ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934For the Fiscal year ended December 31, 2006
Securites registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class:
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act: Yes: [X] No: [ ]
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act: Yes: [ ] 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: [ ]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) 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 (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes: [X] No: [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes: [ ] No: [X ]
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity of Autoliv, Inc. as of the last business day of the second fiscal quarter of 2006, amounted to $4,646 million.
Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of February 20, 2007: 80,261,836.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
1. Portions of the Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 (the "Annual Report") are incorporated by reference into Parts I and II.
2. Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement dated March 8, 2007, for the annual stockholders' meeting to be held May 3, 2007 (the "2007 Proxy Statement"), are incorporated by reference into Parts II and III.
3. Certain Exhibits of Autoliv, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on June 13, 1997 (File #333-23813)(the "Registration Statement") are incorporated by reference into Part IV.
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS*
GeneralAutoliv, Inc. ("Autoliv" or the "Company") is a Delaware holding corporation with its principal executive offices in Stockholm, Sweden. The Company owns two principal subsidiaries, Autoliv AB ("AAB") 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 on our corporate website at www.autoliv.com and are available 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 Depository Receipts representing shares of Autoliv common stock trade on the OMX 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 automotive safety systems. Starting with seatbelts in 1956, AAB expanded its product lines to include seatbelt 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 modules, inflators, airbag cushions, seatbelts, 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 was created from the merger of AAB and ASP in 1997. Autoliv is the world's leading supplier of automotive safety systems with a broad range of product offerings, including modules and components for passenger and driver-side airbags, side-impact airbag protection systems, seatbelts, steering wheels, safety electronics, whiplash protection systems and child seats, as well as night vision systems and other active safety systems. Autoliv has production facilities in 28 countries and includes the world's largest car manufacturers among its customers.
Autoliv's head office is located in Stockholm, Sweden, and employs approximately 40 people. Autoliv had approximately 35,700 employees at December 31, 2006, and a total headcount, including temporary employees, of 41,800. Autoliv's sales in 2006 were $6.2 billion, approximately 66% of which consisted of airbags and associated products and approximately 34% of which consisted of seatbelts and associated products. Autoliv's most important markets are in Europe, United States, Japan and Asia-Pacific.
The information required by Item 1 regarding developments in the Company's business during 2006 is contained in the Annual Report on pages 10-15 and 26 and is incorporated herein by reference.
Financial Information on SegmentsAutoliv considers its products to be components of integrated automotive safety systems, which fall within a single industry segment. Autoliv has two different operating segments; airbags/seatbelt products, and electronics/sensing products. For financial reporting purposes, these two operating segments have been aggregated into a single operating segment in accordance with the provisions of FAS-131. The financial data relating to Autoliv's business in this segment over the last three fiscal years is contained in the Consolidated Financial Statements on pages 37 through 54 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 54 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 "Creating Shareholder Value" on pages 10 through 12 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 28 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 seatbelt 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 2006 consisted of more than 98 million complete seatbelt systems (of which more than 46 million were fitted with pretensioners), more than 25 million frontal airbag modules, approximately 39 million side-impact airbags (including curt ain airbags), approximately 10 million steering wheels and approximately 28 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 those produced in Europe, Japan or the United States increases the importance to suppliers of having assembly capacity in several countries. Consolidation among our customers also supports this trend.
If the supply of raw materials and components is not disrupted, Autoliv's assembly operations generally are not constrained by capacity considerations. Autoliv can adjust capacity in response to changes in demand within a few weeks by adding or removing work shifts and within a few months by adding or removing 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 capacity fluctuations in the general demand for vehicles or in the demand for a specific vehicle model, provided that customers notify Autoliv when they become aware of such changes in demand.
Quality ManagementAutoliv believes that superior quality is a prerequisite for it to be considered a leading global supplier of automotive safety systems. This means both that Autoliv's products must always meet performance expectations, and that Autoliv's products must be delivered to its customers at the right times and in the right amounts.
Autoliv has for many years practiced a "zero-defect" proactive quality policy, and continues to strive to improve its working methods. This pursuit of excellence extends from the earliest phases of product development to the proper product disposal following many years of use in a vehicle. Autoliv's comprehensive Autoliv Product Development System (APDS) process includes several key check points during the development of new products that are designed to ensure that new products are well-built and have no hidden weaknesses.
