[x] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934For the Fiscal year ended December 31, 2004
OR
Securites registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class:
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports); and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes: [X] No: [ ]
Indicate by check mark 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 checkmark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes: [X] No: [ ]
Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 1, 2005: 91,798,713 million.
The aggregate market value of the equity of Autoliv, Inc. as of the last business day of the second fiscal quarter of 2004 amounted to $3,960 million.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
1. Portions of the Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 (the "Annual Report"), are incorporated by reference into Parts I and II.
2. Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement dated March 2, 2005, for the annual stockholders' meeting to be held April 26, 2005 (the "2005 Proxy Statement"), are incorporated by reference into Parts II and III.
3. Certain Exhibits of Autoliv, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File #333-23813)(the "Registration Statement") are incorporated by reference into Part IV.
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS*
GeneralAutoliv, Inc. ("Autoliv") is a Delaware holding corporation with its principal executive offices in Stockholm, Sweden. The Company owns two principal subsidiaries, Autoliv AB ("AAB" or "Autoliv AB") and Autoliv ASP, Inc.("ASP"). Autoliv's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), which include this Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all related amendments, are made available free of charge online at www.autoliv.com, Financial Info, Filings. These reports are available at Autoliv's Corporate Website (www.autoliv.com) as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with the SEC.
Shares of Autoliv common stock are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "ALV" and Swedish Depositary Receipts representing shares of Autoliv common stock trade on the OMHEX Stockholm Stock Exchange under the symbol "ALIV". Options in Autoliv shares are listed on the Chicago Board Options Exchange under the symbol "ALIV". Autoliv's fiscal year ends on December 31.
AAB, a Swedish corporation, is a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier to the automotive industry of car occupant restraint systems. Starting with seat belts in 1956, AAB expanded its product lines to include seat belt pretensioners (1989), frontal airbags (1991), side-impact airbags (1994), steering wheels (1995) and seat sub-systems (1996).
ASP, an Indiana corporation, pioneered airbag technology in 1968 and has since grown into one of the world's leading producers of airbag modules and inflators. ASP designs, develops and manufactures airbag inflators, modules and airbag cushions, seat belts and steering wheels. ASP sells inflators and modules for use in driver, passenger, side-impact and knee bolster airbag systems for worldwide automotive markets.
BusinessAutoliv, Inc. was created from the merger of AAB and ASP in 1997. Autoliv is the world's leading supplier of automotive occupant safety restraint systems with a broad range of product offerings, including modules and components for passenger and driver-side airbags, side-impact airbag protection systems, seat belts, steering wheels, safety seats and other safety systems and products. Autoliv has production facilities in 29 countries and has as customers all of the world's largest car manufacturers.
The Autoliv head office is located in Stockholm, Sweden and employs about 40 people. Autoliv had approximately 34,515 employees at December 31, 2004, and a total headcount, including temporary employees, of 39,765. Autoliv's sales in 2004 were $6.1 billion, approximately 66% of which consisted of airbags and associated products and approximately 34% of which consisted of seat belts and associated products. Autoliv's most important markets are in Europe, the United States, Japan and Asia Pacific.
The information required by Item 1 regarding developments in the Company's business since the beginning of 2004 is contained in the Annual Report and is incorporated herein by reference.
Financial Information on SegmentsAutoliv considers its products to be components of integrated car passenger protection systems, which fall within a single industry segment. The financial data relating to Autoliv's business in such segment over the last three fiscal years is contained in the Consolidated Financial Statements on pages 29 through 32 of the Annual Report and is incorporated herein by reference. A statement of net sales by product group for the last three years is contained in Note 19 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements on page 46 of the Annual Report and is incorporated herein by reference.
Financial Information on Geographic AreasFinancial information concerning Autoliv's geographic areas is included in the section titled "Value Drivers" beginning on page 8 and in Note 19 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 46 of the Annual Report, and is incorporated herein by reference.
Products, Market and CompetitionInformation concerning products, markets and competition is included in the section titled "Value Drivers" on page 8 of the Annual Report and is incorporated herein by reference.
