UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2005
OR
Commission File Number 1-7626
Sensient Technologies Corporation
777 EAST WISCONSIN AVENUE
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN 53202-5304
(414) 271-6755
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:
TITLE OF EACH CLASS
NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE
ON WHICH REGISTERED
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 such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for at least 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 check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer” and “large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Yes ¨ No x
The aggregate market value of the voting Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant as of June 30, 2005 was $967,341,562. For purposes of this computation only, the Registrant’s directors and executive officers were considered to be affiliates of the Registrant. Such characterization shall not be construed to be an admission or determination for any other purpose that such persons are affiliates of the Registrant.
There were 46,181,497 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 8, 2006.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of: (1) the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 (see Parts I, II and IV of this Form 10-K), and (2) the Company’s Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement of the Company dated March 15 , 2006 (see Part III of this Form 10-K).
SENSIENT TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION—FORM 10-K FOR YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005 INDEX
PART I
Item 1. Business
General
Description of Business
Flavors & Fragrances Group
Color Group
Asia Pacific Group
Research and Development/Quality Assurance
Products and Application Activities
Raw Materials
Competition
Foreign Operations
Patents, Formulae and Trademarks
Employees
Regulation
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Item 2. Properties
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Executive Officers of the Registrant
PART II
Item 5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Item 9B. Other Information
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
Financial Statements
Financial Statement Schedules
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Schedule II
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT INDEX
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This document contains forward-looking statements that reflect management’s current assumptions and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, Company performance and financial results. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those expressed in those statements. A variety of factors could cause the Company’s actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results. These factors and assumptions include the pace and nature of new product introductions by the Company and the Company’s customers; the Company’s ability to successfully implement its growth strategies; the outcome of the Company’s various productivity-improvement and cost-reduction efforts; changes in costs of raw materials, including energy; industry and economic factors related to the Company’s domestic and international business; growth in markets for products in which the Company competes; industry and customer acceptance of price increases; actions by competitors; currency exchange rate fluctuations; and the matters discussed below under Part II, including the critical accounting policies described therein. The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized.
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Sensient Technologies Corporation (the “Company”) was incorporated in 1882 in Wisconsin. Its principal executive offices are located at 777 East Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1100, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202-5304, telephone (414) 271-6755.
The Company is subject to the informational and reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Act”), and, in accordance with the Act, has filed annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”). These reports and other information may be read and copied at the public reference facilities of the Commission at its principal offices at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, and can also be accessed from the website maintained by the Commission at http://www.sec.gov. The public may obtain information on operations of the public reference room by calling the Commission at (800) SEC-0330.
The Company’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “SXT.” Information about the Company may be obtained at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
The Company can also be reached at its website at www.sensient-tech.com. The Company’s web address is provided as an inactive textual reference only, and the contents of this website are not incorporated in or otherwise to be regarded as part of this annual report. The Company makes available free of charge on its website its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to these reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Act as soon as reasonably practicable after such documents are electronically filed with or furnished to the Commission. Charters for the Audit, Compensation and Development, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees of the Company’s Board of Directors, as well as the Company’s Code of Conduct, Standards of Conduct for International Employees, Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers, and Corporate Governance Guidelines are also available on the Company’s website, and are available in print to any shareholder, free of charge, upon request. If there are any amendments to the Code of Conduct, the Standards of Conduct, the Code of Ethics or the Corporate Governance Guidelines, or if waivers from any of them are granted for executive officers or directors, those amendments or waivers also will be posted on the Company’s website.
Sensient Technologies Corporation is a global manufacturer and marketer of colors, flavors and fragrances. Sensient uses advanced technologies at facilities around the world to develop specialty food and beverage systems, cosmetic and pharmaceutical systems, inkjet and specialty inks and colors, and other specialty chemicals. The Company’s customers include major international manufacturers representing some of the world’s best-known brands.
The Company’s principal products include:
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The Company’s operations, except for the Asia Pacific Group, are managed on a products and services basis. The Company’s two reportable segments are the Flavors & Fragrances Group and the Color Group. The Company realigned its segments in 2005. As a result, Japan and China, previously included in the Asia Pacific Group, are now reported as part of the Flavors & Fragrances Group. Financial information regarding the Company’s two reportable segments is incorporated by reference to the information set forth on pages 38 through 40 of the Company’s 2005 Annual Report to Shareholders under the heading “Segment and Geographic Information.”
The Company is a global developer, manufacturer and supplier of flavor and fragrance systems for the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care and household-products industries. The Company’s flavor formulations are used in many of the world’s best-known consumer products. Under the unified brand names of Sensient Flavors, Sensient Dehydrated Flavors and Sensient Fragrances, the Group is a supplier to multinational companies.
