UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2008
Commission File Number 1-9516
ICAHN ENTERPRISES L.P.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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| Delaware | 13-3398766 | |
| (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) |
(IRS Employer Identification No.) |
767 Fifth Avenue, Suite 4700
New York, NY 10153
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
(212) 702-4300
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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| Title of Each Class | Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered | |
| Depositary Units Representing Limited Partner Interests | New York Stock Exchange | |
| 5% Cumulative Pay-in-Kind Redeemable Preferred Units Representing Limited Partner Interests | New York Stock Exchange |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined by Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check One):
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| Large Accelerated Filer o | Accelerated Filer x | Non-accelerated Filer o | Smaller reporting company o |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x
The aggregate market value of depositary units held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2008, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, based upon the closing price of depositary units on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape on such date was $431,255,032.
The number of depositary and preferred units outstanding as of the close of business on March 2, 2009 was 74,775,597 and 12,502,254, respectively.
ICAHN ENTERPRISES L.P.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PART I
Item 1. Business
Business Overview
Icahn Enterprises L.P., or Icahn Enterprises, is a master limited partnership formed in Delaware on February 17, 1987. We are a diversified holding company owning subsidiaries engaged in the following continuing operating businesses: Investment Management, Automotive, Metals, Real Estate and Home Fashion. In addition, as further discussed below, on February 20, 2008, we consummated the sale of our subsidiary, American Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC, or ACEP. The sale of ACEP included the Stratosphere and three other Nevada gaming properties, which represented all of our remaining gaming operations.
We own a 99% limited partner interest in Icahn Enterprises Holdings L.P., or Icahn Enterprises Holdings. Substantially all of our assets and liabilities are owned through Icahn Enterprises Holdings and substantially all of our operations are conducted through Icahn Enterprises Holdings and its subsidiaries. Icahn Enterprises G.P. Inc., or Icahn Enterprises GP, our sole general partner, owns a 1% general partnership interest in both Icahn Enterprises Holdings and us, representing an aggregate 1.99% general partnership interest in Icahn Enterprises Holdings and us. Icahn Enterprises GP is owned and controlled by Mr. Carl C. Icahn. As of December 31, 2008, affiliates of Mr. Icahn owned 68,644,590 of our depositary units and 10,819,213 of our preferred units, which represented approximately 91.8% and 86.5% of our outstanding depositary units and preferred units, respectively.
As noted above, we conduct our operations through various continuing operating businesses. Segment and geographic information concerning our continuing operating businesses as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 and for the three years ended December 31, 2008 is presented in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements, included in Item 8 of this report.
Business Strategy
Our business strategy includes:
Growing Our Investment Management Business. We intend to continue to grow and expand our investment management business.
Operating and Enhancing Value of Core Businesses. We continually evaluate our operating businesses with a view to maximizing their value to us. In each of our businesses, we place management with the expertise to run their businesses and we give management specific operating objectives that they must achieve.
Investing Capital to Grow Existing Operations or Adding New Operating Platforms. We may look to make acquisitions of assets or operations that complement our existing operations or look to acquire new business segments. Our management team has extensive experience in identifying, acquiring and developing undervalued businesses or assets.
Enhancing Returns on Assets. We continually look for opportunities to enhance returns on both liquid and operating assets.
Acquisitions
On July 3, 2008, pursuant to a stock purchase agreement with Thornwood Associates Limited Partnership, or Thornwood, and Thornwood’s general partner, Barberry Corp., or Barberry, we acquired a majority interest in Federal-Mogul Corporation, or Federal-Mogul, for an aggregate price of $862,750,000 (or $17.00 per share, which represented a discount to Thornwood’s purchase price of such shares). Thornwood and Barberry are wholly owned by Mr. Carl C. Icahn. Prior to our majority interest acquisition of Federal-Mogul, Thornwood owned an aggregate of 75,241,924 shares of Federal-Mogul, or Federal-Mogul Shares. Thornwood had acquired such shares as follows: (i) 50,100,000 Federal-Mogul Shares pursuant to the exercise of two options on February 25, 2008 acquired in December 2007 from the Federal-Mogul Asbestos Personal Injury Trust; and (ii) 25,141,924 Federal-Mogul Shares pursuant to and in connection with Federal-Mogul’s Plan of Reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Code, which became effective on December 27, 2007.
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On December 2, 2008, we acquired an additional 24,491,924 Federal-Mogul Shares from Thornwood, which represented the remaining Federal-Mogul Shares owned by Thornwood. As a result of this transaction, we beneficially own 75,241,924 Federal-Mogul Shares, or 75.7% of the total issued and outstanding capital stock of Federal-Mogul. In consideration of the acquisition of the additional Federal-Mogul Shares, we issued to Thornwood 4,286,087 (or $153 million based on the opening price of $35.60 on our depositary units on December 2, 2008) fully paid and non-assessable depositary units representing limited partner interests in Icahn Enterprises.
The above transactions were each approved by a special committee of independent directors of Icahn Enterprises G.P., the general partner of Icahn Enterprises and Icahn Enterprises Holdings. The special committee was advised by its own legal counsel and independent financial advisor with respect to the transactions. The special committee received an opinion from its financial advisor as to the fairness to us, from a financial point of view, of the consideration paid.
Dispositions
On April 22, 2007, American Entertainment Properties Corp., or AEP, our wholly owned indirect subsidiary and the direct parent of ACEP, entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement with W2007/ACEP Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of Whitehall Street Real Estate Funds, a series of real estate investment funds affiliated with Goldman, Sachs & Co., or Whitehall Street Real Estate Funds, to sell all of the issued and outstanding membership interests in ACEP.
On February 20, 2008, we completed the sale of ACEP, resulting in a gain of approximately $472 million, after taxes. For additional information, see Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements, included in Item 8 of this report.
Investment Management
Background
On August 8, 2007, we acquired the partnership interests consisting of the general partnership interests in Icahn Onshore LP, or the Onshore GP, and Icahn Offshore LP, or the Offshore GP (collectively referred to herein as the General Partners), acting as general partners of Icahn Partners LP, or the Onshore Fund, and the Offshore Master Funds (as defined below) managed and controlled by Mr. Icahn. Additionally, we acquired the general partnership interest in Icahn Capital Management LP, or New Icahn Management. The General Partners (and New Icahn Management through December 31, 2007) provide investment advisory and certain administrative and back office services to the Private Funds (as defined below) but do not provide such services to any other entities, individuals or accounts. Interests in the Private Funds (as defined below) are offered only to certain sophisticated and qualified investors on the basis of exemptions from the registration requirements of the federal securities laws and are not publicly available. The General Partners may receive special profits interest allocations and incentive allocations from the Private Funds. As discussed below, effective January 1, 2008, the management agreements between New Icahn Management and the Private Funds (as defined below) were terminated, resulting in the termination of the Feeder Funds’ and the Onshore Fund’s obligations to pay management fees thereunder.
As referred to herein, the Offshore Master Funds consist of (i) Icahn Partners Master Fund LP, or Offshore Master Fund I, (ii) Icahn Partners Master Fund II L.P., or Offshore Master Fund II, and (iii) Icahn Partners Master Fund III L.P., or Offshore Master Fund III. The Onshore Fund and the Offshore Master Funds are collectively referred to herein as the Investment Funds.
The General Partners also act as general partner of a fund formed as a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership that invests in the Offshore Master Funds. This fund, together with other funds that also invest in the Offshore Master Funds, are collectively referred to herein as the Feeder Funds. The Feeder Funds and the Investment Funds are collectively referred to herein as the Private Funds. As referred to and discussed below, the Feeder Funds include, but are not limited to, Icahn Fund Ltd., Icahn Fund II Ltd. and Icahn Fund III Ltd.
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Strategy
The investment strategy of the General Partners is set and led by Mr. Icahn. The Private Funds seek to acquire securities in companies that trade at a discount to inherent value as determined by various metrics including replacement cost, break-up value, cash flow and earnings power and liquidation value.
The General Partners utilize a process-oriented, research-intensive, value-based investment approach. This approach generally involves three critical steps: (i) fundamental credit, valuation and capital structure analysis; (ii) intense legal and tax analysis of fulcrum issues such as litigation and regulation that often affect valuation; and (iii) combined business valuation analysis and legal and tax review to establish a strategy for gaining an attractive risk-adjusted investment position within a specific credit, industry or litigation segment. This approach focuses on exploiting market dislocations or misjudgments that may result from market euphoria, litigation, complex contingent liabilities, corporate malfeasance and weak corporate governance, general economic conditions or market cycles and complex and inappropriate capital structures.
The Private Funds are often activist investors ready to take the steps necessary to seek to unlock value, including tender offers, proxy contests and demands for management accountability. The Private Funds may employ a number of strategies and are permitted to invest across a variety of industries and types of securities, including long and short equities, long and short bonds, bank debt and other corporate obligations, options, swaps and other derivative instruments thereof, risk arbitrage and capital structure arbitrage and other special situations. The Private Funds invest a material portion of their capital in publicly traded equity and debt securities of companies that the General Partners believe to be undervalued by the marketplace. The Private Funds sometimes take significant positions in the companies in which they invest.
Income
In general, the results of our Investment Management segment are primarily driven by assets under management, or AUM, and the performance of the Private Funds. Revenues from this segment are principally derived from three sources: (1) special profits interest allocations (and prior to January 1, 2008, management fees); (2) incentive allocations; and (3) gains and losses from our principal investments in the Private Funds.
Prior to January 1, 2008, the management agreements provided that management fees were generally 2.5% per annum of the net asset value of fee-paying capital in the Private Funds before the incentive allocation. These fees were paid by each Feeder Fund and the Onshore Fund to New Icahn Management at the beginning of each quarter in an amount equal to 0.625% of the balance of each capital account of a fee-paying limited partner.
Incentive allocations are generally 25% of the net profits (both realized and unrealized) generated by the Investment Funds and are subject to a “high water mark” (whereby the General Partners do not earn incentive allocations during a particular year even though the fund had a positive return in such year until losses in prior periods are recovered). These allocations are calculated and distributed to the General Partners annually other than incentive allocations earned as a result of investor redemption events during interim periods.
The General Partners and their affiliates may also earn income through their principal investments in the Investment Funds. In these cases, the income consists of realized and unrealized gains and losses on investment activities along with interest, dividends and other income.
Effective January 1, 2008, the management agreements between New Icahn Management and the Private Funds were terminated resulting in the termination of the Feeder Funds’ and the Onshore Fund’s obligations to pay management fees thereunder. In addition, the limited partnership agreements of the Investment Funds, or Investment Fund LPAs, were amended to provide that, as of January 1, 2008, the General Partners will provide or cause their affiliates to provide to the Private Funds the administrative and back office services that were formerly provided by New Icahn Management, or the Services, and, in consideration of providing the Services, the General Partners will receive special profits interest allocations from the Investment Funds.
The Investment Fund LPAs provide, effective January 1, 2008, that the applicable General Partner will receive a special profits interest allocation at the end of each calendar year from each capital account maintained at the Investment Fund that is attributable to, in the case of the Onshore Fund, each limited partner in the Onshore Fund and, in the case of the Feeder Funds, each investor in the Feeder Funds (excluding certain
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investors that are affiliates of Mr. Icahn) (each, an Investor). This allocation is generally equal to 0.625% of the balance in each fee-paying capital account as of the beginning of each quarter (for each Investor, the Target Special Profits Interest Amount) except that amounts are allocated to the General Partners in respect of special profits interest allocations only to the extent net increases (i.e., net profits) are allocated to an Investor for the fiscal year. Accordingly, any special profits interest allocations allocated to the General Partners in any year cannot exceed the net profits allocated to such Investor. In the event that sufficient net profits are not generated by an Investment Fund with respect to a capital account to meet the full Target Special Profits Interest Amount for an Investor for a calendar year, a special profits interest allocation will be made to the extent of such net profits, if any, and the shortfall will be carried forward (without interest or a preferred return) and added to the Target Special Profits Interest Amount determined for such Investor for the next calendar year. Appropriate adjustments will be made to the calculation of the special profits interest allocation for new subscriptions and withdrawals by Investors. In the event that an Investor redeems in full from a Feeder Fund or the Onshore Fund before the full targeted Target Special Profits Interest Amount determined for such Investor has been allocated to the General Partner in the form of a special profits interest allocation, the Target Special Profits Interest Amount that has not yet been allocated to the General Partner will be eliminated and the General Partner will never receive it.
The Investment Management segment will waive the special profits interest allocation (and prior to January 1, 2008, waived the management fees) and incentive allocations for Mr. Icahn’s direct and indirect holdings and, in their sole discretion, may modify or may elect to reduce or waive such fees with respect to any shareholder that is an affiliate, employee or relative of Mr. Icahn or his affiliates, or for any other investor.
Lock-up
Investors in the Private Funds are typically initially subject to a one-year absolute lock-up and may redeem in the second and third years with an early redemption fee of 8% and 4%, respectively, paid to the applicable Private Fund. After the lock-up period expires, investors may redeem on June 30 and December 31 provided they have given 90 days prior written notice. Certain investors with reduced fees are subject to a three-year absolute lock-up. Redemptions are subject to certain additional restrictions.
Affiliate Investments
We, along with the Private Funds, entered into a covered affiliate agreement, simultaneously with the closing of the transactions that occurred on August 8, 2007, pursuant to which we (and certain of our subsidiaries) agreed, in general, to be bound by certain restrictions on our investments in any assets that the General Partners deem suitable for the Private Funds, other than government and agency bonds, cash equivalents and investments in non-public companies. We and our subsidiaries will not be restricted from making investments in the securities of certain companies in which Mr. Icahn or companies he controlled had an interest as of the date of the initial launch of the Private Funds, and companies in which we had an interest on August 8, 2007, the date of acquisition. We and our subsidiaries, either alone or acting together with a group, will not be restricted from (i) acquiring all or any portion of the assets of any public company in connection with a negotiated transaction or series of related negotiated transactions or (ii) engaging in a negotiated merger transaction with a public company and, pursuant thereto, conducting and completing a tender offer for securities of the company. In addition, Mr. Icahn and his affiliates (other than Icahn Enterprises, Icahn Enterprises Holdings and their subsidiaries) continue to have the right to co-invest with the Private Funds. We have no interest in, nor do we generate any income from, any such co-investments, which have been and may continue to be substantial. The terms of the covered affiliate agreement may be amended, modified or waived with our consent and the consent of each of the Private Funds, provided, however, that a majority of the members of an investor committee maintained for certain of the Private Funds may (with our consent) amend, modify or waive any provision of the covered affiliate agreement with respect to any particular transaction or series of related transactions.
Competition
The investment management industry is intensely competitive, with competition based on a variety of factors, including investment performance, the quality and experience of investment professionals and business
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reputation. The Private Funds compete for fund investors, investment opportunities and talent with other hedge funds, private equity funds, specialized funds, traditional asset managers, commercial banks and other financial institutions.
Employees
Our Investment Management business is supported by an experienced team of 32 professionals as of December 31, 2008, including an investment, legal and operations group, which substantially consists of the same individuals supporting the Private Funds’ operations prior to the acquisition. In many cases, team members have worked together successfully and have provided business, investing and legal services for a number of years with respect to the Private Funds’ operations.
Automotive
Background
Federal-Mogul is a leading global supplier of technology and innovation in vehicle and industrial products for fuel economy, alternative energies, environment and safety systems. Federal-Mogul’s principal customers include the world’s foremost original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs, of automotive, light commercial, heavy-duty, industrial, agricultural, aerospace, marine, rail and off-road vehicles, as well as the worldwide aftermarket. Federal-Mogul’s leading technology and innovation, lean manufacturing expertise, as well as marketing and distribution deliver world-class products, brands and services with quality excellence at a competitive cost. Federal-Mogul has established a global presence and conducts its operations through various manufacturing, distribution and technical centers that are wholly owned subsidiaries or partially owned joint ventures, organized into five product groups: Powertrain Energy, Powertrain Sealing and Bearings, Vehicle Safety and Protection, Automotive Products and Global Aftermarket. Federal-Mogul offers its customers a diverse array of market-leading products for OEMs, and replacement parts, or aftermarket, applications.
Federal-Mogul has operations in 36 countries and, accordingly, all of Federal-Mogul’s product groups derive sales from both domestic and international markets. The attendant risks of Federal-Mogul’s international operations are primarily related to currency fluctuations, changes in local economic and political conditions, and changes in laws and regulations.
Federal-Mogul derives significant sales from both the original equipment, or OE, market and the aftermarket. Federal-Mogul seeks to participate in both of these markets by leveraging its original equipment product engineering and development capability, manufacturing excellence, and expertise to manage a broad and deep range of replacement parts to service the aftermarket. Federal-Mogul believes that it is uniquely positioned to offer premium brands, OE replacement and entry level products for all Global Aftermarket customers. Federal-Mogul is the OE technology market share leader in several product groups. Therefore, Federal-Mogul can be first to the aftermarket with new products, service expertise and customer support. As of December 31, 2008, Federal-Mogul had current OEM products included on approximately 300 global vehicle platforms and more than 700 global powertrains used in light, medium and heavy-duty vehicles. This broad range of vehicle and powertrain applications reinforces Federal-Mogul’s belief in its unique marketing position.
Federal-Mogul is a reporting company under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, and files annual, quarterly and current reports. Each of these reports is separately filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, and is publicly available.
Strategy
Federal-Mogul’s strategy is to develop and deliver leading technology and innovation which results in market share expansion in the OE and aftermarket replacement markets. Federal-Mogul assesses individual opportunities to execute its strategy based upon estimated sales and margin growth, cost reduction potential, internal investment returns and other criteria, and makes investment decisions on a case-by-case basis. Opportunities meeting or exceeding benchmark return criteria may be undertaken through research and development activities, acquisitions, joint ventures and other strategic alliances, or restructuring activities as further discussed below.
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Research and Development
Federal-Mogul maintains technical centers throughout the world designed to:
| • | provide solutions for customers and bring new, innovative products to market; |
| • | integrate Federal-Mogul’s leading technologies into advanced products and processes; |
| • | provide engineering support for all of Federal-Mogul’s manufacturing sites; and |
| • | provide technological expertise in engineering and design development. |
Federal-Mogul’s research and development activities are conducted at its research and development locations. Within the United States, these centers are located in Plymouth, Michigan; Skokie, Illinois; Ann Arbor, Michigan; Exton, Pennsylvania; and Toledo, Ohio. Internationally, Federal-Mogul’s research and development centers are located in Burscheid, Germany; Nuremberg, Germany; Wiesbaden, Germany; Bad Camberg, Germany; Chapel, United Kingdom; Crepy, France; and Yokohama, Japan. Federal-Mogul’s newest technical center in Shanghai, China is expected to open during the second quarter of the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009, or fiscal 2009.
Each of Federal-Mogul’s business units is engaged in engineering, research and development efforts working closely with customers to develop custom solutions to meet their needs. Total expenditures for research and development activities, including product engineering and validation costs, were $173 million, $178 million and $162 million for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. As a percentage of OE sales, research and development was 4% for each of the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.
Joint Ventures and Other Strategic Alliances
Joint ventures and other strategic alliances represent an important element of Federal-Mogul’s business strategy. Federal-Mogul forms joint ventures and strategic alliances to gain share in emerging markets, facilitate the exchange of technical information and development of new products, extend current product offerings, provide best cost manufacturing operations and broaden its customer base. Federal-Mogul believes that certain of its joint ventures have provided, and will continue to provide, opportunities to expand business relationships with Asian and other OEMs operating in “BRIC” growth markets of Brazil, Russia, India and China. Federal-Mogul is currently involved in 31 joint ventures located in 12 different countries throughout the world, including China, India, Korea, Russia and Turkey.
Restructuring Activities
Federal-Mogul, as part of the sustainable global profitable growth strategy, has undertaken various restructuring activities to streamline its operations, consolidate and take advantage of available capacity and resources, and ultimately achieve cost reductions. These restructuring activities include efforts to integrate and rationalize businesses and to relocate manufacturing operations to best cost countries. Such activities have resulted in the redeployment of human and capital resources to Federal-Mogul’s core businesses.
An unprecedented downturn in the global automotive industry and global financial markets led Federal-Mogul to announce, in September 2008 and December 2008, certain restructuring actions designed to improve operating performance and respond to increasingly challenging conditions in the global automotive market. This plan, when combined with other workforce adjustments, is expected to reduce Federal-Mogul’s global workforce by approximately 8,600 positions. Federal-Mogul continues to solidify certain components of this plan, and will announce those components as plans are finalized. For the period March 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008, Federal-Mogul has recorded $127 million in restructuring charges associated with this plan and expects to incur additional restructuring charges up to $37 million through fiscal 2010. As the significant majority of the costs expected to be incurred in relation to this plan are related to severance, such activities are expected to yield future annual savings at least equal to the costs incurred.
Federal-Mogul’s restructuring activities are further discussed in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and in Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8 of this report.
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Products
The following provides an overview of products manufactured and distributed by Federal-Mogul:
| • | Powertrain Energy. Powertrain Energy products are used in automotive, light truck, heavy-duty, industrial, marine, agricultural, power generation and small air-cooled engine applications. The primary products of this product group include pistons, piston rings, piston pins, cylinder liners, valve seats and guides, and transmission components. |
| • | Powertrain Sealing and Bearings. Federal-Mogul is one of the world’s leading sealing solutions and bearings providers. Product offerings include dynamic seals, bonded piston seals, combustion and exhaust gaskets, static gaskets and seals, rigid heat shields, engine bearings, industrial bearings, and bushings and washers. |
| • | Vehicle Safety and Protection. Federal-Mogul supplies friction and systems protection products and is one of the world’s largest suppliers of friction materials. Both the friction and the systems protection products are used in the automotive, motorcycle, heavy-duty, commercial/industrial aerospace, railway and consumer products markets. The primary products of this product group include brake disc pads, brake linings, brake blocks, element resistant systems protection sleeving products, and flexible heat shields. |
| • | Automotive Products. Automotive Products includes manufacturing operations for brake system components, chassis products, windshield wipers, fuel pumps, ignition and lighting products. These products are used in automotive, light truck, industrial, marine, motorcycle, power generation and small air-cooled engine markets. |
| • | Global Aftermarket. Global Aftermarket sells products manufactured within the above product groups and purchased from outside suppliers to the independent automotive, heavy-duty and commercial/industrial replacement markets. |
Industry
The automotive vehicle market sector and industrial, energy and transport market sector are comprised of two primary markets: the OE and OES market (collectively referred to as the OE market) in which Federal-Mogul’s products are used in the manufacture of new products and for manufacturer service replacement parts, and the aftermarket in which Federal-Mogul’s products are used as replacement parts for current production and previous models through the independent aftermarket or other service distribution channels.
The OE Market. Demand for automotive parts in the OE market is generally a function of the number of new vehicles produced, which is driven by macro-economic factors such as interest rates, fuel prices, consumer confidence, employment trends, regulatory requirements and trade agreements. Although OE demand is tied to planned vehicle production, parts suppliers also have the opportunity to grow through increasing their product content per vehicle, by increasing market share with existing customers, and by expanding into new or emerging markets. Companies with a global presence, leading technology and innovation, and advanced engineering, manufacturing and customer support capabilities are best positioned to take advantage of these opportunities.
The Aftermarket Business. Global Aftermarket products for current production and previous models are sold directly to a wide range of distributors, retail parts stores and mass merchants who distribute these products to professional service providers and “do-it-yourself” consumers. Demand for aftermarket products is driven by the duration of OE parts, the number of vehicles in operation, the average age of the vehicle fleet and vehicle usage (measured by miles driven). Although the number of vehicles on the road and different models available continue to increase, the aftermarket has experienced softness due to increases in average useful lives of automotive parts resulting from continued technological advancements and resulting improvements in durability.
Customers
Federal-Mogul supplies OEMs with a wide variety of technologically innovative parts, essentially all of which are manufactured by Federal-Mogul. Federal-Mogul’s OE customers consist of automotive and heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers as well as agricultural, off-highway, marine, railroad, aerospace, high performance
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and industrial application manufacturers. Federal-Mogul has well-established relationships with substantially all major American, European and Asian automotive OEMs.
Federal-Mogul’s aftermarket customers include independent warehouse distributors who redistribute products to local parts suppliers, distributors of heavy-duty vehicular parts, engine rebuilders, retail parts stores and mass merchants. The breadth of Federal-Mogul’s product lines, the strength of its leading brand names, marketing expertise, sizable sales force, and its distribution and logistics capability, are central to Federal-Mogul’s Global Aftermarket operations.
No individual customer accounted for more than 6% of segment net sales during fiscal 2008.
Competition
The global vehicular parts business is highly competitive. Federal-Mogul competes with many independent manufacturers and distributors of component parts globally. In general, competition for sales is based on price, product quality, technology, delivery, customer service and the breadth of products offered by a given supplier. Federal-Mogul is meeting these competitive challenges by developing world-class technologies, efficiently integrating its manufacturing and distribution operations, expanding its product coverage within its core businesses, restructuring its operations and transferring production to best cost countries, and utilizing its worldwide technical centers to develop and provide value-added solutions to its customers.
Backlog
For OEM customers, Federal-Mogul generally receives purchase orders for specific products supplied for particular vehicles. These supply relationships typically extend over the life of the related vehicle, subject to interim design and technical specification revisions, and do not require the customer to purchase a minimum quantity. In addition to customary commercial terms and conditions, purchase orders generally provide for annual price reductions based upon expected productivity improvements and other factors. Customers typically retain the right to terminate purchase orders, but Federal-Mogul generally cannot terminate purchase orders. OEM order fulfillment is typically manufactured in response to customer purchase order releases, and Federal-Mogul ships directly from a manufacturing location to the customer for use in vehicle production and assembly. Accordingly, Federal-Mogul’s manufacturing locations do not typically maintain significant finished goods inventory, but rather produce from on-hand raw materials and work-in-process inventory within relatively short manufacturing cycles. A significant risk to Federal-Mogul is lower than expected vehicle production by one or more of its OEM customers or termination of the business based upon perceived or actual shortfalls in delivery, quality or value.
For its Global Aftermarket customers, Federal-Mogul generally establishes product line arrangements that encompass all parts offered within a particular product line. These are typically open-ended arrangements that are subject to termination by either Federal-Mogul or the customer at any time. Pricing is market responsive and subject to adjustment based upon competitive pressures and other commercial factors. Global Aftermarket order fulfillment is largely performed from finished goods inventory stocked in Federal-Mogul’s worldwide distribution network. Inventory stocking levels in Federal-Mogul’s distribution centers are established based upon historical and anticipated future customer demand.