Research, Development and EngineeringExpenses incurred for research, development and engineering activities were $368.4 million, $305.4 million and $229.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Additional information on research, development and engineering is included in the sections titled "Research & Development" and "Two Research & Development Projects" on pages 12 and 13 of the Annual Report and is incorporated herein by reference.
Manufacturing and ProductionIncluding joint venture operations, Autoliv has approximately 80 wholly or partially owned production facilities located in 29 countries, consisting of both component factories and assembly factories. See "Item 2. Properties" for a description of Autoliv's principal properties. The component factories manufacture inflators, initiators, textile cushions, webbing materials, electronics, pressed steel parts, springs and overmoulded steel parts used in seat belt and airbag assembly, seat subsystems, and steering wheels. The assembly factories source components from a number of parties, including Autoliv's own component factories, and assemble complete restraint systems for "just-in-time" delivery to customers. The products manufactured by Autoliv's wholly owned assembly factories in 2004 consisted of more than 90 million complete seat belt systems (more than 40 million of which were fitted with pretensioners), more than 25 million frontal airbag modules, more than 30 million side-impact airbags (including curtain airbags), nearly 10 million steering wheels and more than 20 million electronic units.
Autoliv's "just-in-time" delivery systems have been designed to accommodate the specific requirements of each customer for low levels of inventory and rapid stock delivery service. "Just-in-time" deliveries require final assembly or at least distribution centers in geographic areas close to customers to facilitate rapid delivery. The fact that the major automobile manufacturers are continually expanding production activities into more countries and require the same or similar safety systems as produced in Europe, Japan or the United States increases the importance to suppliers of having assembly capacity in several countries. Consolidations among our customers also support this trend.
Automobile manufacturers seek competitive quotes from suppliers and demand significant price reductions over a product's life cycle. In line with its customers' purchasing strategies, Autoliv has implemented cost-saving programs that management believes will help reduce Autoliv's own material, production and administrative costs.
If the supply of raw materials and components is not disrupted, the Autoliv assembly operations generally are not constrained by capacity considerations. Autoliv can adjust capacity in response to changes in demand within a few weeks by the addition or removal of work shifts and within a few months by the addition or removal of standardized production and assembly lines. Most of Autoliv's assembly factories can make sufficient space available to accommodate additional production lines to satisfy foreseeable increases in capacity. As a result, Autoliv can usually adjust its manufacturing capacity faster than its customers can adjust their capacities to changes in the general demand for vehicles or in the demand for a specific vehicle model, provided customers notify us when they become aware of such changes in demand.
Quality ManagementAutoliv's products face extremely high reliability requirements. In order to meet high customer quality requirements and internal production efficiency requirements, Autoliv has for several years operated an advanced quality management system. The system is a zero defect rate system and is based upon preventive principles involving the measurement of a number of quality indicators. By reference to best practice within its industry segment, Autoliv has developed quality benchmarks applied throughout Autoliv and places great emphasis on continually improving the quality of its products, customer service and production processes.
All wholly owned Autoliv subsidiaries (except for recently acquired companies) with direct deliveries to car manufacturers are certified according to "QS 9000", an automotive quality standard that incorporates the requirements of "ISO 9000".
During 2001, Autoliv launched a plan to certify its subsidiaries to "ISO/TS 16949", a new global quality management system for the automotive industry, which in time will replace "QS 9000". So far, over 80% of Autoliv's subsidiaries have been certified to this new quality standard. These subsidiaries account for approximately 95% of consolidated sales.
Additional information on quality management is included in the section titled "Quality Management" on page 16 of the Annual Report and is incorporated herein by reference.
Sources and Availability of Raw Materials and ComponentsAutoliv's business uses many raw materials and components in the manufacture of its products, nearly all of which are generally available from a number of qualified suppliers. Peaks in worldwide demand have had an impact on raw material costs and availability. Autoliv's business, however, has not generally experienced significant or long-term difficulty in obtaining raw materials. Since the cost of direct materials is approximately 50% of sales, changes in component costs could have a major impact on margins. Of the direct materials costs, approximately 33% comprise of raw materials and approximately 67% comprise of value added by the supply chain.