The Flavors & Fragrances Group produces flavor and fragrance products that impart a desired taste, texture, aroma and/or other characteristics to a broad range of consumer and other products. This Group includes the Company’s dehydrated flavors business, which produces ingredients for food processors. The main products of the Group are systems products, including flavor-delivery systems, and compounded and blended products. In addition, the Group has strong positions in selected ingredient products such as essential oils, natural and synthetic flavors, and aroma chemicals. The Group serves food and non-food industries. In food industries, markets include savory, beverage, dairy, confectionery and bakery flavors. In non-food industries, the Group supplies fragrance products to the personal and home care-markets and supplies flavor products to the pharmaceuticals market.
The Flavors & Fragrances Group operates principally through the Company’s subsidiaries Sensient Flavors Inc. and Sensient Dehydrated Flavors Company. The Group’s principal manufacturing plants are located in California, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom.
Strategic acquisitions have expanded the Company’s flavors and fragrances product lines and processing capabilities. In March 2003, the Company acquired certain assets of Kyowa Koryo Kagaku Kabushiki Kaisha, a Japanese flavor producer. In March 2002, the Company acquired the flavors and essential oil operations of C. Melchers GmbH & Company, a supplier of flavors for coffees and teas, as well as essential oils, aroma chemicals and other formulations for flavor, cosmetic and fragrance applications. In May 1998, the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of the beverage business of German flavor manufacturer Sundi GmbH, with its emphasis on all-natural flavor ingredients, provided the Company with a point of entry into Germany, Europe’s largest flavor market. In April 1998, the Company acquired DC Flavours Ltd., which further expanded the Company’s savory and flavor technology and worldwide market presence. In January 1998, the Company acquired Arancia Ingredientes Especiales, S.A. de C.V., a manufacturer of savory flavors and other food ingredients, improving access to the rapidly growing Latin American savory flavor market.
During 2000, the Company integrated its former Dehydrated Products Division into the Flavors & Fragrances Group. Operating through its Sensient Dehydrated Flavors business, the Company believes it is the second largest producer (by sales) of dehydrated onion and garlic products in the United States. The Company is also one of the largest producers and distributors of chili powder, paprika, chili pepper and dehydrated vegetables such as parsley, celery and spinach. Domestically, the Company sells dehydrated products to food manufacturers for use as ingredients and also for repackaging under private labels for sale to the retail market and to the food service industry. In addition, Sensient Dehydrated Flavors is one of the leading dehydrators of specialty vegetables in Europe. Advanced dehydration technologies utilized by Sensient Dehydrated Flavors permit fast and effective rehydration of ingredients used in many of today’s popular convenience foods.
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The Company is a developer, manufacturer and supplier of colors for businesses worldwide. The Company provides natural and synthetic color systems for use in pharmaceuticals, foods and beverages; colors and other ingredients for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals; and technical colors for industrial applications and digital imaging.
The Company believes that it is one of the world’s largest producers (by sales) of synthetic and natural colors, and that it is the world’s largest manufacturer (by sales) of certified food colors. The Company sells its synthetic and natural colors to domestic and international producers of beverages, bakery products, processed foods, confections, pet foods, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. The Company also makes inkjet inks and other high purity organic dyes used in a wide variety of non-food applications.
The Color Group operates principally through the Company’s subsidiary Sensient Colors Inc., which has its principal manufacturing plants in Missouri, California, New Jersey, Canada, Mexico, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
The Color Group operates under the following trade names:
The Company believes that its advanced process technology, state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment, and a complete range of synthetic and natural color products constitute the basis for its market leadership position.
Strategic acquisitions enhanced product and process technology synergies, as well as the Color Group’s international presence. In August 2003, the Company acquired Formulabs Iberica S.A., a manufacturer and marketer of specialty inks, primarily for inkjet applications. In September 2002, the Company acquired the business of Cardre Inc., which expanded the Company’s technology and product offerings in cosmetic color systems. The acquisitions of ECS Specialty Inks and Dyes in March 2002 and SynTec GmbH in January 2002 have provided a strategic base for the Company’s technical colors business in Europe.
In December 2001, the Company acquired the industrial dye business of Crompton Colors Incorporated, and in so doing expanded its industrial and paper colors businesses. In November 2001, the Company acquired Kimberly-Clark Printing Technology (also known as Formulabs), a manufacturer of specialty inks for inkjet inks and industrial applications.
In January 2000, the Company expanded its European color business by acquiring Dr. Marcus GmbH, a leading manufacturer of natural colors located near Hamburg, Germany. Also during that month, the Company completed the acquisition of Monarch Food Colors, a manufacturer of colors for the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries located in High Ridge, Missouri.
In August 1999, the Company acquired certain assets of Nino Fornaciari fu Riccardo SNC, an Italian producer of natural colors for the food and beverage industries. This acquisition, together with the purchase of Italian natural color producer Reggiana Antociani S.R.L. in September 1998, strengthened the Company’s offerings in natural colors.
