Minerals Technologies
MTX
#4577
Rank
NZ$3.78 B
Marketcap
NZ$121.72
Share price
-2.98%
Change (1 day)
12.10%
Change (1 year)

Minerals Technologies - 10-Q quarterly report FY


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended March 28, 1999

OR

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

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-3295

--

MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


DELAWARE 25-1190717
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)


405 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10174-1901
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(212) 878-1800
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)



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 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 the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes
of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

CLASS OUTSTANDING AT April 23, 1999
Common Stock, $.10 par value 21,566,602
MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC.

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q



Page No.
--------


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

Financial Statements:

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the
three-month periods ended March 28, 1999 and
March 29, 1998 3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 28, 1999
and December 31, 1998 4

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the
three-month periods ended March 28, 1999 and
March 29, 1998 5

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 6

Independent Auditors' Report 9

Item 2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations 10

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 13


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings 13

Item 6.

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 14

Signature 15




2
PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION


ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
(Unaudited)




THREE MONTHS ENDED
-----------------------------
MARCH 28, MARCH 29,
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) 1999 1998
--------- ---------
Net sales $ 148,576 $ 144,102
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold 103,227 99,273
Marketing, distribution and
administrative expenses 18,359 18,854
Research and development expenses 5,952 4,877
--------- ---------

Income from operations 21,038 21,098
Non-operating deductions, net 1,277 1,309
--------- ---------
Income before provision for taxes
on income and minority interests 19,761 19,789
Provision for taxes on income 6,228 6,428
Minority interests (198) 560
--------- ---------

Net income $ 13,731 $ 12,801
========= =========


Earnings per share:
Basic $ 0.63 $ 0.57
Diluted $ 0.62 $ 0.55

Cash dividends declared per common share $ 0.025 $ 0.025

Shares used in the computation of
earnings per share
Basic 21,697 22,548
Diluted 22,304 23,215

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


3
MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET


ASSETS

(THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS) MARCH 28, DECEMBER 31,
1999* 1998**
--------- ------------

Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 16,223 $ 20,697
Accounts receivable, net 116,171 110,192
Inventories 59,093 63,657
Other current assets 15,261 16,284
--------- ---------
Total current assets 206,748 210,830

Property, plant and equipment, less
accumulated depreciation
and depletion March 28, 1999-$390,352;
Dec. 31, 1998-$381,690 514,007 524,529
Other assets and deferred charges 27,958 25,553
--------- ---------
Total assets $ 748,713 $ 760,912
========= =========


LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:
Short-term debt $ 13,472 $ 13,511
Accounts payable 32,718 32,084
Other current liabilities 57,959 52,343
--------- ---------
Total current liabilities 104,149 97,938

Long-term debt 88,090 88,167
Other non-current liabilities 87,455 85,644
--------- ---------
Total liabilities 279,694 271,749
--------- ---------

Shareholders' equity:
Common stock 2,556 2,553
Additional paid-in capital 144,853 144,088
Retained earnings 480,450 467,257
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (31,467) (9,612)
--------- ---------
596,392 604,286
Less treasury stock 127,373 115,123
--------- ---------
Total shareholders' equity 469,019 489,163
--------- ---------

Total liabilities and
shareholders' equity $ 748,713 $ 760,912
========= =========

* Unaudited
** Condensed from audited financial statements.

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


4
MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)


THREE MONTHS ENDED
-----------------------
(THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS) MARCH 28, MARCH 29,
1999 1998
--------- ---------


OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net income $ 13,731 $ 12,801
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
net cash provided by operating
activities:
Depreciation, depletion and
amortization 14,050 13,209
Other non-cash items 1,991 2,922
Net changes in operating assets and
liabilities (3,004) (5,594)
-------- --------
Net cash provided by operating activities 26,768 23,338
-------- --------


INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Purchases of property, plant and equipment (17,284) (18,655)
Other investing activities, net (788) 374
-------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities (18,072) (18,281)
-------- --------


FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Proceeds from issuance of short-term and
long-term debt 4,600 273
Repayment of debt (4,600) (551)
Purchase of common shares for treasury (12,250) (5,128)
Other financing activities, net 227 1,521
-------- --------
Net cash used in financing activities (12,023) (3,885)
-------- --------

