these matters. Future findings or changes in estimates could result in either an increase or decrease in the asset retirement obligation.

 

Had the provisions of SFAS 143 been in effect as of April 1, 2002, the pro forma asset retirement obligation would have been $15,593 as of April 1, 2002 and March 31, 2003. The pro forma impact on net loss before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle for the six months ended September 30, 2002 would have been immaterial.

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

(4) DEBTORS’ FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

The unaudited condensed combined financial statements of the Debtors are presented below. These statements reflect the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the combined Debtor subsidiaries, including certain amounts and activities between the Debtors and non-Debtor subsidiaries of the Company which are eliminated in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. The unaudited condensed combined financial statements of the Debtors are presented as follows:

 

DEBTORS’ CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited, in thousands)

 

    For the
Three Months
Ended
September 30,
2003


   

For the

Three Months
Ended
September 30,
2002


    For the
Six Months
Ended
September 30,
2003


    For the
Period From
April 15, 2002
Through
September 30,
2002


 

NET SALES

  $ 238,500     $ 255,606     $ 482,531     $ 471,454  

COST OF SALES

    191,221       203,258       394,441       378,077  
   


 


 


 


Gross profit

    47,279       52,348       88,090       93,377  

EXPENSES:

                               

Selling, marketing and advertising

    24,405       25,985       50,328       48,055  

General and administrative

    15,938       19,920       33,968       37,460  

Restructuring

    848       2,266       1,305       6,878  

Other income, net

    (668 )     (644 )     (4,153 )     (1,322 )

Interest expense, net

    14,041       14,046       28,360       26,843  
   


 


 


 


Loss before reorganization items, income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

    (7,285 )     (9,225 )     (21,718 )     (24,537 )

REORGANIZATION ITEMS, net (Note 6)

    15,661       7,907       24,312       18,466  

INCOME TAX PROVISION

    —         —         —         —    
   


 


 


 


Net loss before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

    (22,946 )     (17,132 )     (46,030 )     (43,003 )

CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE (NOTE 3)

    —         —         15,593       —    
   


 


 


 


Net loss

  $ (22,946 )   $ (17,132 )   $ (61,623 )   $ (43,003 )
   


 


 


 


 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

DEBTORS’ CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited, in thousands)

 

     September 30,
2003


    March 31,
2003


 
ASSETS                 

CURRENT ASSETS:

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 3,788     $ 8,434  

Receivables, net

     160,774       161,341  

Intercompany receivables

     42,255       44,849  

Inventories

     131,610       139,622  

Prepaid expenses and other

     18,669       23,449  
    


 


Total current assets

     357,096       377,695  
    


 


PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net

     238,574       247,939  
    


 


OTHER ASSETS:

                

Goodwill and other intangibles, net

     40,965       40,965  

Investments in affiliates

     3,155       2,118  

Deferred financing costs, net

     —         647  

Intercompany notes receivable

     264,032       236,593  

Other

     43,322       45,451  
    


 


       351,474       325,774  
    


 


Total assets

   $ 947,144     $ 951,408  
    


 


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT                 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

                

Accounts payable

   $ 64,021     $ 60,263  

Accrued interest payable

     44,168       28,224  

Accrued expenses

     102,180       84,085  

Current maturities of long-term debt (DIP Facility)

     166,050       168,764  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     376,419       341,336  

NONCURRENT RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

     12,949       10,437  

OTHER NONCURRENT LIABILITIES

     15,592       —    

LIABILITIES SUBJECT TO COMPROMISE

     1,513,554       1,533,089  
    


 


Total liabilities

     1,918,514       1,884,862  

STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

                

Total stockholders’ deficit

     (971,370 )     (933,454 )
    


 


Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit

   $ 947,144     $ 951,408  
    


 


 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

DEBTORS’ CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited, in thousands)

 

     For the
Three Months
Ended
September 30,
2003


    For the
Three Months
Ended
September 30,
2002


   

For the

Six Months
Ended
September 30,
2003


    For the
Period From
April 15, 2002
Through
September 30,
2002


 

CASH RECEIPTS:

                                

Customer receipts

   $ 251,970     $ 253,495     $ 490,940     $ 487,468  

Other third party receipts

     5,447       —         8,135       —    

Borrowings under DIP Credit Facility

     222,600       211,598       446,200       466,666  

Intercompany receipts from non-Debtor entities

     37,442       16,085       70,999       16,085  
    


 


 


 


Total cash receipts

     517,459       481,178       1,016,274       970,219  
    


 


 


 


CASH DISBURSEMENTS:

                                

Supplier payments

     (82,617 )     (89,799 )     (166,462 )     (160,919 )

Repurchase of securitized accounts receivable

     —         —         —         (117,455 )

Financing costs, fees and interest

     (2,992 )     (10,694 )     (5,953 )     (28,119 )

Capital expenditures

     (5,502 )     (5,117 )     (11,347 )     (8,448 )

Freight and logistics

     (31,305 )     (28,913 )     (61,236 )     (45,622 )

Leasing and rental costs

     (10,941 )     (10,805 )     (22,443 )     (17,443 )

Payroll and benefits

     (84,729 )     (67,438 )     (166,581 )     (121,597 )

Professional / consulting fees

     (11,172 )     (4,562 )     (24,331 )     (9,226 )

Taxes

     (3,114 )     (5,822 )     (5,082 )     (11,613 )

Utilities

     (15,962 )     (13,417 )     (32,932 )     (20,858 )

Other disbursements

     (18,647 )     (47,149 )     (40,139 )     (79,281 )

Intercompany loans to non-Debtor entities

     (17,500 )     (24,000 )     (35,500 )     (79,000 )

Repayments under DIP Credit Facility

     (236,619 )     (173,957 )     (448,914 )     (271,533 )
    


 


 


 


Total cash disbursements

     (521,100 )     (481,673 )     (1,020,920 )     (971,114 )
    


 


 


 


NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     (3,641 )     (495 )     (4,646 )     (895 )

CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD

     7,429       4,315       8,434       4,715  
    


 


 


 


CASH AT END OF PERIOD

   $ 3,788     $ 3,820     $ 3,788     $ 3,820  
    


 


 


 


 

The Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations for the six months ended September 30, 2002 also includes Reorganization items, net (consisting primarily of professional fees) for the period prior to the Petition Date from April 1 to April 14, 2002 and professional fees incurred by non-Debtor subsidiaries.

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

(5) COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

 

Total comprehensive loss and its components are as follows:

 

     For the Three Months Ended

    For the Six Months Ended

 
    

September 30,

2003


   

September 30,

2002


   

September 30,

2003


   

September 30,

2002


 

Net loss

   $ (15,676 )   $ (21,639 )   $ (54,320 )   $ (98,279 )

Reclassification to earnings of cash flow hedges

     —         —         —         2,083  

Change in cumulative translation adjustment

     1,813       (1,605 )     34,154       24,410  
    


 


 


 


Total comprehensive loss

   $ (13,863 )   $ (23,244 )   $ (20,166 )   $ (71,786 )
    


 


 


 


 

(6) REORGANIZATION ITEMS

 

Reorganization items represent amounts the Company incurred as a result of the Chapter 11 process and are presented separately in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.

 

    

For the Three

Months Ended


   

For the Six

Months Ended


 
     September 30,
2003


    September 30,
2002


    September 30,
2003


    September 30,
2002


 

Professional fees

   $ 15,236     $ 8,140     $ 23,730     $ 18,310  

Employee costs

     760       375       1,210       750  

Interest income

     (335 )     (495 )     (628 )     (1,025 )

Other

     —         —         —         2,083  
    


 


 


 


Total reorganization items

   $ 15,661     $ 8,020     $ 24,312     $ 20,118  
    


 


 


 


 

Net cash paid for reorganization items during the three and six months ended September 30, 2003 was $9,244 and $18,987, respectively, and during the three and six months ended September 30, 2002 was $4,487 and $9,123, respectively.

 

The following paragraphs provide additional information relating to the above reorganization items:

 

Professional fees

 

Professional fees include financial, legal and valuation services directly associated with the reorganization process, including fees incurred related to possible asset sales.

 

Employee costs

 

The Company has implemented a Bankruptcy Court-approved retention plan that provides for cash incentives to key members of the Company’s management team. The retention plan is a milestone-based plan expected to encourage employees to continue their employment through the reorganization process.

 

Interest income

 

Interest income represents interest income earned by the Debtors as a result of assumed excess cash balances due to the Chapter 11 filing.

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Other

 

Other represents contractual claims arising from termination of pre-petition financial instruments.

 

(7) LIABILITIES SUBJECT TO COMPROMISE

 

Under U.S. bankruptcy law, actions by creditors to collect indebtedness the Debtors owed prior to the Petition Date are stayed and certain other pre-petition contractual obligations may not be enforced against the Debtors. The Debtors have received approval from the Bankruptcy Court to pay certain pre-petition liabilities including certain employee salaries, wages and benefits and other obligations. All pre-petition liabilities of the Debtors have been classified as liabilities subject to compromise in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. Adjustments to these amounts may result from negotiations, payments authorized by the Bankruptcy Court, rejection of executory contracts, including leases, or other events. Amounts recorded may ultimately be different than amounts filed by the creditors under the Bankruptcy Court claims reconciliation and resolution process.

 

Pursuant to an order of the Bankruptcy Court, in February 2003, the Debtors mailed notices to all known creditors that the deadline for filing proofs of claim for general unsecured claims with the Bankruptcy Court was April 23, 2003. A separate bar date for certain other claims was established as August 15, 2003. An estimated 4,900 claims were filed as of August 15, 2003, out of an estimated 36,000 notices sent to constituents. Amounts that the Company has recorded are in many instances different from amounts filed by the creditors. Differences between amounts scheduled by the Debtors and claims by creditors are beginning to be investigated and will be resolved in connection with the claims resolution process. Until the process is complete, the ultimate number and amount of allowable claims cannot be ascertained. In this regard, it should be noted that the claims reconciliation process might result in material adjustments to current estimates of allowable claims. The ultimate resolution of these claims will be based upon the final plan of reorganization approved by the Bankruptcy Court.

 

The following table summarizes the components of the liabilities classified as Liabilities subject to compromise in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets:

 

     September 30,
2003


   March 31,
2003


Accounts payable

   $ 69,483    $ 72,115

Accrued interest payable

     19,403      19,403

Restructuring reserve

     7,803      8,212

Warranty reserve

     6,870      12,921

Accrued expenses

     58,597      62,114

Retirement obligations

     128,293      128,293

Long-term debt (Note 11)

     1,081,293      1,081,293

Other liabilities

     141,812      148,738
    

  

Total liabilities subject to compromise

   $ 1,513,554    $ 1,533,089
    

  

 

(8) ACCOUNTING FOR GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES

 

Effective April 1, 2001, the Company adopted SFAS No. 141 “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141”) and SFAS No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“SFAS 142”). SFAS 141 requires that the purchase method of accounting be used for all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001. SFAS 141 also specifies the criteria applicable to intangible assets acquired in a purchase method business combination to be

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

recognized and reported apart from goodwill. SFAS 142 requires that goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives no longer be amortized, but instead be tested for impairment, at least annually. SFAS 142 also requires that intangible assets with definite useful lives be amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, and be reviewed for impairment.

 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company experienced deterioration in the performance of its European Network Power business. In accordance with the provisions of SFAS 142, the goodwill associated with the Network Power business was reviewed for impairment due to the fact that circumstances indicated the carrying value may not be recoverable. As a result, the Company recognized a goodwill impairment charge in the first quarter of fiscal 2003 of $37,000. The impairment charge was determined based upon a comparison of the book carrying value of this reporting segment, including goodwill, against its fair value, estimated using a discounted cash flow model. After giving effect to the first quarter fiscal 2003 impairment charge, all goodwill of the Network Power segment has been written off.

 

The Company completed its latest annual impairment assessment of goodwill effective December 31, 2002, utilizing its most recently updated five-year business plan as the basis for development of discounted cash flows and an estimate of fair values. As a result of the comparison of the book carrying values of its reporting segments, including goodwill, against these estimated fair values; the Company determined that no goodwill impairment charges were required. As a result of the Chapter 11 filing, and consideration of various strategic alternatives, including possible asset sales, the Company would expect that any reorganization plan will result in material changes to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, including goodwill, in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Summarized goodwill activity is as follows:

 

     For the
Six Months Ended
September 30, 2003


Goodwill, net at beginning of period

   $ 463,920

Currency translation

     35,429
    

Goodwill, net at end of period

   $ 499,349
    

 

The amounts of goodwill, net allocated to the Company’s Transportation, Motive Power and Network Power segments are approximately $290,411, $208,938 and $0, respectively, at September 30, 2003.

 

At September 30, 2003 and March 31, 2003, net intangible assets include trademarks of $38,600, which are not subject to amortization, and technology that is amortized over its useful life of 10 years. The technology gross carrying amount was $10,900 at September 30, 2003 and March 31, 2003, and the related accumulated amortization was $2,499 and $1,940 at September 30, 2003 and March 31, 2003, respectively.

 

(9) INVENTORIES

 

Inventories, valued by the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method, consist of:

 

     September 30,
2003


   March 31,
2003


Raw materials

   $ 73,266    $ 74,756

Work-in-process

     81,265      81,577

Finished goods

     251,143      243,640
    

  

     $ 405,674    $ 399,973
    

  

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

In connection with the inventory management component of the Company’s restructuring and reorganization programs, during fiscal 2002, the Company recorded a charge to write-down excess inventories by approximately $10,000. The charge was determined after an assessment of the Company’s five-year business plan and updated demand forecasts, the continued weakening of the Company’s business segments, particularly the telecommunications market, and ongoing stock keeping unit (SKU) rationalization.

 

(10) OTHER ASSETS

 

Other assets consist of:

 

     September 30,
2003


   March 31,
2003


Deposits

   $ 24,530    $ 24,530

Pension assets

     17,619      16,886

Capitalized software, net

     15,129      16,864

Loan to affiliate

     4,935      4,935

Other

     6,899      7,513
    

  

     $ 69,112    $ 70,728
    

  

 

During fiscal 2003, letters of credit under the Company’s pre-petition Senior Secured Global Credit Facility of $27,844 were drawn by the beneficiaries. Such amounts have been reflected as increases in the carrying amount of long-term debt classified as subject to compromise. Deposits above principally represent amounts drawn and held by the beneficiaries as cash collateral for those parties’ contingent obligations with respect to certain environmental matters, workers compensation insurance and operating lease commitments.