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In April 1999, the Company acquired Pointing Holdings Limited, a manufacturer of food colors located in the United Kingdom. The Pointing international color business significantly strengthened the Company’s worldwide color capabilities. In February 1999, the Company grew its cosmetics business through the purchase of Les Colorants Wackherr, a Paris, France-based producer of colors for major cosmetics houses throughout Europe, Asia and North America. Also during that month, the Company further developed its natural colors offerings by acquiring certain assets of Quimica Universal, a Peruvian producer of carminic acid and annatto, natural colors used in food and other applications.
The Company became a supplier of inkjet inks for the inkjet printer market with the acquisition of Tricon Colors in 1997. Also in 1997, the Company strengthened its presence in Latin America by acquiring certain assets of the food color business of Pyosa, S.A. de C.V., located in Monterrey, Mexico.
The Asia Pacific Group focuses on marketing the Company’s diverse product line in the Pacific Rim under one name. Through its Asia Pacific Group, the Company offers a full range of products from its Flavors & Fragrances Group and Color Group, as well as products developed by regional technical teams to appeal to local preferences. Sales, marketing and technical functions are managed through the Asia Pacific Group’s headquarters in Singapore. Manufacturing operations are located in Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines.
In 2003, the Company opened an office for research and development, as well as sales, in Jakarta, Indonesia. In 2001, the Asia Pacific Group incorporated Sensient India Private Limited and opened a new sales office in Mumbai, India. Additional sales offices are located in Australia and Thailand.
The development of specialized products and services is a complex technical process calling upon the combined knowledge and talents of the Company’s research, development and quality assurance personnel. The Company believes that its competitive advantage lies in its ability to work with its customers to develop and deliver high-performance products that address the distinct needs of those customers.
The Company’s research, development and quality assurance personnel support the Company’s efforts to improve existing products and develop new products tailored to customer needs, while providing on-going technical support and know-how to the Company’s manufacturing activities. As of December 31, 2005, the Company employed approximately 424 people in research, development and quality assurance.
Expenditures for research and development related to continuing operations in calendar year 2005 were $26.4 million, compared with $24.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2004 and $22.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2003. As part of its commitment to quality as a competitive advantage, the Company has achieved certification under the requirements established by the International Organization for Standardization in Geneva, Switzerland, through its ISO 9000 series of quality standards. Certified sites include Flavors & Fragrances Group plants in the United States, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands and France, and Color Group plants in the United States, Mexico and the United Kingdom.
The Company’s strategic focus is on the manufacture and marketing of high-performance components that bring life to products. Accordingly, the Company devotes considerable attention and resources to the development of product applications and processing improvements to support its customers’ numerous new and reformulated products. Many of the proprietary processes and formulae developed by the Company are maintained as trade secrets and under confidentiality agreements with customers.
6
Lower-calorie ingredients and sweeteners for dairy, food and beverage applications are subjects of development activity for the Flavors & Fragrances Group. Formulations for functional and textured beverages and flavors for snack and main meal items offer opportunities as well. Development of savory flavors accelerated with the integration of the Company’s BioProducts Division in 1998 and the Dehydrated Products Division in 2000. The Company believes that the development of yeast derivatives and other specialty ingredients also provides growth opportunities in bionutrients and biotechnology markets, such as pharmaceuticals, vitamins, vaccines and bioremediation.
The natural food color market is an important target for the Color Group. The acquisitions of Reggiana, Fornaciari and Dr. Marcus (as previously discussed) provided new technologies in the extraction and purification of natural colors and have enabled rapid growth in the beverage, dairy and snack food segments.
The Color Group also manufactures technical colors for industrial applications, specialty chemicals for digital imaging, and photographic chemicals.
The Company uses a wide range of raw materials in producing its products. Chemicals used to produce certified colors are obtained from several domestic and foreign suppliers. Raw materials for natural colors, such as carmine, beta-carotene, annatto and turmeric, are purchased from overseas and U.S. sources. In the production of flavors and fragrances, the principal raw materials include essential oils, aroma chemicals, botanicals, fruits and juices, and are primarily obtained from local vendors. Flavor enhancers and secondary flavors are produced from yeast and vegetable materials such as corn and soybeans. Chili peppers, onion, garlic and other vegetables are acquired under annual contracts with numerous growers in the western United States and Europe. The Company has expanded its sources of vegetables to include growers in China and expects to add growers in other Asian countries.
The Company believes that alternate sources of materials are available to enable it to maintain its competitive position in the event of an interruption in the supply of raw materials from a single supplier.
All Company products are sold in highly competitive markets. While no single factor is determinative, the Company’s competitive position is based principally on process and applications expertise, quality, technological advances resulting from its research and development, and customer service and support. Because of its highly differentiated products, the Company competes with only a few companies across multiple product lines, and is more likely to encounter competition specific to an individual product.
7
The information appearing under the heading “Geographic Information” in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company, which appears on page 40 of the 2005 Annual Report to Shareholders, is incorporated herein by reference.