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and
cash equivalents (1,147) (449)
-------- --------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents (4,474) 723
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 20,697 41,525
-------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 16,223 $ 42,248
======== ========

Interest paid $ 2,202 $ 2,235
======== ========

Income taxes paid $ 763 $ 3,381
======== ========


See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


5
MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



NOTE 1 -- BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial
statements have been prepared by management in accordance with the rules
and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally
included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted.
Therefore, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with
the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1998. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting solely
of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the
financial information for the periods indicated, have been included. The
results for the three-month period ended March 28, 1999 are not
necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year
ending December 31, 1999.

NOTE 2 -- INVENTORIES

The following is a summary of inventories by major category:

(THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS) MARCH 28, DECEMBER 31,
1999 1998
--------- ------------
Raw materials $ 17,030 $ 21,681
Work in process 5,517 5,483
Finished goods 20,169 19,650
Packaging and supplies 16,377 16,843
-------- --------
Total inventories $ 59,093 $ 63,657
======== ========

NOTE 3 -- LONG-TERM DEBT AND COMMITMENTS

The following is a summary of long-term debt:

MARCH 28, DECEMBER 31,
(THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS) 1999 1998
--------- ------------

7.75% Economic Development
Revenue Bonds Series 1990 Due 2010 $ -- $ 4,600
Variable/Fixed Rate Industrial
Development Revenue Bonds Due 2009 4,000 4,000
Variable/Fixed Rate Industrial
Development Revenue Bonds Due
April 1, 2012 7,545 7,545
Variable/Fixed Rate Industrial
Development Revenue Bonds Due
August 1, 2012 8,000 8,000
Economic Development Authority Refunding
Revenue Bonds Series 1999 Due 2010 4,600 --
6.04% Guarantied Senior Notes
Due June 11, 2000 26,000 26,000
7.49% Guaranteed Senior Notes
Due July 24, 2006 50,000 50,000
Other borrowings 1,417 1,533
-------- ---------
101,562 101,678
Less: Current maturities 13,472 13,511
-------- ---------
Long-term debt $ 88,090 $ 88,167
======== =========


6
NOTE 4 -- EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)

Basic earnings per share are based upon the weighted average number
of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per
share are based upon the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding during the period assuming the issuance of common shares for
all dilutive potential common shares outstanding. The following table
sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

BASIC EPS MARCH 28, MARCH 29,
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) 1999 1998
--------- ---------

Net income $ 13,731 $ 12,801
-------- --------

Weighted average shares outstanding 21,697 22,548
-------- --------

Basic earnings per share $ 0.63 $ 0.57
======== ========

DILUTED EPS

Net income $ 13,731 $ 12,801
-------- --------

Weighted average shares outstanding 21,697 22,548
Dilutive effect of stock options 607 667
-------- --------

Weighted average shares outstanding, adjusted 22,304 23,215
-------- --------

Diluted earnings per share $ 0.62 $ 0.55
======== ========

NOTE 5 -- COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The following are the components of comprehensive income (loss):

THREE MONTHS ENDED
---------------------
(THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS) MARCH 28, MARCH 29,
1999 1998
---------- ---------


Net income $ 13,731 $ 12,801
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments (21,769) (962)
Unrealized holding gains (losses),
net of reclassification adjustments (86) 46
------- -------
Comprehensive income (loss) $ (8,124) $ 11,885
======= =======

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of related
tax are as follows:

MARCH 28, DECEMBER 31,
1999 1998
--------- ------------

Foreign currency translation adjustments $(30,466) $(8,697)
Minimum pension liability adjustments (1,001) (1,001)
Unrealized holding gains -- 86
------ -----
Accumulated other comprehensive loss $(31,467) $(9,612)
====== =====


The change in unrealized holding gains for the three months ended
March 28, 1999 includes reclassification adjustments of $174,000 for
gains realized in income from the sale of the securities. Foreign currency
translation losses increased for the three months ended March 28, 1999 as
a result of the stronger U.S. Dollar against the Latin American, European and
Asian currencies since December 31, 1998.