The Autoliv Production System (APS) is at the core of Autoliv's manufacturing philosophy. APS integrates essential quality elements, such as mistake proofing, statistical process control and operator involvement, into the manufacturing processes. This "zero-defect" policy extends beyond Autoliv to the entire supplier base. The global Autoliv Supplier Manual, which is based on strict automotive standards, defines the quality requirements, as well as the collaboration model to the supply base.
Autoliv continues to execute its plan to have all subsidiaries certified to ISO/TS 16949, a global automotive quality management system. At present, approximately 95% of Autoliv's subsidiaries have been certified to this new quality standard. These subsidiaries account for approximately 98% of Autoliv's sales. The non-certified subsidiaries are primarily new subsidiaries that have not yet been certified.
Additional information on quality management is included in the section "Quality" on page 22 of the Annual Report and is incorporated herein by reference.
Raw materialsFor information on the sources and availability of raw materials, see "Risk Factors - Changes in the source and availability of raw materials and components" in Item 1A and page 32 of the Annual Report which is incorporated herein by reference.
Intellectual PropertyFor information on our use of intellectual property and its importance to us, see "Risk Factors - If our patents are declared invalid or our technology infringes on the proprietary rights of others, our ability to compete may be impaired" in Item 1A and pages 16-17 of the Annual Report which is incorporated herein by reference.
Seasonality and BacklogAutoliv's business is not subject to significant seasonal fluctuations. There are no material backlogs in Autoliv's business.
Dependence on CustomersFor information on our dependence on customers, see "Risk Factors - Our business could be materially and adversely affected if we lost any of our largest customers" in Item 1A and page 33 of the Annual Report which is incorporated herein by reference.
Research, Development and EngineeringExpenses incurred for research, development and engineering activities were $397.6 million, $385.8 million and $368.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Additional information on research, development and engineering is included in the section titled "Research & Development" on pages 16-17 of the Annual Report and is incorporated herein by reference.
Regulatory CostsThe fitting of seatbelts in vehicles is mandatory in almost all countries. In addition, most developed countries also require that seats in intercity buses and commercial vehicles be fitted with seatbelts. In the United States, federal legislation requires frontal airbags, both on driver-side and passenger-side, in all new passenger cars and in all new light vehicles, as defined as unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (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 this new standard is adopted during 2007, as anticipated, the new requirements will be phased in for vehicle certification from the 2010 model year. Autoliv believes that the upgraded federal standard for side impact protection will promote the installation of side impact head protection airbags, so-called curtain airbags.For information concerning the material effects on our business relating to our compliance with government regulations, see "Risk Factors - Our business may be adversely affected by environmental and safety regulations or concerns" in Item 1A and page 33 of the Annual Report, which is incorporated herein by reference.
EmployeesAt December 31, 2006, Autoliv and its subsidiaries had approximately 35,700 employees. In addition, Autoliv had approximately 6,100 temporary hourly workers during 2006. Autoliv considers its relationship with its employees to be good and has not experienced any major strike or other significant labor dispute in recent years.Important unions that some of Autoliv's employees belong to in Europe include: IG Metall and Textil und Bekleidung in Germany, Amicus in the United Kingdom, Confederation Generale des Travaileurs in France, Federacion Minerometalurgica, Union General de Trabajadores, Comisiones Obereras in Spain and Swedish Metal Workers Union and the Swedish Association of Graduated Engineers in Sweden.In addition, Autoliv's other regions are represented by the following unions: the Metal Workers Union in Australia, the Union of Needletraders and Industrial and Textile Employees in the United States, the Canadian Automotive Workers in Canada, and Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores de la Industria Metalurgica y Similares in Mexico.In many European countries in which we operate, wages, salaries and general working conditions are negotiated with local unions and/or are subject to centrally negotiated collective bargaining agreements. The terms of our various agreements with unions typically range between 1-3 years. Most of our subsidiaries in Europe must negotiate with the applicable local unions important changes in operations, working and employment conditions. In the United Kingdom and the United States there is far less union involvement in establishing wages, salaries and working conditions. Twice a year, the Company's management conducts a meeting with the European Work Council (EWC) to provide employee representatives with important information and a forum for the exchange of ideas and opinions.Many Asia Pacific countries regulate salary adjustments on an individual basis each year. In Korea and Thailand, employee organizations are involved in various processes.