Autoliv's Dependence on SuppliersAutoliv may be dependent in certain instances on a single supplier for certain components relating to particular customer programs. Delays or stoppages in the delivery of components that are produced by a single supplier could result in Autoliv being unable to supply complete products to its customers. Such delays or stoppages could result in Autoliv's customers having to halt their own production processes, which might result not only in loss of income to Autoliv on the reduced volume of supplied products but also in the customer seeking re-coupment for consequential losses incurred due to its own lost production.
Joint VenturesAn important element of Autoliv's strategy has been to establish joint ventures to promote Autoliv's geographical expansion and technological development and to gain assistance in marketing Autoliv's full product line to local automobile manufacturers. Autoliv is not currently involved in any joint ventures that have been formed for the purpose of developing technology, but it is possible that strategic alliances combining Autoliv's technologies and expertise with that of others may expand the business opportunities in the future. These joint venture operations are accounted for according to the equity method. Total sales of Autoliv's joint venture operations to customers outside the consolidated Autoliv were approximately $198 million in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004. This amount includes sales to outside customers of the joint venture in Taiwan and the joint venture in Nanjing, China, until Autoliv obtained a controlling position and started to consolidate those ventures as of April 1, 2004, and October 1, 2004, respectively.
Autoliv Joint Ventures at December 31, 2004
Autoliv typically contributes design and production knowledge to the joint ventures, with the local partner providing sales support and manufacturing facilities. Some of these local partners manufacture and sell standardized seat belt systems, and will, through the joint venture with Autoliv, be able to upgrade their technology to meet specific customer demands and/or expand their product offerings. In addition to joint ventures in emerging markets, Autoliv has also, established joint ventures in developed markets such as France, either to strengthen its sales position or to gain access to the market.
Global OperationsAutoliv's joint ventures and foreign subsidiaries may be subject to the usual risks inherent in global operations, including, but not limited to: risks with respect to currency exchange rates; economic and political destabilization; other disruption of markets; restrictive laws and actions of certain governments (such as restrictions on transfers of funds, export duties and quotas, foreign customs and tariffs, and unexpected changes in regulatory environments); difficulty in obtaining distribution and support; nationalization; and the laws and policies of mainly the United States, the European Union, Japan, China and the World Trade Organization affecting trade, investment and loans; and tax laws.
There can be no assurance that these factors will not have a material adverse impact on Autoliv's ability to increase or maintain its international sales or on its results of operations.
Patents and Proprietary TechnologyAutoliv has developed a considerable amount of proprietary technology related to car occupant restraint systems and relies on a number of patents to protect such technology. Autoliv protects many of its innovations with patents, and vigorously protects and defends its patents, trademarks and know-how against infringement and unauthorized use. At present, Autoliv holds approximately 3,200 patents covering a large number of innovations and product ideas, mainly in the fields of seat belt and airbag technologies. Autoliv utilizes, and has access to, the patents of Autoliv's joint ventures. These patents expire on various dates during the period 2005 to 2024. The expiration of any single patent is not expected to have a material adverse effect on Autoliv's financial position.
Although Autoliv believes that its products and technology do not infringe the proprietary rights of others, there can be no assurance that third parties will not assert infringement claims against Autoliv in the future. There can be no assurance that any patents now owned by Autoliv, will afford protection against competitors that develop similar technology.
Dependence on the Automotive IndustryAutoliv's customers are automobile manufacturers whose production volumes are dependent upon general economic conditions and the level of consumer spending. The volume of car production in Autoliv's most important markets in Europe, North America, and Asia has fluctuated from year to year, and such fluctuations have given rise to fluctuations in the demand for Autoliv's products.
Major Customers and Substantial Reliance by Autoliv on Major CustomersAutoliv's customer base consists of a relatively small number of automobile manufacturers. Although business with any given customer is typically split into several contracts (usually one contract per vehicle model), the loss of all of the business of certain customers could have a material adverse effect on Autoliv. Combined sales to Autoliv's three largest customers represented Ford (including Volvo Cars 8%, Mazda etc.) 23%, Renault (incl Nissan) 15% and General Motors (including Opel, Holden, SAAB etc.) 12% of total fiscal 2004 sales and the largest contract accounted for 6% of total fiscal 2004 sales. This contract is due to expire in 2009.
