ameron_10q110.htm



United States
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended February 28, 2010
 
OR
 

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

For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission File Number 1-9102

AMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
77-0100596
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

245 South Los Robles Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101-3638
(Address of principal executive offices)

(626) 683-4000
(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 the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes x  No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes ¨  No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Large accelerated filer x
Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨
Smaller reporting company ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes ¨  No x

The number of outstanding shares of Common Stock, $2.50 par value, was 9,220,790 on February 28, 2010.  No other class of Common Stock exists.
 
 

 


 
 
 
 
AMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
FORM 10-Q
 
For the Quarter Ended February 28, 2010
 
Table of Contents
 


 
 
 
4
 
 
4
 
 
21
 
 
28
 
29
     
 
 
30
 
 
30
 
 
31
 
 
31
 
 
31
 
32




 
 
3

 
AMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1 – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
February 28,
   
March 1,
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
2010
   
2009
 
Sales
 
$
109,018
   
$
146,002
 
Cost of sales
   
(79,572
)
   
(111,081
)
Gross profit
   
29,446
     
34,921
 
                 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
(27,262
)
   
(26,408
)
Other income, net
   
542
     
470
 
Income before interest, income taxes and equity in loss of affiliate
   
2,726
     
8,983
 
Interest expense, net
   
(107
)
   
(171
)
Income before income taxes and equity in loss of affiliate
   
2,619
     
8,812
 
Provision for income taxes
   
(760
)
   
(2,644
)
Income before equity in loss of affiliate
   
1,859
     
6,168
 
Equity in loss of affiliate, net of taxes
   
(776
   
(2,342
Net income
 
$
1,083
   
$
3,826
 
                 
Net income per share allocated to Common Stock (see Note 7)
               
Basic
 
$
.12
   
$
.42
 
                 
Diluted
 
$
.12
   
$
.41
 
                 
Weighted-average shares (basic)
   
9,177,383
     
9,146,678
 
Weighted-average shares (diluted)
   
9,200,024
     
9,159,798
 
                 
Cash dividends per share
 
$
.30
   
$
.30
 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 

4

 
AMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS – ASSETS (UNAUDITED)

   
February 28,
   
November 30,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
 
ASSETS
           
             
Current assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
155,284
   
$
181,114
 
Receivables, less allowances of $5,736 in 2010 and $5,351 in 2009
   
136,469
     
151,210
 
Inventories
   
73,061
     
62,700
 
Deferred income taxes
   
19,296
     
19,795
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
12,171
     
11,585
 
                 
Total current assets
   
396,281
     
426,404
 
                 
Investments
               
Equity method affiliate
   
32,286
     
30,626
 
Cost method affiliates
   
3,784
     
3,784
 
                 
Property, plant and equipment
               
Land
   
45,778
     
46,029
 
Buildings
   
100,188
     
100,583
 
Machinery and equipment
   
346,725
     
345,604
 
Construction in progress
   
32,034
     
32,306
 
                 
Total property, plant and equipment at cost
   
524,725
     
524,522
 
Accumulated depreciation
   
(287,111
)
   
(286,014
)
                 
Total property, plant and equipment, net
   
237,614
     
238,508
 
Deferred income taxes
   
14,320
     
14,321
 
Goodwill and intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $1,263 in 2010 and $1,257 in 2009
   
2,079
     
2,088
 
Other assets
   
46,946
     
46,818
 
                 
Total assets
 
$
733,310
   
$
762,549
 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 


5

 
AMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS – LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

   
February 28,
   
November 30,
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
2010
   
2009
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
           
             
Current liabilities
           
Current portion of long-term debt
 
$
7,258
   
$
7,366
 
Trade payables
   
43,565
     
44,052
 
Accrued liabilities
   
67,964
     
77,515
 
Income taxes payable
   
9,614
     
10,004
 
                 
Total current liabilities
   
128,401
     
138,937
 
                 
Long-term debt, less current portion
   
30,735
     
30,933
 
Deferred income taxes
   
1,680
     
1,710
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
88,208
     
99,379
 
                 
Total liabilities
   
249,024
     
270,959
 
                 
Commitments and contingencies
               
                 
Stockholders' equity
               
Common Stock, par value $2.50 per share, authorized 24,000,000 shares, outstanding 9,220,790 shares in 2010 and 9,209,836 shares in 2009
   
29,979
     
29,920
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
59,410
     
59,531
 
Retained earnings
   
498,546
     
500,224
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(46,754
)
   
(42,036
)
Treasury Stock (2,770,902 shares in 2010 and 2,758,356 shares in 2009)
   
(56,895
)
   
(56,049
)
                 
Total stockholders' equity
   
484,286
     
491,590
 
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
733,310
   
$
762,549
 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 

6

 
AMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
February 28,
   
March 1,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
               
Net income
 
$
1,083
   
$
3,826
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation
   
6,282
     
5,268
 
Amortization
   
9
     
9
 
Loss from affiliate
   
842
     
2,592
 
Loss from sale of property, plant and equipment
   
-
     
19
 
Stock compensation expense
   
627
     
1,015
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Receivables, net
   
13,914
     
23,299
 
Inventories
   
(10,918
)
   
14,477
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
(670
   
216
 
Other assets
   
(262
)
   
27
 
Trade payables
   
(61
)
   
(9,988
Accrued liabilities and income taxes payable
   
(9,515
   
(8,565
)
Other long-term liabilities and deferred income taxes
   
(11,366
)
   
246
 
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities
   
(10,035
)
   
32,441
 
                 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
   
156
     
134
 
Additions to property, plant and equipment
   
(7,146
)
   
(12,366
)
Investment in affiliate
   
-
     
(10,000
)
Loan to affiliate
   
(2,500
)
   
-
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(9,490
)
   
(22,232
)
                 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
Dividends on Common Stock
   
(2,761
)
   
(2,757
)
Excess tax benefit related to stock-based compensation
   
-
     
819
 
Purchase of treasury stock
   
(846
)
   
(972
)
Net cash used in financing activities
   
(3,607
)
   
(2,910
)
                 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
   
(2,698
   
(2,399
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
   
(25,830
)
   
4,900
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
181,114
     
143,561
 
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
155,284
   
$
148,461
 

 
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 

7

 
AMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
NOTE 1 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Consolidated financial statements for the interim periods included herein are unaudited; however, such financial statements contain all adjustments, including normal recurring accruals, which, in the opinion of Management, are necessary for the fair statement of the consolidated financial position of Ameron International Corporation and all subsidiaries (the "Company" or "Ameron" or the "Registrant") as of February 28, 2010, and consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the three months ended February 28, 2010.  Accounting measurements at interim dates inherently involve greater reliance on estimates than at year-end.  Results of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
 
For accounting consistency, the quarter typically ends on the Sunday closest to the end of the relevant calendar month.  The Company’s fiscal year ends on November 30, regardless of the day of the week.  Each quarter consists of approximately 13 weeks, but the number of days per quarter can change from period to period.  The quarters ended February 28, 2010 and March 1, 2009 consisted of 90 days and 91 days, respectively.

The consolidated financial statements do not include certain footnote disclosures and financial information normally included in consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and, therefore, should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2009 ("2009 Annual Report").
 
 
NOTE 2 – RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In June 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance requiring unvested instruments granted in share-based payment transactions that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents are accounted for as participating securities subject to the two-class method of computing earnings per share.  All earnings per share data for periods prior to adoption are required to be adjusted retrospectively.  The Company adopted the guidance as of December 1, 2009, and the adoption did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.  See Note 7 for a reconciliation of net income allocated to Common Stock using the two-class method.

In December 2008, the FASB issued revised guidance for employers’ disclosures about postretirement benefit plan assets effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009.  The FASB requires an employer to disclose investment policies and strategies, categories, fair value measurements, and significant concentration of risk among its postretirement benefit plan assets.  The Company will adopt the revised guidance as of November 30, 2010.  Adoption is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In June 2009, the FASB issued guidance to revise the approach to determine when a variable interest entity (“VIE”) should be consolidated.  The new consolidation model for VIE’s considers whether the Company has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and shares in the significant risks and rewards of the entity.  The guidance on VIE’s requires companies to continually reassess VIE’s to determine if consolidation is appropriate and provide additional disclosures.  The Company adopted the guidance as of December 1, 2009, and adoption did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.


8

 
AMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

In January 2010, the FASB required new disclosures about fair value of financial instruments for interim and annual reporting periods.  These new disclosures are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for disclosures about purchases, sales, insurance and settlements, which are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010.  Adoption is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
 
NOTE 3 – RECEIVABLES

The Company’s receivables consisted of the following:

   
February 28,
   
November 30,
 
(In thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
 
Trade
 
$
111,860
   
$
121,822
 
Affiliates
   
843
     
960
 
Other
   
29,502
     
33,779
 
Allowances
   
(5,736
)
   
(5,351
)
   
$
136,469
   
$
151,210
 

Trade receivables included unbilled receivables related to percentage-of-completion revenue recognition of $29,733,000 and $33,705,000 at February 28, 2010 and November 30, 2009, respectively.
 