7
MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




NOTE 6 -- SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION

Segment information for the three months ended March 28, 1999 and
March 29, 1998 was as follows:

(THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS) THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 28, 1999
---------------------------------

SPECIALTY MINERALS REFRACTORIES TOTAL
Net sales $107,789 $40,787 $148,576
Income from operations $ 15,561 $ 5,477 $ 21,038

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 29, 1998
---------------------------------

SPECIALTY MINERALS REFRACTORIES TOTAL
Net sales $ 98,304 $45,798 $144,102
Income from operations $ 14,737 $ 6,361 $ 21,098



A reconciliation of the totals reported for the operating segments to
the applicable line items in the consolidated financial statements is as
follows:

(THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
THREE MONTHS ENDED THREE MONTHS ENDED
INCOME BEFORE PROVISION MARCH 28, 1999 MARCH 29, 1998
FOR TAXES ON INCOME AND ------------------ ------------------
MINORITY INTERESTS

Income from operations
for reportable segments $21,038 $21,098
Non-operating deductions 1,277 1,309
------ ------
Income before provision for
taxes on income and minority
interests $19,761 $19,789
======= ======


8
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT


The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Minerals Technologies Inc.:


We have reviewed the condensed consolidated balance sheet of Minerals
Technologies Inc. and subsidiary companies as of March 28, 1999 and the
related condensed consolidated statements of income and cash flows for
the three-month periods ended March 28, 1999 and March 29, 1998. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the company's management.

We conducted our review in accordance with standards established by
the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review of
interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical
procedures to financial data and making inquiries of persons responsible
for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope
than an audit conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion
regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do
not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications
that should be made to the condensed consolidated financial statements
referred to above for them to be in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.

We have previously audited, in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards, the consolidated balance sheet of Minerals
Technologies Inc. and subsidiary companies as of December 31, 1998, and
the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity, and
cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our
report dated January 19, 1999, we expressed an unqualified opinion on
those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information
set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of
December 31, 1998 is fairly presented, in all material respects, in
relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been
derived.



KPMG LLP


New York, New York
April 30, 1999


9
ITEM 2.   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

INCOME AND EXPENSE ITEMS
AS A PERCENTAGE OF NET SALES
----------------------------
THREE MONTHS ENDED
------------------
MARCH 28, MARCH 29,
1999 1998
--------- ---------

Net sales 100.0% 100.0%
Cost of goods sold 69.5 68.9
Marketing, distribution and
administrative expenses 12.3 13.1
Research and development expenses 4.0 3.4
---- ----
Income from operations 14.2 14.6
Net income 9.2% 8.9%
==== ====

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended March 28, 1999 as Compared With Three Months Ended
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
March 29, 1998
- --------------

Net sales in the first quarter of 1999 increased 3.1% to $148.6
million from $144.1 million in the first quarter of 1998. Net sales in
the Specialty Minerals segment, which includes the Precipitated Calcium
Carbonate ("PCC") and Processed Minerals product lines, grew 9.7% in the
first quarter of 1999 to $107.8 million. Net sales in the Refractories
segment declined 10.9% in the first quarter of 1999.

Worldwide net sales of PCC grew 12.7% to $89.6 million from $79.5
million in the first quarter of 1998. This sales growth was primarily
attributable to the commencement of operations at five new satellite PCC
plants since January 1998 and to sales from the acquisition in April 1998
of a PCC business in the United Kingdom. The new satellite plants are
located at Courtland, Alabama; Docelles, France; Schongau, Germany;
Pensacola, Florida; and Madison, Maine.

Net sales of Processed Minerals products decreased 3.2%, to $18.2
million from $18.8 million in the prior year. The sales decline in
Processed Minerals was primarily due to the usage of a significant
portion of the Company's lime for the production of PCC instead of for
sales to third parties.

Net sales in the Refractories segment were $40.8 million as compared
to $45.8 million in the prior year. The sales decline was due primarily
to unfavorable economic conditions in the worldwide steel industry.

Net sales in the United States in the first quarter of 1999 increased
approximately 1%. Foreign sales increased approximately 9% in the first
quarter of 1999. This increase was due to the international expansion of
the Company's PCC product line.