Although customer programs typically extend to future periods, and although there is an expectation that Federal-Mogul will supply certain levels of OE production and aftermarket shipments over such periods, Federal-Mogul believes that outstanding purchase orders and product line arrangements do not constitute firm orders. Firm orders are limited to specific and authorized customer purchase order releases placed with its manufacturing and distribution centers for actual production and order fulfillment. Firm orders are typically fulfilled as promptly as possible after receipt from the conversion of available raw materials and work-in-process inventory for OEM orders and from current on-hand finished goods inventory for aftermarket orders. The dollar amount of such purchase order releases on hand and not processed at any point in time is not believed to be significant based upon the timeframe involved.
Raw Materials and Suppliers
Federal-Mogul purchases various raw materials and component parts for use in its manufacturing processes, including ferrous and non-ferrous metals, synthetic and natural rubber, graphite, fibers, stampings, castings and forgings. Federal-Mogul also purchases parts manufactured by other manufacturers for sale in the
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aftermarket. Federal-Mogul has not experienced any significant shortages of raw materials, components or finished parts and normally does not carry inventories of raw materials or finished parts in excess of those reasonably required to meet its production and shipping schedules. For business and efficiency purposes, Federal-Mogul has established single sourcing relationships with some of its suppliers. However, based upon market conditions and readily available alternative supply sources, Federal-Mogul believes it could readily replace any single supply source without a material disruption to its business. In fiscal 2008, no outside supplier of Federal-Mogul provided products that accounted for more than 1% of Federal-Mogul’s net sales.
Federal-Mogul experienced material price inflation in ferrous and non-ferrous metals, chemical raw materials and energy of approximately $65 million during fiscal 2008. Federal-Mogul partially offset this impact through savings on purchasing parts, negotiated price reductions, resourcing activities and through contractual price escalators. Through its global purchase function, Federal-Mogul continues to work with its suppliers to reduce its global material costs. Given the recent downturn in global industrial output, Federal-Mogul expects that material costs will generally decline from levels seen in fiscal 2008.
Seasonality
Federal-Mogul’s business is moderately seasonal because many North American customers typically close assembly plants for two weeks in July for model year changeovers, and for an additional week during the December holiday season. Customers in Europe historically shut down vehicle production during portions of July and August and one week in December. Shut-down periods in the Asia Pacific region generally vary by country. The aftermarket experiences seasonal fluctuations in sales due to demands caused by weather patterns. Historically, Federal-Mogul’s sales and operating profits have been the strongest in the second quarter.
Employees
Federal-Mogul had approximately 43,400 employees as of December 31, 2008.
Various unions represent approximately 36% of Federal-Mogul’s U.S. hourly employees and approximately 70% of Federal-Mogul’s non-U.S. hourly employees. With the exception of two facilities in the U.S., most of Federal-Mogul’s unionized manufacturing facilities have their own contracts with their own expiration dates, and as a result, no contract expiration date may affect more than one facility.
As described above, in September 2008 and December 2008, Federal-Mogul announced a restructuring plan designed to improve operating performance and respond to increasingly challenging conditions in the global automotive market. This plan, when combined with other workforce adjustments, is expected to reduce Federal-Mogul’s global workforce by approximately 8,600 positions.
Impact of Environmental Regulations
Federal-Mogul’s operations, consistent with those of the manufacturing sector in general, are subject to numerous existing and proposed laws and governmental regulations designed to protect the environment, particularly regarding plant wastes and emissions and solid waste disposal. Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment for environmental control activities did not have a material impact on Federal-Mogul’s financial position or cash flows in fiscal 2008 and are not expected to have a material impact on Federal-Mogul’s financial position or cash flows in fiscal 2009.
Intellectual Property
Federal-Mogul holds in excess of 4,600 patents and patent applications on a worldwide basis, of which 900 have been filed in the United States. Of the approximately 4,600 patents and patent applications, approximately 30% are in production use and/or are licensed to third parties, and the remaining 70% are being considered for future production use or provide a strategic technological benefit to Federal-Mogul.
Federal-Mogul does not materially rely on any single patent, nor will the expiration of any single patent materially affect Federal-Mogul’s business. Federal-Mogul’s current patents expire over various periods up through the year 2033. Federal-Mogul is actively introducing and patenting new technology to replace formerly patented technology before the expiration of the existing patents. In the aggregate, Federal-Mogul’s worldwide patent portfolio is materially important to its business because it enables Federal-Mogul to achieve technological differentiation from its competitors.
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Federal-Mogul also maintains more than 6,000 active trademark registrations and applications worldwide. More than 90% of these trademark registrations and applications are in commercial use by Federal-Mogul or are licensed to third parties.
Metals
Background
PSC Metals is principally engaged in the business of collecting, processing and selling ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
PSC Metals collects industrial and obsolete scrap metal, processes it into reusable forms, and supplies the recycled metals to its customers, including electric-arc furnace mills, integrated steel mills, foundries, secondary smelters and metals brokers. These services are provided through PSC Metals’ recycling facilities located in eight states. PSC Metals’ ferrous products include shredded, sheared and bundled scrap metal and other purchased scrap metal such as turnings (steel machining fragments), cast furnace iron and broken furnace iron. PSC Metals also processes non-ferrous metals including aluminum, copper, brass, stainless steel and nickel-bearing metals. Non-ferrous products are a significant raw material in the production of aluminum and copper alloys used in manufacturing. PSC Metals also operates a secondary products business that includes the supply of secondary plate and pipe that is sold into niche markets for counterweights, piling and foundations, construction materials and infrastructure end-markets.
The distressed global economic conditions have affected the scrap metal industry. We cannot predict whether, or how long, current market conditions will continue to persist. However, in response to these conditions, PSC Metals has implemented various measures to align its cost structure to the current market environment. Some of these measures include significant staff reductions and salary freezes, temporary idling of major equipment and certain operations and reduced capital spending.
The Ferrous Scrap Metal Business
PSC Metals purchases processed and unprocessed ferrous scrap metal from various sources, including individuals and traditional “junk yards” and industrial manufacturers who recycle the offal from their metal-forming processes and steel mills who look to PSC Metals to remarket secondary product they would otherwise scrap. PSC Metals sets the price paid to its suppliers based on market factors such as the demand and price for processed material and on the underlying metal content of the scrap material being purchased. Changes in scrap prices can cause the collection rates of scrap to increase (when prices are higher) or decrease (when prices are lower). The variation in prices and collection rates can have a significant effect on sales volumes through PSC Metals’ scrap yards. Scrap material is processed in PSC Metals’ recycling yards where it is shredded, cut, broken, sheared and sorted into various grades for use as raw material in the steelmaking process. PSC Metals then sells processed ferrous scrap to end-users such as steel producing mini-mills and integrated steel makers and foundries, as well as brokers who aggregate materials for other large users. Additionally, a significant amount of valuable, non-ferrous metal is also recovered as a by-product of the shredding process, which is sold separately as discussed below.
Demand for processed ferrous scrap metal is highly dependent on the overall strength of the domestic steel industry, particularly producers utilizing electric-arc furnace technology. The domestic steel industry is, in turn, heavily influenced by foreign competition and demand and by overall US and global economic conditions. Most of PSC Metals’ customers purchase processed ferrous scrap through negotiated spot sales contracts, that establish the quantity purchased for the current month. The price PSC Metals charges for ferrous scrap depends upon market demand relative to the supply of scrap and scrap substitutes and transportation costs, as well as the quality and grade of the material. In many cases, PSC Metals’ selling prices also include the cost of transportation to the end user.
The Non-ferrous Scrap Metal Business
The primary non-ferrous commodities that PSC Metals recycles are aluminum, copper, brass, stainless steel and other nickel-bearing metals. The geographic markets for non-ferrous scrap tend to be larger than those for ferrous scrap due to the higher selling prices of non-ferrous metals relative to their weight, which justify the cost of shipping over greater distances. Non-ferrous scrap is typically sold on a spot basis, either
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directly or through brokers, to intermediate or end-users, which include smelters, foundries and aluminum sheet and ingot manufacturers. Prices for non-ferrous scrap are driven by demand for finished non-ferrous metal goods and by the general level of economic activity, with prices generally related to the price of the primary metal on the London Metals Exchange or the New York Commodity Exchange.
Strategy
PSC Metals’ business strategy consists of growing its core scrap yard business through expansion, ensuring a consistent supply to its customers through vertical integration by working closely with supply sources and owning distribution and transportation systems, and investing in PSC Metals’ infrastructure and operating equipment.
Raw Materials/Competition
The scrap metal recycling industry is highly competitive, cyclical in nature and commodity-based. Operating results tend to reflect and be amplified by changes in general economic conditions, which in turn drive domestic manufacturing and the consumption of scrap in the production of steel and foundry products. The demand for product and production activity of PSC Metals’ scrap consumers drives market pricing levels in PSC Metals’ ferrous and non-ferrous scrap sales. Demand is driven by mill production schedules related to regional manufacturing requirements and service center stocking levels. Due to its low price-to-weight ratio, raw ferrous scrap is generally purchased locally. Ferrous scrap prices are local and regional in nature. Where there are overlapping regional markets, however, the prices do not tend to differ significantly between the regions due to the ability of companies to ship scrap metal from one region to another. The most significant limitation on the size of the geographic market for the procurement of ferrous scrap is the transportation cost. This leads to significant fluctuations in demand and pricing for PSC Metals’ products. The secondary products business is less cyclical but is affected by the rate of secondary product generated by steel mills generating these products and the market demands in plate and pipe markets.
PSC Metals procures scrap inventory from numerous sources. These suppliers generally are not bound by long-term contracts and have no contractual obligation to sell scrap metals to us. In periods of low industry prices, suppliers may elect to hold scrap to wait for higher prices or intentionally slow their scrap collection activities. These activities will impact the volume and average pricing of scrap in PSC Metals’ scrap yard operations.
Customers
PSC Metals had one individually significant customer in fiscal 2008 that represented approximately 13% of its net sales. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of segment net sales in fiscal 2008.
Employees
As of December 31, 2008, PSC Metals employed 941 persons, including 170 employees with collective bargaining agreements.
Real Estate
Background
Our Real Estate operations consist of rental real estate, property development and associated resort activities. Our rental real estate operations consist primarily of retail, office and industrial properties leased to single corporate tenants. Historically, substantially all of our real estate assets leased to others have been net-leased under long-term leases. With certain exceptions, these tenants are required to pay all expenses relating to the leased property and, therefore, we are typically not responsible for payment of expenses, including maintenance, utilities, taxes, insurance or any capital items associated with such properties.
Our property development and resort operations are run primarily through Bayswater, a real estate investment, management and development subsidiary that focuses primarily on the construction and sale of single-family houses, multi-family homes, lots in subdivisions and planned communities and raw land for residential development. Our New Seabury development property in Cape Cod, Massachusetts and our Grand Harbor and Oak Harbor development property in Vero Beach, Florida each include land for future residential
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development of approximately 335 and 870 units of residential housing, respectively. Both developments operate golf and resort activities as well. Our long-term investment horizon and operational expertise allow us to acquire properties with limited current income and complex entitlement and development issues.
In fiscal 2008, our Real Estate segment added two net leased office buildings to our portfolio, one in Atlanta and one in Dallas, for approximately $465 million. In addition, our Real Estate segment completed a residential community in Westchester County, New York during the third quarter of fiscal 2008.
Strategy
Our Real Estate business strategy is based on our long-term investment outlook. We maximize the value of our commercial lease portfolio through effective management of existing properties and disposal of assets on an opportunistic basis. We continue to market our remaining residential product while scaling back on new construction as the residential market continues to experience an unprecedented downturn. In keeping with the Real Estate business’ strategy of investing capital to grow existing operations, we actively pursue prudent acquisitions of additional commercial and residential properties at favorable prospective returns.
Seasonality
Resort operations are highly seasonal with peak activity in Cape Cod from June to September and in Florida from November to February. Sales activity for our real estate developments in Cape Cod and New York typically peak in late winter and early spring, while in Florida our peak selling season is during the winter months.
Employees
Our Real Estate segment had approximately 400 full- and part-time employees as of December 31, 2008, which fluctuates due to the seasonal nature of certain of our businesses. No employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements.
Home Fashion
Background
We conduct our Home Fashion operations through our interest in WestPoint International Inc., or WPI, a manufacturer and distributor of home fashion consumer products based in New York, NY. On August 8, 2005, WPI and its subsidiaries completed the purchase of substantially all the assets of WestPoint Stevens Inc., or WPS, and certain of its subsidiaries pursuant to an asset purchase agreement, or the Purchase Agreement, approved by The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York in connection with Chapter 11 proceedings of WPS. WPS was a premier manufacturer and marketer of bed and bath home fashions supplying leading U.S. retailers and institutional customers. Before the asset purchase transaction, WPI did not have any operations.
On August 8, 2005, we acquired 13.2 million, or 67.7%, of the 19.5 million outstanding common shares of WPI. Pursuant to the asset purchase agreement between WPI and WPS, rights to subscribe for an additional 10.5 million shares of common stock at a price of $8.772 per share, or the rights offering, were allocated among former creditors of WPS. Depending upon the extent to which the other holders exercise certain subscription rights, we may acquire additional shares and may beneficially own between 15.7 million and 23.7 million shares of WPI common stock representing between 52.3% and 79.0%, respectively, of the 30.0 million common shares that would then be outstanding.
On December 20, 2006, we acquired: (a) 1,000,000 shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock of WPI for a purchase price of $100 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $100.0 million, and (b) 1,000,000 shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock of WPI for a purchase price of $100 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $100.0 million. Each of the Series A-1 and Series A-2 Preferred Stock has a 4.50% annual dividend, which is paid quarterly. For the first two years after issuance, the dividends are to be paid in the form of additional preferred stock. Thereafter, the dividends are to be paid in cash or in additional preferred stock at the option of WPI. Each of the Series A-1 and Series A-2 Preferred Stock is convertible into common shares of WPI at a rate of $10.50 per share, subject to certain anti-dilution provisions; provided, however, that under certain circumstances, $92.1 million of the Series A-2 Preferred Stock may be converted at a rate of $8.772 per share.
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WPI has its own board of directors and audit committee. We are the only holders of WPI’s preferred stock, and, in accordance with its terms, we have the right to elect six of the ten directors of the WPI board of directors. None of the independent directors of the board of directors of Icahn Enterprises GP serves on the WPI board of directors.
Depending on the outcome of currently pending litigation, we may own less than a majority of WPI’s shares of common stock and our ownership of the preferred stock may change. Our loss of control of WPI could adversely affect WPI’s business and the value of our investment.
We consolidated WPI as of December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 and for the period from the date of acquisition through December 31, 2008. If we were to own less than 50% of the outstanding common stock, we would have to evaluate whether we should continue to consolidate WPI and our financial statements could be materially different than those presented as of December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 and for the periods then ended. See Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” and Item 3, “Legal Proceedings”.
Business
WPI’s business consists of manufacturing, sourcing, distributing, marketing and selling home fashion consumer products. WPI differentiates itself in the $12.0 billion home fashion textile industry based on its nearly 200-year reputation for providing its customers with (1) a full assortment of home fashion products; (2) good customer service; (3) a superior value proposition; and (4) branded and private label products with strong consumer recognition. WPI markets a broad range of manufactured and sourced bed, bath and basic bedding products, including sheets, pillowcases, bedspreads, quilts, comforters and duvet covers, bath towels, bed skirts, bed pillows, flocked blankets, woven blankets and throws, and heated blankets and mattress pads. WPI continues to serve substantially all the former customers of WPS using assets acquired from WPS and through sourcing activities.
WPI manufactures and sources its products in a wide assortment of colors and patterns from a variety of fabrics, including chambray, twill, sateen, flannel and linen, and from a variety of fibers, including cotton, synthetics and cotton blends. WPI seeks to position its business as a single-source supplier to retailers of bed and bath products, offering a broad assortment of products across multiple price points. WPI believes that product and price point breadth allows it to provide a comprehensive product offering for each major distribution channel.
WPI has transitioned the majority of its manufacturing to low-cost countries and continues to maintain its corporate offices and distribution operations in the United States.
Strategy
WPI’s strategy is to increase its revenues by selling more licensed, differentiated and proprietary products to WPI’s existing customers. WPI believes that it can improve margins over time through upgraded marketing, selective product development, enhanced design and improved customer service capabilities. WPI also seeks to lower its cost of goods sold and improve its long-term profitability by reducing its dependence upon higher-cost domestic sources of manufactured products through establishing offshore manufacturing and sourcing arrangements. This may entail further U.S. plant closings in addition to those already closed. In addition, WPI is lowering its general and administrative expense by consolidating its locations and its outsourcing initiative, reducing headcount and applying more stringent oversight of expense areas where potential savings may be realized.
Brands, Trademarks and Licenses
WPI markets its products under trademarks, brand names and private labels. WPI uses trademarks, brand names and private labels as merchandising tools to assist its customers in coordinating their product offerings and differentiating their products from those of their competitors.
WPI manufactures and sells its own branded line of home fashion products consisting of merchandise bearing trademarks that include Atelier Martex®, Grand Patrician®, Martex®, Patrician®, Lady Pepperell®, Luxor®, Seduction®, Utica®, Vellux®, Baby Martex® and Chatham®.
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In addition, some of WPI’s home fashion products are manufactured and sold pursuant to licensing agreements under designer and brand names that include, among others, Lauren/Ralph Lauren, Charisma, Rachael Ray, Pink Panther, Little MissMatched and Harley Davidson.
Private label brands, also known as “store brands,” are controlled by individual retail customers through use of their own brands or through an exclusive license or other arrangement with brand owners. Private label brands provide retail customers with a way to promote consumer loyalty, as the brand is owned and controlled by WPI’s retail customers and not by WPI. As WPI’s customer base has experienced consolidation, there has been an increasing focus on proprietary branding strategies.
The percentage of WPI’s net sales derived from the sale of private label branded and unbranded products for fiscal 2008 was approximately 33%. For fiscal 2008, the percentage of WPI net sales derived from sales under brands it owns and controls was 32%, and the percentage of WPI net sales derived from sales under brands owned by third parties pursuant to licensing arrangements with WPI was 35%.
Marketing
WPI markets its products through leading department stores, mass merchants, specialty stores and institutional channels. Through marketing efforts directed towards retailers and institutional clients, WPI seeks to create products and services in direct response to recognized consumer trends by focusing on elements such as product design, product innovation, packaging, store displays and other marketing support.
WPI works closely with its major customers to assist them in merchandising and promoting WPI’s products to consumers. In addition, WPI periodically meets with its customers in an effort to maximize product exposure and sales and to jointly develop merchandise assortments and plan promotional events specifically tailored to the customer. WPI provides merchandising assistance with store layouts, fixture designs, advertising and point-of-sale displays. Advertising and a comprehensive internet website have served to enhance brand recognition and direct customers to retail outlets to purchase WPI products. WPI also provides its customers with suggested customized advertising materials designed to increase product sales. A heightened focus on consumer research provides needed products on a continual basis. WPI distributes finished products directly to retailers. The majority of WPI’s remaining sales of home fashion products are through the institutional channel, which includes hospitality and healthcare establishments, as well as laundry supply businesses.
Until October 2007, WPI also sold its own and other manufacturer’s products through 30 retail stores. On October 18, 2007, WPI entered into an agreement to sell the inventory at all of its 30 retail outlet stores and as of December 31, 2007 had terminated the majority of the leases for the 28 leased locations. The operation of the retail stores business is included in the results from discontinued operations.
Distribution
In order to gain operating efficiencies, increase supply chain visibility and to achieve substantial cost savings, WPI engaged a third-party provider of logistics services to consolidate WPI’s domestic towel and sheet warehousing and distribution operations.
Selling, General, and Administrative
WPI continues to focus on reducing its general and administrative costs by shifting its back office and manufacturing operations to offshore locations as well as outsourcing many of these job functions to third-party outsourcing providers.
Competition
The home fashion industry is highly competitive. Future success will, to a large extent, depend on WPI’s ability to be a competitive low-cost producer. WPI competes with both foreign and domestic companies on, among other factors, the basis of price, quality and customer service. In the sheet and towel markets, WPI competes with many suppliers. WPI may also face competition in the future from companies that are currently third-party suppliers to WPI. Future success depends on the ability to remain competitive in the areas of marketing, product development, price, quality, brand names, manufacturing capabilities, distribution and order processing. Additionally, the easing of trade restrictions over time has led to growing competition from low priced products imported from Asia and Latin America.
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Seasonality and Cyclicality
The home fashion industry is somewhat seasonal, with a peak sales season in the fall with respect to WPI’s blanket products. In response to this seasonality, WPI increases its blanket inventory levels during the first six months of the year to meet customer demands for the peak fall season. In addition, the home fashion industry is cyclical and performance may be negatively affected by downturns in consumer spending.
Customers
WPI had two individually significant customers in fiscal 2008 that each represented approximately 14% and 12% of its net sales. No other individual customers accounted for more than 10% of segment net sales in fiscal 2008.
Employees
WPI and its subsidiaries had approximately 2,650 employees as of December 31, 2008. Currently, approximately 1% of WPI’s employees are unionized.
Holding Company
We seek to invest our available cash and cash equivalents in debt and equity securities with a view to enhancing returns as we continue to assess further acquisitions of operating businesses. During fiscal 2008, we had a net gain on investment activity of $102 million, comprised of approximately $181 million in net realized gains and $81 million in unrealized losses.
Since acquiring our Investment Management business in fiscal 2007, we have made several investments aggregating $950 million in the Private Funds for which no special profits interest allocations (and prior to January 1, 2008, management fees) or incentive allocations are applicable. As of December 31, 2008, the total value of these investments was approximately $660 million, with an unrealized loss of $274 million for fiscal 2008. These amounts are reflected in the Private Funds’ net assets and earnings. Additionally, subsequent to December 31, 2008, we invested an additional $250 million in the Private Funds.
We conduct our activities in a manner so as not to be deemed as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the Investment Company Act. Generally, this means that we do not invest or intend to invest in securities as our primary business and that no more than 40% of our total assets will be invested in investment securities as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act. In addition, we intend to structure our investments so as to continue to be taxed as a partnership rather than as a corporation under the applicable publicly traded partnership rules of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Our Website and Access to Filed Reports
We maintain an internet website at www.ielp.com. We provide access to our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports free of charge through this website as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with the SEC. In addition, paper copies of annual and periodic reports filed with the SEC may be obtained free of charge upon written request by contacting our headquarters at the address located on the front cover of this report or under Investor Relations on the Company’s website.
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Item 1A. Risk Factors
Risks Relating to Our Structure
Our general partner and its control person could exercise their influence over us to your detriment.
Mr. Icahn, through affiliates, currently owns 100% of Icahn Enterprises GP, our general partner, and approximately 86.5% of our outstanding preferred units and approximately 91.8%of our depositary units and, as a result, has the ability to influence many aspects of our operations and affairs. Icahn Enterprises GP also is the general partner of Icahn Enterprises Holdings.
In addition, if Mr. Icahn were to sell, or otherwise transfer, some or all of his interests in us to an unrelated party or group, a change of control could be deemed to have occurred under the terms of the indentures governing our notes which would require us to offer to repurchase all outstanding notes at 101% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest and liquidated damages, if any, to the date of repurchase. However, it is possible that we will not have sufficient funds at the time of the change of control to make the required repurchase of notes.
We have engaged, and in the future may engage, in transactions with our affiliates.
We have invested and may in the future invest in entities in which Mr. Icahn also invests. We also have purchased and may in the future purchase entities or investments from him or his affiliates. Although Icahn Enterprises GP has never received fees in connection with our investments, our partnership agreement allows for the payment of these fees. Mr. Icahn may pursue other business opportunities in industries in which we compete and there is no requirement that any additional business opportunities be presented to us. We continuously identify, evaluate and engage in discussions concerning potential investments and acquisitions, including potential investments in and acquisitions of affiliates of Mr. Icahn. There cannot be any assurance that any potential transactions that we consider will be completed.
The market for our securities may be volatile.
The market for our equity securities may be subject to disruptions that could cause substantial volatility in their prices. In general, the current global economic crisis has caused substantial market volatility and unrest. Any such disruptions or continuing volatility may adversely affect the value of your securities.
Future cash distributions to our unitholders, if any, can be affected by numerous factors.
While we made cash distributions in the amount of $0.25 per depositary unit in each of the four quarters of fiscal 2008, the payment of future distributions will be determined by the board of directors of Icahn Enterprises GP, our general partner, quarterly, based on a review of a number of factors, including those described below and other factors that it deems relevant at the time that declaration of a distribution is considered.
Our ability to pay distributions will depend on numerous factors, including the availability of adequate cash flow from operations; the proceeds, if any, from divestitures; our capital requirements and other obligations; restrictions contained in our financing arrangements; and our issuances of additional equity and debt securities. The availability of cash flow in the future depends as well upon events and circumstances outside our control, including prevailing economic and industry conditions and financial, business and similar factors. No assurance can be given that we will be able to make distributions or as to the timing of any distribution. If distributions are made, there can be no assurance that holders of depositary units may not be required to recognize taxable income in excess of cash distributions made in respect of the period in which a distribution is made.
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Holders of our depositary units have limited voting rights, rights to participate in our management and control of us.
Our general partner manages and operates Icahn Enterprises. Unlike the holders of common stock in a corporation, holders of our outstanding depositary units have only limited voting rights on matters affecting our business. Holders of depositary units have no right to elect the general partner on an annual or other continuing basis, and our general partner generally may not be removed except pursuant to the vote of the holders of not less than 75% of the outstanding depositary units. In addition, removal of the general partner may result in a default under our debt securities. As a result, holders of depositary units have limited say in matters affecting our operations and others may find it difficult to attempt to gain control or influence our activities.
Holders of depositary units may not have limited liability in certain circumstances and may be liable for the return of distributions that cause our liabilities to exceed our assets.
We conduct our businesses through Icahn Enterprises Holdings in several states. Maintenance of limited liability will require compliance with legal requirements of those states. We are the sole limited partner of Icahn Enterprises Holdings. Limitations on the liability of a limited partner for the obligations of a limited partnership have not clearly been established in several states. If it were determined that Icahn Enterprises Holdings has been conducting business in any state without compliance with the applicable limited partnership statute or the possession or exercise of the right by the partnership, as limited partner of Icahn Enterprises Holdings, to remove its general partner, to approve certain amendments to the Icahn Enterprises Holdings partnership agreement or to take other action pursuant to the Icahn Enterprises Holdings partnership agreement, constituted “control” of Icahn Enterprises Holdings’ business for the purposes of the statutes of any relevant state, Icahn Enterprises and/or unitholders, under certain circumstances, might be held personally liable for Icahn Enterprises Holdings’ obligations to the same extent as our general partner. Further, under the laws of certain states, Icahn Enterprises might be liable for the amount of distributions made to Icahn Enterprises by Icahn Enterprises Holdings.