 
NOTE 4 – INVENTORIES

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market.  Inventories consisted of the following:

   
February 28,
   
November 30,
 
(In thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
 
Finished products
 
$
31,026
   
$
30,100
 
Materials and supplies
   
28,789
     
22,952
 
Products in process
   
13,246
     
9,648
 
   
$
73,061
   
$
62,700
 
 
 
NOTE 5 – SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Supplemental cash flow information included the following:

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
February 28,
   
March 1,
 
(In thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
 
Interest paid
 
$
52
   
$
51
 
Income taxes paid
   
1,869
     
2,102
 



9

 
AMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
NOTE 6 – AFFILIATES

Operating results of TAMCO, an investment which is accounted for under the equity method, were as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
February 28,
   
March 1,
 
(In thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
 
Net sales
 
$
19,122
   
$
17,797
 
Gross loss
   
(1,257
   
(7,633
Net loss
   
(1,683
   
(5,184
                 

Investments in Ameron Saudi Arabia, Ltd. ("ASAL") and Bondstrand, Ltd. ("BL") are accounted for under the cost method due to Management's current assessment of the Company's influence over these affiliates.  Earnings from ASAL and BL, if any, are included in other income, net.
 
Earnings and dividends from the Company's affiliates were as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
February 28,
   
March 1,
 
(In thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
 
Earnings from affiliate
           
Equity in loss of TAMCO before income taxes
 
$
(842
 
$
(2,592
Less benefit for income taxes
   
66
     
250
 
Equity in loss of TAMCO, net of taxes
 
$
(776
 
$
(2,342

No dividends were received from affiliates during the first quarters of 2010 and 2009.  TAMCO’s shareholders made a $20,000,000 capital contribution to TAMCO in February, 2009.  The Company’s share of the funding from shareholders totaled $10,000,000.  In 2009, TAMCO entered into a senior secured credit facility with TAMCO’s shareholders which provided TAMCO up to $40,000,000.  The shareholder credit facility bears interest at LIBOR plus 3.25% per annum and is scheduled to mature January 31, 2011.  As of February 28, 2010, TAMCO borrowed $35,000,000 under the facility, of which $17,500,000 was provided by the Company.  The Company continues to have a 50% ownership interest in TAMCO. 

 
NOTE 7 – NET INCOME PER SHARE
 
Basic and diluted net income per share are computed using the two-class method which allocates earnings to both Common Stock and participating securities.  Under the two-class method, unvested restricted Common Stock with non-forfeitable rights to dividends are considered participating securities.  Dividends from such participating securities are excluded from net income allocated to Common Stock for purposes of the two-class method calculation.

Basic shares are computed on the basis of the weighted-average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding during the periods presented.  Diluted shares are computed on the basis of the weighted-average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding plus the effect of outstanding stock options and restricted stock, using the treasury stock method.  Stock options and restricted stock of 19,936 and 46,788 are excluded from the below calculation for the quarters ended February 28, 2010 and March 1, 2009, respectively, as inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

10

 
AMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Following is a reconciliation of net income allocated to Common Stock, using the two-class method, and the weighted-average number of shares used in the computation of basic and diluted net income per share allocated to Common Stock:
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
February 28,
   
March 1,
 
(In thousands, except shares and per share data)
 
2010
   
2009
 
Numerator:
           
Net income
 
$
1,083
   
$
3,826
 
Less: net income allocated to participating securities
   
(14
)
   
(29
)
Net income allocated to Common Stock
   
1,069
     
3,797
 
                 
Denominator for basic income per share:
               
Weighted-average shares outstanding, basic
   
9,177,383
     
9,146,678
 
                 
Denominator for diluted income per share:
               
Weighted-average shares outstanding, basic
   
9,177,383
     
9,146,678
 
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock
   
22,641
     
13,120
 
Weighted-average shares outstanding, diluted
   
9,200,024
     
9,159,798
 
                 
Net income per share allocated to Common Stock
               
Basic
 
$
.12
   
$
.42
 
                 
Diluted
 
$
.12
   
$
.41
 
 
 
NOTE 8 – COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Comprehensive income was as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
February 28,
   
March 1,
 
(In thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
 
Net income
 
$
1,083
   
$
3,826
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
   
(4,718
   
(3,402
Comprehensive (loss)/income
 
$
(3,635
 
$
424
 



11

 
AMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
NOTE 9 – DEBT

The Company's long-term debt consisted of the following:

   
February 28,
   
November 30,
 
(In thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
 
Fixed-rate notes:
               
4.25%, payable in Singapore dollars, in annual principal installments of $7,258
 
$
21,774
   
$
22,098
 
Variable-rate industrial development bonds:
               
payable in 2016 (.50% at February 28, 2010)
   
7,200
     
7,200
 
payable in 2021 (.50% at February 28, 2010)
   
8,500
     
8,500
 
Variable-rate bank revolving credit facility (5.00% at February 28, 2010)
   
519
     
501
 
Total long-term debt
   
37,993
     
38,299
 
Less current portion
   
(7,258
)
   
(7,366
)
Long-term debt, less current portion
 
$
30,735
   
$
30,933
 

The Company maintains a $100,000,000 revolving credit facility with six banks (the “Revolver”).  Under the Revolver, the Company may, at its option, borrow up to the available amount at floating interest rates (LIBOR plus a spread ranging from 2.75% to 3.75%, based on the Company's financial condition and performance) or utilize for letters of credit at a similar spread, at any time until maturity in August 2012, when all borrowings under the Revolver must be repaid and letters of credit cancelled.  At February 28, 2010, $17,932,000 of the Revolver was utilized for standby letters of credit; therefore, $82,068,000 was available under the Revolver.

The lending agreements contain various restrictive covenants, including the requirement to maintain specified amounts of net worth and restrictions on cash dividends, borrowings, liens, capital expenditures, investments, guarantees, and financial covenants.  The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of February 28, 2010.  The Revolver and the 4.25% term notes are collateralized by substantially all of the Company's assets.  The industrial development bonds are supported by standby letters of credit that are issued under the Revolver.  The interest rate on the industrial development bonds is based on the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (“SIFMA”) Index plus a spread of .20%.  Certain note agreements contain provisions regarding the Company's ability to grant security interests or liens in association with other debt instruments.  If the Company grants such a security interest or lien, then such notes will be collateralized equally and ratably as long as such other debt shall be collateralized.

Estimated fair value of the Company's debt is prepared in accordance with FASB’s fair value disclosure requirements.  These requirements establish an enhanced framework for measuring the fair value of financial instruments including a disclosure hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value.  The estimated fair value amounts were determined by the Company using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies.  Considerable judgment is required to develop the estimated fair value, thus the estimates provided herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current market exchange.

   
Carrying
   
Fair
 
(In thousands)
 
Amount
   
Value
 
February 28, 2010
           
Fixed-rate, long-term debt
  $ 21,774     $ 22,746  
Variable-rate, long-term debt
    16,219       16,219  
                 
November 30, 2009
               
Fixed-rate, long-term debt
    22,098       22,741  
Variable-rate, long-term debt
    16,201       16,201  


12

 
AMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

The Company used a discounted cash flow technique that incorporates a market interest yield curve with adjustments for duration, optionality and risk profile to determine fair value.  The estimated fair value of the Company's fixed-rate, long-term debt is based on U.S. government notes at the respective date plus an estimated spread for similar securities with similar credit risks and remaining maturities.

 
NOTE 10 – SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company has determined that it has four operating and three reportable segments: Fiberglass-Composite Pipe, Water Transmission and Infrastructure Products.  Infrastructure Products consists of two operating segments, the Pole Products and Hawaii Divisions, which are aggregated.  Each of the segments has a dedicated management team and is managed separately, primarily because of differences in products.  TAMCO is not included in any of these segments.  The Company's Chief Operating Decision Maker is the Chief Executive Officer who primarily reviews sales and income before interest, income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliate for each operating segment in making decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance.  The Company allocates certain selling, general and administrative expenses to operating segments utilizing assumptions believed to be appropriate in the circumstances.  Costs of shared services (e.g., costs of Company-wide insurance programs or benefit plans) are allocated to the operating segments based on revenue, wages or net assets employed.  Other items not related to current operations or of an unusual nature are not allocated to the reportable segments, such as adjustments to reflect inventory balances of certain steel inventories under the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method, certain unusual legal costs and expenses, interest expense and income taxes.
 