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

(11) DEBT

 

At September 30, 2003 and March 31, 2003, short-term borrowings of $13,975 and $7,778, respectively, consisted of various operating lines of credit and working capital facilities maintained by certain of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries. Certain of these borrowings are secured by receivables, inventories and/or property. These borrowing facilities, which are typically for one-year renewable terms, generally bear interest at current local market rates plus up to one percent.

 

Total long-term debt comprises the following:

 

     September 30,
2003


   March 31,
2003


Debt Not Subject To Compromise:

             

DIP Credit Facility—Borrowings at LIBOR plus 3.75%(2)

   $ 166,050    $ 168,764

Senior Secured Global Credit Facility (Europe)—Borrowings primarily at LIBOR plus 4.75% to 5.25%(2)

     276,097      271,415

9.125% Senior Notes (Deutsche mark denominated, due April 15, 2004)(2)

     104,374      96,634

European Accounts Receivable Securitization (2)

     137,774      155,465

Other, including capital lease obligations and other loans at interest rates generally ranging from 0.0% to 11.0% due in installments through 2015(1)

     26,540      23,554
    

  

Total debt not subject to compromise

     710,835      715,832

Less—current maturities (included in total debt not subject to compromise above)

     688,070      598,427
    

  

     $ 22,765    $ 117,405
    

  

Debt Subject To Compromise:

             

Senior Secured Global Credit Facility (U.S.)—Borrowings primarily at LIBOR plus 4.75% to 5.25%

   $ 458,965    $ 458,965

10% Senior Notes, due April 15, 2005

     300,000      300,000

Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes, due December 15, 2005

     321,132      321,132

Other

     1,196      1,196
    

  

Total debt subject to compromise (Note 7)

   $ 1,081,293    $ 1,081,293
    

  


(1) Includes various operating lines of credit and working capital facilities maintained by certain of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries.
(2) Debt classified as current based upon maturity dates of the respective agreements.

 

Total debt at September 30, 2003 and March 31, 2003 was $1,806,103 and $1,804,903, respectively, (including amounts subject to compromise).

 

On April 15, 2002, the Company and three of its U.S. subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. In connection with the filing, the Company also entered into a Standstill Agreement with its pre-petition Senior Secured Global Credit Facility lenders, whereby the lenders have agreed to forbear collections of principal payments on foreign borrowings under the Senior Secured Global Credit Facility from non-Debtor subsidiaries until December 18, 2003, subject to earlier termination upon the occurrence of certain events. The principal events which could result in an early termination of the Standstill Agreement are: 1) non-payment of interest on the European tranche of the Company’s Senior

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Secured Global Credit Facility as and when due; 2) if any significant foreign subsidiaries commence any winding up or liquidation proceeding; 3) breach of financial and other customary negative covenants (as described with respect to the DIP Credit Facility); and 4) default with respect to the European securitization agreement and 9.125% Senior Notes (Deutsche Mark denominated) agreement. The Company continues to accrue interest of the Debtors under the pre-petition Senior Secured Global Credit Facility and makes adequate protection payments subject to liquidity calculations prescribed in the DIP Credit Facility. Borrowings under the Senior Secured Global Credit Facility by Debtors within the Chapter 11 case are subject to compromise.

 

On May 10, 2002, the Company received final Bankruptcy Court approval of its $250,000 DIP Credit Facility. The DIP Credit Facility is being used to supplement cash flows from operations during the reorganization process including the payment of post-petition ordinary course trade and other payables, the payment of certain permitted pre-petition claims, working capital needs, letter of credit requirements and other general corporate purposes.

 

On April 17, 2002, approximately $129,000 of the DIP Credit Facility was drawn down, $117,000 being used to terminate and repurchase uncollected securitized accounts receivable under the Company’s then existing U.S. receivables sale facility and the balance for financing costs and related fees.

 

The DIP Credit Facility is a secured revolving credit and term loan facility under which Exide Technologies is the borrower with certain U.S. subsidiaries acting as guarantors. The DIP Credit Facility is afforded super priority claim status in the Chapter 11 case and is collateralized by first liens on certain eligible U.S. assets of the Company, principally accounts receivable, inventory and property.

 

The revolving credit tranche of the DIP Credit Facility provides for borrowing up to $121,000, of which up to $65,000 is available to Exide Technologies for on lending to its foreign subsidiaries. An additional $50,000 sub-facility is also available to the foreign subsidiaries based on certain collateral asset values in the United Kingdom and Canada. To the extent funds are borrowed under the DIP and on-lent to foreign subsidiaries, additional liens on certain assets of the borrowing foreign subsidiary and related guarantees are required. Up to $40,000 of the revolving credit tranche is available for letters of credit.

 

Borrowings under the DIP Credit Facility bear interest at Libor plus 3.75% per annum. Borrowings are limited to eligible collateral under the DIP Credit Facility. Eligible collateral under the DIP Credit Facility includes certain accounts receivable and inventory in the U.S. and certain property in the U.S. and Europe. Availability to the Company is impacted by changes in both the amounts of the collateral and qualitative factors (such as aging of accounts receivable and inventory reserves) as well as cash requirements of the business such as trade credit terms. The DIP Credit Facility contains certain financial covenants requiring the Company to maintain monthly specified levels of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, restructuring and certain other defined charges, as well as limits on capital expenditures and cash restructuring expenditures. The DIP Credit Facility also contains other customary covenants, including certain reporting requirements and covenants that restrict the Company’s ability to incur indebtedness, create or incur liens or guarantees, enter into leases, sell or dispose of assets, change the nature of the Company’s business or enter into related party transactions. The Company believes it was in compliance with DIP Credit Facility covenants as of September 30, 2003. Based upon business plans updated in June 2003, the Company obtained amendments to its existing financial covenants in order to maintain compliance during fiscal 2004. The Standstill Agreement expires on December 18, 2003. The DIP Credit Facility will now expire on the later of December 12, 2003 or, if the Standstill Agreement is extended, 30 days prior to the expiration of the Standstill Agreement. Alternatively, the DIP Credit Facility will expire on the date the Company emerges from bankruptcy, but no later than February 15, 2004.

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Total availability under the DIP Credit Facility as of September 30, 2003 was $25,900.

 

On May 31, 2002, the Company entered into a $177,500 European accounts receivable securitization facility. This facility replaced the Company’s then existing $175,000 European securitization program. This facility is accounted for as a secured borrowing in accordance with the requirements of FAS 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities”, whereby the accounts receivable and related borrowings are recorded on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet.

 

(12) INTEREST EXPENSE, NET

 

Interest income of $378 and $434 is included in Interest expense, net for the three months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Interest income of $645 and $814 is included in Interest expense, net for the six months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Interest income earned as a result of assumed excess cash balances due to the Chapter 11 filing is recorded in Reorganization items, net in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. See Note 6.

 

As of the Petition Date, the Company ceased accruing interest on certain unsecured pre-petition debt classified as Liabilities subject to compromise in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets in accordance with SOP 90-7. Interest is being accrued on certain pre-petition debt to the extent that the Company believes it is probable of being deemed an allowed claim by the Bankruptcy Court. Interest at the stated contractual amount on pre-petition debt that was not charged to results of operations for the three and six months ended September 30, 2003 was approximately $10,574 and $20,811, respectively.

 

(13) OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET

 

Other (income) expense, net comprises:

 

     For the Three
Months Ended


    For the Six
Months Ended


 
     September 30,
2003


    September 30,
2002


    September 30,
2003


    September 30,
2002


 

Losses on sales of accounts receivable

   $ 2,886     $ 3,021     $ 6,141     $ 5,737  

Net gain on asset sales

     (129 )     (105 )     (3,304 )     (623 )

Equity income

     (413 )     (486 )     (1,046 )     (924 )

Currency gain, net

     (8,583 )     (5,233 )     (17,428 )     (12,255 )

Other

     1,347       1,113       1,541       1,172  
    


 


 


 


     $ (4,892 )   $ (1,690 )   $ (14,096 )   $ (6,893 )
    


 


 


 


 

On April 15, 2003, the Company sold its European non-lead battery assets to SAFT, a subsidiary of Alcatel, for proceeds of $16,300. Of this amount, $13,415 is held in escrow pursuant to the Company’s borrowing arrangements and is included in Restricted cash in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2003. This sale resulted in a gain of $3,175.

 

Losses on sales of accounts receivable represent expenses related to the Company’s receivables sales facilities in the U.S. and Europe (See Note 11).

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Net currency gains were recognized primarily from the translation of U.S. dollar denominated borrowings in Europe.

 

(14) ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

 

As a result of its multinational manufacturing, distribution and recycling operations, the Company is subject to numerous federal, state and local environmental, occupational safety and health laws and regulations, as well as similar laws and regulations in other countries in which the Company operates (collectively “EH&S laws”). For a discussion of the legal proceedings relating to environmental matters, see Note 15, Commitments and Contingencies.

 

(15) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Bankruptcy Considerations

 

As of the Petition Date, substantially all pending litigation against the Debtors was stayed. To the extent any of the Debtors are ultimately found liable with respect to such litigation, the Debtors believe the claim resulting therefrom would constitute a general unsecured claim against the Debtors, the treatment of which would be governed by any plan of reorganization confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court. Litigation against the Company’s non-Debtor subsidiaries has not been stayed and will not be affected by the bankruptcy proceedings.

 

Former Senior Executives and Battery Quality Matters

 

On March 23, 2001, the Company reached a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, resolving an investigation into a scheme by former officers and certain corporate entities involving fraudulent representations and promises in connection with the distribution, sale and marketing of automotive batteries between 1994 and 1997. Under the terms of that settlement, the Company agreed to pay a fine of $27,500 over five years, to five-years’ probation and to cooperate with the U.S. Attorney in her prosecution of Arthur M. Hawkins, Douglas N. Pearson and Alan E. Gauthier, former senior executives of the Company. The payment terms of the plea agreement are dependent upon the Company’s compliance with the plea agreement during the five-year probation period. Generally, the terms of the probation would permit the U.S. Government to reopen the case against the Company if the Company violates the terms of the plea agreement or other provisions of law. The plea agreement was lodged with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, and accepted on February 27, 2002. The Company reserved $31,000 for this matter, including expected costs and out-of-pocket expenses, in the first quarter of fiscal 2001, and an additional $1,000 in the third quarter of fiscal 2002. At September 30, 2003, approximately $27,500 of this reserve remains and is classified as a Liability subject to compromise. As a result of the imposition of the automatic stay arising upon the Company’s Chapter 11 filing, the Company has not made installment payments of its $27,500 fine. The Company is uncertain as to the effect of these non-payments and the bankruptcy filing with respect to the plea agreement. On June 10, 2002, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois filed a claim as a general unsecured creditor for $27,900.

 

The Company is currently involved in litigation with the former senior executives referenced above. The former senior executives made claims to enforce separation agreements, reimbursements of legal fees and other contracts, and the Company has filed claims and counterclaims asserting fraud, breach of fiduciary duties, misappropriation of corporate assets and civil conspiracy. In addition, the Company has filed actions in the Bankruptcy Court against the former senior executives to recover certain payments of legal fees that the Company was required to advance to such individuals prior to the Petition Date.

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The Company has filed two claims with its insurers for reimbursement of the amounts paid to the former executives, and believes it is entitled to obtain substantial reimbursement for those amounts. However, the Company has not recognized any receivables for such reimbursements at September 30, 2003.

 

The Company has completed an investigation and determined that due to a deviation from manufacturing procedures approximately 950,000 automotive aftermarket batteries sold during 2001 and 2002 in North America did not contain one minor feature of several advertised for the batteries. In all cases the batteries performed in accordance with their labeled specifications. The feature was reinstated and the Company has discussed the situation with certain customers. The Company cannot predict at this time the effects of this matter on its business, but the remediation that has been offered is not material to its financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.

 

Private Party Lawsuits

 

Active Lawsuits

 

In June 2002, the following lawsuit was filed in Louisiana state court: Hardy et. al. v. Ducote Wrecking, et. al. The case was filed as a putative class action for damages brought by two employees of Ducote Wrecking & Demolition, an independent contractor performing multiple maintenance projects at the Company’s Baton Rouge, Louisiana facility. The plaintiffs allege that while they were engaged in work at the Company’s facility, they were intentionally exposed to and poisoned by lead, acid, and other heavy metals. Plaintiffs named the Company’s insurance carriers and supervisory employee as defendants, along with Ducote. The case was removed to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. Plaintiffs filed a motion to remand, which was denied by the court in a January 2003 decision. In the same January 2003 decision, the Court dismissed the Company’s supervisory employee and the independent contractor defendant from the litigation. The Court also has denied plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. The Company’s insurer has issued a reservation of rights as to the Company’s coverage for the alleged claims.

 

On April 11, 2003, the following lawsuit was filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery by the official committee of equity holders and its members: Kandathil et. al. v. Exide, The complaint seeks to compel the Company to convene a meeting of stockholders. On April 21, 2003, the Debtors filed a complaint against the official committee of equity holders and its members in the Bankruptcy Court seeking to enjoin their attempts to compel the Company to convene a meeting of stockholders. Hearings on the two complaints have been postponed indefinitely.

 

Exide is a defendant in an arbitration proceeding initiated in October of 2001 by Margulead Limited (“Margulead”). In June of 1997, GNB, now an operating division of Exide, entered into an agreement with Margulead, which Margulead contended obligated the Company to build a facility to test and develop certain lead acid battery recycling technology allegedly developed by Margulead. GNB terminated the contract in 1998. Exide contended, in part, that the Margulead process was not ready for pilot plant implementation and also failed to meet success criteria. Margulead claimed approximately $13,000 in damages. The Company denied that it was liable and defended the matter in the arbitration. An arbitration decision was rendered on May 7, 2003, determining that the contract was unenforceable and that neither party was entitled to damages or costs. Margulead asked the arbitrator to reconsider the decision. Margulead has now advised the Company that it intends to challenge the arbitrator’s award in the English commercial court. On or about July 23, 2003, Margulead filed an Application Notice advising of its intent to apply for an extension of time in which to make an application under certain sections of the Arbitration Act of 1996.