Information concerning major customers is included in the the Management's Discussion and Analysis section titled "Risks and Risk Management" on page 25 and in Note 19 of the Consolidated Financial Statements on page 46 of the Annual Report, and is incorporated herein by reference.
Pricing Pressures on AutolivAs a consequence of the major automobile manufacturers' strong purchasing power, and the competitive pressures on car occupant restraint system suppliers to increase such suppliers' manufacturing capabilities, the unit prices of airbag systems, seat belts and other Autoliv products will likely continue to decline. In addition, similar to other automobile component manufacturers, Autoliv expects to quote, under certain circumstances, fixed or maximum prices for long-term supply arrangements. The future profitability of Autoliv will depend upon, among other things, its ability to continue to reduce its per unit costs and maintain a cost structure, internally and with its suppliers, that will enable it to remain cost-competitive. Autoliv's profitability may also be influenced by its success in designing and marketing technological improvements in car occupant restraint systems.
Additional information on Pricing Pressure is included in the Management's Discussion and Analysis section titled "Risks and Risk Management" on page 25 of the Annual Report and is incorporated herein by reference.
Product Warranty and RecallsAutoliv is exposed to product liability and warranty claims in the event that our products fail to perform as expected and such failure results, or is alleged to result, in bodily injury and/or property damage. We cannot assure that we will not experience any material warranty or product liability losses in the future or that we will not incur significant costs to defend such claims. In addition, if any of our products are or are alleged to be defective, we may be required to participate in a recall involving such products. Each vehicle manufacturer has its own practices regarding product recalls and other product liability actions relating to its suppliers. As suppliers become more integrally involved in the vehicle design process and assume more of the vehicle assembly functions, vehicle manufacturers are increasingly looking to their suppliers for contribution when faced with recalls and product liability claims. A recall claim or a product liability claim brought against us in excess of our available insurance may have a material adverse effect on our business. Vehicle manufacturers are also increasingly requiring their outside suppliers to guarantee or warrant their products and bear the costs of repair and replacement of such products under new vehicle warranties. A vehicle manufacturer may attempt to hold us responsible for some or all of the repair or replacement costs of defective products under new vehicle warranties, when the product supplied did not perform as represented. Accordingly the future costs of warranty claims by our customers may be material. However, we believe our established reserves are adequate to cover potential warranty settlements. Our warranty reserves are based upon our best estimates of amounts necessary to settle future and existing claims. We regularly evaluate the appropriateness of these reserves, and adjust them when appropriate. However, the final amounts determined to be due related to these matters could differ materially from our recorded estimates.
Seasonality and BacklogAutoliv's business is not subject to significant seasonal fluctuations. There are no material backlogs in Autoliv's business.
Certain Regulatory Matters and DevelopmentsThe automotive safety industry is subject to substantial regulation, both in the United States and in many other countries, which may affect the demand for Autoliv's products and Autoliv's manufacturing and development costs. These regulations are subject to frequent review by applicable regulatory authorities and other governmental entities, and are subject to change. In the United States, federal legislation requires driver-side and passenger-side airbags in all new passenger cars, effective as of September 1, 1997, and in all new light vehicles (unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less), effective as of September 1, 1998. Changes in regulations could have a material adverse impact on Autoliv's operations and financial condition. Such regulations are subject to a number of factors that are not within the control of Autoliv, including adverse publicity regarding the safety risks of airbags to children and small adults, domestic and foreign political developments, and litigation relating to Autoliv's and its competitors' products. There can be no assurance those regulatory developments or adverse publicity will not adversely affect customer demand for the Company's automotive safety products. Such changes could also result in slower increases, or in decreases, in demand for automotive safety products in other countries.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (the "NHTSA") issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in May 2004 to upgrade the current side impact crash certification test. The proposed upgrade is intended to improve occupant safety in near-side lateral crashes by adding head impact protection requirements, adding a lateral impact test of the vehicle into a stationary pole, and utilizing new (more biofidelic) test dummies - covering both the average adult male occupant (50th percentile), and smaller (5th percentile) occupants. If adopted as a standard during 2005, the new requirements will be used for vehicle certification as early as 2009.