Financial Information on Geographic AreasFinancial information concerning Autoliv's geographic areas is included in the section titled "Creating Shareholder Value" beginning on page 10 and in Note 19 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 54 of the Annual Report and is incorporated herein by reference. See also Item 1A "Risk Factors - Our business is exposed to risks inherent in global operations".
Joint VenturesAn important element of Autoliv's strategy has been to establish joint ventures to promote its 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 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 entity were approximately $166.6 million in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
Autoliv Joint Ventures at December 31, 2006
Autoliv typically contributes design and production knowledge to joint ventures, with the local partner providing sales support and manufacturing facilities. Some of these local partners manufacture and sell standardized seatbelt 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.
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 "Readers Guide and Financial Information" on page 1 of the Annual Report and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 1A - RISK FACTORS
Changes in the source and availability of raw materials and components.Our business uses a broad range of raw materials and components in the manufacture of our products, nearly all of which are generally available from a number of qualified suppliers. Peaks in worldwide demand for certain raw materials have had an impact on raw material costs and availability. Our business has not generally experienced significant or long-term difficulty in obtaining raw materials. However, the cost of direct materials amounted to approximately 50% of our sales in 2006. Of the direct materials costs, approximately 39% comprise raw materials costs and approximately 61% comprise value-added costs by the supply chain. A significant increase in the price of raw materials and components we require to manufacture our products could materially increase our operating costs and materially and adversely affect our profit margin.
Delays or stoppages in the delivery of components that are produced by a single supplier would result in supply interruption to our customers and could negatively impact our business.In certain instances we depend on a single supplier for specific components relating to particular customer programs. The failure of a supplier to perform as expected could result in a delay for Autoliv to supply complete products to our customers in a timely manner. This non-performance on the part of a supplier may consist of: delivery delays; failures caused by production issues; or delivery of non-conforming products. The risk of non-performance may also result from the insolvency or bankruptcy of one or more of our suppliers. Such non-performance could cause our customers to halt their own production processes. In such instances, we may lose income due to the reduced volume of supplied products and may also be exposed to the risk that our customers may seek to recoup from us consequential losses incurred as a result of their lost production.
Our business is exposed to risks inherent in global operations.Our 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; the laws and policies of the United States, the European Union, Japan, China and the World Trade Organization affecting trade, investment and loans; or tax laws. These and other factors may have a material adverse effect on our international operations or on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
If our patents are declared invalid or our technology infringes on the proprietary rights of others, our ability to compete may be impaired.We have developed a considerable amount of proprietary technology related to automotive safety systems and rely on a number of patents to protect such technology. We primarily protect our innovations with patents, and vigorously protect and defend our patents, trademarks and know-how against infringement and unauthorized use. At present, we hold approximately 3,800 patents covering a large number of innovations and product ideas, mainly in the fields of seatbelt and airbag technologies. We utilize, and have access to, the patents of our joint ventures. These patents expire on various dates during the period 2007 to 2026. We do not expect the expiration of any single patent to have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.Although we believe that our products and technology do not infringe the proprietary rights of others, third parties may assert infringement claims against us in the future. Also, any patents now owned by us may not afford protection against competitors that develop similar technology.
The cyclicality of automotive production and sales could adversely affect our business.Our customers, the automobile manufacturers, have production volumes that are dependent upon general economic conditions and the level of consumer spending. Therefore, automotive production and sales can be highly cyclical due to these and other factors, such as, labor relations issues, regulatory requirements or trade agreements. In addition, automotive production and sales can be affected by labor relations issues, regulatory requirements or trade agreements. The volume of automotive production in our most important markets in Europe, North America, and Asia has fluctuated, sometimes significantly, from year to year, and such fluctuations give rise to fluctuations in the demand for our products. Any significant economic decline that results in a reduction in automotive production and sales by our customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our business could be materially and adversely affected if we lost any of our largest customers.Autoliv is dependent on a relatively small number of automobile manufacturers with strong purchasing power, as a result of high market concentration, that has developed due to customer consolidation during the last couple of decades. Our three largest customers represented 44% of our combined sales for 2006, with Ford (including Volvo) accounting for 20%, Renault/Nissan accounting for 12% and GM companies accounting for 12%. Our largest contract accounted for 5% of our total fiscal 2006 sales. This current contract is due to expire in 2012, but can be renewed and extended. 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 any of our primary customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
In addition, automobile manufacturers seek competitive quotes from suppliers and demand significant price reductions over a product's life cycle. In line with our customers' purchasing strategies, we have implemented cost-saving programs that management believes will help reduce our own material, production and administrative costs.