Holders of our depositary units may also have to repay Icahn Enterprises amounts wrongfully distributed to them. Under Delaware law, we may not make a distribution to holders of common units if the distribution causes our liabilities to exceed the fair value of our assets. Liabilities to partners on account of their partnership interests and nonrecourse liabilities are not counted for purposes of determining whether a distribution is permitted. Delaware law provides that a limited partner who receives such a distribution and knew at the time of the distribution that the distribution violated Delaware law will be liable to the limited partnership for the distribution amount for three years from the distribution date.
Additionally, under Delaware law an assignee who becomes a substituted limited partner of a limited partnership is liable for the obligations, if any, of the assignor to make contributions to the partnership. However, such an assignee is not obligated for liabilities unknown to him or her at the time he or she became a limited partner if the liabilities could not be determined from the partnership agreement.
To service our indebtedness and pay distributions with respect to our depositary units, we require a significant amount of cash. Our ability to maintain our current cash position or generate cash depends on many factors beyond our control.
Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness, to pay distributions with respect to our depositary units and to fund operations depends on existing cash balances and our ability to generate cash in the future. This, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.
Our current businesses and businesses that we acquire may not generate sufficient cash to service our debt. In addition, we may not generate sufficient cash flow from operations or investments and future borrowings may not be available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us to service our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs. Based on our current level of indebtedness which includes all of our unsecured senior notes and related interest payments due thereon, mortgages payable and credit facilities, approximately $429 million of indebtedness will come due in the three-year period ending December 31, 2011. We may need
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to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before maturity. We cannot assure you that we will be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all.
We are a holding company and depend on the businesses of our subsidiaries to satisfy our obligations.
We are a holding company. In addition to cash and cash equivalents, U.S. government and agency obligations, marketable equity and debt securities and other short-term investments, our assets consist primarily of investments in our subsidiaries. Moreover, if we make significant investments in operating businesses, it is likely that we will reduce the liquid assets at Icahn Enterprises and Icahn Enterprises Holdings in order to fund those investments and the ongoing operations of our subsidiaries. Consequently, our cash flow and our ability to meet our debt service obligations and make distributions with respect to depositary units and preferred units likely will depend on the cash flow of our subsidiaries and the payment of funds to us by our subsidiaries in the form of dividends, distributions, loans or otherwise.
The operating results of our subsidiaries may not be sufficient to make distributions to us. In addition, our subsidiaries are not obligated to make funds available to us and distributions and intercompany transfers from our subsidiaries to us may be restricted by applicable law or covenants contained in debt agreements and other agreements to which these subsidiaries may be subject or enter into in the future. The terms of any borrowings of our subsidiaries or other entities in which we own equity may restrict dividends, distributions or loans to us. For example, we have credit facilities for Federal-Mogul and WPI, our majority owned subsidiaries, and our real estate development properties that also restrict dividends, distributions and other transactions with us. To the degree any distributions and transfers are impaired or prohibited, our ability to make payments on our debt and to make distributions on our depositary units will be limited.
We or our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantially more debt.
We or our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. The terms of the indentures governing our 8.125% senior notes due 2012, our 7.125% senior notes due 2013 and our variable rate notes due 2013 do not prohibit us or our subsidiaries from incurring additional debt. We and Icahn Enterprises Holdings may incur additional indebtedness if we comply with certain financial tests contained in the indentures that govern these notes. As of December 31, 2008, based upon these tests, we and Icahn Enterprises Holdings cannot incur additional indebtedness. However, our subsidiaries other than Icahn Enterprises Holdings are not subject to any of the covenants contained in the indentures with respect to our senior notes, including the covenant restricting debt incurrence. If new debt is added to our and our subsidiaries’ current debt levels, the related risks that we, and they, now face could intensify.
Our failure to comply with the covenants contained under any of our debt instruments, including the indentures governing our outstanding notes, including our failure as a result of events beyond our control, could result in an event of default which would materially and adversely affect our financial condition.
If there were an event of default under one of our debt instruments, the holders of the defaulted debt could cause all amounts outstanding with respect to that debt to be due and payable immediately. In addition, any event of default or declaration of acceleration under one debt instrument could result in an event of default under one or more of our other debt instruments. It is possible that, if the defaulted debt is accelerated, our assets and cash flow may not be sufficient to fully repay borrowings under our outstanding debt instruments and we cannot assure you that we would be able to refinance or restructure the payments on those debt securities.
We may be subject to the pension liabilities of our affiliates.
Mr. Icahn, through certain affiliates, currently owns 100% of Icahn Enterprises GP and approximately 91.8% of our outstanding depositary units and 86.5% of our outstanding preferred units. Applicable pension and tax laws make each member of a “controlled group” of entities, generally defined as entities in which there are at least an 80% common ownership interest, jointly and severally liable for certain pension plan obligations of any member of the controlled group. These pension obligations include ongoing contributions to fund the plan, as well as liability for any unfunded liabilities that may exist at the time the plan is terminated. In addition, the failure to pay these pension obligations when due may result in the creation of liens in favor of the pension plan or the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, or the PBGC, against the assets of each member of the controlled group.
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As a result of the more than 80% ownership interest in us by Mr. Icahn’s affiliates, we and our subsidiaries are subject to the pension liabilities of all entities in which Mr. Icahn has a direct or indirect ownership interest of at least 80%. One such entity, ACF Industries LLC, is the sponsor of several pension plans which, as of December 31, 2008, were not underfunded on an ongoing actuarial basis but would be underfunded by approximately $80 million if those plans were terminated, as most recently reported by the plans’ actuaries. These liabilities could increase or decrease, depending on a number of factors, including future changes in promised benefits, investment returns, and the assumptions used to calculate the liability. As members of the controlled group, we would be liable for any failure of ACF to make ongoing pension contributions or to pay the unfunded liabilities upon a termination of the ACF pension plans. In addition, other entities now or in the future within the controlled group that includes us may have pension plan obligations that are, or may become, underfunded and we would be liable for any failure of such entities to make ongoing pension contributions or to pay the unfunded liabilities upon a termination of such plans.
The current underfunded status of the ACF pension plans requires ACF to notify the PBGC of certain “reportable events,” such as if we cease to be a member of the ACF controlled group, or if we make certain extraordinary dividends or stock redemptions. The obligation to report could cause us to seek to delay or reconsider the occurrence of such reportable events.
Starfire Holding Corporation, or Starfire, which is 100% owned by Mr. Icahn, has undertaken to indemnify us and our subsidiaries from losses resulting from any imposition of certain pension funding or termination liabilities that may be imposed on us and our subsidiaries or our assets as a result of being a member of the Icahn controlled group. The Starfire indemnity (which does not extend to pension liabilities of our subsidiaries that would be imposed on us as a result of our interest in these subsidiaries and not as a result of Mr. Icahn and his affiliates more than 80% ownership interest in us) provides, among other things, that so long as such contingent liabilities exist and could be imposed on us, Starfire will not make any distributions to its stockholders that would reduce its net worth to below $250 million. Nonetheless, Starfire may not be able to fund its indemnification obligations to us.
We are subject to the risk of possibly becoming an investment company.
Because we are a holding company and a significant portion of our assets may, from time to time, consist of investments in companies in which we own less than a 50% interest, we run the risk of inadvertently becoming an investment company that is required to register under the Investment Company Act. Registered investment companies are subject to extensive, restrictive and potentially adverse regulations relating to, among other things, operating methods, management, capital structure, dividends and transactions with affiliates. Registered investment companies are not permitted to operate their business in the manner in which we operate our business, nor are registered investment companies permitted to have many of the relationships that we have with our affiliated companies.
In order not to become an investment company required to register under the Investment Company Act, we monitor the value of our investments and structure transactions with an eye toward the Investment Company Act. As a result, we may structure transactions in a less advantageous manner than if we did not have Investment Company Act concerns, or we may avoid otherwise economically desirable transactions due to those concerns. In addition, events beyond our control, including significant appreciation or depreciation in the market value of certain of our publicly traded holdings or adverse developments with respect to our ownership of certain of our subsidiaries, such as our potential loss of control of WPI, could result in our inadvertently becoming an investment company. See Part II, Item 8, Note 20 “Commitments and Contingencies,” and Part I, Item 3, “Legal Proceedings,” for further discussion.
If it were established that we were an investment company, there would be a risk, among other material adverse consequences, that we could become subject to monetary penalties or injunctive relief, or both, in an action brought by the SEC, that we would be unable to enforce contracts with third parties or that third parties could seek to obtain rescission of transactions with us undertaken during the period it was established that we were an unregistered investment company.
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We may become taxable as a corporation.
We believe that we have been and are properly treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. This allows us to pass through our income and deductions to our partners. However, the Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, could challenge our partnership status and we could fail to qualify as a partnership for past years as well as future years. Qualification as a partnership involves the application of highly technical and complex provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. For example, a publicly traded partnership is generally taxable as a corporation unless 90% or more of its gross income is “qualifying” income, which includes interest, dividends, oil and gas revenues, real property rents, gains from the sale or other disposition of real property, gain from the sale or other disposition of capital assets held for the production of interest or dividends, and certain other items. We believe that in all prior years of our existence at least 90% of our gross income was qualifying income and we intend to structure our business in a manner such that at least 90% of our gross income will constitute qualifying income this year and in the future. However, there can be no assurance that such structuring will be effective in all events to avoid the receipt of more than 10% of non-qualifying income. If less than 90% of our gross income constitutes qualifying income, we may be subject to corporate tax on our net income, at a Federal rate of up to 35% plus possible state taxes. Further, if less than 90% of our gross income constituted qualifying income for past years, we may be subject to corporate level tax plus interest and possibly penalties. In addition, if we register under the Investment Company Act, it is likely that we would be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The cost of paying federal and possibly state income tax, either for past years or going forward, could be a significant liability and would reduce our funds available to make distributions to holders of units, and to make interest and principal payments on our debt securities. To meet the qualifying income test we may structure transactions in a manner which is less advantageous than if this were not a consideration, or we may avoid otherwise economically desirable transactions.
Legislation has been introduced into Congress which, if enacted, could have a material and adverse effect on us. These proposals include legislation which would tax publicly traded partnerships engaged in the Investment Management segment, such as us, as corporations. Other proposals would treat the income from carried interests, when recognized for tax purposes, as ordinary income and as not qualifying as investment income for purposes of the 90% investment income test that publicly traded partnerships must meet to be classified as partnerships. It is unclear whether such legislation will be enacted. Moreover, it is unclear what specific provisions may be enacted, including what the effective date will be, and accordingly what any such legislation’s impact will be on us. It is possible that if such legislation were enacted we would be treated as an association, taxable as a corporation, which would materially increase our taxes. As an alternative, we might be required to restructure our operations, and possibly dispose of certain businesses, in order to avoid or mitigate the impact of any such legislation.
Holders of depositary units may be required to pay tax on their share of our income even if they did not receive cash distributions from us.
Because we are treated as a partnership for income tax purposes, holders of units are generally required to pay federal income tax, and, in some cases, state or local income tax, on the portion of our taxable income allocated to them, whether or not such income is distributed. Accordingly, it is possible that holders of depositary units may not receive cash distributions from us equal to their share of our taxable income, or even equal to their tax liability on the portion of our income allocated to them.
If we discover significant deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting or at any recently acquired entity, it may adversely affect our ability to provide timely and reliable financial information and satisfy our reporting obligations under federal securities laws, which also could affect the market price of our depositary units or our ability to remain listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Effective internal and disclosure controls are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and effectively prevent fraud and to operate successfully as a public company. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, our reputation and operating results would be harmed. A “significant deficiency” is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting that is less severe than a material weakness, yet important enough to merit attention of those responsible for oversight of the registrant’s financial reporting.
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To the extent that any material weakness or significant deficiency exists in our or our consolidated subsidiaries internal control over financial reporting, such material weakness or significant deficiency may adversely affect our ability to provide timely and reliable financial information necessary for the conduct of our business and satisfaction of our reporting obligations under federal securities laws, which could affect our ability to remain listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Ineffective internal and disclosure controls could cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the trading price of our depositary units or the rating of our debt.
Since we are a limited partnership, you may not be able to pursue legal claims against us in U.S. federal courts.
We are a limited partnership organized under the laws of the state of Delaware. Under the federal rules of civil procedure, you may not be able to sue us in federal court on claims other than those based solely on federal law, because of lack of complete diversity. Case law applying diversity jurisdiction deems us to have the citizenship of each of our limited partners. Because we are a publicly traded limited partnership, it may not be possible for you to attempt to sue us in a federal court because we have citizenship in all 50 U.S. states and operations in many states. Accordingly, you will be limited to bringing any claims in state court.
Certain members of our management team may be involved in other business activities that may involve conflicts of interest.
Certain individual members of our management team may, from time to time, be involved in the management of other businesses, including those owned or controlled by Mr. Icahn and his affiliates. Accordingly, these individuals may focus a portion of their time and attention on managing these other businesses. Conflicts may arise in the future between our interests and the interests of the other entities and business activities in which such individuals are involved.
Risks Relating to Our Business
General
In addition to the following risk factors specific to each of our businesses, all of our businesses are subject to the effects of the following:
| • | the continued threat of terrorism; |
| • | continued or future economic downturn; |
| • | loss of any of our or our subsidiaries key personnel; |
| • | the unavailability, as needed, of additional financing; and |
| • | the unavailability of insurance at acceptable rates. |
Investment Management
Our Investment Management segment has been and may continue to be materially and adversely affected by conditions in the global financial markets and the economy generally.
During most of fiscal 2008, the global securities markets and the economy generally were characterized by extreme volatility and illiquidity and significant overall deterioration. These and other factors had a negative effect on the Private Funds and, therefore, our Investment Management segment. Currently, the global markets and the economic climate continue to deteriorate and experience volatility and illiquidity and these conditions could continue for a significant period of time. In the event that some or all of these conditions continue, the Private Funds could be materially and adversely affected in many different ways. Furthermore, difficult market conditions may also increase the risk of default with respect to investments held by the Private Funds that have significant debt investments. Many other factors beyond the control of our Investment Management segment may adversely affect the Private Funds, including, without limitation, rising interest rates or inflation, terrorism or political uncertainty.
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The historical financial information for our Investment Management segment is not necessarily indicative of its future performance.
The financial results of our Investment Management segment are primarily driven by AUM and the performance of the Private Funds. The historical consolidated financial information contained elsewhere in our Annual Report on Form 10-K is not indicative of the future financial results of our Investment Management segment. In particular, with respect to the historical returns of our Investment Management segment:
| • | prior to 2008, the rates of returns of certain of the Private Funds have benefited from favorable market conditions and profitable investment opportunities that did not continue into fiscal 2008 and may not occur in the future; |
| • | future returns may be affected by the risks described elsewhere in this report, including risks of the industries and businesses in which a particular Private Fund invests. |
The performance of the Private Funds and the reduction in the net assets in the Private Funds have caused a significant decline in our Investment Management segment revenue and we may not receive incentive allocations or special profits interest allocations for a significant period of time.
Our revenue from our Investment Management segment is derived principally from three sources: (1) special profits interest allocations; (2) incentive allocations earned based upon the Private Funds’ performance; and (3) gains or losses in our investments in the Private Funds. During fiscal 2008, the investment performance of the Private Funds was negative and we did not receive any special profits interest allocations or incentive allocations. The incentive allocations are subject to a “high watermark,” whereby the General Partners do not earn incentive allocations during a particular year even though the fund had a positive return in such year until losses in prior periods are recovered. In the event that a Private Fund were to continue to have negative performance, we will not receive any special profits interest allocations in future periods from such Private Fund and the amount of the Private Fund’s high watermark with respect to the incentive allocations will increase. As our Investment Management segment did not receive a special profits interest allocation or an incentive allocation in fiscal 2008 and will not receive any such allocations in future periods until a Private Fund generates profits and recovers prior losses, we have provided funds to Icahn Capital to pay for its operating expenses and may be required to continue to do so in future periods. In addition, continued negative performance could lead to additional redemptions and could make it more difficult for the Private Funds to raise new capital.
We have made significant investments in the Private Funds and negative performance of the Private Funds may result in a significant decline in the value of our investments.
We have invested an aggregate of $950 million of our capital in the Private Funds and the net asset value thereof as of December 31, 2008 is approximately $660 million. In addition, subsequent to December 31, 2008, we invested an additional $250 million in the Private Funds. The Private Funds may continue to experience negative performance, which would have a continuing negative impact on our investment.
Successful execution of the Private Funds’ activist investment activities involves many risks, certain of which are outside of our control.
The success of the Private Funds’ investment strategy may require, among other things: (i) that our Investment Management segment properly identify companies whose securities prices can be improved through corporate and/or strategic action; (ii) that the Private Funds acquire sufficient securities of such companies at a sufficiently attractive price; (iii) that the Private Funds avoid triggering anti-takeover and regulatory obstacles while aggregating their positions; (iv) that management of portfolio companies and other security holders respond positively to our proposals; and (v) that the market price of portfolio companies’ securities increases in response to any actions taken by the portfolio companies. We cannot assure you that any of the foregoing will succeed.
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The Private Funds’ investment strategy involves numerous and significant risks, including the risk that investors in the Private Funds, including us, may lose some or all of their investments in the Private Funds. This risk may be magnified due to concentration of investments and investments in undervalued securities.
Our Investment Management segment’s revenue depends on the investments made by the Private Funds. There are numerous and significant risks associated with these investments, certain of which are described in this risk factor and in other risk factors set forth herein.
Certain investment positions in which each Private Fund may have an interest may be illiquid. The Private Funds may own restricted or non-publicly traded securities and securities traded on foreign exchanges. These investments could prevent a Private Fund from liquidating unfavorable positions promptly and subject the Private Fund to substantial losses.
At any given time, a Private Fund’s assets may become highly concentrated within a particular company, industry, asset category, trading style or financial or economic market. In that event, the Private Fund’s investment portfolio will be more susceptible to fluctuations in value resulting from adverse economic conditions affecting the performance of that particular company, industry, asset category, trading style or economic market than a less concentrated portfolio would be. As a result, the Private Funds’ investment portfolio could become concentrated and its aggregate return may be volatile and may be affected substantially by the performance of only one or a few holdings.
The Private Funds seek to invest in securities that are undervalued. The identification of investment opportunities in undervalued securities is a difficult task, and there are no assurances that such opportunities will be successfully recognized or acquired. While investments in undervalued securities offer the opportunity for above-average capital appreciation, these investments involve a high degree of financial risk and can result in substantial losses. Returns generated from the Private Funds’ investments may not adequately compensate for the business and financial risks assumed.
From time to time, each Private Fund may invest in bonds or other fixed income securities, such as commercial paper and higher yielding (and, therefore, higher risk) debt securities. It is likely that a major economic recession could disrupt severely the market for such securities and may have an adverse impact on the value of such securities. In addition, it is likely that any such economic downturn could adversely affect the ability of the issuers of such securities to repay principal and pay interest thereon and increase the incidence of default for such securities.
For reasons not necessarily attributable to any of the risks set forth in this Form 10-K (for example, supply/demand imbalances or other market forces), the prices of the securities in which the Private Funds invest may decline substantially. In particular, purchasing assets at what may appear to be undervalued levels is no guarantee that these assets will not be trading at even more undervalued levels at a future time of valuation or at the time of sale.
The prices of financial instruments in which the Private Funds may invest can be highly volatile. Price movements of forward and other derivative contracts in which the Private Funds’ assets may be invested are influenced by, among other things, interest rates, changing supply and demand relationships, trade, fiscal, monetary and exchange control programs and policies of governments, and national and international political and economic events and policies. The Private Funds are subject to the risk of failure of any of the exchanges on which their positions trade or of their clearinghouses.
The use of leverage in investments by the Private Funds poses a significant degree of risk and enhances the possibility of significant loss in the value of the investments in the Private Funds.
Each Private Fund may leverage its capital if its general partner believes that the use of leverage may enable the Private Fund to achieve a higher rate of return. Accordingly, a Private Fund may pledge its securities in order to borrow additional funds for investment purposes. Each Private Fund may also leverage its investment return with options, short sales, swaps, forwards and other derivative instruments. The amount of borrowings that each Private Fund may have outstanding at any time may be substantial in relation to its capital. While leverage may present opportunities for increasing a Private Fund’s total return, leverage may increase losses as well. Accordingly, any event that adversely affects the value of an investment by a Private
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Fund would be magnified to the extent such fund is leveraged. The cumulative effect of the use of leverage by each Private Fund in a market that moves adversely to the Private Fund’s investments could result in a substantial loss to the Private Fund that would be greater than if the Private Fund was not leveraged.
In general, the use of short-term margin borrowings results in certain additional risks to the Private Funds. For example, should the securities pledged to brokers to secure any Private Fund’s margin accounts decline in value, the Private Fund could be subject to a “margin call,” pursuant to which it must either deposit additional funds or securities with the broker, or suffer mandatory liquidation of the pledged securities to compensate for the decline in value. In the event of a sudden drop in the value of any of the Private Fund’s assets, the Private Fund might not be able to liquidate assets quickly enough to satisfy its margin requirements.
Any of the Private Funds may enter into repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements. When a Private Fund enters into a repurchase agreement, it “sells” securities issued by the U.S. or a non-U.S. government, or agencies thereof, to a broker-dealer or financial institution, and agrees to repurchase such securities for the price paid by the broker-dealer or financial institution, plus interest at a negotiated rate. In a reverse repurchase transaction, the Private Fund “buys” securities issued by the U.S. or a non-U.S. government, or agencies thereof, from a broker-dealer or financial institution, subject to the obligation of the broker-dealer or financial institution to repurchase such securities at the price paid by the Private Fund, plus interest at a negotiated rate. The use of repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements by any of the Private Funds involves certain risks. For example, if the seller of securities to a Private Fund under a reverse repurchase agreement defaults on its obligation to repurchase the underlying securities, as a result of its bankruptcy or otherwise, the Private Fund will seek to dispose of such securities, which action could involve costs or delays. If the seller becomes insolvent and subject to liquidation or reorganization under applicable bankruptcy or other laws, the Private Fund’s ability to dispose of the underlying securities may be restricted. Finally, if a seller defaults on its obligation to repurchase securities under a reverse repurchase agreement, the Private Fund may suffer a loss to the extent it is forced to liquidate its position in the market, and proceeds from the sale of the underlying securities are less than the repurchase price agreed to by the defaulting seller.
The financing used by each Private Fund to leverage its portfolio will be extended by securities brokers and dealers in the marketplace in which the Private Fund invests. While the Private Fund will attempt to negotiate the terms of these financing arrangements with such brokers and dealers, its ability to do so will be limited. The Private Fund is therefore subject to changes in the value that the broker-dealer ascribes to a given security or position, the amount of margin required to support such security or position, the borrowing rate to finance such security or position and/or such broker-dealer’s willingness to continue to provide any such credit to the Private Fund. Because each Private Fund currently has no alternative credit facility which could be used to finance its portfolio in the absence of financing from broker-dealers, it could be forced to liquidate its portfolio on short notice to meet its financing obligations. The forced liquidation of all or a portion of the Private Fund’s portfolios at distressed prices could result in significant losses to the Private Fund.
The possibility of increased regulation could result in additional burdens on our Investment Management segment. Changes in tax law could adversely affect us.
In the wake of the recent global financial crisis, government and regulatory agencies in the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions have imposed certain temporary and permanent regulations and restrictions. Furthermore, as a result of highly publicized financial scandals, government officials and investors have exhibited significant concerns over the integrity of the financial markets. Accordingly, the regulatory environment in which our Investment Management segment operates is subject to further regulation in addition to the rules already promulgated. In particular, in recent years, there has been ongoing debate by U.S. and foreign governments regarding new rules and regulations for private investment funds. Our Investment Management segment may be adversely affected by the enactment of new or revised regulations, or changes in the interpretation or enforcement of rules and regulations imposed by the SEC, other U.S. or foreign governmental regulatory authorities or self-regulatory organizations that supervise the financial markets. For example, the SEC may require all hedge fund managers to register under the Investment Advisors Act of 1940. Such changes could place limitations on the type of investor that can invest in the Private Funds. Further, such changes may limit the scope of investment activities that may be undertaken by the Private Funds’ managers. Any such changes could increase the cost of our Investment Management segment’s doing business and/or materially adversely
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impact our profitability. In addition, the SEC may limit the Private Funds’ current exemption from registration as investment companies under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Additionally, the securities and futures markets are subject to comprehensive statutes, regulations and margin requirements. The SEC, other regulators and self-regulatory organizations and exchanges have taken and are authorized to take extraordinary actions in the event of market emergencies. The regulation of derivatives transactions and funds that engage in such transactions is an evolving area of law and is subject to modification by government and judicial action. The effect of any future regulatory change on the Private Funds and the Investment Management segment could be substantial and adverse.
In addition, changes in tax law could adversely affect us. Legislation has been introduced in Congress which, if enacted, could have a material and adverse effect on us. Proposals include legislation which would tax publicly traded partnerships engaged in the Investment Management segment, such as us, as corporations. Other proposals would treat the income from carried interests, when recognized for tax purposes, as ordinary income and as not qualifying as investment income for purposes of the 90% investment income test that publicly traded partnerships must meet to be classified as partnerships. It is unclear whether such legislation will be enacted. Moreover, it is unclear what specific provisions may be enacted, including what the effective date will be, and accordingly what any such legislation’s impact will be on us. It is possible that if such legislation were enacted we would be treated as an association, taxable as a corporation, which would materially increase our taxes. As an alternative, we might be required to restructure our operations, and possibly dispose of certain businesses, in order to avoid or mitigate the impact of any such legislation.
The investment management industry is intensely competitive.
The investment management industry is intensely competitive, with competition based on a variety of factors, including investment performance, the quality and experience of investment professionals and business reputation. The Private Funds compete for fund investors, investment opportunities and talent with other hedge funds, private equity funds, specialized funds, traditional asset managers, commercial banks and other financial institutions.
Several of our competitors have raised, or may raise, significant amounts of capital and many of them have investment objectives similar to the Private Funds, which may create additional competition for investment opportunities for the Private Funds and may reduce the size and duration of pricing inefficiencies that many alternative investment strategies seek to exploit. Our competitors may benefit from a lower cost of capital or have higher risk tolerance or different risk assessments, which may allow them to bid more aggressively than us.
The Private Funds may lose investment opportunities in the future if they do not match investment prices, structures and terms offered by competitors. Alternatively, the Private Funds may experience decreased rates of return and increased risks of loss if they match investment price structures and terms offered by competitors. In addition, changes in the global capital markets could diminish the attractiveness of the Private Funds relative to investments in other investment products. This competitive pressure could materially adversely affect the ability of our Investment Management segment to make successful investments for the Private Funds and reduce the AUM of the Private Funds.
These and other factors could reduce our Investment Management segment revenue and earnings and materially adversely affect our Investment Management segment.