The Company owns or controls many patents, formulae and trademarks related to its businesses. The businesses are not materially dependent upon patent or trademark protection; however, trademarks, patents and formulae are important to the business of the Company.
As of December 31, 2005, the Company employed 3,518 persons worldwide.
Compliance with government provisions regulating discharges into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment, did not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operations for the year covered by this report. Current compliance is not expected to have a material adverse effect in the next two years. Certain legal proceedings discussed in Item 3 of this Report pertain to environmental compliance. The production, packaging, labeling and distribution of certain of the products of the Company are subject to the regulations of various federal, state and local governmental agencies, in particular the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.
As with any business, the Company’s business and operations involve risks and uncertainties. In addition to the other discussions in, and incorporated by reference in, this Report, particularly those in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” incorporated by reference from pages 22 and 23 of the 2005 Annual Report to Shareholders and “Forward Looking Statements” on page 2 of this Report, the following factors should be considered:
In some of our product lines, our sales are concentrated to a small number of customers. While we do not currently have any customer that we consider to be significant to us as a whole, the loss of a significant customer of a product line could substantially affect the sales and profitability of that line, which may cause us to need to re-evaluate that line. Those developments could affect our results.
We sell flavors and colors which are used in foods, drugs, cosmetics, and other items for human consumption or contact. These products involve risks such as product contamination or spoilage, product tampering and other adulteration. We may be subject to liability if the consumption or use of our flavors and colors, or products which incorporate ingredients we manufacture, cause injury,
8
illness or death. In addition, we or our customers may need to recall products in the event of contamination or damage.
A significant product defect, product liability judgment or product recall may negatively impact our profitability for a period of time depending on publicity, product availability, scope, competitive reaction and consumer attitudes. Even if a product liability claim is unsuccessful or is not fully pursued, the negative publicity surrounding any assertion that our products caused illness, injury or death could adversely affect our reputation with existing and potential customers and our corporate image.
Many of our customers have consolidated in recent years and we expect the combination trend to continue. These consolidations have often produced large, sophisticated customers with increased buying power who are more capable of resisting price increases. If the larger size or greater buying power of those customers results in additional negotiating strength, the prices we are able to charge could be negatively affected and our profitability could decline.
The industries and markets in which we operate are highly competitive. That competition can reduce both our sales and the prices at which we are able to sell our products, which can in turn negatively affect our profitability.
Although we do not generally make or sell proprietary consumer products, many of our products are sold to companies which develop and market consumer products. Sales of these flavors, fragrances, colors and inks depend in part upon our customers’ ability to identify and meet consumer preferences and their sales and marketing efforts, all of which are beyond our control. Therefore, we depend upon our customers’ ability to create markets for the consumer products which incorporate many of the flavors, fragrances, colors and inks which we manufacture.
Our success depends in part on our ability to maintain an efficient cost structure. We regularly initiate cost-reduction measures that could impact our manufacturing, sales, operations and information systems functions. If we do not continue to manage costs and achieve additional efficiencies, or we do not successfully implement related strategies, our competitiveness and our profits could decrease.
We use many different commodities as raw ingredients. We also use petroleum-based raw materials and other raw materials whose production is energy intensive. In addition, various energy sources are used in our production and distribution processes. Commodity and energy prices are subject to significant volatility caused by market fluctuations, supply and demand, currency fluctuation, production and transportation disruption, world events, and changes in governmental programs.
Commodity and energy price increases will raise both our raw material costs and operating costs. We may not be able to increase our product prices enough to offset these increased costs. Increasing our prices also may reduce sales volume and profitability.
In addition, we obtain some of the raw materials that we use from a single supplier or a limited number of suppliers, and problems with those suppliers could affect the availability of those materials. Even if there are multiple suppliers of a particular raw material, there are occasional shortages. An unavailability or shortage of a raw material could negatively affect our operations using that raw material and thus our results.
9
Our facilities and products are subject to many laws and regulations relating to the processing, packaging, storage, distribution, quality and safety of food, drugs and other consumer products. These laws and regulations are administered in the United States by the Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, and other federal and state governmental agencies. We are subject to similar governmental regulation and oversight abroad. Compliance with these laws and regulations can be costly and affect our operations. Also, if we fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations, we could be subject to administrative penalties and injunctive relief, civil remedies, fines and recalls of our products.
Our operations are subject to extensive and increasingly stringent laws and regulations which pertain to the discharge of materials into the environment and the handling and disposition of wastes. These rules operate at both the federal and state levels in the United States, and there are analogous laws at many of our overseas locations. We are currently involved in disputes relating to compliance with environmental laws. Environmental regulations, and the potential failure to comply with them, can have serious consequences, including the costs of compliance and defense, interference with our operations, civil and administrative penalties and negative publicity.