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Margulead filed an Arbitration Claim Form, dated August 13, 2003, pursuant to which it seeks to challenge the arbitrator’s May 7, 2003 Final Arbitration Award and a June 26, 2003 Correction of the Final Award, in which the arbitrator corrected minor typographical errors. The Arbitration Claim Form was filed under Section 68 of the Arbitration Act of 1996 on the basis of alleged “serious irregularity.” The Company is opposing that Application. Further, the Company made an application for an order that Margulead be required to provide security for costs pursuant to Section 70(6) of the Arbitration Act of 1996 in connection with its application to re-open the Final Award. That application was heard by an English Court on October 31, 2003, and was successful. A hearing on this matter has been set for February 16, 2004. The Company does not believe it is likely that Margulead will succeed in any challenge to the arbitrator’s Final Award.

 

In November 2002, the following lawsuit was filed in the Ontario Court of Justice: Exide Canada, Inc., v. Lorne Hilts et. al. This lawsuit was initiated by Exide Canada, Inc. against former officers, employees and a former logistics services vendor seeking in excess of $1,500 in damages on multiple grounds including breach of trust, breach of contract and fraud. Defendant Hilts filed a counterclaim against Exide Canada for severance and other benefits and seeks damages in an amount exceeding $620. Defendant Ryad counterclaimed against Exide Canada alleging breach of contract and against Exide Technologies alleging it induced Exide Canada to breach its contract with Ryad for certain logistics services. Ryad seeks damages against each defendant in an amount exceeding $6,300. The Company believes that the counterclaims are without merit and is vigorously defending itself.

 

The Company’s preliminary review of these active claims suggest they are without merit, and, to the extent the Company is a party to these active lawsuits, it plans to vigorously defend itself. The Company does not believe any reserves are currently warranted for these claims.

 

Stayed Pre-Petition Lawsuits

 

The following lawsuits allege that Exide and its predecessors allowed hazardous materials used in the battery manufacturing process to be released from certain of its facilities, allegedly resulting in personal injury and/or property damage. On August 25, 1999 several cases were filed in the Circuit Court for Greenville County, South Carolina and are currently pending: Joshua Lollis v. Exide; Buchanan v. Exide; Agnew v. Exide; Patrick Miller v. Exide; Kelly v. Exide; Amanda Thompson v. Exide; Jonathan Talley v. Exide; Smith v. Exide; Lakeisha Talley v. Exide; Brandon Dodd v. Exide; Prince v. Exide; Andriae Dodd v. Exide; Dominic Thompson v. Exide; Snoddy v. Exide; Antoine Dodd v. Exide; Roshanda Talley v. Exide; Fielder v. Exide; Rice v. Exide; Logan Lollis v. Exide; and Dallis Miller v. Exide. In January 2002, counsel that brought the South Carolina actions filed additional claims in the Circuit Court for Greenville County, South Carolina. The following lawsuits of this type are currently pending in the Court of Common Pleas for Berks County, Pennsylvania: Grillo v. Exide, filed on May 24, 1995; Blume v. Exide, filed on March 4, 1996; Esterly v. Exide, filed on May 30, 1995; and Saylor v. Exide, filed on October 18, 1996. The following lawsuit of this type is currently pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana: Strange v. Exide. Finally, the following lawsuit of this type is pending in the Circuit Court of Shelby County, Tennessee: Cawthon v. Exide, et al. All these cases have been stayed.

 

In July 2001, Pacific Dunlop Holdings (US), Inc. (“PDH”) and several of its foreign affiliates under the various agreements through which Exide and its affiliates acquired GNB, filed a complaint in the Circuit Court for Cook County, Illinois alleging breach of contract, unjust enrichment and conversion against Exide and three of its foreign affiliates. The plaintiffs maintain they are entitled to approximately $17,000 in cash assets acquired by the defendants through their acquisition of GNB. In December 2001, the Court denied the defendants’ motion to dismiss the complaint, without prejudice to re-filing the same motion after discovery proceeds. The defendants have filed an answer and counterclaim. On July 8, 2002, the Court authorized discovery to proceed as to all parties except Exide. In August 2002, the case was removed to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

District of Illinois and in October 2002, the parties presented oral arguments, in the case of PDH, to remand the case to Illinois state court and, in the case of Exide, to transfer the case to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. On February 4, 2003, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois transferred the case to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware, where the plaintiffs’ motion to abstain or remand will be heard. To the extent this action implicates Exide’s interests, the Company plans to vigorously defend the action and pursue the counterclaim.

 

In December 2001, PDH filed a separate action in the Circuit Court for Cook County, Illinois seeking recovery of approximately $3,100 for amounts allegedly owed by Exide under various agreements between the parties. The claim arises from letters of credit and other security allegedly provided by PDH for GNB’s performance of certain of GNB’s obligations to third parties that PDH claims Exide was obligated to replace. Exide’s answer contested the amounts claimed by PDH and Exide filed a counterclaim. Although this action has been consolidated with the Cook County suit concerning GNB’s cash assets, the claims relating to this action are currently subject to the automatic bankruptcy stay, and have been transferred to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.

 

Between March and September 2002, the following cases were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana: Joseph et. al. v. Exide; Andrews et. al. v. Exide; and Armstead v. Exide. These actions seek monetary damages and injunctive relief for alleged racial discrimination in the Company’s Shreveport and Baton Rouge, Louisiana plants. The Joseph and Andrews cases have been consolidated and all three lawsuits have been stayed.

 

In February 2001, the following lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California: Flaherty v. Exide, et. al. Plaintiff contends the Company is responsible, in part, for contamination resulting from alleged disposal of hazardous substances at plaintiff’s property. The suit contains claims predicated on CERCLA, private nuisance, public nuisance, trespass, negligence, equitable indemnity, contribution, injunctive relief under RCRA and declaratory relief under state law. The Company has filed counterclaims against plaintiff and other potentially responsible parties.

 

The Company’s preliminary review of these claims suggests they are without merit and the Company plans to vigorously defend itself with regard to the stayed pre-petition lawsuits. The Company expects that all of these lawsuits will be compromised upon confirmation of a plan of reorganization by the Bankruptcy Court.

 

Environmental Matters

 

As a result of its multinational manufacturing, distribution and recycling operations, the Company is subject to numerous federal, state and local environmental, occupational safety and health laws and regulations, as well as similar laws and regulations in other countries in which the Company operates (collectively “EH&S laws”).

 

The Company is exposed to liabilities under such EH&S laws arising from its past handling, release, storage and disposal of hazardous substances and hazardous wastes. The Company previously has been advised by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or state agencies that it is a “Potentially Responsible Party” (“PRP”) under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) or similar state laws at 92 federally defined Superfund or state equivalent sites. At 44 of these sites, the Company has paid its share of liability. The Company is currently paying its share of liability at one site. The Company expects its liability will be compromised upon confirmation of a plan of reorganization by the Bankruptcy Court as to a

number of additional Superfund sites. In most instances, the Company’s remaining obligations are not expected to be significant because its portion of any potential liability appears to be minor or insignificant in relation to the

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

total liability of all identified PRPs that are financially viable. The Company’s share of the anticipated remediation costs associated with all of the Superfund sites where it has been named a PRP, based on the Company’s estimated volumetric contribution of waste to each site, is included in the environmental remediation reserves discussed below.

 

Of those sites for which the Company has not completed payment of its share of liability, it currently has greater than 50% liability at three Superfund sites, and allocated liability that exceeds five percent at an additional seven sites that averages approximately 22%. Because the Company’s liability under such statutes may be imposed on a joint and several basis, the Company’s liability may not necessarily be based on volumetric allocations and could be greater than the Company’s estimates. The Company believes, however, that its PRP status at these Superfund sites will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business or financial condition because, based on the Company’s experience, it is reasonable to expect that the liability will be roughly proportionate to its volumetric contribution of waste to the sites.

 

The Company is also involved in the assessment and remediation of various other properties, including certain Company owned or operated facilities. Such assessment and remedial work is being conducted pursuant to applicable EH&S laws with varying degrees of involvement by appropriate legal authorities. Where probable and reasonably estimable, the costs of such projects have been accrued by the Company, as discussed below. In addition, certain environmental matters concerning the Company are pending in various courts or with certain environmental regulatory agencies.

 

While the ultimate outcome of the foregoing environmental matters is uncertain, after consultation with legal counsel, the Company does not believe the resolution of these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.

 

The Company has established reserves for on-site and off-site environmental remediation costs and believes that such reserves are adequate. As of September 30, 2003 and March 31, 2003, the amount of such reserves on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets was $95,682 and $78,340, respectively. Of these amounts, $66,362 was included in Liabilities subject to compromise at both September 30, 2003 and March 31, 2003. Included in environmental reserves at September 30, 2003 are asset retirement obligations, which the Company recorded upon adoption of SFAS 143. See Note 3. Because environmental liabilities are not accrued until a liability is determined to be probable and reasonably estimable, not all potential future environmental liabilities have been included in the Company’s environmental reserves and, therefore, additional earnings charges are possible. Also, future findings or changes in estimates could have a material effect on the recorded reserves and cash flows.

 

In the U.S., the Company has advised each state and federal authority with whom the Company has negotiated plans for environmental investigations or remediation of the Debtors’ Chapter 11 filing as required by those agreements or applicable rules. In some cases these authorities may require the Company to undertake certain agreed remedial activities under a modified schedule, or may seek to negotiate or require modified remedial activities. Such requests have been received at several sites and are the subject of ongoing discussions. At this time no requests or directives have been received which, individually or in the aggregate, would materially alter the Company’s reserves or have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.

 

Tampa, Florida

 

The Tampa site is a former secondary lead smelter, lead oxide production facility, and sheet lead-rolling mill that operated from 1943 to 1989. Under a RCRA Part B Closure Permit and a Consent Decree with the State of Florida, Exide is required to investigate and remediate certain historic environmental impacts to the site. Cost

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

estimates for remediation (closure and post-closure) range from $12,500 to $20,500 depending on final State of Florida requirements. The remediation activities are expected to occur over the course of several years.

 

Columbus, Georgia

 

The Columbus site is a former secondary lead smelter that was decommissioned in 1999, which is part of a larger facility that includes an operating lead acid battery manufacturing facility. Groundwater remediation activities began in 1988. Costs for supplemental investigations, remediation and site closure are currently estimated at $13,500.

 

Sonalur, Portugal

 

The Sonalur facility is an active secondary lead smelter. Materials from past operations present at the site are stored in aboveground concrete containment vessels and in underground storage deposits. The Company is in the process of obtaining additional site characterization data to evaluate remediation alternatives agreeable to local authorities. Costs for remediation are currently estimated at $3,500 to $7,000.

 

Other

 

In February 2002, the Company’s principal French subsidiary, CEAC, was notified by local competition authorities that in connection with certain sales of batteries by several French manufacturers in 1996 and 1997, the subsidiary is alleged to have violated local competition laws. The civil investigative agency in the case recommended a fine be imposed on the Company for $6,800, but the Company does not believe that the subsidiary acted improperly. A decision by the Council on Competition was issued on September 5, 2003, in which CEAC was ordered to pay a fine of $35.

 

From 1957 to 1982, CEAC operated a plant using crocidolite asbestos fibers in the formation of battery cases, which, once formed, encapsulated the fibers. Approximately 1,500 employees worked in the plant over the period. Since 1982, the French governmental agency responsible for worker illness claims has received 34 employee claims alleging asbestos-related illnesses, and no such claims have been filed since August 2001. For some of those claims, CEAC is obligated to and has indemnified the agency in accordance with French law for approximately $132, $169 and $260 in calendar years 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively. In addition, CEAC has been adjudged liable to indemnify the agency for approximately $45, $78, and $200, during the same periods to date for the dependents of four such claimants. Although the Company cannot predict the number or size of any future claims, after consultation with legal counsel the Company does not believe resolution of the current or any future claims, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.

 

The Company has been advised by an employee of its Chinese subsidiary of an investigation by a Chinese customs agency. The subsidiary had total assets of approximately $11,000 at September 30, 2003 and revenues of $8,700 for the six months then ended. The Company is seeking further information regarding the nature of the investigation and has not determined the impact this investigation may have on the Company’s results of operations.

 

The Company is involved in various other claims and litigation incidental to the conduct of its business. Based on consultation with legal counsel, management does not believe that any such claims or litigation to which the Company is a party, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.

 

Guarantees

 

In November 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, an Interpretation of FASB Nos. 5, 57 and 107 and Rescission of FASB Interpretation No.

 

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34.” This Interpretation addresses the disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about obligations under guarantees. This Interpretation also clarifies the requirements related to the recognition of a liability by a guarantor at the inception of a guarantee for the obligations the guarantor has undertaken in issuing that guarantee. The initial recognition and initial measurement provisions shall be applied only on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The disclosure requirements are effective for financial statements for interim or annual periods ending after December 15, 2002.

 

At September 30, 2003, the Company had outstanding letters of credit with a face value of $6,322 ($36 of which was pre-petition) and surety bonds with a face value of $43,265. The majority of the letters of credit and surety bonds have been issued as collateral or financial assurance with respect to certain liabilities the Company has recorded, including but not limited to environmental remediation obligations and self-insured workers compensation reserves. Failure of the Company to satisfy its obligations with respect to the primary obligations secured by the letters of credit or surety bonds could entitle the beneficiary of the related letter of credit or surety bond to demand payments pursuant to such instruments. The financial institution issuing the surety bonds (the “Surety”) holds approximately $7,000 in cash collateral as security against demands made by the beneficiaries of such bonds. The letters of credit generally have terms up to one year. The Company expects limited availability of new surety bonds from traditional sources, which could impact the Company’s liquidity needs in future periods. Pursuant to authorization from the Bankruptcy Court, the Company reached agreement with the Surety to maintain its current surety bonds through July 31, 2006. The agreement requires the Company to increase the cash collateral held by the Surety in several stages: forty percent collateralization of outstanding bonds by January 31, 2004; seventy percent collateralization of outstanding bonds by August 1, 2004; and full collateralization by August 1, 2005.