Following is information related to each reportable segment included in, and in a manner consistent with, internal management reports:

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
February 28,
   
March 1,
 
(In thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
 
Sales
           
Fiberglass-Composite Pipe
 
$
54,506
   
$
56,741
 
Water Transmission
   
25,812
     
51,543
 
Infrastructure Products
   
28,706
     
37,719
 
Eliminations
   
(6
)
   
(1
)
Total Sales
 
$
109,018
   
$
146,002
 
                 
Income Before Interest, Income Taxes and Equity in Loss of Affiliate
               
Fiberglass-Composite Pipe
 
$
14,051
   
$
14,647
 
Water Transmission
   
(1,882
   
513
 
Infrastructure Products
   
1,215
     
3,785
 
Corporate and unallocated
   
(10,658
)
   
(9,962
Total Income Before Interest, Income Taxes and Equity in Loss of Affiliate
 
$
2,726
   
$
8,983
 
 

13

 
AMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


   
February 28,
   
November 30,
 
(In thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
 
Assets
               
Fiberglass-Composite Pipe
 
$
301,332
   
$
314,980
 
Water Transmission
   
190,823
     
191,981
 
Infrastructure Products
   
95,497
     
95,311
 
Corporate and unallocated
   
323,038
     
307,071
 
Eliminations
   
(177,380
)
   
(146,794
)
Total Assets
 
$
733,310
   
$
762,549
 
 
 
NOTE 11 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

In April 2004, Sable Offshore Energy Inc. ("Sable"), as agent for certain owners of the Sable Offshore Energy Project, brought an action against various coatings suppliers and application contractors, including the Company and its subsidiary, Ameron B.V., in the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia, Canada.  Sable seeks damages allegedly sustained by it resulting from performance problems with several coating systems used on the Sable Offshore Energy Project, including coatings products furnished by the Company and Ameron B.V.  Sable's originating notice and statement of claim alleged a claim for damages in an unspecified amount; however, Sable has since alleged that its claim for damages against all defendants is approximately 440,000,000 Canadian dollars, a figure which the Company and Ameron B.V. contest.  This matter is in discovery, and no trial date has yet been established.  The Company is vigorously defending itself in this action.  Based upon the information available to it at this time, the Company is not able to estimate the possible range of loss with respect to this case.

In May 2003, Dominion Exploration and Production, Inc. and Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc. (collectively "Dominion") brought an action against the Company in Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans, Louisiana as owners of an offshore production facility known as a SPAR.  Dominion seeks damages allegedly sustained by it resulting from delays in delivery of the SPAR caused by the removal and replacement of certain coatings containing lead and/or lead chromate for which the manufacturer of the SPAR alleged the Company was responsible.  Dominion contends that the Company made certain misrepresentations and warranties to Dominion concerning the lead-free nature of those coatings.  Dominion's petition as filed alleged a claim for damages in an unspecified amount; however, Dominion's economic expert has since estimated Dominion's damages at approximately $60,000,000, a figure which the Company contests.  This matter is in discovery, and trial is currently scheduled to commence on April 12, 2010.  The Company is vigorously defending itself in this action.  Based upon the information available to it at this time, the Company is not able to estimate the possible range of loss with respect to this case.

In July 2004, BP America Production Company (“BP America”) brought an action against the Company in the 24th Judicial District Court, Parish of Jefferson, Louisiana in connection with fiberglass pipe sold by the Company for installation in four offshore platforms constructed for BP America.  The plaintiff seeks damages allegedly sustained by it resulting from claimed defects in such pipe.  BP America’s petition as filed alleged a claim against the Company for rescission, products liability, negligence, breach of contract and warranty and for damages in an amount of not less than $20,000,000, a figure which the Company contests.  This matter is in discovery, and no trial date has yet been established.  The Company is vigorously defending itself in this action.  Based upon the information available to it at this time, the Company is not able to estimate the possible range of loss with respect to this case.

14

 
AMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


In June 2006, the Cawelo, California Water District (“Cawelo”) brought an action against the Company in Kern County Superior Court, California in connection with  concrete pipe sold by the Company in 1995 for a wastewater recovery pipeline in such county.  Cawelo seeks damages allegedly sustained by it resulting from the failure of such pipe in 2004.  Cawelo’s petition as filed alleged a claim against the Company for products liability, negligence, breach of express warranty and breach of written contract and for damages in an amount of not less than $8,000,000, a figure which the Company contests.  This matter is in discovery, and trial is currently scheduled to commence on October 12, 2010.  The Company is vigorously defending itself in this action.  Based upon the information available to it at this time, the Company is not able to estimate the possible range of loss with respect to this case.

The Company is a defendant in a number of asbestos-related personal injury lawsuits.  These cases generally seek unspecified damages for asbestos-related diseases based on alleged exposure to products previously manufactured by the Company and others.  As of February 28, 2010, the Company was a defendant in 22 asbestos-related cases, compared to 20 cases as of November 30, 2009.  During the quarter ended February 28, 2010, there were five new asbestos-related cases, one case dismissed, two cases settled, no judgments and recovery of $7,000, net of expenses.  Based upon the information available to it at this time, the Company is not able to estimate the possible range of loss with respect to these cases.

In December 2008, the Company received from the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) a Requirement to Furnish Information regarding transactions involving Iran.  The Company intends to cooperate fully with OFAC on this matter.  With the assistance of outside counsel, the Company conducted an internal inquiry and responded to OFAC.  In the quarter ended February 28, 2010, the Company incurred $51,000 for legal and professional fees in connection with this matter.  Based upon the information available to it at this time, the Company is not able to predict the outcome of this matter.  If the Company violated governmental regulations, material fines and penalties could be imposed.

The Company is subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations concerning the environment and is currently participating in administrative proceedings at several sites under these laws. While the Company finds it difficult to estimate with any certainty the total cost of remediation at the several sites, on the basis of currently available information and reserves provided, the Company believes that the outcome of such environmental regulatory proceedings will not have a material effect on the Company's financial position, cash flows, or results of operations.

In addition, certain other claims, suits and complaints that arise in the ordinary course of business, have been filed or are pending against the Company.  Management believes that these matters are either adequately reserved, covered by insurance, or would not have a material effect on the Company's financial position, cash flows or results of operations if disposed of unfavorably. 
 
 
NOTE 12 – PRODUCT WARRANTIES AND GUARANTEES

The Company's product warranty accrual reflects Management's estimate of probable liability associated with product warranties.  The Company generally provides a standard product warranty covering defects for a period not exceeding one year from date of purchase.  Management establishes product warranty accruals based on historical experience and other currently-available information.  Changes in the product warranty accrual were as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
February 28,
   
March 1,
 
(In thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
3,396
   
$
3,238
 
Payments
   
(814
)
   
(1,068
)
Warranties issued during the period
   
99
     
762
 
Balance, end of period
 
$
2,681
   
$
2,932
 


15

 
AMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


NOTE 13 – GOODWILL

The Company’s carrying amount of goodwill by business segment was as follows:

         
Foreign
       
         
Currency
       
   
November 30,
   
Translation
   
February 28,
 
(In thousands)
 
2009
   
Adjustments
   
2010
 
Fiberglass-Composite Pipe
 
$
1,440
   
$
-
   
$
1,440
 
Water Transmission
   
366
     
1
     
367
 
Infrastructure Products
   
201
     
-
     
201
 
   
$
2,007
   
$
1
   
$
2,008
 


NOTE 14 – INCENTIVE STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS

As of February 28, 2010, the Company had outstanding grants under the following share-based compensation plans:

· 2001 Stock Incentive Plan ("2001 Plan") - The 2001 Plan was terminated in 2004, except as to the outstanding stock options and restricted stock grants.  A total of 380,000 new shares of Common Stock were made available for awards to key employees and non-employee directors.  Non-employee directors were granted options under the 2001 Plan to purchase the Company's Common Stock at prices not less than 100% of market value on the date of grant.  Such options vested in equal annual installments over four years.  Such options terminate ten years from the date of grant. 

·  2004 Stock Incentive Plan ("2004 Plan") - The 2004 Plan serves as the successor to the 2001 Plan and supersedes that plan.  A total of 525,000 new shares of Common Stock were made available for awards to key employees and non-employee directors and may include, but are not limited to, stock options and restricted stock grants.  Non-employee directors were granted options under the 2004 Plan to purchase the Company's Common Stock at prices not less than 100% of market value on the date of grant.  Such options vest in equal annual installments over four years and terminate ten years from the date of grant.  Key employees and non-employee directors were granted restricted stock under the 2004 Plan.  Such restricted stock grants typically vest in equal annual installments over three years.  During the three months ending February 28, 2010 and March 1, 2009, the Company granted 11,500 and 16,200 restricted shares to key employees with a fair value on the grant date of $781,000 and $806,000, respectively.  In 2007, the Company agreed to provide to a key employee 18,000 shares of Common Stock to be granted and fully vested each February of 2008, 2009, and 2010, so long as a change of control of the Company has not occurred prior to the applicable grant date and the key employee continues to be employed by the Company on such grant date.  The fair value of those shares on the date promised was $5,395,000.  Additionally, the key employee received a grant of performance stock units, pursuant to which from 8,000 to 24,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock may be issued depending on the price of the Common Stock on the date the award vests, no later than November 30, 2010.  A lattice model was used with volatility rate of 38% and risk free rate of 4.04% in determining the fair value of the performance stock units.  The volatility rate was calculated based on historical trading data with the anticipated life of 2.5 years.  The risk-free rate was based on the contemporary yield curve between the two and three year rate.  The fair value of the performance stock units on the grant date was $2,055,000, which is being recognized ratably as stock compensation expense through March 31, 2010.