The failure of Mr. Icahn to participate in the management of the Private Funds could have a material adverse effect on the Private Funds and on us.
The success of the Private Funds depends upon the ability of our Investment Management segment to develop and implement investment strategies that achieve the Private Funds’ investment objectives. Subjective decisions made by employees of our Investment Management segment may cause the Private Funds to incur losses or to miss profit opportunities on which the Private Funds would otherwise have capitalized. In the event that Mr. Icahn ceases to participate in the management of the Private Funds, the consequences to the Private Funds and our investment in them could be material and adverse and could lead to the premature termination of the Private Funds. In the event that Mr. Icahn dies, or is unable, by reason of illness or injury, to perform his duties as chief executive officer of the General Partners for 90 consecutive days, or for any
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reason other than death, illness or injury ceases to perform those duties, the investors in each of the Private Funds will have certain redemption rights. The occurrence of such an event could have a material adverse effect on the revenues and earnings of our Investment Management segment, and the ability of the Private Funds to maintain or grow their AUM. Such redemptions could possibly lead to a liquidation of one or more of the Private Funds and a corresponding elimination of our potential to earn special profits interest allocations and incentive allocations. The loss of Mr. Icahn could, therefore, ultimately result in a loss of substantially all of the earnings of our Investment Management segment.
The Private Funds make investments in companies we do not control.
Investments by the Private Funds include investments in debt or equity securities of publicly traded companies that we do not control. Such investments may be acquired by a Private Fund through open market trading activities or through purchases of securities from the issuer. These investments will be subject to the risk that the company in which the investment is made may make business, financial or management decisions with which our Investment Management segment disagree or that the majority of stakeholders or the management of the company may take risks or otherwise act in a manner that does not serve the best interests of the Private Fund. In addition, a Private Fund may make investments in which it shares control over the investment with co-investors, which may make it more difficult for it to implement its investment approach or exit the investment when it otherwise would. If any of the foregoing were to occur, the values of the investments by the Private Funds could decrease and our Investment Management segment revenues could suffer as a result.
The ability to hedge investments successfully is subject to numerous risks.
The Private Funds may utilize financial instruments, both for investment purposes and for risk management purposes in order to (i) protect against possible changes in the market value of a Private Fund’s investment portfolios resulting from fluctuations in the securities markets and changes in interest rates; (ii) protect a Private Fund’s unrealized gains in the value of its investment portfolios; (iii) facilitate the sale of any such investments; (iv) enhance or preserve returns, spreads or gains on any investment in the Private Fund’s portfolio; (v) hedge the interest rate or currency exchange rate on any of the Private Fund’s liabilities or assets; (vi) protect against any increase in the price of any securities our Investment Management segment anticipate purchasing at a later date; or (vii) for any other reason that our Investment Management segment deem appropriate.
The success of any hedging activities will depend, in part, upon the degree of correlation between the performance of the instruments used in the hedging strategy and the performance of the portfolio investments being hedged. Since the characteristics of many securities change as markets change or time passes, the success of our Investment Management segment’s hedging strategy will also be subject to the ability of our Investment Management segment to continually recalculate, readjust and execute hedges in an efficient and timely manner. While a Private Fund may enter into hedging transactions to seek to reduce risk, such transactions may result in a poorer overall performance for the Private Fund than if it had not engaged in such hedging transactions. For a variety of reasons, a Private Fund may not seek to establish a perfect correlation between the hedging instruments utilized and the portfolio holdings being hedged. Such an imperfect correlation may prevent the Private Fund from achieving the intended hedge or expose the Private Fund to risk of loss. A Private Fund may determine not to hedge against a particular risk because it does not regard the probability of the risk occurring to be sufficiently high as to justify the cost of the hedge. Our Investment Management segment may not foresee the occurrence of the risk and therefore may not hedge against all risks.
We are subject to third-party litigation risks attributable to our Investment Management segment that could result in significant liabilities, which could adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
Some of the tactics that the Private Funds may use involve litigation. The Private Funds could be a party to lawsuits that they initiate or that are initiated by a company in which the Private Funds invest, other shareholders, or state and federal governmental bodies. There can be no assurance that litigation, once begun, would be resolved in favor of the Private Funds.
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In addition, we will be exposed to risk of litigation by a Private Fund’s investors if our Investment Management segment’s management of the Private Funds is alleged to constitute gross negligence, willful misconduct or dishonesty or breach of contract or organizational documents. Further, the Private Funds may be subject to third-party litigation arising from investors’ dissatisfaction with the performance of the Private Funds or based on claims that it improperly exercised control or influence over portfolio investments. Our Investment Management segment may also be exposed to the risk of litigation or investigation by investors or regulators relating to transactions which presented conflicts of interest that were not properly addressed. In such actions, we would be obligated to bear legal, settlement and other costs (which may exceed our available insurance coverage). In addition, our rights to indemnification from the applicable Private Funds may be challenged.
Certain of the Private Funds are incorporated or formed under the laws of the Cayman Islands. Cayman Islands laws, particularly with respect to shareholder rights, partner rights and bankruptcy, may differ from the laws of the United States and could possibly change to the detriment of the applicable Private Fund.
The Private Funds may invest in companies that are based outside of the United States, which may expose the Private Funds to additional risks not typically associated with investing in companies that are based in the United States.
Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers (including non-U.S. governments) and securities denominated or whose prices are quoted in non-U.S. currencies pose, to the extent not successfully hedged, currency exchange risks (including blockage, devaluation and non-exchangeability), as well as a range of other potential risks, which could include expropriation, confiscatory taxation, imposition of withholding or other taxes on dividends, interest, capital gains or other income, political or social instability, illiquidity, price volatility and market manipulation. In addition, less information may be available regarding securities of non-U.S. issuers, and non-U.S. issuers may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements comparable to, or as uniform as, those of U.S. issuers. Transaction costs of investing in non-U.S. securities markets are generally higher than in the United States. There is generally less government supervision and regulation of exchanges, brokers and issuers than there is in the United States. The Private Funds may have greater difficulty taking appropriate legal action in non-U.S. courts. Non-U.S. markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures which in some markets have at times failed to keep pace with the volume of transactions, thereby creating substantial delays and settlement failures that could adversely affect the Private Funds’ performance. Investments in non-U.S. markets may result in imposition of non-U.S. taxes or withholding on income and gains recognized with respect to such securities. There can be no assurance that adverse developments with respect to such risks will not materially adversely affect the Private Funds’ investments that are held in certain countries or the returns from these investments.
The Private Funds’ investments are subject to numerous additional risks, certain of which are described below.
| • | Generally, there are few limitations set forth in the offering documents of the Private Funds on the execution of their investment activities, which are subject to the sole discretion of our Investment Management segment. |
| • | A Private Fund may buy or sell (or write) both call options and put options, and when it writes options, it may do so on a covered or an uncovered basis. When the Private Fund sells (or writes) an option, the risk can be substantially greater than when it buys an option. The seller of an uncovered call option bears the risk of an increase in the market price of the underlying security above the exercise price. The risk is theoretically unlimited unless the option is covered. If it is covered, the Private Fund would forego the opportunity for profit on the underlying security should the market price of the security rise above the exercise price. Swaps and certain options and other custom instruments are subject to the risk of non-performance by the swap counterparty, including risks relating to the creditworthiness of the swap counterparty, market risk, liquidity risk and operations risk. |
| • | The Private Funds may engage in short-selling, which is subject to a theoretically unlimited risk of loss because there is no limit on how much the price of a security may appreciate before the short |
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| position is closed out. The Private Funds may be subject to losses if a security lender demands return of the borrowed securities and an alternative lending source cannot be found or if the Private Funds are otherwise unable to borrow securities that are necessary to hedge its positions. There can be no assurance that the Private Funds will be able to maintain the ability to borrow securities sold short. There also can be no assurance that the securities necessary to cover a short position will be available for purchase at or near prices quoted in the market. |
| • | The Private Funds may effect transactions through over-the-counter or interdealer markets. The participants in such markets are typically not subject to credit evaluation and regulatory oversight as are members of exchange-based markets. This exposes the Private Funds to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Private Fund to suffer a loss. Such “counterparty risk” is accentuated for contracts with longer maturities where events may intervene to prevent settlement, or where a Private Fund has concentrated its transactions with a single or small group of its counterparties. The Private Funds are not restricted from dealing with any particular counterparty or from concentrating any or all of the Private Funds transactions with one counterparty. |
| • | Credit risk may arise through a default by one of several large institutions that are dependent on one another to meet their liquidity or operational needs, so that a default by one institution causes a series of defaults by other institutions. This systemic risk may materially adversely affect the financial intermediaries (such as prime brokers, clearing agencies, clearing houses, banks, securities firms and exchanges) with which the Private Funds interact on a daily basis. |
| • | The efficacy of investment and trading strategies depends largely on the ability to establish and maintain an overall market position in a combination of financial instruments. The Private Funds’ trading orders may not be executed in a timely and efficient manner due to various circumstances, including systems failures or human error. In such event, the Private Funds might only be able to acquire some but not all of the components of the position, or if the overall positions were to need adjustment, the Private Funds might not be able to make such adjustment. As a result, the Private Funds may not be able to achieve the market position selected by our Investment Management segment and might incur a loss in liquidating their position. |
Automotive
Adverse conditions in the automotive market adversely affect demand for Federal-Mogul’s products and expose Federal-Mogul to credit risks of its customers.
Federal-Mogul’s revenues are closely tied to global OE automobile sales, production levels and independent aftermarket parts replacement activity. The original equipment market is characterized by short-term volatility, with overall expected long-term growth in global vehicle sales and production. Automotive production in the local markets served by Federal-Mogul can be affected by macro-economic factors such as interest rates, fuel prices, consumer confidence, employment trends, regulatory and legislative oversight requirements and trade agreements. A variation in the level of automobile production would affect not only sales to OE customers but, depending on the reasons for the change, could impact demand from aftermarket customers. Federal-Mogul’s results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected if Federal-Mogul fails to respond in a timely and appropriate manner to changes in the demand for its products.
Relative to the global automotive industry, the financial stability of the United States automotive industry has been deteriorating. About 40 U.S. suppliers filed for bankruptcy in 2008, according to the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association. Several other companies have announced significant restructuring activities to eliminate excess capacity, reduce costs and achieve other benefits normally associated with restructuring activities. The automotive operations of General Motors, Ford and Chrysler have recently experienced significant operating losses, and these automakers are continuing to restructure their operations. Continued declines in the automotive production levels of Federal-Mogul’s major OE customers, particularly with respect to platforms for which Federal-Mogul is a significant supplier, could materially reduce sales and harm Federal-Mogul’s profitability.
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Accounts receivable potentially subject Federal-Mogul to concentrations of credit risk. Federal-Mogul’s customer base includes virtually every significant global automotive manufacturer, numerous Tier 1 automotive suppliers and a large number of distributors and installers of automotive aftermarket parts.
The financial distress of Federal-Mogul’s OE customers and within the supply base could significantly affect its operating performance.
During 2007 and 2008, General Motors Corporation, Ford Motor Company and Chrysler Corporation continued to lower production levels on several key platforms, due to a reduction in end-customer demand. In addition, these customers of Federal-Mogul have experienced declining market shares in North America and are continuing to restructure their North American operations in an effort to improve profitability. These U.S. automotive manufacturers are also burdened with substantial structural costs, such as pension and healthcare costs, that have impacted their profitability and labor relations. Several other global automotive manufacturers are also experiencing operating and profitability issues as well as labor concerns. In this environment, it is difficult to forecast future OE customer production schedules, the potential for labor disputes or the success or sustainability of any strategies undertaken by any of Federal-Mogul’s customers in response to the current industry environment. Additionally, given the difficult environment in the automotive industry, there is an increased risk of bankruptcies or similar events among Federal-Mogul’s OE customers. This environment may also put additional pricing pressure on suppliers to reduce the cost of products, which would reduce Federal-Mogul’s margins. In addition, cuts in production schedules are also sometimes announced by Federal-Mogul’s OE customers with little advance notice, making it difficult for Federal-Mogul to respond with corresponding cost reductions.
Federal-Mogul’s supply base has also been adversely affected by industry conditions. Lower production levels for OEMs and increases in certain raw material, commodity and energy costs have resulted in severe financial distress among many companies within the automotive supply base. Several large suppliers have filed for bankruptcy protection or ceased operations. Unfavorable industry conditions have also resulted in financial distress within Federal-Mogul’s supply base and an increase in commercial disputes and the risk of supply disruption. In addition, the adverse industry environment has required Federal-Mogul to provide financial support to distressed suppliers or take other measures to ensure uninterrupted production. While Federal-Mogul has taken certain actions to mitigate these factors, Federal-Mogul has offset only a portion of their overall impact on its operating results. The continuation or worsening of these industry conditions would adversely affect Federal-Mogul’s profitability, operating results and cash flow.
Federal-Mogul’s operations in foreign countries exposes our Automotive segment to risks related to economic and political conditions, currency fluctuations and import/export restrictions.
Federal-Mogul has manufacturing and distribution facilities in many countries. International operations are subject to certain risks including:
| • | exposure to local economic conditions; |
| • | exposure to local political conditions (including the risk of seizure of assets by foreign governments); |
| • | currency exchange rate fluctuations and currency controls; and |
| • | export and import restrictions. |
The likelihood of such occurrences and their potential effect on our Federal-Mogul are unpredictable and vary from country to country.
Certain of Federal-Mogul’s operating entities report their financial condition and results of operations in currencies other than the U.S. dollar (including, but not limited to, Brazilian real, British pound, Chinese yuan renminbi, Czech crown, euro, Indian rupee, Japanese yen, Mexican peso, Polish zloty, and Russian ruble). In reporting its consolidated statements of operations, Federal-Mogul translates the reported results of these entities into U.S. dollars at the applicable exchange rates. As a result, fluctuations in the dollar against foreign currencies will affect the value at which the results of these entities are included within Federal-Mogul’s consolidated results.
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Federal-Mogul is exposed to a risk of gain or loss from changes in foreign exchange rates whenever Federal-Mogul, or one of its foreign subsidiaries, enters into a purchase or sales agreement in a currency other than its functional currency. While Federal-Mogul reduces such exposure by matching most revenues and costs within the same currency, changes in exchange rates could impact its financial condition or results of operations.
Federal-Mogul has substantial indebtedness, which could restrict its business activities and subject Federal-Mogul to significant interest rate risk.
As of December 31, 2008, Federal-Mogul had approximately $3.0 billion of outstanding indebtedness. Federal-Mogul is permitted by the terms of its debt instruments to incur substantial additional indebtedness, subject to the restrictions therein. Federal-Mogul’s inability to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy its debt obligations, or to refinance its debt obligations on commercially reasonable terms, would have a material adverse effect on its Federal-Mogul’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Federal-Mogul’s indebtedness could:
| • | limit its ability to borrow money for working capital, capital expenditures, debt service requirements or other corporate purposes; |
| • | require Federal-Mogul to dedicate a substantial portion of its cash flow to payments on indebtedness, which would reduce the amount of cash flow available to fund working capital, capital expenditures, product development and other corporate requirements; |
| • | increase its vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions; and |
| • | limit its ability to respond to business opportunities. |
A significant portion of Federal-Mogul’s indebtedness accrues interest at variable rates. To the extent market interest rates rise, the cost of Federal-Mogul’s debt would increase, adversely affecting Federal-Mogul’s financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
Federal-Mogul is subject to possible insolvency of financial counterparties.
Federal-Mogul engages in numerous financial transactions and contracts including insurance policies, letters of credit, credit line agreements, financial derivatives (including interest rate swaps), and investment management agreements involving various counterparties. Federal-Mogul is subject to the risk that one or more of these counterparties may become insolvent and therefore be unable to discharge its obligations under such contracts.
The automotive industry is highly competitive and Federal-Mogul’s success depends on its ability to compete effectively in the market.
Federal-Mogul operates in an extremely competitive industry, driven by global vehicle production volumes and part replacement trends. Business is typically awarded to the supplier offering the most favorable combination of cost, quality, technology and service. In addition, customers continue to require periodic price reductions that require Federal-Mogul to continually assess, redefine and improve its operations, products and manufacturing capabilities to maintain and improve profitability. Federal-Mogul’s management continues to develop and execute initiatives to meet the challenges of the industry and to achieve its strategy; however, there can be no assurance that Federal-Mogul will be able to compete effectively in the automotive market.
If Federal-Mogul loses any of its executive officers or key employees, Federal-Mogul’s operations and ability to manage the day-to-day aspects of its business may be materially adversely affected.
The future performance of Federal-Mogul substantially depends on its ability to retain and motivate executive officers and key employees, both individually and as a group. If Federal-Mogul loses any of its executive officers or key employees, which have many years of experience with Federal-Mogul and within the automotive industry and other manufacturing industries, or is unable to recruit qualified personnel, its ability to manage the day-to-day aspects of its business may be materially adversely affected. The loss of the services of one or more executive officers or key employees, who also have strong personal ties with customers and suppliers, could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, and results of operations.
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The employment agreement of José Maria Alapont, Federal-Mogul’s President and Chief Executive Officer since March 1, 2005, expires on March 23, 2010. No assurances can be given that Mr. Alapont’s employment agreement will be renewed, extended or amended or that Mr. Alapont will be retained as President and Chief Executive Officer of Federal-Mogul upon expiration of his employment agreement. The loss of Mr. Alapont’s services could have a material adverse effect on Federal-Mogul’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
Federal-Mogul does not currently maintain “key person” life insurance.
Federal-Mogul may pursue acquisitions or joint ventures that involve inherent risks, any of which may cause it not to realize anticipated benefits, and Federal-Mogul may have difficulty integrating the operations of any companies that may be acquired, which may adversely affect its results of operations.
In the past, Federal-Mogul has grown through acquisitions, and may engage in acquisitions in the future as part of its sustainable global profitable growth strategy. The full benefits of these acquisitions, however, require integration of manufacturing, administrative, financial, sales, and marketing approaches and personnel. If Federal-Mogul is unable to successfully integrate its acquisitions, it may not realize the benefits of the acquisitions, the financial results may be negatively affected, or additional cash may be required to integrate such operations.
In the future, Federal-Mogul may not be able to successfully identify suitable acquisition or joint venture opportunities or complete any particular acquisition, combination, joint venture or other transaction on acceptable terms. Federal-Mogul’s identification of suitable acquisition candidates and joint venture opportunities and the integration of acquired business operations involves risks inherent in assessing the values, strengths, weaknesses, risks and profitability of these opportunities. This includes the effects on its business, diversion of management’s attention and risks associated with unanticipated problems or unforeseen liabilities, and may require significant financial resources that would otherwise be used for the ongoing development of its business.
The difficulties of integration may be increased by the necessity of coordinating geographically dispersed organizations, integrating personnel with disparate business backgrounds and combining different corporate cultures. These difficulties could be further increased to the extent Federal-Mogul pursues acquisition or joint venture opportunities internationally. Federal-Mogul may not be effective in retaining key employees or customers of the combined businesses. Federal-Mogul may face integration issues pertaining to the internal controls and operations functions of the acquired companies and also may not realize cost efficiencies or synergies that were anticipated when selecting the acquisition candidates. Federal-Mogul may experience managerial or other conflicts with its joint venture partners. Any of these items could adversely affect its results of operations.
Federal-Mogul’s failure to identify suitable acquisition or joint venture opportunities may restrict its ability to grow its business. If Federal-Mogul is successful in pursuing future acquisitions or joint ventures, it may be required to expend significant funds, incur additional debt and/or issue additional securities, which may materially adversely affect results of its operations. If Federal-Mogul spends significant funds or incurs additional debt, its ability to obtain financing for working capital or other purposes could decline and Federal-Mogul may be more vulnerable to economic downturns and competitive pressures.
Federal-Mogul’s restructuring activities may not result in the anticipated synergies and cost savings.
Federal-Mogul expects to continue to incur restructuring charges and related costs through fiscal 2010 in connection with its sustainable global profitable growth strategy. It is possible that such costs could vary from initially projected amounts or that achieving the expected synergies and cost savings will require additional costs or charges to earnings in future periods. It is also possible that the expected synergies may not be achieved. Any costs or charges could adversely impact its business, results of operations, liquidity and financial condition.
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Certain disruptions in supply of and changes in the competitive environment for raw materials could adversely affect Federal-Mogul’s operating margins and cash flows.
Federal-Mogul purchases a broad range of materials, components and finished parts. Federal-Mogul also uses a significant amount of energy, both electricity and natural gas, in the production of its products. A significant disruption in the supply of these materials, supplies and energy or the failure of a supplier with whom the Company has established a single source supply relationship could decrease production and shipping levels, materially increase operating costs and materially adversely affect profit margins. Shortages of materials or interruptions in transportation systems, labor strikes, work stoppages or other interruptions to or difficulties in the employment of labor or transportation in the markets where Federal-Mogul purchases material, components and supplies for the production of products or where the products are produced, distributed or sold, whether as a result of labor strife, war, further acts of terrorism or otherwise, in each case may adversely affect profitability.
In recent periods there have been significant fluctuations in the prices of aluminum, copper, lead, platinum group metals, resins, steel and energy which have had and may continue to have an unfavorable impact on Federal-Mogul’s business. Any continued fluctuations in the price or availability of energy and materials may have an adverse effect on Federal-Mogul’s results of operations or financial condition. To address increased costs associated with these market forces, a number of Federal-Mogul’s suppliers have implemented surcharges on existing fixed price contracts. Without the surcharge, some suppliers claim they will be unable to provide adequate supply. Competitive and marketing pressures may limit Federal-Mogul’s ability to pass some of the supply and material cost increases onto its customers, particularly with domestic vehicle manufacturers, and may prevent Federal-Mogul from doing so in the future. Furthermore, Federal-Mogul’s customers are generally not obligated to accept price increases that Federal-Mogul may desire to pass along to them. This inability to pass on price increases to customers when material prices increase rapidly or to significantly higher than historic levels could adversely affect its operating margins and cash flow, possibly resulting in lower operating income and profitability.
Federal-Mogul’s hedging activities to address commodity price fluctuations may not be successful in offsetting future increases in those costs or may reduce or eliminate the benefits of any decreases in those costs.
In order to mitigate short-term variation in operating results due to the aforementioned commodity price fluctuations, Federal-Mogul hedges a portion of near-term exposure to certain raw materials used in production processes, primarily natural gas, copper, nickel, lead, high-grade aluminum and aluminum alloy. The results of Federal-Mogul’s hedging practice could be positive, neutral or negative in any period depending on price changes in the hedged exposures.
Federal-Mogul’s hedging activities are not designed to mitigate long-term commodity price fluctuations and, therefore, will not protect from long-term commodity price increases. Federal-Mogul’s future hedging positions may not correlate to actual energy or raw materials costs, which would cause acceleration in the recognition of unrealized gains and losses on hedging positions in operating results.
Federal-Mogul is subject to a variety of environmental, health and safety laws and regulations and the cost of complying, or Federal-Mogul’s failure to comply, with such requirements may have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations.
Federal-Mogul is subject to a variety of federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations relating to the release or discharge of materials into the environment, the management, use, processing, handling, storage, transport or disposal of hazardous waste materials, or otherwise relating to the protection of public and employee health, safety and the environment. These laws and regulations expose Federal-Mogul to liability for the environmental condition of its current facilities, and also may expose Federal-Mogul to liability for the conduct of others or for Federal-Mogul’s actions that were in compliance with all applicable laws at the time these actions were taken. These laws and regulations also may expose Federal-Mogul to liability for claims of personal injury or property damage related to alleged exposure to hazardous or toxic materials in foreign countries where such liability has not been resolved through a trust pursuant to section 524(g) of the United States Bankruptcy Code. Despite Federal-Mogul’s intention to be in compliance with all such laws and
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regulations, Federal-Mogul cannot guarantee that it will at all times be in compliance with all such requirements. The cost of complying with these requirements may also increase substantially in future years. If Federal-Mogul violates or fails to comply with these requirements, Federal-Mogul could be fined or otherwise sanctioned by regulators. These requirements are complex, change frequently and may become more stringent over time, which could have a material adverse effect on its business.
Federal-Mogul’s failure to maintain and comply with environmental permits that it is required to maintain could result in fines or penalties or other sanctions and have a material adverse effect on its operations or results. Future events, such as new environmental regulations or changes in or modified interpretations of existing laws and regulations or enforcement policies, newly discovered information or further investigation or evaluation of the potential health hazards of products or business activities, may give rise to additional compliance and other costs that could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial conditions and results of operations.
Federal-Mogul is involved from time to time in legal proceedings and commercial or contractual disputes, which could have an adverse impact on its profitability and consolidated financial position.
Federal-Mogul is involved in legal proceedings and commercial or contractual disputes that, from time to time, are significant. These are typically claims that arise in the normal course of business including, without limitation, commercial or contractual disputes, including disputes with suppliers, intellectual property matters, personal injury claims, environmental issues, tax matters and employment matters. No assurances can be given that such proceedings and claims will not have a material adverse impact on its profitability and consolidated financial position.
If Federal-Mogul is unable to protect its intellectual property and prevent its improper use by third parties, its ability to compete in the market may be harmed.
Various patent, copyright, trade secret and trademark laws afford only limited protection and may not prevent Federal-Mogul’s competitors from duplicating its products or gaining access to its proprietary information and technology. These means also may not permit Federal-Mogul to gain or maintain a competitive advantage.
Any of Federal-Mogul’s patents may be challenged, invalidated, circumvented or rendered unenforceable. Federal-Mogul cannot guarantee that it will be successful should one or more of its patents be challenged for any reason. If Federal-Mogul’s patent claims are rendered invalid or unenforceable, or narrowed in scope, the patent coverage afforded to Federal-Mogul’s products could be impaired, which could significantly impede Federal-Mogul’s ability to market its products, negatively affect its competitive position and materially adversely affect its business and results of operations.
Federal-Mogul’s pending or future patent applications may not result in issued patents. Additionally, newly issued patents may not provide Federal-Mogul with meaningful protection against competitors or against competitive technologies. The United States federal courts may invalidate Federal-Mogul’s patents or find them unenforceable. Competitors may also be able to design around Federal-Mogul’s patents. Other parties may develop and obtain patent protection for more effective technologies, designs or methods. If these developments were to occur, it could have an adverse effect on its sales. If Federal-Mogul’s intellectual property rights are not adequately protected, it may not be able to commercialize its technologies, products or services and its competitors could commercialize its technologies, which could result in a decrease in Federal-Mogul’s sales and market share, and could materially adversely affect its business, financial condition and results of operations.
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Federal-Mogul’s products could infringe the intellectual property rights of others, which may lead to litigation that could itself be costly, could result in the payment of substantial damages or royalties, and could prevent Federal-Mogul from using technology that is essential to its products.