 

Certain of the Company’s European subsidiaries have bank guarantees outstanding, which have been issued as collateral or financial assurance in connection with environmental obligations, income tax claims and customer contract requirements. At September 30, 2003, bank guarantees with a face value of $6,552 were outstanding.

 

Warranty

 

The Company provides customers various warranty or return privileges in each of its three business segments. The estimated cost of warranty is recognized as a reduction of sales in the period in which the related revenue is recognized. These estimates are based upon historical trends and claims experience, and include an assessment of the anticipated lag between the date of sale and claim date.

 

A reconciliation of changes in the Company’s consolidated warranty liability for the six months ended September 30, 2003 follows:

 

Balance at March 31, 2003

   $ 62,464  

Accrual for warranties provided during the period

     23,696  

Settlements made (in cash or credit) during the period

     (27,346 )

Currency

     2,678  
    


Balance at September 30, 2003

   $ 61,492  
    


 

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(16) RESTRUCTURING AND IMPAIRMENT

 

The Company previously implemented certain restructuring activities as part of an overall program to reduce costs, eliminate excess capacity and improve cash flows, including activities in connection with the September 2000 acquisition of GNB.

 

During the second quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company recognized restructuring and impairment charges of $4,827, representing $4,121 for severance and $706 for related closure costs. During the first quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company recognized restructuring and impairment charges of $2,485, representing $1,936 for severance, $493 for related closure costs and $56 for a non-cash charge related to the write-down of machinery and equipment. These charges resulted from actions completed during the first and second quarters of fiscal 2004 related to the Motive and Network consolidation efforts in Europe, Corporate severance, Europe Transportation headcount reductions and the closure of a North American Transportation facility. Approximately 100 positions have been eliminated in connection with the second quarter fiscal 2004 plans and approximately 75 positions have been eliminated in connection with the first quarter fiscal 2004 plans.

 

Summarized restructuring reserve activity follows:

 

     Severance
Costs


    Closure
Costs


    Total

 

Balance at March 31, 2003

   $ 19,360     $ 13,524     $ 32,884  

Charges, fiscal 2004

     6,057       1,199       7,256  

Payments and currency changes

     (13,553 )     (1,486 )     (15,039 )
    


 


 


Balance at September 30, 2003

   $ 11,864     $ 13,237     $ 25,101  
    


 


 


 

Remaining expenditures principally represent (i) severance and related benefits payable, per employee agreements and or regulatory requirements over periods up to three years (ii) lease commitments for certain closed facilities, branches and offices, as well as leases for excess and permanently idle equipment payable in accordance with contractual terms, over periods up to five years and (iii) certain other closure costs including dismantlement and costs associated with removal obligations incurred in connection with the exit of facilities.

 

(17) NET LOSS PER SHARE

 

Basic loss per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period, while diluted loss per share is computed assuming conversion of all dilutive securities such as options, convertible debt and warrants. In all periods presented net losses were incurred, therefore dilutive common stock equivalents were not used in the calculation of earnings per share as they would have an anti-dilutive effect.

 

(18) RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. (“FIN”) 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB 51”. This Interpretation addresses consolidation by business enterprises of certain variable interest entities (“VIEs”). The Interpretation is effective immediately for all enterprises with variable interests in VIEs created after January 31, 2003. For variable interests in VIEs created before February 1, 2003, the provisions of this Interpretation will be applicable on December 31, 2003. Further, the disclosure requirements of the Interpretation are applicable for all financial statements initially issued after January 31, 2003, regardless of the date on which the VIE was created. The Company has performed an evaluation to identify such entities and does not believe that any entities fall within the scope of this standard, other than the special

 

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purpose entity established in connection with the Company’s European accounts receivable securitization facility, which is accounted for as a secured borrowing in accordance with the requirements of SFAS 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities”.

 

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity” (“SFAS 150”). SFAS 150 addresses how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. SFAS 150 requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within its scope as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances). The Company adopted SFAS 150 as of July 1, 2003. As of September 30, 2003 and for the six months then ended, the Company had no such financial instruments outstanding.

 

In May 2003, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) reached a consensus on Issue No. 01-08, “Determining Whether an Arrangement Contains a Lease.” EITF Issue No. 01-08 provides guidance on how to determine if an arrangement contains a lease that is within the scope of SFAS 13, “Accounting for Leases.” The Company adopted EITF Issue No. 01-08 as of July 1, 2003. The adoption of EITF Issue No. 01-08 did not have a material impact on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

(19) SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

The Company has three primary business segments: Transportation, Motive Power and Network Power.

 

Transportation applications include automotive, heavy duty, agricultural, marine and other batteries, as well as new technologies being developed for hybrid vehicles and new 42-volt automobile applications. Network Power applications include batteries for telecommunications systems, fuel cell load leveling, electric utilities, railroads, photovoltaic and other critical uninterruptible power supply markets. Motive Power applications include batteries for a broad range of equipment uses including lift trucks, mining and other commercial vehicles.

 

Certain asset information required to be disclosed is not reflected below as it is not allocated by segment nor utilized by management in the Company’s operations.

 

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EXIDE TECHNOLOGIES AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Selected financial information concerning the Company’s reportable segments is as follows:

 

     For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2003

     Transportation

   Motive
Power


   Network
Power


   Other (a)

    Consolidated

Net sales

   $ 370,600    $ 120,813    $ 96,020    $ —       $ 587,433

Gross profit

     77,806      28,028      20,860      —         126,694

Income (loss) before reorganization items, income taxes, minority interest and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle(c)

     38,663      4,638      5,952      (48,771 )     482

 

     For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2002

 
     Transportation

   Motive
Power


   Network
Power


   Other (a)

    Consolidated

 

Net sales

   $ 374,815    $ 112,945    $ 91,603    $ —       $ 579,363  

Gross profit

     78,265      26,234      23,458      —         127,957  

Income (loss) before reorganization items, income taxes, minority interest and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle(d)

     37,218      4,815      5,700      (57,506 )     (9,773 )

 

     For the Six Months Ended September 30, 2003

 
     Transportation

   Motive
Power


   Network
Power


   Other (a)

    Consolidated

 

Net sales

   $ 727,915    $ 248,353    $ 195,731    $ —       $ 1,171,999  

Gross profit

     141,091      55,184      46,668      —         242,943  

Income (loss) before reorganization items, income taxes, minority interest and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle(e)

     62,476      6,510      18,075      (101,199 )     (14,138 )

 

     For the Six Months Ended September 30, 2002

 
     Transportation

   Motive
Power


  

Network

Power (b)


    Other (a)

    Consolidated

 

Net sales

   $ 728,284    $ 223,833    $ 182,235     $ —       $ 1,134,352  

Gross profit

     142,159      51,110      45,018       —         238,287  

Income (loss) before reorganization items, income taxes, minority interest and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle(f)

     60,147      8,351      (32,390 )     (108,396 )     (72,288 )

(a) Other includes corporate expenses, interest expense, net, currency remeasurement loss (gain) and losses on sales of accounts receivable.
(b) Includes a goodwill impairment charge of $37,000 (see Note 8).
(c) Includes restructuring charges of $1,254, $1,299, $1,643 and $631 within Transportation, Motive, Network and Other, respectively.
(d) Includes restructuring charges of $1,873, $90, $407 and $1,627 within Transportation, Motive, Network and Other, respectively).
(e) Includes restructuring charges of $1,915, $2,507, $1,997 and $893 within Transportation, Motive, Network and Other, respectively.
(f) Includes restructuring charges of $3,549, $90, $5,019 and $1,627 within Transportation, Motive, Network and Other, respectively.

 

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

 

Overview

 

On April 15, 2002 (“Petition Date”), Exide Technologies (together with its subsidiaries unless the context requires otherwise, “Exide” or the “Company”) and three of its wholly-owned, U.S. subsidiaries (RBD Liquidation, LLC (“RBD”), Exide Delaware, LLC (“Exide Delaware”) and Exide Illinois, Inc. (“Exide Illinois”)) filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy laws (“Bankruptcy Code” or “Chapter 11”) in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (“Bankruptcy Court”) under case numbers 02-11125 through 02-11128. On November 21, 2002, Refined Metals Corporation (“Refined”) and Dixie Metals Company (“Dixie”), both wholly owned, non-operating subsidiaries of Exide, filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court under case numbers 02-13449 and 02-13450. Refined and Dixie have no employees and negligible, if any, assets. RBD, Exide Delaware, Exide Illinois, Dixie and Refined, together with Exide are hereinafter referred to as the “Debtors.” All of the foregoing cases are being jointly administered for procedural purposes before the Bankruptcy Court under case number 02-11125KJC.

 

The Debtors are currently operating their business as debtors-in-possession pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code.

 

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries decided to file for reorganization under Chapter 11 as it offered the most efficient alternative to restructure its balance sheet and access new working capital while continuing to operate in the ordinary course of business. The Company has a heavy debt burden, caused largely by a debt-financed acquisition strategy and the significant costs of integrating those acquisitions. Other factors leading to the reorganization included the impact of adverse economic conditions on the Company’s markets, particularly telecommunications, ongoing competitive pressures and capital market volatility. These factors contributed to a loss of revenues and resulted in significant operating losses and negative cash flows, severely impacting the Company’s financial condition and its ability to maintain compliance with debt covenants.

 

The Company’s operations outside of the U.S. are not included in the Chapter 11 proceedings.

 

On May 10, 2002, the Debtors received final Bankruptcy Court approval of its $250 million DIP Credit Facility. The DIP Credit Facility requires maintenance of certain financial covenants and other restrictions on matters such as indebtedness, guarantees and future asset sales.

 

Under the Bankruptcy Code, actions against the Debtors to collect pre-petition indebtedness, as well as most other pending litigation against the Debtors, are stayed. In addition, the Debtors may also assume or reject executory contracts, including lease obligations, subject to the approval of the Bankruptcy Court and certain other conditions.

 

On April 11, 2003, the following lawsuit was filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery by the official committee of equity holders and its members: Kandathil et. al. v. Exide, The complaint seeks to compel the Company to convene a meeting of stockholders. On April 21, 2003, the Debtors filed a complaint against the official committee of equity holders and its members in the Bankruptcy Court seeking to enjoin their attempts to compel the Company to convene a meeting of stockholders. Hearings on the two complaints have been postponed indefinitely.

 

On July 10, 2003, the Company filed its Joint Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. On July 24, 2003, the Company filed its First Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code and its Disclosure Statement for First Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. On August 25, 2003, the Company filed its Second Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code and its First Amended Disclosure Statement for Second Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. On September 8, 2003, the Company filed its Third Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code and its Second Amended Disclosure Statement for Third Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code (the “Disclosure Statement”). On October 24, 2003, the Company filed its Fourth Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code (as it may be amended, the “Plan”).

 

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Pursuant to the Plan, the Company will emerge from Chapter 11 and will continue to operate its business. Upon consummation of the Plan, the Company will be a private corporation owned by the prepetition Senior Secured Global Credit Facility lenders and the 10% note claims holders.

 

On September 10, 2003, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order (a) approving the Debtors’ Disclosure Statement; (b) scheduling a hearing to confirm the Plan; (c) establishing a deadline for objecting to the Debtors’ Plan; (d) approving form of ballots, voting deadline and solicitation procedures; and (e) approving form and manner of notices (the “Disclosure Statement Order”). The Disclosure Statement Order, among other things, approved the Disclosure Statement and authorized the Company to solicit acceptances to the Plan. The deadline for submitting ballots to accept or reject the Plan was October 7, 2003 at 5:00 p.m., prevailing Eastern time. Two impaired Classes (Classes P3 and S3) voted overwhelmingly to accept the Plan, and the remaining impaired voting Class (Class P4) voted to reject the Plan. The Company believes it has received sufficient acceptances of the Plan to satisfy the applicable Bankruptcy Code requirements.

 

Hearings on Plan confirmation were held before the Bankruptcy Court on October 21, 22, 25, 27 and November 1, 6 and 12, 2003. The principal issues before the Bankruptcy Court in the hearings were the enterprise value of the Company and whether the Company met the legal criteria for settlement of the unsecured creditors’ litigation challenging the validity of the liens and the priority of the claims of the prepetition Senior Secured Global Credit Facility lenders. As of the date hereof, the Bankruptcy Court has not issued a ruling with respect to confirmation of the Plan. At this time, it is not possible to predict when the Bankruptcy Court may issue a ruling on confirmation of the Plan, nor the outcome thereof.

 

At this time, it is not possible to predict the effect of the Chapter 11 reorganization process on the Company’s business, various creditors and security holders, or when it may be possible for the Debtors to emerge from Chapter 11. The Company’s future results are dependent upon its confirming and implementing, on a timely basis, a plan of reorganization. However, under the Plan, the Company’s 10% senior notes would be converted into 100% of the new common equity of the reorganized Company, and the Company’s convertible senior subordinated notes and the Company’s current common stock would be cancelled.

 

Factors Which Affect the Company’s Financial Performance

 

Competition. The global transportation, motive power and network power battery markets, particularly in North America and Europe, are highly competitive. In recent years, competition has continued to intensify and the Company continues to come under increasing pressure for price reductions. This competition has been exacerbated by excess capacity and fluctuating lead prices as well as low-priced Asian imports impacting the Company’s markets.

 

Exchange Rates. The Company is exposed to foreign currency risk in most European countries, principally from fluctuations in the Euro and British Pound. The Company is also exposed, although to a lesser extent, to foreign currency risk in Australia and the Pacific Rim. Movements of exchange rates against the U.S. dollar can result in variations in the U.S. dollar value of non-U.S. sales. In some instances, gains in one currency may be offset by losses in another. Movements in European currencies impacted the Company’s results for the periods presented herein.

 

Markets. The Company is subject to concentrations of customers and sales in a few geographic locations and is dependent on customers in certain industries, including the automotive, telecommunications and material handling markets. Economic difficulties experienced in these markets and geographic locations have and continue to impact the Company’s financial results.

 

Weather. Unusually cold winters or hot summers accelerate automotive battery failure and increase demand for automotive replacement batteries.