EnvironmentalAutoliv is subject to the requirements of United States federal, state, local as well as many non-United States environmental and occupational safety and health laws and regulations ("Regulations".) Although it is our intention to comply with all such laws and regulations, we cannot provide assurance that we are at all times in compliance with all such laws and regulations. Environmental requirements are complex, subject to change and have tended to become more and more stringent. Accordingly, we cannot provide assurance that such requirements will not change or become more stringent in the future.
Since 1996, Autoliv has had an environmental plan based on Autoliv's environmental policy. According to the plan, Autoliv's plants and units are intended to be certified according to ISO 14001, an international standard for environmental management systems. So far, 56 facilities representing more than 95% of the Company's consolidated sales have been certified according to this standard.
Autoliv has no pending material environmental related issues. The Company does not incur (or expect to incur) any material costs or capital expenditures for environmental control facilities associated with compliance with Regulations.
Additional information relating to the Company's environmental management is included in the section titled "Environment" on page 15 of the Annual Report and is incorporated herein by reference.
EmployeesAt December 31, 2004, Autoliv and its subsidiaries had approximately 34,515 employees. In addition, Autoliv had approximately 5,250 temporary hourly workers
Autoliv considers its labor relations to be good and has not experienced any major strike or other significant labor dispute for many years.
Important unions that some of Autoliv's employees belong to are Swedish Metal Workers Union, the Swedish Union of Clerical and Technical Employees in Industry, the Swedish Foremen and Supervisors' Association and the Swedish Association of Graduated Engineers, IG Metall and Textil und Bekleidung in Germany, Amicus in the United Kingdom, the Metal Workers Union in Australia, the Union of Needletraders and Industrial and Textile Employees in the United States, Confederation Generale des Travaileurs in France and Federacion Minerometalurgica, Union General de Trabajadores and Comisiones Obereras in Spain.
In Sweden, wages and general working conditions are typically the subject of centrally negotiated collective bargaining agreements. Within the limits established by these agreements, Autoliv's subsidiaries negotiate directly with the local unions representing the employees. In Australia, France and Spain, wages, salaries and general working conditions are negotiated with the local unions. In Germany, wages but not salaries are negotiated with the local unions, while in the United Kingdom and the United States there is far less union involvement in establishing wages, salaries and working conditions than in, for instance, Germany.
The terms of the various agreements with unions typically range between 1-3 years.
Under Swedish law, Autoliv's subsidiaries must negotiate important changes in operations and working conditions with the unions representing its employees. In other countries (including Germany, Spain and France), negotiations must take place when a company wishes to dismiss employees and under certain other circumstances.
Employees in the Netherlands and Germany are represented by legally mandated workers' councils or similar organizations.
Twice a year the Company's management conducts a European Employee Council meeting (EEC) to provide employee representatives with important information and a forum for exchange of opinions.
Available informationThe public may read and copy any materials Autoliv files with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at (1)202-942-8090. Further information regarding filings with the SEC is included in the section titled "Filing with NYSE and SEC" on page 2 of the Annual Report and is incorporated herein by reference.
Autoliv's principal executive offices are located in the World Trade Center, Klarabergsviadukten 70, SE-107 24, Stockholm, Sweden. Autoliv's various businesses operate in a number of production facilities and offices. Autoliv believes its properties to be adequately maintained and suitable for their intended use and its production facilities to have a capacity adequate for its current and foreseeable needs. All of Autoliv's production facilities and offices are owned or leased by operating (either subsidiary or joint venture) companies.
Autoliv Manufacturing Facilities
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
Various claims, lawsuits and proceedings are pending or threatened against the Company or its subsidiaries, covering a range of matters that arise in the ordinary course of its business activities with respect to commercial, product liability and other matters.
Litigation is subject to many uncertainties, and the outcome of any litigation cannot be assured. After discussions with counsel, it is the opinion of management that the litigations to which the Company is currently a party will not have a material adverse impact on the consolidated financial position of Autoliv, but the Company cannot provide assurance that Autoliv will not experience any material product liability or other losses in the future.