Income from operations was $21.0 million, approximately the same as
in the first quarter of 1998. Operating income was negatively affected by
lower profits in the Refractories segment, higher research and
development spending, and operating losses in the Company's consolidated
joint ventures.

The provision for minority interests in the first quarter of 1999
decreased by aproximately $0.8 million. In 1999, the provision
for minority interests reflected the minority partners' share of losses
incurred in the consolidated joint ventures. In 1998, such joint
ventures operated profitably.

Net income increased 7.0% to $13.7 million from $12.8 million in the
prior year. Diluted earnings per share were $0.62 in the first quarter
of 1999 as compared to $0.55 in the prior year.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company's financial position remained strong in the first quarter
of 1999. Cash flows in the first quarter of 1999 were provided from
operations and were applied principally to fund capital expenditures and
the repurchase of common shares for treasury. Cash provided from
operating activities amounted to $26.8 million in the first quarter of
1999 as compared to $23.3 million in the prior year.

10
On February 26, 1998, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a
$150 million program to repurchase Company stock on the open market from
time to time. As of April 9, 1999, the Company had repurchased
1,204,000 shares under this program at an average price of approximately
$47 per share.

The Company has available approximately $110 million in uncommitted,
short-term bank credit lines, none of which were in use at March 28,
1999. The Company anticipates that capital expenditures for all of 1999
will be approximately $90 million, principally for construction of
satellite PCC plants, expansion projects at existing satellite PCC
plants, a merchant manufacturing facility in Brookhaven, Mississippi
for the production of specialty PCC, and other opportunities which meet
the strategic growth objectives of the Company. The Company expects to
meet such requirements from internally generated funds, the
aforementioned uncommitted bank credit lines and, where appropriate,
project financing of certain satellite plants.

PROSPECTIVE INFORMATION AND FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS

The Securities and Exchange Commission encourages companies to
disclose forward-looking information so that investors can better
understand the companies' future prospects and make informed investment
decisions. This report may contain forward-looking statements that set
out anticipated results based on management's plans and assumptions.
Words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expects," and "projects," and words
and terms of similar substance used in connection with any discussion of
future operating or financial performance identify these forward-looking
statements.

The Company cannot guarantee that the outcomes suggested in any
forward-looking statement will be realized, although it believes it has
been prudent in its plans and assumptions. Achievement of future
results is subject to risks, uncertainties and inaccurate assumptions.
Should known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, or should
underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could vary
materially from those anticipated, estimated or projected. Investors
should bear this in mind as they consider forward-looking statements and
should refer to the discussion of certain risks, uncertainties and
assumptions under the heading "Cautionary Factors That May Affect Future
Results" in Item 1 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for 1998.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS
No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities."
The statement establishes accounting and reporting standards for
derivative instruments and for hedging activities. It requires that an
entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the
statement of financial position and measure those instruments at fair
value. The statement is effective for all fiscal quarters of fiscal
years beginning after June 15, 1999. The Company will adopt SFAS 133 by
January 1, 2000. Adoption of SFAS 133 is not expected to have a material
effect on the consolidated financial statements.

YEAR 2000
The "year 2000 issue" arises because many computer programs and
electronically controlled devices denote years using only the last two
digits. Because these programs and devices may fail to recognize the
year 2000 correctly, calculations or other tasks that involve the years
2000 and beyond may cause the programs to produce erroneous results or
to fail altogether. Like other companies, the Company uses operating
systems, applications and electronically controlled devices that were
produced by many different vendors at different times, and many of which
were not originally designed to be year 2000 compatible.

THE COMPANY'S STATE OF READINESS

Information Technology
----------------------

The Company has completed its assessment of its exposure to year
2000-related risks arising from information technology, and is engaged in
remediation of the areas of exposure it has identified.

In 1996, the Company began a project to install new computer
hardware and software systems to improve the capability of its technology
to harmonize the various information technology platforms in
use, and to centralize certain financial functions. The project
encompasses corporate financial and accounting functions as well as
manufacturing and costing, procurement, planning and scheduling of
production and maintenance, and customer order management.