 

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Interest rates. The Company is exposed to fluctuations in interest rates on its variable rate debt.

 

Lead. Lead is the primary material by weight used in the manufacture of batteries, representing approximately one-fourth of the Company’s cost of goods sold. The market price of lead fluctuates. The price of lead on global commodity markets has increased approximately 15% since September 30, 2003, which could adversely affect future results. Generally, when lead prices decrease, customers may seek disproportionate price reductions from the Company, and when lead prices increase, customers resist price increases.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The Company’s discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based upon the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

 

The Company believes that the critical accounting policies and estimates disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “10-K”) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003 affect the preparation of its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. The reader of this report may wish to refer to the 10-K for further information.

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements 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, and in accordance with Statement of Position 90-7, “Financial Reporting by Entities in Reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code” (“SOP 90-7”).

 

The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is predicated upon, among other things, confirmation of a bankruptcy reorganization plan on a timely basis, compliance with the provisions of both the DIP Credit Facility and other ongoing borrowing arrangements, the ability to generate cash flows from operations and, where necessary, obtaining financing sources sufficient to satisfy the Company’s future obligations as well as certain contingencies described in Note 15. Based upon business plans updated in June 2003, the Company obtained amendments to its existing financial covenants in order to maintain compliance during fiscal 2004. The Standstill Agreement expires on December 18, 2003. The DIP Credit Facility will now expire on the later of December 12, 2003 or, if the Standstill Agreement is extended, 30 days prior to the expiration of the Standstill Agreement. Alternatively, the DIP Credit Facility will expire on the date the Company emerges from bankruptcy, but no later than February 15, 2004. If the Debtors do not have a plan of reorganization confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court before the expiration of these agreements, the Company will have to request extensions of such agreements. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to have a plan confirmed by that time or obtain extensions. As a result of the Chapter 11 filing, and consideration of various strategic alternatives, including possible asset sales, the Company would expect that any reorganization plan will result in material changes to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements do not, however, include adjustments, if any, to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of recorded assets or the amounts and classifications of liabilities that may result from the outcome of these uncertainties.

 

On October 24, 2003, the Company filed its Fourth Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code (as it may be amended, the “Plan”). Hearings on Plan confirmation were held before the Bankruptcy Court on October 21, 22, 25, 27 and November 1, 6 and 12, 2003. As of the date hereof, the

 

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Bankruptcy Court has not issued a ruling with respect to confirmation of the Plan. At this time, it is not possible to predict when the Bankruptcy Court may issue a ruling on confirmation of the Plan, nor the outcome thereof.

 

Upon emergence from bankruptcy, the amounts reported in subsequent financial statements will materially change due to the restructuring of the Company’s assets and liabilities as a result of any plan of reorganization and the application of the provisions of SOP 90-7 with respect to reporting upon emergence from Chapter 11 (“fresh start” accounting). Changes in accounting principles required under generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) within twelve months of emerging from bankruptcy are required to be adopted at the date of emergence. Additionally, the Company may choose to make changes in accounting practices and policies at that time. For all these reasons, the financial statements for periods subsequent to emergence from Chapter 11 will not be comparable with those of prior periods.

 

Results of Operations

 

Three months ended September 30, 2003 compared with three months ended September 30, 2002

 

Overview

 

Net loss for the second quarter of fiscal 2004 was $15.7 million, or $0.57 per diluted share versus the second quarter of fiscal 2003 net loss of $21.6 million, or $0.79 per diluted share. Second quarter fiscal 2004 results include restructuring costs of $4.8 million and reorganization items in connection with the bankruptcy of $15.7 million. Second quarter fiscal 2003 results include restructuring costs of $4.0 million and reorganization items in connection with the Bankruptcy of $8.0 million. In addition, currency remeasurement gains of $8.6 million and $5.2 million, primarily on U.S. dollar denominated debt in Europe, have been recognized in Other (income) expense, net in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Net Sales

 

Net sales were $587.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 versus $579.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2003. Sales volumes were lower in all three of the Company’s business segments during the second quarter of fiscal 2004. Currency positively impacted net sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 by approximately $40.1 million.

 

Transportation net sales were $370.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 versus $374.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2003. Transportation revenues in North America declined due to reduced unit volumes, in both the aftermarket and original equipment channels, while European volumes declined in the original equipment channel. European selling prices for the second quarter of fiscal 2004 were lower than the second quarter of fiscal 2003, including the effect of both competitive pricing pressure and lead-related pricing adjustments. These reductions were partially offset by benefits from warranty management programs in North America. Currency positively impacted Transportation net sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 by approximately $21.8 million.

 

Motive Power net sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 were $120.8 million versus $112.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2003. Lower volumes and competitive pricing pressures in Europe within both the original equipment and aftermarket channels were partially offset by higher volumes and lower warranty costs in North America. Currency positively impacted Motive Power net sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 by approximately $10.5 million.

 

Network Power net sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 were $96.0 million versus $91.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2003. Sales volumes were lower due to weakness in the European and Asian markets, offset partially by higher volumes in North America. Currency positively impacted Network Power net sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 by approximately $7.8 million.

 

Gross Profit

 

Gross profit was $126.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 versus $128.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2003. Gross margin was 21.6% in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 and 22.1% in the second quarter of fiscal 2003. Currency positively impacted gross profit in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 by

 

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approximately $8.6 million. Gross profit in each of the Company’s business segments was negatively impacted by lower sales volumes, competitive pricing pressures and higher benefit costs, including medical and pension expenses, offset partially by lower lead pricing in Europe, the Company’s cost reduction programs and North American warranty management programs.

 

Transportation gross profit was $77.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 versus $78.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2003. The effect of lower sales volumes in North America and Europe was partially offset by the benefits from plant rationalization and headcount reductions, North American warranty management programs and lower lead pricing in Europe. Gross margin was 21.0% in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 versus 20.9% in the second quarter of fiscal 2003. Currency positively impacted Transportation gross profit in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 by approximately $4.8 million.

 

Motive Power gross profit was $28.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 versus $26.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2003. Gross profit was negatively impacted by lower sales volumes and competitive pricing pressures, particularly in the European markets, offset partially by lower warranty costs in North America. Gross margin was 23.2% in both the second quarter of fiscal 2004 and the second quarter of fiscal 2003. Currency positively impacted Motive Power gross profit in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 by approximately $2.4 million.

 

Network Power gross profit was $20.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 versus $23.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2003. Gross profit was negatively impacted by lower sales volume and competitive pricing pressures, offset partially by the Company’s cost reduction programs. Gross margin was 21.7% in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 versus 25.6% in the second quarter of fiscal 2003. Currency positively impacted Network Power gross profit in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 by approximately $1.4 million.

 

Expenses

 

Expenses were $126.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 versus $137.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2003. Expenses included restructuring charges of $4.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 and $4.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2003. Stronger European currencies unfavorably impacted expenses by approximately $8.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2004. The change in expenses was impacted by the following matters: (i) second quarter fiscal 2004 selling, marketing and advertising costs and general and administration costs in each of the Company’s business segments were favorably impacted by the Company’s cost-reduction programs, primarily through headcount reductions; (ii) second quarter fiscal 2004 expenses in each of the Company’s business segments were negatively impacted by an increase in benefit costs, including medical and pension expenses; (iii) fiscal 2004 and fiscal 2003 second quarter expenses included currency remeasurement gains of $8.6 million and $5.2 million, respectively, included in Other (income) expense, net.

 

Transportation expenses were $39.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 versus $41.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2003. The decrease in expenses was due primarily to the Company’s cost reduction programs offset partially by increased benefit costs, including medical and pension expenses. Currency unfavorably impacted Transportation expenses in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 by approximately $2.3 million.

 

Motive Power expenses were $23.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 versus $21.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2003. The increase in expenses was due primarily to higher restructuring expenses in Europe associated with the Company’s consolidation efforts and increased benefit costs, including medical and pension expenses, offset partially by the Company’s cost reduction programs. Currency unfavorably impacted Motive Power expenses in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 by approximately $2.0 million.

 

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Network Power expenses were $14.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 versus $17.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2003. The decrease was due primarily to the Company’s cost reduction programs offset partially by higher restructuring expenses in Europe associated with the Company’s consolidation efforts and increased benefit costs, including medical and pension expenses. Currency unfavorably impacted Network Power expenses in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 by approximately $1.2 million.

 

Unallocated expenses, net were $48.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 versus $57.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2003. Fiscal 2004 and fiscal 2003 second quarter expenses included currency remeasurement gains of $8.6 million and $5.2 million, respectively. Currency unfavorably impacted unallocated expenses in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 by approximately $2.5 million. Corporate expenses were $30.2 million and $35.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 and fiscal 2003, respectively. The decrease was due to the favorable impact of the Company’s cost reduction programs, primarily through headcount reductions and lower restructuring expenses, offset partially by unfavorable currency impact and increased benefit costs, including medical and pension expenses. Interest expense, net was $24.3 million in both the second quarter of fiscal 2004 and the second quarter of fiscal 2003.

 

Income (loss) before reorganization items, income taxes, minority interest and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle was $0.5 million, or 0.1% of net sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 versus $(9.8) million, or (1.7)% of net sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2003, due to the items discussed above.

 

Transportation income before reorganization items, income taxes, minority interest and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle was $ 38.7 million, or 6.6% of net sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 versus $37.2 million, or 6.4% of net sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2003, due to the items discussed above.

 

Motive Power income before reorganization items, income taxes, minority interest and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle was $4.6 million, or 0.8% of net sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 versus $4.8 million, or 0.8% of net sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2003, due to the items discussed above.

 

Network Power income before reorganization items, income taxes, minority interest and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle was $5.9 million, or 1.0% of net sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 versus $5.7 million, or 1.0% of net sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2003, due to the items discussed above.

 

Reorganization items

 

Reorganization items represent amounts the Company incurred as a result of the Chapter 11 filing and are presented separately in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. Reorganization items in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 and 2003 were $15.7 million and $8.0 million, respectively. These items include professional fees including financial and legal services, employee retention costs for key members of management and interest income earned as a result of having assumed excess cash balances due to the Chapter 11 filing. The increase in reorganization expenses in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 reflects a significant increase in legal costs associated with development of the Company’s proposed plan of reorganization and preparation for Bankruptcy Court hearings. See Note 6.

 

Income Taxes

 

In the second quarter of fiscal 2004, an income tax provision of $0.7 million was recorded on a pre-tax loss of $15.2 million. In the second quarter of fiscal 2003, an income tax provision of $3.9 million was recorded on a pre-tax loss of $17.8 million. The effective tax rate was (4.6%) and (22.1%) in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 and 2003, respectively. The effective tax rate for the second quarters of fiscal 2004 and fiscal 2003 were impacted by the generation of income in tax-paying jurisdictions, principally Europe, with limited or no offset on a consolidated basis as a result of recognition of valuation allowances on tax benefits generated from current period losses in both the U.S. and certain international regions.

 

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Six months ended September 30, 2003 compared with six months ended September 30, 2002

 

Overview

 

Net loss for the first half of fiscal 2004 was $54.3 million, or $1.98 per diluted share versus the first half of fiscal 2003 net loss of $98.3 million, or $3.59 per diluted share. First half fiscal 2004 results include restructuring costs of $7.3 million, reorganization items in connection with the bankruptcy of $24.3 million and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle of $15.6 million. First half fiscal 2003 results include a non-cash charge of $37.0 million for goodwill impairment in the Network Power segment, restructuring costs of $10.3 million and reorganization items in connection with the Bankruptcy of $20.1 million. In addition, currency remeasurement gains of $17.4 million and $12.3 million, primarily on U.S. dollar denominated debt in Europe, have been recognized in Other (income) expense, net in the first half of fiscal 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Net Sales

 

Net sales were $1,172.0 million in the first half of fiscal 2004 versus $1,134.4 million in the first half of fiscal 2003. Sales volumes were lower in all three of the Company’s business segments during the first half of fiscal 2004, with the largest impact from Transportation in North America. Currency positively impacted net sales in the first half of fiscal 2004 by approximately $97.0 million.

 

Transportation net sales were $727.9 million in the first half of fiscal 2004 versus $728.3 million in the first half of fiscal 2003. Transportation revenues in North America declined due to reduced unit volumes, in both the aftermarket and original equipment channels, while European volumes declined in the original equipment channel. European selling prices for the first half of fiscal 2004 were lower than the first half of fiscal 2003, including the effect of lead-related pricing adjustments. These reductions were partially offset by benefits from warranty management programs in North America. Currency positively impacted Transportation net sales in the first half of fiscal 2004 by approximately $48.9 million.

 

Motive Power net sales in the first half of fiscal 2004 were $248.4 million versus $223.8 million in the first half of fiscal 2003. Lower volumes and competitive pricing pressures in Europe within both the original equipment and aftermarket channels were partially offset by higher volumes in North America. Currency positively impacted Motive Power net sales in the first half of fiscal 2004 by approximately $28.0 million.

 

Network Power net sales in the first half of fiscal 2004 were $195.7 million versus $182.3 million in first half of fiscal 2003. Sales volumes were lower due to weakness in the Asian market, offset partially by higher volumes in North America and higher military shipments in Europe. Currency positively impacted Network Power net sales in the first half of fiscal 2004 by approximately $20.1 million.

 

Gross Profit

 

Gross profit was $242.9 million in the first half of fiscal 2004 versus $238.3 million in the first half of fiscal 2003. Gross margin was 20.7% in the first half of fiscal 2004 and 21.0% in the first half of fiscal 2003. Currency positively impacted gross profit in the first half of fiscal 2004 by approximately $22.0 million. Gross profit in each of the Company’s business segments was negatively impacted by lower sales volumes, competitive pricing pressures and higher benefit costs, including medical and pension expenses, offset partially by lower lead pricing in Europe, the Company’s cost reduction programs and North American warranty management programs.

 

Transportation gross profit was $141.1 million in the first half of fiscal 2004 versus $142.2 million in the first half of fiscal 2003. The effect of lower sales volumes in North America and Europe was substantially offset by the benefits from plant rationalization and headcount reductions, North American warranty management programs and lower lead pricing in Europe. Gross margin was 19.4% in the first half of fiscal 2004 versus 19.5% in fiscal 2003. Currency positively impacted Transportation gross profit in the first half of fiscal 2004 by approximately $10.7 million.