In addition to the above, in 2001, non-employee directors were granted options to purchase the Company's Common Stock at prices not less than 100% of market value on the date of grant.  Such options vested in equal annual installments over four years and terminate ten years from the date of grant.  At February 28, 2010, there were 7,000 shares subject to such stock options.


16

 
AMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

The Company's income before income taxes and equity in loss of affiliate for the three months ended February 28, 2010 included compensation expense of $627,000, related to stock-based compensation arrangements, compared to $1,015,000 in 2009.  Tax benefit related to this expense was $245,000 in 2010, compared to $397,000 in 2009.  There were no capitalized share-based compensation costs for the three months ended February 28, 2010 and March 1, 2009.

The Company recognized a tax deficiency of $689,000 in the quarter ended February 28, 2010 and an excess tax benefit of $819,000 in the quarter ended March 1, 2009, each related to stock-based compensation.

The following table summarizes the stock option activity for the three months ended February 28, 2009:

               
Weighted-
       
         
Weighted-
   
Average
       
         
Average
   
Remaining
   
Aggregate
 
   
Number of
   
Exercise Price
   
Contractual
   
Intrinsic Value
 
Options
 
Options
   
per Share
   
Term (Years)
   
(in thousands)
 
Outstanding at November 30, 2009
   
36,302
   
$
37.61
             
Granted
   
-
     
-
             
Exercised
   
-
     
-
             
Outstanding at February 28, 2010
   
36,302
     
37.61
     
3.36
   
$
1,258
 
                                 
Options exercisable at February 28, 2010
   
34,401
     
34.09
     
3.11
   
$
1,258
 


In the three months ended February 28, 2010 and March 1, 2009, no options were granted, forfeited, exercised, or expired.  The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pretax intrinsic value, which is the difference between the closing price of the Company’s Common Stock on the last trading day of the first quarter of 2010 and the exercise price times the number of shares that would have been received by the option holders if they exercised their options on February 28, 2010.  This amount will change based on the fair market value of the Company's Common Stock.

As of February 28, 2010, there was $1,701,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock-based compensation arrangements.  That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of three years.

In the three months ended February 28, 2010 and March 1, 2009, 11,500 and 16,200 shares of restricted stock were granted, respectively.  The weighted-average, grant-date fair value of such stock was $67.89 and $49.78, respectively.  The fair value of vested restricted stock and granted promised stock, for the three months ended February 28, 2010 and March 1, 2009 was $2,235,000 and $2,353,000, respectively.  In the three months ended February 28, 2010, 6,000 shares of restricted stock were forfeited with a fair value of $286,000.

The Company's policy is to issue shares from its authorized shares upon the exercise of stock options.


17

 
AMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
NOTE 15 – EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

For the three months ended February 28, 2010 and March 1, 2009, net pension and postretirement costs were comprised of the following:

                           
U.S. Postretirement
 
   
Pension Benefits
   
Benefits
 
   
U.S. Plan
   
Non-U.S. Plans
             
(In thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Service cost
 
$
964
   
$
860
   
$
107
   
$
86
   
$
21
   
$
20
 
Interest cost
   
2,919
     
3,677
     
629
     
584
     
52
     
56
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(2,851
)
   
(3,442
)
   
(443
)
   
(393
)
   
(7
)
   
(7
)
Amortization of unrecognized
                                               
prior service cost
   
13
     
20
     
78
     
72
     
5
     
5
 
Amortization of unrecognized
                                               
net transition obligation
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
12
     
12
 
Amortization of accumulated loss
   
2,702
     
1,753
     
(40
)
   
(110
   
6
     
1
 
Net periodic cost adjustment to
                                               
retained earnings, pre-tax
   
-
     
(408
)
   
-
             
-
         
Net periodic cost
 
$
3,747
   
$
2,460
   
$
331
   
$
239
   
$
89
   
$
87
 
 
The Company contributed $12,000,000 to its U.S. pension plan and $2,038,000 to its non-U.S. pension plans in the first three months of 2010.  The Company expects to contribute an additional $1,100,000 to its U.S. pension plan and $223,000 to its non-U.S. pension plans during the remainder of 2010.
 
 
NOTE 16 – PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

Income taxes decreased to $760,000 in the first quarter of 2010, from $2,644,000 in the same period of 2009.  The effective tax rate on income from continuing operations decreased to 29.0% in 2010, from 30.0% in 2009.  The effective tax rates for the first quarters of 2010 and 2009 were based on forecasted full-year earnings and the anticipated mix of domestic and foreign earnings.  Income from certain foreign operations is taxed at rates that are lower than the U.S. statutory tax rates.  The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2010 is not necessarily indicative of the tax rate for the full fiscal year.

At February 28, 2010, the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest, was $9,346,000.  This amount is not reduced for offsetting benefits in other tax jurisdictions and for the benefit of future tax deductions that would arise as a result of settling such liabilities as recorded.  Of this amount, $4,794,000 would reduce the Company’s income tax expense and effective tax rate, after giving effect to offsetting benefits from other tax jurisdictions and resulting future deductions.  At November 30, 2009, the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest, was $9,230,000.

The Company anticipates it is reasonably possible the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits may change within the succeeding 12 months as a result of the expiration of certain state statutes of limitations for examination and the settlement of certain state audits.  The Company estimates these events could reasonably result in a possible decrease in unrecognized tax benefits of $689,000.


18

 
AMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

The Company accrues interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense.  Accruals totaling $1,054,000 were recorded as a liability in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at February 28, 2010, compared to $1,030,000 as of November 30, 2009.

The Company’s federal income tax returns remain subject to examination for the 2007 and forward tax years.  The Company files multiple state income tax returns, including California, Hawaii, Arizona and Texas, with open statutes for all years from 2000.  The Company also files multiple foreign income tax returns and remains subject to examination in major foreign jurisdictions, including the Netherlands, Singapore and Malaysia, for all years from 2002.
 
 
NOTE 17 – FAIR VALUE MEASURMENTS

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price).  The Company utilizes market data or assumptions that the Company believes market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique.  These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated or generally unobservable.

The Company primarily applies the income and market approach for recurring fair value measurements and endeavors to utilize the best available information.  Accordingly, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.  The Company is able to classify fair value balances based on the observability of those inputs.

A fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurement).  The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
 
Level 1
Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date.  Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.  Level 1 primarily consists of financial instruments such as exchange-traded derivatives, listed equities and U.S. government treasury securities.
 
Level 2
Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date.  Level 2 includes those financial instruments that are valued using models or other valuation methodologies.  These models are primarily industry-standard models that consider various assumptions, including quoted forward prices for commodities, time value, volatility factors, and current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures.  Substantially all of these assumptions are observable in the marketplace throughout the full term of the instrument, can be derived from observable data or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace.  Instruments in this category include non-exchange-traded derivatives such as over the counter forwards, options and repurchase agreements.
 
Level 3
Pricing inputs include significant inputs that are generally less observable from objective sources.  These inputs may be used with internally developed methodologies that result in Management’s best estimate of fair value from the perspective of a market participant.  Level 3 instruments include those that may be more structured or otherwise tailored to customers’ needs.  At each balance sheet date, the Company performs an analysis of all instruments and includes in Level 3 all of those whose fair value is based on significant unobservable inputs.



19

 
AMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis included the following as of February 28, 2010:

 
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
Liabilities
 
(In thousands)
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
At Fair Value
 
Liabilities
                       
Derivative liabilities
  $ -     $ 31     $ -     $ 31  
Total liabilities
  $ -     $ 31     $ -     $ 31  

Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis included the following as of March 1, 2009:

 
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
Liabilities
 
(In thousands)
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
At Fair Value
 
Liabilities
                       
Derivative liabilities
  $ -     $ 10     $ -     $ 10  
Total liabilities
  $ -     $ 10     $ -     $ 10  

Derivatives

The Company and its subsidiaries complete transactions in currencies other than their functional currencies.  The Company’s primary objective with respect to currency risk is to reduce net income volatility that would otherwise occur due to exchange-rate fluctuations.  In order to minimize the risk of gain or loss due to exchange rates, the Company uses foreign currency derivatives.  As of February 28, 2010, the Company held one foreign currency forward contract in the amount of $4,000,000 U.S. dollars, hedging Singapore dollars, and two contracts aggregating $665,000 U.S. dollars, hedging Euros.  As of March 1, 2009, the Company held one foreign currency forward contract totaling $6,000,000 U.S. dollars, hedging Singapore dollars.  Such instruments had a combined fair value loss of $31,000 and $10,000 as of February 28, 2010 and March 1, 2009, respectively, based on quotations from financial institutions.  Derivatives are reported as receivables and or liabilities on the balance sheet and recognized as other income, net, on the income statement.