The Company has acquired substantially all of the hardware and
software required to implement this project, and is currently bringing
the majority of its domestic business locations on to the new systems
sequentially. This process is substantially complete, and the Company
expects the new systems to be operational in all affected U.S. locations
no later than the third quarter of 1999. Other U.S. manufacturing
locations are currently year 2000 compatible, with the exception of
three locations which are serviced by an information technology system
which is in the remediation phase. This phase is substantially complete,
and is scheduled to be completed no later than the second quarter of 1999.


11
Outside of the United States, preparations for the year 2000 are
being carried out by the relevant business units on a decentralized basis.
Information technology systems have been evaluated and are in the process
of being remediated or replaced as required. The Company expects this
process to be completed by all non-U.S. locations no later than the third
quarter of 1999.

Non-Information Technology
--------------------------

The Company's exposures to the year 2000 issue other than in the area
of information technology arise mostly with respect to process control
systems and instrumentation at the Company's manufacturing locations and
in equipment used at customer locations. Telephone and e-mail systems,
operating systems and applications in free-standing personal computers,
local area networks, and site services such as electronic security systems
and elevators may also be affected. A failure of these systems which
interrupts the Company's ability to supply products to its customers
could have a material adverse impact on its results of operations. These
issues are being addressed by the individual business units, by obtaining
from vendors and service providers either necessary modifications to the
software or assurance that the system will not be disrupted by the year
2000 issue. This process is substantially complete, and is expected to be
completed no later than the third quarter of 1999.

Third Parties
-------------

The Company's divisions are communicating with their principal
customers and vendors to inquire about their year 2000 readiness. This
project is substantially complete, and we expect it to be completed no
later than the third quarter of 1999. The Company has received responses
from a substantial number of those customers and vendors an interruption
in the operations of which would have, in the Company's opinion, a
material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations. No such
customer or vendor has indicated that it expects such an interruption to
occur. However, because so many firms are exposed to the risk of failure
not only of their own systems, but of the systems of other firms, the
ultimate effect of the year 2000 issue is subject to a very high degree
of uncertainty.

COSTS

The Company expects to spend approximately $16-19 million before
January 1, 2000, for new computer hardware and software, other
information technology upgrades and replacements, and
upgrades and replacements to non-IT systems worldwide. These
expenditures, which include both internal and external costs, will provide
benefits to the Company which include, but are not limited to, the
achievement of year 2000 readiness. Of this amount approximately
$14 million had been expended as of March 28, 1999. These expenditures
will be capitalized or expensed in accordance with Statement of Position
98-1, "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained
for Internal Use," which the Company has adopted.

The Company expects to finance these expenditures solely from working
capital, and does not expect the total cost associated with its plans to
address the year 2000 issue to have a material effect on its financial
position or results of operations.

None of the Company's other information technology projects has been
delayed due to the implementation of year 2000 solutions.

RISKS OF THE YEAR 2000 ISSUE

Like other companies, the Company relies on its customers for
revenues, on its suppliers for raw materials and on its other vendors for
products and services of all kinds. These third parties all face the year
2000 issue. An interruption in the ability of any of them to provide
goods or services, or to pay for goods or services provided to them, or an
interruption in the business operations of customers causing a decline in
demand for the Company's products could have a material adverse effect
on the Company. In particular, each of the Company's satellite PCC
plants relies on one customer for most or all of its business, and in
many cases for raw materials as well, so that a shutdown of a host
paper mill's operation could also cause the satellite PCC plant to shut
down. The Company believes that the most reasonably likely worst-case
scenario caused by the transition to the year 2000 would involve
interruption of its ability to obtain raw materials or to conduct
manufacturing operations at multiple manufacturing sites simultaneously.

CONTINGENCY PLAN

Based upon the risks described above, the Company is currently
engaged in preparing a contingency plan to mitigate the effects of an
interruption of its ability to obtain raw materials or to conduct
manufacturing operations at multiple manufacturing locations. The
components of this plan are being generated by the individual sites,
taking into consideration their particular conditions, such as customer
relationships and the availability of alternate sources of supply.
We expect that the Company's

12
contingency plan, which will be the aggregate of these
individual plans, will be completed by the third quarter of 1999.