Federal-Mogul cannot guarantee that its products, manufacturing processes or other methods do not infringe the patents or other intellectual property rights of third parties. Infringement and other intellectual property claims and proceedings brought against Federal-Mogul, whether successful or not, could result in substantial costs and harm its reputation. Such claims and proceedings can also distract and divert management and key personnel from other tasks important to the success of its business. In addition, intellectual property litigation or claims could force Federal-Mogul to do one or more of the following:
| • | cease selling or using any of products that incorporate the asserted intellectual property, which would adversely affect Federal-Mogul’s revenue; |
| • | pay substantial damages for past use of the asserted intellectual property; |
| • | obtain a license from the holder of the asserted intellectual property, which license may not be available on reasonable terms, if at all; and |
| • | redesign or rename, in the case of trademark claims, products to avoid infringing the intellectual property rights of third parties, which may not be possible and could be costly and time-consuming if it is possible to do. |
In the event of an adverse determination in an intellectual property suit or proceeding, or Federal-Mogul’s failure to license essential technology, Federal-Mogul’s sales could be harmed and its costs could increase, which could materially adversely affect its business, financial condition and results of operations.
Metals
The principal markets served by our scrap metals business are highly competitive. We may have difficulty competing with companies that have a lower cost structure than ours.
Our scrap metals business operates in a highly competitive environment. We primarily provide services to industrial companies. Many other companies offer the same or similar services and compete with our metals business on a number of bases including, but not limited to: (i) price; (ii) quality of service; (iii) proximity to the consumer; (iv) proximity to sources of supply; (v) local or regional presence; (vi) technology; (vii) safety performance; and (viii) financial strength. Many of these competitors have greater financial resources than we do either nationally or in the particular locale in which they operate. Some of these competitors are larger and have more diverse businesses than we do. In addition, we also face increased competition from steel mills that are vertically integrated into the scrap metal business. Some of our foreign competitors may be able to pursue business opportunities without regard for the laws and regulations with which we must comply, such as environmental regulations. These companies may have a lower cost structure, more operating flexibility and consequently they may be able to offer better prices and more services than we can. We cannot assure you that we will be able to compete successfully with these companies. In addition to larger companies, we compete with many smaller competitors operating locally in this highly fragmented market. Some of the companies may have lower operating costs and may be able to compete more effectively on price.
Prices of commodities are volatile and markets are competitive.
We are exposed to commodity price risk during the period that we have title to products that are held in inventory for processing and/or resale. Prices of commodities, including scrap metals, can be volatile due to numerous factors beyond our control, including:
| • | general economic conditions; |
| • | labor costs; |
| • | competition; |
| • | financial condition of our major customers; |
| • | access and costs associated with transportation systems; |
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| • | the availability of imports; |
| • | the availability and relative pricing of scrap metal substitutes; and |
| • | import duties, ocean freight costs, tariffs and currency exchange rates. |
In an increasing price environment for raw materials, competitive conditions may limit our ability to pass on price increases to our consumers. In a decreasing price environment for processed scrap, we may not have the ability to fully recoup the cost of raw scrap metal we process and sell to our customers. New entrants into our markets could result in higher purchase prices for raw materials and lower margins from our scrap metals. Prices in the scrap metal industry are established and adjusted monthly by the major steel producers. The price of ferrous scrap is a significant factor influencing the profitability of the scrap metals industry.
Increases in steel imports could adversely affect the demand for scrap metals domestically.
Our scrap metals business may be adversely affected by increases in steel imports into the United States, which will have an adverse impact on domestic steel production and a corresponding adverse impact on the demand for scrap metals domestically. Additionally, our scrap metals business could be negatively affected by strengthening in the U.S. dollar or increased freight costs which could negatively impact export sales and a stronger U.S. dollar could also attract imports of scrap or scrap substitutes, reducing demand for our scrap metals.
A significant increase in the use of scrap metals alternatives by consumers of processed scrap metals could reduce demand for our products.
During periods of high demand for scrap metals, tightness can develop in the supply and demand for ferrous scrap. The relative scarcity of ferrous scrap, particularly prime or industrial grades, and its high price during such periods have created opportunities for producers of alternatives to scrap metals, such as pig iron and direct reduced iron pellets and others. Although these alternatives have not been a major factor in the industry to date, we cannot assure you that the use of alternatives to scrap metals may not proliferate in the future if the prices for scrap metals rise, if the supplies of available unprepared ferrous scrap tighten or if costs to import scrap decline precipitously.
The profitability of our scrap recycling operations depends, in part, on the availability of an adequate source of supply.
As part of our scrap metals business we procure scrap inventory from numerous sources. These suppliers generally are not bound by long-term contracts and have no obligation to sell scrap metals to us. In periods of low industry prices, suppliers may elect to hold scrap to wait for higher prices or intentionally slow their scrap collection activities. If a substantial number of scrap suppliers cease selling scrap metals to us, our scrap metals business could be materially and adversely affected. In addition, a slowdown of industrial production in the United States would reduce the supply of industrial grades of scrap metal to the scrap metals recycling industry, resulting in our scrap metals business having less scrap to process and market.
Our scrap metals business presents significant risk of injury or death.
Because of the heavy industrial activities conducted at our facilities, there exists a risk of serious injury or death to our employees or other visitors notwithstanding the safety precautions we take. Our scrap metals business is subject to regulation by federal, state and local agencies responsible for employee health and safety, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. While we have in place policies to minimize such risks, we may nevertheless be unable to avoid material liabilities for any death or injury that may occur in the future and these types of incidents may have a material adverse effect on our scrap metals business.
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Our scrap metals business is subject to stringent regulations, particularly under applicable environmental laws.
We are subject to comprehensive local, state and federal statutory and regulatory environmental requirements relating to, among others:
| • | the acceptance, storage, handling and disposal of solid, hazardous and Toxic Substances Control Act waste; |
| • | the discharge of materials into the air; |
| • | the management and treatment of wastewater and storm water; |
| • | the remediation of soil and groundwater contamination; |
| • | the restoration of natural resource damages; and |
| • | the protection of our employees’ health and safety. |
We believe that we are currently in material compliance with applicable statutes and regulations governing the protection of human health and the environment, including employee health and safety. We can give you no assurance, however, that we will continue to be in material compliance or avoid material fines, penalties and expenses associated with compliance issues in the future.
Such laws and regulations also require manifests to be completed and delivered in connection with any shipment of prescribed materials so that the movement and disposal of such materials can be traced and the persons responsible for any mishandling of such materials identified. Regulatory requirements may also be imposed as conditions of operating permits or licenses both initially and upon renewal or modification. As part of our scrap metals business, we must properly remove, handle, recycle or dispose of waste materials or incur liability. Transportation, transfer, storage and disposal of waste are difficult and accidents may occur. These laws and regulations are stringent and are likely to become more stringent. Existing and new laws and regulations may require our scrap metals business to modify, supplement, replace or curtail its operating methods or to modify or replace facilities or equipment at costs that may be substantial without any corresponding increase in revenues.
Hazardous substances are present in some of the processing, transfer and storage facilities owned or leased by our scrap metal business and landfill facilities used by our scrap metals business. Remediation may be required at these sites at substantial cost. We cannot assure you that the ultimate cost and expense of corrective action will not substantially exceed any reserves and have a material adverse impact on our scrap metals business. In addition, governments have from time to time required companies to remediate sites where materials were properly disposed because those governments have instituted higher standards.
We are required to obtain, and must comply with, various permits and licenses to conduct our scrap metals business. Failure to obtain or violations of any permit or license, if not remedied, could result in our incurring substantial fines, suspension of our scrap metals business or closure of a site. Further, our scrap metals business is conducted primarily outdoors and as such, depending on the nature of the ground cover, involves the risk of releases of wastes and other regulated materials to the soil and, possibly, to groundwater. From time to time, as part of our continuous improvement programs, we incur costs to improve environmental control systems.
Our scrap metals business may be subject to public opposition and adverse publicity that could delay or limit our scrap metals development and expansion.
A high level of public concern exists over industrial by-products recovery operations, including the location and operation of transfer, processing, storage and disposal facilities and the collection, processing or handling of industrial by-products and waste materials, particularly hazardous materials. Zoning, permit and licensing applications and proceedings and regulatory enforcement proceedings are all matters open to public scrutiny and comment. As a result, from time to time, our scrap metals business may be subject to citizen opposition and adverse publicity that may have a negative effect on operations and delay or limit the expansion and developing of operating properties, and could have a material adverse effect on our scrap metals operation.
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The economic downturn could substantially reduce the demand for our products.
Our scrap metals business is substantially dependent upon the overall economic conditions in the United States and other global markets. The economic climate could substantially decrease the demand for our scrap metals products and adversely affect our scrap metals business. Ferrous and non-ferrous scrap has been historically vulnerable to significant declines in consumption and product pricing during prolonged periods of economic downturn. The downturn in the construction, auto, industrial equipment and other industries could adversely affect the sales and profitability of our scrap metals business.
We may be unable to obtain adequate environmental insurance.
Our scrap metals business is subject to potential liability for personal injuries and property damage caused by releases of hazardous substances and for remediation of risks posed by hazardous substances. Consistent with industry trends, we may be unable to obtain an adequate amount of environmental impairment insurance for our scrap metals business at a reasonable premium to cover liability to third persons for environmental damage. Accordingly, if our scrap metals business were to incur liability for environmental damage either not provided for under such coverage or in excess of such coverage, our scrap metals business could be materially or adversely affected.
Real Estate
The economic downturn may continue to have a more adverse effect on the residential real estate market than on other industries and its recovery may lag behind the economy as a whole.
Our residential development sales activity slowed considerably in 2008, particularly for our Florida properties. The current inventory of unsold new homes in Florida is higher than in the country as a whole. Sales of our vacation properties in New Seabury, Massachusetts and Florida rely heavily on favorable credit markets and a robust economy. To the extent current conditions continue, the value of these properties may continue to decline. We cannot assure that we will be able to recoup our investments.
Our investment in property development may be more costly than anticipated.
We have invested and expect to continue to invest in unentitled land, undeveloped land and distressed development properties. These properties involve more risk than properties on which development has been completed. Unentitled land may not be approved for development. These investments do not generate any operating revenue, while costs are incurred to obtain government approvals and develop the properties. Construction may not be completed within budget or as scheduled and projected rental levels or sales prices may not be achieved and other unpredictable contingencies beyond our control could occur. We will not be able to recoup any of such costs until such time as these properties, or parcels thereof, are either disposed of or developed into income-producing assets.
We face potential adverse effects from tenant bankruptcies or insolvencies.
The bankruptcy or insolvency of tenants in our retail, industrial and office properties may adversely affect the income produced by our properties. If a tenant defaults, we may experience delays and incur substantial costs in enforcing our rights as landlord. If a tenant files for bankruptcy, we cannot evict the tenant solely because of such bankruptcy. A court, however, may authorize a tenant to reject or terminate its lease with us. We may also incur additional vacancy and other re-tenanting expense.
We may be subject to environmental liability as an owner or operator of development and rental real estate.
Under various federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations, an owner or operator of real property may become liable for the costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous substances, pollutants and contaminants released on, under, in or from its property. These laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the release of such substances. To the extent any such substances are found in or on any property invested in by us, we could be exposed to liability and be required to incur substantial remediation costs. The presence of such substances or the failure to undertake proper remediation may adversely affect the ability to finance, refinance or dispose of such
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property. We generally conduct a Phase I environmental site assessment on properties in which we are considering investing. A Phase I environmental site assessment involves record review, visual site assessment and personnel interviews, but does not typically include invasive testing procedures such as air, soil or groundwater sampling or other tests performed as part of a Phase II environmental site assessment. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that any assessments we conduct will disclose all potential liabilities or that future property uses or conditions or changes in applicable environmental laws and regulations or activities at nearby properties will not result in the creation of environmental liabilities with respect to a property.
Home Fashion
Pending legal proceedings may result in our ownership of WPI’s common stock being reduced to less than 50%. A legal action in Delaware challenges the issuance to us of the preferred stock of WPI. Uncertainties arising from these proceedings may adversely affect WPI’s operations and prospects and the value of our investment in it.
As of December 31, 2008, we owned approximately 67.7% of the outstanding shares of common stock and 100% of the preferred stock of WPI. As a result of a decision of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York reversing certain provisions of the Bankruptcy Court order pursuant to which we acquired our ownership of a majority of the common stock of WPI, the proceedings in the Bankruptcy Court on remand and the proceedings filed in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware, our percentage of the outstanding shares of common stock of WPI could be reduced to less than 50% and perhaps substantially less and our ownership of the preferred stock of WPI could also be affected.
If we were to lose control of WPI, it could adversely affect the business and prospects of WPI and the value of our investment in it. In addition, we consolidated the balance sheet of WPI as of December 31, 2008 and WPI’s results of operations for the period from the date of acquisition (August 8, 2005) through December 31, 2008. If we were to own less than 50% of the outstanding common stock or the challenge to our preferred stock ownership is successful, we would have to evaluate whether we should consolidate WPI and if so our financial statements could be materially different than as presented as of December 31, 2008, December 31, 2007 and for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.
We cannot assure you that WPI will be able to operate profitably.
WPI operated at a loss during fiscal 2008, and we expect that WPI will continue to operate at a loss during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009. We cannot assure you that it will be able to operate profitably in the future.
The loss of any of WPI’s large customers could have an adverse effect on WPI’s business.
During fiscal 2008, WPI’s two largest customers accounted for approximately 26% of its net sales. Other retailers have indicated that they intend to significantly increase their direct sourcing of home fashion products from foreign sources. The loss of any of WPI’s largest accounts, or a material portion of sales to those accounts, would have an adverse effect upon WPI’s business, which could be material.
A portion of WPI’s sales are derived from licensed designer brands. The loss of a significant license could have an adverse effect on WPI’s business.
A portion of WPI’s sales is derived from licensed designer brands. The license agreements for WPI’s designer brands generally are for a term of two or three years. Some of the licenses are automatically renewable for additional periods, provided that sales thresholds set forth in the license agreements are met. The loss of a significant license could have an adverse effect upon WPI’s business, which could be material. Under certain circumstances, these licenses can be terminated without WPI’s consent due to circumstances beyond WPI’s control.
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A shortage of the principal raw materials WPI uses to manufacture its products could force WPI to pay more for those materials and, possibly, cause WPI to increase its prices, which could have an adverse effect on WPI’s operations.
Any shortage in the raw materials WPI uses to manufacture its products could adversely affect its operations. The principal raw materials that WPI uses in the manufacture of its products are cotton of various grades and staple lengths and polyester and nylon in staple and filament form. Since cotton is an agricultural product, its supply and quality are subject to weather patterns, disease and other factors. The price of cotton is also influenced by supply and demand considerations, both domestically and worldwide, and by the cost of polyester. Although WPI has been able to acquire sufficient quantities of cotton for its operations in the past, any shortage in the cotton supply by reason of weather patterns, disease or other factors, or a significant increase in the price of cotton, could adversely affect its operations. The price of man-made fibers, such as polyester and nylon, is influenced by demand, manufacturing capacity and costs, petroleum prices, cotton prices and the cost of polymers used in producing these fibers. In particular, the effect of increased energy prices may have a direct impact upon the cost of dye and chemicals, polyester and other synthetic fibers. Any significant prolonged petrochemical shortages could significantly affect the availability of man-made fibers and could cause a substantial increase in demand for cotton. This could result in decreased availability of cotton and possibly increased prices and could adversely affect WPI’s operations.
The home fashion industry is highly competitive and WPI’s success depends on its ability to compete effectively in the market.
The home fashion industry is highly competitive. WPI’s future success will, to a large extent, depend on its ability to remain a low-cost producer and to remain competitive. WPI competes with both foreign and domestic companies on, among other factors, the basis of price, quality and customer service. In the home fashion market, WPI competes with many companies. WPI’s future success depends on its ability to remain competitive in the areas of marketing, product development, price, quality, brand names, manufacturing capabilities, distribution and order processing. We cannot assure you of WPI’s ability to compete effectively in any of these areas. Any failure to compete effectively could adversely affect WPI’s sales and, accordingly, its operations. Additionally, the easing of trade restrictions over time has led to growing competition from low priced products imported from Asia and Latin America. The lifting of import quotas in 2005 has accelerated the loss of WPI’s market share. There can be no assurance that the foreign competition will not grow to a level that could have an adverse effect upon WPI’s ability to compete effectively.
WPI has increased the percentage of its products that are made outside of the United States and is subject to additional risks relating to doing business overseas.
WPI has increased the percentage of its products that are made overseas and faces additional risks associated with these efforts. Adverse factors that WPI may encounter include:
| • | logistical challenges caused by distance; |
| • | language and cultural differences; |
| • | legal and regulatory restrictions; |
| • | the difficulty of enforcing agreements with overseas suppliers; |
| • | currency exchange rate fluctuations; |
| • | political and economic instability; and |
| • | potential adverse tax consequences. |
WPI continues to restructure its operations but these efforts may not be successful.
To improve WPI’s competitive position, WPI intends to continue to significantly reduce its cost of goods sold by restructuring some of its remaining operations in the plants located in the United States, increasing production within its non-U.S. facilities and joint venture operation and sourcing goods from lower-cost overseas facilities and vendors. There is no assurance that WPI will be successful in its continuing restructuring efforts, the failure of which could adversely impact WPI’s profitability and ability to compete effectively.
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There has been consolidation of retailers of WPI’s products that may reduce its profitability.
Retailers of consumer goods have consolidated and become more powerful over time. As buying power has become more concentrated, pricing pressure on vendors has grown. With the ability to buy imported products directly from foreign sources, retailers’ pricing leverage has increased and also allowed for growth in private label brands that displace and compete with WPI proprietary brands. Retailers’ pricing leverage has resulted in a decline in WPI’s unit pricing and margins and resulted in a shift in product mix to more private label programs. If WPI is unable to diminish the decline in its pricing and margins, it may not be able to achieve or maintain profitability.
The retail industry in the United States is highly competitive and subject to the various economic cycles of consumer demand. WPI is subject to the retailers’ demand for products as manifest by underlying consumer spending.
Retailers of consumer goods are dependent upon consumer spending. In turn, consumer spending is broadly a function of the overall economic environment. Given the weaknesses, both in the overall economy and of comparable retail store sales, the level of consumer retail spending for home textile products is likely to decline, which would have an adverse impact on WPI’s business and financial results.
WPI may incur adverse financial consequences if its retail store customers experience adverse financial results.
To the extent that WPI’s retail store company customers are faced with financial difficulties due to weakened consumer demand, depending upon the amount of business that WPI does with any such customer, WPI’s financial results may be adversely affected. This adverse impact could arise out of the potential recoverability of a receivable from a financially impaired retail store customer or from this customer doing less business with WPI. WPI believes it maintains adequate receivable reserves for specifically known events and an overall general provision for unknown circumstances. However, depending upon the magnitude of any future unknown event, these reserves may or may not be sufficient.
WPI is subject to various federal, state and local environmental and health and safety laws and regulations. If it does not comply with these regulations, it may incur significant costs in the future to become compliant.
WPI is subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations governing, among other things, the discharge, storage, handling, usage and disposal of a variety of hazardous and non-hazardous substances and wastes used in, or resulting from, its operations, including potential remediation obligations under those laws and regulations. WPI’s operations are also governed by federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to employee safety and health which, among other things, establish exposure limitations for cotton dust, formaldehyde, asbestos and noise, and which regulate chemical, physical and ergonomic hazards in the workplace. Consumer product safety laws, regulations and standards at the federal and state level govern the manufacture and sale of products by WPI. Although WPI does not expect that compliance with any of these laws and regulations will adversely affect its operations, we cannot assure you that regulatory requirements will not become more stringent in the future or that WPI will not incur significant costs to comply with those requirements.
Holding Company Investments
We may not be able to identify suitable investments, and our investments may not result in favorable returns or may result in losses.
Our partnership agreement allows us to take advantage of investment opportunities we believe exist outside of our operating businesses. The equity securities in which we may invest may include common stock, preferred stock and securities convertible into common stock, as well as warrants to purchase these securities. The debt securities in which we may invest may include bonds, debentures, notes or non-rated mortgage-related securities, municipal obligations, bank debt and mezzanine loans. Certain of these securities may include lower rated or non-rated securities which may provide the potential for higher yields and therefore may entail higher risk and may include the securities of bankrupt or distressed companies. In addition, we
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may engage in various investment techniques, including derivatives, options and futures transactions, foreign currency transactions, “short” sales and leveraging for either hedging or other purposes. We may concentrate our activities by owning significant or controlling interest in certain investments. We may not be successful in finding suitable opportunities to invest our cash and our strategy of investing in undervalued assets may expose us to numerous risks.
We have entered into a covered affiliate agreement, pursuant to which we (and certain of our subsidiaries) have agreed, in general, to be bound by certain restrictions on our investments in any assets that the General Partners deem suitable for the Private Funds, other than government and agency bonds, cash equivalents and investments in non-public companies. We and our subsidiaries will not be restricted from making investments in the securities of certain companies in which Mr. Icahn or companies he controlled had an interest in as of the date of the initial launch of the Private Funds, and companies in which we had an interest as of the date of the acquisition on August 8, 2007 of our Investment Management business. We and our subsidiaries, either alone or acting together with a group, will not be restricted from (i) acquiring all or any portion of the assets of any public company in connection with a negotiated transaction or series of related negotiated transactions or (ii) engaging in a negotiated merger transaction with a public company and, pursuant thereto, conducting and completing a tender offer for securities of the company.
Our investments may be subject to significant uncertainties.
Our investments may not be successful for many reasons including, but not limited to:
| • | fluctuations of interest rates; |
| • | lack of control in minority investments; |
| • | worsening of general economic and market conditions; |
| • | lack of diversification; |
| • | fluctuations of U.S. dollar exchange rates; and |
| • | adverse legal and regulatory developments that may affect particular businesses. |
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
There are no unresolved SEC staff comments.
Item 2. Properties
Automotive
Federal-Mogul’s world headquarters is located in Southfield, Michigan, which is a leased facility. Federal-Mogul had 219 manufacturing/technical centers, distribution and sales and administration office facilities world wide at December 31, 2008. Approximately 48% of the facilities are leased; the majority of which are distribution, warehouse, sales and administration offices. Federal-Mogul owns the remainder of the facilities.
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| Type of Facility | North America | Europe | Rest of World | Total | ||||||||||||
| Manufacturing/technical centers | 47 | 51 | 23 | 121 | ||||||||||||
| Distribution centers and warehouses | 14 | 12 | 30 | 56 | ||||||||||||
| Sales and administration offices | 12 | 10 | 20 | 42 | ||||||||||||
| 73 | 73 | 73 | 219 | |||||||||||||
The facilities range in size from approximately 100 square feet to 1.1 million square feet. Federal-Mogul’s management believes substantially all of Federal-Mogul’s facilities are in good condition and that it has sufficient capacity to meet its current and expected manufacturing and distribution needs.
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Metals
PSC Metals is headquartered in Mayfield Heights, Ohio and as of December 31, 2008, operates 31 yards, two mill service operations and two secondary products storage centers. PSC Metals’ facilities are strategically located in high volume scrap markets throughout the upper Midwestern and Southeastern United States, placing PSC Metals in proximity to both suppliers and consumers of scrap metals. A secondary products storage center is located in Smithville, Ontario.
Real Estate
Our Real Estate segment is headquartered in White Plains, New York. As of December 31, 2008, our Real Estate segment owned 31 retail, office and industrial properties, the majority of which are net leased to single corporate tenants. These primarily consist of fee and leasehold interests in 14 states. Approximately 87% of these properties are currently net-leased, 6.5% are operating properties and 6.5% are vacant as of December 31, 2008.
We own, primarily through our subsidiary, Bayswater Development LLC, residential development properties. Bayswater, a real estate investment, management and development company, focuses primarily on the construction and sale of single-family houses, multi-family homes and lots in subdivisions and planned communities and raw land for residential development.
Our residential development properties consist of our New Seabury Resort in Cape Cod, Massachusetts and the waterfront communities of Grand Harbor and Oak Harbor in Vero Beach, Florida. These communities include properties in various stages of development. We also own 400 acres of developable land adjacent to Grand Harbor.
At our New Seabury Resort we operate a golf club, with two championship golf courses, the Popponesset Inn, a private beach club, a fitness center and a tennis facility.
We also own three golf courses, a tennis complex, fitness center, beach club and clubhouses and an assisted living facility located adjacent to the Intercoastal Waterway in Vero Beach, Florida.
Home Fashion
WPI is headquartered in New York, New York. WPI’s properties are indirectly owned or leased through its subsidiaries. Its properties include approximately 85,425 square feet of leased office, showroom and design space in New York, New York. WPI leases approximately 35,424 square feet elsewhere for other administrative, storage and office space.
WPI owns and operates three manufacturing facilities located in Alabama, Florida and Maine which contain, in the aggregate, approximately 554,000 square feet and also owns a manufacturing facility in Bahrain containing approximately 833,000 square feet. The facility is located on land leased from the Kingdom of Bahrain under various long-term leases. WPI leases and operates two manufacturing facilities located in Florida and North Carolina, which contain, in the aggregate, approximately 237,000 square feet. In fiscal 2008, WPI closed the remaining Valley, Alabama bath facilities. Five manufacturing facilities remain after these closures, four in the United States and one in Bahrain.
WPI owns and operates four distribution centers and warehouses for its operations located in Alabama, Florida, Maine and North Carolina, which contain, in the aggregate, approximately 1.6 million square feet and also owns a distribution facility in Bahrain containing approximately 63,000 square feet. The facility is located on land leased from the Kingdom of Bahrain under various long-term leases. WPI leases and operates one warehouse in North Carolina, containing approximately 280,000 square feet of floor space. In fiscal 2008, WPI closed the distribution centers located in Valley and Abbeville, Alabama.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
We are from time to time party to various legal proceedings arising out of our businesses. We believe, however, that other than the proceedings discussed below, there are no proceedings pending or threatened against us which, if determined adversely, would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
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Federal-Mogul
Environmental Matters
Federal-Mogul is a defendant in lawsuits filed, or the recipient of administrative orders issued, in various jurisdictions pursuant to the Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, or CERCLA, or other similar national, provincial or state environmental laws. These laws require responsible parties to pay for remediating contamination resulting from hazardous substances that were discharged into the environment by them, by prior owners or occupants of their property, or by others to whom they sent such substances for treatment or other disposition. Federal-Mogul has been notified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, other national environmental agencies and various provincial and state agencies that it may be a potentially responsible party, or PRP, under such laws for the cost of remediating hazardous substances pursuant to CERCLA and other national and state or provincial environmental laws. PRP designation typically requires the funding of site investigations and subsequent remedial activities.