We have acquired many companies and operations in the past and may resume growth by acquisition. Our future growth through acquisitions could involve significant risks that may have a material adverse effect on us. We may also be at risk for factors associated with acquisitions that the Company has made in the past. These risks include: inability to integrate successfully our acquired operations’ businesses and personnel; the inability to realize anticipated synergies, economies of scale or other value; difficulties coordinating management of operations at new sites; the strain placed on our personnel, systems and resources; possible loss of an acquired business’ customer base; and the loss of key employees of acquired businesses. Acquired companies may also have significant latent liabilities which may not be discovered before an acquisition or fully reflected in the price we pay.
We may also need to finance future acquisitions, and the terms of any financing, and the need to ultimately repay or refinance any indebtedness, may have negative effects on us. Acquisitions also could have a dilutive effect on our financial results. Acquisitions also generally result in goodwill, which would need to be written off against earnings in the future if it becomes impaired.
We operate and sell our products in many foreign countries. The international aspects of our business subject us to risks that could materially impact our operating results, including: foreign exchange rate fluctuations; difficulties in staffing and managing foreign personnel in diverse cultures; transportation delays or interruptions; and the effects of international political developments, and political and economic instability. In addition, changes in policies by the United States or foreign governments could negatively affect our operating results due to changes in duties, tariffs, trade regulations, taxes or limitations on currency or fund transfers.
Our success depends in large part on the continued service and availability of our key management and technical personnel, and on our ability to attract and retain qualified new personnel. The competition for these individuals can be significant, and the loss of key employees could harm our business. In addition, as some of these persons
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approach retirement age, we need to provide for smooth transitions, and our operations and results may be negatively affected if we are not able to do so.
World events, such as the attacks of September 11, 2001 and their aftermath, the Iraq conflict and the situations in North Korea and Iran, can adversely affect national, international and local economies. Economies can also be affected by other events such as natural disasters, such as the Southeast Asian tsunami and Hurricane Katrina, or epidemics such as the avian flu. These events and conditions, which are beyond our control, could adversely affect our revenues and profitability if they affect the economy, and could particularly affect us if they occur in locations in which we or our customers have significant operations.
None
The following table sets forth information as to the principal properties of the Company and its subsidiaries. All properties are owned except as otherwise indicated below. All facilities are considered to be in good condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted) and suitable and adequate for the Company’s requirements.
LOCATION
GROUP/DIVISION
FUNCTION
California
Escondido
Greenfield
Livingston (2)
Turlock
Illinois
Amboy
Indiana
Indianapolis
Michigan
Harbor Beach
Missouri
St. Louis
New Jersey
South Plainfield (2) **
Wisconsin
Juneau
Milwaukee*
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INTERNATIONAL
Argentina
Buenos Aires*
Australia
Keysborough
Sydney*
Belgium
Brussels*
Heverlee
Brazil
São Paulo*
Canada
Cornwall, Ontario
Delta, British
Columbia
Kingston, Ontario
Mississauga,
Ontario
Rexdale, Ontario *
Tara, Ontario
China
Beijing*
Guangzhou*
Hong Kong*
Qingdao*
Shanghai*
Czech Republic
Prague*
England
Kings Lynn *
Milton Keynes
France
Marchais
Saint-Denis*
Saint Ouen
L’Aumone*
Strasbourg
12
(Continued)
Germany
Bremen *
Production and sales/flavors, flavored products and
essential oils
Geesthacht
Wolfen
Hungary
Budapest
India
Mumbai*
Indonesia
Jakarta*
Italy
Milan
Reggio Emilia
Japan
Osaka*
Hitachi
Tokyo*
Korea
Seoul*
Mexico
Celaya
Lerma
Tijuana*
Tlalnepantla (2)*
The Netherlands
Amersfoort*
Elburg
Naarden
New Zealand
Auckland
Philippines
Manila*
Poland
Warsaw*
13
Romania
Morazia*
Serbia
Zenta
Singapore
Singapore*
South Africa
Johannesburg*
Spain
Barcelona*
Granada
Sweden
Kristianstad*
Switzerland
Morges*
Thailand
Bangkok*
Wales
Ceredigion
Clean Air Act NOV
On June 24, 2004, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) issued a Notice of Violation/Finding of Violation (“NOV”) to Lesaffre Yeast Corporation (“Lesaffre”) for alleged violations of the Wisconsin air emission requirements. The NOV generally alleges that Lesaffre’s Milwaukee, Wisconsin facility violated air emissions limits for volatile organic compounds during certain periods from 1999 through 2003. Some of these violations allegedly occurred before Lesaffre purchased Red Star Yeast & Products (“Red Star Yeast”) from the Company.
On June 30, 2005, the EPA issued a second NOV to Lasaffre and Sensient which alleged that certain operational changes were made during Sensient’s ownership of the Milwaukee facility without complying with new-source review procedures and without the required air pollution control permit. While the Company’s evaluation is continuing, there appear to be significant legal defenses available to the Company in connection with the alleged violations.