 

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Motive Power gross profit was $55.2 million in the first half of fiscal 2004 versus $51.1 million in the first half of fiscal 2003. Gross profit was negatively impacted by lower sales volumes and competitive pricing pressures, particularly in the European markets, offset partially by the favorable impact of lower European lead prices. Gross margin was 22.2% in the first half of fiscal 2004 versus 22.8% in the first half of fiscal 2003. Currency positively impacted Motive Power gross profit in the first half of fiscal 2004 by approximately $6.6 million.

 

Network Power gross profit was $46.7 million in the first half of fiscal 2004 versus $45.0 million in the first half of fiscal 2003. Gross profit was negatively impacted by lower sales volume, offset partially by the Company’s cost reduction programs and favorable sales mix. Gross margin was 23.8% in the first half of fiscal 2004 versus 24.7% in the first half of fiscal 2003. Currency positively impacted Network Power gross profit in the first half of fiscal 2004 by approximately $4.7 million.

 

Expenses

 

Expenses were $257.1 million in the first half of fiscal 2004 versus $310.6 million in the first half of fiscal 2003. First half fiscal 2003 expenses included a $37.0 million goodwill impairment charge in Network Power. Expenses also included restructuring charges of $7.3 million in the first half of fiscal 2004 and $10.3 million in the first half of fiscal 2003. Excluding these items, expenses were $249.8 million and $263.3 million in the first half of fiscal 2004 and 2003, respectively. Stronger European currencies unfavorably impacted expenses by approximately $21.0 million in the first half of fiscal 2004. The change in expenses was impacted by the following matters: (i) first half fiscal 2004 selling, marketing and advertising costs and general and administration costs in each of the Company’s business segments were favorably impacted by the Company’s cost-reduction programs, primarily through headcount reductions; (ii) first half fiscal 2004 expenses in each of the Company’s business segments were negatively impacted by an increase in benefit costs, including medical and pension expenses; (iii) first half fiscal 2004 expenses include a $3.2 million gain on the sale of the Company’s European non-lead battery assets, included in Other (income) expense, net; (iv) interest, net decreased $2.3 million, principally due to ceasing accruing, as of the Petition Date, certain interest on pre-petition debt classified as subject to compromise; and (v) fiscal 2004 and fiscal 2003 first half expenses included currency remeasurement gains of $17.4 million and $12.3 million, respectively, included in Other (income) expense, net.

 

Transportation expenses were $78.6 million in the first half of fiscal 2004 versus $82.0 million in the first half of fiscal 2003. The decrease in expenses was due primarily to the Company’s cost reduction programs offset partially by increased benefit costs, including medical and pension expenses. Currency unfavorably impacted Transportation expenses in the first half of fiscal 2004 by approximately $5.4 million.

 

Motive Power expenses were $48.7 million in the first half of fiscal 2004 versus $42.8 million in the first half of fiscal 2003. The increase in expenses was due primarily to higher selling expenses in North America, higher restructuring expenses in Europe associated with the Company’s consolidation efforts and increased benefit costs, including medical and pension expenses, offset partially by the Company’s cost reduction programs. Currency unfavorably impacted Motive Power expenses in the first half of fiscal 2004 by approximately $5.4 million.

 

Network Power expenses were $28.6 million in the first half of fiscal 2004 versus $77.4 million in the first half of fiscal 2003. First half fiscal 2004 expenses included a $3.2 million gain on the sale of the Company’s European non-lead battery assets and restructuring charges of $2.0 million. First half fiscal 2003 Network Power expenses included a goodwill impairment charge of $37.0 million and restructuring charges of $5.0 million. Excluding these items, expenses were $29.8 million and $35.4 million in the first half of fiscal 2004 and fiscal 2003, respectively. The decrease was due primarily to the Company’s cost reduction programs offset partially by increased benefit costs, including medical and pension expenses. Currency unfavorably impacted Network Power expenses in the first half of fiscal 2004 by approximately $2.6 million.

 

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Unallocated expenses, net were $101.2 million in the first half of fiscal 2004 versus $108.4 million in the first half of fiscal 2003. Fiscal 2004 and fiscal 2003 first half expenses included currency remeasurement gains of $17.4 million and $12.3 million, respectively. Currency unfavorably impacted unallocated expenses in the first half of fiscal 2004 by approximately $7.6 million. Corporate expenses were $62.8 million and $63.0 million in the first half of fiscal 2004 and fiscal 2003, respectively. The decrease was due to the favorable impact of the Company’s cost reduction programs, primarily through headcount reductions, offset partially by unfavorable currency impact, increased benefit costs, including medical and pension expenses, and higher restructuring costs. Interest expense, net was $49.7 million in the first half of fiscal 2004 versus $52.0 million in the first half of fiscal 2003. The decrease is due to ceasing accruing certain interest on pre-petition debt classified as subject to compromise in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet in accordance with SOP 90-7. Interest, at the stated contractual amount on debt that was not charged to operations for the first half of fiscal 2004 and fiscal 2003, was approximately $20.8 million and $19.0 million, respectively.

 

Loss before reorganization items, income taxes, minority interest and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle was $14.1 million, or (1.2)% of net sales in the first half of fiscal 2004 versus $72.3 million, or (6.4)% of net sales in the first half of fiscal 2003, due to the items discussed above.

 

Transportation income before reorganization items, income taxes, minority interest and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle was $62.5 million, or 5.3% of net sales in the first half of fiscal 2004 versus $60.1 million, or 5.3% of net sales in the first half of fiscal 2003, due to the items discussed above.

 

Motive Power income before reorganization items, income taxes, minority interest and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle was $6.5 million, or 0.6% of net sales in the first half of fiscal 2004 versus $8.4 million, or 0.7% of net sales in the first half of fiscal 2003, due to the items discussed above.

 

Network Power income (loss) before reorganization items, income taxes, minority interest and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle was $18.1 million, or 1.5% of net sales in the first half of fiscal 2004 versus ($32.4) million, or (2.9)% of net sales in the first half of fiscal 2003, due to the items discussed above.

 

Reorganization items

 

Reorganization items represent amounts the Company incurred as a result of the Chapter 11 filing and are presented separately in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. Reorganization items in the first half of fiscal 2004 and 2003 were $24.3 million and $20.1 million, respectively. These items include professional fees including financial and legal services, employee retention costs for key members of management and interest income earned as a result of having assumed excess cash balances due to the Chapter 11 filing. The increase in reorganization expenses in the first half of fiscal 2004 reflects a significant increase in legal costs associated with development of the Company’s proposed plan of reorganization and preparation for Bankruptcy Court hearings. See Note 6.

 

Income Taxes

 

In the first half of fiscal 2004, an income tax provision of $0.6 million was recorded on a pre-tax loss of $38.5 million. In the first half of fiscal 2003, an income tax provision of $6.0 million was recorded on a pre-tax loss of $92.4 million. The effective tax rate was (1.6%) and (6.5%) in the first half of fiscal 2004 and 2003, respectively. The effective tax rate for the first half of fiscal 2004 and fiscal 2003 were impacted by the generation of income in tax-paying jurisdictions, principally Europe, with limited or no offset on a consolidated basis as a result of recognition of valuation allowances on tax benefits generated from current period losses in both the U.S. and certain international regions. The effective tax rate for the first half of fiscal 2004 was also impacted by the $3.2 million gain on the sale of the Company’s European non-lead battery assets, which was a non-taxable transaction. The effective tax rate for the first half of fiscal 2003 was also impacted by the non-deductibility of the $37.0 million Network Power goodwill impairment charge.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Capital Structure

 

Following evaluation of possible capital structure alternatives, on April 15, 2002, Exide Technologies and three of its wholly-owned U.S. subsidiaries filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 as it offered the most efficient alternative to restructure its balance sheet and access new working capital while continuing to operate in the ordinary course of business. In addition, on November 21, 2002, two of the Company’s other wholly-owned subsidiaries filed for reorganization pursuant to Chapter 11. The Company’s operations outside of the U.S. are not included in the Chapter 11 proceedings. However, in connection with the bankruptcy filing, the Company entered into a Standstill Agreement with the pre-petition Senior Secured Global Credit Facility lenders, whereby the lenders agreed to forbear collection of principal payments on foreign borrowings under the Senior Secured Global Credit Facility from non-Debtor subsidiaries until December 18, 2003, subject to earlier termination for the occurrence of certain events. The principal events which could result in an early termination of the Standstill Agreement are: 1) non-payment of interest on the European tranche of the Company’s Senior Secured Global Credit Facility as and when due; 2) if any significant foreign subsidiaries commence any winding up or liquidation proceeding; 3) breach of financial and other customary negative covenants (as described with respect to the DIP Credit Facility); and 4) default with respect to the European securitization agreement and 9.125% Senior Notes (Deutsche mark denominated) agreement. The Company continues to accrue interest under the pre-petition Senior Secured Global Credit Facility and makes adequate protection payments subject to liquidity calculations prescribed in the DIP Credit Facility.

 

On May 10, 2002, the Company received final Bankruptcy Court approval of its $250.0 million DIP Credit Facility. The DIP Credit Facility was arranged by Citicorp N.A., and Salomon Smith Barney and is being used to supplement cash flows from operations during the reorganization process including the payment of certain post-petition ordinary course trade and other payables, the payment of permitted pre-petition claims, working capital needs, letter of credit requirements and other general corporate purposes.

 

Upon closing, approximately $129.0 million of the DIP Credit Facility was drawn down, $117.0 million being used to terminate and repurchase uncollected securitized accounts receivable under the Company’s then existing U.S. receivables sale facility and the balance for financing costs and related fees.

 

The DIP Credit Facility is a secured revolving credit and term loan facility under which Exide Technologies is the borrower with certain U.S. subsidiaries acting as guarantors. The DIP Credit Facility is afforded super priority claim status in the Chapter 11 case and is collateralized by first liens on certain eligible U.S. assets of the Company, principally accounts receivable, inventory and property.

 

The revolving credit tranche of the facility provides for borrowings up to $121.0 million, of which up to $65.0 million is available to Exide Technologies for on-lending to its foreign subsidiaries, subject to borrowing base availability. An additional $50.0 million sub-facility is also available to the foreign subsidiaries based on certain collateral asset values in the United Kingdom and Canada. To the extent funds are borrowed under the DIP Credit Facility and on-lent to foreign subsidiaries, additional liens on certain assets of the borrowing foreign subsidiary and related guarantees are required. Up to $40 million of the revolving credit tranche is available for letters of credit.

 

Borrowings under the DIP Credit Facility bear interest at Libor plus 3.75% per annum. Borrowings are limited to eligible collateral under the DIP Credit Facility. Eligible collateral under the DIP Credit Facility includes certain accounts receivable and inventory in the U.S. and certain property in the U.S. and Europe. Availability to the Company is impacted by changes in both the amounts of the collateral and qualitative factors (such as aging of accounts receivable and inventory reserves) as well as cash requirements of the business such as trade credit terms. The DIP Credit Facility contains certain financial covenants requiring the Company to maintain specified levels of monthly earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, restructuring and certain other defined charges, as well as limits on capital expenditures and cash restructuring expenditures. The

 

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DIP Credit Facility also contains other customary covenants, including certain reporting requirements and covenants that restrict the Company’s ability to incur indebtedness, create or incur liens or guarantees, enter into leases, sell or dispose of assets, change the nature of its business or enter into related party transactions. The Company believes it was in compliance with DIP Credit Facility covenants as of September 30, 2003. Based upon business plans updated in June 2003, the Company obtained amendments to its existing financial covenants in order to maintain compliance during fiscal 2004. The Standstill Agreement expires on December 18, 2003. The DIP Credit Facility will now expire on the later of December 12, 2003 or, if the Standstill Agreement is extended, 30 days prior to the expiration of the Standstill Agreement. Alternatively, the DIP will expire on the date the Company emerges from bankruptcy, but no later than February 15, 2004. If the Debtors do not have a plan of reorganization confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court before the expiration of these agreements, the Company will have to request extensions of such agreements. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to have a plan confirmed by that time or obtain extensions. Failure to have a plan of reorganization confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court prior to the expiration of the Standstill Agreement or the DIP Credit Facility or to be able to obtain such extensions or failure to maintain compliance with the covenants in such agreements would result in an event of default which, absent cure within defined grace periods or obtaining appropriate waivers, would restrict the Company’s access to funds necessary to maintain its operations and assist in funding of its reorganization plan. On October 24, 2003, the Company filed its Fourth Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code (as it may be amended, the “Plan”). Hearings on Plan confirmation were held before the Bankruptcy Court on October 21, 22, 25, 27 and November 1, 6 and 12, 2003. As of the date hereof, the Bankruptcy Court has not issued a ruling with respect to confirmation of the Plan. At this time, it is not possible to predict when the Bankruptcy Court may issue a ruling on confirmation of the Plan, nor the outcome thereof.

 

Total availability under the DIP Credit Facility as of November 6, 2003 and September 30, 2003 was $42.0 million and $25.9 million, respectively.

 

As described above, in connection with its bankruptcy filing, the Company also entered into a Standstill Agreement with its pre-petition Senior Secured Global Credit Facility lenders. Under the agreement the lenders agreed to forebear collection of any principal payments on foreign borrowings under this facility by non-Debtor subsidiaries until December 18, 2003, subject to earlier termination upon the occurrence of certain events. Borrowings under the pre-petition Senior Secured Global Credit Facility by the Debtors are subject to compromise.

 

Interest obligations for the non-Debtor subsidiaries continue to be accrued and paid when due. The Standstill Agreement contains essentially the same financial covenants as the DIP Credit Facility.

 

On May 31, 2002, the Company entered into a $177.5 million European accounts receivable securitization facility. This facility replaced the Company’s then existing $175 million European securitization program. This facility is accounted for as a secured borrowing in accordance with the requirements of SFAS 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities”, whereby the accounts receivable and related borrowings are recorded on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet.