Many of the sites that are likely to be the costliest to remediate are often current or former commercial waste disposal facilities to which numerous companies sent wastes. Despite the joint and several liability that might be imposed on Federal-Mogul under CERCLA and some of the other laws pertaining to these sites, Federal-Mogul’s share of the total waste sent to these sites has generally been small. The other companies that sent wastes to these sites, often numbering in the hundreds or more, generally include large, solvent, publicly owned companies and in most such situations the government agencies and courts have imposed liability in some reasonable relationship to contribution of waste. Thus, Federal-Mogul believes its exposure for liability at these sites is limited.
Federal-Mogul has also identified certain other present and former properties at which it may be responsible for cleaning up or addressing environmental contamination, in some cases as a result of contractual commitments. Federal-Mogul is actively seeking to resolve these actual and potential statutory, regulatory and contractual obligations. Although difficult to quantify based on the complexity of the issues, Federal-Mogul has accrued amounts corresponding to its best estimate of the costs associated with such regulatory and contractual obligations on the basis of available information from site investigations and best professional judgment of consultants.
Total environmental reserves were $26 million at December 31, 2008 and are included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet. Federal-Mogul believes that such accrual will be adequate to cover its estimated liability for its exposure in respect to such matters. In the event that such liabilities were to significantly exceed the amounts recorded by Federal-Mogul, our Automotive segment’s results of operations and financial condition could be materially affected. At December 31, 2008, Federal-Mogul estimates that reasonably possible material additional losses above and beyond its best estimate of required remediation costs as recorded to be $69 million.
Other Matters
Federal-Mogul is involved in other legal actions and claims, directly and through its subsidiaries. We do not believe that the outcomes of these other actions or claims are likely to have a material adverse effect on the operating results or cash flows of our Automotive segment. However, we cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings or the ultimate impact on our investment in Federal-Mogul and its subsidiaries.
WPI Litigation
Federal Proceedings
In November and December 2005, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, or the District Court, rendered a decision in Contrarian Funds LLC v. WestPoint Stevens, Inc. et al., and issued orders reversing certain provisions of the Bankruptcy Court order, or the Sale Order, pursuant to which we acquired our ownership of a majority of the common stock of WPI. WPI acquired substantially all of the assets of WPS. The District Court remanded to the Bankruptcy Court for further proceedings.
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On April 13, 2006, the Bankruptcy Court entered a remand order, or the Remand Order, which provided, among other things, that all of the shares of common stock and rights to acquire shares of common stock of WPI issued to us and the other first lien lenders or held in escrow pursuant to the Sale Order constituted “replacement collateral.” The Bankruptcy Court held that the 5,250,000 shares of common stock that we acquired for cash were not included in the replacement collateral. The Bankruptcy Court also held that, in the event of a sale of the collateral, including the sale of the shares we received upon exercise of certain subscription rights, or the Exercise Shares, all proceeds would be distributed, pro rata, among all first lien lenders, including us, until the first lien debt was satisfied, in full. The parties filed cross-appeals of the Remand Order.
On October 9, 2007, the District Court entered an Order, or the October 9th Order, on the appeal and cross-appeal. The District Court affirmed the Remand Order but held that, as to the Exercise Shares, any sale proceeds would be divided between us and the first lien lenders (including us), generally based upon the ratio of the amount we paid to exercise the rights to the total value of the Exercise Shares on the date they were acquired. We are holders of approximately 39.99% of the outstanding first lien debt and approximately 51.21% of the outstanding second lien debt.
Each of the parties filed a notice of appeal with the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. As part of that appeal, the parties have the right to raise issues relating to the District Court’s November 2005 opinion, and the Orders entered thereon, as well as issues relating to the October 9th Order. Briefing has been completed on the appeal, oral argument was heard on November 14, 2008, and we await the court’s decision.
Delaware Proceedings
On October 3, 2007, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware in and for New Castle County, or the Chancery Court, issued a Limited Status Quo Order, or the Order, in Beal Bank, S.S.B., et al. v. WestPoint International, Inc. et al., in connection with the complaint filed on January 19, 2007, as amended, by Beal Bank, S.S.B. and certain creditors of WPS collectively, the Plaintiffs. The Order required that WPI and subsidiaries seek a further court order, obtain consent or give notice before engaging in certain actions. On October 15, 2007, the Chancery Court issued a Modified Limited Status Quo Order, or the Modified Order, modifying certain provisions of the prior order to permit WPI and its subsidiaries to conduct ordinary course of business activities without further notice, consent, or order, including (i) ordinary course of business sales and purchases provided any particular transaction does not exceed $20,000,000 and (ii) transfers of excess inventory, unused equipment and/or unused real property to an unrelated third party provided the sale price for any particular real property transaction does not exceed $30,000,000.
On June 4, 2008, the Chancery Court granted defendants’ motion for summary judgment on Plaintiffs’ claims for breach of fiduciary duty, aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty, and conversion, and dismissed those claims. The Court granted Plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment, on liability only, on Plaintiffs’ claim that WPI breached the Registration Rights Agreement, holding that WPI was obliged to proceed with the registration of its securities with the SEC. The Court denied the remainder of the parties’ summary judgment motions. In further proceedings, the Chancery Court held that because a decision of the Second Circuit on the appeal in the federal proceedings may directly affect some claims and may influence the issues to be tried on other claims in the Chancery Court, the trial should be held in Delaware after the decision by the Second Circuit. Therefore, no trial date has been set.
We continue to vigorously defend against all claims asserted in the federal and Delaware proceedings and believe that we have valid defenses. However, we cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings or the ultimate impact on our investment in WPI and its subsidiaries or the business prospects of WPI and its subsidiaries.
If we were to lose control of WPI, it could adversely affect the business and prospects of WPI and the value of our investment in it. In addition, we consolidated the balance sheet of WPI as of December 31, 2008 and WPI’s results of operations for the period the date of acquisition (August 8, 2005) through December 31, 2008. If we were to own less than 50% of the outstanding common stock or the challenge to our preferred stock ownership is successful, we would have to evaluate whether we should consolidate WPI and, if so, our consolidated financial statements could be materially different than those presented for all periods presented.
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National Energy Group, Inc.
National Energy Group, Inc., or NEGI, was informed that on February 1, 2008 a purported stockholder derivative and class action lawsuit styled Andrew T. Berger v. Icahn Enterprises LP, et al. (Case No. 3522-VCS) was filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery against NEGI, as a nominal defendant, Icahn Enterprises and various individuals, including one of our current directors, as additional defendants. We indirectly beneficially own 50.1% of the NEGI’s outstanding common stock. The complaint alleges, among other things, that certain of NEGI’s current and former officers and directors breached their fiduciary duties to NEGI and its stockholders in connection with NEGI’s previously announced November 21, 2006 sale to NEG Oil & Gas LLC, or NEG Oil & Gas, of NEGI’s former unconsolidated non-controlling 50% limited liability company interest in NEG Holding LLC, or NEG Holding, as a result of the exercise by NEG Oil & Gas of its contractual redemption option under the operating agreement governing NEG Holding.
Since the redemption of NEGI’s former interest in NEG Holding, NEGI has had no business operations and its principal assets consist of its cash and short-term investment balances, which currently aggregate $48 million. On March 14, 2008, the shareholders voted to approve the liquidation and dissolution of NEGI. NEGI filed a Form 15 with the SEC on March 26, 2008 deregistering its securities under the Exchange Act. As a result, NEGI’s status as a public company has been suspended. No cash distributions will be made to NEGI’s shareholders until the NEGI board determines that NEGI has paid, or made adequate provision for the payment of, its liabilities and obligations, including any liabilities relating to the lawsuit.
NEGI believes it has meritorious defenses to all claims and will vigorously defend the action; however, we cannot predict the outcome of the litigation on us or on our interest in NEGI.
PSC Metals
Environmental Matters
PSC Metals is subject to a variety of federal, state and local environmental, health and safety laws and regulations and the cost of complying, or PSC Metals’ failure to comply with such requirements may have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations. These laws and regulations relating to the release or discharge of materials into the environment, the management, use, processing, handling, storage, transport or disposal of hazardous waste materials, or otherwise relating to the protection of public and employee health, safety and the environment. Such laws and regulations expose PSC Metals to liability for the environmental condition of its current facilities, and also may expose PSC Metals to liability for the conduct of others or for PSC Metals’ actions that were in compliance with all applicable laws at the time these actions were taken. To the best of its knowledge, PSC Metals believes that it is currently in compliance with all such laws and regulations and intends to remain in compliance in the future. Despite its best intentions to comply at all times, however, PSC Metals may from time to time be unknowingly exposed to certain liabilities, the result of which would cause PSC Metals not to comply with certain laws and regulations. The cost of complying with these requirements may also increase substantially in future years. If PSC Metals violates or fails to comply with these requirements, PSC Metals could be fined or otherwise sanctioned by regulators. These requirements are complex, change frequently and may become more stringent over time, which could have a material adverse effect on PSC Metals’ business.
Certain of PSC Metals’ facilities are environmentally impaired in part as a result of operating practices at the sites prior to their acquisition by PSC Metals and as a result of PSC Metals’ operations. PSC Metals has established procedures to periodically evaluate these sites, giving consideration to the nature and extent of the contamination. PSC Metals has provided for the remediation of these sites based upon management’s judgment and prior experience. PSC Metals has estimated the liability to remediate these sites to be $24 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007. Management believes, based on past experience that the vast majority of these environmental liabilities and costs will be assessed and paid over an extended period of time. PSC Metals believes that it will be able to fund such costs in the ordinary course of business.
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PSC Metals has been named as a potentially responsible or liable party under U.S. federal and state superfund laws in connection with various sites. It is alleged that PSC Metals and its subsidiaries or their predecessors transported waste to the sites, disposed of waste at the sites or operated the sites in question. PSC Metals has reviewed the nature and extent of the allegations, the number, connection and financial ability of other named and unnamed potentially responsible parties and the nature and estimated cost of the likely remedy. Based on its review, PSC Metals has estimated its liability to remediate these sites to be immaterial at December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007. If it is determined that PSC has liability to remediate those sites and that more expensive remediation approaches are required in the future, PSC Metals could incur additional obligations, which could be material.
Estimates of PSC Metals’ liability for remediation of a particular site and the method and ultimate cost of remediation require a number of assumptions that are inherently difficult to make, and the ultimate outcome may differ from current estimates. As additional information becomes available, estimates are adjusted. It is possible that technological, regulatory or enforcement developments, the results of environmental studies or other factors could alter estimates and necessitate the recording of a change in liabilities, which could be material. Moreover, because PSC Metals has disposed of waste materials at numerous third-party disposal facilities, it is possible that PSC Metals will be identified as a potentially responsible party at additional sites. The impact of such future events cannot be estimated at the current time.
Other
In the ordinary course of business, we, our subsidiaries and other companies in which we invest are parties to various legal actions. In management’s opinion, the ultimate outcome of such legal actions will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
No matters were submitted to our security holders during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008.
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PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Security Holder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Our depositary units are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, under the symbol “IEP.” The range of high and low sales prices for the depositary units on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape (as reported by The Wall Street Journal) for each quarter from January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2008 is as follows:
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| Quarter Ended: | High | Low | Distributions Per Depositary Unit |
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| March 31, 2007 | $ | 128.69 | $ | 86.92 | $ | 0.10 | ||||||
| June 30, 2007 | 117.25 | 84.68 | 0.15 | |||||||||
| September 30, 2007 | 120.71 | 87.25 | 0.15 | |||||||||
| December 31, 2007 | 134.00 | 117.10 | 0.15 | |||||||||
| March 31, 2008 | 133.56 | 79.25 | 0.25 | |||||||||
| June 30, 2008 | 96.02 | 70.00 | 0.25 | |||||||||
| September 30, 2008 | 69.00 | 38.40 | 0.25 | |||||||||
| December 31, 2008 | 50.00 | 20.75 | 0.25 | |||||||||
As of December 31, 2008, there were approximately 11,000 record holders of our depositary units.
There were no repurchases of our depositary units during fiscal 2008 or fiscal 2007.
Distributions
During fiscal 2008, we paid four quarterly distributions to holders of our depositary units of $0.25 per unit.
On February 23, 2009 the board of directors of Icahn Enterprises GP approved a quarterly cash distribution of $0.25 per unit on its depositary units payable in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. The distribution is payable on March 30, 2009 to depositary unitholders of record at the close of business on March 16, 2009.
The declaration and payment of distributions is reviewed quarterly by Icahn Enterprises GP’s board of directors based upon a review of our balance sheet and cash flow, the ratio of current assets to current liabilities, our expected capital and liquidity requirements, the provisions of our partnership agreement and provisions in our financing arrangements governing distributions, and keeping in mind that limited partners subject to U.S. federal income tax have recognized income on our earnings even if they do not receive distributions that could be used to satisfy any resulting tax obligations. The payment of future distributions will be determined by the board of directors quarterly, based upon the factors described above and other factors that it deems relevant at the time that declaration of a distribution is considered. Payments of distributions are subject to certain restrictions. There can be no assurance as to whether or in what amounts any future distributions might be paid.
As of March 2, 2009, there were 74,775,597 depositary units and 12,502,254 preferred units outstanding. Our preferred units trade on the NYSE under the new symbol “IEP-P.” The preferred units represent limited partner interests in Icahn Enterprises and have certain rights and designations, generally as follows. Each preferred unit has a liquidation preference of $10.00 and entitles the holder to receive distributions payable solely in additional preferred units, at a rate of $0.50 per preferred unit per annum (which is equal to a rate of 5% of the liquidation preference of the unit) payable annually on March 31 of each year, each referred to as a payment date.
On any payment date, with the approval of our audit committee, we may opt to redeem all, but not less than all, of the preferred units for a price, payable either in all cash or by issuance of additional depositary units, equal to the liquidation preference of the preferred units, plus any accrued but unpaid distributions thereon. On March 31, 2010, we must redeem all, but not less than all, of the preferred units on the same terms as any optional redemption.
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On March 28, 2008, we distributed to holders of record of our preferred units as of March 14, 2008, 595,181 additional preferred units. Pursuant to the terms of the preferred units, on February 23, 2009, we declared our scheduled annual preferred unit distribution payable in additional preferred units at the rate of 5% of the liquidation preference of $10.00. The distribution will be paid on March 31, 2009 to holders of record as of March 17, 2009. On February 23, 2008, the board of directors approved an increase in the number of authorized preferred units to 14,100,000.
Each depositary unitholder will be taxed on the unitholder’s allocable share of our taxable income and gains and, with respect to preferred unitholders, accrued guaranteed payments, whether or not any cash is distributed to the unitholder.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
The following table contains our selected historical consolidated financial data, which should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto, and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained in this annual report on Form 10-K. The selected historical consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 and for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements at those dates and for those periods, contained elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K. The selected historical consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 and for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements at those dates and for those periods, not contained in this annual report on Form 10-K, as adjusted retrospectively for certain reclassifications of our real estate segment as held and used.
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| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | ||||||||||||||||
| (In Millions, Except Per Unit Amounts) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Statement of Operations Data: |
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| Total revenues | $ | 5,027 | $ | 2,491 | $ | 3,006 | $ | 1,528 | $ | 855 | ||||||||||
| (Loss) income from continuing operations | $ | (528 | ) | $ | 219 | $ | 311 | $ | 54 | $ | 156 | |||||||||
| Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes | 485 | 89 | 797 | 28 | 108 | |||||||||||||||
| Net (loss) earnings | $ | (43 | ) | $ | 308 | $ | 1,108 | $ | 82 | $ | 264 | |||||||||
| Net (loss) earnings attributable to: |
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| Limited partners | $ | (57 | ) | $ | 103 | $ | 507 | $ | (21 | ) | $ | 131 | ||||||||
| General partner | 14 | 205 | 601 | 103 | 133 | |||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | $ | (43 | ) | $ | 308 | $ | 1,108 | $ | 82 | $ | 264 | |||||||||
| Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) per LP Unit: |
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| (Loss) income from continuing operations | $ | (7.84 | ) | $ | 0.24 | $ | 0.02 | $ | (0.87 | ) | $ | 0.53 | ||||||||
| Income from discontinued operations | 7.04 | 1.34 | 8.20 | 0.50 | 2.31 | |||||||||||||||
| Basic and diluted (loss) earnings per LP unit | $ | (0.80 | ) | $ | 1.58 | $ | 8.22 | $ | (0.37 | ) | $ | 2.84 | ||||||||
| Weighted average LP units outstanding | 71 | 65 | 62 | 54 | 46 | |||||||||||||||
| Other Financial Data: |
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| EBITDA(1) | $ | 786 | $ | 545 | $ | 1,464 | $ | 376 | $ | 439 | ||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA(1) | 837 | 483 | 1,452 | 437 | 448 | |||||||||||||||
| Cash distributions declared, per LP Unit | 1.00 | 0.55 | 0.40 | 0.20 | — | |||||||||||||||
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| December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | ||||||||||||||||
| (In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance Sheet Data: |
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| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 2,612 | $ | 2,113 | $ | 1,884 | $ | 367 | $ | 787 | ||||||||||
| Investments | 254 | 512 | 701 | 817 | 351 | |||||||||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment, net | 2,878 | 533 | 555 | 517 | 620 | |||||||||||||||
| Total assets | 18,815 | 12,434 | 9,280 | 7,257 | 3,056 | |||||||||||||||
| Debt | 4,571 | 2,041 | 953 | 918 | 752 | |||||||||||||||
| Preferred limited partner units | 130 | 124 | 118 | 112 | 107 | |||||||||||||||
| Partners' equity | 2,398 | 2,313 | 2,832 | 1,738 | 1,787 | |||||||||||||||
| (1) | EBITDA represents earnings before interest expense, income tax (benefit) expense and depreciation, depletion and amortization. We define Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA excluding the effect of unrealized losses or gains on derivative contracts. We present EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA because we consider them important supplemental measures of our performance and believe they are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies that have issued debt, many of which present EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA when reporting their results. We present EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA on a consolidated basis, net of the effect of non-controlling interests, however we conduct substantially all of our operations through subsidiaries. The operating results of our subsidiaries may not be sufficient to make distributions to us. In addition, our subsidiaries are not obligated to make funds available to us for payment of our indebtedness, payment of distributions on our depositary units or otherwise, and distributions and intercompany transfers from our subsidiaries to us may be restricted by applicable law or covenants contained in debt agreements and other agreements to which these subsidiaries currently may be subject or into which they may enter into in the future. The terms of any borrowings of our subsidiaries or other entities in which we own equity may restrict dividends, distributions or loans to us. |
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA have limitations as analytical tools, and you should not consider them in isolation, or as substitutes for analysis of our results as reported under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or U.S. GAAP. For example, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:
| • | do not reflect our cash expenditures, or future requirements for capital expenditures, or contractual commitments; |
| • | do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs; and |
| • | do not reflect the significant interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments on our debt. |
Although depreciation, depletion and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated, depleted or amortized often will have to be replaced in the future, and EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements. Other companies in the industries in which we operate may calculate EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA differently than we do, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures. In addition, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect the impact of earnings or charges resulting from matters we consider not to be indicative of our ongoing operations.
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not measurements of our financial performance under U.S. GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net earnings or any other performance measures derived in accordance with U.S. GAAP or as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities as a measure of our liquidity. Given these limitations, we rely primarily on our U.S. GAAP results and use EBITDA only supplementally in measuring our financial performance.
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The following table reconciles net earnings to EBITDA and EBITDA to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods indicated (in millions of dollars):
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| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | ||||||||||||||||
| Net (loss) earnings | $ | (43 | ) | $ | 308 | $ | 1,108 | $ | 82 | $ | 264 | |||||||||
| Interest expense | 273 | 171 | 143 | 105 | 68 | |||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 308 | 27 | 39 | 31 | (1 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 248 | 39 | 174 | 158 | 108 | |||||||||||||||
| EBITDA | 786 | 545 | 1,464 | 376 | 439 | |||||||||||||||
| Unrealized (gains) losses on derivative contracts | 51 | (62 | ) | (12 | ) | 61 | 9 | |||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 837 | $ | 483 | $ | 1,452 | $ | 437 | $ | 448 | ||||||||||
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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is comprised of the following sections:
| (1) | Overview |
| • | Introduction |
| • | Acquisition of Controlling Interest in Federal-Mogul Corporation |
| • | Divestiture |
| • | Declaration of Distribution on Depositary Units |
| (2) | Results of Operations |
| • | Overview |
| • | Consolidated Financial Results of Continuing Operations |
| • | Investment Management |
| • | Automotive |
| • | Metals |
| • | Real Estate |
| • | Home Fashion |
| • | Holding Company |
| • | Interest Expense and Non-Controlling Interests — Automotive, Holding Company and Other |
| • | Income Taxes |
| • | Discontinued Operations |
| (3) | Liquidity and Capital Resources |
| • | Holding Company |
| • | Consolidated Cash Flows |
| • | Borrowings |
| • | Contractual Commitments |
| • | Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements |
| • | Discussion of Segment Liquidity and Capital Resources |
| • | Investment Management |
| • | Automotive |
| • | Metals |
| • | Real Estate |
| • | Home Fashion |
| • | Discontinued Operations |
| • | Distributions |
| (4) | Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates |
| (5) | Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements |
| (6) | Forward-Looking Statements |
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The following discussion is intended to assist you in understanding our present business and results of operations together with our present financial condition. This section should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes.
Overview
Introduction
Icahn Enterprises L.P., or Icahn Enterprises, is a master limited partnership formed in Delaware on February 17, 1987. We own a 99% limited partner interest in Icahn Enterprises Holdings L.P., or Icahn Enterprises Holdings. Icahn Enterprises Holdings and its subsidiaries own substantially all of our assets and liabilities and conduct substantially all of our operations. Icahn Enterprises G.P. Inc., or Icahn Enterprises GP, our sole general partner, which is owned and controlled by Mr. Carl C. Icahn, owns a 1% general partner interest in both us and Icahn Enterprises Holdings, representing an aggregate 1.99% general partner interest in us and Icahn Enterprises Holdings. As of December 31, 2008, affiliates of Mr. Icahn owned 68,644,590 of our depositary units and 10,819,213 of our preferred units, which represented approximately 91.8% and 86.5% of our outstanding depositary units and preferred units, respectively.
We are a diversified holding company owning subsidiaries engaged in the following operating businesses: Investment Management (effective August 8, 2007), Automotive (effective July 3, 2008), Metals (effective November 5, 2007), Real Estate and Home Fashion. As of December 31, 2007, we also operated discontinued operations, including our former Gaming segment. In addition to our operating businesses, we discuss the Holding Company, which includes the unconsolidated results of Icahn Enterprises and Icahn Enterprises Holdings, and investment activity and expenses associated with the activities of the Holding Company.
In accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, or U.S. GAAP, assets transferred between entities under common control are accounted for at historical cost similar to a pooling of interests, and the financial statements of previously separate companies for all periods under common control prior to the acquisition are restated on a consolidated basis.
Variations in the amount and timing of gains and losses on our investments can be significant. The results of our Real Estate and Home Fashion segments are seasonal while our Automotive segment is moderately seasonal.
Acquisition of Controlling Interest in Federal-Mogul Corporation
As described below, on July 3, 2008, Icahn Enterprises consummated the acquisition of a majority interest in Federal-Mogul Corporation, or Federal-Mogul. Federal-Mogul is a leading global supplier of parts, components, modules and systems to customers in the automotive, small engine, heavy-duty, marine, railroad, aerospace and industrial markets. Federal-Mogul has established a global presence and conducts its operations through various manufacturing, distribution and technical centers that are wholly owned subsidiaries or partially owned joint ventures, organized into five product groups: Powertrain Energy, Powertrain Sealing and Bearings, Vehicle Safety and Protection, Automotive Products and Global Aftermarket. Federal-Mogul offers its customers a diverse array of market-leading products for original equipment manufacturers, or OEM, and replacement parts (referred to as aftermarket) applications, including engine bearings, pistons, piston rings, piston pins, ignition products, fuel products, cylinder liners, valve seats and guides, sealing products, element resistant systems protection sleeving products, electrical connectors and sockets, disc pads and brake shoes, lighting, wiper and steering products. Federal-Mogul’s principal customers include most of the world’s OEMs of vehicles and industrial products and aftermarket retailers and wholesalers.
The predecessor to Federal-Mogul, or the Predecessor Company, and all of its then-existing wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions on October 1, 2001 for reorganization under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code, or the Bankruptcy Code, with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, or the Bankruptcy Court. On October 1, 2001 (referred to as the Petition Date), certain of the Predecessor Company’s United Kingdom subsidiaries (together with the U.S. Subsidiaries, referred to as the Debtors) also filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code with the Bankruptcy Court. On November 8, 2007, the Bankruptcy Court entered an Order, or the Confirmation Order, confirming the Fourth Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization for Debtors and Debtors-in-Possession (as Modified)
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(referred to as the Plan) and entered Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law regarding the Plan (referred to as the Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law). On November 14, 2007, the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, entered an order affirming the Confirmation Order and adopting the Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law. On December 27, 2007 (referred to as the Effective Date), the Plan became effective in accordance with its terms. On the Effective Date, the Predecessor Company merged with and into New Federal-Mogul Corporation whereupon (i) the separate corporate existence of the Predecessor Company ceased, (ii) New Federal-Mogul Corporation became the surviving corporation and continued to be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware and (iii) New Federal-Mogul Corporation was renamed Federal-Mogul Corporation (also referred herein as Federal-Mogul or the Successor Company).
On July 3, 2008, pursuant to a stock purchase agreement with Thornwood Associates Limited Partnership, or Thornwood, and Thornwood’s general partner, Barberry Corp, or Barberry, we acquired a majority interest in Federal-Mogul for an aggregate price of $862,750,000 (or $17.00 per share, which represented a discount to Thornwood’s purchase price of such shares). Thornwood and Barberry are wholly owned by Mr. Carl C. Icahn. Prior to our majority interest acquisition of Federal-Mogul, Thornwood owned an aggregate of 75,241,924 shares of stock of Federal-Mogul, or Federal-Mogul Shares. Thornwood had acquired such shares as follows: (i) 50,100,000 Federal-Mogul Shares pursuant to the exercise of two options on February 25, 2008 acquired in December 2007 from the Federal-Mogul Asbestos Personal Injury Trust; and (ii) 25,141,924 Federal-Mogul Shares pursuant to and in connection with Federal-Mogul’s Plan of Reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Code, which became effective on December 27, 2007.
On December 2, 2008, we acquired an additional 24,491,924 of Federal-Mogul Shares from Thornwood, which represented the remaining Federal-Mogul Shares owned by Thornwood. As a result of this transaction, we beneficially own 75,241,924 Federal-Mogul Shares, or 75.7% of the total issued and outstanding capital stock of Federal-Mogul. In consideration of the acquisition of the additional Federal-Mogul Shares, we issued to Thornwood 4,286,087 (or $153 million based on the opening price of $35.60 on our depositary units on December 2, 2008) fully paid and non-assessable depositary units representing our limited partner interests.