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The Company has met with the EPA in an attempt to resolve the NOVs. In September 2005, as follow-up to one of those meetings, the Company submitted information to refute the allegations of the June 30, 2005 NOV and requested that the NOV be withdrawn. The Company is awaiting the EPA’s response to that submission.
In connection with the sale of Red Star Yeast, the Company provided Lesaffre and certain of its affiliates with indemnification against environmental claims attributable to the operation, activities or ownership of Red Star Yeast prior to February 23, 2001, the closing date of the sale. See Note 12 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company has not received a claim for indemnity from Lesaffre with respect to this matter. In December 2005, Lesaffre closed the Milwaukee plant. The Company informed the EPA of this development.
Superfund Claim
On July 6, 2004, the EPA notified the Company’s Sensient Colors Inc. subsidiary that it may be a potentially responsible party (“PRP”) under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) for activities at the General Color Company Superfund Site in Camden, New Jersey. The EPA requested reimbursement of $10.9 million in clean-up costs, plus interest. Sensient Colors Inc. advised the EPA that this site had been expressly excluded from the Company’s 1988 stock purchase of H. Kohnstamm & Company, Inc. (now Sensient Colors Inc.). The selling shareholders had retained ownership of and liability for the site, and some became owners of General Color Company, which continued to operate there until the mid-1990s. The Company’s legal defense costs are being paid by an insurer with a reservation of coverage rights. Litigation to resolve coverage rights is pending. The Company continues to assess the existence and solvency of other PRPs, additional insurance coverage, the nature of the alleged contamination, and the extent to which the EPA’s activities satisfy the requirements for reimbursement under CERCLA, as well as the legal sufficiency of excluding this site from the 1988 transaction. In a letter to the EPA dated January 31, 2005, the Company outlined legal challenges to the recoverability of certain costs and urged the EPA to pursue General Color Company and related parties. The EPA subsequently informed the Company that it is unwilling to discuss these legal challenges without prior conditions and may refer this matter to the Department of Justice, which would evaluate the referral for potential civil litigation under applicable environmental laws.
Remmes v. Sensient Flavors Inc. et al.
In June 2004, the Company and certain other flavor manufacturers were sued in Iowa state court by Kevin Remmes, who alleged that while working at American Popcorn Company of Sioux City, Iowa, he was exposed to butter flavoring vapors that caused injury to his lungs and respiratory system. The Company, among others, sold butter flavoring used in the manufacture of microwave popcorn to American Popcorn Company. The suit was removed to Federal District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, Western Division. The Company believes that plaintiff’s claims are without merit and is vigorously defending this case. A trial date has been set in March 2007. One of the Company’s insurers has acknowledged coverage and is paying defense costs since the deductible has been exceeded.
Fults et al. v. Sensient Flavors Inc. et al.
In August 2005, the Company and certain other flavoring manufacturers were sued in the City of St. Louis, Missouri, Circuit Court by Elizabeth Fults (as administrator for the Estate of Dixie Asbury), Nancy Lee Dudley and Jill Roth, all of whom allege that they suffered damage as a result of work-related exposure to butter flavoring vapors at the Gilster-Mary Lee microwave popcorn plant in McBride, Missouri. At present, it is unclear whether and to what extent the Company ever sold butter flavoring products to this facility. The Company intends to file a motion to dismiss and will vigorously defend its interests in this case. A trial date has been set in this matter for May 2007.
Kuiper et al. v. Sensient Flavors Inc. et al.
In late January 2006, the Company and certain other flavor manufacturers were sued in the Federal District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, Western Division, by Ronald Kuiper and his spouse, Conley Kuiper. Mr. Kuiper claims that while working at American Popcorn Company of Sioux City, Iowa, he was exposed to butter flavoring vapors that caused injury to his lungs and respiratory system. Ms. Kuiper’s claim is for loss of consortium. The allegations of this Complaint are virtually identical to those contained in the Remmes Complaint. Plaintiffs’ counsel moved to consolidate the Kuiper case with the Remmes case for discovery
15
purposes; the Court denied the motion on procedural grounds. The Company believes that plaintiffs’ claims are without merit and is vigorously defending this case. A trial date has not yet been set in this matter.
The Company is involved in various other claims and litigation arising in the normal course of business. In the judgment of management, which relies in part on information from Company counsel, the ultimate resolution of these actions will not materially affect the consolidated financial statements of the Company except as described above.
There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of the year ended December 31, 2005.