The statements in this section regarding the effect of the year 2000
and the Company's responses to it are forward-looking statements. They
are based on assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable in
light of its current knowledge and experience. A number of contingencies
could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in
forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company. Please
see "Cautionary Factors That May Affect Future Results" in Item 1 of the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for 1998.

ADOPTION OF A COMMON EUROPEAN CURRENCY
On January 1, 1999, eleven European countries adopted the euro as
their common currency. From that date until January 1, 2002, debtors and
creditors may choose to pay or be paid in euros or in the former national
currencies. On and after January 1, 2002, the former national currencies
will cease to be legal tender.

The Company is currently reviewing its information technology systems
and upgrading them as necessary to ensure that it will be able to convert
among the former national currencies and the euro, and process
transactions and balances in euros, as required. The Company has sought
and received assurances from the financial institutions with which it
does business that they are capable of receiving deposits and making
payments both in euros and in the former national currencies. The
Company does not expect that adapting its information technology systems
to the euro will have a material impact on its financial condition or
results of operations. The Company is also reviewing contracts with
customers and vendors calling for payments in currencies that are to be
replaced by the euro, and intends to complete in a timely way any
required changes to those contracts.

Adoption of the euro is likely to have competitive effects in Europe,
as prices that had been stated in different national currencies become
directly comparable to one another. In addition, the adoption of a
common monetary policy by the countries adopting the euro can be expected
to have an effect on the economy of the region. These competitive and
economic effects cannot be predicted with certainty, and there can be no
assurance that they will not have a material effect on the Company's
business in Europe.


ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market Risk
-----------
The Company is exposed to various market risks, including the
potential loss arising from adverse changes in foreign currency exchange
rates. The Company does not enter into derivatives or other financial
instruments for trading or speculative purposes. When appropriate, the
Company enters into derivative financial instruments, such as forward
exchange contracts, to mitigate the impact of foreign exchange rate
movements on the Company's operating results. The counterparties are
major financial institutions. Such forward exchange contracts would not
subject the Company to additional risk from exchange rate movements
because gains and losses on these contracts would offset losses and gains
on the assets, liabilities and transactions being hedged. There were no
open forward exchange contracts outstanding at March 28,1999 or March
29,1998.



PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company and its subsidiary, Specialty Minerals Inc., are
defendants in a lawsuit captioned EATON CORPORATION V. PFIZER INC,
MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SPECIALTY MINERALS INC. which was filed on
July 31, 1996 and is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Western
District of Michigan. The suit alleges that certain materials sold to
Eaton for use in truck transmissions were defective, necessitating
repairs for which Eaton now seeks reimbursement. The amount of damages
claimed by Eaton is approximately $20 million plus interest. The Company
believes it has insurance coverage for a substantial portion of the
alleged damages, if it should be held liable. While all litigation
contains an element of uncertainty, the Company and Specialty Minerals
Inc. believe that they have valid defenses to the claims asserted by
Eaton in this lawsuit, are continuing to vigorously defend all such
claims, and believe that the outcome of this matter will not have a
material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position
or results of operations.

The Company and its subsidiaries are not party to any other
material pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine
litigation incidental to their businesses.


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ITEM 6.   EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

a) Exhibits:

10.1- Company Retirement Annuity Plan, as amended and restated
effective February 26, 1998 with certain earlier
effective dates
10.2- Company Nonfunded Supplemental Retirement Plan, as amended
January 28, 1999
10.3- Company Savings and Investment Plan, as amended and restated
effective as of April 22, 1999, with certain earlier
effective dates
10.4- Company Nonfunded Deferred Compensation and Supplemental
Savings Plan, as amended January 28, 1999
10.5- Company Stock and Incentive Plan, as amended and restated
as of January 28, 1999
10.6- Company Nonfunded Deferred Compensation and Unit Award Plan
for Non-Employee Directors, as amended February 26, 1998
15- Accountants' Acknowledgment (Part I Data)
27.1- Financial Data Schedule for the three months ended March 28,
1999

b) No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the first quarter
of 1999.



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SIGNATURE



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



Minerals Technologies Inc.



By: /s/ Neil M. Bardach
------------------------------
Neil M. Bardach
Vice President-Finance and
Chief Financial Officer; Treasurer (principal
financial officer)


May 7, 1999


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