20

 
AMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


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

INTRODUCTION

Ameron International Corporation ("Ameron", the "Company", the “Registrant” or the “Corporation”) is a multinational manufacturer of highly-engineered products and materials for the chemical, industrial, energy, transportation and infrastructure markets.  Ameron is a leading producer of water transmission lines; fiberglass-composite pipe for transporting oil, chemicals and corrosive fluids and specialized materials; and products used in infrastructure projects.  The Company operates businesses in North America, South America, Europe and Asia.  The Company has three reportable segments.  The Fiberglass-Composite Pipe Group manufactures and markets filament-wound and molded composite fiberglass pipe, tubing, fittings and well screens.  The Water Transmission Group manufactures and supplies concrete and steel pressure pipe, concrete non-pressure pipe, protective linings for pipe and fabricated steel products, such as large-diameter wind towers.  The Infrastructure Products Group consists of two operating segments, which are aggregated: the Hawaii Division which manufactures and sells ready-mix concrete, sand, aggregates, concrete pipe and culverts and the Pole Products Division which manufactures and sells concrete and steel lighting and traffic poles.  The markets served by the Fiberglass-Composite Pipe Group are worldwide in scope.  The Water Transmission Group serves primarily the western U.S. for pipe and sells wind towers primarily west of the Mississippi river.  The Infrastructure Products Group's quarry and ready-mix business operates exclusively in Hawaii, and poles are sold throughout the U.S.  Ameron also has partial ownership of several affiliated companies, directly in the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, and indirectly in Egypt.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Liquidity and Capital Resources and Results of Operations are based upon the Company's consolidated financial statements, which are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  The preparation of these financial statements requires Management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities during the reporting periods.  Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

A summary of the Company's significant accounting policies is provided in Note (1) of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, under Part II, Item 8, in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2009 (“2009 Annual Report”).  In addition, Management believes the following accounting policies affect the more significant estimates used in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Ameron and all wholly-owned subsidiaries.  All material intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated.  The functional currencies for the Company's foreign operations are the applicable local currencies.  The translation from the applicable foreign currencies to U.S. dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using a weighted-average exchange rate during the period.  The resulting translation adjustments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss).  The Company advances funds to certain foreign subsidiaries that are not expected to be repaid in the foreseeable future.  Translation adjustments arising from these advances are also included in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss).  The timing of repayments of intercompany advances could materially impact the Company's consolidated financial statements.  Additionally, earnings of foreign subsidiaries are often permanently reinvested outside the U.S.  Unforeseen repatriation of such earnings could result in significant unrecognized U.S. tax liability.  Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in other income, net.


21

 
AMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Revenue for the Fiberglass-Composite Pipe and Infrastructure Products segments is recognized when risk of ownership and title pass, primarily at the time goods are shipped, provided that an agreement exists between the customer and the Company, the price is fixed or determinable and collection is reasonably assured.  Revenue is recognized for the Water Transmission Group primarily under the percentage of completion method, typically based on completed units of production, since products are manufactured under enforceable and binding construction contracts, typically are designed for specific applications, are not interchangeable between projects, and are not manufactured for stock.  Revenue for the period is determined by multiplying total estimated contract revenue by the percentage-of-completion of the contract and then subtracting the amount of previously recognized revenue.  Cost of earned revenue is computed by multiplying estimated contract completion cost by the percentage of completion of the contract and then subtracting the amount of previously recognized cost.  In some cases, if products are manufactured for stock or are not related to specific construction contracts, revenue is recognized under the same criteria used by the other two segments.  Revenue under the percentage-of-completion method is subject to a greater level of estimation, which affects the timing of revenue recognition, costs and profits.  Estimates are reviewed on a consistent basis and are adjusted periodically to reflect current expectations.  Costs attributable to unpriced change orders are treated as costs of contract performance in the period, and contract revenue is recognized if recovery is probable.  Disputed or unapproved change orders are treated as claims.  Recognition of amounts of additional contract revenue relating to claims occurs when amounts have been received or awarded with recognition based on the percentage-of-completion methodology.

The Company expenses environmental clean-up costs related to existing conditions resulting from past or current operations on a site-by-site basis.  Liabilities and costs associated with these matters, as well as other pending litigation and asserted claims arising in the ordinary course of business, require estimates of future costs and judgments based on the knowledge and experience of Management and its legal counsel.  When the Company's exposures can be reasonably estimated and are probable, liabilities and expenses are recorded.  The ultimate resolution of any such exposure to the Company may differ due to subsequent developments.

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost determined principally on the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method.  Certain steel inventories used by the Water Transmission Group are valued using the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method.  Significant changes in steel levels or costs could materially impact the Company's financial statements.  Reserves are established for excess, obsolete and rework inventories based on estimates of salability and forecasted future demand.  Management records an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable based on historical experience and expected trends.  A significant reduction in demand or a significant worsening of customer credit quality could materially impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Investments in unconsolidated, partially-owned affiliates over which the Company has significant influence are accounted for under the equity method of accounting, whereby the investments are carried at the cost of acquisition, plus the Company's equity in undistributed earnings or losses since acquisition.  Investments in affiliates over which the Company does not have the ability to exert significant influence over the investees' operating and financing activities are accounted for under the cost method of accounting.  The Company's investment in TAMCO, a steel mini-mill in California, is accounted for under the equity method.  Investments in Ameron Saudi Arabia, Ltd. and Bondstrand, Ltd. are accounted for under the cost method due to Management's current assessment of the Company's influence over these affiliates.

Property, plant and equipment is stated on the basis of cost and depreciated principally using a straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the related assets, generally three to 40 years.  The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable.  If the estimated future, undiscounted cash flows from the use of an asset are less than its carrying value, a write-down is recorded to reduce the related asset to estimated fair value.  Actual cash flows may differ significantly from estimated cash flows.  Additionally, current estimates of future cash flows may differ from subsequent estimates of future cash flows.  Changes in estimated or actual cash flows could materially impact the Company's consolidated financial statements.


22

 
AMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

The Company is self-insured for a portion of the losses and liabilities primarily associated with workers' compensation claims and general, product and vehicle liability.  Losses are accrued based upon the Company's estimates of the aggregate liability for claims incurred using historical experience and certain actuarial assumptions followed in the insurance industry.  The estimate of self-insurance liability includes an estimate of incurred but not reported claims, based on data compiled from historical experience.  Actual experience could differ significantly from these estimates and could materially impact the Company's consolidated financial statements.  The Company purchases varying levels of third-party insurance to cover losses subject to retention levels (deductibles or primary self-insurance) and aggregate limits.  Currently, the Company's retention levels are $1.0 million per workers' compensation claim, $.1 million per general, property or product liability claim, and $.25 million per vehicle liability claim.

When accounting for pension and other postretirement benefits, assumptions are made regarding the valuation of benefit obligations and the performance of plan assets that are controlled and invested by third-party fiduciaries.  Delayed recognition of differences between actual results and expected or estimated results is a guiding principle of these standards.  Such delayed recognition provides a gradual recognition of benefit obligations and investment performance over the working lives of the employees who benefit under the plans, based on various assumptions.  Assumed discount rates are used to calculate the present values of benefit payments which are projected to be made in the future, including projections of increases in employees' annual compensation and health care costs.  Management also projects the future returns on invested assets based principally on prior performance.  These projected returns reduce the net benefit costs the Company records in the current period.  Actual results could vary significantly from projected results, and such deviations could materially impact the Company's consolidated financial statements.  Management consults with the Company’s actuaries when determining these assumptions.  Program changes, including termination, freezing of benefits or acceleration of benefits, could result in an immediate recognition of unrecognized benefit obligations; and such recognition could materially impact the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price).  The Company utilizes market data or assumptions that the Company believes market participants would use in pricing assets or liabilities, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to valuation techniques.  These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated or generally unobservable.  The Company primarily applies the market and income approaches for recurring fair value measurements and endeavors to utilize the best available information.  Accordingly, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.  The Company classifies fair value balances based on the observability of those inputs.  The ultimate exit price could be significantly different than currently estimated by the Company.

Management incentive compensation is accrued based on current estimates of the Company's ability to achieve short-term and long-term performance targets.  The Company’s actual performance could be significantly different than currently estimated by the Company.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed for differences between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities.  Such deferred income tax asset and liability computations are based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to periods in which the differences are expected to reverse.  Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized.  Quarterly income taxes are estimated based on the mix of income by jurisdiction forecasted for the full fiscal year.  The Company believes that it has adequately provided for tax-related matters.  Actual income, the mix of income by jurisdiction and income taxes could be significantly different than currently estimated.