The executive officers of the Company and their ages as of March 1, 2006 are as follows:
Name
Position
Kenneth P. Manning
Richard Carney
John F. Collopy
John L. Hammond
Richard F. Hobbs
Richard J. Malin
Peter G. Bradley
Ralph G. Pickles
Stephen J. Rolfs
Dr. Ho-Seung Yang
The Company has employed all of the individuals named above, in their current positions, for at least the past five years except as follows. Mr. Carney has held his present office since 2002 and previously served as Vice President-Human Resources (1993-2002). Mr. Collopy has held his present office since February 2006 and previously served as Director, Treasury Operations (2004-2006) and Manager, Corporate Development (1999-2004). Mr. Malin has held his present office since April 2005 and previously served as Assistant Treasurer (2001-2005), Controller (2001) and Controller of Sensient Dehydrated Flavors Company (2000-2001). Mr. Bradley has held his present office since July 2005 and previously served as President-Asia Pacific Group (2004-2005) and General Manager-Food Colors UK (2003-2004). Mr. Pickles has held his present office since 2003 and previously served as President-Asia Pacific Group (2000-2003) and Managing Director, Color-Europe (1995-2000). Dr. Yang has held his present office since 2003 and previously served as Vice President-Technologies (1998-2003).
16
The only market in which the common stock of the Company is traded is the New York Stock Exchange. The range of the high and low sales prices as quoted in the New York Stock Exchange - Composite Transaction tape for the common stock of the Company and the amount of dividends declared for the fiscal years 2004 and 2005 appearing under “Common Stock Prices and Dividends” on page 45 of the 2005 Annual Report to Shareholders are incorporated by reference. In 2005, common stock dividends were paid on a quarterly basis, and it is expected that quarterly dividends will continue to be paid in the future.
On February 10, 2000, the Board of Directors established a share-repurchase program that authorized the Company to repurchase up to five million shares of the Company’s common stock, all of which have been repurchased. On April 27, 2001, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional five million shares. As of March 8, 2006, 1,965,890 shares had been repurchased under the latter authorization.
The following table provides the specified information about the repurchases of shares by the Company during the fourth quarter of 2005.
Period
Total number
of sharespurchased
Average
price paid
per share
of shares purchasedas part of publiclyannounced plans orprograms
October 1 to 31, 2005
November 1 to 30, 2005
December 1 to 31, 2005
Total
The number of shareholders of record on March 8, 2006 was 3,652.
Information regarding the Company’s equity compensation plans appears in Item 12 of Part III of this annual report.
The selected financial data required by this item is incorporated by reference from the “Five Year Review” and the notes thereto on pages 46 and 47 of the 2005 Annual Report to Shareholders.
The information required by this item is set forth under “Management’s Analysis of Operations and Financial Condition” on pages 15 through 24 of the 2005 Annual Report to Shareholders and is incorporated by reference.
17
The information required by this item is set forth under “Market Risk Factors” on pages 22 and 23 of the 2005 Annual Report to Shareholders and is incorporated by reference.
The financial statements and supplementary data required by this item are set forth on pages 25 through 42 and page 45 of the 2005 Annual Report to Shareholders and are incorporated by reference.
The information required by this item is set forth under “Change in Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” on page 45 of the 2005 Annual Report to Shareholders and is incorporated by reference.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Company’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and its Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, of the effectiveness, as of December 31, 2005, of the design and operation of the disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and its Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2005.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Management has assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005. In making its assessment of internal control over financial reporting, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control — Integrated Framework. Based on that assessment, management has concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2005. Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting, which appears on page 43 of the 2005 Annual Report to Shareholders, is incorporated by reference.
Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm. The attestation report on internal control over financial reporting, set forth on page 44 of the 2005 Annual Report to Shareholders, is incorporated by reference.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2005 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
None.
18
Information regarding directors and officers appearing under “Election of Directors” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” on pages two through eight and page 21, respectively, of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company dated March 15, 2006 (“Proxy Statement”), is incorporated by reference. Additional information regarding executive officers appears at the end of Part I above, and information regarding codes of conduct and ethics for officers appears at the beginning of Part I above.
Information relating to compensation of directors and officers is incorporated by reference from “Director Compensation and Benefits” on page eight of the Proxy Statement and “Executive Compensation,” “Equity Compensation Plan Information” and “Employment Agreements and Other Arrangements” on pages 16 through 20 of the Proxy Statement. Information relating to the Compensation and Development Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors is incorporated by reference from the third paragraph under the heading “Committees of the Board of Directors” on page five of the Proxy Statement.
The discussion of security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management and related stockholder matters appearing under “Principal Shareholders” on pages 11 and 12 of the Proxy Statement is incorporated by reference. The discussion appearing under “Equity Compensation Plan Information” on page 18 of the Proxy Statement is incorporated by reference.
There are no family relationships between any of the directors or director nominees and the officers of the Company, nor any arrangement or understanding between any director or officer or any other person pursuant to which any of the nominees has been nominated. No director, nominee for director or officer had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any material business transaction of the Company or any subsidiary during the period January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2005, or in any such proposed transaction. In the ordinary course of business, the Company may engage in business transactions with companies whose officers or directors are also directors of the Company. These transactions are routine in nature and are conducted on an arm’s-length basis. The terms of any such transactions are comparable at all times to those obtainable in business transactions with unrelated persons.