Information concerning our major customers is included on page 12 in the section "Creating Shareholder Value" and in Note 19 of the Consolidated Financial Statements on page 54 of the Annual Report, and is incorporated herein by reference.
Escalating pricing pressures from our customers may adversely affect our business.The automotive industry has been characterized by pricing pressure from customers for many years. This trend is partly attributable to the major automobile manufacturers' strong purchasing power. Similar to other automobile component manufacturers, we expect to quote, under certain circumstances, fixed or maximum prices for long-term supply arrangements. Our future profitability will depend upon, among other things, our ability to continue to reduce our cost per unit and maintain a cost structure, internally and with our suppliers, that will enable Autoliv to remain cost-competitive. Our profitability may also be influenced by our success in designing and marketing technological improvements in automotive safety systems. If we are unable to offset continued price reductions through improved operating efficiencies and reduced expenditures, these price reductions may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Additional information on pricing pressure is included in the "Management's Discussion and Analysis" section "Risks and Risk Management" on page 32 of the Annual Report and is incorporated herein by reference.
We may incur material losses and costs as a result of product liability and warranty and recall claims that may be brought against us.We face an inherent business risk of exposure to product liability and warranty claims in the event that our products actually or allegedly fail to perform as expected or the use of our products results, or is alleged to result, in bodily injury and/or property damage. Accordingly, we could experience material warranty or product liability losses in the future and incur significant costs to defend these 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. Every 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 Autoliv 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 the entire repair or replacement costs o f 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. Although we regularly evaluate the appropriateness of these reserves, and adjust them when appropriate, the final amounts determined to be due related to these matters could differ materially from our recorded estimates.
Our business may be adversely affected by environmental and safety regulations or concerns.We are subject to the requirements of environmental and occupational safety and health laws and regulations in the United States and other countries. We cannot assure you that we have been or will be at all times in complete compliance with all of these requirements, or that we will not incur material costs or liabilities in connection with these requirements in excess of amounts we have reserved. Such regulations are subject to a number of factors that are not within our control, including adverse publicity regarding the safety risks of airbags to children and small adults, domestic and foreign political developments, and litigation relating to our products and our competitors' products. In addition, these requirements are complex, subject to change and have tended to become more and more stringent. Accordingly, such requirements may change or become more stringent in the future.
To reduce our exposure to environmental risk, we implemented an environmental plan in 1996 based on our environmental policy. According to the plan, we sought to certify according to ISO 14001, an international standard for environmental management systems, all our plants and units. To date, 61 of our facilities, representing more than 95% of our consolidated sales, have been certified according to ISO 14001.
We have no pending material environmental related issues. We have however made and will continue to make capital and other expenditures to comply with environmental requirements. These regulatory developments or adverse publicity related thereto may adversely affect customer demand for our automotive safety products. Such changes could also result in slower increases, or in decreases, in demand for automotive safety products in other countries.
Additional information relating to our environmental management is included in the "Corporate Social Responsibility" section "Environment" starting on page 21 of the Annual Report and is incorporated herein by reference.
Loss of market share by domestic vehicle manufacturers may adversely affect our results in the future.In recent years, the Big Three (i.e. Ford Motor Company, General Motors Corporation and the Chrysler unit of DaimlerChrysler AG) have seen a decline in their market share for vehicle sales particularly in North America, with Asian automobile manufacturers increasing their share. Although we do have business with the Asian automobile manufacturers, a portion of our customer base derives from the Big Three. Accordingly, if this trend of Big Three market share loss continues and our share of business with Asian vehicle manufacturers does not increase, our results could be materially and adversely affected.