In December 2003, a U.S. Federal District Court awarded a supplier of Autoliv ASP, Inc. approximately $27 million plus pre-judgment interest of $6 million in connection with a commercial dispute. Autoliv has appealed the verdict and the supplier has cross-appealed in regard to the calculation of the amount of pre-judgment interest. The appeal and the cross-appeal are currently pending before the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Briefing before the court of appeals is completed, but oral argument has not yet been scheduled. While legal proceedings are subject to inherent uncertainty, Autoliv believes that it has meritorious grounds for appeal, which would result in a new trial, and that it is possible that the judgment could be eliminated or substantially altered. Consequently, in the opinion of the Company's management, it is not possible to determine the final outcome of this litigation at this time. Autoliv cannot be assured that the final outcome of this litigation will not result in a loss that will have to be recorded by the Company.
The Company believes that it is currently adequately insured against product and other liability risks, at levels sufficient to cover potential claims, but Autoliv cannot be assured that the level of coverage will be sufficient in the future or that such coverage will be available on the market.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders of Autoliv during the fourth quarter of 2004.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Information concerning the market for Autoliv's common stock including the relevant trading market, and approximate number of shareholders is included in the section titled "The Autoliv Share" on pages 54 and 55 of the Annual Report and is incorporated herein by reference. The table below contains recent share prices and dividends declared for the two most recent years.
Autoliv has only equity compensation plans approved by stockholders. Information about the Company's equity compensation plans is included on pages 14 and 15 of the 2005 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Selected financial data for the five years ended December 31, 2004 is included on page 57 of the Annual Report and is incorporated herein by reference.
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 for the three years ended December 31, 2004 is included on pages 17 through 27 of the Annual Report and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk are included in the Management's Discussion and Analysis section titled "Risks and Risk Management" on pages 25 through 27 of the Annual Report and are incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The Consolidated Balance Sheets of Autoliv as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 and the Consolidated Statements of Income and Cash Flows and Statements of Shareholders' Equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004, the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, and the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are included on pages 29 through 47 of the Annual Report and are incorporated herein by reference.
All of the schedules specified under Regulation S-X to be provided by Autoliv have been omitted either because they are not applicable, are not required or the information required is included in the financial statements or notes thereto.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
In 2004 there were no changes or disagreements with the independent auditors regarding accounting or financial disclosure matters.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Directors:Information concerning the directors and nominees for re-election of directors of Autoliv is included on pages 5-6 in the 2005 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
Executive Officers of the registrant:
Lars Westerberg, age 56, President and Chief Executive Officer of Autoliv, Inc. from February 1, 1999, and Director of Autoliv since February, 1999. From 1994 until he assumed his positions with Autoliv, Mr. Westerberg was President and Chief Executive Officer of Granges AB, a Swedish-based aluminum and plastics company listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange. From 1991 and until 1994 he held the same positions at the publicly-traded welding company Esab AB. He started his employment at Esab in 1984 and held several executive positions, including President of Esab's North American subsidiary. Mr. Westerberg is the Chairman of Ahlsell AB, a Swedish heating, water and sanitation company, and a director of Plastal AB, a Swedish supplier of automotive plastic components. Mr. Westerberg holds a Master of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm and a MBA from the University of Stockholm.
Leif Berntsson, age 49, Vice President Quality, appointed May 1, 1997. Mr. Berntsson has been Vice President Quality of Autoliv AB since 1988 and also Vice President Purchasing of Autoliv AB from 1992 until July 1, 1999. Mr. Berntsson holds a Master of Science Degree from the Chalmers Institute of Technology in Gothenburg.
Yngve Håland, age 59, Vice President Research, appointed May 1, 1997. Dr. Håland has been Vice President Research of Autoliv AB since 1994. Prior to that he was Group Manager Research for Autoliv AB from 1989. Dr. Håland is Professor at Chalmers Institute of Technology in Gothenburg. He holds a Master of Science Degree and he also holds a doctorate's Degree from the Chalmers Institute of Technology.