23

 
AMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

The amount of income taxes the Company pays is subject to ongoing audits by federal, state and foreign tax authorities.  The Company’s estimate of the potential outcome of any uncertain tax issue is subject to Management’s assessment of relevant risks, facts, and circumstances existing at that time, with a more-likely-than-not threshold for financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  A liability is recorded for the difference between the measured benefit recognized and the tax position taken or expected to be taken on the tax return.  To the extent that the Company’s assessment of such tax positions changes, the change in estimate is recorded in the period in which the determination is made.  The Company reports tax-related interest and penalties as a component of income tax expense.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

As of February 28, 2010, the Company's working capital, including cash and cash equivalents and current portion of long-term debt, totaled $267.9 million, a decrease of $19.6 million from working capital of $287.5 million as of November 30, 2009.  The decrease resulted primarily from a decrease in cash and cash equivalents and receivables, partially offset by an increase in inventories and decreases in trade payables, accrued liabilities and income taxes payable.  Receivables declined primarily due to a slowdown in business activity.  The growth in inventories was due to project timing.  Cash and cash equivalents totaled $155.3 million as of February 28, 2010, compared to $181.1 million as of November 30, 2009.  The reduction in cash and cash equivalents was primarily due to contributions to the Company’s pension plans, payment of accrued liabilities and funding requirements related to TAMCO.

In the three months ended February 28, 2010, net cash of $10.0 million was used in operating activities, compared to $32.4 million generated in 2009.  In the three months ended February 28, 2010, the Company's cash used in operating activities included net income of $1.1 million, plus non-cash adjustments (depreciation, amortization, loss from affiliate and stock compensation expense) of $7.8 million, offset by changes in operating assets and liabilities of $18.9 million.  In the three months ended March 1, 2009, cash from operating activities included net income of $3.8 million, plus similar non-cash adjustments (depreciation, amortization, loss from affiliate, loss from sale of property and stock compensation expense) of $8.9 million, plus changes in operating assets and liabilities of $19.7 million.  The increased use of cash for operating assets and liabilities in 2010 was primarily due to higher inventories and lower liabilities, partially offset by lower receivables.

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $9.5 million in the three months ended February 28, 2010, compared to $22.2 million in the three months ended March 1, 2009.  Net cash used in investing activities during the first quarter of 2010 consisted of capital expenditures of $7.1 million, compared to $12.4 million in the same period of 2009.  In addition to normal replacement and upgrades of machinery and equipment, the Company expanded fiberglass pipe plants in Texas and Brazil in 2010 and 2009.  Normal replacement expenditures are typically equal to depreciation.  During the year ending November 30, 2010, the Company anticipates spending between $40 and $50 million on capital expenditures.  Capital expenditures are expected to be funded by existing cash balances, cash generated from operations or additional borrowings.  During the first quarter of 2009, the Company contributed capital of $10.0 million to TAMCO, the Company’s 50%-owned affiliate which operates a steel mini-mill in California.  The Company provided additional funding of $2.5 million during the first quarter of 2010 to TAMCO as part of the Company’s $20.0 million commitment under a $40.0 million senior secured credit facility provided by TAMCO’s shareholders.  As of February 28, 2010, TAMCO’s usage of the facility totaled $35.0 million, of which $17.5 million was borrowed from the Company.

Net cash used in financing activities totaled $3.6 million during the three months ended February 28, 2010, compared to $2.9 million used in the three months ended March 1, 2009.  Net cash used in financing activities in 2010 consisted of payment of Common Stock dividends of $2.8 million and treasury stock purchases of $.8 million, related to the payment of taxes associated with the vesting of restricted shares.  Net cash used in financing activities in 2009 consisted of payment of Common Stock dividends of $2.8 million and similar treasury stock purchases of $1.0 million.   In 2009, the Company recorded $.8 million of tax benefits related to stock-based compensation. 


24

 
AMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

The Company’s primary bank line is a revolving credit facility with six banks (the “Revolver”).  Under the Revolver, the Company may, at its option, borrow up to the available amount at floating interest rates (at a rate of LIBOR plus a spread ranging from 2.75% to 3.75%, determined based on the Company’s financial condition and performance) or utilize for letters of credit at a similar spread, at any time until August 2012, when all borrowings under the Revolver must be repaid and letters of credit cancelled.  At February 28, 2010, $82.1 million was available under the Revolver.

The Revolver contains various restrictive covenants, including the requirement to maintain specified amounts of net worth and restrictions on cash dividends, borrowings, liens, investments, capital expenditures, guarantees, and financial covenants.  The Company is required to maintain consolidated net worth of $375.5 million plus 50% of net income and 75% of proceeds from any equity issued after November 30, 2008.  The Company's consolidated net worth exceeded the covenant amount by $142.2 million as of February 28, 2010.  The Company is required to maintain a consolidated leverage ratio of consolidated funded indebtedness to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") of no more than 2.50 times.  At February 28, 2010, the Company maintained a consolidated leverage ratio of .57 times EBITDA.  The Revolver requires the Company to maintain qualified consolidated tangible assets at least equal to the outstanding secured funded indebtedness.  At February 28, 2010, qualifying tangible assets equaled 4.31 times funded indebtedness.  Under the most restrictive fixed charge coverage ratio, the sum of EBITDA and rental expense less cash taxes must be at least 1.30 times the sum of interest expense, rental expense, dividends and scheduled funded debt payments.  At February 28, 2010, the Company maintained such a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.94 times.  Under the most restrictive provisions of the Company's lending agreements, $16.3 million of retained earnings were not restricted at February 28, 2010, as to the declaration of cash dividends or the repurchase of Company stock.  At February 28, 2010, the Company was in compliance with all covenants of its various lending agreements.

Cash and cash equivalents at February 28, 2010 totaled $155.3 million, a decrease of $25.8 million from November 30, 2009.  At February 28, 2010, the Company had total debt outstanding of $38.0 million, compared to $38.3 million at November 30, 2009, and approximately $107.3 million in unused committed and uncommitted credit lines available from foreign and domestic banks.  The Company's highest borrowing and the average borrowing levels during 2010 were $38.0 million.

Cash balances are held throughout the world, including $98.0 million held outside of the U.S. at February 28, 2010.  Most of the amounts held outside of the U.S. could be repatriated to the U.S. but, under current law, would be subject to U.S. federal income taxes, less applicable foreign tax credits.  The Company currently plans to indefinitely maintain significant cash balances outside the U.S.

The Company contributed $12.0 million to its U.S. pension plan and $2.0 million to its non-U.S. pension plans in the first three months of 2010.  The Company expects to contribute an additional $.2 million to its non-U.S. pension plans and $1.1 million to its U.S. pension plan during the remainder of 2010.

In 2009, TAMCO entered into a senior secured credit facility with TAMCO’s shareholders which provided TAMCO up to $40.0 million.  The shareholder credit facility bears interest at LIBOR plus 3.25% per annum and is scheduled to mature January 31, 2011.  As of February 28, 2010, TAMCO borrowed $35.0 million under the facility, of which $17.5 million was provided by the Company.  The Company continues to have a 50% ownership interest in TAMCO and accounts for its investment under the equity method of accounting. 

Management believes that cash flow from operations and current cash balances, together with currently available lines of credit, will be sufficient to meet operating requirements in 2010.  Cash available from operations could be affected by any general economic downturn or any decline or adverse changes in the Company's business, such as a loss of customers, competitive pricing pressures or significant raw material price increases.


25

 
AMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

The Company's contractual obligations and commercial commitments at February 28, 2010 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
 
   
Payments Due by Period
 
         
Less than
               
After 5
 
Contractual Obligations
 
Total
   
1 year
   
1-3 years
   
3-5 years
   
years
 
Long-term debt
 
$
37,993
   
$
7,258
   
$
15,035
   
$
-
   
$
15,700
 
                                         
Interest payments on debt (a)
   
2,641
     
1,083
     
1,081
     
157
     
320
 
                                         
Operating leases
   
36,025
     
4,562
     
6,018
     
2,694
     
22,751
 
                                         
Pension funding
   
1,323
     
1,323
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
                                         
Uncertain tax positions
   
689
     
689
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
                                         
Total contractual obligations (b)
 
$
78,671
   
$
14,915
   
$
22,134
   
$
2,851
   
$
38,771
 

 
 
   
Commitments Expiring Per Period
 
         
Less than
               
After
 
Contractual Commitments
 
Total
   
1 year
   
1-3 years
   
3-5 years
   
5 years
 
Standby letters of credit (c)
 
$
1,865
   
$
1,865
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
                                         
Total commercial commitments (b)
 
$
1,865
   
$
1,865
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
 
 
(a) Future interest payments related to debt obligations, excluding the Revolver.
(b) The Company has no capitalized lease obligations, unconditional purchase obligations or standby repurchases obligations.
(c) Not included are standby letters of credit totaling $16,067 supporting industrial development bonds with principal of $15,700.  The principal amount of the industrial development bonds is included in long-term debt.  The standby letters of credit are issued under the Revolver.