 

At September 30, 2003, the Company had outstanding letters of credit with a face value of $6.3 million and surety bonds with a face value of $43.3 million. The majority of the letters of credit and surety bonds have been issued as collateral or financial assurance with respect to certain liabilities the Company has recorded, including but not limited to environmental remediation obligations and self-insured workers compensation reserves. Failure of the Company to satisfy its obligations with respect to the primary obligations secured by the letters of credit or surety bonds could entitle the beneficiary of the related letter of credit or surety bond to demand payments pursuant to such instruments. The financial institution issuing the surety bonds (the “Surety”) holds approximately $7.0 million in cash collateral as security against demands made by the beneficiaries of such bonds. The letters of credit generally have terms up to one year. The Company expects limited availability of

 

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new surety bonds from traditional sources, which could impact the Company’s liquidity needs in future periods. Pursuant to authorization from the Bankruptcy Court, the Company reached agreement with the Surety to maintain its current surety bonds through July 31, 2006. The agreement requires the Company to increase the cash collateral held by the Surety in several stages: forty percent collateralization of outstanding bonds by January 31, 2004; seventy percent collateralization of outstanding bonds by August 1, 2004; and full collateralization by August 1, 2005.

 

Sources of Cash

 

The Company has obtained a financial institution’s conditional commitment to fund the Company’s proposed plan of reorganization in the amount of approximately $550 million. The commitment is set to expire on December 18, 2003. The Company cannot provide assurances that a plan of reorganization will be confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court prior to the expiration of the funding commitment, or that financing arrangements could be obtained from alternative sources should confirmation of a plan of reorganization occur after December 18, 2003.

 

The Company’s liquidity requirements have been met historically through operating cash flows, borrowed funds and the proceeds of sales of accounts receivable and sale-leaseback transactions. Additional cash has been generated in recent years from the sale of non-core businesses and assets.

 

Cash flows provided by operating activities were $26.3 million in the first half of fiscal 2004. This compares to cash flows used in operating activities of $261.7 million (including $261.7 million usage of cash related to the net change from sales of receivables) in the first half of fiscal 2003. Excluding the effect of the accounts receivable securitization activity in the first half of fiscal 2003, comparative cash flows were positively impacted by higher accounts receivable collections offset by higher payments of accounts payable and accrued expenses, reflecting the payment of accrued professional fees associated with the Chapter 11 reorganization process as well as payment of accrued restructuring costs. The uncertainties of the Chapter 11 filing could also have an impact on the Company’s ability to attract and retain customers.

 

The Company generated $17.9 million and $1.1 million in cash from the sale of non-core businesses and other assets in the first half of fiscal 2004 and fiscal 2003, respectively. On April 15, 2003, the Company sold its European non-lead battery assets for proceeds of $16.3 million. Of this amount, $13.4 million is held in escrow pursuant to the Company’s borrowing arrangements and is included in Restricted cash in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2003. Remaining proceeds from these sales were primarily used to reduce debt.

 

Total debt at September 30, 2003 was $1,806.1 million. See Note 11 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for composition of such debt. Pre-petition indebtedness of the Debtors, amounting to approximately $1,081.3 million, is subject to settlement under the plan of reorganization to be voted upon by creditors and equity holders and approved by the Bankruptcy Court.

 

Going forward, in addition to operating cash flows, the Company’s principal sources of liquidity will be the DIP Credit Facility, plus proceeds from any asset sales. The Company is considering various asset sales, and in connection therewith has engaged The Blackstone Group to evaluate potential opportunities.

 

Uses of Cash

 

The Company’s liquidity needs arise primarily from the funding of working capital needs, obligations on indebtedness and capital expenditures. Because of the seasonality of the Company’s business, more cash has been typically generated in the third and fourth fiscal quarters than the first and second fiscal quarters. Greatest cash demands from operations have historically occurred during the months of June through October.

 

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Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities were ($24.2) million and $290.9 million in the first half of fiscal 2004 and fiscal 2003, respectively. Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities in both periods relate primarily to borrowings and repayments under the DIP Credit Facility and European asset securitization facility.

 

Prior to the Company’s Chapter 11 filing, and since that time, the Company has experienced a tightening of trade credit availability and terms. In the future there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain and return to trade credit on terms traditionally obtained.

 

Capital expenditures were $26.2 million and $16.6 million in the first half of fiscal 2004 and fiscal 2003, respectively. Capital expenditures in the first half of fiscal 2003 were impacted by the timing of the Chapter 11 filing and related liquidity availability. Capital expenditures in the first half of fiscal 2004 are also higher due to investment in new technologies for charging batteries.

 

Financial Instruments and Market Risk

 

The Company’s ability to utilize financial instruments has been significantly restricted because of the Chapter 11 cases and the resultant tightening, and/or elimination of credit availability with counter-parties. At September 30, 2003 and March 31, 2003, the Company had no outstanding hedging contracts. Accordingly, the Company is now exposed to greater risk with respect to its ability to manage exposures to fluctuations in foreign currencies, interest rates and lead prices.

 

In the past, the Company used financial instruments, including fixed and variable rate debt as well as swap, forward and option contracts to finance its operations and to hedge interest rate currency and certain lead purchasing requirements. The swap, forward, and option contracts were entered into for periods consistent with related underlying exposures and did not constitute positions independent of those exposures. The Company did not enter into contracts for speculative purposes nor was it a party to any leveraged instruments.

 

Related Parties

 

The services of Lisa J. Donahue, Chief Restructuring Officer, are provided to the Company pursuant to a Services Agreement, dated October 25, 2001, between the Company and AP Services, LLC. Under the Services Agreement, the Company is charged an hourly fee for Ms. Donahue’s and other temporary employees’ services, and Ms. Donahue, a principal in AP Services, LLC, is compensated independently by AP Services, LLC. The agreement with AP Services, LLC also provides for payment of a one-time success fee upon the Company’s emergence from bankruptcy. AP Services, LLC is an affiliate of AlixPartners, LLC, a financial advisory and consulting firm specializing in corporate restructuring, which has been retained by the Company in connection with its financial restructuring. Ms. Donahue is also a principal in AlixPartners, LLC. Fees incurred by the Company during the three and six months ended September 30, 2003 under the Services Agreement were $2.3 million and $5.2 million, respectively.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks

 

Changes to the quantitative and qualitative market risks as of September 30, 2003 are described in Management’s Discussion and Analysis—Liquidity and Capital Resources. Also, see the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003 for further information.

 

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

The Company, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, Vice President and Corporate Controller, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, Vice President and Corporate Controller, together with the other members of management participating in the evaluation, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

 

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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

 

Except for historical information, this report may be deemed to contain “forward-looking” statements. The Company desires to avail itself of the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”) and is including this cautionary statement for the express purpose of availing itself of the protection afforded by the Act.

 

Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to (a) projections of revenues, cost of raw materials, income or loss, earnings or loss per share, capital expenditures, growth prospects, dividends, the effect of currency translations, capital structure and other financial items, (b) statements of plans of and objectives of the Company or its management or Board of Directors, including the introduction of new products, or estimates or predictions of actions by customers, suppliers, competitors or regulating authorities, (c) statements of future economic performance and (d) statements of assumptions, such as the prevailing weather conditions in the Company’s market areas, underlying other statements and statements about the Company or its business.

 

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following General Factors such as: (i) the Company’s ability to implement business strategies and financial reorganization and restructuring plans, (ii) unseasonable weather (warm winters and cool summers) which adversely affects demand for automotive and some industrial batteries, (iii) the Company’s substantial debt and debt service requirements which restrict the Company’s operational and financial flexibility, as well as imposing significant interest and financing costs, (iv) the Company is subject to a number of litigation proceedings, the results of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company and its business, (v) the Company’s assets include the tax benefits of net operating loss carry forwards, realization of which are dependent upon future taxable income, (vi) lead, which experiences significant fluctuations in market price and which, as a hazardous material, may give rise to costly environmental and safety claims, can affect the Company’s results because it is a major constituent in most of the Company’s products, (vii) the battery markets in North America and Europe are very competitive and, as a result, it is often difficult to maintain margins, (viii) the Company’s consolidation and rationalization of acquired entities requires substantial management time and financial and other resources and is not without risk, (ix) foreign operations involve risks such as disruption of markets, changes in import and export laws, currency restrictions and currency exchange rate fluctuations, (x) the Company is exposed to fluctuations in interest rates on our variable debt which can affect the Company’s results, (xi) general economic conditions, (xii) the ability to acquire goods and services and/or fulfill labor needs at budgeted costs and Bankruptcy Considerations such as: (a) the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, (b) the Company’s ability to operate in accordance with the terms of and maintain compliance with covenants of the DIP Credit Facility and other financing arrangements, (c) the Company’s ability to obtain Bankruptcy Court approval with respect to motions in the Chapter 11 cases from time to time, (d) the Company’s ability to confirm and consummate a plan of reorganization with respect to the Chapter 11 cases prior to the expiration of the Standstill Agreement or the DIP Credit Facility, (e) the Company’s ability to attract, motivate and retain key personnel, (f) the Company’s ability to obtain and maintain normal terms with vendors and service providers, (g) the Company’s ability to maintain contracts that are critical to our business, and (h) the Company’s ability to attract and retain customers.

 

Therefore, the Company cautions each reader of this Report carefully to consider those factors hereinabove set forth, because such factors have, in some instances, affected and in the future could affect, the ability of the Company to achieve its projected results and may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed herein.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

Bankruptcy Considerations

 

As of the Petition Date, substantially all pending litigation against the Debtors was stayed. To the extent any of the Debtors are ultimately found liable with respect to such litigation, the Debtors believe the claim resulting therefrom would constitute a general unsecured claim against the Debtors, the treatment of which would be governed by any plan of reorganization confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court. Litigation against the Company’s non-Debtor subsidiaries has not been stayed and will not be affected by the bankruptcy proceedings.

 

Former Senior Executives and Battery Quality Matters

 

On March 23, 2001, the Company reached a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, resolving an investigation into a scheme by former officers and certain corporate entities involving fraudulent representations and promises in connection with the distribution, sale and marketing of automotive batteries between 1994 and 1997. Under the terms of that settlement, the Company agreed to pay a fine of $27.5 million over five years, to five-years’ probation and to cooperate with the U.S. Attorney in her prosecution of Arthur M. Hawkins, Douglas N. Pearson and Alan E. Gauthier, former senior executives of the Company. The payment terms of the plea agreement are dependent upon the Company’s compliance with the plea agreement during the five-year probation period. Generally, the terms of the probation would permit the U.S. Government to reopen the case against the Company if the Company violates the terms of the plea agreement or other provisions of law. The plea agreement was lodged with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, and accepted on February 27, 2002. The Company reserved $31.0 million for this matter, including expected costs and out-of-pocket expenses, in the first quarter of fiscal 2001, and an additional $1.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2002. At September 30, 2003, approximately $27.5 million of this reserve remains and is classified as a Liability subject to compromise in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. As a result of the imposition of the automatic stay arising upon the Company’s Chapter 11 filing, the Company has not made installment payments of its $27.5 million fine. The Company is uncertain as to the effect of these non-payments and the bankruptcy filing with respect to the plea agreement. On June 10, 2002, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois filed a claim as a general unsecured creditor for $27.9 million.

 

The Company is currently involved in litigation with the former senior executives referenced above. The former senior executives made claims to enforce separation agreements, reimbursements of legal fees and other contracts, and the Company has filed claims and counterclaims asserting fraud, breach of fiduciary duties, misappropriation of corporate assets and civil conspiracy. In addition, the Company has filed actions in the Bankruptcy Court against the former senior executives to recover certain payments of legal fees that the Company was required to advance to such individuals prior to the Petition Date.

 

The Company has filed two claims with its insurers for reimbursement of the amounts paid to the former executives, and believes it is entitled to obtain substantial reimbursement for those amounts. However, the Company has not recognized any receivables for such reimbursements at September 30, 2003.

 

The Company has completed an investigation and determined that due to a deviation from manufacturing procedures approximately 950,000 automotive aftermarket batteries sold during 2001 and 2002 in North America did not contain one minor feature of several advertised for the batteries. In all cases the batteries performed in accordance with their labeled specifications. The feature was reinstated and the Company has discussed the situation with certain customers. The Company cannot predict at this time the effects of this matter on its business, but the remediation that has been offered is not material to its financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.

 

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Private Party Lawsuits

 

Active Lawsuits

 

In June 2002, the following lawsuit was filed in Louisiana state court: Hardy et. al. v. Ducote Wrecking, et. al. The case was filed as a putative class action for damages brought by two employees of Ducote Wrecking & Demolition, an independent contractor performing multiple maintenance projects at the Company’s Baton Rouge, Louisiana facility. The plaintiffs allege that while they were engaged in work at the Company’s facility, they were intentionally exposed to and poisoned by lead, acid, and other heavy metals. Plaintiffs named the Company’s insurance carriers and supervisory employee as defendants, along with Ducote. The case was removed to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. Plaintiffs filed a motion to remand, which was denied by the Court in a January 2003 decision. In the same January 2003 decision, the Court dismissed the Company’s supervisory employee and the independent contractor defendant from the litigation. The Court also has denied plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. The Company’s insurer has issued a reservation of rights as to the Company’s coverage for the alleged claims.

 

On April 11, 2003, the following lawsuit was filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery by the official committee of equity holders and its members: Kandathil et. al. v. Exide. The complaint seeks to compel the Company to convene a meeting of stockholders. On April 21, 2003, the Debtors filed a complaint against the official committee of equity holders and its members in the Bankruptcy Court seeking to enjoin their attempts to compel the Company to convene a meeting of stockholders. Hearings on the two complaints have been postponed indefinitely.

 

Exide is a defendant in an arbitration proceeding initiated in October of 2001 by Margulead Limited (“Margulead”). In June of 1997, GNB, now an operating division of Exide, entered into an agreement with Margulead, which Margulead contended obligated the Company to build a facility to test and develop certain lead acid battery recycling technology allegedly developed by Margulead. GNB terminated the contract in 1998. Exide contended, in part, that the Margulead process was not ready for pilot plant implementation and also failed to meet success criteria. Margulead claimed approximately $13 million in damages. The Company denied that it was liable and defended the matter in the arbitration. An arbitration decision was rendered on May 7, 2003, determining that the contract was unenforceable and that neither party was entitled to damages or costs. Margulead asked the arbitrator to reconsider the decision. Margulead has now advised the Company that it intends to challenge the arbitrator’s award in the English commercial court. On or about July 23, 2003, Margulead filed an Application Notice advising of its intent to apply for an extension of time in which to make an application under certain sections of the Arbitration Act of 1996.