The disclosure regarding principal accountant fees and services appearing under “Audit Committee Report” on pages eight through ten of the Proxy Statement is incorporated by reference.
19
Documents filed:
1 and 2:
3:
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules
Page Reference in2005 Annual ReportTo Shareholders
1. Financial Statements
The following consolidated financial statements of Sensient Technologies Corporation and subsidiaries are incorporated by reference from the Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2005:
43
Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 2005 and 2004
26
Consolidated Statements of Earnings - Years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
25
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity - Years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
28-29
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
27
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
30-42
Page Reference in
Form 10-K
2. Financial Statement Schedules
21
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves
All other schedules are omitted because they are inapplicable, not required by the instructions or the information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
20
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Sensient Technologies Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2005, management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, and have issued our reports thereon dated February 17, 2006. Such consolidated financial statements and reports are included in your 2005 Annual Report to Shareholders and are incorporated herein by reference. Our audits also included the consolidated financial statement schedule of the Company listed in Item 15. That consolidated financial statement schedule is the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits. In our opinion, that consolidated financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (in thousands); Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004, 2003
Valuation Accounts Deducted in the
Balance Sheet From the Assets To
Which They Apply
Deductions
(A)
2003
Allowance for losses:Trade accounts receivable
2004
2005
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.
/s/ John L. Hammond
Vice President, Secretary & General Counsel
Dated: March 15, 2006
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below as of March 15, 2006, by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated.
/s/ Kenneth P. Manning
/s/ Fergus M. Clydesdale
Chairman of the Board, President and
Chief Executive Officer
Fergus M. Clydesdale
Director
/s/ Richard F. Hobbs
/s/ James A.D. Croft
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer
James A.D. Croft
/s/ Stephen J. Rolfs
/s/ William V. Hickey
Vice President, Controller and
Chief Accounting Officer
William V. Hickey
/s/ Michael E. Batten
/s/ Peter M. Salmon
Michael E. Batten
Peter M. Salmon
/s/ John F. Bergstrom
/s/ Essie Whitelaw
John F. Bergstrom
Essie Whitelaw
/s/ Hank Brown
Hank Brown
22
SENSIENT TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
2005 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
Description
Incorporated by Reference From
FiledHerewith
Amended and Restated Articles of
Incorporation adopted January 21, 1999 as
amended as of April 21, 2005
Exhibit 3.1 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2005
(Commission File No.1-7626)
Exhibit 3.2 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2005
Indenture dated as of November 9, 1998 between Registrant and The First National
Bank of Chicago, as Trustee
Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3 dated November 9, 1998
(Commission File No. 333-67015)
Exhibit 4.3 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001
(Commission File No. 1-7626)
Management Contracts or Compensatory
Plans
E-1
Exhibit 10.1(b) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001
Universal Foods Corporation 1990
Employee Stock Plan, as amended
September 10, 1998
Exhibit 10.2(d) to Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 1998 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
Amendment of 1990 Employee Stock Plan
dated as of November 6, 2000
Exhibit 10.1(d)(1) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000
Universal Foods Corporation 1994
Exhibit 10.2(f) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1998
Exhibit 10.1(e)(1) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000
Universal Foods Corporation 1998
Stock Option Plan, as amended
Exhibit 10.2(h) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1998
Exhibit 10.1(f)(1) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000 (Commission File No. 1-7626)
1999 Non-Employee Director Stock
Option Plan
Appendix A to Definitive Proxy Statement filed
on Schedule 14A on December 17, 1999.
E-2
Amended and Restated Directors
Deferred Compensation Plan
Appendix B to Definitive Proxy Statement filed
on Schedule 14A on December 17, 1999
Exhibit 10.1(h)(1) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000
Exhibit 10.1 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003
Exhibit 10.1(j) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002
Exhibit 10.1(k) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002
Exhibit 10.2(p) to Annual Report on
Amendment No. 1 to Rabbi Trust B
dated January 1, 2000 between Registrant and Marshall & Ilsley Trust Company
Exhibit 10.1(m)(1) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000
(Commission File No- 1-7626)
E-3
Changes upon Appointment of Successor Trustee for Rabbi Trust B dated as of
January 1, 2000
Trust Agreement, including Changes upon Appointment of Successor Trustee, dated as of February 1, 1998 between Registrant and Firstar Bank, Milwaukee N.A.
(“Rabbi Trust C”)
Exhibit 10.1(n)(1) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for
Changes upon Appointment of Successor Trustee for Rabbi Trust C dated as of
January 1, 2001
E-4
Exhibit 10.1(q)(1) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000
Exhibit 10.1(r)(1) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000
Form of Agreement for Executive Officers
(Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan A)
Exhibit 10.1(s) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001
Exhibit 10.1(t) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001
Exhibit 10.2(w) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1998
Exhibit 10.1(u)(1) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000
Exhibit 10.2(x) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1998
Exhibit 10.1(v)(1) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000
Exhibit 10.1(w)(2) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002
E-5
E-6