 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: 2010 COMPARED WITH 2009
 
General

Net income totaled $1.1 million, or $.12 per diluted share, on sales of $109.0 million in the quarter ended February 28, 2010, compared to $3.8 million, or $.41 per diluted share, on sales of $146.0 million in the first quarter of 2009.  The Fiberglass-Composite Pipe Group had slightly lower sales and profits due primarily to continued weakness in onshore oilfield and chemical and industrial markets.  The Water Transmission Group had lower sales and was unprofitable due to sluggish water pipe and wind tower demand and weather-related production delays.   The Infrastructure Products Group had lower sales and lower income due to the decline in both the Pole Products Division and the Hawaii Division associated with continued reduced construction spending throughout the U.S. The quarterly decline in operating income from consolidated businesses in 2010 was offset by a reduction in losses from TAMCO, the Company’s 50%-owned affiliate which operates a steel mini-mill in California.

Sales

Total consolidated sales decreased $37.0 million, or 25.3%, in the first quarter of 2010, compared to the first quarter of 2009.  Sales decreased due to weather delays and due to weak economic conditions which affected all of the Company’s businesses.


26

 
AMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Fiberglass-Composite Pipe's sales decreased $2.2 million, or 3.9%, in the first quarter of 2010, compared the first quarter of 2009.  Sales from operations in the U.S. decreased $7.0 million in 2010 primarily due to lower demand for onshore oilfield piping and weak industrial, offshore and municipal markets.  Sales from Asian subsidiaries increased $4.0 million in 2010 due to growth in the marine and offshore segments and the impact of favorable foreign exchange.  Sales from European operations decreased $4.2 million in the first quarter of 2010 in spite of a favorable foreign exchange impact.  The decline was related to softer market conditions in Europe, North Africa and Russia.   Sales from Brazilian operations increased $4.9 million in the first quarter of 2010, due to the operation of a new pipe plant and growth in the municipal market. Worldwide demand declined in key onshore oilfield, chemical and industrial market segments. However, marine and offshore markets remained strong, sustained by new vessel construction at Asian shipyards. Onshore oilfield demand remained weak due to uncertainty regarding financing and the sustainability of energy prices.   Chemical and industrial markets continued to be impacted by the recessionary environment.  Looking forward, onshore oilfield demand appears to be strengthening; and backlogs are increasing due to higher energy prices.  Marine and offshore markets remain relatively healthy.  The Fiberglass-Composite Pipe Group is expected to continue to be impacted by the economic environment in 2010 but may be seeing signs of improvement.

The Water Transmission Group's sales decreased $25.7 million, or 49.9%, in the first quarter of 2010, compared to the first quarter of 2009.  The sales decrease in the first quarter of 2010 was due to weather delays, weaker demand for water pipe in the western U.S. and due to lower wind tower sales.  Sales of wind towers were impacted by the lack of project financing available to wind farm developers.  As of February 28, 2010, the wind tower backlog declined to $21.8 million due to first-quarter production and the lack of new orders.  Until more financing becomes available to the wind industry, wind tower activity is expected to remain depressed.  Near term, the water pipe business is also expected to continue to experience soft market demand.  The timing of bid activity has been negatively affected by the economy, municipal budgets and availability of financing.  While a number of major wind tower and pipe projects are being followed and planning activities have increased, it remains uncertain when owners, water agencies and municipalities will proceed with these projects.

Infrastructure Products' sales decreased $9.0 million, or 23.9%, in the first quarter of 2010, compared to the first quarter of 2009.  The Company’s Hawaii Division had lower sales as residential and commercial construction markets in Hawaii continued to weaken.  The Hawaii Division experienced lower demand for aggregates and ready-mix on both Oahu and Maui as construction spending softened due to the recessionary economy.  Military and governmental spending provided a stable base business, while all other sectors declined.  The Pole Products Division remained impacted by the decline in U.S. housing markets and reduced demand for concrete lighting poles and steel traffic poles.  The Infrastructure Products Group is expected to continue to be affected by the slowdown in construction spending in Hawaii and the low level of residential construction spending throughout the U.S.  The U.S. residential housing market appears to have bottomed, and demand for Pole Products Division’s decorative concrete poles for residential lighting applications is stabilizing.  However, a significant recovery of the residential market is not expected in the short term.

Gross Profit

Gross profit in the first quarter of 2010 was $29.4 million, or 27.0% of sales, compared to $34.9 million, or 23.9% of sales, in the first quarter of 2009.  Gross profit decreased $5.5 million in the first quarter of 2010, compared to the similar period in 2009, due to lower sales.  Profit margins benefited from the Fiberglass-Composite Pipe Group which had an increased share of the Company’s total sales and higher margins.  

Fiberglass-Composite Pipe Group's gross profit increased $.2 million in the first quarter of 2010, compared to the first quarter of 2009.  The Group’s gross profit margins were 40.8% in the first quarter of 2010, compared to 38.8% in the first quarter of 2009. Margins were higher in 2010 due to favorable product mix and lower material costs.  Favorable product mix and lower costs increased gross profit by $1.1 million, while decreased sales reduced margins $.9 million.

Water Transmission Group's gross profit decreased $2.7 million in the first quarter of 2010, compared to the first quarter of 2009, due to lower sales.  Gross profit margins were flat at 10.2% in the first quarter of 2010, compared to 10.4% in the first quarter of 2009 as favorable raw material costs were offset by lower plant utilization.


27

 
AMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Gross profit of the Infrastructure Products Group decreased $3.1 million in the first quarter of 2010, compared to the first quarter of 2009.  Gross profit margins were 15.8% in the first quarter of 2010, compared to 20.3% in the first quarter of 2009.  Margins were lower in 2010 due to pricing pressures related to challenging market conditions.  Lower sales negatively impacted gross profit by $1.8 million in the first quarter of 2010; lower plant utilization decreased gross profit by $1.3 million in the same period.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses totaled $27.3 million, or 25.0% of sales, in the first quarter of 2010, compared to $26.4 million, or, 18.1% of sales, in the first quarter of 2009.  The $.9 million increase was due to higher pension expense of $1.0 million, higher expenses of non-U.S. operations due to foreign exchange of $.9 million, higher severance expense of $.8 million, offset by lower compensation expense of $.7 million, lower insurance costs of $.5 million and lower other expenses of $.6 million.

Other Income, Net

Other income, net totaled $.5 million in the first quarter of 2010 and 2009.  Other income, net generally includes income from affiliates, dividend income, foreign currency gains and losses and miscellaneous other items.

Interest

Net interest expense was $.1 million in the first quarter of 2010, compared to $.2 million in the first quarter of 2009.  Interest income remained relatively consistent at $.3 million in the first quarters of 2010 and 2009. Interest expense decreased $.1 million in 2010 due to lower debt levels.

Provision for Income Taxes

Income taxes decreased to $.8 million in the first quarter of 2010, from $2.6 million in the same period of 2009.  The effective tax rate decreased to 29.0% in 2010, from 30.0% in 2009.  The effective tax rates for the first quarters of 2010 and 2009 were based on forecasted full-year earnings and the anticipated mix of domestic and foreign earnings.  Income from certain foreign operations is taxed at rates that are lower than the U.S. statutory tax rates.  The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2010 is not necessarily indicative of the tax rate for the full year.

Equity in Earnings of Affiliate, Net of Taxes

Equity in earnings of affiliate, which consists of the Company’s share of the net income or loss of TAMCO, decreased to a loss of $.8 million in the first quarter of 2010, compared to a loss of $2.3 million in the first quarter of 2009.  Equity earnings are shown net of income taxes.  Equity in losses of TAMCO was taxed at an effective rate of 7.8% and 9.6% in 2010 and 2009, respectively, reflecting the dividend exclusion provided to the Company under current tax laws.  TAMCO’s losses were due to the collapse of infrastructure spending for steel rebar in California, Arizona and Nevada which began in late 2008.  Given the low level of demand, TAMCO is expected to continue to operate its plant intermittently as incoming orders and inventory levels warrant.
 
 
ITEM 3 – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

No material changes have occurred in the quantitative and qualitative market risk disclosure as presented in the Company’s 2009 Annual Report.


28

 
AMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
ITEM 4 – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.  Management established disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to the officers who certify the Company's financial reports and to other members of senior Management and the Board of Directors.

The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's Management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of February 28, 2010 pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14.  Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [“Exchange Act”]) are effective.  “Disclosure controls and procedures” are the controls and other procedures of an issuer that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the issuer in the reports filed or submitted by it under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. “Disclosure controls and procedures” include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in its Exchange Act reports is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s Management, including its principal executive and financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There was no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

FORWARD-LOOKING AND CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS

All statements and assumptions contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in any documents attached or incorporated by reference that do not directly and exclusively relate to historical facts constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements represent current expectations and beliefs of the Company, and no assurance can be given that the results described in such statements will be achieved.