Each of the acquisitions was approved by the audit committee of the independent directors of Icahn Enterprises GP. The audit committee was advised by its own legal counsel and independent financial advisor with respect to the transaction. The audit committee received an opinion from its financial adviser as to the fairness to us, from a financial point of view, of the consideration paid.
Divestiture
On February 20, 2008, we consummated the sale of our subsidiary, American Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC, or ACEP, to an affiliate of Whitehall Street Real Estate Fund for $1.2 billion, realizing a gain of $472 million, after taxes. The sale of ACEP included the Stratosphere and three other Nevada gaming properties, which represented all of our remaining gaming operations.
In connection with the closing, we repaid all of ACEP’s outstanding 7.85% Senior Secured Notes due 2012, which were tendered pursuant to ACEP’s previously announced tender offer and consent solicitation. In addition, ACEP repaid in full all amounts outstanding, and terminated all commitments, under its credit facility with Bear Stearns Corporate Lending Inc., as administrative agent, and the other lenders thereunder.
We elected to deposit $1.2 billion of the gross proceeds from the sale into escrow accounts to fund investment activities through tax-deferred exchanges under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code, or the Code. During the third quarter of fiscal 2008, we invested $465 million of the gross proceeds to purchase two net leased properties within our Real Estate segment, resulting in a deferral of $103 million in taxes. The balance of the escrow accounts was subsequently released.
Declaration of Distribution on Depositary Units
On February 23, 2009, the board of directors approved a payment of a quarterly cash distribution of $0.25 per unit on our depositary units payable in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. The distribution will be paid on March 30, 2009, to depositary unitholders of record at the close of business on March 16, 2009. Under the terms of the indenture dated April 5, 2007 governing our variable rate notes due 2013, we will also be making a $0.15 distribution to holders of these notes in accordance with the formula set forth in the indenture.
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Results of Operations
Overview
A summary of the significant developments for fiscal 2008 is as follows:
| • | Consummation of the sale of ACEP on February 20, 2008 for $1.2 billion, realizing a gain of $472 million, after taxes of $260 million; |
| • | Investment of $465 million of the gross proceeds in a Code Section 1031 Exchange transaction related to the sale of ACEP with the purchase of two net leased properties within our Real Estate segment, resulting in a deferral of $103 million in taxes; |
| • | The inclusion of $5.7 billion of revenues from our Automotive segment for the period March 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008. Additionally, our Automotive segment results for the period March 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008 included total asset impairment charges aggregating $434 million, of which $222 million related to goodwill and $130 related to other indefinite-lived intangible assets. These charges were principally attributable to significant decreases in forecasted future cash flows as Federal-Mogul adjusts to the known and anticipated changes in industry volumes; |
| • | Increased net sales from the Metals segment of $405 million for fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007, resulting from an increase in the average selling price of ferrous scrap, increased volume of shipped ferrous production and the inclusion of financial results of acquisitions made during fiscal 2007 and early fiscal 2008; |
| • | Loss from continuing operations from the Investment Management segment of $335 million during fiscal 2008 resulting from investment losses from the Private Funds which were primarily affected by the decline in the value of the Private Funds’ largest equity positions; and |
| • | Reduced net sales from the Home Fashion segment of $258 million for fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007 due to the weak home textile retail environment and the elimination of unprofitable programs. |
A summary of the significant developments for fiscal 2007 is as follows:
| • | The acquisition of the Investment Management business on August 8, 2007 for an initial consideration of 8,632,679 of our depositary units, valued at $810 million; |
| • | The acquisition of PSC Metals from Philip Services Corporation, or Philip, on November 5, 2007 for a total consideration of $335 million in cash; |
| • | An increase in the Investment Management segment’s AUM of $3.5 billion compared to December 31, 2006; |
| • | The issuance of $500 million of additional 7.125% senior unsecured notes in January 2007; |
| • | The issuance of $600 million of variable rate notes in April 2007; |
| • | The sale of our position in common stock of SandRidge Energy, Inc., or SandRidge, for total cash consideration of $243 million in April 2007; |
| • | Income from continuing operations from our Investment Management segment of $170 million due to overall positive returns of the Private Funds despite broad, volatile market conditions in fiscal 2007; and |
| • | The continued restructuring efforts of WPI, including the closure of all of WPI’s retail stores and related inventory disposal. WPI recorded a charge of $14 million related to this restructuring effort, which is included in discontinued operations. |
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Consolidated Financial Results of Continuing Operations
The following table summarizes revenues and income from continuing operations for each of our segments (in millions of dollars):
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| Revenues(1) Year Ended December 31, |
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| 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | ||||||||||
| Investment Management | $ | (2,783 | ) | $ | 588 | $ | 1,104 | |||||
| Automotive(2) | 5,727 | — | — | |||||||||
| Metals | 1,243 | 834 | 715 | |||||||||
| Real Estate | 103 | 113 | 137 | |||||||||
| Home Fashion | 438 | 706 | 898 | |||||||||
| Holding Company | 299 | 250 | 152 | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 5,027 | $ | 2,491 | $ | 3,006 | ||||||
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| Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations Year Ended December 31, |
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| 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | ||||||||||
| Investment Management | $ | (335 | ) | $ | 170 | $ | 260 | |||||
| Automotive(2) | (350 | ) | — | — | ||||||||
| Metals | 66 | 42 | 51 | |||||||||
| Real Estate | 14 | 14 | 25 | |||||||||
| Home Fashion | (55 | ) | (84 | ) | (71 | ) | ||||||
| Holding Company | 132 | 77 | 46 | |||||||||
| Total | $ | (528 | ) | $ | 219 | $ | 311 | |||||
| (1) | Revenues include interest, dividends, other income and gain on extinguishment of debt. |
| (2) | Automotive segment results are for the period March 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008. |
Investment Management
Overview
On August 8, 2007, we acquired the general partnership interests in Icahn Onshore LP, or the Onshore GP, and Icahn Offshore LP, or the Offshore GP (and, together with the Onshore GP, being referred to herein as the General Partners), acting as general partners of Icahn Partners LP, or the Onshore Fund, and the Offshore Master Funds (as defined below) . We also acquired the general partnership interest in Icahn Capital Management LP, or New Icahn Management, a Delaware limited partnership. Prior to January 1, 2008, the General Partners and New Icahn Management provided investment advisory and certain management services to the Private Funds (as defined below). Effective January 1, 2008, in addition to providing investment advisory services to the Private Funds, the General Partners provide or cause their affiliates to provide certain administrative and back office services to the Private Funds that had been previously provided by New Icahn Management. The General Partners do not provide such services to any other entities, individuals or accounts. Interests in the Private Funds are offered only to certain sophisticated and accredited investors on the basis of exemptions from the registration requirements of the federal securities laws and are not publicly available. As referred to herein, the Offshore Master Funds consist of (i) Icahn Partners Master Fund L.P., (ii) Icahn Partners Master Fund II L.P. and (iii) Icahn Partners Master Fund III L.P. The Onshore Fund and the Offshore Master Funds are collectively referred to herein as the Investment Funds.
The Offshore GP also acts as general partner of certain funds formed as a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership that invests in the Offshore Master Funds. These funds, together with other funds that also invest in the Offshore Master Funds, constitute the Feeder Funds and, together with the Investment Funds, are referred to herein as the Private Funds.
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Globally markets were down approximately 40% in fiscal 2008. We believe that the factors that contributed to the distressed market conditions during fiscal 2008 included, but were not limited to, constrained credit markets, de-leveraging by global financial institutions and a global recession. These conditions contributed to price volatility and declining asset values which negatively impacted the Private Funds’ performance, particularly during the second half of fiscal 2008. The majority of the Private Funds’ losses came from two core equity positions, Motorola Inc., or Motorola, and Yahoo!, which declined more than the global equity markets, as well as the Private Funds’ long credit exposures. We expect fiscal 2009 to present opportunities for capitalizing on distressed investing.
As of January 1, 2009, we invested an additional $250 million in the Private Funds. For a more detailed description of how global economic and financial market conditions can materially affect our performance, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Business — Investment Management.”
Revenues
The Investment Management segment derives revenues from three sources: (1) special profits interest allocations (and prior to January 1, 2008, management fees); (2) incentive allocations, and (3) gains and losses from our investments in the Private Funds.
Prior to January 1, 2008, the management agreements between New Icahn Management and the Private Funds provided for the management fees to be paid by each of the Feeder Funds and the Onshore Fund to New Icahn Management at the beginning of each quarter generally in an amount equal to 0.625% (2.5% annualized) of the net asset value of each Investor’s (defined below) investment in the Feeder Fund or Onshore Fund, as applicable, and were recognized quarterly.
Effective January 1, 2008, the management agreements were terminated resulting in the termination of the Feeder Funds’ and the Onshore Fund’s obligations to pay management fees. In addition, the limited partnership agreements of the Investment Funds, or the Investment Fund LPAs, were amended to provide that, as of January 1, 2008, the General Partners will provide or cause their affiliates to provide to the Private Funds the administrative and back office services that were formerly provided by New Icahn Management (referred to herein as the Services) and, in consideration of providing the Services, the General Partners will receive special profits interest allocations (as further discussed below) from the Investment Funds. As of January 1, 2008, New Icahn Management distributed its net assets to Icahn Capital LP, or Icahn Capital. Icahn Capital is the general partner of Onshore GP and Offshore GP.
Effective January 1, 2008, the Investment Fund LPAs provide that the applicable General Partner will receive a special profits interest allocation at the end of each calendar year from each capital account maintained in the Investment Funds that is attributable to: (i) in the case of the Onshore Fund, each fee-paying limited partner in the Onshore Fund and (ii) in the case of the Feeder Funds, each fee-paying investor in the Feeder Funds (that excludes certain investors that are affiliates of Mr. Icahn) (in each case, referred to herein as an Investor). This allocation is generally equal to 0.625% of the balance in each fee-paying capital account as of the beginning of each quarter (for each Investor, the Target Special Profits Interest Amount) except that amounts are allocated to the General Partners in respect of special profits interest allocations only to the extent that net increases (i.e., net profits) are allocated to an Investor for the fiscal year. Accordingly, any special profits interest allocations allocated to the General Partners in respect of an Investor in any year cannot exceed the net profits allocated to such Investor in such year.
In the event that sufficient net profits are not generated by an Investment Fund with respect to a capital account to meet the full Target Special Profits Interest Amount for an Investor for a calendar year, a special profits interest allocation will be made to the extent of such net profits, if any, and the shortfall will be carried forward (without interest or a preferred return thereon) and added to the Target Special Profits Interest Amount determined for such Investor for the next calendar year. Appropriate adjustments will be made to the calculation of the special profits interest allocation for new subscriptions and withdrawals by Investors. In the event that an Investor redeems in full from a Feeder Fund or the Onshore Fund before the entire Target Special Profits Interest Amount determined for such Investor has been allocated to the General Partner in the form of a special profits interest allocation, the Target Special Profits Interest Amount that has not yet been allocated to the General Partner will be forfeited and the General Partner will never receive it.
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Each Target Special Profits Interest Amount will be deemed contributed to a separate hypothetical capital account (that is not subject to an incentive allocation or a special profits interest allocation) in the applicable Investment Fund and any gains or losses that would have been allocated on such amounts will be credited or debited, as applicable, to such hypothetical capital account. The special profits interest allocation attributable to an Investor will be deemed to be made (and thereby debited) from such hypothetical capital account and, accordingly, the aggregate amount of any special profits interest allocation attributable to such Investor will also depend upon the investment returns of the Investment Fund in which such hypothetical capital account is maintained.
The General Partners waived the special profits interest allocations effective January 1, 2008 (and for periods prior to January 1, 2008, New Icahn Management waived management fees) and incentive allocations for Icahn Enterprises’ investments in the Private Funds and Mr. Icahn’s direct and indirect holdings and may, in their sole discretion, modify or may elect to reduce or waive such fees with respect to any investor that is an affiliate, employee or relative of Mr. Icahn or his affiliates, or for any other investor.
All of the special profits interest allocations (effective January 1, 2008), substantially all of the management fees (prior to January 1, 2008) from certain consolidated entities and all of the incentive allocations are eliminated in consolidation; however, our share of the net income from the Private Funds includes the amount of these eliminated fees and allocations.
Prior to January 1, 2008, our Investment Management results were driven by the combination of the Private Funds’ assets under management, or AUM, and the investment performance of the Private Funds. Prior to January 1, 2008, as AUM increased, management fee revenues generally increased in tandem because New Icahn Management charged management fees based on the net asset value of fee-paying capital in the Private Funds, generally at the beginning of each quarter. Effective January 1, 2008, our Investment Management results continue to be driven by the combination of the Private Funds’ AUM and the investment performance of the Private Funds, except, as discussed above, that special profits interest allocations are only earned to extent that there are sufficient net profits generated from the Private Funds to cover such allocations.
Incentive allocations are determined based on the aggregate amount of net profits earned by the Investment Funds (after the special profits interest allocation is made). Incentive allocations are determined by the investment performance of the Private Funds, which is a principal determinant of the long-term success of the Investment Management segment because it enables AUM to increase through retention of fund profits and by making it more likely to attract new investment capital and minimize redemptions by Private Fund investors. Incentive allocations are generally 25% of the net profits (both realized and unrealized) generated by fee-paying investors in the Investment Funds and are subject to a “high water mark” (whereby the General Partners do not earn incentive allocations during a particular year even though the fund had a positive return in such year until losses in prior periods are recovered). These allocations are calculated and allocated to the capital accounts of the General Partners annually except for incentive allocations earned as a result of investor redemption events during interim periods.
The General Partners and their affiliates also earn income (or are subject to losses) through their investments in the Investment Funds. Icahn Enterprises Holdings earns income (or is subject to losses) through its investment in the Investment Funds. In both cases the income or losses consist of realized and unrealized gains and losses on investment activities along with interest, dividends and other income.
AUM and Fund Performance
The table below reflects changes to AUM for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006. The end-of-period balances represent total AUM, including any accrued special profits interest allocations (and prior to January 1, 2008, deferred management fees) and any incentive allocations and our own investments in the Private Funds as well as investments of other affiliated parties who have not been charged special profits interest allocations (and prior to January 1, 2008, management fees) or incentive allocations for the periods presented (in millions of dollars)
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| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
| 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | ||||||||||
| Balance, beginning of period | $ | 7,511 | $ | 4,020 | $ | 2,647 | ||||||
| Net (out-flows) in-flows | (274 | ) | 3,005 | 332 | ||||||||
| (Depreciation) appreciation | (2,869 | ) | 486 | 1,041 | ||||||||
| Balance, end of period | $ | 4,368 | $ | 7,511 | $ | 4,020 | ||||||
| Fee-paying AUM | $ | 2,374 | $ | 5,050 | $ | 3,193 | ||||||
For the year ended December 31, 2008, we, along with affiliates of Carl C. Icahn, invested a net amount of $510 million in the Private Funds for which no special profits interest allocations or incentive allocations are applicable. These amounts are included in the net outflows for the year ended December 31, 2008.
The following table sets forth performance information for the Private Funds that were in existence for the comparative periods presented. These gross returns represent a weighted-average composite of the average gross returns, net of expenses for the Private Funds.
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| Gross Return(1) for the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
| 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | ||||||||||
| Private Funds | -35.6 | % | 12.3 | % | 37.8 | % | ||||||
| (1) | These returns are indicative of a typical investor who has been invested since inception of the Private Funds. The performance information is presented gross of any special profits interest allocations (and prior to January 1, 2008, management fees) but net of expenses. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. |
The Private Funds’ aggregate gross performance was -35.6% for fiscal 2008. During fiscal 2008, losses were primarily a result of the decline in the Private Funds’ holdings of Yahoo! and Motorola as well as the Private Funds’ long credit exposure. For fiscal 2008, the Private Funds’ short exposure in equity produced gains due to the negative U.S. equity markets. Short exposure to credit contributed gains for fiscal 2008 and overall credit exposure was slightly positive, although such gains were offset by long credit exposure.
Current dislocations in the global financial markets and the lack of confidence resulting from unprecedented systemic risks associated with derivative and financial leverage, while providing potential long-term opportunities, may continue to negatively impact the Private Funds’ performance.
The Private Funds’ aggregate gross performance of 12.3% for 2007 was driven by a few core equity positions, including: Anadarko Petroleum Corp., or Anadarko, MedImmune Inc., or MedImmune, and BEA Systems. Additionally, short positions in high-yield credit and the broad U.S. equity markets also added to performance as high-yield spreads widened and the market declined in the last months of the year. However, our long investments in energy more than offset the losses from the energy hedge and, overall, the sector was positive.
The Private Funds’ aggregate gross performance of 37.8% for 2006 was driven by a few core activist positions as well as strong U.S. equity and credit markets. Investments in five positions — Time Warner, Kerr McGee, Lear Corporation, Cigna and KT&G Corporation — were the main drivers of our performance, contributing over 62% of our total profits. Profits were somewhat mitigated by hedged positions in energy and shorts against a few long hotel and retail positions. Volatility was reduced as a result, as is our intent with these short positions.
Equity positions in Yahoo!, Motorola, MedImmune, Anadarko, BEA Systems, Time Warner, Kerr McGee, Lear Corporation, Cigna and KT&G Corporation have been previously disclosed in other filings with the SEC as well as other governmental agencies.
Since inception in November 2004, the Private Funds’ gross returns are 24.0%, representing an annualized rate of return of 5.3% through December 31, 2008, which is indicative of a typical investor who has invested since inception of the Private Funds. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.
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Operating Results
We consolidate certain of the Private Funds into our results. Accordingly, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, any special profits interest allocations (and prior to January 1, 2008, management fees), incentive allocations and earnings on investments in the Private Funds are eliminated in consolidation. These eliminations have no impact on our net income, however, as our allocated share of the net income from the Private Funds includes the amount of these eliminated fees and allocations.
The tables below provide a reconciliation of the unconsolidated revenues and expenses of our interest in the General Partners and Icahn Capital (and, for periods prior to January 1, 2008, our interest in the General Partners and New Icahn Management) to the consolidated U.S. GAAP revenues and expenses. The first column represents the results of operations of our interest in the General Partners and Icahn Capital (and, for periods prior to January 1, 2008, our interest in the General Partners and New Icahn Management) without the impact of consolidating the Private Funds or the eliminations arising from the consolidation of these funds. This includes the gross amount of any special profits interest allocations (and, prior to January 1, 2008, management fees), incentive allocations and returns on investments in the Private Funds that is attributable to us only. This also includes gains and losses on our direct investments in the Private Funds. The second column represents the total consolidated income and expenses of the Private Funds for all investors, including us, before eliminations. The third column represents the eliminations required in order to arrive at our consolidated U.S. GAAP reported income for the segment.
Summarized income statement information on a deconsolidated basis and on a U.S. GAAP basis for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 (in millions of dollars):
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| Year Ended December 31, 2008 | ||||||||||||||||
| Icahn Enterprises' Interests |
Consolidated Private Funds | Eliminations | U.S. GAAP Reported Income | |||||||||||||
| Revenues: |
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| Special profit interests allocations | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||
| Incentive allocations | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Net loss from investment activities | (303 | )(1) | (3,025 | ) | 303 | (3,025 | ) | |||||||||
| Interest, dividends and other income | — | 242 | — | 242 | ||||||||||||
| (303 | ) | (2,783 | ) | 303 | (2,783 | ) | ||||||||||
| Costs and expenses | 32 | 21 | — | 53 | ||||||||||||
| Interest expense | — | 12 | — | 12 | ||||||||||||
| 32 | 33 | — | 65 | |||||||||||||
| Loss from continuing operations before income taxes and non-controlling interests | (335 | ) | (2,816 | ) | 303 | (2,848 | ) | |||||||||
| Income tax expense | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Non-controlling interests in loss | — | 2,787 | (274 | ) | 2,513 | |||||||||||
| Loss from continuing operations | $ | (335 | ) | $ | (29 | ) | $ | 29 | $ | (335 | ) | |||||
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| Year Ended December 31, 2007 | ||||||||||||||||
| Icahn Enterprises' Interests |
Consolidated Private Funds | Eliminations | U.S. GAAP Reported Income | |||||||||||||
| Revenues: |
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| Management fees | $ | 128 | $ | — | $ | (117 | ) | $ | 11 | |||||||
| Incentive allocations | 71 | — | (71 | ) | — | |||||||||||
| Net gain from investment activities | 21 | (1) | 355 | (21 | ) | 355 | ||||||||||
| Interest, dividends and other income | 1 | 221 | — | 222 | ||||||||||||
| 221 | 576 | (209 | ) | 588 | ||||||||||||
| Costs and expenses | 47 | 38 | — | 85 | ||||||||||||
| Interest expense | — | 15 | — | 15 | ||||||||||||
| 47 | 53 | — | 100 | |||||||||||||
| Income from continuing operations before income taxes and non-controlling interests | 174 | 523 | (209 | ) | 488 | |||||||||||
| Income tax expense | (4 | ) | — | — | (4 | ) | ||||||||||
| Non-controlling interests in income | — | (298 | ) | (16 | ) | (314 | ) | |||||||||
| Income from continuing operations | $ | 170 | $ | 225 | $ | (225 | ) | $ | 170 | |||||||
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| Year Ended December 31, 2006 | ||||||||||||||||
| Icahn Enterprises' Interests |
Consolidated Private Funds | Eliminations | U.S. GAAP Reported Income | |||||||||||||
| Revenues: |
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| Management fees | $ | 82 | $ | — | $ | (82 | ) | $ | — | |||||||
| Incentive allocations | 190 | — | (190 | ) | — | |||||||||||
| Net gain from investment activities | 27 | 1,031 | (27 | ) | 1,031 | |||||||||||
| Interest, dividends and other income | — | 73 | — | 73 | ||||||||||||
| 299 | 1,104 | (299 | ) | 1,104 | ||||||||||||
| Costs and expenses | 38 | 32 | — | 70 | ||||||||||||
| Interest expense | — | 10 | — | 10 | ||||||||||||
| 38 | 42 | — | 80 | |||||||||||||
| Income from continuing operations before income taxes and non-controlling interests | 261 | 1,062 | (299 | ) | 1,024 | |||||||||||
| Income tax expense | (1 | ) | — | — | (1 | ) | ||||||||||
| Non-controlling interests in income | — | (763 | ) | — | (763 | ) | ||||||||||
| Income from continuing operations | $ | 260 | $ | 299 | $ | (299 | ) | $ | 260 | |||||||
| (1) | We made investments aggregating $950 million (of which $700 million was made during fiscal 2007 and $250 million was made during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008) in the Private Funds for which no special profits interest allocation effective January 1, 2008 (and prior to January 1, 2008, management fees) or incentive allocations are applicable. As of December 31, 2008, the total value of this investment is $660 million, with an unrealized loss of $274 million and $16 million for fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, respectively. These amounts are reflected in the Private Funds’ net assets and earnings. |
Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2007
For fiscal 2008, the Target Special Profits Interest Amount was $70 million, net of a hypothetical loss from the Investment Funds and forfeited amounts based on redemptions in full. (See above for further discussion regarding the Target Special Profits Interest Amount.) No accrual for special profits interest allocation was made for fiscal 2008 due to losses in the Investment Funds. The Target Special Profits Interest Amount of
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$70 million representing the entire fiscal 2008 Target Special Profits Amount will be carried forward into future periods and will be accrued to the extent that there are sufficient net profits in the Investment Funds during the investment period to cover such amounts. There was no special profits interest allocation for fiscal 2007 because the special profits interest allocations commenced effective January 1, 2008.
There were no management fees in fiscal 2008 as these fees were terminated on January 1, 2008. Management fees were $128 million for fiscal 2007.
There was no incentive allocation to the General Partners in fiscal 2008 as compared to an incentive allocation of $71 million in fiscal 2007. The decrease of $71 million was due to the decline in performance of the Private Funds during fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007 as the Private Funds’ largest core equity positions declined in value. Incentive allocations earned from the Private Funds are accrued on a quarterly basis and are generally allocated to the General Partners at the end of the Private Funds’ fiscal year (or sooner on redemptions).
The net loss from investment activities in fiscal 2008 was $303 million compared to a net gain of $21 million in fiscal 2007 and consists of two components. The first component reflects a net loss of $29 million in fiscal 2008 relating to the decrease in the General Partners’ investment in the Private Funds as a result of the decline in the performance of the General Partners’ investment, compared to a gain of $37 million in fiscal 2007. The second component includes a net investment loss in fiscal 2008 of $274 million as compared to $16 million in fiscal 2007 on the aggregate $950 million invested in the Private Funds by us.
Net realized and unrealized losses of the Private Funds on investment activities were $3.0 billion for fiscal 2008, compared to a gain of $355 million for fiscal 2007. This decrease relates primarily to the decline in performance of the Private Funds during fiscal 2008 caused primarily by the decline in the value of the Private Funds’ largest equity positions.
Interest, dividends and other income increased by $20 million, or 9.0%, to $242 million for fiscal 2008 as compared to the fiscal 2007. The increase was primarily attributable to amounts earned on interest-paying investments.
The General Partners and Icahn Capital’s costs and expenses decreased by $15 million, or 31.9%, to $32 million for fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007. This decrease is due to a decrease in compensation awards during fiscal 2008 that were primarily tied to the performance of the Investment Funds and unpaid re-invested compensation balances that declined in value.
Private Funds’ costs and expenses, including interest expense, decreased by $20 million, or 37.7%, to $33 million in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007. This decrease is primarily attributable to net loss accrued on the deferred management fee payable by the consolidated Offshore Fund.
Non-controlling interests in loss in fiscal 2008 was $2.5 billion as compared to non-controlling interest in income of $314 million in fiscal 2007. This change was due to the decline in performance of the Private Funds during fiscal 2008.
Year Ended December 31, 2007 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2006
Management fees increased by $46 million, or 56.1%, to $128 million for fiscal 2007 as compared to fiscal 2006. The increase was attributable to increased AUM due mainly to net capital inflows and capital appreciation.
Incentive allocations decreased by $119 million, or 62.6%, to $71 million for fiscal 2007, as compared to fiscal 2006. This decrease relates to the decline in performance of the Private Funds during fiscal 2007. The General Partners’ incentive allocations earned from the Private Funds are accrued on a quarterly basis and are allocated to the General Partners at the end of the Private Funds’ fiscal year (or sooner on redemptions).
The net gain from investment activities of $21 million earned by our interests in the Investment Management segment in fiscal 2007 consists of two components. The first reflects a net gain of $37 million relating to the increase in the General Partners’ investment in the Private Funds as a result of earned incentive allocations and the return on the General Partners’ investment. This compares with $27 million in fiscal 2006. The second
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component includes a net investment loss in fiscal 2007 of $16 million on the original $700 million invested in the Private Funds by us which were primarily made in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007.