Halvar Jonzon, age 54, Vice President Purchasing, assumed his position on January 1, 2002. Mr. Jonzon has held various positions since 1974 in Electrolux, the Swedish white goods company, including General Manager of Electrolux International (1983-86), Senior Vice President, Purchasing for the White Goods Division (1986-91), Senior Vice President and General Manager for Nordic Markets (1991-96) and for the European Logistics Division (1996-99), as well as Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff of Electrolux Home Products Europe S.A. in Brussels (1999-02). He holds an MBA from Stockholm School of Economics and an Executive Education Diploma from Columbia Business School, N.Y.
Magnus Lindquist, age 41, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, appointed March 8, 2001. Before joining Autoliv on July 1, 2001, Mr. Lindquist was Executive Vice President of Perstorp AB, a Swedish-based chemistry and materials technology corporation, with responsibility from 1996 of Finance, Business Development and Strategy, and from 1999 also for Treasury and IT. He has also held various positions in the finance departments of the Swedish companies Stora (pulp and paper), Skanska (constructions), Swedish Match (consumer goods) and the SEB Bank.
Benoît Marsaud, age 52, Vice President Manufacturing, appointed February 4, 1998. Mr. Marsaud has been Vice President Manufacturing of Autoliv AB since 1992 and in addition was appointed President of Autoliv France in May 1997. He holds a Master of Science Degree from Ecole Nationale Superieure Des Arts et Metiers in Paris.
Mats Ödman, age 54, Vice President Corporate Communications, appointed May 1, 1997. Mr. Ödman has been Director of Investor Relations of Autoliv AB since 1994. Before that Mr. Ödman had the same position in Fermenta AB and Gambro AB. Prior to that Mr. Ödman was Investor Relations Manager of Pharmacia AB.
Jan Olsson, age 50, Vice President Engineering, appointed October 1, 1997. Mr. Olsson was Manager of Engineering of Autoliv Sverige AB from 1989 until August 1994 when he became President of the same company, a position he held until he was appointed to his current position. Mr. Olsson holds a Master of Science Degree from the Chalmers Institute of Technology in Gothenburg.
Hans-Göran Patring, age 55, Vice President Human Resources, appointed on April 26, 2001. Prior to assuming his current position on January 1, 2002, he was Deputy Vice President, Human Resources from September 3, 2001, and from 1999 Group Vice President of Human Resources of the Global Automation Division at ABB in Zurich, Switzerland. Previously, he was Vice President of Human Resources for ABB's Global Robotics Business based in the UK for three years.
Jörgen I. Svensson, age 43, Vice President Legal Affairs, General Counsel and Secretary, appointed May 1, 1997. Mr. Svensson has been Legal Counsel of Autoliv AB since 1989, General Counsel since 1991, and Vice President Legal Affairs and General Counsel since 1994. Mr. Svensson holds a Degree of Master of Law from the University of Lund, Sweden.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934The information required by Item 10 regarding our directors is included under the caption "Compliance with Section 16 (a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934" on page 15 of the 2005 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference. The information required by Item 10 regarding the Company's Code of Ethics is included under the caption "The Board Meeting Attendance and Compensation of Directors" on pages 4 and 5 in the 2005 Proxy Statement. The information required by the same item regarding Audit committee and Audit committee financial experts is included in the section "Committees of the Board" on pages 6-7 in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by Item 11 regarding executive compensation for the year ended December 31, 2004 is included under the caption "Executive Compensation" on pages 13 through 20 of the 2005 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The information required by Item 12 regarding beneficial ownership of Autoliv's common stock is included under the caption "Voting Securities and Principal Holders Thereof" on pages 9-10 of the 2005 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The information required by Item 13 regarding Related Transactions is included under the caption "Summary Compensation Table" on page 17, Note 4 of the 2005 Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by reference. Except as disclosed in the 2005 Proxy Statement, there are no other related transactions.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by Item 9 (e) of Schedule 14A regarding principal accounting fees and services provided to Autoliv is included under the caption "Ratification of Appointment of Independent Auditors" on pages 15-16 of the 2005 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) Documents Filed as Part of this Report
Financial Statements
The following consolidated financial statements are included on pages 29 through 47 of the Annual Report and Selected Financial Data is included on page 57 of the Annual Report and are incorporated herein by reference:
(i) Consolidated Statements of Income - Years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 (page 29); (ii) Consolidated Balance Sheets - as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 (page 30); (iii) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 (page 31); (iv) Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - as of December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 (page 32); (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (pages 33-46; (vi) Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (page 47).