Work stoppages or other labor issues at our customers' facilities or at our facilities could adversely affect our operations.If any of our customers experience a material work stoppage, that customer may halt or limit the purchase of our products. This could cause Autoliv to shut down production facilities supplying these products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. While labor contract negotiations at our locations historically have rarely resulted in work stoppages, we cannot assure you that we will be able to negotiate acceptable contracts with these unions or that our failure to do so will not result in work stoppages. A work stoppage at one or more of our plants, or our customers' facilities could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Our ability to operate our company effectively could be impaired if we fail to attract and retain key personnel.Our ability to operate our business and implement our strategies effectively depends, in part, on the efforts of our executive officers and other key employees. In addition, our future success will depend on, among other factors, our ability to attract and retain other qualified personnel, particularly engineers and other employees with electronics and software expertise. The loss of the services of any of our key employees or the failure to attract or retain other qualified personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We operate in highly competitive markets.The markets in which we operate are highly competitive. We compete with a number of other manufacturers that produce and sell similar products. Our products primarily compete on the basis of price, manufacturing and distribution capability, product design, product quality, product delivery and product service. Some of our competitors are companies, or divisions, units or subsidiaries of companies that are larger and have greater financial and other resources than Autoliv. Our products may not be able to compete successfully with the products of our competitors. In addition, our competitors may foresee the course of market development more accurately than we do, develop products that are superior to our products, have the ability to produce similar products at a lower cost than we can or adapt more quickly than we do to new technologies or evolving regulatory, industry or customer requirements. As a result, our products may not be able to compete successfully with their products. We may encounter increased competition in the future from existing competitors or new competitors.
Additional information concerning competition is included in the "Management's Discussion and Analysis" section "Risks and Risk Management" on page 33 of the Annual Report and is incorporated herein by reference.
We may be unable to make the technological advances necessary to carry out product innovations sufficient to meet our customers' demands.Certain areas of our business, in particular restraint and protection systems utilizing electronics, are subject to technological change. While we believe that, through our research and development activities, our product range will keep pace with changing technologies, products or technologies developed by others may reduce the competitiveness of our products.
Not applicable.
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 that its properties are adequately maintained and suitable for their intended use and that the Company's production facilities have adequate capacity for the Company's 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 United States Federal District Court awarded a supplier of Autoliv ASP, Inc. approximately $27 million plus pre-judgment interest of approximately $7 million in connection with a commercial dispute that relates to purchase commitments. Autoliv appealed the verdict and the supplier has cross-appealed in regard to the calculation of the amount of pre-judgment interest. The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on August 7, 2006, affirmed the judgment of the district court on certain appeal issues, vacated the district court's decision on certain other appeal issues and remanded the case for the district court to reconsider, and finally adjusted the district court's calculations of pre-judgment interest. On November 29, 2006, the United States Federal District Court amended the judgment on pre-judgment interest and denied Autoliv's motion for vacatur. Autoliv has appealed the decision. While legal proceedings are subject to inherent uncertainty, Autoliv believes that it h as meritorious grounds for appeal, which would result in a new trial if we are successful, and that it is possible that the judgment could be eliminated or substantially altered as a result of the appeal process. 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 assure 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 2006.
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 62 and 63 of the Annual Report and is incorporated herein by reference. In 2006, the Company began to accrue for dividends that had been declared but not yet paid. Information on the Company's dividend payments is included on page 29 of the Annual Report and is also incorporated 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 as of December 31, 2006 is presented in the table below:
Additional information concerning the repurchase of Autoliv stock is included on page 15 in "Creating Shareholders value" and in the Management's Discussion and Analysis section titled "Share Buy-backs and Dividends" on page 24 of the Annual Report, and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Selected financial data for the five years ended December 31, 2006 is included on page 65 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, 2006 is included on pages 23 through 33 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 "Risks and Risk Management" on pages 32 through 35 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, 2006 and 2005 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, 2006, the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, and the Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are included on pages 37 through 55 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
There have been no changes and have been no disagreements in our two most recent fiscal years with our independent auditors regarding accounting or financial disclosure matters.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Directors:Information concerning the directors and nominees for re-election of directors of Autoliv is included on pages 5-8 in the 2007 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
Executive Officers of the Registrant:
Lars Westerberg, age 58, 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 until 1994, he held the same positions at the publicly-traded welding company Esab AB. He started his employment with Esab in 1984 and held several executive positions, including President of Esab's North American subsidiary. Mr. Westerberg is the Chairman of the Board of Husqvarna AB, the world's largest producer of chainsaws, lawn mowers and other garden equipment that is listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange, and a director of SSAB, a leading Swedish producer of high-strength steel sheets and steel plates traded on the Stockholm Stock Exchange, Plastal AB, a Swedish supplier of automotive plastic components and Haldex AB, a listed Swedish automotive braking and transmission supplier. Mr. Westerberg holds a Master of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm and a graduate in Business Administration from the University of Stockholm.