 

Margulead filed an Arbitration Claim Form, dated August 13, 2003, pursuant to which it seeks to challenge the arbitrator’s May 7, 2003 Final Arbitration Award and a June 26, 2003 Correction of the Final Award, in which the arbitrator corrected minor typographical errors. The Arbitration Claim Form was filed under Section 68 of the Arbitration Act of 1996 on the basis of alleged “serious irregularity.” The Company is opposing that Application. Further, the Company made an application for an order that Margulead be required to provide security for costs pursuant to Section 70(6) of the Arbitration Act of 1996 in connection with its application to re-open the Final Award. That application was heard by an English Court on October 31, 2003, and was successful. A hearing on this matter has been set for February 16, 2004. The Company does not believe it is likely that Margulead will succeed in any challenge to the arbitrator’s Final Award.

 

In November 2002, the following lawsuit was filed in the Ontario Court of Justice: Exide Canada, Inc., v. Lorne Hilts et. al. This lawsuit was initiated by Exide Canada, Inc. against former officers, employees and a former logistics services vendor seeking in excess of $1.5 million in damages on multiple grounds including breach of trust, breach of contract and fraud. Defendant Hilts filed a counterclaim against Exide Canada for severance and other benefits and seeks damages in an amount exceeding $0.6 million. Defendant Ryad counterclaimed against Exide Canada alleging breach of contract and against Exide Technologies alleging it induced Exide Canada to breach its contract with Ryad for certain logistics services. Ryad seeks damages against each defendant in an amount exceeding $6.3 million. The Company believes that the counterclaims are without merit and is vigorously defending itself.

 

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The Company’s preliminary review of these active claims suggest they are without merit, and, to the extent the Company is a party to these active lawsuits, it plans to vigorously defend itself. The Company does not believe any reserves are currently warranted for these claims.

 

Stayed Pre-Petition Lawsuits

 

The following lawsuits allege that Exide and its predecessors allowed hazardous materials used in the battery manufacturing process to be released from certain of its facilities, allegedly resulting in personal injury and/or property damage. On August 25, 1999 several cases were filed in the Circuit Court for Greenville County, South Carolina and are currently pending: Joshua Lollis v. Exide; Buchanan v. Exide; Agnew v. Exide; Patrick Miller v. Exide; Kelly v. Exide; Amanda Thompson v. Exide; Jonathan Talley v. Exide; Smith v. Exide; Lakeisha Talley v. Exide; Brandon Dodd v. Exide; Prince v. Exide; Andriae Dodd v. Exide; Dominic Thompson v. Exide; Snoddy v. Exide; Antoine Dodd v. Exide; Roshanda Talley v. Exide; Fielder v. Exide; Rice v. Exide; Logan Lollis v. Exide; and Dallis Miller v. Exide. In January 2002, counsel that brought the South Carolina actions filed additional claims in the Circuit Court for Greenville County, South Carolina. The following lawsuits of this type are currently pending in the Court of Common Pleas for Berks County, Pennsylvania: Grillo v. Exide, filed on May 24, 1995; Blume v. Exide, filed on March 4, 1996; Esterly v. Exide, filed on May 30, 1995; and Saylor v. Exide, filed on October 18, 1996. The following lawsuit of this type is currently pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana: Strange v. Exide. Finally, the following lawsuit of this type is pending in the Circuit Court of Shelby County, Tennessee: Cawthon v. Exide, et al. All these cases have been stayed.

 

In July 2001, Pacific Dunlop Holdings (US), Inc. (“PDH”) and several of its foreign affiliates under the various agreements through which Exide and its affiliates acquired GNB, filed a complaint in the Circuit Court for Cook County, Illinois alleging breach of contract, unjust enrichment and conversion against Exide and three of its foreign affiliates. The plaintiffs maintain they are entitled to approximately $17.0 million in cash assets acquired by the defendants through their acquisition of GNB. In December 2001, the Court denied the defendants’ motion to dismiss the complaint, without prejudice to re-filing the same motion after discovery proceeds. The defendants have filed an answer and counterclaim. On July 8, 2002, the Court authorized discovery to proceed as to all parties except Exide. In August 2002, the case was removed to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois and in October 2002, the parties presented oral arguments, in the case of PDH, to remand the case to Illinois state court and, in the case of Exide, to transfer the case to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. On February 4, 2003, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois transferred the case to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware, where plaintiffs’ motion to abstain or remand will be heard. To the extent this action implicates Exide’s interests, the Company plans to vigorously defend the action and pursue the counterclaim.

 

In December 2001, PDH filed a separate action in the Circuit Court for Cook County, Illinois seeking recovery of approximately $3.1 million for amounts allegedly owed by Exide under various agreements between the parties. The claim arises from letters of credit and other security allegedly provided by PDH for GNB’s performance of certain of GNB’s obligations to third parties that PDH claims Exide was obligated to replace. Exide’s answer contested the amounts claimed by PDH and Exide filed a counterclaim. Although this action has been consolidated with the Cook County suit concerning GNB’s cash assets, the claims relating to this action are currently subject to the automatic bankruptcy stay, and have been transferred to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.

 

Between March and September 2002, the following cases were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana: Joseph et. al. v. Exide; Andrews et. al. v. Exide; and Armstead v. Exide. These actions seek monetary damages and injunctive relief for alleged racial discrimination in the Company’s Shreveport and Baton Rouge, Louisiana plants. The Joseph and Andrews cases have been consolidated and all three lawsuits have been stayed.

 

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In February 2001, the following lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California: Flaherty v. Exide, et. al. Plaintiff contends the Company is responsible, in part, for contamination resulting from alleged disposal of hazardous substances at plaintiff’s property. The suit contains claims predicated on CERCLA, private nuisance, public nuisance, trespass, negligence, equitable indemnity, contribution, injunctive relief under RCRA and declaratory relief under state law. The Company has filed counterclaims against plaintiff and other potentially responsible parties.

 

The Company’s preliminary review of these claims suggests they are without merit and the Company plans to vigorously defend itself with regard to the stayed pre-petition lawsuits. The Company expects that all of these lawsuits will be compromised upon confirmation of a plan of reorganization by the Bankruptcy Court.

 

Environmental Matters

 

As a result of its multinational manufacturing, distribution and recycling operations, the Company is subject to numerous federal, state and local environmental, occupational safety and health laws and regulations, as well as similar laws and regulations in other countries in which the Company operates (collectively “EH&S laws”). The Company is exposed to liabilities under such EH&S laws arising from its past handling, release, storage and disposal of hazardous substances and hazardous wastes. The Company previously has been advised by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or state agencies that it is a “Potentially Responsible Party” (“PRP”) under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) or similar state laws at 92 federally defined Superfund or state equivalent sites. At 44 of these sites, the Company has paid its share of liability. The Company is currently paying its share of liability at one site. The Company expects its liability will be compromised upon confirmation of a plan of reorganization by the Bankruptcy Court as to a number of additional Superfund sites. In most instances, the Company’s remaining obligations are not expected to be significant because its portion of any potential liability appears to be minor or insignificant in relation to the total liability of all identified PRPs that are financially viable. The Company’s share of the anticipated remediation costs associated with all of the Superfund sites where it has been named a PRP, based on the Company’s estimated volumetric contribution of waste to each site, is included in the environmental remediation reserves discussed below.

 

Of those sites for which the Company has not completed payment of its share of liability, it currently has greater than 50% liability at three Superfund sites, and allocated liability that exceeds five percent at an additional seven sites that averages approximately 22%. Because the Company’s liability under such statutes may be imposed on a joint and several basis, the Company’s liability may not necessarily be based on volumetric allocations and could be greater than the Company’s estimates. The Company believes, however, that its PRP status at these Superfund sites will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business or financial condition because, based on the Company’s experience, it is reasonable to expect that the liability will be roughly proportionate to its volumetric contribution of waste to the sites.

 

The Company is also involved in the assessment and remediation of various other properties, including certain Company owned or operated facilities. Such assessment and remedial work is being conducted pursuant to applicable EH&S laws with varying degrees of involvement by appropriate legal authorities. Where probable and reasonably estimable, the costs of such projects have been accrued by the Company, as discussed below. In addition, certain environmental matters concerning the Company are pending in various courts or with certain environmental regulatory agencies.

 

While the ultimate outcome of the foregoing environmental matters is uncertain, after consultation with legal counsel, the Company does not believe the resolution of these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.

 

The Company has established reserves for on-site and off-site environmental remediation costs and believes that such reserves are adequate. As of September 30, 2003 and March 31, 2003, the amount of such reserves on

 

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the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet was $95.7 million and $78.3 million, respectively. Of these amounts, $66.4 million was included in Liabilities subject to compromise at both September 30, 2003 and March 31, 2003. Included in environmental reserves at September 30, 2003 are asset retirement obligations, which the Company recorded upon adoption of SFAS 143. See Note 3 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Because environmental liabilities are not accrued until a liability is determined to be probable and reasonably estimable, not all potential future environmental liabilities have been included in the Company’s environmental reserves and, therefore, additional earnings charges are possible. Also, future findings or changes in estimates could have a material effect on the recorded reserves and cash flows.

 

In the U.S., the Company has advised each state and federal authority with whom it has negotiated plans for environmental investigations or remediation of the Debtors’ Chapter 11 filing as required by those agreements or applicable rules. In some cases these authorities may require the Company to undertake certain agreed remedial activities under a modified schedule, or may seek to negotiate or require modified remedial activities. Such requests have been received at several sites and are the subject of ongoing discussions. At this time no requests or directives have been received which, individually or in the aggregate, would materially alter the Company’s reserves or have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.

 

Tampa, Florida

 

The Tampa site is a former secondary lead smelter, lead oxide production facility, and sheet lead-rolling mill that operated from 1943 to 1989. Under a RCRA Part B Closure Permit and a Consent Decree with the State of Florida, Exide is required to investigate and remediate certain historic environmental impacts to the site. Cost estimates for remediation (closure and post-closure) range from $12.5 million to $20.5 million depending on final State of Florida requirements. The remediation activities are expected to occur over the course of several years.

 

Columbus, Georgia

 

The Columbus site is a former secondary lead smelter that was decommissioned in 1999, which is part of a larger facility that includes an operating lead acid battery manufacturing facility. Groundwater remediation activities began in 1988. Costs for supplemental investigations, remediation and site closure are currently estimated at $13.5 million.

 

Sonalur, Portugal

 

The Sonalur facility is an active secondary lead smelter. Materials from past operations present at the site are stored in aboveground concrete containment vessels and in underground storage deposits. The Company is in the process of obtaining additional site characterization data to evaluate remediation alternatives agreeable to local authorities. Costs for remediation are currently estimated at $3.5 to $7.0 million.

 

Other

 

In February 2002, the Company’s principal French subsidiary, CEAC, was notified by local competition authorities that in connection with certain sales of batteries by several French manufacturers in 1996 and 1997, the subsidiary is alleged to have violated local competition laws. The civil investigative agency in the case recommended a fine be imposed on the Company for $6.8 million, but the Company does not believe that the subsidiary acted improperly A decision by the Council on Competition was issued on September 5, 2003, in which CEAC was ordered to pay a fine of $35 thousand.

 

From 1957 to 1982, CEAC operated a plant using crocidolite asbestos fibers in the formation of battery cases, which, once formed, encapsulated the fibers. Approximately 1,500 employees worked in the plant over the

 

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period. Since 1982, the French governmental agency responsible for worker illness claims has received 34 employee claims alleging asbestos-related illnesses, and no such claims have been filed since August 2001. For some of those claims, CEAC is obligated to and has indemnified the agency in accordance with French law for approximately $132 thousand, $169 thousand and $260 thousand in calendar years 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively. In addition, CEAC has been adjudged liable to indemnify the agency for approximately $45 thousand, $78 thousand, and $200 thousand during the same periods to date for the dependents of four such claimants. Although the Company cannot predict the number or size of any future claims, after consultation with legal counsel the Company does not believe resolution of the current or any future claims, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.

 

The Company has been advised by an employee of its Chinese subsidiary of an investigation by a Chinese customs agency. The subsidiary had total assets of approximately $11.0 million at September 30, 2003 and revenues of $8.7 million for the six months then ended. The Company is seeking further information regarding the nature of the investigation and has not determined the impact this investigation may have on the Company’s results of operations.

 

The Company is involved in various other claims and litigation incidental to the conduct of its business. Based on consultation with legal counsel, the Company does not believe that any such claims or litigation to which the Company is a party, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.

 

Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

None.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

As a result of the Chapter 11 cases, certain of the Company’s pre-petition debt arrangements are in default. See Note 2 (Proceedings Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code) and Note 11 (Debt) to the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

None.

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

None.

 

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

(a) Exhibits.

 

  2.2 Second Amended Disclosure Statement for Debtors’ Third Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code

 

  2.3 Debtors’ Fourth Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code

 

  4.32 Eighth Consent and Waiver to the Credit Agreement, dated October 23, 2003, to the Secured Super Priority Debtor In Possession Credit Agreement.

 

  4.33 Ninth Amendment to the Credit Agreement, dated November 13, 2003, to the Secured Super Priority Debtor In Possession Credit Agreement.

 

  31.1 Certification of Craig H. Muhlhauser, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

  31.2 Certification of Ian J. Harvie, Interim Chief Financial Officer, Vice President and Corporate Controller, pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

  32 Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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(b) Reports on Form 8-K.

 

On October 3, 2003, the Company filed an interim report on Form 8-K announcing the cessation of Biagio N. Vignolo’s employment with the Company, effective September 25, 2003.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

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.

 

EXIDE TECHNOLOGIES
By:   /s/ IAN J. HARVIE
 
   

Ian J. Harvie

Interim Chief Financial Officer, Vice President and Corporate Controller

Date: November 14, 2003

 

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