Net realized and unrealized gains of the Private Funds on investment activities were $355 million for fiscal 2007, compared to $1.0 billion for fiscal 2006. This decrease relates to the decline in performance of the Private Funds during fiscal 2007 relating to the economic and market factors discussed above but partially offset by increased AUM.
Interest, dividends and other income increased by $149 million, or 204%, to $222 million for fiscal 2007, as compared to fiscal 2006. The increase was primarily attributable to increases in AUM and the amounts invested in interest-paying investments.
The General Partners and New Icahn Managements’ costs and expenses increased by $9 million, or 23.7%, to $47 million for fiscal 2007, as compared to fiscal 2006. This increase is primarily due to vested compensation awards relating to management fees and earned incentive allocations and the return thereon.
Private Funds’ costs and expenses increased by $11 million, or 26.2%, to $53 million for fiscal 2007 as compared to fiscal 2006. This increase is primarily attributable to increases in financing expenses and interest expense relating to securities sold, not yet purchased and an increase in fees paid to the Private Funds’ administrator that are based on AUM.
Non-controlling interests in income was $314 million for fiscal 2007, as compared to $763 million for fiscal 2006. This decrease was due to the decline in performance of the Private Funds during fiscal 2007 as discussed above.
Automotive
Our Automotive segment consists of Federal-Mogul, a leading global supplier of a broad range of components, accessories and systems to the automotive, small engine, heavy-duty, marine, railroad, agricultural, off-road, aerospace and industrial, energy and transport markets, including customers in both the OEM market and the aftermarket. Effective July 3, 2008, we acquired a majority interest in Federal-Mogul.
Federal-Mogul believes that its sales are well balanced between OEM and aftermarket as well as domestic and international. During 2008, Federal-Mogul derived 62% of its sales from the OE market and 38% from the aftermarket. Federal-Mogul’s customers include the world’s largest automotive OEMs and major distributors and retailers in the independent aftermarket. Geographically, Federal-Mogul derived 38% of its 2008 sales in North America and 62% internationally. Federal-Mogul is organized into five product groups: Powertrain Energy, Powertrain Sealing and Bearings, Vehicle Safety and Protection, Automotive Products and Global Aftermarket. Federal-Mogul has operations in established markets including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States, and emerging markets including Brazil, China, Czech Republic, Hungary, India, Korea, Mexico, Poland, Russia, Thailand and Turkey. The attendant risks of Federal-Mogul’s international operations are primarily related to currency fluctuations, changes in local economic and political conditions, and changes in laws and regulations.
In accordance with U.S. GAAP, assets transferred between entities under common control are accounted for at historical cost similar to a pooling of interests. As of February 25, 2008 (the effective date of control by Thornwood and, indirectly, by Carl C. Icahn) and thereafter, as a result of our acquisition of a majority interest in Federal-Mogul on July 3, 2008, we consolidated the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of Federal-Mogul. We evaluated the activity between February 25, 2008 and February 29, 2008 and, based on the immateriality of such activity, concluded that the use of an accounting convenience date of February 29, 2008 was appropriate. For comparative purposes, revenues and earnings of Federal-Mogul for the ten months ended December 31, 2007 are provided in the tables and discussion below and are not included in our consolidated results, and exclude income and expenses relating to their emergence from bankruptcy.
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The five product groups of our Automotive segment have been aggregated for purposes of reporting our operating results below. Summarized statements of operations and performance data for the Automotive segment for the period March 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008 and 2007 are as follows (in millions of dollars):
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| Period March 1 through December 31, |
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| 2008 | 2007 | |||||||
| Net sales | $ | 5,652 | $ | 5,822 | ||||
| Cost of sales | 4,730 | 4,820 | ||||||
| Gross margin | 922 | 1,002 | ||||||
| Expenses: |
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| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 709 | 785 | ||||||
| Restructuring and impairment expense | 566 | 103 | ||||||
| Total expenses, net | 1,275 | 888 | ||||||
| (Loss) income from continuing operations before interest, income taxes, other income (expense), net and non-controlling interests | $ | (353 | ) | $ | 114 | |||
The percentage of Federal-Mogul’s net sales by region for the ten months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 are listed below.
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| 2008 | Ten Months |
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| U.S. and Canada | 40 | % | ||
| Europe | 46 | % | ||
| Rest of world | 14 | % | ||
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| 2007 | ||||
| U.S. and Canada | 42 | % | ||
| Europe | 45 | % | ||
| Rest of world | 13 | % | ||
Net Sales
During the first half of fiscal 2008, Federal-Mogul experienced significant sales growth in all regions and business units. Starting during the third quarter of fiscal 2008, North American light vehicle OE production began to lose pace, with significant production declines in both North American and European light vehicle OE production during the fourth quarter. In total, the number of light vehicles produced was 16.4 million in the Americas, 22.4 million in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, or EMEA, and 27.2 million in Asia, compared to 2007 light vehicle production of 18.5 million, 24.0 million and 27.2 million in the Americas, EMEA and Asia, respectively. Federal-Mogul expects continued downward pressure on fiscal 2009 production volumes when compared to the volumes experienced during fiscal 2008.
Net sales decreased by $170 million, or 2.9%, to $5.7 billion for the ten months ended December 31, 2008 as compared to the corresponding prior year period. Decreased OE production in North America and Europe as well as decreased demand in aftermarket resulted in overall sales volume declines, which were partially offset by customer pricing increases and incremental sales resulting from acquisitions. Additionally, approximately 60% of Federal-Mogul’s net sales for the ten months ended December 31, 2008 originated outside the United States; therefore, the weakening of the U.S. dollar, primarily against the euro, resulted in increased reported sales from non-U.S. operations, thereby partially offsetting the overall net sales decrease for the ten months ended December 31, 2008 as compared to the corresponding prior year period.
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Gross Margin
Gross margin decreased by $80 million, or 8.0%, to $922 million for the ten months ended December 31, 2008 as compared to the corresponding prior year period. During the period March 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008, our Automotive segment recognized $60 million as additional cost of goods sold which consisted of fair value adjustments based on our purchase of the controlling interest in Federal-Mogul, thereby reducing gross margin by the same amount. Before considering the impact of this one-time inventory charge of $60 million, gross margin would have been 17.4% of net sales as compared to 17.2% in the corresponding prior year period. Improved productivity, net of labor and benefits inflation, lower depreciation of fixed assets revalued in conjunction with the purchase accounting adjustments to fair value, and customer price increases were more than offset by decreased sales volumes and increased costs of materials and services.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses, or SG&A expenses, decreased by $76 million, or 9.7%, to $709 million for the ten months ended December 31, 2008 as compared to the corresponding prior year period. SG&A expenses were 12.5% and 13.5% of net sales for the ten months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The unfavorable impact of exchange movements increased SG&A expenses which was more than offset by a constant-dollar reduction, primarily due to reduced pension costs and other productivity improvements, net of labor and benefits inflation.
Included in SG&A expense above were research and development, or R&D, costs, including product engineering and validation costs, of $142 million for the ten months ended December 31, 2008 compared to $149 million in the comparable prior year period. As a percentage of OEM sales, research and development was 4% for each of the ten months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.
Restructuring and Impairment Expenses, Net
Restructuring and impairment expense increased by $463 million to $566 million for the ten months ended December 31, 2008, as compared the corresponding prior year period. The increase is primarily due to impairment charges relating to goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets as discussed below.
Included in restructuring and impairment charges are a total of $434 million related to impairment charges as follows:
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| Amount | ||||
| Long-lived tangible assets | $ | 19 | ||
| Goodwill | 222 | |||
| Other indefinite-lived intangible assets | 130 | |||
| Investments in unconsolidated affiliates | 63 | |||
| $ | 434 | |||
Given the complexity of the calculation and the significance of fourth quarter economic activity, Federal-Mogul has not yet completed its annual impairment assessment. Federal-Mogul evaluates its recorded goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually as of October 1 and in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, or SFAS, No. 142, Accounting for Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, or SFAS No. 142. Based upon the draft valuations and preliminary assessment, our Automotive segment recorded impairment charges of $222 million and $130 million for goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, respectively, for the period March 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008. To the extent that the finalization of Federal-Mogul’s assessment of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible requires adjustment to the preliminary impairment charge, such adjustment would be recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. These charges were required to adjust the carrying value of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets to estimated fair value. The goodwill impairment charge is net of $17 million related to recorded goodwill resulting from our purchase of the controlling interest in Federal-Mogul. This net adjustment was recorded in conjunction with Federal-Mogul’s goodwill impairment as Federal-Mogul’s impairment also impacts our underlying values related to our inventory revaluation and recorded goodwill related to the acquisition. The estimated fair values were determined based upon consideration of various valuation methodologies, including guideline transaction multiples, multiples of current earnings, and projected
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future cash flows discounted at rates commensurate with the risk involved. Although the annual assessment was conducted as of October 1, 2008, Federal-Mogul incorporated general economic and company specific factors subsequent to this date into its assessment, including updated discount rates, costs of capital, market capitalization of Federal-Mogul, and financial projections, all in order to give appropriate consideration to the unprecedented economic downturn in the automotive industry that continued throughout the fourth quarter of 2008.
The impairment charge is primarily attributable to significant decreases in forecasted future cash flows as Federal-Mogul adjusts to the known and anticipated changes in industry production volumes.
As of December 31, 2008, Federal-Mogul evaluated the recorded value of its investments in non-consolidated affiliates for potential impairment. Due to the economic downturn in the global automotive industry and the related declines in anticipated production volumes, Federal-Mogul concluded that its investments in non-consolidated affiliates were impaired, and an impairment charge of $63 million was recorded as of December 31, 2008.
Federal-Mogul recorded impairment charges of $19 million for the ten months ended December 31, 2008 to adjust definite-lived long-lived assets to their estimated fair values in accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, or SFAS No. 144. These impairment charges were primarily related to operating facilities for which Federal-Mogul will announce closures in 2009 as part of its ongoing Restructuring 2009 program. In assessing indications of impairment for its definite-lived assets, Federal-Mogul compares the estimated future cash flows of such assets against their carrying values. Federal-Mogul records impairment amounts by assessing carrying values associated with definite-lived assets such as property, plant and equipment in relation to their estimated net realizable values.
The unprecedented downturn in the global automotive industry and global financial markets led Federal-Mogul to announce, in September 2008 and December 2008, certain restructuring actions, herein referred to as “Restructuring 2009,” designed to improve operating performance and respond to increasingly challenging conditions in the global automotive market. This plan, when combined with other workforce adjustments, is expected to reduce Federal Mogul’s global workforce by approximately 8,600 positions. Federal-Mogul continues to solidify certain components of this plan, and will announce those components as plans are finalized. For the ten months ended December 31, 2008, Federal-Mogul has recorded $132 million in restructuring charges associated with Restructuring 2009 and other restructuring programs, and expects to incur additional restructuring charges up to $37 million through fiscal 2010. As the majority of the costs expected to be incurred in relation to Restructuring 2009 are related to severance, such activities are expected to yield future annual savings at least equal to the costs incurred.
Metals
Our Metals segment is conducted through our wholly owned subsidiary, PSC Metals. PSC Metals completed the acquisitions of substantially all of the assets of four scrap metal recyclers in fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2008. The aggregate purchase price for the acquisitions was $55 million, the most significant of which was $42 million relating to the September 2007 acquisition of substantially all of the assets of WIMCO Operating Company, Inc., a full-service scrap metal recycler in Ohio. The results of operations for yards acquired are reflected in the consolidated results of PSC Metals from the dates of acquisition.
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Summarized statements of operations and performance data for PSC Metals for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are as follows (in millions, except units of weight):
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| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
| 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | ||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 1,239 | $ | 834 | $ | 710 | ||||||
| Cost of sales | 1,102 | 778 | 652 | |||||||||
| Gross profit | 137 | 56 | 58 | |||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 34 | 18 | 15 | |||||||||
| Income from continuing operations before interest, income taxes and other income (expense), net | $ | 103 | $ | 38 | $ | 43 | ||||||
| Ferrous tons sold | 1,858 | 1,707 | 1,560 | |||||||||
| Non-ferrous pounds sold | 125,140 | 120,470 | 114,086 | |||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2007
Net sales for fiscal 2008 increased by $405 million, or 48.6%, to a record $1.2 billion as compared to fiscal 2007. This increase was primarily driven by improvement in ferrous revenues during fiscal 2008. Ferrous average pricing was approximately $178 per gross ton higher and ferrous shipments were 151,000 gross tons, or 8.8%, higher in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007. Ferrous pricing reached historically high levels during fiscal 2008, with shredded material prices quoted as high as $594 per gross ton in the July American Metals Market Scrap Composites Index. The increased prices were driven by strong worldwide demand for recycled metals. All product lines except non-ferrous contributed to the revenue increase in fiscal 2008. Scrap yards acquired during fiscal 2007 and early fiscal 2008 contributed $141 million to the revenue increase in fiscal 2008.
Although net sales for fiscal 2008 were greater than fiscal 2007, prices and demand deteriorated during the second half of fiscal 2008 as the distressed global economic conditions have affected the scrap industry. We cannot predict whether, or how long, current market conditions will continue to persist. However, in response to these conditions, PSC Metals has implemented various measures to align its cost structure to the current market environment. Some of these measures include significant staff reductions and salary freezes, temporary idling of major equipment and certain operations, and reduced capital spending.
Gross profit for fiscal 2008 increased by $81 million, or 144.6%, to $137 million as compared to fiscal 2007. As a percentage of net sales, cost of sales was 89.0% and 93.3% for fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, respectively. The increase in gross profit and lower cost of sales percentage are primarily due to increased selling prices during fiscal 2008 that exceeded the increased cost of scrap supply. Yards acquired during fiscal 2007 and early fiscal 2008 also contributed to the increase in gross profit in fiscal 2008.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $16 million, or 88.9%, to $34 million as compared to fiscal 2007. The increase was primarily attributable to employee-related costs, which include headcount increases during the year supporting growth and acquired yards and higher incentive compensation expenses relating to our Metals segment’s strong operating performance, and increased professional fees.
Year Ended December 31, 2007 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2006
Net sales for fiscal 2007 increased by $124 million, or 17.5%, to $834 million as compared to fiscal 2006. The increase was primarily due to the increase in ferrous sales generated by both an increase in the average selling price of ferrous scrap and increased volume of shipped ferrous production. For fiscal 2007, average pricing increased approximately $35 per gross ton while ferrous shipments increased by 147,000 gross tons as compared to fiscal 2006. The average selling price of non-ferrous scrap increased $.04 per pound, and non-ferrous shipments increased by 6.4 million pounds in fiscal 2007 compared to fiscal 2006. In fiscal 2007, our non-ferrous operations benefited from higher prices for copper. The increase in price was evident in data published by the London Market Exchange and COMEX. We believe the non-ferrous prices were higher than historical average prices due to strong increases in industrial production and demand from industrializing countries such as China during fiscal 2007.
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Gross profit for fiscal 2007 decreased by $2 million, or 3.4%, to $56 million as compared to fiscal 2006. As a percentage of net sales, cost of sales was 93.3% and 91.8% in fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006, respectively. The increase is due to increased cost of secondary products caused by reduced supply of material from PSC Metals’ key suppliers.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $3 million, or 20.0%, to $18 million in fiscal 2007 as compared to fiscal 2006. The increase is primarily due to additional headcount and employee-related costs.
Real Estate
Our Real Estate segment is comprised of rental real estate, property development and resort activities associated with property development. The three related operating lines of our real estate segment have been aggregated for purposes of reporting our operating results below. Certain properties are reclassified as discontinued operations when subject to a contract and are excluded from income from continuing operations.
The following table summarizes the key operating data for real estate activities for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 (in millions of dollars):
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| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
| 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | ||||||||||
| Revenues | $ | 101 | $ | 106 | $ | 134 | ||||||
| Expenses | 82 | 92 | 105 | |||||||||
| Income from continuing operations before interest, income taxes and other income (expense), net | $ | 19 | $ | 14 | $ | 29 | ||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2007
Total revenues decreased by $5 million, or 4.7%, to $101 million as compared to fiscal 2007. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in property development sales activity due to the general slowdown in residential and vacation home sales, and was partially offset by an increase in rental income, due to the acquisitions of two net leased properties acquired in August 2008. In fiscal 2008, we sold 39 residential units for $42 million at an average price of $1.1 million. In fiscal 2007, we sold 76 residential units for $61 million at an average price of $0.8 million.
Total expenses decreased by $10 million, or 10.9%, to $82 million in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in property development sales activity. In fiscal 2008, property development expenses included asset impairment charges of $4 million, primarily attributable to inventory units in our Grand Harbor and Oak Harbor, Florida subdivisions. These decreases were partially offset by increased depreciation expenses attributable to the acquisition of two net lease properties. In fiscal 2007, property development expenses included an asset impairment charge of $3 million related to certain condominium land in our Oak Harbor, Florida subdivision and a litigation loss reserve of $2 million.
Based on current residential sales conditions, coupled with the completion of our Westchester, New York properties and the depressed Florida real estate market, we anticipate that property development sales will likely continue to decline in fiscal 2009. We may incur additional asset impairment charges if sales price assumptions and unit absorptions are not achieved.
Year Ended December 31, 2007 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2006
Total revenues decreased by $28 million, or 20.9%, to $106 million in fiscal 2007 as compared to fiscal 2006. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in property development sales activity due to the general slowdown in residential and vacation home sales. In fiscal 2007, we sold 76 units for $61 million at an average price of $0.8 million. In fiscal 2006, we sold 128 units for $91 million at an average price of $0.7 million. In fiscal 2006, our New Seabury, MA property sales and margins were stronger principally due to closings from its grand opening in fiscal 2005.
Total expenses decreased by $13 million, or 12.4%, to $92 million in fiscal 2007 as compared to fiscal 2006. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in property development sales activity. Contributing to the overall decrease in fiscal 2007 was the reversal of a prior year hurricane loss provision of $1 million related
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to our rental properties. Included in total expenses for fiscal 2007 was a litigation loss reserve of $2 million, an impairment charge of $3 million related to our development properties and a $1 million impairment charge related to our rental properties. Impairment charges in our property development segment primarily related to decreased condominium land values in our Oak Harbor, FL subdivision caused by the current real estate slowdown. Impairment charges in our rental real estate were primarily due to a decrease in rental renewal rates at certain of our commercial properties.
Home Fashion
WPI has been adversely affected by a variety of unfavorable conditions, including the following factors that have negatively impacted operating results:
| • | adverse competitive conditions for U.S. manufacturing facilities compared to manufacturing facilities located outside of the United States; |
| • | growth of low-priced competitive imports from Asia and Latin America resulting from lifting of import quotas; and |
| • | a difficult retail market for home textiles driven by both the current economy and the slowdown in residential home sales. |
Summarized statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are as follows (in millions of dollars):
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| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
| 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | ||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 425 | $ | 683 | $ | 891 | ||||||
| Cost of sales | 394 | 681 | 858 | |||||||||
| Gross margin | 31 | 2 | 33 | |||||||||
| Expenses: |
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| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 89 | 112 | 130 | |||||||||
| Restructuring and impairment charges | 37 | 49 | 46 | |||||||||
| Total expenses | 126 | 161 | 176 | |||||||||
| Loss from continuing operations before interest, income taxes, other income (expense), net and non-controlling interest | $ | (95 | ) | $ | (159 | ) | $ | (143 | ) | |||
Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2007
Net sales decreased by $258 million, or 37.8%, to $425 million for fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007. Gross margin for fiscal 2008 increased by $29 million to $31 million as compared to fiscal 2007. The decrease in net sales continued to reflect lower sales due to the weak home textile retail environment and the elimination of unprofitable programs, but has been mitigated by improvements in both gross margin and operating earnings as a result of shifting manufacturing capacity from the United States to lower-cost countries, lowering selling, general and administrative expenditures and reduced restructuring and impairment charges. We shifted manufacturing capacity from the United States to lower-cost countries and closed numerous U.S. plants during fiscal 2007 and early fiscal 2008. WPI will continue to realign its manufacturing operations to optimize its cost structure, pursuing offshore sourcing arrangements that employ a combination of owned and operated facilities, joint ventures and third-party supply contracts.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2008 decreased by $23 million, or 20.5%, to $89 million as compared to fiscal 2007, reflecting WPI’s continuing efforts to reduce its selling, warehousing, shipping and general and administrative expenses. WPI continues to lower its selling, general and administrative expenditures by consolidating its locations, reducing headcount and applying more stringent oversight of expense areas where potential savings may be realized.
Restructuring and impairment charges decreased by $12 million, or 24.5%, to $37 million in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007. The decrease in fiscal 2008 is due to lower impairment charges, partially offset by
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higher restructuring charges. Restructuring and impairment charges include severance costs, non-cash impairment charges related to plants that have closed, and continuing costs of closed plants and transition expenses. Additionally in fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, in accordance with SFAS No. 142, WPI reduced the fair value of the trademarks and recorded intangible asset impairment charges of $6 million and $5 million, respectively.
WPI continues its restructuring efforts and, accordingly, anticipates that restructuring charges (particularly with respect to the carrying costs of closed facilities until such time as these locations are sold) and operating losses will continue to be incurred throughout fiscal 2009. If WPI’s restructuring efforts are unsuccessful or its existing strategic manufacturing plans are amended, it may be required to record additional impairment charges related to the carrying value of long-lived assets.
WPI’s business is significantly influenced by the overall economic environment, including consumer spending, at the retail level, for home textile products. Certain U.S. retailers continue to report comparable store sales that were either negative or below their stated expectations. Many of these retailers are customers of WPI. Based on prevailing difficult economic conditions, it will likely be challenging for these same retailers during fiscal 2009. WPI believes that it provides adequate reserves against its accounts receivable to mitigate exposure to known or likely bad debt situations, as well as sufficient overall reserve for reasonably estimated situations, should this arise.
Year Ended December 31, 2007 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2006
Fiscal 2007 represented a challenging combination of efforts to reduce revenue from less profitable programs, a weaker home textile retail environment, competition from other manufacturers, repositioning WPI’s manufacturing operations offshore and realigning selling, general and administrative expenditures. Net sales were $683 million, a decrease of 23.3% as compared to fiscal 2006. The decrease, which affected all lines of business, was primarily attributable to our continuing efforts to reduce revenues from less profitable programs coupled with a continued weaker retail sales environment in the United States for home textile products.
Gross margins for fiscal 2007 were $2 million, or 0.3% of net sales, compared with $33 million, or 3.7% of net sales, during fiscal 2006. Gross margins were affected by competitive pricing and a weaker retail environment, and lower manufacturing plant utilizations at our U.S. plants, which were closed in fiscal 2007.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2007 decreased $18 million, or 13.8% to $112 million as compared to fiscal 2006, reflecting WPI’s efforts to reduce its selling, warehousing, shipping and general and administrative expenses during fiscal 2007. WPI lowered its selling, general and administrative expenditures primarily by consolidating its locations and reducing headcount during fiscal 2007.
Restructuring and impairment charges increased by $3 million, or 6.5%, to $49 million as compared to fiscal 2006. The increase in fiscal 2007 is due to higher restructuring charges, partially offset by lower impairment charges. Additionally, in accordance with SFAS No. 142, WPI reduced the carrying value of the trademarks and recorded intangible asset impairment charges of $5 million in fiscal 2007. Restructuring and impairment charges include severance costs, non-cash impairment charges related to plants that have closed, and continuing costs of closed plants and transition expenses.
WPI closed all of its 30 retail stores based on a comprehensive evaluation of the stores’ long-term growth prospects and their on-going value to the business. On October 18, 2007, WPI entered into an agreement to sell the inventory at all of its retail stores. The net impact of these closings during fiscal 2007 was $14 million of related closure charges and impairments (including lease terminations), which has been included as part of discontinued operations.
Holding Company
The Holding Company engages in various investment activities. The activities include those associated with investing its available liquidity, investing to earn returns from increases or decreases in the market price of securities, and investing with the prospect of acquiring operating businesses that we would control. Holding Company expenses, excluding interest expense, are principally related to payroll, legal and other professional fees.
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Summarized operating revenues and expenses for the Holding Company for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are as follows (in millions of dollars):
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| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
| 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | ||||||||||
| Net gain from investment activities | $ | 102 | $ | 84 | $ | 91 | ||||||
| Interest, dividends and other income | 51 | 129 | 43 | |||||||||
| Gain on debt extinguishment | 146 | — | — | |||||||||
| Other income, net | — | 37 | 18 | |||||||||
| Holding Company revenues | 299 | 250 | 152 | |||||||||
| Holding Company expenses | 34 | 37 | 26 | |||||||||
| Income from continuing operations before interest expense, income taxes and non-controlling interest | $ | 265 | $ | 213 | $ | 126 | ||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2007
Net gain from investment activities increased by $18 million, or 21.4%, to $102 million in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007. The increase was primarily due to higher realized gains recorded on the investment portfolio in fiscal 2008.
Interest, dividends and other income decreased by $78 million, or 60.5%, to $51 million for fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007. This decrease was primarily due to lower yields on lower cash balances in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, we purchased outstanding debt of entities included in our consolidated financial statements in the principal amount of $352 million and recognized an aggregate gain of $146 million.
Expenses, excluding interest expense, decreased by $3 million, or 8.1%, to $34 million in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007. The decrease is primarily due to lower professional and legal fees.
Year Ended December 31, 2007 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2006
Net gain from investment activities decreased by $7 million, or 7.7%, to $84 million in fiscal 2007 as compared to fiscal 2006. The decrease was primarily due to lower realized gains recorded on the investment portfolio in fiscal 2007.
Interest, dividends and other income increased by $86 million, or 200.0%, to $129 million in fiscal 2007 as compared to fiscal 2006. This increase was primarily due to the increase in the Holding Company’s cash position relating to the sale of our Oil and Gas operations and Atlantic City gaming operations in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 and the proceeds from the issuance of additional 7.125% senior notes in January 2007 and variable rate notes in April 2007.
Expenses, excluding interest expense, increased by $11 million, or 42.3%, to $37 million for fiscal 2007 as compared to fiscal 2006. The increase is primarily attributable to professional fees and legal expenses related to the acquisition of the Investment Management business on August 8, 2007.
Interest Expense and Non-Controlling Interests — Automotive, Holding Company and Other
Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2007
Interest expense increased by $176 million, or 130.4%, to $311 million in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007. The increase is primarily due to $166 million in interest expense incurred by our Automotive segment related to their Exit Facilities. Our Automotive segment results are included in our results for the period March 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008.
Non-controlling interests in loss for fiscal 2008 was $132 million as compared to non-controlling interests in loss of $53 million for fiscal 2007, as a result of the impact of the non-controlling interests’ share of losses of Federal-Mogul and WPI.
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