Financial Statement Schedules
All of the schedules specified under Regulation S-X to be provided by Autoliv have been omitted either because they are not applicable, they are not required, or the information required is included in the financial statements or notes thereto.
Index to Exhibits
Description
Autoliv's Restated Certificate of Incorporation incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-23813, filing date June 13, 1997) (the "Registration Statement").
Autoliv's Restated By-Laws incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registration Statement.
Rights Agreement dated as of December 4, 1997 between Autoliv and First Chicago Trust Company of New York incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3 to Autoliv's Registration Statement on Form 8-A (File No. 1-12933, filing date December 4, 1997).
Facilities Agreement, dated November 13, 2000, among Autoliv, Inc. and the lenders named therein, as amended by amendment dated November 5, 2001, as further amended by amendment dated December 12, 2001, and as further amended by amendment dated June 6, 2002, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 on Form 10-K (File No. 1-12933, filing date July 2, 2002)
Autoliv, Inc. 1997 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Autoliv's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-26299, filing date May 1, 1997)
Amendment No. 1 to Autoliv, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 on Form 10-K (File No. 1-12933, filing date July 2, 2002)
Form of Employment Agreement between Autoliv, Inc. and its executive officers, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 on Form 10-K (File No. 1-12933, filing date July 2, 2002)
Form of Supplementary Agreement to the Employment Agreement between Autoliv and certain of its executive officers, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 on Form 10-K (File No. 1-12933, filing date July 2, 2002)
Employment Agreement, dated November 11, 1998, between Autoliv, Inc. and Lars Westerberg, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 on Form 10-K (File No. 1-12933, filing date July 2, 2002)
Form of Severance Agreement between Autoliv and its executive officers, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 on Form 10-K (File No. 1-12933, filing date July 2, 2002)
Pension Agreement, dated November 26, 1999, between Autoliv AB and Lars Westerberg, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 on Form 10-K (File No. 1-12933, filing date July 2, 2002)
Form of Amendment to Employment Agreement - notice.
Form of Amendment to Employment Agreement - pension.
Form of Agreement - additional pension.
Amendment No.2 to the Autoliv, Inc. 1997 Stock Incentive Plan
Information concerning the calculation of Autoliv 's earnings per share is included in Note 1 of the Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements contained in the Annual Report and is incorporated herein by reference.
Autoliv's Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004.
Autoliv's List of Subsidiaries.
No matters were submitted to Autoliv's stockholders during the fourth quarter of 2004.
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Autoliv, Inc.
Facilities Agreement of $850,000,000, dated March 31, 2003, among Autoliv Inc. and the lenders named therein
________________________* Filed in 10-K for the fiscal year ended 2002.** Filed in 10-K for the fiscal year ended 2003.*** Filed herewith
(b) Reports on Form 8-K:
On April 22, 2004, the Company filed a current report on Form 8-K to report under Items 7, 9 and 12 that it issued a press release announcing its financial results for January - March 2004.
On July 22, 2004, the Company filed a current report on Form 8-K to report under Items 7, 9 and 12 that it issued a press release announcing its financial results for April - June 2004.
On October 21, 2004, the Company filed a current report on Form 8-K to report under Items 2.02, 7.01 and 9.01 that it issued a press release announcing its financial results for July - September 2004.
On October 25, 2004, the Company filed a current report on Form 8-K to report under Item 5.02 that it issued a press release announcing the election of a new Member of the Board.
On December 16, 2004, the Company filed a current report on Form 8-K to report under Item 1.01 the implementation of the Autoliv, Inc. 2004 Non-Employee Director Stock-Related Compensation Plan.
On January 27, 2005, the Company filed a current report on Form 8-K to report under Items 2.02, 7.01 and 9.01 that it issued a press release announcing its financial results for October - December 2004.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, as of March 2, 2005.
AUTOLIV, INC.(Registrant)By /s/ Magnus Lindquist
Magnus LindquistVice President and Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated, as of March 2, 2005.