Steven Fredin, age 44, Vice President Engineering, appointed September 1, 2006. Mr. Fredin has worked for Autoliv since 1988 and has been a key technical leader in virtually all of Autoliv's product areas. Prior to assuming his current position, he was Director Global System Development of the Company and Vice President of Seatbelt Development for Autoliv North America. Mr. Fredin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Michigan Technological University.
Halvar Jonzon, age 56, Vice President Purchasing, appointed January 1, 2002. Prior to joining Autoliv, Mr. Jonzon 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 in New York City.
Magnus Lindquist, age 43, 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 public Swedish companies Stora (pulp and paper), Skanska (construction), Swedish Match (consumer goods) and the SEB Bank.
Benoît Marsaud, age 54, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer appointed September 1, 2006. Mr. Marsaud has served as Vice President Manufacturing since 1998, President of Autoliv France since 1997 and Vice President Manufacturing of Autoliv AB since 1992. He holds a Master of Science degree from Ecole Nationale Superieure Des Arts et Metiers in Paris.
Svante Mogefors, age 52, Vice President Quality, appointed April 1, 2005. Mr. Mogefors has been Director Corporate Quality of Autoliv AB since 2003. Mr Mogefors initially joined Autoliv in 1985 and has experience from several functions and positions within Autoliv, including the areas of product development, process implementations and quality control. Between 1990 and 1996, Mr Mogefors was for a period President of Lesjöfors Herrljunga AB and for another period President of Moelven E-Modul AB. Mr. Mogefors holds a Master of Science degree from the Chalmers Institute of Technology in Gothenburg.
Mats Ödman, age 56, Vice President Corporate Communications, appointed May 1, 1997. Mr. Ödman has served as 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 in New York of Pharmacia AB.
Jan Olsson, age 52, Vice President Research, appointed April 1, 2005. Mr. Olsson was Vice President Engineering from 1997 to 2005, President of Autoliv Sverige AB from 1994 to 1997 and Manager of Engineering of Autoliv Sverige from 1989 until August 1994. Mr. Olsson holds a Master of Science degree from the Chalmers Institute of Technology in Gothenburg.
Hans-Göran Patring, age 57, 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 United Kingdom for three years.
Jörgen I. Svensson, age 45, 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 Master of Law degree from the University of Lund, Sweden.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934The information required by Item 10 regarding directors and officers is included under the caption "Compliance with Section 16 (a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934" on page 22 in the 2007 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 page 5 in the 2007 Proxy Statement. The information required by the same item regarding Audit committee and Audit committee financial experts is included in the sections "Committees of the Board" and "Audit Committee Reoprt" on page 8 in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
A matrix summarizing Board Meeting Attendance is published on page 57 in the Annual Report and incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by Item 11 regarding executive compensation for the year ended December 31, 2006 is included under the caption "Executive Compensation" on pages 13 through 21 of the 2007 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference. The information required by the same item regarding Compensation Committe is included in the sections "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" and "Compensation Committee Report" on pages 10-12 in the 2007 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
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 12-13 of the 2007 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
In 2006, no transactions took place that the Company deemed to require disclosure under Item 13. For further information regarding the Company's policy and procedures concerning to related party transactions, see page 5 of the 2007 Proxy Statement.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by Item 9 (e) of Schedule 14A regarding principal accounting fees and the information required by Item 14 regarding the pre-approval process of services provided to Autoliv is included under the caption "Ratification of Appointment of Independent Auditors" on pages 22-23 of the 2007 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) Documents Filed as Part of this Report
Financial Statements
The following consolidated financial statements are included on pages 37 through 54 of the Annual Report and Selected Financial Data is included on page 65 of the Annual Report and are incorporated herein by reference:
(i) Consolidated Statements of Income - Years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 (page 37); (ii) Consolidated Balance Sheets - as of December 31, 2006 and 2005 (page 38); (iii) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 (page 39); (iv) Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - as of December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 (page 40); (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (pages 41-54); (vi) Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (page 55).
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, 2006.
Autoliv's List of Subsidiaries.
No matters were submitted to Autoliv's stockholders during the fourth quarter of 2006.
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Autoliv, Inc.
Facilities Agreement of $1,100,000,000, dated November 7, 2005, 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
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 February 23, 2007.
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 February 23, 2007.