Forward-looking information contained in these statements include, among other things, statements with respect to the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, business strategies, operating efficiencies or synergies, competitive positions, growth opportunities, plans and objectives of Management, and other matters. Such statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of the Company’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in such statements. These factors include without limitation those listed below under Item 1A, Risk Factors, in the Company’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report, and forward-looking statements in documents attached or incorporated by reference speak only as to the date of those documents.  The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or release any revisions to any forward-looking statement or to report any events or circumstances after the date of this Quarterly Report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.


29

 
AMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
ITEM 1 – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In April 2004, Sable Offshore Energy Inc. ("Sable"), as agent for certain owners of the Sable Offshore Energy Project, brought an action against various coatings suppliers and application contractors, including the Company and its subsidiary, Ameron B.V., in the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia, Canada.  Sable seeks damages allegedly sustained by it resulting from performance problems with several coating systems used on the Sable Offshore Energy Project, including coatings products furnished by the Company and Ameron B.V.  Sable's originating notice and statement of claim alleged a claim for damages in an unspecified amount; however, Sable has since alleged that its claim for damages against all defendants is approximately 440 million Canadian dollars, a figure which the Company and Ameron B.V. contest.  This matter is in discovery, and no trial date has yet been established.  The Company is vigorously defending itself in this action.  Based upon the information available to it at this time, the Company is not able to estimate the possible range of loss with respect to this case.

In May 2003, Dominion Exploration and Production, Inc. and Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc. (collectively "Dominion") brought an action against the Company in Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans, Louisiana as owners of an offshore production facility known as a SPAR.  Dominion seeks damages allegedly sustained by it resulting from delays in delivery of the SPAR caused by the removal and replacement of certain coatings containing lead and/or lead chromate for which the manufacturer of the SPAR alleged the Company was responsible.  Dominion contends that the Company made certain misrepresentations and warranties to Dominion concerning the lead-free nature of those coatings.  Dominion's petition as filed alleged a claim for damages in an unspecified amount; however, Dominion's economic expert has since estimated Dominion's damages at approximately $60.0 million, a figure which the Company contests.  This matter is in discovery, and trial is currently scheduled to commence on April 12, 2010.  The Company is vigorously defending itself in this action.  Based upon the information available to it at this time, the Company is not able to estimate the possible range of loss with respect to this case.

In July 2004, BP America Production Company (“BP America”) brought an action against the Company in the 24th Judicial District Court, Parish of Jefferson, Louisiana in connection with fiberglass pipe sold by the Company for installation in four offshore platforms constructed for BP America.  The plaintiff seeks damages allegedly sustained by it resulting from claimed defects in such pipe.  BP America’s petition as filed alleged a claim against the Company for rescission, products liability, negligence, breach of contract and warranty and for damages in an amount of not less than $20.0 million, a figure which the Company contests.  This matter is in discovery, and no trial date has yet been established.  The Company is vigorously defending itself in this action.  Based upon the information available to it at this time, the Company is not able to estimate the possible range of loss with respect to this case.

In June 2006, the Cawelo, California Water District (“Cawelo”) brought an action against the Company in Kern County Superior Court, California in connection with  concrete pipe sold by the Company in 1995 for a wastewater recovery pipeline in such county.  Cawelo seeks damages allegedly sustained by it resulting from the failure of such pipe in 2004.  Cawelo’s petition as filed alleged a claim against the Company for products liability, negligence, breach of express warranty and breach of written contract and for damages in an amount of not less than $8.0 million, a figure which the Company contests.  This matter is in discovery, and trial is currently scheduled to commence on October 12, 2010.  The Company is vigorously defending itself in this action.  Based upon the information available to it at this time, the Company is not able to estimate the possible range of loss with respect to this case.

The Company is a defendant in a number of asbestos-related personal injury lawsuits.  These cases generally seek unspecified damages for asbestos-related diseases based on alleged exposure to products previously manufactured by the Company and others.  As of February 28, 2010, the Company was a defendant in 22 asbestos-related cases, compared to 20 cases as of November 30, 2009.  During the quarter ended February 28, 2010, there were five new asbestos-related cases, one case dismissed, two cases settled, no judgments and recovery of $7,000, net of expenses.  Based upon the information available to it at this time, the Company is not able to estimate the possible range of loss with respect to these cases.


30

 
AMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

In December 2008, the Company received from the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) a Requirement to Furnish Information regarding transactions involving Iran.  The Company intends to cooperate fully with OFAC on this matter.  With the assistance of outside counsel, the Company conducted an internal inquiry and responded to OFAC.  In the quarter ended February 28, 2010, the Company incurred $51,000 for legal and professional fees in connection with this matter.  Based upon the information available to it at this time, the Company is not able to predict the outcome of this matter.  If the Company violated governmental regulations, material fines and penalties could be imposed.

The Company is subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations concerning the environment and is currently participating in administrative proceedings at several sites under these laws. While the Company finds it difficult to estimate with any certainty the total cost of remediation at the several sites, on the basis of currently available information and reserves provided, the Company believes that the outcome of such environmental regulatory proceedings will not have a material effect on the Company's financial position, cash flows, or results of operations.

In addition, certain other claims, suits and complaints that arise in the ordinary course of business, have been filed or are pending against the Company.  Management believes that these matters are either adequately reserved, covered by insurance, or would not have a material effect on the Company's financial position, cash flows or results of operations if disposed of unfavorably. 
 
 
ITEM 1A – RISK FACTORS

There are no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the Company’s 2009 Annual Report.
 
 
ITEM 2 – UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Terms of lending agreements which place restrictions on cash dividends are discussed in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under Item 2, herein, and Note (9) of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, under Part I, Item 1, herein.
 
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
               
(c)
   
(d)
 
               
Number of Shares
   
Maximum Number (or
 
   
(a)
   
(b)
   
(or Units) Purchased
   
Approximate Dollar Value)
 
   
Total Number of
   
Average Price
   
As Part of Publicly
   
of Shares (or Units) that May
 
   
Shares (or Units)
   
Paid per
   
Announced Plans or
   
Yet Be Purchased Under
 
Period
 
Purchased
   
Share (or Unit)
   
Programs
   
the Plans or Programs**
 
12/1/09 thru 12/27/09
   
-
   
$
-
     
-
     
-
 
12/28/09 thru 1/31/10
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
2/1/10 thru 2/28/10
   
12,546
     
67.43
     
-
     
-
 

** Does not include shares which may be repurchased to pay taxes applicable to the vesting of such restricted stock.
 
 
ITEM 5 – OTHER INFORMATION

No material changes have occurred in the other information disclosure as presented in the Company’s 2009 Annual Report.

31

 
AMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

ITEM 6 – EXHIBITS

The following exhibits are filed with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:

EXHIBIT NO.
DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
3.1
Restated Certificate of Incorporation, effective May 4, 2009 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended May 31, 2009)
3.2
Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 29, 2010)
4.1
Note Purchase Agreement dated November 25, 2005, re: SGD 51,000,000 4.25% Senior Secured Notes due November 25, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2008)
4.2
Agreement to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request a copy of instruments defining the rights of holders of certain long-term debt of the Company and consolidated subsidiaries (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2008)
10.1
Seventh Amendment to Credit Agreement dated August 28, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended August 30, 2009)
10.2
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between James S. Marlen and the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(1) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2003)**
10.3
First Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between James S. Marlen and the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 21, 2007)**
10.4
Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between James S. Marlen and the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 22, 2010)**
10.5
Performance Stock Unit Agreement between James S. Marlen and the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 21, 2007)**
10.6
Change of Control Agreement between Javier Solis and the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(2) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 1998)**
10.7
Amendment to Change of Control Agreement between Javier Solis and the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 17, 2008)**
10.8
Change of Control Agreement between Gary Wagner and the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(3) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 1998)**
10.9
Amendment to Change of Control Agreement between Gary Wagner and the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 17, 2008)**
10.10
Change of Control Agreement between James R. McLaughlin and the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(5) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2000)**
10.11
Amendment to Change of Control Agreement between James R. McLaughlin and the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 17, 2008)**
10.12
Letter Agreement dated October 19, 2009 between the Company and James R. McLaughlin (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 19, 2009)**
10.13
2001 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on March 21, 2001)**
10.14
2004 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit E to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on March 24, 2004)**
10.15
Key Executive Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit C to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on March 26, 2008)**
10.16
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Employees (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 27, 2006)**
10.17
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Non-Employee Directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 23, 2006)**
31.1
Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer *
31.2
Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer *
32
Section 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer *

*           Filed herewith
**           Compensatory plan or arrangement

32

 
AMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
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.
 
AMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
 
 
By:
 /s/ Gary Wagner
 
 
Gary Wagner, Senior Vice President-Chief Financial Officer
 

Date: March 31, 2010